7, Apr 2026
India’s Auto Market Surges to Record High in FY26 with 13.3% Growth Fueled by GST 2.0
India’s automobile market recorded a historic year in FY26, with total vehicle retail sales reaching an all-time high of 2,96,71,064 units, marking a 13.3% increase compared to 2,61,87,255 units in FY25, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Industry experts say the rollout of GST 2.0 played a key role in driving consumer confidence and demand, particularly during the latter half of the fiscal year.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Passenger and Two-Wheeler Sales Lead Growth
Passenger vehicle sales grew 13%, reaching 47,05,056 units, up from 41,63,927 units in FY25. Two-wheelers, which continue to dominate the market, also saw robust growth, with retail sales rising 13.4% to 2,14,20,386 units. Three-wheelers and commercial vehicles recorded steady growth as well, with sales increasing 11.68% and 11.74%, respectively.
A Landmark Year for the Auto Industry
FADA President C S Vigneshwar described FY26 as a “landmark year” for the automotive sector, noting that five out of six vehicle categories achieved record annual sales. He emphasized that strong policy support, market stability, and renewed consumer confidence contributed to this growth, even as the pace of sales varied across different segments.
Looking Ahead
With the positive momentum, industry insiders are optimistic about the future. Continued policy clarity, enhanced financing options, and consumer incentives are expected to sustain demand, helping India maintain its growth trajectory in the auto sector.
The record FY26 figures underscore the resilience of the Indian automotive market and highlight the growing appetite for both personal and commercial vehicles across the country.
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- By Neel Achary
7, Apr 2026
Indian Railways Sets New Records in Passenger Revenue and Freight Volumes for FY26
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Indian Railways has achieved historic milestones in both passenger and freight operations in the 2025–26 fiscal year, reflecting growing demand and improved operational efficiency across the network.
Passenger revenue grew by approximately 6%, crossing ₹80,000 crore, up from ₹75,500 crore in the previous year. The increase outpaced the rise in passenger volumes, indicating stronger demand for long-distance and premium travel services.
On the freight front, Indian Railways transported a record 1,670 million tonnes (MT) of cargo, marking a 3.25% year-on-year growth. The growth highlights the railways’ crucial role in supporting India’s supply chains, with bulk commodities such as coal, cement, and agricultural products driving the increase.
Passenger and Freight Growth: A Dual Success
The combined growth in passengers and freight underscores the railways’ importance as both a mode of transport and a pillar of the economy. Increased freight volumes help industries move goods efficiently, while rising passenger revenues indicate recovery in travel and confidence in the network.
Modernization and Future Outlook
With ongoing projects including dedicated freight corridors, upgraded stations, and faster passenger trains, Indian Railways is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory. Experts say these developments will further strengthen connectivity, boost economic activity, and enhance the overall travel experience for millions of Indians.
The record figures in FY26 demonstrate the resilience and strategic importance of Indian Railways as it balances passenger convenience with freight efficiency, playing a vital role in India’s economic growth.
7, Apr 2026
India’s Coffee Exports Hit Record $2.13 Billion in FY26
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India’s coffee sector has achieved a historic milestone, with exports reaching a record $2.136 billion in the 2025–26 fiscal year, registering a 17% growth over the previous year’s $1.82 billion. The surge comes on the back of higher international prices and a modest rise in export volumes, according to industry sources.
Rising Global Demand and Prices
The growth reflects strong global demand for Indian coffee, particularly Arabica and Robusta varieties. Higher international prices, combined with steady shipments, helped push the overall export value to an all-time high. Key markets such as the United States, Germany, and Italy continued to drive demand, highlighting India’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality coffee beans.
A Boost for Indian Coffee Growers
For small and medium coffee growers, the record exports are a welcome development, offering better returns and strengthening livelihoods in traditional coffee-growing regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Looking Ahead
Industry experts say that while the export volumes grew moderately, India’s focus on improving quality, exploring new markets, and expanding specialty coffee production could sustain momentum in the coming years. Initiatives to enhance branding, adopt sustainable practices, and support farmers are expected to further consolidate India’s position in the global coffee trade.
The milestone signals both the resilience and growing global recognition of Indian coffee, positioning the country as a key player in the international coffee market.
