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Noida , May 26 : The community radio station “Salaam Namaste” of IMS Noida, located in Sector-62, has been awarded the prestigious “Best Community Radio” honor. The award was presented during the Brands Council Ratings Conclave and Awards 2026 held at Constitution Club of India on Saturday. The recognition was given for the station’s outstanding contribution in the fields of health and education, and its impactful role in community development and public awareness.

Speaking on the occasion, Station Head Ms. Barsha Chhabaria said that the award was received for the successful execution of social awareness programs such as “Sehat Sahi, Laabh Kai” and “Career Express.” She added that Salaam Namaste continuously broadcasts programs focused on health, education, career guidance, and public welfare, reaching youth, women, and rural communities with valuable information, thereby promoting awareness and positive social change.

On this achievement, President of IMS Noida, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta, stated that this recognition reflects the institution’s strong commitment to social responsibility and public service. He emphasized that through community radio, important issues related to health, education, career, and social awareness are being effectively communicated to society. He further said that this achievement is the result of the dedication and hard work of the entire team and expressed confidence that Salaam Namaste will continue to empower society through meaningful programming.

Vice President of IMS Noida, Mr. Chirag Gupta, added that the honour is a result of the team’s dedication, social commitment, and the trust of its listeners. He assured that the station will continue to broadcast socially relevant programs and contribute towards enhancing public awareness in the future as well. The management, faculty, staff, and students of IMS Noida congratulated the radio team on this achievement and expressed pride in the station’s continued success.

The second round of the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship delivered drama, surprises and intense competition throughout the weekend. Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis secured second overall with a mature and controlled performance, while Brynildsen collected crucial points for the Teams Championship. Strong praise also goes to Simone Tempestini, an excellent fifth overall after a highly consistent rally.

Karlstad (SWE), May 26 – Team MRF Tyres leaves the BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia, round two of the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship, with great satisfaction after securing second overall at the end of 16 special stages thanks to Mārtiņš Sesks and Renārs Francis aboard the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 run by SRT.
 
The Latvian driver, once again confirmed his talent, class and remarkable race management abilities, making the most of the competitiveness of the MRF Tyres gravel package, which played a substantial role in achieving this result on the fast and technical Scandinavian stages. Sesks managed the different phases of the rally like a hungry cat, taking some risks along the way but then delivering a superb second leg. Starting the day from fifth overall, he steadily climbed the order with effective stage times and a mistake-free approach that eventually allowed him to finish second, 15.7 behind the winners and missing to score the fastest time in the Power Stage for 0.4 seconds. A result that moves him up to third in the drivers’ standings, effectively second considering the top two drivers are tied on points. 
 
“MRF Tyres brought me back to this championship. It was not easy, but returning here, where everything started for us, was really special and it was fantastic to drive on these roads again. I’m happy with the result and hopefully see you again soon,” said Sesks.
 
Completing the result for Team MRF Tyres was Norwegian driver Eyvind Brynildsen, joined on this occasion by Swedish co-driver Anders Fredriksson aboard the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 also run by SRT. The winner of the 2025 Royal Rally once again showed speed, potential and strong confidence with the technical package, but compromised his chances with a mistake during Friday’s Qualifying Stage, which forced him to start near the front throughout Saturday’s leg. That handicap prevented him from fighting on equal terms with the main contenders. Despite the time lost while sweeping the roads, Brynildsen pushed hard throughout Sunday, recovering positions up to an extremely positive sixth overall, a result that allowed him to score crucial points for the Teams Championship, where Team MRF Tyres now leads by 61 points with a significant margin over its rivals.
 
“Thank you. It was a tough and crazy rally. It’s unbelievable how a small mistake in the Qualifying Stage can compromise everything else. From 18th to 6th is not bad at all. Thanks to MRF Tyres, and everyone who supported me and all the people who did a brilliant job throughout the weekend. It’s a pity because we could have fought for the podium, but I really enjoyed it and it was a fantastic opportunity” said Brynildsen.
 
The FIA European Rally Championship will continue in the first week of July with another asphalt event, the Italian round at Rally di Roma Capitale.
 
