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May 21 (BNP): In a significant political and legislative setback for U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. Senate has advanced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at limiting presidential authority to engage in military action against Iran without formal approval from Congress. The procedural measure passed by a narrow 50-47 margin, signalling growing bipartisan concern over unchecked military escalation in the Middle East.

The resolution seeks to require congressional authorisation for continued military strikes involving Iran, reinforcing lawmakers’ constitutional role in decisions related to war. Supporters argued that any prolonged military engagement must receive legislative approval rather than relying solely on executive authority.

In a notable break from party lines, Republican senators including Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy joined Democrats in supporting the motion, while John Fetterman emerged as the lone Democrat to vote against it.

The legislative push comes amid an intensifying debate over the legality and scope of ongoing U.S. military involvement in the Middle East. Although the administration had earlier indicated that hostilities had effectively ended following a ceasefire, lawmakers backing the resolution argue that stronger congressional oversight is necessary to prevent further undeclared military escalation.

While the Senate vote marks an important procedural breakthrough, the resolution must still clear additional legislative stages before it can become binding policy.

Chennai, May 21: JSW Paints today unveiled its new campaign for JSW Halo, its luxury paint portfolio powered by Advanced Defense™ technology. The launch signals the brand’s evolving vision for modern homes — from paints that not only beautify homes but also actively protect them, enabling consumers to live more freely and confidently. Today’s homes are more dynamic than ever — spaces that constantly adapt to work, family, celebrations and self-expression. Consumers today seek solutions that not only elevate aesthetics but also protect their homes from germs, stains, dirt and everyday wear. Built on this insight, JSW Paints introduces its new protection-led platform, “Suraksha ke Sang Jiyo Apne Rang,” reimagining paint as an invisible enabler that empowers people to live freely within their homes.

At the heart of the platform is JSW Halo with Advanced Defense™ technology, combining luxury aesthetics with protection against 40 different types of germs to help create healthier, more beautiful living spaces. By seamlessly blending beautification with protection, JSW Halo redefines the role of paint for the modern Indian home. The campaign film captures this philosophy through intimate, playful and beautifully imperfect moments of everyday life. 

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Rohit Talwar, CMO, JSW Decorative Paints, said:

“People want to live freely in their homes without constantly worrying about maintaining them. JSW Halo with Advanced Defense™ transforms paint from being a passive backdrop into an active enabler of everyday living. This campaign reframes protection as a source of confidence – empowering more expressive, carefree and uninhibited living.”

Russell Barrett Chief Creative Experience Officer – TBWA Lintas said ,

 “Most paint brands talk about walls. We chose to talk about the people between them. That’s the disruption. When you feel truly safe, you let your guard down. While life gets messy, playful and gloriously imperfect, JSW Paints keeps its guard up. Protecting homes from germs, fading, scuffs and everyday chaos.”

 With this launch, JSW Paints is redefining what paint means in consumers’ lives, moving beyond aesthetics to create solutions that beautify, protect and enable people to live life to the fullest. Through JSW Halo and its wider protection-led portfolio, the brand is shaping a more progressive and future-ready narrative for the category. Timed with the Indian Premier League season, the integrated campaign will be amplified across television, digital and social platforms to drive strong consumer visibility and engagement.

May 21 (BNP): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Wednesday flagged off a fleet of 40 new Bolero ambulances and utility vehicles for the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services at the Secretariat in Chennai, marking a significant step toward strengthening public healthcare delivery in the state. Procured at a cost of ₹2.90 crore, the vehicles are aimed at improving healthcare accessibility and emergency medical response in rural and underserved regions.

The initiative is designed to modernise healthcare mobility infrastructure, enabling medical teams to reach remote villages more efficiently while enhancing the delivery of essential public health services. Officials said the deployment of the vehicles would help strengthen grassroots healthcare outreach and improve response time during emergencies.

During the launch event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay formally handed over keys to designated drivers in the presence of senior officials and health department personnel. Adding a personal touch to the programme, the Chief Minister later stepped into the driver’s seat and test-drove one of the newly launched vehicles within the Secretariat premises, a moment that quickly drew public attention.

The move reflects the government’s continued commitment to reinforcing rural healthcare systems and ensuring improved medical connectivity for communities across Tamil Nadu.

Delhi / Hyderabad, 20 May 2026: 

For many, climbing Mount Everest is the ultimate adventure. For Indian mountaineer Tulasi Reddy Palpunoori, it became a journey of resilience, discipline, transformation, and perseverance that inspired people.

Tulasi Reddy Palpunoori from Bowrampet Village, Quthbullapur Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana, has successfully summited Mount Everest after years of discipline, endurance training, and relentless preparation.

What makes Tulasi’s story inspiring is how ordinary it began. Once a foodie who simply wanted to get fit, he gradually transformed gym workouts and healthier living into a passion for endurance sports and mountaineering. Over time, he completed multiple local runs, the demanding Ironman challenge, and several high-altitude expeditions across the world.

