All posts by Neel Achary

New Delhi, June 1 (BNP): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the online portal for Class 12 post-result verification of marks and re-evaluation will be activated soon, bringing clarity to students awaiting the application process following board examination results.

Representational image

The update comes amid growing concerns among students over delays in the activation of post-result services, which allow candidates to seek verification of marks and request re-evaluation of answer sheets.

Responding to queries raised by students on social media platform X, CBSE confirmed that the verification and re-evaluation portal would go live shortly and stated that a detailed official announcement would follow.

The board had earlier indicated that the portal was expected to open during the final week of May. However, activation was reportedly deferred to ensure a secure, transparent and error-free process for handling post-result applications.

Once operational, the portal will enable eligible students to apply for various post-result services, including verification of marks, access to photocopies of evaluated answer sheets and re-evaluation of specific responses as per prescribed guidelines.

Under the verification process, CBSE examines whether all answers have been evaluated, marks correctly totalled and final scores accurately uploaded. Students dissatisfied with their performance may subsequently apply for re-evaluation, subject to eligibility norms and procedural requirements.

Officials are expected to release detailed instructions regarding application dates, service fees, timelines and submission procedures shortly after the portal is activated.

Meanwhile, students have been advised to regularly monitor official CBSE websites and notifications for updates and keep important credentials, including roll numbers and admit card details, readily available to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

CBSE officials reiterated that students are not required to take any immediate action and should wait for the formal notification before initiating post-result applications.

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) successfully organized “IBC & NCLT @10 – Celebrating a Decade of Insolvency Reforms” on 30 May 2026 at Hotel Taj Mahal, New Delhi, commemorating ten years of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, and the establishment of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The event brought together eminent judicial dignitaries, policymakers, regulators, insolvency professionals, financial institutions, legal experts, industry leaders, and key stakeholders to reflect on the transformative impact of India’s insolvency framework and deliberate on the future roadmap for strengthening the insolvency ecosystem.

The event was graced by Justice Ashok Bhushan, Chairperson, NCLAT; Justice Rajesh Bindal, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice M.M. Kumar, Founder President, NCLT and Former Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court; Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, Member Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Government of India; Shri Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri, MD & CEO, National e-Governance Services Ltd. (NeSL); Shri Gyaneswar Kumar Singh, Director General & CEO, IICA and Member Secretary, BLRC; Dr. U.K. Chaudhary, Senior Advocate and President, NCLT Bar Association; Dr. M.S. Sahoo, Former Chairperson, IBBI; Mr. P.K. Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice; Mr. Santosh Shukla, Chief General Manager, SEBI; Mr. Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairman, State Bank of India; and Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, along with distinguished members of the insolvency and legal fraternity.

Addressing the gathering, Justice Ashok Bhushan described the IBC as one of India’s most significant legal and economic reforms, transforming a fragmented and delay-prone insolvency regime into a unified, creditor-driven framework focused on time-bound resolution, value maximization, and accountability. While highlighting the important role of NCLT and NCLAT in developing insolvency jurisprudence, he emphasized the need to address challenges relating to resolution timelines, institutional capacity, cross-border insolvency, and group insolvency mechanisms to further strengthen the framework.

In his address, Justice Rajesh Bindal underscored the transformative impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in replacing a fragmented and inefficient insolvency regime with a resolution-oriented framework focused on preserving businesses and economic value. He highlighted the significant improvement in resolution outcomes, recoveries, revival of stressed enterprises, reduction in NPAs, and enhanced credit discipline over the past decade. Emphasizing that the success of the insolvency ecosystem has been driven by collective efforts across institutions, regulators, the judiciary, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders, he called for continued strengthening of infrastructure, technology adoption, institutional capacity, and timely resolution mechanisms to support India’s vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047. He also stressed the importance of leveraging data, digital platforms, and collaborative approaches to facilitate early resolution of financial distress and further enhance the effectiveness of the insolvency framework.

