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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.

Mumbai, May 25: Jyoti Aeronext, a joint venture between Jyoti Global Plast and Drone IQ Aeronext LLP, is set to enter the emerging aerial media segment and introduce Aerial Out-of-Home advertising in Maharashtra through a managed Drone Advertising-as-a-Service (DAAS) model.

The venture aims to establish a new media layer within India’s evolving out-of-home (OOH) ecosystem by enabling brands to execute high-visibility, experience-led and digitally amplifiable campaigns through aerial display formats.

As brands increasingly compete for consumer attention in cluttered urban environments, media investments are shifting towards immersive formats that combine visibility, engagement and shareability. AOOH seeks to respond to this shift by introducing an event-led and location-responsive advertising format that extends beyond conventional static outdoor inventory.

Structured as a managed services platform rather than a standalone drone deployment offering, the business will offer end-to-end campaign execution spanning design, aerial display operations, content management, flight planning, permissions support, event execution and campaign reporting.

The platform is expected to support automotive launches, premium real estate showcases, retail activations, public events, entertainment experiences and large-format brand campaigns. The concept material outlines an aerial LED display format designed for event-led activations and end-to-end managed execution.

Unlike conventional outdoor formats, AOOH enables temporary, location-responsive and experience-led campaign execution  offering brands an additional layer of engagement for premium activations and high-attention environments.

Karan Shah, Chief Financial Officer, Jyoti Global Plast, said

 “Outdoor advertising is undergoing a visible shift towards more immersive and outcome-oriented formats. Through this venture, we aim to introduce aerial media as a structured and accessible category for brands while combining technology, managed execution and experiential engagement. We believe AOOH can complement India’s evolving media mix.”

The venture will initially focus on Maharashtra with deployments targeted across premium event environments and high-impact commercial use cases.

India’s advertising ecosystem continues to evolve towards immersive and experience-led formats as brands seek differentiated audience engagement beyond traditional channels. The market opportunity for the venture sits at the intersection of advertising, outdoor media and emerging experiential formats.

India’s advertising market is projected to reach approximately INR 2.02 lakh crore in 2026, reflecting continued investment into new engagement formats and premium media channels. Within this, outdoor and location-based media continue to present opportunities for differentiated visibility, while India’s INR 13,000 crore live events market is increasingly emerging as a high-intent environment for immersive and activation-led brand engagement. The venture’s initial focus sectors represent high-visibility and activation-led categories where premium outdoor engagement formats continue to gain traction.

The operating model has been designed around campaign-specific approvals, deployment protocols and safety-led execution standards and will operate subject to applicable permissions and location-specific requirements.

The venture will initially be launched in Maharashtra. Operating through a managed Drone Advertising-as-a-Service (DAAS) model, the business is expected to deliver end-to-end campaign execution while enabling brands to access aerial media without asset ownership or operational complexity.

Today’s homes demand more from cleaning solutions than ever before. From everyday dust and pet hair to accidental spills and hard-to-reach corners, modern households require appliances that can adapt to multiple cleaning needs quickly and efficiently. As lifestyles become busier and living spaces more dynamic, consumers are increasingly looking for solutions that simplify cleaning without compromising on hygiene or convenience.

This shift has led to the growing popularity of multi-functional vacuum cleaners that combine powerful suction, blower functionality, and even wet-and-dry cleaning capabilities in a single appliance. According to insights shared by Eureka Forbes, 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 vacuum cleaners are designed to make everyday cleaning smarter, faster, and more versatile for Indian homes.

Whether it is cleaning sofa corners, removing dust from curtains, tackling kitchen spills, or maintaining car interiors, multi-purpose cleaning appliances are increasingly becoming a practical necessity. Their ability to switch seamlessly between different cleaning modes helps reduce the need for multiple appliances while also saving storage space and time.

Commenting on evolving consumer cleaning habits, Dr Anil Kumar, Scientist at Eureka Forbes said,

“Consumers today are looking for cleaning solutions that are efficient, versatile, and easy to use in everyday life. Multi-functional vacuum cleaners help simplify cleaning routines by addressing different cleaning needs through one smart appliance, making homes cleaner and maintenance more convenient.”

Experts also note that modern cleaning appliances are no longer viewed as occasional-use products but as essential household companions that support healthier and more hygienic living environments. Features such as wet-and-dry cleaning, advanced filtration systems, blower functions, and handheld convertibility are helping consumers achieve deeper cleaning with greater ease.

For instance, solutions like the Forbes Wet & Dry Ultimo are designed to manage both dry dust and wet spills, while compact options such as the Forbes 2-in-1 NXT Vacuum Cleaner cater to quick everyday cleaning needs across homes and cars.

As consumers continue prioritising hygiene, convenience, and efficiency, smart cleaning solutions from brands like Eureka Forbes are steadily redefining what everyday cleaning looks like – transforming it from a tedious task into a more seamless and “chakachak” experience.