Along the way, Tulasi climbed several challenging mountains across the world, including:
* Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) — Highest peak in Europe
* Aconcagua (6,961 m) — Highest peak in South America
* Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) — Highest peak in Africa
* Kang Yatse I (6,400 m)
* Kang Yatse II (6,250 m)
* Dzo Jongo (around 6,240 m)
* High-altitude expeditions in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
* Lobuche East (6,119 m)

“Everest was the result of years of discipline, sacrifice, and consistent preparation. This achievement belongs to everyone who supported me throughout the journey,” Tulasi said. He credited his family, Sherpa team, friends, and expedition guides Bharath Thammineni and Romil Barthwal from Boots and Crampons for supporting him throughout the journey.

“Today is one of the proudest moments for our family. Years of sacrifice, courage, and determination have finally led Tulasi to stand on top of the world,” the family shared.

Odisha, May 20 (BNP): Odisha is witnessing a steady rise in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting growing consumer interest in cleaner and more sustainable mobility options. However, the increasing shift towards electric transportation is also exposing critical gaps in the State’s charging infrastructure network, raising concerns over accessibility, convenience, and long-term preparedness.

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With increasing fuel costs, policy support, and greater environmental awareness, more consumers are opting for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles across urban and semi-urban areas. Industry stakeholders note that government incentives and evolving technology have further accelerated the transition toward EV mobility.

Despite the positive momentum, experts and users have pointed to inadequate charging facilities, uneven distribution of charging stations, and limited public access points as major challenges affecting wider adoption. Many EV users continue to rely heavily on home charging, while long-distance travel remains constrained due to limited charging availability on highways and in smaller towns.

Transport and energy sector observers believe that rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, including public fast-charging stations, battery-swapping facilities, and private-sector investment, will be essential to sustain the State’s EV growth trajectory.

Officials and industry representatives have emphasized the need for coordinated planning, stronger public-private partnerships, and targeted investments to create a reliable and accessible charging ecosystem capable of supporting Odisha’s evolving electric mobility landscape.

Bhubaneswar, May 20 (BNP): In an innovative step to protect urban bird populations from extreme summer temperatures, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has launched a pilot initiative by installing more than 150 artificial bird nests across trees in Old Bhubaneswar, particularly around the historic Lingaraj Temple area.

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Designed to provide cool and secure shelter during scorching summer conditions, the nests aim to support sparrows and other small bird species struggling with rising temperatures and shrinking natural habitats in urban spaces. Water containers have also been placed alongside the nests to ensure birds have access to drinking water during peak heat hours.

Officials said the initiative seeks to create a bird-friendly urban environment by replicating natural habitats within the city landscape. In addition to artificial shelters, several trees have been fitted with traditional woven nesting structures to offer birds safer and more comfortable resting spaces.

The nests have reportedly been produced using recycled materials, including leftover bamboo processed at a dedicated production centre, reflecting BMC’s focus on sustainability and environmentally responsible urban management. Authorities said the effort combines wildlife welfare with reuse of local resources to create a practical model for urban biodiversity conservation.

According to civic officials, each identified tree has been equipped with multiple nests and water facilities, with arrangements made to ensure easy and safe access for birds. The project, currently focused on the Lingaraj Temple surroundings, may be expanded to other parts of the city depending on its success.

The initiative has also drawn appreciation from residents, many of whom welcomed the civic body’s efforts to safeguard birds while improving the city’s green and aesthetic appeal. Officials said the campaign is part of a broader vision to make Bhubaneswar more environmentally sustainable and wildlife-friendly.

Bengaluru, May 20:  Ecoscapes Landscaping has announced its association with the upcoming Taj Hampi project, a luxury hospitality destination spread across approximately 11 acres in Hampi, Karnataka. The project’s landscape vision is inspired by the geography, ecology, and cultural heritage of the Vijayanagara Kingdom, with nearly 2.5 acres dedicated to immersive and sustainability-led landscape design.

The project is being developed under the Taj brand by Indian Hotels Company Limited, with acclaimed architect Shimul Javeri Kadri of SJK Architects leading the architectural vision and Prasad Deshpande of Dhruv Desh Ventures representing the promoter side. International landscape architect John Pettigrew is also actively associated with Ecoscapes Landscaping, bringing global hospitality landscape expertise from projects across the world.

Inspired by Hampi’s historic landscapes and water systems, the project incorporates a central Kalyani/Kund-inspired water feature, floating stepping stones, native vegetation, natural granite finishes, and reused site boulders. The landscape strategy focuses on native and climate-responsive species such as Neem, Kadamba, Agaves, cactus varieties, and fountain grasses to create a sustainable and low-maintenance environment.

