Kolkata, May 4 (BNP): In a dramatic political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday crossed the majority mark in the West Bengal Assembly elections, derailing Mamata Banerjee’s bid for a consecutive fourth term and marking a potential end to over a decade of All India Trinamool Congress dominance.

According to trends released by the Election Commission of India, the BJP is leading in 156 seats, comfortably surpassing the majority mark, while the Trinamool Congress is ahead in 86 seats. Its ally, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (Bimal faction), is leading in one seat.

If these trends hold, the BJP is poised to form its first-ever government in the state—ending 15 years of Trinamool rule and following a prolonged 34-year tenure of Left Front governments, which had previously defined West Bengal’s political landscape.

Reacting to the party’s strong performance, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari expressed confidence, stating that the BJP would secure over 180 seats. He also took a swipe at the ruling party, underscoring the scale of the BJP’s surge.

The election also witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout. West Bengal recorded one of its highest participation rates since Independence, with 93.19% polling in Phase I and 91.66% in Phase II, taking the combined turnout to an impressive 92.47%.

For context, in the 2021 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress had secured a decisive mandate with 213 out of 294 seats and nearly 48% vote share, while the BJP emerged as the principal opposition with 77 seats and around 38% votes—marking a significant rise from its earlier performance. The Left-Congress alliance failed to open its account.

As counting continues, all eyes remain on the final outcome, which could redefine the political trajectory of West Bengal and signal a historic satta parivartan in the state.

Market shows more resilience as monthly sales transactions lift to almost 14,000

Dubai, UAE, May 4: The Dubai real estate market showed continued resilience in April, recording 13,977 sales transactions worth AED48 billion.

A market update issued today by fäm Properties showed that activity strengthened month-on-month, with sales volume rising 3.5% compared to March, while total sales value increased by 10.7%.

The strongest growth came in the commercial sector, including offices and shops, with 561 sales transactions valued at AED4 billion, up 33.9% YoY and 36.2% month-on-month.

Apartment sales were also up MoM by 6.5% to 11,377 transactions worth AED24.1 billion, while plot sales rose 34.7% MoM to 237 deals valued at AED6.6 billion. The average property price per sq ft was up by 16.1% YoY to AED1,840.

Data from DXBinteract revealed that primary sales again dominated in April, accounting for 10,563 sales transactions totalling AED35.8 billion, compared with 3,414 resales valued at AED12.2 billion.

“Last month’s performance reflects the market’s underlying strength, with steady demand across both residential and commercial segments,” said Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties. 

“Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Dubai is benefiting from its reputation as a stable, transparent and well-regulated environment for investment. The continued dominance of primary sales also points to long-term confidence in the emirate’s growth and development pipeline.”

For the second month in succession, Dubai South was the best-performing area, with 1,171 sales transactions valued at AED2.7 billion, marking its sixth consecutive month in the top five.

TOP FIVE PERFORMING AREAS IN APRIL 2026

                                                            Transactions              Sales value

Dubai South                                        1,171                           AED2.7B

Jebel Ali First                                      887                              AED1.9B                   

Al Barsha South Fourth                      828                              AED1.0B

Wadi Al Safa 5                                   814                              AED1.4B

Dubai Islands                                      732                              AED2.8B       

The most expensive apartment sold in April was a luxury property at Aman Residences Tower 2 at Jumeirah Second which fetched AED171 million.

Other luxury apartments sold for AED122 million at Baccarat Residence T1 at Downtown Dubai and AED118 million at Building C at Marsa Dubai. The most expensive villa went for AED76 million at Eden Hills.

With properties worth more than AED5 million accounting for 11.81% of sales, 12.65% were between AED3-5 million, 17.54% between AED2-3 million, 34.7% between AED1-2 million and 23.3% were below AED1 million.

BEST-SELLING PROJECTS IN APRIL 2026

Primary market apartments

Primary market villas

Resale apartments

Resale villas

Mumbai, May 04: Ramee Group of Hotels, the internationally acclaimed hospitality brand renowned for its vibrant lifestyle experiences and guest-centric service, today announced the opening of Ramee Collection Airport Road, Mohali — a fine boutique property developed in partnership with Pure Hotel Pvt. Ltd. This landmark launch marks the Group’s first foray into the Tricity market of Mohali, Chandigarh, and Panchkula, and reinforces its expanding footprint in North India following the success of its boutique presence in Amritsar.