7, Apr 2026
Curefit Healthcare Pvt Ltd Appoints Four Independent Directors to Strengthen Board Governance
Mumbai, Apr 7: Fitness and wellness platform Curefit Healthcare Pvt Ltd has appointed four independent directors, Kalpana Morparia, Arun M. Kumar, Dr. Indu Bhushan and Pragya Misra as independent directors on its board.
Kalpana Morparia, former Chairman of JPMorgan South and Southeast Asia, is a veteran in banking and financial services. She has held leadership roles at ICICI Bank and currently serves on the boards of several global organisations, bringing strong governance and financial oversight capabilities. In January 2024, she was conferred the Padma Shri award in the category of Trade & Industry.
Arun M. Kumar brings extensive global leadership experience spanning consulting, venture capital and public service. He is currently Managing Partner at Celesta Capital. Previously, he served as Chairman and CEO of KPMG India and as a member of KPMG’s global board of directors. He held a senior role in former US President Barack Obama’s administration as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets, where he led international trade and investment efforts.
Dr. Indu Bhushan, the founding CEO of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and a former IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, brings deep expertise in healthcare policy and public systems. With over three decades of experience across the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the Government of India, he has played a key role in shaping large-scale health programmes in the country.
Pragya Misra, Head of Strategy & Global Affairs, India at OpenAI, leads the company’s strategic agenda in one of the world’s most critical AI markets. Her role spans product, policy, partnerships, and go-to-market, driving a unified OpenAI strategy. As OpenAI’s first India hire, she has been instrumental in building and scaling its presence. Previously, she held leadership roles at Truecaller and WhatsApp.
Mukesh Bansal, chairman and founder, Curefit Healthcare Pvt Ltd, said.
“As organisations grow in scale and complexity, strong governance and clarity of thought become increasingly important. We have been thoughtful about on-boarding independent voices who bring rigour, accountability and a wider institutional perspective to the board. Kalpana, Arun, Indu and Pragya each bring that depth, and I look forward to their contributions in helping us build a more resilient and responsible organisation,”
“As we aim to build Curefit for the long term, bringing in diverse, global perspectives to our board is a natural step in our journey. All four leaders bring a unique depth of experience across global business, public systems and technology along with a strong track record of building enduring institutions. Their guidance will be invaluable to us,” Naresh Krishnaswamy, the company’s CEO said.
7, Apr 2026
India Achieves Record Wind Power Growth with 6.05 GW Addition in FY26
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New Delhi – India has set a new milestone in renewable energy, adding 6.05 GW of wind power capacity in fiscal year 2025–26, marking the highest annual growth ever in the sector. This represents a 46% increase over the previous year and surpasses the previous record of 5.5 GW added in FY17.
The country’s cumulative installed wind power capacity now exceeds 56 GW, reflecting a strong resurgence in the sector driven by policy clarity, improved transmission infrastructure, competitive tariffs, and a robust project pipeline, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Leading States and Hybrid Projects
States such as Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra were at the forefront of this growth, contributing the largest share of new capacity. The rise of hybrid wind-solar projects and the rollout of green energy open access have further accelerated investment in these regions.
Government Support and Policy Boosts
The central government has introduced several measures to support wind energy development, including concessional customs duties on turbine components, graded waivers of inter-state transmission charges until June 2028, and competitive bidding mechanisms. These initiatives have helped create a favorable environment for investors and developers.
Strengthening India’s Renewable Goals
This record growth in wind energy strengthens India’s renewable energy portfolio and aligns with the nation’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. Institutions like the National Institute of Wind Energy continue to provide technical guidance and support to improve efficiency and deployment across projects.
The milestone underscores India’s commitment to sustainable energy and demonstrates the country’s ability to leverage technology, policy, and investment to drive large-scale clean energy growth.
7, Apr 2026
India’s Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor Achieves Criticality
India has achieved a landmark moment in its quest for energy self-reliance with the indigenously built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam reaching criticality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “defining step” in India’s civil nuclear journey, highlighting the nation’s growing expertise in advanced science and engineering.