With sustainability at its core, the project integrates water-efficient irrigation systems, local craftsmanship, and ecologically sensitive planning to create a hospitality experience deeply rooted in the cultural and natural identity of Hampi.

Commenting on the project, Suraj Nayak, Founder & MD, Ecoscapes Landscaping, said:

“Landscaping today goes far beyond aesthetics, it is about creating environments that are contextual, sustainable, and emotionally connected to the land. At Taj Hampi, our vision was to create a landscape experience that feels deeply rooted in the region’s ecology and cultural history while delivering a contemporary luxury hospitality experience. Every design decision, from the water systems and native planting palette to the reuse of natural boulders, has been guided by the intent to preserve the site’s natural identity and create a timeless sense of place.”

John Pettigrew, Principal Landscape Architect, Ecoscape Landscaping, added:

“Hampi possesses a uniquely powerful landscape character shaped by its terrain, stone formations, and historical water systems. Our approach was to work with the site as naturally as possible by integrating local materials, native planting, and layered outdoor experiences that feel authentic to the region. The objective was not just to create a visually striking landscape, but to craft an immersive environment that reflects the spirit and ecological sensitivity of the place.” 

Shimul Javeri Kadri, Principal Architect, SJK Architects, Mumbai, said:

“The architectural and landscape language of Taj Hampi has been envisioned as an extension of the site’s natural and historical context. The collaboration with Ecoscapes has helped shape outdoor spaces that are sensitive to Hampi’s terrain, materiality, and cultural memory while creating a seamless hospitality experience integrated with nature.”

Prasad Deshpande, Owner, Dhruv Desh Ventures, added:

 “Taj Hampi has been conceptualised as a destination that celebrates the richness of Hampi’s heritage while offering a world-class luxury experience. The landscape plays a critical role in shaping that identity, and the focus on sustainability, native ecology, and local craftsmanship aligns strongly with our long-term vision for the project.”

With hospitality increasingly embracing sustainability-led and experience-driven design, the Taj Hampi project reflects the growing importance of landscape architecture in creating immersive destinations that balance luxury, ecology, and cultural authenticity.

SAN FRANCISCO (May 20)—Last year, 21 gray whales were found dead in and around San Francisco Bay and 40% of those deaths were due to collisions with ships. Whale season typically peaks in May in the area and already seven whales have died thus far. Today, a local coalition has unveiled a near real-time, thermal camera monitoring system that detects whales’ heat signatures and “blows” (exhaled breath) in the busy waterway and then alerts nearby mariners to re-route or reduce their speed to avoid hitting them.

Currently amid a 12,000-mile migration from their Alaskan feeding ground to their Mexican mating and birthing lagoons and back, gray whales are taking an unexpected detour into the heavily-trafficked Bay, presently a new challenge for the Bay Area mariner community to address. Scientists believe the whales are impacted by the changing climate: their food sources in the Arctic aren’t sustaining them for their journey, requiring them to make unusual stops in the Bay and elsewhere to search for food.

“It is heartbreaking to see these starving whales stumbling around in the middle of the hustle and bustle of San Francisco Bay. Every day is a nailbiter. But what gives me hope is seeing how all the right partners in the Bay Area community have come together to do something. This new system will save whales’ lives. We are all proud of this.”

— Professor Douglas McCauley, Director, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, UC Santa Barbara

Designed by researchers at the Benioff Ocean Science Lab, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service, whale experts at The Marine Mammal Center, the system employs Flir thermal cameras coupled with AI-powered detection technology developed by WhaleSpotter that identifies marine mammals, 24/7, detecting the heat signature of a warm-blooded whale blow at a range of up to 4 nautical miles (7 km). Each detection is instantly reviewed by one of WhaleSpotter’s credentialed marine mammal specialists before any alert goes out. Once they are spotted, UCSB scientists map out the whale detections on the Whale Safe website and share them with Bay mariners and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service, which then can radio vessels when there are whales in the area under imminent threat.

The effort comes amid a troubling new pattern in gray whale population decline: Half of all Eastern North Pacific gray whales have died in the past 10 years. Researchers point to changes in their Arctic feeding grounds as the trigger for this crisis. As Arctic sea ice declines precipitously, the food chain upon which the whales depend is under threat. Less ice means less food.

As a result, many hungry gray whales are making a detour on their migration route into the San Francisco Bay, apparently to rest and search for food. This puts them at great risk as they must navigate around the many cargo ships, tankers, ferries, speed boats, fishing boats, and tour boats that transit the Bay every day. Many emaciated and exhausted whales have become victims of ship-strikes.

“We’re relieved to have these cameras going live during this critical moment in the gray whale season. Last year was one of the deadliest on record for gray whales in the Bay, with 21 dead, and seven more have already died this year. The whale and mariner communities have been racing to get ahead of this, building new tools and partnerships we didn’t have a year ago.”

