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.

Panaji, May 7 (BNP): Goa is set to host a unique two-day “Shackathon” from May 21, an initiative designed to merge tourism with technology and position the state as a hub for remote work, startups, and coastal innovation.

The programme, organised by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Goa, will transform beach shacks into temporary innovation spaces where entrepreneurs, students, designers, and remote professionals can collaborate on real-world problem solving.

Goa IT Minister Rohan Khaunte said the initiative reflects a broader vision of developing Goa into a “work-and-leisure destination,” where tourism and technology ecosystems grow together rather than independently.

According to officials, the Shackathon will bring together startups, innovators, digital creators, and remote workers for collaborative sessions focused on building technology-driven solutions. A parallel hackathon will also be conducted, where participants will identify challenges and develop prototype solutions in areas such as tourism tech, sustainability, mobility, and digital services.

Beyond innovation, the initiative is expected to directly support Goa’s tourism economy by extending visitor stays and promoting off-season travel through “workation” models. By integrating workspaces with beachside hospitality, the state aims to attract long-term remote professionals rather than short-term tourists alone.

Officials believe this approach could help local shack owners and small tourism businesses diversify their income streams, while also encouraging year-round economic activity along the coastline.

The event will also include knowledge-sharing sessions on startups, emerging technologies, and remote work culture, along with experiential tourism activities such as watersports and heritage exploration.

Industry observers say the initiative reflects a growing global trend where destinations are repositioning themselves as hybrid ecosystems combining tourism, lifestyle, and innovation infrastructure.

If successful, Goa’s Shackathon model could serve as a blueprint for other coastal regions aiming to connect digital economy growth with sustainable tourism development.

Mumbai, May 7 (BNP): The Indian rupee weakened in early trade on Thursday, falling by 28 paise to 94.77 against the US dollar as investor sentiment turned cautious following reports of a potential diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran.

The currency came under pressure after markets reacted to news that Washington and Tehran are discussing a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at reducing tensions and restarting negotiations to de-escalate the ongoing geopolitical conflict.

According to market participants, the sudden shift in sentiment led to volatility in currency markets, with traders reassessing risk exposure amid uncertainty over the outcome of the proposed agreement.

The latest developments come at a time when global markets remain highly sensitive to West Asia tensions, particularly their impact on crude oil prices, trade routes, and foreign capital flows.

A softening in risk appetite also contributed to pressure on the rupee, as investors weighed the implications of potential changes in oil supply dynamics and broader geopolitical stability.

Recent market reports indicate that fluctuations in the India–US dollar pair have been closely tied to news flow from the region, with currency movements reacting sharply to both optimism and uncertainty surrounding the peace talks.

Analysts say currency markets are likely to remain volatile in the near term, as participants await clearer signals on whether diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran progress into a formal agreement.

For now, the rupee continues to trade under pressure, reflecting a cautious global environment where geopolitical developments are playing a dominant role in shaping investor sentiment.

Founded by the team behind Voi and Klarna, Pit acts as an AI product team as a service — learning how companies work and building the systems that run their operations.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – May 07; Pit, an AI-native platform that replaces the patchwork of spreadsheets, inboxes, and rigid SaaS tools that run enterprise operations today, announced its public launch alongside $16 million in funding led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). The round includes participation from Lakestar, the Pit founders and executives from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Deel, and Revolut, as well as the Stena and Lundin families.

Pit is publicly launching as an “AI product team as a service” — enabling companies to build and deploy custom, production-grade software for their internal business operations. 

Across industries, core business operations are still powered by spreadsheets, inboxes, and rigid SaaS tools that were never designed for how companies actually work. While enterprises have spent over $1 trillion on digital transformation in recent years, most workflows remain fragmented, manual, and difficult to adapt.

Pit replaces this layer with AI-native software that is custom-built for each company’s workflows. This enables teams to move faster, operate more efficiently, and scale without the constraints of legacy systems.

“For 20 years, enterprises have rented software that forces them to operate around it. With AI, that ends. For the first time, every company can run on systems they actually designed themselves,” said Adam Jafer, CEO and co-founder of Pit.

Pit’s platform is designed to take a business need — from operations to finance to customer workflows — and translate it into fully deployed, governed software.

The product consists of two core components:

• Pit Studio – learns how you work, and builds the system that runs it for you
• Pit Cloud  – governed infrastructure with tenant isolation, ISO 27001, SSO, RBAC, and full audit observability

Unlike traditional low-code tools or AI copilots, Pit outputs real software running real operations, not prototypes or experiments.

Pit is already live across enterprise pilots in logistics, telecom, e-commerce, and healthcare — including deployments with Voi, Tre, Stena Recycling, and Kry — with systems going live in days or weeks. 

