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Chennai, May 8 (BNP): Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has intensified efforts to build a broader political alliance in Tamil Nadu, with focus reportedly shifting towards parties such as the CPI(M), CPI, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) ahead of the upcoming elections.

Political observers believe TVK is exploring possibilities of forging a strong coalition aimed at expanding its influence across the State and strengthening its electoral prospects. Sources indicate that discussions and informal engagements are underway with Left parties and VCK as TVK seeks to position itself as a major alternative force in Tamil Nadu politics.

The move comes amid increasing political activity in the State, with parties recalibrating their strategies and alliances in preparation for future electoral battles. Analysts say an alliance involving TVK and parties such as CPI(M), CPI, and VCK could potentially attract sections of youth, minority, and socially progressive voters.

Although no official announcement regarding a formal alliance has been made so far, speculation has intensified following recent political developments and statements from leaders associated with various opposition groups.

TVK chief Vijay has repeatedly emphasized issues related to governance, social justice, youth empowerment, and transparency, themes that are also central to the political positioning of Left parties and VCK. Political circles are closely watching how alliance negotiations evolve in the coming months.

Ahmedabad, May 7 (BNP): Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), one of India’s leading renewable energy companies, has announced the incorporation of new step-down subsidiaries as part of its continued expansion in the clean energy sector.

The newly incorporated entities are expected to focus on renewable power generation and related infrastructure development, strengthening the company’s growing presence in India’s green energy landscape. According to company sources, the move aligns with AGEL’s long-term strategy of accelerating renewable energy capacity and supporting India’s transition toward sustainable power.

The subsidiaries have been established to undertake activities related to solar, wind, hybrid renewable projects, and other emerging clean energy solutions. Industry experts believe the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to scaling up operations in line with the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets.

Adani Green Energy has been actively expanding its portfolio across multiple states through large-scale solar parks, wind farms, and integrated renewable energy projects. The company continues to play a key role in India’s clean energy transformation and aims to contribute significantly toward achieving carbon reduction and energy security goals.

The incorporation of step-down arms is also expected to improve operational flexibility, project execution, and investment management for future renewable ventures.

India has been aggressively promoting renewable energy adoption through policy support and infrastructure investments, with a target of increasing non-fossil fuel energy capacity over the coming years. Companies like Adani Green Energy are expected to remain central to the country’s green growth strategy.

The latest development underlines the company’s focus on strengthening its renewable energy ecosystem while expanding its footprint in sustainable infrastructure and clean power generation.

Bengaluru, May 07:  Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, India’s premium birthing network with 45 centres across 15 cities, has unveiled its Mother’s Day 2026 campaign, #ThatMomInstinct, celebrating the deeply intuitive bond between a mother and her child. In an era shaped by expert guidance and shared knowledge, modern mothers are more informed and empowered than ever—yet at the heart of this journey lies a quiet, deeply personal instinct that continues to guide them.

Through this campaign, Cloudnine reinforces its role as a trusted partner across every stage of becoming a mom—from the first consultation to the baby’s earliest milestones. It highlights the subtle yet powerful moments that define this journey—the ability to sense a baby’s needs without words, offer comfort effortlessly, and respond with natural understanding—bringing to life where science meets instinct and care goes beyond clinical expertise. Amplified across digital platforms, the campaign brings together real stories and voices that resonate with mothers across the country.

Speaking about the campaign, Suresh Pandiyan, Chief Operating officer at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals said,

“At Cloudnine, we witness every day that while medical expertise and guidance are critical, there is something incredibly powerful that cannot be taught—the instinct a mother develops. With #ThatMomInstinct, we wanted to celebrate this deeply personal and intuitive bond that defines the journey of a mom. Our role is to support mothers with the best clinical care, while also honouring the confidence and inner knowing that guides them through this journey.”

 

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy approach is increasingly being viewed as a transformative force shaping India’s position in the evolving global order, with political observers and strategic experts describing the journey as a transition “from Vishwaguru to Vishwamitra.”

Over the past decade, India has projected itself as a “Vishwaguru” — a global guide rooted in civilisational values, diplomacy, development cooperation, and cultural influence. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the country has significantly expanded its international footprint through strategic partnerships, economic diplomacy, climate leadership, digital innovation, and humanitarian outreach.

However, analysts now believe India’s global engagement has evolved beyond moral leadership toward a more proactive, pragmatic, and collaborative role — symbolised by the concept of “Vishwamitra,” meaning a trusted friend of the world. The shift reflects India’s growing focus on strategic alliances, regional stability, humanitarian assistance, and balancing geopolitical interests amid rapidly changing global dynamics.

