Category: News

As Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad battle for survival in IPL 2026, the spotlight remains firmly on promising youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi

New Chandigarh, May 27 (BNP): The IPL 2026 playoffs are set for another gripping chapter as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a high-pressure Eliminator clash at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday, with a place in Qualifier 2 hanging in the balance.

For both franchises, the equation is simple — win and stay alive in the title race, lose and bow out of the tournament. As the knockout stage intensifies, anticipation is building around what promises to be a fiercely contested battle between two sides eager to keep their championship dreams alive.

While both teams boast match-winners across departments, a major talking point ahead of the contest is Rajasthan Royals’ young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. With expectations mounting, all eyes will be on the promising youngster as fans and cricket experts keenly watch whether he can deliver a match-defining performance in one of the biggest games of the season.

Suryavanshi’s ability to handle pressure and rise to the occasion could prove pivotal for Rajasthan Royals, who will rely on composure, consistency, and key individual performances to navigate the knockout hurdle. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to capitalize on their explosive line-up and aggressive approach to dominate the do-or-die encounter.

The Eliminator carries immense significance, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2 to face the loser of Qualifier 1 for a coveted spot in the IPL 2026 final.

With no second chances remaining and everything at stake, New Chandigarh is set to witness a thrilling showdown as SRH and Rajasthan Royals battle for survival, while the spotlight firmly remains on whether Vaibhav Suryavanshi can rise to the occasion and script a memorable chapter in IPL 2026.

Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 93 powers Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record 254/5 as Gujarat Titans collapse under pressure in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala

Dharamsala, May 27 (BNP): Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a commanding all-round performance to storm into the final of IPL 2026 after crushing Gujarat Titans (GT) by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala.

Putting up a sensational batting display, RCB posted a mammoth 254 for 5 in 20 overs — the highest-ever total in IPL playoff history. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a breathtaking unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, smashing nine sixes at a staggering strike rate of over 281.

RCB received strong support from senior batter Virat Kohli, who contributed a brisk 43, while Krunal Pandya added another quickfire 43 to propel the team to a massive total.

Chasing a daunting target, Gujarat Titans suffered an early collapse, losing five wickets inside the powerplay and never recovering from the pressure. Rahul Tewatia offered some resistance with a fighting 68, but GT were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.

RCB bowlers delivered an impressive performance with Jacob Duffy leading the attack, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/28), Rasikh Dar (2/26), and Krunal Pandya (2/29) also played crucial roles in dismantling the Gujarat batting line-up.

The emphatic victory sends defending champions RCB into their second consecutive IPL final and marks their fifth overall final appearance in tournament history.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will get another opportunity to stay alive in the competition when they face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2.

With momentum firmly on their side, RCB now stand just one step away from lifting the IPL 2026 title.

LONDON, UK. MAY 2026. A rare and historically important piece of global telecommunications history has been uncovered at a WeBuyVintage antiques roadshow in Evercreech, Somerset after antiques expert Ismael Khan identified an authentic 1858 Tiffany & Co. Transatlantic Telegraph Cable section brought in by a member of the public. The remarkable find, valued at £800 originates from the first successful transatlantic telegraph cable, completed in 1858, under the leadership of entrepreneur Cyrus W. Field and the Atlantic Telegraph Company.

The cable stretched between Valentia Island in Ireland and Newfoundland in Canada, transforming communications by reducing message delivery times between Europe and North America from around ten days by ship, to only minutes. Although the cable operated for only three weeks, it proved that transatlantic communications were possible and paved the way for the global telecommunications systems used today.

 

Cyrus W. Field (1819-892) was an American businessman and financier who spear-headed this 19th century pioneering achievement. Although he had no formal background in engineering, he was inspired by the idea of linking Europe and North America through a telegraph cable laid across the Atlantic Ocean. Beginning in the mid-1850s, Field organized and financed multiple expeditions to attempt the project, working closely with scientists and engineers from both sides of the Atlantic. The early attempts were plagued by technical failures; cables broke during laying and signals were unreliable, but he continued to raise money and rebuild support despite repeated setbacks.