Early results include:

• 85% reduction in campaign execution time
• 10,000+ hours saved annually per deployment
• 99% invoice acceptance rates through automation

At one of Europe’s largest industrial companies, Pit replaced legacy contract and invoice validation with an AI-powered system that processes in real time — saving over 10,000 hours annually with zero validation errors.

“Every AI company is selling speed. Pit is selling speed that holds up for years, secure, governed, and built to last. It’s a new category,” said Alex Rampell, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. 

Pit was built by the Founders and CTO/AI leads behind Voi, Klarna and iZettle, who spent years replacing manual workflows with custom, AI-powered systems at scale – driving significant operational gains across both Klarna and Voi. That same approach is now productized in a platform designed for enterprise-grade security, governance, and reliability.

 Designed for AI-driven industrial monitoring applications, AAEON’s new NIKY-2215-NX pairs a strong AI engine with a 21.5” TFT-LCD touchscreen, all in one robust platform.

(Taipei, Taiwan – May 7, 2026) AAEON (Stock Code: 6579), a leader in industrial PC solutions, today announced the release of the second addition to its AI Panel PC series, the NIKY-2215-NX.

AAEON first introduced its AI Panel PC product line in November 2025, with the series’ value proposition being that it incorporated an NVIDIA Jetson module, a full-function industrial I/O, and high-definition display in a single device.

The NIKY-2215-NX is available in SKUs with either an 8GB or 16GB NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX module, offering up to 100 TOPS of AI performance. Meanwhile, the system includes a 21.5″ TFT-LCD projected capacitive multi-touch screen, highlighting its suitability for applications such as AI-driven production line inspection systems and industrial monitoring dashboards.

The device offers four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports alongside two LAN ports for Gigabit Ethernet, located on its bottom-side panel. Meanwhile, its right-side panel I/O hosts a DB-15 port for DIO 8-bit and two DB-9 ports for CANBus and RS-232/422/485. For storage, the NIKY-2215-NX provides an M.2 2280 M-Key slot. Expansion for Wi-Fi and 5G modules is also present, with both M.2 2230 E-Key and M.2 3042/3052 B-Key slots provided. 

Given the market segment the product is designed for, the NIKY-2215-NX demonstrates a number of rugged characteristics. These include a broad -5°C to 55°C operating temperature range, a 12V to 24V power input range, as well as both VESA and panel mounting options. Moreover, the system’s display offers wide 160-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles, as well as impressive vibration and shock tolerance.

For detailed specifications and further information about the NIKY-2215-NX, please visit its dedicated product page. Meanwhile, pricing and ordering information can be obtained via the contact form on the AAEON website.

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.

Sunday Hotels, a global hospitality brand under Prism, backed by SoftBank, has announced the appointment of Firoz Khan as Director and Channel Head – Business Development, further strengthening its leadership team as the brand sharpens its focus on strategic expansion and partnership-led growth.

In his new role, Firoz will lead business development and channel strategy, with a strong focus on identifying high-potential markets, strengthening partner ecosystems, and building a scalable growth framework across the portfolio.

Firoz brings over 16 years of experience, with deep expertise in new market entry strategy, brand positioning, mall zoning and tenant mix strategy, mall positioning, brand operations, and long-term brand sustainability. Over the course of his career, he has built strong and long-standing relationships with developers, retailers, and institutional stakeholders across the country, enabling successful deal-making and expansion across diverse real estate markets. His experience spans leading real estate advisory firms and development platforms across Tier I, II, and III cities.

Prior to joining Sunday Hotels, Firoz served as Vice President and Head – North India Business at PPZ, where he managed the entire North India portfolio, driving regional growth, developer partnerships, and asset acquisition while working closely with leadership on business planning and performance. His role also encompassed marketing, operations, budgeting, leasing, and SOH, ensuring end-to-end oversight of business execution and growth delivery.

Earlier, he held the position of Associate Director at Colliers International, driving initiatives across markets nationwide and working closely with a diverse mix of retailers and developers. In this role, he also supported many retail brands and startup brands in planning their expansion strategies and business development roadmaps, helping them structure market entry and scale-up plans across Tier I, II, and III cities. He also worked aggressively with key clients including Walmart, Metro Cash & Carry, PVR INOX, and several other leading brands, contributing significantly to shaping retail expansion across Tier II and III markets. He has also held significant roles at Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, and JLL.

Over the years, Firoz has built strong relationships across developers, retailers, and institutional stakeholders, along with a nuanced understanding of how retail and real estate ecosystems evolve across markets.