From championing the cause of the Global South and strengthening ties with major powers such as the United States, France, Japan, and Gulf nations, to maintaining diplomatic engagement with Russia and neighbouring countries, India has emerged as an influential and stabilising force in international affairs.

Prime Minister Modi’s flagship foreign policy initiatives including “Neighbourhood First,” “Act East,” and “Voice of Global South,” along with India’s active participation in global platforms such as the G20, Quad, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), have significantly enhanced the country’s influence on global policymaking. India’s successful G20 presidency further strengthened its image as a bridge between developed and developing nations.

India’s humanitarian diplomacy has also earned widespread international recognition. From the Vaccine Maitri initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to evacuation missions in conflict zones, disaster relief operations, and digital public infrastructure support to developing countries, India has increasingly positioned itself as a dependable and responsible global partner.

Strategic experts note that the changing world order — marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, technological competition, and climate challenges — has created new opportunities for India to play a more decisive global role. PM Modi’s foreign policy doctrine has focused on balancing national interests with international cooperation while advocating for a multipolar and inclusive world order.

Political commentators say the transition from “Vishwaguru” to “Vishwamitra” reflects India’s effort to combine soft power with strategic realism — positioning the nation not only as a civilisational leader but also as a trusted ally capable of contributing meaningfully to global peace, security, and sustainable development.

As India continues to strengthen its diplomatic outreach and strategic influence, the Modi government’s foreign policy vision is expected to remain central to the country’s aspiration of emerging as a leading global power in the decades ahead.

Mumbai, May 7 (BNP): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has announced a packed home season for 2026–27, featuring a wide range of international and developmental fixtures across senior and age-group levels.

A key highlight of the schedule is the Indian women’s cricket team hosting Zimbabwe women for a maiden white-ball series in October 2026. The series will include three T20 Internationals in Raipur followed by three One-Day Internationals in Baroda, marking an important addition to India’s women’s international calendar.

The BCCI said the season has been designed to provide extensive competitive exposure across formats, with India set to host “A” teams, U19 squads, and senior women’s sides from multiple countries, including Australia, England, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

As part of the broader schedule, India A men’s team will face Australia A in a multi-format series in Puducherry, while the India U19 men’s team will play Australia U19 in both one-day and multi-day matches across Rajkot and Ahmedabad.

On the women’s development front, Australia A women will tour India for a multi-format series across Mohali and Dharamshala, followed by matches against England A women in Pune and Navi Mumbai. The India U19 women’s team will also feature in a busy calendar, hosting England U19 in a T20 series and Sri Lanka U19 in a white-ball series across Chennai and Puducherry.

Officials said the expanded calendar reflects a strong focus on building depth in Indian cricket, providing consistent international exposure and strengthening the pipeline across senior and junior levels in both men’s and women’s cricket.

Bhubaneswar, May 7 (BNP): A new weather system is likely to develop over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 10, according to multiple global forecast models, including European weather predictions. However, meteorologists say there remains uncertainty regarding its intensity and exact movement.

Initial model indications suggest the system may originate near Sri Lanka and the Tamil Nadu coast. Experts caution that the trajectory and strength of the system will become clearer only after May 11, once the existing trough over central India weakens.

In the meantime, Odisha continues to experience intermittent rainfall and thunderstorm activity under the influence of prevailing atmospheric conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across most districts of Odisha between May 7 and May 13.

For today, the IMD has issued a yellow warning for several districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Nabarangapur. These areas are likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph.

Additionally, isolated thunderstorms with winds of 30–40 kmph are likely during the afternoon and evening hours in districts including Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, and Balangir.

Officials have advised residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to lightning and strong surface winds, as weather conditions remain active over the coming days.

Patna, May 7 (BNP): In a major political development in Bihar, several leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies took oath as ministers during the expansion of the Samrat Choudhary-led cabinet in Patna on Thursday.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the historic Gandhi Maidan, witnessed the induction of several prominent leaders, including Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant Kumar, marking his formal entry into ministerial politics. The development has drawn significant attention in Bihar’s political circles, with many viewing it as the beginning of a new political chapter for the Kumar family.

Among those who took oath were Vijay Kumar Sinha, Shrawon Kumar, Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, Leshi Singh, Ram Kripal Yadav, Nitish Mishra, Ashok Choudhary and several other NDA leaders. Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) administered the oath of office to the newly inducted ministers.

The cabinet expansion comes amid significant political changes in Bihar following Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha and the formation of the new NDA government under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. According to reports, the BJP secured the highest number of ministerial berths, while JD(U) also received substantial representation in the expanded cabinet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several senior NDA leaders attended the ceremony, underlining the political importance of the cabinet reshuffle.