After years of effort, the first successful transatlantic telegraph message was finally sent in 1858 between Queen Victoria and U.S. President James Buchanan, though that early cable soon failed. A more durable line was successfully completed in 1866, marking the true breakthrough that made near-instant communication between continents possible for the first time. Field’s persistence and ability to secure investment were key to overcoming the immense technical and financial challenges of the project. He is remembered not just for the cable itself, but for helping usher in a new era of global communication.

Following the success of the project, Cyrus W. Field sold a quantity of the leftover 1858 Atlantic cable to Tiffany & Co. to be transformed into souvenirs, in order to mark such a historic occasion. Tiffany & Co. cut the cable into smaller sections and sold them as authenticated commemorative pieces, such as this example, for collectors and history enthusiasts (with some being made into jewellery).

Ismael Khan, an antiques specialist at WeBuyVintage who has extensive experience sourcing and valuing rare antiques, immediately recognised the significance of this unusual object during the Somerset roadshow. He said: “This is an exceptionally rare find and certainly not the sort of item you come across every day. To discover this genuine 1858 Tiffany & Co. transatlantic cable section is incredibly exciting. It represents a major moment in global history and the beginning of instant international communication. Pieces like this are highly sought after because they combine engineering, innovation and historical significance.”

The cable section measures approximately four inches long and still has its original brass certification band engraved with the words: “Atlantic Telegraph Cable / Guaranteed by Tiffany & Co. / Broadway, New York. 1858. It retains its original engineering structure, including copper wire core, gutta percha insulation, tarred hemp wrapping and iron wire armouring, making it both a technological artefact and a highly desirable collector’s item.

Khan adds: “This is exactly why we hold roadshows around the country. People often have fascinating items tucked away without realising what they are. To uncover something linked to one of the Victorian era’s greatest engineering achievements is a real privilege and a reminder that important history can still turn up in unexpected places.”

 

Mumbai, May 27 : Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, representing esports and gaming content powerhouse S8UL Esports, has officially qualified for the Chess main event at the Esports World Cup 2026 through the Champions Chess Tour 2025-2026 Leaderboard. He joins teammate Aravindh Chithambaram as the only two Indian players to qualify for the prestigious tournament so far.

The CCT 2025-2026 season featured two major events, the Speed Chess Championship 2025 and Chess.com Open  2026. The top three players from both tournaments secured direct qualification to the EWC, while players finishing between fifth and ninth in SCC, along with the remaining participants in CCO, earned points toward the CCT Leaderboard based on their performances.

In addition to these events, players also accumulated points through the Titled Tuesday Grand Prix  circuit, which was divided into Autumn, Winter, and Spring splits featuring 13 Titled Tuesday tournaments each. Players earned leaderboard points in every Titled Tuesday event across the season. At the end of the season, the top nine players in the final CCT Leaderboard standings, excluding already-qualified players, secured their spots at EWC 2026.

Nihal narrowly missed out on direct qualification through the CCO after finishing fourth, just one spot away from qualification, but still secured 100 crucial leaderboard points from the event. He further added points through consistent performances across the TTGP circuit, including one point in the Autumn Split and four points in the Winter Split. A standout second-place finish in the Spring Split ultimately helped him accumulate 34 points and finish with a total of 139 points in the standings to secure his berth at the EWC 2026.

Last year, Nihal was one of only two Indians representing the country at the EWC 2025 after qualifying through the Last Chance Qualifier  . He went on to reach the quarterfinals before falling to eventual champion Magnus Carlsen.

Speaking about the qualification, Nihal Sarin said,

“Qualifying for the Esports World Cup once again is a very special feeling, especially through a circuit as competitive and demanding as the Champions Chess Tour. This season required consistency across multiple formats and tournaments over several months, and I’m happy that the hard work paid off. Last year’s experience at the EWC gave me a real understanding of how competitive and intense the event is, and it has only motivated me to come back stronger this time. Representing India and S8UL on such a global stage is always special, and I’m looking forward to competing against some of the very best players in the world once again.”

