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  • India Continue to Lead ICC T20I Rankings After Latest Update

    Dubai, May 5 (BNP): India have retained their position in the latest ICC T20 International rankings, followed by England in second place and Australia in third, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

    The updated rankings are based on a weighted system that gives full value to matches played since May 2025, while performances from the previous two years carry reduced weightage.

    India’s strong and consistent performances in recent international tournaments, including their successful T20 World Cup campaign, have helped them maintain their standing in the global rankings.

  • Indian Markets End Lower Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Currency Pressure

    Mumbai, May 5 (BNP): Indian equity markets closed lower on Tuesday as renewed geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire weighed on investor sentiment.

    Indian Markets End Lower Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Currency Pressure

    Benchmark indices came under selling pressure during a volatile trading session, with broader risk aversion also driven by a weakening rupee, which hit a record low against the US dollar amid rising crude oil prices.

    The 30-share BSE Sensex ended the day down 251.61 points, or 0.33%, at 77,017.79. During intraday trade, the index had fallen as much as 754.37 points to 76,515.03 before recovering some losses.

    Market participants remained cautious as elevated oil prices and global uncertainty added to concerns over inflationary pressures and foreign capital flows.

  • Electric Two-Wheeler Penetration Hits 6.5 pc in FY26: Govt

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India’s electric mobility sector continues to register steady growth, with electric two-wheeler penetration reaching 6.5% in FY 2025–26, according to the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

    The government said this growth reflects increasing consumer acceptance of electric vehicles, supported by improving availability of models, expanding charging infrastructure, and rising awareness about cleaner mobility options. It also indicates strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities within the EV ecosystem.

    Officials highlighted that the steady rise in adoption demonstrates India’s ongoing transition towards sustainable transport solutions. The growth in the electric two-wheeler segment, which remains the largest contributor to EV sales in the country, is seen as a key indicator of broader e-mobility progress.

    The Ministry noted that policy support and industry participation have played a crucial role in accelerating adoption, while continued investments in technology and manufacturing are expected to further strengthen the sector in the coming years.

  • India Expands Rare Disease Care Network to Strengthen Diagnosis and Treatment Access

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): The Government of India has further strengthened its framework for rare disease management under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021, building on the National Health Policy, 2017.

    The policy is being implemented through 15 Centres of Excellence across the country, including two in the North-East, to improve access to specialised diagnosis and treatment services.

    Officials said the focus is on early detection, improved clinical care, and stronger health system support to ensure timely treatment for patients with rare diseases. The government is also encouraging research and innovation in the field through leading medical institutions.

    Steps have also been taken to reduce treatment costs by exempting life-saving medicines from basic customs duty.

    Health authorities said the initiative reflects India’s continued efforts to build a more integrated and responsive healthcare system for rare disease patients.

  • India, Japan Strengthen Healthcare Cooperation

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the healthcare sector during the third Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi. The discussions focused on strengthening healthcare systems, building resilient medical supply chains, and enhancing collaboration in digital health, innovation, and workforce development.

    The meeting was co-chaired by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Japan’s Minister in charge of Healthcare Policy, Kimi Onoda. Both sides highlighted the importance of their ongoing partnership, guided by a shared vision of improving healthcare access, promoting innovation, and ensuring better health outcomes.

    Officials noted that the JCM continues to serve as an important platform for advancing bilateral collaboration. Key areas of discussion included tackling non-communicable diseases, strengthening supply chains for medical products, expanding digital health initiatives, and developing skilled healthcare professionals.

    India showcased its initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and its growing capabilities in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, while Japan shared its experience in advanced medical technologies, digitalisation, and public-private collaboration models.

    Both countries expressed confidence that continued cooperation will further strengthen healthcare systems and support sustainable, inclusive development in the years ahead.

     

  • Indian Journalists Win Pulitzer Prize for Cybercrime Investigation

    New York, May 5, 2026: Indian journalists Anand RK and Suparna Sharma, along with Natalie Obiko Pearson, have been awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category for their work on a cybercrime investigation published by Bloomberg.

    The award-winning project highlighted the growing threat of digital scams, telling the story of a Lucknow-based neurologist who was deceived by cybercriminals impersonating officials and subjected to a prolonged ordeal that led to significant financial loss. The report brought attention to the human impact of increasingly sophisticated cyber fraud.

    In addition, journalist Devjyot Ghoshal was named a finalist in the same category for his investigation into cybercrime and trafficking networks in Southeast Asia, where victims are reportedly forced into carrying out scams.

    Another Indian journalist, Aniruddha Ghosal, was part of a team that won in the International Reporting category for an investigation into the use of advanced surveillance technologies by authorities across countries.