Justice M.M. Kumar reflected on the challenging initial years of establishing the NCLT and recalled how the institution began functioning with limited infrastructure and resources. He noted that despite capacity constraints, NCLT successfully implemented the IBC, facilitated significant recoveries, reduced non-performing assets, and contributed to improving India’s Ease of Doing Business rankings. He also highlighted the need to ensure greater accessibility of insolvency mechanisms for MSMEs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anju Rathi Rana stated that the IBC was far more than a legislative reform and represented a fundamental shift in India’s approach to business distress and insolvency. She noted that the Code has strengthened credit culture, enhanced investor confidence, and established a structured and accountable framework for resolution while underscoring the critical role played by NCLT in its successful implementation.

Shri Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri highlighted the transformative role of information utilities in reducing information asymmetry and strengthening creditor confidence. Referring to more than 32,000 applications involving debt of nearly ₹14 lakh crore that were resolved before admission, he observed that the IBC has significantly changed debtor behaviour by encouraging early settlements and constructive negotiations. He further reaffirmed NeSL’s readiness to support upcoming reforms through its robust Record of Default framework.

Shri Gyaneswar Kumar Singh reflected on the collaborative efforts of the government, judiciary, regulators, insolvency professionals, and industry stakeholders in shaping India’s insolvency ecosystem. Highlighting the Code’s role in strengthening financial discipline and improving credit culture, he outlined future priorities including personal insolvency, cross-border insolvency, technology-driven reforms, creditor-led restructuring, and enhanced institutional capacity.

Dr. U.K. Chaudhary praised the significant contribution of the legal fraternity in supporting the development of insolvency jurisprudence and strengthening the functioning of NCLT and NCLAT. He called for greater institutional capacity, timely appointment of members, and enhanced infrastructure to ensure faster and more effective resolution of cases.

Earlier, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, welcomed the distinguished gathering and highlighted the transformative impact of the IBC and NCLT in promoting accountability, transparency, and a rules-based economic framework. He emphasized the active role played by PHDCCI’s IBC & NCLT Committee in facilitating policy dialogue, stakeholder consultations, and industry engagement to support the evolution of India’s insolvency framework.

Mr. G.P. Madaan, Chair, IBC & NCLT Committee, PHDCCI, in the theme address, highlighted the remarkable journey of the IBC and NCLT over the last decade, noting their contribution to strengthening credit discipline, improving debt resolution outcomes, reducing NPAs, and enhancing India’s business environment. He described the ten-year milestone as a celebration of institutional resilience, economic reform, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders associated with the insolvency ecosystem.

Ms. Ranjana Roy Gawai, Co-Chair, IBC & NCLT Committee, PHDCCI, addressed the gathering and expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, stakeholders, and participants for their continued contribution to strengthening India’s insolvency framework.

In a landmark gathering uniting the many officials of the IBC Ecosystem, a felicitation ceremony was presided over by Mr. G P Madaan, Chair, NCLT & IBC Committee, joined by Co-Chairs Ms. Ranjana Roy Gawai, Mr. Rachit Mittal, Mr. Abhishek Anand, and Mr. Harish Taneja,  underscoring the committee’s commitment to recognizing excellence across the insolvency landscape.

The event also featured insightful addresses by Dr. M.S. Sahoo, Former Chairperson, IBBI; Mr. P.K. Malhotra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Law & Justice; Mr. Santosh Shukla, Chief General Manager, SEBI; Mr. Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairman, SBI; and Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, who shared their perspectives on the achievements of the IBC, ongoing challenges, and the reforms required to strengthen the insolvency ecosystem for the next decade.

The event was also graced by many stalwarts from the IBC ecosystem including sitting and former NCLT members. The programme concluded with a felicitation ceremony honouring distinguished contributors, policymakers, judicial members, insolvency professionals, and institutional stakeholders whose efforts have been instrumental in shaping and strengthening India’s insolvency and bankruptcy framework over the past ten years.

Tiruchirappalli, June 1 (BNP): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay is scheduled to visit Tiruchirappalli today to participate in a thanksgiving public meeting at the St Joseph’s College ground near Chathiram Bus Stand, organised to express gratitude to voters and supporters from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.

The event has been arranged to acknowledge public support received during the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which Vijay-led TVK secured a decisive mandate to form the government. Vijay had contested from two constituencies — Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East — winning both seats before later resigning from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency after assuming office as Chief Minister.