FIA European Rally Championship – Teams standings after round 2
1. Team MRF Tyres pt. 61; 2. Recalvi Team pt. 49; 3. JC Raceteknik pt. 32; 4. Rautio Motorsport pt. 28; 5. Motorsport Ireland Academy pt. 2

Jammu, May 26: Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited  India’s second-oldest Mutual Fund, has launched the ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ in Jammu to create awareness about mutual fund investment and educate investors across the state.

The initiative aims to simplify the mutual fund investing and encourage financial literacy across the state. The bus has begun its journey in Jammu, followed by Rajouri, Poonch, Uddhampur and Kathua, reaching key locations, engaging residents across the city. 

“In today’s evolving financial landscape, knowledge is as powerful as understanding. An informed investor not only makes better decisions for themselves but also contribute to a stronger financial ecosystem. We are committed to making investment knowledge simple, accessible and actionable,” said Rajnish Narula, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Canara Robeco AMC. “The Nivesh Bus Yatra aims to bring financial education directly to communities. Having already reached states like Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Assam, Maharashtra, Goa and Himanchal Pradesh, we are now taking it to Jammu to engage with residents in across multiple cities, simplify investing concepts, dispel common myths, and promote long-term financial planning.” 

The Nivesh Bus Yatra will interact with residents at the prominent community locations, providing easy-to-understand insights about investments. Through interactive demonstrations and digital tools, the initiative aims to simplify investment concepts and explain the benefits of  long-term financial planning.

“We are committed to empowering investors by making financial knowledge practical and accessible. This Nivesh Bus Yatra is an extension of our commitment to the ground, engaging communities directly and meeting investors in their own environments,” said Gaurav Goyal, Head – Sales & Marketing, Canara Robeco AMC. “By engaging directly, we aim to provide practical guidance, address common misconceptions, and encourage a long-term investment mindset among investors.”

Through this initiative, Canara Robeco AMC aims to further strengthen investor awareness and expand financial inclusion efforts in emerging and underserved markets.

In India’s growing collector culture, LEGO sets have quietly earned a place on shelves, not as children’s toys left behind, but as display pieces that say something about who their owners are. The Adult Fans of LEGO, known widely as AFOLs, are a community that spans architects, engineers, designers, and creators who build not for play, but for the craft of it. Until now, this community has largely gone uncelebrated in the mainstream Indian retail and marketing landscape. LEGO Certified Stores India, through myBrickHouse, changed that with LEGO Collector’s Week 2026.

Running from 1st to 15th May 2026, LEGO Collector’s Week was a two-week celebration designed entirely around the collector, their passion, their stories, and the sets that anchored their identity. The campaign marked a deliberate shift in how the brand showed up in India: moving the conversation from play alone to self-expression, fandom, creativity, and community. For collectors who had long treated the LEGO brick as a serious creative medium, it was the first time a campaign had been built entirely in their image.

At the heart of LEGO Collector’s Week was community-first storytelling. The campaign featured AFOL spotlight content that brought real collector journeys to the fore, the sets that started it all, the builds that took months, and the shelves curated like personal galleries. Creator integrations tailored to collector culture amplified these narratives across digital platforms, while fandom-led conversations invited the wider community to share the sets and stories that brought them joy.

The campaign also made the collector experience tangibly rewarding. Across LEGO® Certified Stores during the campaign window, collectors could access up to 40% off on select sets, cashback offers, 2X loyalty points, gifts with purchase, and exclusive launch-period promotions tied to hype sets and new releases. The blend of cultural programming and consumer-first retail positioned LEGO Collector’s Week as both a community milestone and a moment worth showing up for in store.

“The adult builder community in India has been growing steadily, and LEGO Collector’s Week was our way of recognising and celebrating them. These are fans who build with intention, display with pride, and connect with others who share the same passion. This campaign was built around their world, their stories, their sets, and their community.” said Sandhya Gurung, Head of Brand Communication at LEGO Certified Stores India / myBrickHouse.

On digital, the campaign was engineered for social-first reach. Platform-native content, creator collaborations, and community-generated stories formed the backbone of LEGO Collector’s Week’s online presence. The strategy leaned into the visual language of collector culture  pristine shelf arrangements, mint-in-box sets, and the quiet pride of a display worth photographing. Exclusive launches and hype set reveals woven into the campaign period added a layer of urgency and cultural relevance, making the fortnight feel like an unmissable moment for India’s AFOL community.