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A Journey Years in the Making
Criticality is the moment when a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction—a key milestone before it begins full-scale power generation. For the scientists and engineers behind the PFBR, it is the culmination of decades of research, careful planning, and relentless effort.
The PFBR forms the second stage of India’s unique three-stage nuclear programme, a long-term vision designed to harness the country’s vast energy resources and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Why the PFBR Is Special
Unlike conventional reactors, the PFBR is a “breeder” reactor—it produces more fuel than it consumes. This ability is vital for India, which has limited uranium but abundant thorium reserves. By generating additional fissile material, the reactor supports a closed nuclear fuel cycle and strengthens the country’s energy security.
This achievement is not just about producing electricity—it is about laying the foundation for future thorium-based reactors, which will form the third stage of India’s nuclear programme. Thorium, more abundant in India than uranium, has the potential to provide cleaner, safer, and virtually inexhaustible energy.
A Global Achievement
With the PFBR, India joins a small group of countries, including Russia, capable of operating commercial fast breeder technology. It demonstrates the country’s ability to innovate and execute complex scientific projects at a global standard.
Looking Ahead
While criticality is a major milestone, the PFBR’s journey is far from over. The next phase will involve fine-tuning the reactor, scaling operations, and eventually integrating it into India’s energy grid.
For millions of Indians, this development represents more than technology—it symbolizes a step toward energy independence, sustainable growth, and a future where the nation can harness its own resources to power homes, industries, and progress.
The PFBR is a reminder that innovation and perseverance can turn ambitious visions into reality, securing energy for generations to come.
7, Apr 2026
Odisha Cabinet Approves ₹929.96 Crore Redevelopment of VSSUT
The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved a redevelopment project worth ₹929.96 crore for Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology in Burla.
The project aims to upgrade the university’s infrastructure and strengthen technical education in the state. As part of the plan, new academic blocks, advanced laboratories, and improved hostel facilities will be developed across the campus.
The redevelopment is expected to benefit more than 10,000 students by providing better learning, research, and residential facilities. Officials said the initiative will enhance the overall academic environment and support the growing demand for quality technical education.
The decision is seen as a key step toward improving higher education infrastructure in Odisha and supporting the state’s long-term development goals.
7, Apr 2026
Shishu Katha Diwas Celebrated to Inspire Young Minds During Odia Pakhya
As part of the ongoing celebrations of Odia Pakhya, Shishu Katha Diwas was observed today with the aim of nurturing creativity among children and strengthening their connection with the Odia language.
Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha
‘ଓଡ଼ିଆ ପକ୍ଷ’ ଅବସରରେ ଶିଶୁମାନଙ୍କ ସୃଜନଶୀଳ ପ୍ରତିଭାର ବିକାଶ ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ମାତୃଭାଷାର ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ପରମ୍ପରା ସହ ଅନୁପ୍ରାଣିତ କରିବା ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟରେ ‘ଶିଶୁ କଥା ଦିବସ’ ଓ ‘ବର୍ଣ୍ଣବୋଧ ବଣ୍ଟନ’ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ଆୟୋଜିତ ହେଉଛି। ଶୈଶବର କଳ୍ପନାପ୍ରସୂତ ଜଗତକୁ ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ଗଳ୍ପର ରଙ୍ଗରେ ରଞ୍ଜିତ କରିବା ସହ ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ିକୁ ଆମ ସାହିତ୍ୟ ଓ… pic.twitter.com/xLHOYOkOr6
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 7, 2026
The initiative focuses on encouraging children to engage with storytelling, helping them develop imagination while fostering a deeper appreciation for their mother tongue. Various activities were organized to make learning interactive and meaningful, bringing together students, teachers, and community members.
In addition to storytelling sessions, Varnabodha—basic learning materials designed to introduce young learners to the Odia language—were distributed among children. The effort seeks to build a strong foundation in language skills while also introducing them to the richness of Odisha’s literary and cultural traditions.
Organizers emphasized that storytelling plays a vital role in shaping young minds by passing down values, traditions, and cultural identity. By connecting children with folk tales and traditional narratives, the program aims to keep Odisha’s heritage alive for future generations.
The event also highlighted the importance of collective participation. Parents, educators, and communities were encouraged to actively engage with children, motivating them to read, listen, and express themselves in their native language.