Strategically positioned on the prime Airport Road corridor, Ramee Collection Airport Road, Mohali is tailored for today’s discerning traveller — one who seeks refined stays, elevated comfort, and culinary experiences beyond the conventional. The property draws together boutique design sensibilities, a strong food and beverage identity, and seamless urban connectivity to carve a distinctive niche in one of North India’s most dynamic hospitality markets.

“The Tricity region has long been on our strategic radar. Chandigarh’s planned infrastructure, Mohali’s rapidly maturing commercial landscape, and the region’s growing appetite for quality lifestyle experiences make this a compelling market for Ramee. This opening is not just about adding keys to our inventory — it is about creating a landmark destination that resonates with the aspirational traveller from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh alike. As North India continues its post-pandemic hospitality renaissance, markets like the Tricity offer some of the most robust growth potential in the country, and Ramee Collection Airport Road, Mohali is our definitive statement of intent in this region”said Saurab Gahoi, Senior Vice President – India, Ramee Group of Hotels

“We are proud to see this vision come to life. Ramee Collection Airport Road, Mohali represents the kind of thoughtful, guest-first hospitality that the Tricity market has long deserved. As the region witnesses significant infrastructure investment and a surge in both inbound business travel and domestic leisure tourism, we believe this property will set a new benchmark for boutique hospitality in the area. Our partnership with Ramee Group has been built on a shared commitment to quality and experiential value, and this opening is the beginning of a much larger journey together.”opined Jaspal Singh, Director, Pure Hotel Pvt. Ltd.

Location & Connectivity

Ramee Collection Airport Road, Mohali enjoys a prime location along one of the Tricity’s most sought-after commercial corridors. The hotel is positioned just 2 km from Sector 43 ISBT, 6 km from Chandigarh Railway Station, and approximately 500 metres from Mohali Railway Station. Chandigarh International Airport is accessible within 7–10 minutes, ensuring effortless connectivity for both domestic and international guests.

The property is surrounded by key commercial and lifestyle landmarks including Bestech Square Mall, CP67 Mall, Fortis Hospital, Bestech Towers, JLPL Industrial Area, Infosys, Plaksha University, and Amity University. Guests can also access iconic regional attractions such as Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Sector 17 Market, Capitol Complex, Pinjore Gardens, and Chhatbir Zoo — placing the hotel at the intersection of business utility and leisure discovery.

A Fine Boutique Hospitality Destination

Designed for guests who seek more than a transactional stay, Ramee Collection Airport Road, Mohali blends functionality with contemporary hospitality in an intimate, curated setting. The property offers four thoughtfully designed room categories, each crafted to meet the evolving expectations of modern travellers. Premium finishes, elegant interiors, and a refined design aesthetic create a sophisticated yet welcoming guest environment.

Culinary Experiences at the Forefront

A defining pillar of Ramee Collection Airport Road, Mohali is its strong food and beverage identity. The hotel houses two distinctive dining venues:

• An all-day dining restaurant offering multi-cuisine menus crafted to satisfy diverse palates

• A rooftop bar & restaurant — a vibrant social and culinary destination offering panoramic views and a curated drinks and dining experience

Together, these two venues reinforce the hotel’s positioning as an F&B-driven hospitality destination that invites both guests and the wider Tricity community to socialise, dine, and celebrate.

Ramee Group’s North India Vision

The opening of Ramee Collection Airport Road, Mohali is a significant chapter in the Group’s North India expansion story. Having already established a boutique presence in Amritsar, this launch marks Ramee Group’s first entry into the Tricity market — a region that has emerged as one of India’s most attractive hospitality destinations owing to its booming IT sector, world-class educational institutions, improving air connectivity, and a rapidly growing base of high-spending domestic travellers.

2026 stands as a defining year in Ramee Group of Hotels’ growth trajectory — accelerating its strategic footprint across India’s most dynamic markets and unveiling signature hospitality experiences that set new industry benchmarks.

India, May 04:  Findability Sciences today honoured Straumann – US, AIC–ADT Baramati Foundation – India, K&S Partners – India, and Nisamex LLC – US at the Global AI Awards 2026, held at Innovision’26 in Boston. The awards recognised organisations that demonstrated bold, practical, and measurable use of AI across precision healthcare, agribusiness ecosystems, intellectual property services, and franchise operations. 

