Chennai, May 6 (BNP): Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, on Wednesday met Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and formally staked claim to form the next government in Tamil Nadu following the Assembly election results.

TVK has emerged as the single-largest party in the state, significantly altering the political landscape. During the meeting at Raj Bhavan, Vijay submitted his claim to form the government and is expected to be invited to take the next constitutional steps.

However, the party still faces a numerical challenge. It requires at least 118 seats to secure a majority in the Assembly and is currently short by around 10 seats. The next crucial step will be to prove its majority on the floor of the House.

While the Indian National Congress has extended support, its tally of five seats is insufficient to bridge the gap entirely. There is no clarity yet on additional support, including from independent legislators or smaller parties, that could help TVK cross the majority mark.

Political developments are being closely watched, with further announcements expected regarding government formation and a possible floor test in the coming days.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): India and the European Union have announced a joint initiative worth ₹169 crore aimed at accelerating the development of advanced technologies for recycling electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The collaboration is designed to support sustainable mobility by improving the way used EV batteries are processed, recovered, and reused. The focus will be on developing innovative recycling methods that can help recover critical materials, reduce environmental waste, and strengthen the circular economy in the clean energy sector.

Officials noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment between India and the EU to promote greener transportation solutions and reduce dependency on raw material extraction through more efficient resource recovery systems.

The initiative is expected to encourage research and innovation in battery recycling technologies while also supporting long-term environmental and economic sustainability goals in the EV ecosystem.

New York, May 6 (BNP): Isha Ambani made a notable appearance at the Met Gala 2026 in a custom couture ensemble designed by Gaurav Gupta, celebrating Indian craftsmanship on one of the world’s biggest fashion stages.

 Her outfit featured a handwoven saree crafted with gold threads and intricate detailing inspired by traditional Indian art forms. The ensemble was created by over 50 artisans and took more than 1,200 hours to complete, incorporating techniques such as zardozi, aari embroidery, and hand-painted motifs.

A key highlight of the look was the blouse, embellished with over 200 diamonds from Nita Ambani’s personal jewellery collection. The design combined heirloom pieces with contemporary couture, reflecting a blend of personal heritage and artistic craftsmanship.

She completed the look with a sculpted cape, diamond jewellery, and traditional accessories, adding to the grandeur of the ensemble. Ambani also carried a symbolic mango accessory, which she described as a meaningful and personal element of her outfit.

Her appearance at the event highlighted the global spotlight on Indian design and craftsmanship, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modern luxury on an international platform.

May 6 (BNP): India’s external trade has reached a historic milestone, with total exports of goods and services touching an all-time high of $863.11 billion in FY 2025–26.

The sharp rise was primarily driven by the robust performance of the services sector, which continued to outperform merchandise exports. Strong global demand for India’s IT services, business process outsourcing, consulting, and professional services played a major role in boosting overall export earnings.

 Merchandise exports also contributed to the growth, though at a more moderate pace compared to services. At the same time, imports increased due to higher demand for crude oil, raw materials, and other industrial inputs, reflecting continued domestic consumption and manufacturing activity.

Despite global economic uncertainties, India’s export sector remained resilient and diversified. The strong services-led growth highlights the country’s increasing integration into global value chains and its rising importance as a global services hub.

Overall, the record export performance underscores the structural strength of India’s external sector, with services emerging as the key driver of growth in FY 2025–26.

May 6 (BNP): Delhi teacher Soma Mandal has been named the South Asia regional winner of the 2026 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, in recognition of her strong focus on climate education.

Teaching at GD Goenka Public School, she has developed a climate-centred learning approach that encourages students to understand environmental issues and take active steps toward sustainability. With over a decade of teaching experience and a background in environmental science, she has been working to make climate awareness an integral part of classroom learning.

As part of the recognition, she will receive a £500 book grant, a trophy, and international visibility through Cambridge publications, including a feature in upcoming textbooks.

May 6 (BNP): The Ministry of Education is expected to write to the Chief Secretaries of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, urging them to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the earliest for implementing the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme in state-run schools.

The scheme aims to upgrade selected schools into model institutions aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on improved infrastructure, modern teaching practices, and overall quality enhancement in education.

Officials said the Centre is hopeful of faster progress in adopting the scheme and plans to send formal communications soon. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen school education and improve learning outcomes across states through NEP-based reforms.

 This Mother’s Day, celebrate the most important woman in your life with a sophisticated and joyful brunch experience at Miri. Set within the elegant surroundings of The St. Regis Goa Resort, this afternoon is designed to bring families together through thoughtful hospitality, exceptional flavours, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Guests can indulge in an elaborate, chef-curated menu featuring global brunch favourites, comforting classics, and a decadent array of desserts crafted to honour the occasion. Whether you prefer a refreshing non-alcoholic experience or a celebratory alcoholic package, Miri provides the perfect backdrop for a meaningful family gathering.

The afternoon will be accompanied by the soulful sounds of a live band, creating a relaxed yet memorable ambience that perfectly complements the spirit of the day.

Date: Sunday, 10th May
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Mumbai, May 6 (BNP): The government has appointed Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, as the new Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (Central Board of Film Certification).

He takes over from Prasoon Joshi, who has recently been assigned the role of Chairperson of Prasar Bharati.

An alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Vempati is also an author and co-founder of AI4India Org, an initiative working to expand access to artificial intelligence technology in India.

His appointment is expected to guide the CBFC’s role in film certification and regulatory oversight with renewed focus and leadership.

New Delhi, May 6 (BNP): The Unique Identification Authority of India (Unique Identification Authority of India) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the National Forensic Sciences University (National Forensic Sciences University) to strengthen India’s cybersecurity framework and advance digital forensics capabilities.

The agreement was formalized between UIDAI CEO Vivek Chandra Verma and Prof. (Dr.) S.O. Junare, Director of the Gujarat Campus of NFSU, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

The partnership focuses on enhancing cyber resilience, improving the security of digital systems, and promoting research and training in emerging areas of cybersecurity and forensic science.

Key areas of collaboration include academic and professional skill development in cybersecurity, strengthening information security systems, improving forensic laboratory infrastructure, and providing technical support for cyber protection initiatives.

Officials said the collaboration will help build stronger expertise in digital security, improve system integrity, and support India’s growing digital ecosystem through advanced forensic and cybersecurity solutions.