    The Pulitzer Prizes, administered by Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, are among the highest honours in global journalism. The recognition highlights the growing role of Indian journalists in uncovering complex global issues and bringing critical stories to light.

  • India U-18 Hockey Teams Set for Australia Series Ahead of Asia Cup

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India’s Under-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams are set to compete in a four-match series against Australia as part of their preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup.

    The series is designed to provide both teams with valuable international exposure and competitive match practice ahead of the continental tournament. Taking on a strong opponent like Australia is expected to help players sharpen their skills, adapt to high-pressure situations, and improve overall team coordination.

    The matches will also serve as an important platform for team management to assess player performance, experiment with combinations, and fine-tune strategies. Officials believe that such international fixtures are crucial in building confidence and readiness among young players as they prepare to represent the country on a larger stage.

    With the Asia Cup approaching, the series is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s preparations and ensuring both teams are well-equipped to deliver strong performances.

  • Bhutan Secures Dollar 515 Million World Bank Support for Major Hydropower Project

    Thimphu/New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): Bhutan has signed financing agreements worth $515 million with the World Bank to advance the Dorjilung Hydropower Project, a large-scale renewable energy initiative being developed in partnership with Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC).

    Planned as a 1,125 MW project under a public-private partnership model, it will be the largest hydropower venture in Bhutan. DGPC will hold a majority stake of 60%, while Tata Power will own the remaining 40%.

    The project is expected to generate around 4,500 GWh of electricity annually. A major share of this power will be supplied to India, helping meet growing demand, especially during peak periods, while also strengthening Bhutan’s position as a clean energy exporter.

    The initiative underscores growing regional cooperation in sustainable energy and is expected to contribute to economic development and long-term energy security for both countries.

  • Professional Investment Advisory Services’ Management Successfully Completes Change in Ownership

    SINGAPORE, May 05 –  Professional Investment Advisory Services Pte Ltd (“PIAS”) today announced that its management has completed the acquisition of PIAS from Singapore Life Limited (“Singlife”), through the purchase of all its shares in Professional Advisory Holdings Limited (“PAH”), PIAS’s holding company. 

    The change in ownership, approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”), took effect on 1 May 2026 and was mutually agreed between PIAS management and Singlife. Singlife continues to be a key product provider and partner to PIAS. 

    Singlife will continue to support PIAS in its mission to grow and offer more choice to consumers.  PIAS’ management team will assume full ownership of the business and shape its next phase of growth. 

    PIAS representatives will continue to serve clients as usual, with no impact on existing servicing arrangements. Day-to-day operations continue as normal. 

    Following the change in ownership, PIAS will continue to expand its suite of providers and partners across savings, protection and investment solutions. With increasing longevity, a broader range of financial solutions will better position PIAS to support clients along their financial planning journey. 
     
    About Professional Investment Advisory Services Pte Ltd (PIAS) 

    Professional Investment Advisory Services Pte Ltd (“PIAS”) is a financial advisory firm in Singapore, established in 2001 and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. 

    As a pioneering financial advisory firm in Singapore, PIAS has close to 25 years of operating experience, having navigated multiple market cycles. It has served over 200,000 families, supporting their financial planning needs across different life stages. 

    PIAS has a network of financial adviser representatives providing advice across savings, insurance and investment planning. 

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  • India Direct Tax Collections Rise 5.1 pc to INR 23.4 Lakh Crore in FY26

    New Delhi, May 5 (BNP): India’s net direct tax collections recorded steady growth in the financial year 2025–26, rising 5.12% year-on-year to ₹23,40,406 crore, according to data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

    Gross direct tax collections for the fiscal stood at ₹28,11,936 crore, marking a 4.03% increase compared to the previous financial year. The growth was driven by stable inflows from both corporate and non-corporate tax segments, reflecting consistent economic activity and improved compliance levels.

    Corporate tax collections showed strong performance, increasing to ₹13,81,606 crore from ₹12,72,542 crore in FY25. Non-corporate tax collections, which include taxes paid by individuals, HUFs, and other entities, stood at ₹13,72,474 crore.

    Collections from Securities Transaction Tax (STT) also saw an uptick, reaching ₹57,522 crore during the fiscal year.

    Meanwhile, refunds issued declined slightly by 1.09% to ₹4,71,531 crore, which contributed to higher net tax collections. Analysts noted that the overall figures indicate steady tax buoyancy and efficient tax administration despite global economic uncertainties.

    The data reflects a balanced contribution from corporate and individual taxpayers, underscoring the resilience of India’s tax system.