“What made LEGO Collector’s Week meaningful is that it celebrated something LEGO® has always thrived on, which is its community. Across India, collectors are  building more than sets  they are  building connections through creativity, nostalgia, and a shared passion for LEGO®. This campaign gave that growing community a moment of its own, with new launches, and new reasons to keep building together.” added Shourya Ray Chaudhuri, Vice President – Creative & Business at Schbang.

By dedicating two weeks entirely to India’s collector community, LEGO Certified Stores signalled something larger: that the LEGO® brick had outgrown its toy aisle associations and earned its place in the broader conversation around design, fandom, and self-expression. LEGO Collector’s Week 2026 was not just a retail event. It was an invitation to a community that had always existed, and was finally celebrated on its own terms.

New Delhi, May 26 (BNP): In a high-stakes showdown, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026 at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday, with a direct spot in the final up for grabs.

Both teams finished the league stage level on points and were separated only by net run rate, setting the stage for a blockbuster encounter between two of the tournament’s most consistent sides. The winner of the contest will seal a place in the IPL 2026 final, while the losing side will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2.

The clash marks the first-ever playoff meeting between Bengaluru and Gujarat, despite both franchises making the playoffs four times in the last five seasons. Their rivalry has remained finely balanced, with both teams sharing four wins each in eight previous meetings.

RCB head into the contest with a formidable batting line-up led by experienced campaigners and explosive finishers, giving them depth and flexibility in pressure situations. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, will bank heavily on their in-form top order, with captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler expected to shoulder the responsibility.

One of the key battles to watch could be between RCB pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Gujarat’s top-order batters. The veteran pacer has enjoyed notable success against Gill and Buttler in the T20 format, making the opening exchanges potentially decisive.

RCB will also rely on the experience of Virat Kohli in pressure matches, while skipper Rajat Patidar could play a crucial role in the middle order. Gujarat’s hopes may rest on the bowling brilliance of Rashid Khan and pace ace Kagiso Rabada, especially if the Dharamsala surface assists seam and bounce.

The HPCA Stadium pitch is expected to provide movement and carry for fast bowlers early in the innings, though batters are likely to enjoy stroke play once settled. Chasing teams have traditionally found success at the venue during evening matches.

Weather conditions in Dharamsala are expected to remain pleasant, with only a slight chance of rain earlier in the evening. Officials expect conditions to clear well before the toss, allowing for an uninterrupted contest.

The toss for the much-anticipated Qualifier 1 will take place at 7 PM IST, while the match begins at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can catch the action live on the Star Sports Network, with streaming available on JioHotstar.

With power hitters, proven match-winners and a place in the final at stake, cricket fans can expect towering sixes, game-changing wickets and intense playoff drama in what promises to be one of the biggest clashes of IPL 2026.

New Delhi, May 26 (BNP): Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices were increased by ₹2 per kilogram in the national capital on Tuesday, marking yet another rise in fuel costs amid continued volatility in global energy markets and mounting pressure on domestic fuel companies.

 Representational image

With the latest revision by authorities, the price of CNG in Delhi has increased to ₹83.09 per kg from ₹81.09 per kg. The hike comes as part of a series of fuel price revisions witnessed over the past two weeks, during which CNG rates have gone up multiple times.

The revised rates have also impacted neighbouring cities in the National Capital Region (NCR). Consumers in Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida will now pay ₹91.70 per kg, while the price in Gurugram has risen to ₹88.12 per kg. In other cities, CNG prices climbed to ₹92.44 per kg in Ajmer and ₹95 per kg in Chennai.

The latest increase follows a ₹1 per kg hike announced just days ago, making it the fourth upward revision in a short span. Alongside CNG, petrol and diesel prices have also seen repeated increases recently, adding to concerns over rising transportation and household expenses.

Industry experts attribute the continued fuel price surge to elevated global crude oil prices and supply uncertainties linked to tensions in West Asia. Concerns over disruptions around key oil transit routes have intensified market volatility, increasing import costs for countries heavily dependent on energy imports, including India.

