The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) unveiled its first-ever “Asset Monetization Strategy for the Road Sector” on Monday in an effort to unlock the value of functioning National Highway assets.

The goal of the action is to increase public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the construction of infrastructure in India.

The plan marks a significant turn toward sustainable, market-driven infrastructure funding and is in line with the government’s goal under the Assets Monetization Plan-2025–30.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways claims that the plan offers a well-organized framework that offers a solid blueprint for capital mobilization through securitization models, infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs), and toll-operate-transfers (ToT).

Through the National Monetization Pipeline, these tools have assisted NHAI in raising about Rs 1.4 lakh crore for more than 6,100 kilometers of national highways.

Value naximization of government road assets, process transparency and information sharing pertinent to investors, and market growth through expanding the investor base and encouraging stakeholder participation are the three main pillars upon which the approach is built.

Also Read: 5 Best Cars Value for Money(VFM)

According to NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav, “NHAI’s unique approach to asset monetization not only ensures financial sustainability but also opens opportunities for the private sector, leverages advanced technologies, and enhances the quality and longevity of our road assets.”

If this plan is implemented successfully, NHAI will have a consistent flow of funding, which will lessen our dependency on conventional funding sources, Yadav continued.

NHAI has been using a variety of monetization tools with success. The country’s National Highway framework was developed in part because of the NHAI’s asset monetization efforts, which are essential to releasing the value of the road network.

In order to maximize the advantages of asset monetization, this article presents a strategic framework. In order to provide transparency and build investor confidence, it highlights the necessity of a systematic approach to asset identification and valuation, according to N.R.V.V.M.K. Rajendra Kumar, Member Finance, NHAI.

Apple unveiled a stunning new software design on Monday that enhances the expressiveness and pleasure of apps and system interactions while making them instantly recognizable.

It is made of a novel substance known as liquid glass. In addition to reflecting and refracting its surroundings, this transparent material dynamically changes to assist emphasize content and add a new level of vibrancy to controls, navigation, app icons, widgets, and other elements.

To create even more unity while preserving the distinctive features that set each platform apart, the new design is now available on iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 261 for the first time.

Alan Dye, Apple’s vice president of Human Interface Design, stated, “At Apple, we’ve always believed in the deep integration of hardware and software that makes interacting with technology intuitive, beautiful, and delightful.”

“In the end, it makes even the most basic of interactions more enjoyable and magical, and it lays the foundation for new experiences in the future,” Dye continued.

The new design leverages Apple’s significant advancements in hardware, silicon, and graphics capabilities, drawing inspiration from the depth and dimensionality of visionOS.

With the new and updated controls and Liquid Glass materials, developers can redesign their programs to make every user interaction even more pleasurable and intuitive.

Liquid Glass employs real-time rendering and uses specular highlights to dynamically respond to movement. According to the business, this makes using the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV even more enjoyable by creating a vivid experience.

“App navigation, toolbars, and controls have all been updated. Originally designed for rectangular screens, they now precisely align with the rounded edges of contemporary hardware and app windows, creating a more harmonious combination of content, software, and hardware, according to Apple.

The similar method has been used to redesign sidebars and tab bars. When Apple users scroll in iOS 26, the tab bars reduce to highlight the content while maintaining instant access to navigation. Tab bars extend fluidly when users scroll back up. Updated sidebars in iPadOS and macOS enhance the immersive experience of programs like Apple TV.

Following the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent move to lower the repo rate by 50 basis points, a number of large banks, notably Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of India, and UCO Bank, have drastically reduced their lending rates.

The rate reduction is a component of the RBI’s plan to boost economic expansion by lowering borrowing costs for both individuals and companies.

One of the first banks to pass the benefit on was Punjab National Bank, which reduced its repo-linked lending rate from 8.85% to 8.35%.

However, the bank maintained its marginal cost of lending rate (MCLR) and base rate at the same levels.

A similar cut was made by Bank of India, which lowered its repo-based lending rate from 8.85% to 8.35%, as per its stock exchange filing.

In contrast, UCO Bank reduced its MCLR by 10 basis points for all loan terms. The modifications, which take effect on June 10, will marginally lower the cost of a number of loan kinds, including personal and house loans.

The overnight, one-month, and three-month MCLRs were all lowered by the bank from 8.25 percent to 8.15 percent, 8.45 percent to 8.35 percent, and 8.6 percent to 8.5 percent, respectively.

The MCLRs for six months and a year were reduced to 8.8% and 9%, respectively.

Adding to the list of banks lowering borrowing costs, Bank of Baroda also announced a 50 basis point drop in its repo-linked lending rates for a few loan tenures.

These rate reductions follow the RBI’s announcement to lower the repo rate, a crucial policy rate at which the RBI loans to commercial banks, by the Monetary Policy Committee, which is chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

By making loans more affordable, the rate drop aims to stimulate the economy by promoting investment and expenditure.

Along with lowering the repo rate, the RBI also lowered the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 4% to 3%, a 100 basis point decrease.

It is anticipated that this cut, which will be implemented in four stages, will provide the banking system with an additional Rs 2.5 lakh crore in liquidity.

Reducing the CRR, which is the percentage of bank deposits that must be kept with the RBI, enables banks to extend more credit.

With the high-speed train’s flag-off on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed the ambitious 272-kilometer Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL).

In the midst of winding tunnels built deep into the heart of the Shivaliks, the train gracefully winds through tiny gorges, deep valleys crowned with towering Himalayan peaks and beautiful green forests, while the River Chenab runs parallel to it.