Meanwhile, fellow S8UL Grandmaster Pranesh M, finished just four spots behind the final qualifying position in the CCT Leaderboard standings and also reached the quarterfinals of the India Rising qualifier. He still remains in contention for EWC qualification through the upcoming LCQ, from which four additional players will qualify for the tournament.

“Nihal and Aravindh qualifying for the Esports World Cup reflects the depth of talent we have within our chess program. We have always believed that Indian players can compete with the very best in the world when given the right opportunities and support. Seeing two Indian Grandmasters from S8UL earn their spots at one of the biggest global events is a proud moment for the organization, and we hope it inspires more players to pursue chess at the highest level,” said Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO, S8UL Esports.

This year’s EWC Chess competition, where the world’s best players will compete for a prize pool of USD 1.5 million (~INR 14.3 crore) from August 11 to 15, will feature a revised two-phase format. The tournament will begin with the newly introduced Play-In stage, where eight players qualified through the LCQ and DreamHack Atlanta will compete in a double-elimination bracket featuring two-game matches. Aravindh, who secured qualification through DreamHack Atlanta earlier this year, will compete in this stage. The top-performing players from the Play-In stage will advance to the Group Stage.

Nihal, meanwhile, has directly qualified for the Group Stage through the CCT rankings. The Group Stage will feature 16 players divided into two groups of eight, once again competing in double-elimination brackets with two-game matches. The top four players from each group will advance to the Playoffs.

The Playoffs will follow a single-elimination format, featuring four-game matches in the quarterfinals and six-game matches in the semifinals. The tournament winner will ultimately be decided through a grueling Grand Finals series comprising three separate sets of games.

Having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second consecutive year, S8UL earlier announced its most ambitious international esports campaign to date, competing across qualifiers for 13 titles. The organization has placed a strong emphasis on Indian representation alongside proven international talent, ensuring homegrown players feature across multiple titles. This vision has already translated into results, with S8UL’s Honor of Kings roster comprising Indian players securing qualification for the tournament and Nihal and Aravindh becoming the only Indian Chess players to officially qualify so far. The organization has also qualified in Fortnite through its international roster while remaining in contention across several additional titles.

The EWC 2026, set to take place from July 6 to August 23 in Paris, France, will bring together over 2,000 players from 200 clubs across more than 100 countries competing for a record-breaking prize pool of USD 75 million (~INR 718 crore). With confirmed qualification across three titles, S8UL will continue its push to represent India on the global stage while pursuing qualification in additional events.

Atlanta, USA May 27 : Pataaka Indian Restaurant, one of Atlanta’s  Indian dining destinations known for its elevated culinary experiences and contemporary interpretation of Indian hospitality, has appointed Prrateek Chaudhary as Director of Beverage, effective June 2026.

A renowned hospitality professional with extensive international experience, Prrateek Chaudhary is currently associated with Kiran’s as Director of Beverage and previously worked as Beverage Manager at Sanjh Restaurant. During his tenure at Sanjh Dallas, he played a key role in developing innovative beverage concepts and enhancing overall guest experiences.

With an impressive career spanning luxury hospitality brands and successful pre-opening projects across India and the United States, Prrateek Chaudhary brings deep expertise in beverage management, restaurant operations, revenue growth, culinary innovation, and guest engagement strategies.

Prior to his journey in the United States hospitality sector, Prrateek Chaudhary was associated with Crowne Plaza Gurgaon as Assistant Director – Food & Beverage. During his tenure, he significantly contributed to business growth, helping increase departmental revenue from INR 26 crore to a projected INR 31 crore within just nine months. He also led the successful pre-opening and launch of three signature concepts –  Kaansa, an Indian fine-dining restaurant; Terrace Garden, a Mediterranean grill concept; and Artisan’s Atelier, a premium patisserie and lounge.

Throughout his professional journey, Prrateek Chaudhary has held leadership positions with globally recognized hospitality brands including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group, The Leela Palace New Delhi, Taj Hotels, and The Lodhi. His extensive luxury hospitality background has established him as a respected leader within the food and beverage industry.