Bhubaneswar, May 25 (BNP): The 17th edition of the KIIT International Chess Festival commenced at the KIIT campus in Bhubaneswar, bringing together thousands of players, officials and chess enthusiasts from across the globe for one of India’s largest international chess tournaments.

Organised by KIIT Deemed to be University in association with International Chess Federation, All India Chess Federation and the Odisha Chess Association, the tournament is being held from May 23 to 30 and features a record prize pool of ₹1.31 crore — the highest offered by any university-hosted chess event in India.

The festival has drawn participation from over 40 countries, with around 4,000 players, officials and accompanying delegates attending the event. The tournament features a strong international field, including 25 Grandmasters, 50 International Masters and more than 85 title holders, reflecting its growing stature in the global chess calendar.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Achyuta Samanta said KIIT has consistently promoted sports alongside academics and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting chess and nurturing young talent. He also acknowledged the support of FIDE, AICF and the Odisha Chess Association in helping the festival evolve into a globally recognised competition.

Tournament Director Sekhar Ranjan Sahoo said nearly 2,800 players are competing in this edition and described the event as one of the richest chess festivals globally. He expressed optimism that participation would continue to grow in future editions.

Organising committee president Ranjan Kumar Mohanty noted that the tournament, which started in 2011 with a prize pool of ₹16 lakh, has grown significantly over the years to become an internationally recognised event.

Vice Chancellor of KIIT-DU Saranjit Singh highlighted the importance of sports infrastructure in producing world-class athletes and said institutions must create a supportive ecosystem for talent development.

The week-long championship is expected to further strengthen Odisha’s position as an emerging destination for international sporting and intellectual events while providing young players with valuable global exposure.

New Delhi, May 25 (BNP): In response to widespread technical glitches and payment-related issues faced by students during the CBSE post-result and re-evaluation process, the Centre has initiated a major overhaul of the payment and digital infrastructure of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Representational image

Following discussions between Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, it has been decided that four public sector banks — State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Indian Bank — will assist CBSE in strengthening its payment gateway system and integrating secure payment mechanisms with its post-examination services portal.

The move comes after students and parents raised concerns over failed transactions, portal instability and delays in accessing re-evaluation services following board examination results. Officials said the upgraded payment framework will introduce stronger digital payment protocols, help resolve transaction glitches and facilitate automatic refunds in cases of excess or failed payments.

In a parallel intervention, the Education Ministry has also directed CBSE to undertake a complete review of its digital systems to ensure a seamless and student-friendly experience. Expert teams comprising professors and technical specialists from Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur will be deployed to assist the board in improving portal stability, server performance, IT infrastructure and authentication systems.

The expert teams are expected to assess the overall robustness of CBSE’s online platform and recommend corrective measures to ensure a glitch-free re-evaluation process, smoother user access and improved payment efficiency.

Reiterating that student welfare remains the top priority, Pradhan directed CBSE to implement corrective measures on an urgent basis to ensure transparency, reliability and a hassle-free experience for students availing post-result services.

In 2026, luxury travel is becoming more intentional, with travellers increasingly choosing shorter, slower, and more meaningful escapes over long, exhaustive holidays. The focus is shifting from covering multiple destinations to experiencing a place more deeply, whether through wellness, nature, culture, or simple moments of pause. From restorative retreats nestled in the mountains to heritage stays steeped in local storytelling, these short-haul getaways offer the luxury of ease, accessibility, and emotional connection. As travellers prioritise balance, flexibility, and mindful living, the rise of closer-to-home escapes is redefining what modern summer travel looks like.

Culture-Led Escape – Close to Home

voco Amritsar

Set in the heart of one of India’s most culturally rich cities, voco Amritsar offers travellers a short haul escape that blends heritage, comfort, and immersive local experiences. Located close to the Golden Temple and the city’s historic old lanes, voco Amritsar features 139 contemporary rooms designed for a relaxed and comfortable stay. Guests can also unwind over leisurely meals at Saffron – all day dining, sundowners and rooftop evenings at Plum Lounge, or rejuvenating wellness experiences at Tattva Spa. Through thoughtfully curated experiences including heritage walks, local dining, and cultural discovery, voco Amritsar reflects the growing shift towards slower, experience-led getaways, that feel both restorative and deeply connected to place.

Heritage & Wellness Escapes – Slow Living in Regal Surroundings

Six Senses Fort Barwara

Set within a restored 14th-century fort in Rajasthan, Six Senses Fort Barwara offers a slower, more intentional style of escape shaped by heritage, wellness, and a strong sense of place. Within easy reach of major North Indian cities, the retreat brings together royal history, holistic wellness experiences, locally inspired cuisine, and the quiet serenity of the fort’s surroundings. From unhurried mornings overlooking the Aravallis to restorative spa rituals and immersive cultural experiences, the property reflects the growing shift toward travel that feels restorative, personal, and deeply connected to its destination.