The journey from Katra to Srinagar takes less than three hours thanks to the sleek, contemporary train, which operates six days a week.

Rarely in a country’s history does a leader’s deed have an impact that goes well beyond the physical gesture; it addresses enemies directly, boosts national morale, and determines the future. One such instance was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi crossed the Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway bridge in the world, while holding the tricolor in his right hand.

It was a daring declaration, silent but decisive, symbolic yet calculated. The Prime Minister’s momentous step was more than simply an example of Indian engineering prowess; it was a daring message to those who have long attempted to use terror and covert aggression to destabilize India.

Pakistan and its terrorist network have been fighting a ceaseless proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India for more than thirty years. They have sought to maintain unrest in India and Jammu & Kashmir through radicalization and cross-border infiltration. And in response to the terror assault in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, demonstrating both diplomatic and military strength.

India’s developmental successes persisted during this operation. A strong message was sent to Pakistan, its friends, and the rest of the world by the walk on the Chenab Bridge.

In addition to demonstrating a change in India’s strategy from deterrence to direct action, PM Modi demonstrated territorial sovereignty by walking that bridge with the flag raised.

PM Modi’s crossing of the Chenab Bridge had psychological as well as physical effects. It symbolized an India that is moving forward with determination, dignity, and self-assurance rather than looking back. The act of holding the flag represented possession of the land, the future, and the story.

When it counts, leaders are frequently remembered for their actions as much as their words. PM Modi’s stroll over the Chenab Bridge was historic and symbolic, with the tricolor flapping in the Himalayan winds.

The USBRL project, an engineering marvel that comprises tunnels, bridges, and winter-proof equipment built to withstand Kashmir’s harsh climate, was completed concurrently with the launch. Even in the event of winter, the train’s sophisticated features guarantee year-round operation.

Railway authorities say that Vande Bharat trains 26401/02 and 26403/04 will provide excellent passenger comfort and state-of-the-art technology on this route.

The winner of the second season of the reality show Hip Hop India 2 has been announced. The winner was a contestant named Shubhankar, better known by his stage name, Hectik.

Bollywood actors Sara Ali Khan and Adtiya Roy Kapur graced the season finale, with Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora serving as the judges. They were there to advertise “Metro…In Dino,” their next movie.

Hitesh, Rule Breakerz, Aman-Kunal, and Lil Pool were among the finalists, and each performed in a unique way. In an absolutely electrifying moment, Shubhankar took over the stage and hoisted the winner’s belt. In order to promote the genre and demonstrate the boundless scope of his talent, he intends to experiment with other mediums, such as reality shows, performing in movies, plays, and web series.

“My journey at Hip Hop India S2 has been incredible and something that I’ll never forget,” Shubhankar remarked in response to his victory. I will always cherish having Remo sir and Malaika ma’am by my side as I navigated this journey. I learned to walk purposefully and communicate nonverbally under KRUMP. I am appreciative of everyone who recognized that in me. It is now time to take KRUMP to new heights.

“You couldn’t ignore the fire in Shubhankar from the very beginning,” Judge Malaika Arora continued. Every performance was a moment because of his presence, style, and dedication to KRUMP. He made you feel enchanted and told stories in addition to performing. It has been incredibly motivating to see him develop into the artist he is now, and I think this is just the beginning for him.

The concert has been a great way for Aditya Roy Kapur to see how far Indian hip-hop has come.

“Watching a true champion, full of passion, and being a part of the finale was a great experience,” he said.

“The energy at the Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 finale tonight was incredible,” Sara Ali Khan said. Each performer gave it their all on stage. Their ability to express themselves so boldly and courageously, as well as their lack of fear, inspire me.

Amazon MX Player and Shubhankar deserve congratulations for yet another fantastic season of the show.

An important step toward bolstering India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and assisting international supply chains was taken on Thursday when French major Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited signed four production transfer agreements to manufacture the Rafale fighter aircraft fuselage in India.

The lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the entire rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section are among the crucial structural parts of the Rafale that Tata Advanced Systems will build in a state-of-the-art production facility in Hyderabad.

Up to two complete fuselages per month are anticipated to be delivered by the factory, with the first fuselage pieces anticipated to come off the assembly line in FY2028.

“Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside of France for the first time. This is a significant step toward fortifying our Indian supply network. This supply chain will help the Rafale ramp up successfully and, with our help, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements thanks to the growth of our local partners, including TASL, one of the leading companies in the Indian aerospace sector,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

Dassault Aviation’s strong commitment to India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar” initiatives is demonstrated by the signing of these contracts.

This collaboration supports India’s objective of increased economic independence while solidifying its place as a major participant in the global aerospace supply chain.

“India’s aerospace adventure has advanced significantly with this alliance. The strengthening of our partnership with Dassault Aviation and the growing confidence in Tata Advanced Systems’ skills are demonstrated by the manufacturing of the entire Rafale fuselage in India,” stated Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

Singh added that it also shows how far India has come in building a strong, contemporary aerospace manufacturing sector that can support international platforms.

In the midst of mounting security worries over China’s flexing of its maritime might in the Indo-Pacific area, India and France struck a historic Rs 63,000 crore deal in April of this year to purchase 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets, which will strengthen the Indian Navy.

An intergovernmental agreement will govern the purchase process, guaranteeing direct deliveries free of middlemen. The agreement calls for the delivery of four twin-seater trainers and twenty-two single-seater planes by 2031.