Prrateek Chaudhary has also been actively involved in five major pre-opening projects, contributing to the successful launches of Fairmont Jaipur, Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi, Perbacco at The Lodhi, Kaansa Gurgaon, and Sanjh Dallas, USA.

Speaking about his new role, Prrateek Chaudhary said:

“I am excited to join Pataaka and contribute to its vision of delivering exceptional Indian hospitality and innovative dining experiences. My journey across luxury hospitality brands and international restaurant projects has provided me with valuable experience, and I look forward to creating memorable beverage experiences while strengthening guest engagement at the restaurant.”

The appointment of Prrateek Chaudhary is expected to further strengthen Pataaka Indian Restaurant’s position as a premium Indian dining destination in the United States while elevating its beverage program and enhancing the overall guest experience.

Gurugram, May 27 : BPTP Limited, one of the National Capital Region’s established real estate developer, has announced the launch of Downtown 66, a premium residential development in Sector 66, Gurugram, with a Gross Development Value of approximately INR 2,500 crore. The residential development comprises 504 luxury residences in 3 & 3.5 BHK configurations, with prices starting from INR 5.32 crore. The project is being developed with an estimated investment of approximately INR 1,200 crore. Positioned within one of the city’s prominent urban corridors, the project is inspired by global downtowns where, residences are seamlessly connected to social spaces, lifestyle experiences, and commercial hubs within a cohesive, walkable ecosystem.

 

Rising to an approximate height of 150 metres along Golf Course Extension Road, Downtown 66 introduces a built form that integrates architecture with a layered living experience one that moves beyond conventional residential planning towards a more curated, immersive, experience-oriented format of urban living.

A Residential Format Shaped by Curated Living: Downtown 66 draws from a global shift in how premium urban spaces are experienced where value is increasingly defined not by scale alone, but by curation, discretion, and quality of engagement.

The development adopts a hospitality-influenced planning approach, where:

• Social spaces are designed to feel intimate, layered, and purpose-driven, rather than expansive and impersonal
• Access is structured to support a more private, resident-led environment
• Design emphasizes materiality, mood, and spatial sequencing, creating spaces that evolve through the day

This approach translates into a residential ecosystem where everyday living is supported by thoughtfully composed environments for interaction, retreat, and routine.

Dining, Entertainment, and Social Life as Core to Living: A key aspect of Downtown 66 is the integration of food, entertainment, and social infrastructure as central elements of the residential experience. Instead of being treated as ancillary amenities, these spaces are designed as destination environments within the development, including:

• Dining-led spaces that prioritize ambience, layout, and flow encouraging both casual and occasion-based use
• Evening and social lounges designed for smaller gatherings, informal interactions, and resident-led engagement
• Multi-use entertainment areas that can transition across formats quiet during the day and more active in the evenings

The intent is to create a self-contained social fabric, where residents have access to spaces that support both community interaction and personal privacy, depending on time and context.

Wellness as a Daily Infrastructure: Wellness at Downtown 66 is positioned as a continuous, integrated layer of living, rather than a standalone amenity.

Dedicated zones for fitness, recovery, and mindful routines are interwoven into the development, enabling:

• Structured and unstructured physical activity
• Spaces for relaxation and decompression
• Access to environments that support long-term well-being

This is complemented by landscaped zones and open areas that allow for movement, pause, and transition throughout the day.

Design, Architecture, and Living Experience: The architectural language of Downtown 66 is defined by a luminous glass and metal façade to maximize natural daylight, enhance ventilation, and create open panoramic views.Each tower is planned with four residences per floor and multiple high-speed passenger and service lifts.

Residences are designed with expansive wraparound decks, extending internal spaces outward and enabling uninterrupted views. With a limited configuration of four residences per floor, the layout prioritizes privacy, openness, and spatial continuity. The structure is engineered with enhanced safety considerations, including design aligned with seismic Zone V standards for high-rise developments, ensuring alignment between design intent and structural performance.