Through such initiatives, Shishu Katha Diwas serves as a meaningful step toward preserving linguistic heritage while inspiring the next generation to stay rooted in culture and creativity.
7, Apr 2026
Sei Whales Take Their Spring Break in Waters Off New York and New Jersey
New York April 07: A new study led by scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) reveals that endangered sei whales regularly use the New York Bight as a key spring habitat, underscoring the importance of this heavily trafficked region for one of the world’s fastest and most elusive baleen whales.
Using acoustic monitoring data collected with WHOI-developed technology from 2017 to 2020, researchers documented strong seasonal and daily patterns in sei whale presence and vocal activity. The findings suggest that the waters off New York and New Jersey may serve as an important migratory corridor—and potentially a feeding area—during early spring.
The study, Seasonal and Diel Acoustic Activity of Sei Whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in the New York Bight, was conducted by researchers from WCS’s New York Bight Program and WHOI.
“This is the first detailed analysis of daily and seasonal acoustic patterns for sei whales in the New York Bight,” explained Maria Papadopoulos, lead author of the study with WCS and graduate researcher at Columbia University. “We found that 95 percent of sei whale vocalizations were detected between March and May, with activity peaking in the late spring, when temperatures are between 41 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit. This highlights a narrow environmental window when the whales are most likely to be present, potentially linked to prey availability.”
Sei whales are listed as Endangered under U.S. and international laws, yet they remain one of the least-studied large whales in the North Atlantic. Adult sei whales, with a dark gray to black body, a white colored belly, and irregular light gray to white markings, are on average 47 feet long, weighing 44,000 pounds (a similar weight to four African elephants). They are the third largest whale species after blue and fin whales. They produce loud, low-frequency sounds that go down in pitch and are generally produced in doublets (pairs) or triplets.
The study found that sei whales vocalize more frequently during daylight hours, a pattern consistent with reduced calling at night when whales are thought to be feeding. This daily rhythm allows us a better understanding of times when sei whales may be more sensitive to disruption by human activities. For example, elevated noise levels during the daytime when sei whales are more vocal may make vital communication between sei whales challenging.
“These results suggest that sei whales may not just transit through the New York Bight but may also use these waters more seasonally in certain years,” said Papadopoulos. “Continuing to document trends in sei whale presence will help inform policies and practices to improve protections for this endangered species.”
The New York Bight encompasses the busiest port complex in the United States. By establishing a clear baseline for when sei whales are present and how they may use the area, the study provides critical information for managing human activities in ways that reduce risks to whales.
The authors note that sei whales are already being detected in near-real time by the same acoustic systems (deployed and managed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) used to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
“Acoustic monitoring provides us with an amazing opportunity 24/7/365 to learn about whales and dolphins in the waters off New York and New Jersey,” said Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, co-author and Executive Director of the WCS New York Bight Program. “That capability is especially important for species like sei whales that are rarely seen but clearly present. Understanding when and where whales occur is essential for effective conservation. This study gives us that knowledge about sei whales—and an opportunity to act on it.”
WCS has conducted research in the New York Bight for more than a decade, informing policy recommendations to protect sei whales and several other species of whales, including fin, North Atlantic right, humpback, and minke.
7, Apr 2026
Setting Standards of Care for Brain Injuries in First Responders
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Apr 07: Management of sports-related concussions has come a long way in the past 25 years: Once considered a minor problem involving minimal time out of the game, a severe knock to the head is now assessed as a potential traumatic brain injury and, if confirmed, requires a structured recovery and an average wait of 13 days before play resumes.
Many of the academic experts who have advanced the science behind concussions in student-athletes – and, in collaboration with the Department of Defense, in soldiers as well – are now focused on addressing these head injuries in a population that’s similar, but different: first responders.
The considerations are many, spanning from a first responder’s potential sports or military injuries in a previous life to the factors that signal when it’s safe to return to duty after a strike to the head. Getting a clinical diagnosis is key to putting an injured first responder on the proper trajectory of recovery – not just working safely, but also maintaining a satisfying quality of life, experts agree.