The 2026 winners were selected on three defining criteria: a working AI factory, real production deployment, and measurable results delivered in 2025. The focus was not on AI experimentation, but on organisations that have moved AI into business-critical workflows and created tangible impact. 

Congratulating the winners, Anand Mahurkar, Founder and CEO, Findability Sciences, said, “The next chapter of AI will not be defined by ambition alone. It will be defined by organisations that can build an AI factory, deploy it in production, and show measurable business results. These winners represent that shift. They are using AI where it matters most, inside real operations, with real users, solving real problems.” 

Global AI Awards 2026 Winners

Straumann was recognised for its leadership in precision-driven dental solutions, combining implant innovation, digital workflows, and clinical excellence to advance modern oral care.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition. At Straumann, we see AI as a strategic enabler that can enhance precision, agility, and long-term value creation. This award reinforces our commitment to building a more intelligent, responsive, and future-ready organisation,” said Jennifer M. Jackson, Sr. Director, Regulatory Affairs and Quality, Straumann.

AIC–ADT Baramati Foundation was honoured for advancing innovation in agriculture and allied sectors through mentoring, technology support, funding assistance, and startup incubation. The recognition highlights the growing importance of AI in helping agribusiness become more informed, resilient, and responsive. “AI has the potential to be a game changer for agribusiness when applied to real challenges across agriculture, rural ecosystems, and entrepreneurship. This recognition reinforces our belief that purposeful innovation can create meaningful impact where it matters most,” said Prof. Nilesh Nalawade, AIC–ADT Baramati Foundation.

K&S Partners was recognised for demonstrating how AI can strengthen high-value intellectual property and legal services. One of India’s leading IP law firms, K&S Partners brings together deep domain expertise, strategic counsel, and a strong innovation focus across its multi-office practice. “We are honoured to receive the Global AI Award 2026. In intellectual property and innovation-led legal work, the thoughtful use of AI can enhance precision, improve responsiveness, and support deeper strategic insight. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to combining legal excellence with forward-looking innovation,” said Madhusudan S. T, Partner, K&S Partners. 

Speaking on the awards, Anand added, “Across healthcare, agriculture, legal services, and franchise operations, the common thread is clear. AI is no longer sitting at the edge of the enterprise. It is entering the operating core. The organisations we recognised this year are showing what responsible, measurable, production-grade AI adoption looks like.”

SYDNEY, May 4 – Epson has announced its new SureColor F20060, a 76‑inch industrial dye sublimation printer designed for high‑volume textile production environments.

Epson SureColor F20060 76‑inch industrial dye sublimation printer

Succeeding the SureColor F11060, the SureColor F20060 builds on Epson’s proven industrial platform while delivering significantly higher productivity through an expanded printhead configuration and faster printing speeds of up to 300 m²/h.

The SureColor F20060 has been developed for textile manufacturers and print service providers requiring fast turnaround times, consistent output quality and reliable operation in demanding production workflows.

The printer features eight PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads, enabling faster throughput without compromising image quality or stability. With printing speeds of up to 300 m²/h, it is well suited to industrial‑scale production of fashion apparel, sportswear, home furnishings and soft signage.

PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead

An optional Jumbo Roll system, supporting media rolls of up to 300 kg allows for extended, uninterrupted printing and reduced downtime caused by frequent media changes.

This makes the SureColor F20060 particularly suitable for high‑volume manufacturing environments where continuous operation is critical.

To ensure consistent print quality at high production speeds, the printer incorporates Epson Precision Dot Technology combining halftone processing, LUT optimisation and Micro Weave technology to deliver accurate colour reproduction, smooth gradations and reduced banding.

Advanced media handling features support reliable and repeatable output, including easy media loading, Advanced Auto Tension Control (Ad‑ATC) for stable media feeding and an integrated dryer designed to minimise ink transfer and reduce wrinkling during operation.

The SureColor F20060 runs on a bulk ink system with 10‑litre or 3‑litre ink boxes and hot‑swap capability to minimise interruptions during long print runs. User‑replaceable printheads further contribute to reduced maintenance time and improved operational efficiency.

A 9‑inch LCD touch panel provides an intuitive user interface, while integrated auto‑adjustment technology, including an RGB camera system, assists in maintaining consistent print quality across different media types.

Senior product manager, professional print solutions at Epson Australia, Shuhei Sato said, “Textile manufacturers continue to demand higher productivity, consistent output quality and reliable day‑to‑day performance. The SureColor F20060 builds on the strengths of the F11060 platform while delivering a clear productivity increase, with higher throughput that supports faster turnaround times in industrial production environments.”

