Category: News

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday flagged off 13 mobile heat relief units to provide immediate support to people affected by the ongoing heatwave in the national capital.

The initiative aims to offer on-the-spot assistance, including access to drinking water, basic medical aid, and relief services, especially for vulnerable groups such as daily wage workers, the elderly, and those exposed to extreme outdoor conditions.

The mobile units will be deployed across key locations in Delhi, focusing on high-footfall and heat-prone areas to ensure timely outreach and support.

The Chief Minister said the move is part of the government’s broader efforts to tackle the impact of rising temperatures and protect public health during the peak summer months.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the city’s heat action response by improving accessibility to essential relief services and reducing heat-related risks among residents.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has approved a revised Viability Plan 2.0 for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for the period 2025–26 to 2027–28, aimed at strengthening financial sustainability, governance, and long-term competitiveness in the rural banking sector.

The new framework builds on the earlier viability plan implemented from FY22 to FY25, which helped improve financial performance and strengthen monitoring systems across RRBs.

Viability Plan 2.0 introduces a structured performance evaluation system based on 30 key parameters under four major pillars — operational excellence, asset quality, profitability, and growth. These indicators are designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of RRB performance.

Key metrics under the framework include capital adequacy ratio (CRAR), credit-deposit ratio, non-performing assets (NPAs), recovery performance, profitability, and digital adoption levels. The plan also incorporates performance in implementing Government of India schemes to align operational outcomes with national priorities.

The government said the revised framework will enhance oversight, improve efficiency, and promote financial discipline across the 28 Regional Rural Banks in the country.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen rural credit delivery, deepen financial inclusion, and support digital banking expansion in underserved areas.

Chennai, May 6 (BNP): Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on Wednesday met Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu following the Assembly election results.

TVK has emerged as the single-largest party in the state, significantly altering the political landscape. During the meeting at Raj Bhavan, Vijay submitted his claim to form the government and is expected to be invited to take the next constitutional steps.

However, the party still faces a numerical challenge. It requires at least 118 seats to secure a majority in the Assembly and is currently short by around 10 seats. The next crucial step will be to prove its majority on the floor of the House.

While the Indian National Congress has extended support, its tally of five seats is insufficient to bridge the gap entirely. There is no clarity yet on additional support, including from independent legislators or smaller parties, that could help TVK cross the majority mark.

Political developments are being closely watched, with further announcements expected regarding government formation and a possible floor test in the coming days.

May 6 (BNP): Delhi teacher Soma Mandal has been named the South Asia regional winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, in recognition of her strong focus on climate education.

Teaching at GD Goenka Public School, she has developed a climate-centred learning approach that encourages students to understand environmental issues and take active steps toward sustainability. With over a decade of teaching experience and a background in environmental science, she has been working to make climate awareness an integral part of classroom learning.

As part of the recognition, she will receive a £500 book grant, a trophy, and international visibility through Cambridge publications, including a feature in upcoming textbooks.

May 6 (BNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has announced the schedule for the IPL 2026 Playoffs, marking the final stage of a highly competitive season featuring 70 league matches filled with strong performances and close contests.

Qualifier 1 between the top two teams will be played on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, with a direct spot in the final at stake.

The Eliminator match between the third and fourth-placed teams will take place on May 27 at the New Chandigarh International Cricket Stadium. The same venue will also host Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator to secure the second place in the final.

The season will conclude with the IPL 2026 Final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium, setting the stage for a grand finish to the tournament.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): Online travel platform EaseMyTrip has reported a strong double-digit increase in adoption of its airport-related services, reflecting growing demand for enhanced travel convenience and premium passenger experiences.

 The company noted that services such as Duty-Free assistance and Meet & Greet facilities have emerged as the most preferred offerings among travellers. This trend highlights a shift toward greater demand for comfort, speed, and personalized support at airports.

According to the company, rising passenger expectations and increased travel activity have contributed to the growth in ancillary airport services. Travellers are increasingly opting for value-added services that reduce hassle and improve overall airport experience.