Researchers will soon publish the first evidence-based guidelines for traumatic brain injury (TBI) recognition and management and return to duty in first responders – a group encompassing law enforcement officers, corrections personnel, firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
The authors will be the nearly 60 experts who convened at The Ohio State University in late March to pursue consensus on protocols surrounding six frameworks: workplace policies, injury prevention measures, challenges of recognizing injuries, diagnosis and treatment of the injury, mental health monitoring, and steps needed to get a concussed first responder back to work.
“This is a critical step in improving the care and support for our first responders who risk so much for us every day,” said Jaclyn Caccese, associate professor in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) at The Ohio State University.
Caccese co-hosted the 1st International Conference on TBI in First Responders with James Oñate, interim director of HRS, interim vice dean for health and rehabilitation sciences in the College of Medicine, and a professor in the HRS Division of Athletic Training.
One universally accepted fact drove the work: Brain health in first responders is a matter of public safety – for the injured personnel, their colleagues, their families and the public they are sworn to protect.
After working together for several months in six workgroups, the scholars, clinicians and first responders met March 26-27 to share what they’ve learned and vote on a series of recommended guidelines. The final recommendations and consensus statement will be published early next year in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation.
While head injury data on first responders is minimal, a meta-analysis of studies to date suggests that about 60% of law enforcement and corrections officers have suffered at least one traumatic brain injury in their lifetime, and 17% have experienced a TBI on the job. Among firefighters, lifetime TBI prevalence ranges from 62% to 77%. There have been no studies of head injuries in EMTs.
Though what has been learned by studying sports and military concussions has given these teams a head start, most workgroups indicated that the need for more research specific to the first responder workforce is apparent.
“We’ve lumped first responders together. We’re going to stop doing that,” Oñate said. “This is the beginning, and we’re starting with many things we’ve advanced already. We’re not starting from scratch.”
In a first-of-its-kind survey of Ohio law enforcement officers in 2024, Caccese, Oñate and colleagues reported that 74% of officers had a lifetime history of one or more head injuries, and 30% had a head injury that happened on the job. Further analysis showed post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive symptoms were higher in those who had experienced one or more head injuries.
At the conference, each of the six workgroups brought forward four to five recommendations for a vote. Consensus was reached on all but two, though many will undergo refinements before publication.
Overarching themes included standardizing methods of recognizing and treating TBIs and assessing return-to-duty readiness; ensuring no punitive actions are taken against an injured and recovering first responder; protecting the head as much as possible during training intended to expose new personnel to risks linked to blasts and being hit at work; and educating agencies, first responders, families and health care providers about TBI risks, prevalence and potential lasting effects when they’re not managed well.
“Almost every workgroup talked about the importance of education,” Caccese said.
The educational component is critical because this effort is still very new. Many agencies are unaware that an international effort is afoot to address TBI in first responders. In addition to publishing the conference outcomes in a scientific journal, the group plans to present at academic and first responder-specific conferences and approach publications targeted to first responder agencies.
Conference attendees acknowledged TBI in this workforce is a delicate subject for so many reasons, not the least of which is the stigma linked to injuries that affect performance in a profession characterized by a mission-first mindset that leads to underreporting. First responders served on every workgroup alongside the academic researchers to help keep suggestions realistic for the workplace cultures and practices that are being asked to change.
The conference featured a panel discussion with three law enforcement officers who had received a head injury on the job. They described symptoms including double vision, dizziness, chronic migraines, short-term memory loss, speech problems and temporary paralysis, as well as complications navigating recovery – with one eventually losing her job as a result of her occupational injury.
Hearing from these officers “helps give us context about the stakes to come up with recommendations for first responders to return to full capacity,” said Nathan Edwards, a research scientist in Ohio State’s Human Performance Collaborative.
Improving care for first responders isn’t stopping with the brain: Researchers are investigating musculoskeletal issues, physical performance and heart health in the first responder population as well, Oñate said.
“It’s on us to get the level of evidence much higher,” he said. “It’s also on us to communicate with the first responder community to look at what impacts they’re looking for and what they need to have happen.”
This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs endorsed by the Department of Defense, through the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program. The conference was also supported by HRS and Ohio State’s Center for Brain Injury Recovery & Discovery.