Epson designs and manufactures all core components of the SureColor F20060, including printheads, inks and Epson Edge Print software, ensuring long‑term consistency, quality and reliability of supply.

Positioned as the next generation in Epson’s industrial textile printer portfolio, the SureColor F20060 provides a scalable and future‑ready solution for businesses looking to increase production capacity without compromising print quality.

The SureColor F20060 is expected to be available in Australia and New Zealand in late May 2026.

Chennai,May 4 (BNP): Tamil Nadu, long regarded as the citadel of Dravidian politics for over five decades, may be on the brink of a significant political shift as early trends from the 2026 Assembly election counting suggest an intense and unpredictable contest.

Traditionally dominated by the two major Dravidian parties—Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)—the state is now witnessing a strong three-cornered battle. The ruling DMK, led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, faces a resurgent AIADMK in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, alongside a formidable new challenger—Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), founded by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

According to the latest counting trends, TVK has surged ahead of the DMK in several constituencies, indicating a potential breakthrough moment for the debutant party. This unexpected momentum has added a dramatic twist to the electoral landscape, raising questions about the future of Tamil Nadu’s long-standing political order.

Pre-election exit polls largely projected a second consecutive victory for the DMK. However, Axis My India pointed to a strong “Vijay effect,” suggesting that TVK could emerge as a kingmaker by securing close to 100 seats in the 234-member Assembly, where the majority mark stands at 118.

As counting continues, all eyes remain on whether these early trends will translate into a historic mandate. If sustained, the results could mark a profound transformation in Tamil Nadu politics, breaking the decades-old binary and ushering in a new era of multi-polar competition.

ADELAIDE, 4 May 2026 – At this year’s Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) 56^th National Awards in Adelaide, it was Bob Nguyen ACS who won the prestigious Australian Cinematographer of the Year Milli Award. Nguyen also won a Gold Tripod in the Feature Films – Budget Under $5m category for Ky Nam Inn.

Bob Nguyen ACS accepting his awards by video link

Nguyen is a critically acclaimed and highly awarded member of the Australian Cinematographer’s Society and an extremely experienced celluloid cinematographer. His notable works include SUT and SONG LANG, with SONG LANG garnering more than 30 international awards. In 2019 Nguyen won the Golden Tripod and the prestigious Milli Award for Australian Cinematographer of the Year for the first time. Bob’s cinematography on BLACK HEN and MUOI – THE CURSE RETURNS also earned him double Gold Awards and two additional Golden Tripods at previous ACS National Awards.

On winning the award Nguyen said, “It is a great honour to have won the Milli for the second time, particularly when the standard of cinematography in Australia is so high. I would like to thank the ACS, all of their sponsors for putting on the awards and for everything they do for cinematographers and congratulate all of the other nominees for their excellent work.”

(l-r) Ray Martin AM and ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS

The 2026 56^th ACS National Awards was, as always, in the ever capable and professional hands of host and MC for the evening, Ray Martin AM. Martin, in his inimitable fashion, entertained and guided the full house alongside presenters that included ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS.

Crockett presented Hall of Fame Awards to Mark Wareham ACS and László Baranyai HSC ACS HCA, the Life Membership Award to Richard Chataway ACS and Carolyn Constantine ACS and the John Leake OAM ACS Emerging Cinematographer Award to Emilie Lowe.

Then the Student Cinematography Award went to Jake Frazer for The Native Police and other Gold Tripod winners included Aaron Farrugia who won the John Bowring ACS Station Breaks & Promos for The Block “Heartland”, Maximilian McKay took home the Music Videos award for 21st Century Cool Girl – Chloe Qisha and Haidarr Jones who won the Neil Davis International News award for Gaza Aid Delivery.

The Current Affairs award went to Tom Hancock for Australian Story: Betrayal, The Story Of Hannah Grundy and Dave May ACS won in Entertainment & TV Magazine for Love on the Spectrum U.S. – E7.

The Ron Taylor AM ACS & Valerie Taylor AM Wildlife & Nature award went to Jack Riley and Nick Robinson for The Kimberley S1E1 and Alper Kasap took out the gong for Short Films with KUDUZ.