— Rachel Rhodes, Scientist leading the project, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory

The first node in the whale detection network was installed in collaboration with the Coast Guard on a USCG communication station on Angel Island. The system points across the Bay towards Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge and covers a hotspot of overlap between gray whales and vessels. The second detection system will be installed on MV Lyra, a passenger ferry operated by San Francisco Bay Ferry on a daily route connecting Vallejo to Downtown San Francisco. SF Bay Ferry, a public ferry agency that carries 3 million passengers per year, will host the first such vessel-based whale detection system in the Bay. Discussions are underway to expand the network to eventually create capacity to detect and track all whales present in all parts of the Bay. Next strategically important expansion locations based on the whale data include sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz.

“SF Bay Ferry has worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Marine Mammal Center, the Harbor Safety Committee, our contract operator Blue & Gold Fleet and our sister agency Golden Gate Ferry to develop and elevate whale protection protocols and avoid strikes in the San Francisco Bay. This work includes ongoing monitoring, enhanced communication and education among mariners, and operating mitigations such as route adjustments and speed reductions in the presence of whales. Testing the thermal monitoring system designed and provided by the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory is the next evolution of our work, and we’re thrilled to soon have one of the Bay’s two monitoring cameras on our ferry. We remain committed to bringing together fellow vessel operators to protect whales with the best available technology and protocols.”

— Seamus Murphy, Executive Director, SF Bay Ferry

The thermal camera expansion is one piece of a broader collaboration coordinated through the San Francisco Harbor Safety Committee’s Marine Mammal Subcommittee that brings together a dozen organizations, including ferry operators, Vessel Traffic Service, marine mammal specialists, and research institutions to protect gray whales while keeping vessel traffic moving safely through the Bay.

“You can open an app on your phone and instantaneously see the exact location of every Muni bus in San Francisco. We aim to soon be able to do the same thing for whales in the Bay. This would be a game changer for whale safety.”

— Professor Douglas McCauley, Director, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory 

“For too long, mariners have been asked to protect whales they simply couldn’t see. We’re changing that. This deployment means ships in San Francisco Bay now have eyes on the water, day and night, miles ahead. The whales have been here for thousands of years. We intend to keep it that way.”

— Shawn Henry, CEO, WhaleSpotter

“I’m excited to see WhaleSpotter deployed in San Francisco Bay. This kind of real-time whale monitoring is a major step forward for reducing vessel strike risk and protecting gray whales navigating one of the nation’s busiest waterways. Having 24/7 visibility into when whales are present will strengthen awareness and communication across the maritime sector and support action to help keep both whales and vessels safe.”

— Kathi George, Director of Cetacean Conservation Biology, The Marine Mammal Center

Jaipur, May 20 (BNP): Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting to guide Rajasthan Royals to a remarkable seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in a high-scoring Indian Premier League encounter, keeping Rajasthan firmly in contention for a playoff berth.

Chasing a daunting target of 221 runs, Rajasthan Royals rode on Suryavanshi’s explosive 93 off just 38 deliveries, an innings studded with 10 towering sixes and seven boundaries. Displaying fearless intent and maturity beyond his years, the young batter dismantled the Lucknow bowling attack and laid the foundation for one of Rajasthan’s most crucial wins of the season.

Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants had posted a formidable 220/5 in 20 overs, powered by a blistering 96 from Mitchell Marsh, who narrowly missed a century, while Josh Inglis added quickfire momentum with a 29-ball 60.

In reply, Suryavanshi forged a strong opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who contributed a fluent 43 off 23 balls. The chase was later steadied and completed by Dhruv Jurel, who remained unbeaten on 53 off 38 deliveries, ensuring Rajasthan crossed the finish line comfortably in just 19.1 overs.

The victory lifted Rajasthan Royals to 14 points and significantly boosted their playoff aspirations ahead of a crucial final league clash against the Mumbai Indians. A win in the upcoming fixture would secure Rajasthan a place in the playoffs, intensifying excitement among fans as the IPL season nears its climax.

May 20 (BNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Tuesday announced Team India’s squads for the upcoming Test and One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan, with the return of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the ODI format emerging as a major highlight.

The squad announcement signals the comeback of two of India’s most experienced campaigners, strengthening the batting line-up ahead of the bilateral contest. Their return is expected to boost both stability and experience in the ODI unit as India prepares for a busy international calendar.

In another significant development, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was excluded from both the Test and ODI squads, raising questions over team strategy, fitness considerations, or workload management. The selectors, however, have not officially elaborated on the reason behind his omission.

The selection panel also made notable changes in the wicketkeeping department, with KL Rahul replacing Rishabh Pant in the squad, adding another talking point ahead of the series.

The India-Afghanistan series is expected to provide crucial match exposure and help the team refine combinations across formats, while fans eagerly await the return of Rohit and Kohli in India colours.