Amenity Ecosystem: Spread across expansive interconnected zones, the project features a total amenities and landscape area of 1.35 lakh sq. ft., consisting of:

• Entertainment & Social Living
• Dining & Lifestyle Spaces
• Health & Wellness
• Sports & Fitness
• Kids & Family

At the core of the amenity ecosystem is a centrally positioned clubhouse designed as a social and wellness hub, integrating spaces for fitness, recreation, dining, and community engagement.

The wellness offering includes facilities such as yoga and zumba rooms, meditation pavilions, hammam, treatment rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, gymnasium, and an indoor heated pool supporting everyday well-being.

The development also features a multi-layered landscape across podium and ground levels, along with lifestyle amenities including indoor sports facilities, dining spaces, entertainment lounges, and dedicated zones for children and senior residents. The podium-level planning creates a clear separation between public and residential layers, allowing for a more controlled and elevated community environment.

Sustainability and Environmental Approach: Downtown 66 carries an IGBC Platinum pre-certification, incorporating energy-efficient systems, passive cooling strategies, water conservation measures, and green building practices. Planning principles emphasize natural light, ventilation, and efficient spatial layouts, ensuring that sustainability is embedded into the overall design framework.

“In global cities, downtowns are shaped not just by location, but by how people engage with their surroundings through dining, social interaction, and everyday routines. With Downtown 66, the intent has been to translate this into a residential format that brings together walkability, hospitality-influenced spaces, and a more curated, design-led living environment.The development is envisioned as a setting where social, wellness, and lifestyle experiences are seamlessly integrated into daily life positioned not merely as a residential address, but as a composed urban-environment where architecture and everyday living come together within a structured, walkable framework in Gurugram.”- Vineet Nanda, Chief Business Officer, BPTP Limited

Located in Sector 66, Gurugram, the development sits within one of the city’s evolving micro-markets. The Golf Course Extension Road corridor offers connectivity to Sohna Road, Golf Course Road, NH-48, and Dwarka Expressway. The surrounding ecosystem includes hospitality, commercial, education, and healthcare infrastructure, positioning Downtown 66 within a fully developed urban network that supports walkable, day-to-day living.

Downtown 66 is supported by a multidisciplinary team of consultants, bringing together global and domestic expertise across design, engineering, and compliance. AEDAS, an international architecture and design firm headquartered in Hong Kong, leads the principal architecture and interior design, while Coopers Hill, a Singapore-based landscape practice, curates the project’s outdoor environment. RWD1, an international wind engineering firm, supports wind tunnel analysis to optimise structural and façade performance. The Indian consultant team – including, Manish Consultant, RSMS, ATN Consultants, Sanelac, and Proion collectively ensures alignment with regulatory requirements, sustainability benchmarks, and execution standards.

May, 2026: The excitement around Eid starts long before the celebrations do. It begins with planning the day, looking forward to family gatherings and, of course, finding the outfit that feels special, photographs beautifully and takes you effortlessly from daytime celebrations to evening festivities. 

This season, Eid dressing feels lighter and more effortless, with styles that are easy to wear while still feeling special. Nykaa Fashion’s Eid al-Adha Edit brings together modern festive looks made for every moment of celebration. 

Festive Dressing Without the Fuss 

Eid often means a full day of meeting family, spending time with loved ones and capturing special moments. And with that comes a common thought, finding an outfit that looks festive while still feeling comfortable through the day.

Festive fashion is becoming easier with soft colours like blush pink, sage green and rich jewel tones paired with light fabrics and delicate embroidery. Styles like the Gajra Gang Guldasta Light Peach Printed Organza Saree, Likha Utsav Pink Lace Detailing Kurta Set and Gajra Gang Rue De Ruffles Gold Satin Georgette Ready-To-Wear Saree and Gajra Gang Pixie Dust Black Ombre Sequined Saree bring together comfort and festive style. 

Looks That Keep Up With Every Celebration 

Eid celebrations can take you from family lunches to evening get-togethers. The right outfit should help you enjoy every moment while keeping you comfortable through the day. 