Political observers believe the inclusion of Nishant Kumar reflects the NDA’s strategy to blend experienced leadership with a younger generation ahead of future electoral battles in the state. The newly expanded cabinet is expected to focus on governance, development initiatives and strengthening coordination among alliance partners.

The portfolios of the newly inducted ministers are likely to be announced soon.

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held discussions with Vietnam’s Finance Minister on key issues shaping the global economy, with a focus on emerging geopolitical uncertainties and their impact on growth and trade.

The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving international economic environment, including challenges arising from ongoing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and financial market volatility.

According to official updates, the discussions highlighted the importance of stronger economic cooperation between India and Vietnam at a time when global trade and investment flows are being reshaped by shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Both sides also reviewed opportunities to deepen bilateral financial and economic engagement, particularly in areas that can enhance resilience against external shocks and support stable growth in their respective economies.

The talks come at a time when many emerging economies are closely monitoring global developments, including fluctuating commodity prices, energy market instability, and changing trade alignments.

Officials indicated that the engagement reflects a shared interest in maintaining macroeconomic stability while exploring avenues for greater collaboration in trade, investment, and financial sector cooperation.

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): India on Thursday marked the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the landmark multi-domain military operation launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The mission is now widely remembered as a “dawn of justice” for the victims of one of the most brutal civilian attacks in recent years.

The operation was initiated exactly two weeks after terrorists belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), carried out a horrific massacre in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley on April 22, 2025. In the attack, terrorists reportedly separated civilians based on religion before killing 26 people, including tourists and a Nepali national, in an incident that shocked the nation and drew widespread international condemnation.

In response, India launched Operation Sindoor — a coordinated tri-service offensive involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force — aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation marked one of India’s most decisive counter-terror responses in recent history.

Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes on nine major terror launchpads and training centres, including key headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke. According to official sources, more than 100 terrorists were eliminated during the operation. Authorities described the strikes as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that Pakistani military establishments were deliberately avoided.

Strategic experts have termed Operation Sindoor a major shift in India’s national security doctrine, signaling an end to the era of “strategic restraint” and reinforcing the message that terror attacks would now be treated as acts of war demanding direct and decisive retaliation.
The name “Sindoor” carried deep emotional symbolism, representing the sacred bond of marriage and the nation’s resolve to seek justice for the widows and families devastated by the Pahalgam tragedy.

Marking the anniversary, President Droupadi Murmu described the operation as a “defining testament to India’s courage and commitment against terrorism.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the mission established a “new normal,” demonstrating that India would pursue terror masterminds beyond borders with precision and determination.

The military confrontation eventually concluded with a ceasefire on May 10, 2025, following four days of intense hostilities that included drone warfare, cross-border retaliatory strikes, and attacks on Pakistani radar installations.

Across the country, tributes were paid to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and to the armed forces personnel involved in Operation Sindoor. Commemorative events highlighted the mission’s lasting impact on India’s security strategy and national unity.

One year later, Operation Sindoor continues to symbolize India’s unwavering stand against terrorism and its commitment to justice, sovereignty, and national security.

May 7 (BNP): Rushikulya River has once again turned into a remarkable natural spectacle as thousands of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings emerged from their nests this week and made their first journey towards the sea.

Along the sandy coastline of Ganjam district, the tiny hatchlings could be seen slowly crawling across the beach under the night sky, guided by their natural instincts and the reflection of moonlight on the water. The annual event has drawn attention from wildlife officials, conservationists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Olive Ridley turtles are globally known for their rare mass nesting behaviour, called arribada, a Spanish term meaning “arrival.” During this phenomenon, thousands of female turtles gather on the same stretch of beach within a short period to lay eggs, creating one of nature’s most extraordinary wildlife events.

Although Olive Ridleys are considered the most abundant species of sea turtles in the world, large-scale nesting sites are limited to only a few regions globally. Odisha’s coastline remains one of the most important breeding grounds for the species, particularly the beaches near Rushikulya, which witness nesting activity every year.

Wildlife experts say the successful hatching of thousands of baby turtles reflects the ecological importance of Odisha’s coastal habitat and ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

The hatchlings now face a long and challenging journey in the ocean, where only a small number are expected to survive into adulthood. However, conservationists believe every successful nesting season strengthens the fragile marine ecosystem and offers hope for the continued survival of the species.

Forest officials and volunteers have been monitoring the nesting grounds to ensure minimal disturbance and to protect the hatchlings during their movement towards the sea.