The repeated hikes are expected to impact commuters, transport operators and businesses relying on fuel, potentially leading to higher transportation and logistics costs across sectors.

Celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid al-adha rwith specially curated culinary experiences at ITC Maurya, where festive traditions are complemented by exceptional dining and signature hospitality. From lavish buffet spreads to regional delicacies and specially curated festive offerings, the celebrations are crafted to bring loved ones together over memorable meals and authentic flavours. 

Eid Nocturine at The Pavilion

Celebrate Eid with an elaborate festive spread at The Pavilion, where seasonal specialities and traditional favourites come together in a contemporary dining setting. Crafted by the hotel’s culinary experts, the experience presents a flavourful selection of festive dishes perfect for intimate family gatherings and celebratory get together. 

Dinner Buffet
Date –27th May 2026
Timing – 7:00 PM – 23:45 PM

Eid Gourmet Selections by Ruhaniyat Gourmet Couch

Bringing the festive spirit home, Ruhaniyat Gourmet Couch by ITC presents an exclusive Eid offering featuring authentic festive preparations and signature delicacies. Designed for home celebrations, the specially curated menu allows guests to enjoy the essence of Eid in the comfort of their homes while relishing recipes inspired by rich culinary legacies. 

Date – 27th May 2026
Timing – 11:00 AM – 23:00 PM

Awadhi Experience at Dum Pukht

Celebrated for preserving the grandeur of Awadhi cuisine, Dum Pukht offers an immersive dining experience inspired by royal culinary traditions. Prepared using the signature ‘dum’ style of cooking, the menu showcases delicately spiced dishes and rich flavours that perfectly complement the festive spirit of Eid. 

Signature Frontier Cuisine at Bukhara

Known for its legendary North-West Frontier cuisine, Bukhara continues to serve its iconic selection of kebabs, rustic breads and slow-cooked delicacies. With bold flavours and traditional cooking methods at its core, the restaurant creates the perfect setting for festive dining and shared celebrations. 

This Eid, ITC Maurya invites guests to come together over thoughtfully curated culinary experiences inspired by heritage, craftsmanship and festive warmth .

India ,May 26: Illinois Institute of Technology , one of the United States’  technology-focused research universities, has announced the appointment of Shyamal Gupta as the Chief Operating Officer for its Mumbai operations, strengthening its leadership team as it expands its presence in India, ahead of its India launch.

In his role as COO, Shyamal will be responsible for overseeing operations, driving institutional growth, and ensuring the successful execution of Illinois Tech’s India strategy. A key focus area will be bridging global academic excellence with India’s evolving educational and industry requirements. His expertise in financial management, operational excellence, and data-driven decision-making is expected to play a key role in strengthening the university’s positioning in India’s evolving higher-education landscape.

Shyamal brings leadership experience across leading institutions, including Ernst & Young, The World Bank, and SRMS Trust, where he led institutional builds in education and health care.

Commenting on his appointment, Shyamal said,

“India’s higher education sector is at the cusp of a phenomenal change. Demand for globally accredited industry-integrated programs is the need of the hour. Illinois Tech’s model of applied science and engineering education is built on industry integration, which aligns with what students in India are looking for. The focus will be on building a university with genuine local relevance. I look forward to working with the team to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact.”

Shyamal is also known for his ability to navigate complex organizational environments, lead cross-functional teams, and engage diverse stakeholders to deliver long-term value. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, adaptability, and data-driven decision-making, with a strong focus on driving meaningful outcomes.

This appointment comes at a time when international universities are increasingly strengthening their presence in India, driven by rising demand for globally relevant education and industry-aligned programs. Building on a decades-long presence in the country, Illinois Tech is the first American university authorized to establish a degree-granting campus in India – positioning Illinois Tech Mumbai at the forefront of a major shift. As the sector evolves, leadership that can bridge global frameworks with local realities will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of higher education in the country.

Puri, May 26 (BNP): The holy city of Puri is set to host the second technical meeting of BRICS member nations and partner countries from June 3, bringing together delegates, experts, and policymakers for discussions on strengthening global cooperation in disaster management.

According to official information, the high-level meeting will witness participation from representatives of several countries associated with the BRICS grouping, including Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and China.