Flowy kurtas, shararas and modern co-ords are leading the season with styles that are easy to wear and still make a statement. Pieces like the Gahan Silk Blend Embroidered & Mirror Embellished Pink Kurta Pant & Organza Dupatta (Set of 3), Seerat Black Embroidery Silk Straight Kurta with Pant and Dupatta (Set of 3) & Mirror Embellished Pink Kurta Pant & Organza Dupatta Set and bring together style and comfort. Menswear follows the same mood with tonal kurtas and textured bandhgalas. 

The Finishing Touches 

Accessories often bring the whole look together. The right details from Fida Baby Pink Teardrop Bridal Jhumkas Earrings for Women, Anekaant Dangle Peach and Off White Velvet Pearl Embellished Potli, I Jewels Gold Plated Traditional Handcrafted Pearl Kundan Beaded Drop Earrings can instantly lift any festive look. 

Statement jhumkas, embellished potlis, pearl details and handcrafted accents add a special touch to every look.

Pune, May 26: Karma Foundation, an advanced animal healthcare facility in Pune equipped with an in-house pathology laboratory, ICU, operation theatre, recovery wards, and outpatient department, has successfully crossed 25,573+ stray animal sterilization surgeries since its inception. This milestone reflects the foundation’s continued commitment towards responsible stray animal management, accessible veterinary care, and community animal welfare through sustained on-ground efforts.

At Karma Foundation, the approach has been to build a system that works in real conditions. Animals are registered through an online process, and in cases where the team conducts pick-ups, the exact location is logged at the time of catching. The system does not allow release unless the animal is taken back to the same spot, helping avoid relocation-related issues commonly seen in urban areas.

The organisation has also implemented medical checks and surgical protocols that are often skipped during large-scale drives. Dogs undergo blood tests before surgery to detect conditions such as tick-borne fever or distemper, while cats are handled differently to reduce stress and recovery time. The team follows highly sterile surgical practices with minimal post-operative intervention.

Alongside its sterilization initiatives, Karma Foundation has also recorded 22,157+ animal rescues, 47,730+ vaccinations, 13,575+ surgeries, and 6,210+ treatments through its community clinic. The facility has the capacity to provide inpatient care for up to 150 cats and dogs, along with outpatient services for nearly 300 animals every month.

Speaking on the milestone, Ms. Priya Kailad, Founder and President, Karma Foundation, said,

“Reaching this number is important, but what matters more is how the work is being done. Sterilization only works if it is consistent and properly tracked. From making sure every animal goes back to the same location to carrying out basic medical checks before surgery, we have tried to remove the gaps that usually exist on the ground. The issue exists because of us human beings, and it needs to be handled with that level of responsibility.”

Karma Foundation currently operates out of a 14,000 sq. ft. facility in Pune, providing both in-patient and out-patient care. As cities continue to struggle with managing stray populations, the organisation’s focus remains clear; build a system that is consistent, accountable, and difficult to break, rather than one that only works in fragments. The milestone is not just a number, but a marker of what sustained, method-driven execution can achieve when done right.

New Delhi, May 26: The Karnataka government has formally initiated action on the complaint submitted by Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, Chairman of the Akhila Sevak Samaj Sangh, regarding alleged unauthorised mobile surveillance and suspicious digital monitoring activities.

In official communications issued from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and the Office of the Home Minister on May 25, 2026, Karnataka authorities acknowledged receipt of Dr. Mallappa’s petition and directed senior police and cyber crime officials to examine the matter and take action as per established procedures.

A note issued by M. Shanthappa, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister, forwarded the representation to the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, requesting review of the petition and necessary action under the rules.

Separately, a communication from Dr. Channabasappa K., Private Secretary to the Home Minister, instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime-2 Division, Bengaluru City, to look into the complaint. The letter specifically referred to requests for technical verification by the Cyber Crime Cell and an urgent cyber forensic investigation into the alleged activities.