The Gold Tripod for Drama Series budget under $1m went to Brendan Barnes SASC ACS for Go and the Gold Tripod for Drama Series budget $1m and over went to Nicola Daley ACS BSC for The Handmaid’s Tale.

Then the Feature Films – Budget $5m and over Gold Tripod award went to Stephen Windon ACS ASC for THE ELECTRIC STATE.

The Judges’ Merit Award went to Matthew Davies for Javelin Aerospace ‘In Our Blood’.

ACS national president Brent Crockett ACS

ACS National President Brent Crockett ACS said, “A huge congratulations to Bob Nguyen ACS on being named Australia’s Cinematographer of the Year for the second time. It’s a powerful reflection of Bob’s consistency, craft and extraordinary eye behind the camera. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. My sincere thanks to our industry sponsors, supporters and the South Australian ACS Branch Committee for delivering an outstanding night in Adelaide and congratulations to all award recipients. Australian cinematography continues to stand among the very best in the world and it’s exactly why our talent is so highly sought after here and internationally.”

Other Gold Tripod and Award Winners included:

Serial TV & Comedy Series – Dave Cameron NZCS ACS for Madam S1E1

Branded Content & Advertising – Christian Fitzpatrick ACS for Penta Tequila – Método Penta Quintaesencia

Corporate – Branded Content, Education & Events – Christian Fitzpatrick ACS for Sub-Atmospheric Carbon Neutral Vacuum Distillation

Commercials – Budget under $200K – Jackson England for AMAN – Amankora

Commercials – Budget $200K and over – Jani Häkli for Go Mongolia

Bob Miller ACS Scholarship – Tom Waugh and Tad Errey

Ron Windon ACS Contribution award to Mick Fanning (presented to Mick by Ron’s son Steve Windon ACS ASC)

Images by Sam Oster

Chandigarh, May 04: High-velocity winds associated with heavy rains early morning led to failure of supply from 220kV substation Mohali and 66kV Substation BBMB.

High pressure winds also caused uprooting of several trees and the fall of heavy branches onto power lines, disrupting power supply in multiple parts of the city.

The sudden impact caused significant damage to overhead infrastructure, resulting in outages across the City.

Responding promptly to the situation, the supply area affected from Mohali and BBMB was back fed through alternate sources from 220kV Hallo Majra and 220 kV Kishangarh thereby restoring supply of larger part of city within 1-2 hours.

Simultaneously, all the patrolling and restoration teams of Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) were immediately mobilised to the various impacted lines.

The teams carried out rapid on-ground assessments, observing extensive damage, entire operation and maintenance teams with tools and tackles were pressed into service, fallen trees and branches were removed to initiate restoration work on a war footing.

Senior officials of CPDL closely supervised the restoration operations, maintaining continuous monitoring and ensuring seamless coordination between field staff and Command Center.

To further accelerate the process, additional manpower, specialized equipment, and resources were mobilized at key locations.

Dedicated teams worked under demanding conditions to repair damaged lines. Their sustained efforts helped restore electricity supply in most of the affected areas in minimum possible time.

CPDL also remained in constant communication with consumers through its helplines and other platforms including WhatsApp, addressing complaints and providing timely updates on restoration progress.

While the majority of disruptions were resolved in the shortest possible time, some areas experienced extended outages due to extensive damage to infrastructure, requiring more detailed repair and safety checks before restoration.

Hyderabad, 3  May 2026: Mining powerhouse, NMDC produced 46.4 lakh tonnes and sold 36.8 lakh tonnes of iron ore in April 2026.

The largest iron ore miner in the country has recorded a 16% growth in production in the first month of FY27 over the corresponding period last year. Riding on its best-ever mining performance at the Bailadila iron ore projects, production in April 2026 is the highest ever achieved by NMDC in April on the company’s timeline.

Tracking iron ore production over the recent four-year period reveals a steady CAGR of 3.9% for India. Within this backdrop, NMDC delivered a stronger 6.8% CAGR, outperforming industry growth and thereby increasing its share of incremental output.

 “The expansion of capacities and capabilities of NMDC is in full swing. We have laid the necessary groundwork across logistics, infrastructure, technology, and supply chain integration to enable our strategic leap forward. Starting at 4.6 million tonnes in April, NMDC has its heart set on 60+ million tonnes for this financial year. The team is ready, aligned, and confident to rise to the next level of growth!” said Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC.

53+ million tonnes in FY26 and a positive early cycle update from NMDC boost optimism in India’s iron and steel sector.