The conference is expected to serve as a key platform for deliberations on disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, and management, with a focus on enhancing international cooperation and sharing best practices to effectively address natural and man-made disasters.

Experts and policymakers attending the event are likely to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative solutions aimed at improving disaster resilience amid rising climate-related risks and increasing disaster challenges across the globe.

The meeting assumes significance at a time when coordinated international efforts are becoming increasingly crucial to tackle emergencies and climate-induced disasters. Odisha’s hosting of the event is also expected to draw global attention to the state’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, an area in which it has earned recognition over the years.

Administrative authorities are making necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the international gathering in the pilgrim town.

May 26, 2026, VANCOUVER: A new report from environmental nonprofit Canopy shows that wheat straw has the potential to create high-quality, sustainable viscose and lyocell fibre for the fashion industry — reducing reliance on forest fibres, cutting air pollution, and creating new income opportunities for rural communities.

The report, called From Wheat Straw to Wardrobes: Fashioning a new fibre future, reveals the results of a pilot project that tested whether pulp made from Indian wheat straw could be used to create high-quality viscose and lyocell fibres instead of conventional wood-derived pulp.

The results show that wheat straw pulp can not only directly replace wood-based pulp in viscose and lyocell fibre production, but can also create a range of yarns and fabrics that successfully meet brand performance and technical standards across multiple product applications.

Wood-derived pulp is used to create many Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCFs) including viscose and lyocell. These materials are often positioned as more environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fibres such as polyester, and to cotton, due to being derived from trees. However, analysis shows that more than 300 million trees are cut down annually to create these fibres, including from some of the world’s most climate-critical and biodiversity-rich forests. Leaving these forests standing is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and support the global “30×30” biodiversity target, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and waters by 2030.

The pilot — named Project Latvus — brought together nonprofits Canopy and Fashion for Good, brands C&A, H&M Group, and Reformation, supply chain innovators and manufacturers Chempolis, TITK, Inovafil, Yee Chain, Shahi, Filpucci, and DBL traceability technology provider Textile Genesis and wheat straw supplier A2P (Agri to Power) Energy. The project was supported by Laudes Foundation and built on Spinning Future Threads, an earlier report commissioned by Laudes, which found that agricultural waste could be feasibly sourced as a raw material for textiles. By connecting stakeholders across the supply chain, Project Latvus aimed to integrate every stage of production — from farm to garment — to help identify and solve challenges that often slow the scale-up of new materials.

Representatives from brand Reformation and TITK noted that the fibre closely matched the look and feel of conventional lyocell while meeting performance expectations for commercial applications. Other supply chain partners also reported confidence in the fibre’s potential to scale.

Canopy, who led the project and authored the report, noted that alternative feedstocks play a critical role in diversifying the fashion industry’s fibre basket, reducing reliance on forests, and strengthening supply chain resilience. They also highlight the wider environmental and social benefits of scaling these materials, including reducing air pollution from crop burning and creating new income opportunities for rural farming communities.

In particular, the report highlights India’s potential to become a leader in the production of next-generation MMCFs, due to the country’s large supply of agricultural residue alongside circular textile to textile production systems. Estimates suggest that more than 90 million tonnes of crop residue are burned annually in India, representing a significant untapped resource that could instead be used to create low-impact fibre for textiles and other uses. Scaling this opportunity could help create new income streams for farming communities, strengthen local manufacturing capacity and support the growth of a more circular textile industry. Crop burning is also estimated to contribute to seasonal air pollution in Northern India, where levels of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5 — tiny air pollution particles that can harm human health — have in recent years measured above WHO safety guidelines. 

Canopy is calling on fashion brands to support the scale-up of MMCFs that don’t rely on wood pulp, noting in the report that pooled demand will help these materials achieve price parity and scale quickly.

“Project Latvus shows that the future of fibre is already here. While continued scale-up is needed to optimize efficiency and close the price difference, the direction is clear — Next Gen MMCFs are ready for the next stage of commercial adoption,” said Nicole Rycroft, Founder and Executive Director of Canopy. “By diversifying feedstocks beyond forests, we have a real opportunity to build a more resilient, circular, and low-impact textile industry.”

Read the full report.