Category: News

The event took place at St. Joseph’s Indian Institution Grounds, Bengaluru.

The Walkathon commenced early in the morning and witnessed enthusiastic participation across 3K, 5K, and 10K categories. The initiative was organized in support of U&I, an NGO working towards improving access to education for underserved children. Funds raised through registrations and participation contributed towards enabling AI-powered learning support and literacy programmes for children lacking access to personalized educational resources.

Addressing the participants at the event, Saina Nehwal, Olympic Medallist, Padma Bhushan, Arjuna Awardee said, “Fitness has always been a big part of my life, and it was wonderful to see Bengaluru come together for a cause that truly makes a difference. Every step taken today was a step towards empowering children with better access to education and learning opportunities.”

The morning began with an energetic Zumba session conducted by Fit Community, engaging participants before the official flag-off ceremony. Adding to the excitement, the Red FM team unveiled its new Hook Song Dance performance featuring all five RJs, which was formally launched by Saina Nehwal.

The event concluded with refreshments and wellness offerings for participants, creating a memorable and wholesome experience for attendees.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Siva K., Chief Operating Officer, KAL Radio Ltd., the company operating 93.5 Red FM and Suryan FM, said, “At 93.5 Red FM, we believe that true progress is a blend of innovation and impact. ‘The Walkathon’ was a meaningful step in that direction bringing together fitness, community, and purpose. It was inspiring to witness Bengaluru unite for a cause that aimed to create lasting social change”.

Kolkata, May 14 (BNP): The Bharatiya Janata Party government in West Bengal has made the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory during morning assemblies in all state-run and state-aided schools across the state.

According to an official order issued by the Director of Education, all students will be required to sing Vande Mataram before the commencement of classes as part of the daily morning assembly. District education authorities have been instructed to ensure immediate implementation of the directive in all educational institutions.

Officials said the move aims to promote patriotism, national unity and awareness about the country’s cultural heritage among students.

The decision comes months after the Union Home Ministry issued a directive recommending the playing or singing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram before the national anthem on specified occasions. The latest order is expected to trigger political and academic discussions in the state ahead of upcoming elections.

New Delhi, May 14 (BNP): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the crucial role of Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in building a “Viksit Bharat” and strengthening India’s global leadership in innovation, entrepreneurship and management education.

Addressing a programme, the minister said IIMs have emerged as centres of excellence and are playing a significant role in nurturing future leaders, job creators and policy thinkers for the country.

He stressed the need for academic institutions to align with the vision of a developed India by promoting research, innovation, skill development and industry-oriented learning. Pradhan also underlined the importance of preparing students to meet emerging global challenges and contribute towards nation-building.

Move aimed at promoting fuel conservation amid rising global energy concerns and West Asia tensions.

Amaravati, May 14 (BNP): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reduced the number of vehicles in his official convoy from 12 to four in a move aimed at promoting fuel conservation amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and rising global fuel prices.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister travelled from his residence in Undavalli to the Secretariat with a significantly smaller convoy, drawing attention to the state government’s efforts towards responsible energy consumption.

The decision comes following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to adopt fuel-saving measures, including greater use of public transport, carpooling and electric vehicles. Addressing a gathering in Secunderabad earlier this week, Modi had described responsible energy use as a form of patriotism during challenging global circumstances.

Officials said the Andhra Pradesh government intends to encourage efficient fuel usage and minimise unnecessary expenditure through such symbolic initiatives.

New Delhi, May 14 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Friday is being viewed as a major diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing crisis and rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold high-level talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to further strengthen the growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to reports, discussions are expected to focus on defence cooperation, energy security, maritime stability, trade resilience and regional security concerns amid fears of disruption to global supply chains and shipping routes in the Gulf region.

Energy cooperation is likely to remain a key agenda item, with both nations expected to discuss long-term crude oil and LNG supply arrangements, strategic petroleum reserves and alternative logistics mechanisms to minimise the impact of regional instability.

India and the UAE are also expected to deepen defence collaboration under a proposed Strategic Defence Partnership framework, covering areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism and defence manufacturing.

Officials and analysts believe the visit highlights the rapidly expanding India-UAE relationship, which has evolved beyond traditional energy ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership involving trade, infrastructure, fintech, renewable energy, digital technology and investment cooperation.

The welfare of the large Indian diaspora in the UAE is also expected to figure prominently in the discussions. The UAE hosts more than 4.5 million Indians and remains one of India’s most important economic and strategic partners in the Gulf region.