Despite stepping down from the constituency, Vijay is expected to personally thank party workers, supporters and voters in Tiruchirappalli district during the gathering.

According to organisers, Vijay will arrive at Tiruchirappalli Airport from Chennai by a special flight before proceeding to the venue, where extensive preparations and security arrangements have been made.

Unlike a conventional mass rally, attendance at the event will be strictly regulated through QR code-enabled entry passes, with participation capped at around 5,000 people. Organisers clarified that entry will not be permitted without valid authorisation under any circumstances.

As a precautionary measure, passes were reportedly not issued to pregnant women, children, school students, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals and people with health concerns, while authorities advised such groups to avoid attending the programme.

Police and administrative officials have issued guidelines regarding designated parking areas to minimise traffic disruption near the venue. Drinking water, medical support and other basic facilities have also been arranged for attendees.

Meanwhile, party workers and members of the public unable to secure entry passes have been encouraged to follow the event through television broadcasts and live social media coverage to ensure smooth management of the programme.

The thanksgiving meeting is expected to draw political attention in Tamil Nadu as Vijay continues to consolidate his leadership following the party’s electoral success.

June 1 : India’s electric mobility sector is entering a phase where infrastructure limitations are becoming one of the biggest barriers to scalable adoption. While much of the market continues to focus on vehicle design, charging speed, and pricing, SunCharge Motors is building from a different perspective, energy dependency itself.

The company has announced the successful closure of its seed funding round led by JITO Incubation & Innovation Foundation  alongside participation from a group of strategic angel investors. While the company has not publicly disclosed the size of the round, the funding will support technology development, infrastructure research, and the expansion of SunCharge Motors’ solar-assisted mobility systems.

Founded by Sanskar Modi, the company is focused on developing solar-integrated electric mobility systems aimed at reducing dependency on external charging infrastructure. Its approach combines smart battery management systems, real-time energy control technologies, and integrated solar energy support to create mobility solutions designed specifically for India’s infrastructure realities.

The announcement comes at a time when India’s EV ecosystem continues to face challenges around charging accessibility, inconsistent power infrastructure, fleet downtime, and rural mobility scalability. Rather than treating these as secondary industry issues, SunCharge Motors has built its core vision around solving them directly.

“We believe India’s EV future cannot depend only on expanding charging infrastructure. The real opportunity lies in building smarter energy-integrated mobility systems that can adapt to India’s infrastructure realities. At SunCharge Motors, our focus is on creating solutions that improve energy accessibility, reduce charging dependency, and make electric mobility more practical and scalable for the long term”, said Sanskar Modi, Founder of SunCharge Motors.

Unlike many EV companies entering the market through consumer-first positioning, SunCharge Motors is approaching mobility as an energy infrastructure problem. The company’s long-term objective is to create systems that improve vehicle uptime, reduce charging dependency, and support more sustainable and decentralized mobility operations across urban and underserved regions alike.

With India accelerating its transition toward electric mobility, SunCharge Motors believes the next phase of EV innovation will not be defined only by vehicles, but by how intelligently energy itself is integrated into transportation systems.

Gurugram, June 01: Cars24 announced the launch of AI Labs, a dedicated initiative focused on building AI-first products, supporting ambitious founders and helping shape the next wave of AI innovation. As part of this commitment, the company will invest $20 million in startups and teams building transformative AI technologies.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend. It is rapidly becoming the foundation on which the next generation of products, companies and industries will be built.

Cars24 has witnessed that transformation firsthand.

Over the last few years, AI has become deeply embedded across the company’s operations, helping teams move faster, make better decisions and create better customer experiences. What began as experimentation has evolved into a core operating philosophy, influencing how products are built, problems are solved and businesses are scaled.

With AI Labs, Cars24 is taking that journey beyond its own walls.

The initiative is designed to help founders and builders turn breakthrough ideas into real-world companies. Through a combination of capital, mentorship, infrastructure, distribution opportunities, and access to leading AI technologies, AI Labs aims to become a launchpad for the next generation of AI entrepreneurs.