EaseMyTrip stated that the positive trend indicates expanding opportunities in the airport services segment, with customers showing strong interest in time-saving and premium travel solutions.

The company expects continued growth in this segment as travel demand strengthens and consumer preference shifts toward convenience-driven services.

Bhubaneswar, May 6 (BNP): A tragic fire incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday at Basanti Villa Apartment, located under Laxmisagar police limits in Bhubaneswar. The fire broke out at approximately 3:30 AM, leading to the loss of three lives.

According to preliminary information, a security guard and a female caretaker died at the scene. A minor girl, who sustained critical burn injuries, was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital but later succumbed during treatment.

Emergency services responded promptly and managed to bring the situation under control. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been initiated by the concerned authorities.

Industry-leading management firm to oversee operations as Broomsedge expands hospitality and club activity

NORTHBROOK, IL. — May 6, 2026 — KemperSports, a leading golf, sports and hospitality experience company is excited to announce it has been selected to manage Broomsedge Golf Club – bringing together one of the game’s most respected and passionate operators with one of the country’s most distinctive modern golf destinations.

Located in the sandhills of central South Carolina, Broomsedge Golf Club has quickly earned recognition for its thoughtful design, understated luxury, and commitment to delivering an exceptional golf experience rooted in the tradition of the great clubs of British Isles. Under KemperSports management, Broomsedge will incorporate the company’s expertise in club operations, agronomy, guest experience, food and beverage, and strategic planning as the club elevates its hospitality experience with the construction of 4 Bedroom cottages for members and guests and a food and beverage venue overlooking the golf course.

“The people at KemperSports are smart and driven – exactly what we need to build around the incredible golf course that Mike Koprowski and Kyle Franz crafted here,” said Broomsedge Golf Club managing partner and CEO Baker Thompson. “Their relationships, industry knowledge, and operational excellence – along with a deep understanding of private club culture – make them the ideal partner as we extend the vision for Broomsedge.”

The club recently announced that developer Baker Thompson has stepped into the role of managing partner and CEO, Michael Keiser, Jr. serving as a senior advisor.

KemperSports manages a portfolio of highly regarded golf destinations, private clubs, and resorts across the country, with a proven track record of enhancing member satisfaction, cultivating high-performing teams and delivering long-term value for ownership groups.

“We are honored to partner with Broomsedge Golf Club and work along Baker Thompson and the development team to help bring their bold vision to life,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “Broomsedge provides an authentic, high-quality golf experience. We appreciate that, and we are eager to work with the club team to create value for ownership, members, and guests.”

Gandhinagar, May 5 (BNP): Gujarat’s i-Hub initiative is playing a transformative role in nurturing innovation and supporting entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, ranging from sustainable firefighting technologies to nutritious superfood products for children.

Backed by a robust policy framework and institutional support, the initiative has enabled startups to develop practical, scalable solutions addressing real-world challenges. Entrepreneurs associated with i-Hub are increasingly focusing on sustainability, health, and technology-driven innovation, contributing to both economic growth and social impact.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid a strong foundation for India’s startup ecosystem by consistently promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. His vision has significantly contributed to Gujarat’s emergence as a leading hub of enterprise and technological advancement.

Officials highlighted that i-Hub provides critical support including mentorship, funding access, incubation, and industry collaboration, helping startups move from ideation to execution. The initiative is also fostering a culture of innovation among youth, encouraging them to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

With continued support from the government and industry stakeholders, Gujarat is poised to strengthen its position as a key driver of India’s startup ecosystem, creating opportunities and solutions that resonate both nationally and globally.

New Delhi. May 5 (BNP): U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s significant electoral success in West Bengal.

In a message shared publicly, Trump praised the scale of the victory, describing it as a “remarkable achievement” and acknowledging Modi’s leadership and connect with the electorate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Trump for his message, reiterating India’s commitment to strengthening global partnerships and democratic values.

Political observers noted that such international reactions highlight the global attention drawn by India’s electoral processes, particularly in key states like West Bengal.
Further reactions from global leaders are expected as the full results and political implications continue to unfold.