Jammu, May 14 (BNP): Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel amid rising global crude oil prices and the ongoing West Asia conflict, nearly 40 families in Gajansu village near the International Border in Jammu have switched to traditional stoves for cooking.

Women in the village were seen preparing chapattis and vegetables on mud stoves using firewood and cow dung cakes, reviving an age-old cooking practice to reduce dependence on LPG and other fuels.

Residents said the initiative was aimed at supporting the country during challenging times and promoting fuel conservation. Villagers also urged people across the nation to adopt similar practices and use resources responsibly.

Many women in the village said food cooked on traditional stoves is healthier and more natural compared to gas-cooked food. They also pointed out that the ash produced from the stoves can be reused for household purposes such as cleaning utensils.

Locals recalled how the village had collectively followed government guidelines during the Covid-19 lockdown and said they were once again united in responding to the Prime Minister’s appeal.

Some residents also encouraged people to adopt carpooling and other fuel-saving measures, stressing the importance of public cooperation during periods of economic and global uncertainty.

Beijing, May 14 (BNP): US President Donald Trump held high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday as both leaders began a series of meetings and diplomatic engagements scheduled over two days.

Trump received a grand ceremonial welcome in the Chinese capital, including a gun salute, performances by cheering schoolchildren and a visit to the historic 15th-century Temple of Heaven.

The US President is accompanied by several prominent business leaders and officials during the visit, including Elon Musk, Nvidia chief Jensen Huang and Trump’s son Eric Trump.

The summit discussions are expected to focus on trade relations, technology cooperation, global security issues and economic partnerships amid evolving geopolitical tensions between the two countries.

Chennai, May 14 (BNP): The Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday announced a 2 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and teachers with retrospective effect from January 1, 2026.

According to an official statement, the DA has been revised from 58 per cent to 60 per cent, benefiting nearly 16 lakh government employees, teachers, pensioners and family pensioners across the state.

The government said the decision would place an additional financial burden of around ₹1,230 crore on the state exchequer. The administration stated that government employees and teachers play a crucial role in implementing welfare-oriented programmes and ensuring effective public service delivery.

The move is expected to provide financial relief to employees and pensioners amid rising living costs and inflation.

Vadodara,May 14 (BNP): Dairy major Amul has increased the prices of its packaged milk variants by ₹2 per litre, with the revised rates coming into effect from May 14 across the country.

The price hike applies to popular variants including Amul Gold, Amul Shakti, Taaza, Cow Milk and Slim & Trim. Following the increase, a 500 ml pouch of Amul Gold will now cost ₹35, while Amul Shakti and Slim & Trim are priced at ₹32 and ₹26 respectively in Gujarat.

The move has triggered concern among consumers in Vadodara, where residents said the rising prices of essential commodities are putting additional pressure on household budgets. Many homemakers and middle-class families expressed worry over managing daily expenses, stating that milk is an essential item consumed in almost every household.

The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Amul products, said the increase amounts to nearly 2.5 to 3.5 per cent and marks the first hike in milk prices since May 2025.

New Delhi, May 14 (BNP): Facing mounting financial pressure amid the ongoing fuel crisis and geopolitical tensions, Air India has announced a major reduction in its international summer flight operations, suspending and scaling down services on several key routes till August 2026.

According to the revised schedule, the airline will operate nearly 37 per cent fewer international flights between June and August compared to April operations. Monthly international departures are expected to drop significantly as rising aviation turbine fuel prices, restricted airspace due to the West Asia conflict and declining route profitability continue to impact operations.

Several major routes connecting India with North America, Europe, Australia and Asia have been affected. Services on routes such as Delhi-Chicago, Delhi-Shanghai and Chennai-Singapore have been temporarily suspended, while flight frequencies on destinations including Paris, Melbourne, Singapore and Kathmandu have been reduced.

Air India, however, said it will continue operating more than 1,200 international flights every month during the affected period. The airline has offered affected passengers options including alternative flights, free rescheduling and full refunds if the revised schedules are not suitable.

The operational changes come at a time when the Tata Group-owned airline is battling heavy financial losses, rising fuel costs and global travel disruptions. Industry experts believe the airline is prioritising cost control and operational stability as part of its ongoing turnaround strategy.

Air India has also reportedly initiated several internal cost-cutting measures, including curbing discretionary spending and reviewing operational expenses, as it attempts to navigate one of the toughest phases for the aviation sector in recent years.