The initiative brings together partners including OpenAI, AWS, and ElevenLabs, creating an ecosystem where builders can access world-class technology, expertise, and support as they bring new products to market.

“Every major technology shift creates a handful of companies that go on to define the future. We believe AI is the biggest shift of our generation, and the opportunity ahead is far larger than anything we’ve seen before,” said Vikram Chopra, Founder and CEO, Cars24.

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen AI fundamentally change how we operate, build products, and serve customers AI Labs is our way of giving back to the ecosystem that is shaping this future. We want to back founders early, help them move faster, and support the people building things that seem impossible today but inevitable tomorrow.”

AI Labs will focus on three key areas:

• Build: Creating AI-native products and contributing to open-source innovation.

• Partner: Working closely with leading AI companies to accelerate adoption and experimentation.

• Invest: Providing capital and support to startups building category-defining AI businesses.

Beyond investments, AI Labs will actively contribute to the broader AI ecosystem through hackathons, builder programs, community initiatives and open-source projects aimed at accelerating innovation and encouraging experimentation.

As AI reshapes industries around the world, Cars24 believes the next generation of globally significant companies will be built by founders who embrace AI from day one. Through AI Labs, the company aims to play a meaningful role in helping those founders succeed.

Founders, researchers and builders interested in working with AI Labs can learn more at labs.cars24.com.

Bhubaneswar, June 1 (BNP): Odisha’s traditional summer beverage, Bela Panna (ବେଲ ପଣା), received national recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted it during the latest edition of Mann Ki Baat, drawing attention to the state’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.

The mention of Bela Panna, a refreshing drink made from wood apple and widely consumed during summer months in Odisha, has been welcomed by cultural enthusiasts and citizens across the state. Deeply rooted in Odisha’s traditions, the drink is known not only for its refreshing taste but also for its health benefits, particularly in combating heat and aiding digestion.

Observers said the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment has brought renewed focus to Odisha’s indigenous food practices and traditional wisdom, which continue to hold relevance in modern lifestyles.

Bela Panna occupies a special place in Odisha’s cultural fabric and is especially associated with the observance of Pana Sankranti, marking the traditional Odia New Year. The beverage symbolises the state’s age-old knowledge of seasonal wellness and sustainable food habits.

The recognition in Mann Ki Baat is being viewed as an important moment for Odisha, encouraging greater appreciation of local traditions and showcasing the diversity of India’s cultural heritage on a national platform.

Mumbai, June 1: Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited the nation’s premier commodity derivatives exchange is ranked No. 1 globally in Commodities Options. MCX Silver Futures and Options are ranked 2nd respectively . Silver Futures and Options average daily turnover was seen at Rs. 21,648 crores and Rs. 74,883 crores respectively (FY26). Within the Silver Futures, the Exchange has 30kg, 5kg, 1kg contracts and in Options, Exchange has 5kg, 30kg monthly contracts, all of them with good liquidity for market trading.

To further expand the portfolio of silver futures, with feedback from markets addressing the need for industry, the

‘Silver 100’ futures is being launched for commencement of trading from today.

Commenting on the launch, Ms. Praveena Rai, Managing Director & CEO, MCX, said:

“The Silver 100 Futures contract helps businesses in India’s silver industry protect themselves against price volatility. Local jewellery businesses can now hedge or take delivery in quantities that are better aligned with their inventory needs. This reduces the need to commit larger amounts of capital or take exposure beyond actual business requirements. The contract will also help retail participants to invest in silver in smaller quantities over time, while trading through a secure regulated exchange framework.”

Key features of the Silver 100g Futures contract include:

Effective for Hedging/Investment for jewelers, SME and retail investors

Flexibility driven by liquidity and smaller denomination

If delivery is taken at expiry of futures:

Ease of delivery

Transparent making charge

Quality assured product

MCX has recently issued a circular on ‘Revision of MCX Good Delivery Norms – Silver’ inviting eligible domestic silver refiners for applying to be empaneled as per MCX Good Delivery Norms. This initiative by Exchange would reduce dependence on import and increase domestic silver recycling.

MCX has issued Circular no MCX/TRD/287/2026 dated May 14, 2026 informing market participants for launch of Silver 100. Clearing and settlement will be handled via the Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing Corporation Limited (MCXCCL).