Wellness Retreats – Reset, Rebalance, Restore

Six Senses Vana

As wellness continues to define modern travel, short-haul retreats are increasingly becoming spaces for genuine reset. Nestled within Dehradun’s sal forests, Six Senses Vana offers personalised wellness journeys rooted in holistic healing, mindfulness, and ancient therapies. With its deeply immersive approach to wellbeing, the retreat reflects a growing preference for purpose-driven escapes where rest, balance, and inner wellbeing take precedence over packed itineraries.

Nature-Led Escapes – Into the Wild, Without the Distance

Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa

Set between the Malani Hills and the tranquil Kosi River, Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa offers a slower, more restorative escape from the pace of city life. Just a few hours from Delhi NCR, the resort brings together wild landscapes, sunrise safaris, riverside trails, Ayurvedic therapies at Quan Spa, Kumaoni flavours at The Corbett Kitchen, and nature-inspired cocktails at Sal Bar. Whether travelling solo, with friends, or family, it’s an ideal setting for a mindful summer getaway immersed in nature.

Familiar Favourites – Comfort in the Known

Holiday Inn Resort Goa

In an era of uncertainty and fast-paced lives, travellers are returning to destinations that feel familiar yet indulgent. Goa continues to lead this sentiment, with trusted stays offering comfort, accessibility, and ease. Holiday Inn Resort Goa embodies this shift, where repeat visits are less about novelty and more about effortless relaxation and rediscovering joy in the familiar.

With the Motto of Serving the Nation and the Public at Large, Round the Clock,  Indian Oil Corporation Limited continue operations and logistics coordination across the country to ensure uninterrupted availability of Petrol (MS), Diesel (HSD) and LPG amid a sharp increase in fuel demand in several regions.

In recent period, IndianOil has witnessed significantly higher offtake of petroleum products, driven by seasonal agricultural activity and harvesting operations across multiple states. Additional demand pressure has also emerged due to migration of retail customers to IndianOil Retail Outlets due to lower price compared to other suppliers as well as a visible shift of institutional and commercial consumers to retail fuel outlets.

IndianOil continue to maintain uninterrupted supplies and timely replenishment across markets through their extensive nationwide network of terminals, depots, pipelines, LPG bottling plants and retail outlets. Supply teams, transport networks, terminal operations and select Retail Outlets are functioning 24×7 to ensure seamless product movement, true to the spirit of “We are always There”.

IndianOil would like to reassure consumers that adequate stocks of Petrol, Diesel and LPG are available across the country and all necessary measures are being taken to maintain smooth and uninterrupted supplies in keeping close coordination with state administration.

IndianOil is continuously reviewing stock positions and closely coordinating on logistics and distribution planning to efficiently meet the enhanced demand scenario.

Citizens are advised to continue with normal purchasing behaviour and avoid unnecessary panic buying. Consumers are also requested to rely only on official communications issued by authorised agencies and IndianOil for accurate information related to fuel availability.

Alappuzha(Kerala), May 24 (BNP): Veteran environmentalist Devaki Amma G will be honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri 2026 for her extraordinary contribution to environmental conservation and afforestation. The 92-year-old conservationist from Muthukulam in Kerala’s Alappuzha district has earned national recognition for transforming barren land into a thriving green ecosystem through decades of tireless dedication.

Over the last four decades, Devaki Amma single-handedly developed a five-acre man-made forest, popularly known as “Tapovanam,” on sandy and once unproductive ancestral land. What began as a personal effort gradually evolved into a self-sustaining ecosystem with thousands of trees, medicinal plants, birds, insects, and aquatic life, making it a model of grassroots environmental restoration.

Recognised among the country’s “unsung heroes,” Devaki Amma has been honoured for her unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation and afforestation. Despite physical challenges and limited institutional support, she continued planting and nurturing saplings for over 40 years, inspiring generations through her dedication to protecting nature.

Today, Tapovanam serves as a living classroom for students, researchers, and environmental enthusiasts, while also offering medicinal resources to local communities. Devaki Amma’s Padma Shri recognition highlights the importance of individual efforts in ecological preservation and sustainable living.

Hyderabad, May 23: A fire incident was reported at a life sciences facility located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad, one of India’s leading biotech and research hubs. The facility is operated by Rx Propellant, a life sciences infrastructure platform owned by global fund Actis and British International Investment (BII).

According to preliminary assessments, the fire is believed to have been caused by a safety lapse within the facility. The incident resulted in extensive material and structural damage to the premises occupied by a global Contract Research Organization (CRO) operating within the building.

The affected laboratories and research environments play a critical role in drug discovery and clinical research activities. As a result, the incident has led to significant disruptions in ongoing research programs, project timelines, and client deliverables undertaken by the CRO.

Further investigations are currently underway to ascertain the exact cause of the incident and assess the full extent of the damage.