Firoz Khan, Director and Channel Head – Business Development, Sunday Hotels, added:

 “For me, business development has always been about understanding how markets evolve and building partnerships with intent. What stood out about Sunday Hotels is the clarity in its growth vision and the opportunity to build in a way that is both structured and sustainable. There is strong potential to deepen channel relationships and approach expansion more thoughtfully, and I look forward to working with the team to shape that journey in the years ahead.”

With this appointment, Sunday Hotels aims to further strengthen its business development function while building a more resilient and scalable hospitality platform.

 

Bhubaneswar, May 7 (BNP): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for a more balanced model of industrial development in India, stating that the country’s next major growth phase should be powered by the eastern coastline, with Odisha emerging as a central hub for investment, trade and manufacturing.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha 

Speaking during his visit to Gujarat, the Chief Minister said India’s western coast has played a crucial role in driving maritime trade and industrial expansion over the years, but the time has now come to unlock the untapped potential of the East Coast.

During interactions with industry leaders and stakeholders at Mundra Port, Majhi proposed a “two-coast strategy” aimed at strengthening industrial activity across both the western and eastern seaboards to ensure more balanced and sustainable economic growth.

He said Odisha is well-positioned to lead this transformation due to its strategic location, expanding infrastructure network and growing industrial ecosystem. The state’s proximity to Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, he noted, offers strong advantages for trade, logistics and manufacturing.

The Chief Minister emphasised that Odisha is building an investment-friendly environment backed by policy support, faster clearances and improved connectivity. He added that the state is focused on converting investment commitments into on-ground projects within a defined timeframe.

Majhi, accompanied by Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior officials, showcased Odisha’s industrial potential and infrastructure readiness during meetings with business leaders.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured major facilities at Mundra Port, including container terminals and Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) jetties, to study large-scale cargo handling and integrated port operations. They also visited industrial units within the adjoining Special Economic Zone, including facilities linked to copper manufacturing and renewable energy components such as solar cells and wind turbine parts.

On the second day of my Gujarat visit, I visited Mundra Port and engaged with industry leaders, where I proposed a balanced two-coast strategy as a defining framework for India’s next phase of industrial development. India’s growth cannot remain one-sided; the next phase of… pic.twitter.com/2zur2kYtbR

— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) May 6, 2026

Highlighting Odisha’s recent investment momentum, the Chief Minister said the state has approved 433 investment proposals worth nearly ₹8.37 lakh crore over the past 22 months. Of these, 148 projects worth around ₹2.86 lakh crore have already moved into the implementation stage.

He noted that sectors such as logistics, petrochemicals, chemicals, downstream industries and manufacturing are witnessing growing investor interest, supported by expanding industrial corridors, logistics parks and port-led infrastructure.

According to officials, Odisha is steadily strengthening its position as a major industrial and logistics hub on India’s eastern coast. Ports including Paradip Port, Dhamra Port and Gopalpur Port are expected to play a key role in driving future industrial growth and regional connectivity.

The visit is being seen as part of Odisha’s broader effort to attract large-scale investments and position itself as a leading growth engine for India’s next industrial decade.

Bhubaneswar, May 7 (BNP): Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has launched the second phase of its bio-mining project at the Bhuasuni dumping yard, stepping up efforts to tackle decades of accumulated waste and improve the city’s environmental health.

Under the new phase, nearly 9 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste will be processed in a phased manner using scientific waste-treatment methods. Civic officials said the initiative is expected to accelerate the restoration of the long-used dumping site and strengthen Bhubaneswar’s push towards sustainable waste management.

Over the last three years, the municipal corporation has already processed around 12 lakh metric tonnes of old waste from the Bhuasuni site. With the addition of Phase 2, the total quantity of waste treated at the landfill is expected to reach nearly 21 lakh metric tonnes.

Bio-mining is a process that involves segregating old mixed waste, recovering reusable materials, and scientifically disposing of the remaining debris. The method helps reduce environmental damage caused by open dumping while also reclaiming land for future use.

The Bhuasuni dumping yard served as Bhubaneswar’s primary waste disposal site between 2008 and 2022. However, concerns over pollution, foul odour, and environmental hazards had intensified over the years, prompting authorities to adopt cleaner and more sustainable waste-processing measures.

The transition towards bio-mining gained momentum in 2023 after directives from the National Green Tribunal, which instructed urban local bodies across the country to stop open dumping and implement scientific waste management practices.

Officials said no fresh waste is currently being dumped at Bhuasuni or nearby locations such as Daruthenga, indicating a shift towards more regulated disposal systems.

The successful implementation of the second phase is expected to improve environmental compliance, reduce pollution risks, and create healthier living conditions for residents in nearby areas. Civic authorities believe the project will also play a key role in transforming Bhubaneswar’s long-term urban waste management infrastructure.