HAIFA BAY AUTHORITIES APPOINT FRANK MELLOUL AS AMBASSADOR 

1^st of June, 2026 – In the context of the strengthening of the Abraham Accords and the profound economic and geopolitical transformations reshaping the region, the Haifa Bay Authorities have entrusted Frank Melloul with a strategic mission dedicated to public diplomacy and international outreach.

The Haifa Bay Authorities announce the appointment of Mr. Frank Melloul as Ambassador of the Cluster, with the mission of defining and leading its international public diplomacy strategy.

As part of this mission, Frank Melloul will bring his international expertise, strategic vision and recognized experience to support the positioning of the Haifa Bay Authorities. Through his commitment, he will contribute to strengthening the region’s international standing, promoting its dynamism, and supporting the advancement of the territory’s strategic objectives.

This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the region, as the Abraham Accords and the IMEC economic corridor (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) are opening new opportunities for regional, economic and geopolitical cooperation. The geographical position of Haifa Bay and northern Israel gives the region significant potential to serve as a central hub within this corridor.

Frank Melloul, Ambassador of the Haifa Bay Authorities:
“It is with a deep sense of honor that I accept this mission. Becoming the Ambassador of the Haifa Bay Authorities, at this particular moment in the region’s history, represents a unique responsibility. We are living through a historic turning point. The Abraham Accords have opened an unprecedented space for cooperation between the Port of Haifa and the wider world, while the IMEC corridor, linking India, the Middle East, and Europe, represents its most ambitious and promising economic expression. In this new geography, the Haifa Bay region is not one player among many: it is meant to become one of the strategic hubs of this corridor. Moreover, it brings together 52 Arab and Jewish local authorities, demonstrating every day that cooperation is not a promise, but a concrete reality. It is this dual message, economic opportunity and coexistence, that I am committed to carrying onto the international stage.”

Aharon Azulay, CEO of the Haifa Bay Authorities:
“We are delighted to welcome Frank Melloul and to count on his expertise for this major mission. Thanks to his experience and strategic vision, we are convinced that his mission will significantly contribute to the international outreach of the Haifa Bay region and to advancing its strategic ambitions at both the regional and global levels. Positioning the Haifa Bay Authorities at the heart of the region’s emerging geoeconomic dynamics is a key priority in our roadmap. Our diverse and multicultural territory provides a strong foundation for developing innovative partnership models on a global scale.”

Created in 2019, the Haifa Bay Authorities bring together 18 local authorities representing nearly 840,000 residents. The Cluster acts as a platform for regional coordination and action in key areas such as infrastructure, transportation, economic development, energy, sustainability and social services.

The Haifa Bay Authorities work to strengthen partnerships between local authorities, public institutions, the private sector and civil society in order to promote a shared vision for regional development.

Among its initiatives, the Haifa Bay Authorities established a Forum through which, in cooperation with the Galilee and Valleys Cluster and the Kinneret and Valleys Cluster, they bring together a regional network of 52 Arab and Jewish local authorities, embodying a unique model of regional cooperation and coexistence.

Under its leadership, the IMEC Information and Research Center was also created, dedicated to collecting data, research and analyses, while consolidating information from governmental, international and academic sources. The Authorities also launched the international “Next Bay” conference.

India, June 1: Bombay Dyeing, one of India’s most trusted and iconic home textile brands, has unveiled its summer 2026 Collection, a thoughtfully curated range inspired by the freshness of summer mornings, coastal calm, and the effortless comfort of summer living. Designed to bring softness, style, and seasonal renewal into modern homes, the collection reflects Bombay Dyeing’s continued focus on innovation-led design and elevated everyday experiences.

The SS26 Collection introduces three distinct design stories – Wonderland Glow, Toda Tide, and Moonmist, each crafted to cater to evolving lifestyle preferences while blending functionality with contemporary aesthetics.