The development comes after Dr. Mallappa raised concerns over suspected unlawful digital monitoring, interception-related activities, and possible misuse of communication systems involving certain mobile connections. In his representations, he sought a transparent and time-bound probe into the matter, stressing the importance of privacy, digital security, and constitutional protections.

The official responses indicate that the matter has now been formally placed before Bengaluru Police and relevant cyber crime authorities for examination and further action.

May 26 : A new report from environmental nonprofit Canopy shows that wheat straw has the potential to create high-quality, sustainable viscose and lyocell fibre for the fashion industry — reducing reliance on forest fibres, cutting air pollution, and creating new income opportunities for rural communities.

The report, called From Wheat Straw to Wardrobes: Fashioning a new fibre future, reveals the results of a pilot project that tested whether pulp made from Indian wheat straw could be used to create high-quality viscose and lyocell fibres instead of conventional wood-derived pulp.

The results show that wheat straw pulp can not only directly replace wood-based pulp in viscose and lyocell fibre production but can also create a range of yarns and fabrics that successfully meet brand performance and technical standards across multiple product applications.

Wood-derived pulp is used to create many Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres  including viscose and lyocell. These materials are often positioned as more environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fibres such as polyester, and to cotton, due to being derived from trees. However, analysis shows that more than 300 million trees are cut down annually to create these fibres, including from some of the world’s most climate-critical and biodiversity-rich forests. Leaving these forests standing is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and support the global “30×30” biodiversity target, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and waters by 2030.

The pilot  named Project Latvus  brought together nonprofits Canopy and Fashion for Good, brands C&A, H&M Group, and Reformation, supply chain innovators and manufacturers Chempolis, TITK, Inovafil, Yee Chain, Shahi, Filpucci, and DBL traceability technology provider Textile Genesis and wheat straw supplier A2P (Agri to Power) Energy. The project was supported by Laudes Foundation and built on Spinning Future Threads, an earlier report commissioned by Laudes, which found that agricultural waste could be feasibly sourced as a raw material for textiles. By connecting stakeholders across the supply chain, Project Latvus aimed to integrate every stage of production  from farm to garment  to help identify and solve challenges that often slow the scale-up of new materials.

Representatives from brand Reformation and TITK noted that the fibre closely matched the look and feel of conventional lyocell while meeting performance expectations for commercial applications. Other supply chain partners also reported confidence in the fibre’s potential to scale.

Canopy, who led the project and authored the report, noted that alternative feedstocks play a critical role in diversifying the fashion industry’s fibre basket, reducing reliance on forests, and strengthening supply chain resilience. They also highlight the wider environmental and social benefits of scaling these materials, including reducing air pollution from crop burning and creating new income opportunities for rural farming communities.

In particular, the report highlights India’s potential to become a leader in the production of next-generation MMCFs, due to the country’s large supply of agricultural residue alongside circular textile to textile production systems. Estimates suggest that more than 90 million tonnes of crop residue are burned annually in India, representing a significant untapped resource that could instead be used to create low-impact fibre for textiles and other uses. Scaling this opportunity could help create new income streams for farming communities, strengthen local manufacturing capacity and support the growth of a more circular textile industry. Crop burning is also estimated to contribute to seasonal air pollution in Northern India, where levels of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 — tiny air pollution particles that can harm human health — have in recent years measured above WHO safety guidelines.

Canopy is calling on fashion brands to support the scale-up of MMCFs that don’t rely on wood pulp, noting in the report that pooled demand will help these materials achieve price parity and scale quickly.

“Project Latvus shows that the future of fibre is already here. While continued scale-up is needed to optimize efficiency and close the price difference, the direction is clear — Next Gen MMCFs are ready for the next stage of commercial adoption,” said Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy. “By diversifying feedstocks beyond forests, we have a real opportunity to build a more resilient, circular, and low-impact textile industry.”

The red dress and pink cardigan are made out of wheat straw lyocell by Chempolis for Reformation.
The yellow blouse is made out of wheat straw lyocell by Chempolis for C&A.
The white skirt is made out of wheat straw lyocell by Chempolis for YeeChain.
The blue pants are made out of Refibra by Lenzing.