For consumers who appreciate subtle sophistication, the Moonmist collection embraces understated luxury through soft tonal layers, muted palettes, and delicate textures. Inspired by calm and minimal living, the collection is designed to create serene bedroom environments with a refined contemporary sensibility. The range reflects timeless elegance through clean design language and sophisticated colour harmony. Priced at Rs 3,199.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Toda craftsmanship and the soothing movement of ocean tides, the Toda Tide collection brings together cultural artistry and contemporary design. Defined by geometric patterns, rhythmic detailing, and a calming palette of blues, whites, and earthy neutrals, the collection creates a refined and artistic bedroom aesthetic that feels rooted in heritage while remaining relevant to modern homes. Priced at Rs 2,999.

TheWonderland Glow collection transforms children’s bedrooms into imaginative nighttime spaces through playful glow-in-the-dark bedding designs. Featuring themes such as stars, astronauts, butterflies, aeroplanes, and whimsical characters, the collection is designed to make bedtime more enjoyable while helping create a comforting sleep environment for children. Made from soft, breathable 100% cotton and developed using non-toxic, child-safe glow technology, the range combines creativity, comfort, and practicality for modern families. Priced from Rs 1,099 to Rs 2,099.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Niraj Kumar, Chief Financial Officer, Bombay Dyeing, said:

“The summer 2026 Collection reflects our commitment to designing products that seamlessly combine comfort, aesthetics, and evolving consumer lifestyles. Each collection has been thoughtfully developed to cater to different moods and spaces within the modern home, from playful and imaginative designs for children to sophisticated and calming aesthetics for contemporary living spaces. Through this collection, we aim to offer consumers thoughtfully crafted products that enhance everyday living while staying true to Bombay Dyeing’s legacy of quality and trust.”

With breathable fabrics, contemporary design stories, and versatile styling, the SS26 Collection captures the spirit of the season while reinforcing Bombay Dyeing’s position as a leading destination for premium home textiles and lifestyle solutions.

The summer 2026 Collection is now available across Bombay Dyeing stores nationwide.

Consumers can locate their nearest store through the official store locator:Bombay Dyeing Store Locator

Ahmedabad, June 1 (BNP): Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their dominance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), clinching their second successive title with a convincing five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

A clinical all-round performance, spearheaded by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 and a disciplined bowling display from the pace unit, helped Bengaluru comfortably chase down a modest target of 156 with two overs to spare.

Opting to bowl first, RCB bowlers delivered under pressure, dismantling Gujarat’s batting lineup and restricting them to 155/8 in 20 overs. Fast bowlers Rasikh Salam, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck crucial blows at regular intervals to keep GT under control throughout the innings.

Josh Hazlewood provided the early breakthrough by dismissing Gujarat skipper Shubman Gill for 10, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sai Sudharsan soon after, denting GT’s hopes in the powerplay. Gujarat struggled to recover as wickets continued to tumble against Bengaluru’s disciplined attack.

Despite the collapse, Washington Sundar stood firm and played a fighting unbeaten knock of 50, helping Gujarat cross the 150-run mark. Nishant Sindhu and Jos Buttler attempted to stabilise the innings but failed to convert their starts into substantial contributions.

Chasing 156, Bengaluru got off to a flying start courtesy of Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer, who stitched together a quickfire 62-run opening stand. Iyer’s aggressive 32 off 16 balls gave RCB early momentum before Mohammed Siraj broke the partnership.

Kohli then took complete control of the chase, anchoring the innings with composure and authority. The veteran batter smashed nine boundaries and three sixes in his unbeaten 42-ball 75, registering his fifth half-century of the season.

Although Gujarat found brief hope through Rashid Khan, who dismissed Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya in quick succession, Kohli steadied the innings alongside Tim David and later Jitesh Sharma to guide Bengaluru home.

Kohli fittingly sealed the title with a towering six, sparking celebrations among teammates and thousands of RCB supporters inside the packed Narendra Modi Stadium.

Named Player of the Match, Kohli described the moment as a dream fulfilled and credited the team’s confidence and consistency for the successful title defence.

With the triumph, skipper Rajat Patidar joined an elite list of captains to win consecutive IPL titles, while RCB further cemented their status as one of the tournament’s dominant forces in recent seasons.

Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, ended runners-up for the second time in three IPL finals, with their only title victory coming in their debut season in 2022.