23, Mar 2026
Centre to Launch 7th Round of Critical Mineral Auctions to Boost Resource Security
New Delhi, Mar 23 (BNP): G. Kishan Reddy will on Monday launch the seventh tranche of auctions for critical and strategic mineral blocks, in a move aimed at strengthening India’s mineral security and supporting emerging sectors such as clean energy and advanced technologies.
The launch will take place in the presence of Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, the Ministry of Mines said.
Critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, tungsten, vanadium and titanium have become increasingly important amid the global shift towards clean energy and high-tech manufacturing. However, their limited availability and concentration in select geographies pose challenges to stable supply chains.
To address these concerns, the government amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in August 2023, identifying 24 minerals as critical and strategic. The amendment empowers the Centre to auction mining leases and composite licences for these resources, while revenues are allocated to the respective state governments.
The ministry has so far conducted six rounds of auctions, successfully allocating 46 mineral blocks, indicating strong industry interest and growing investor confidence in the sector.
In the upcoming tranche, 19 mineral blocks across multiple states will be offered under mining lease and composite licence categories. These blocks include a range of minerals vital for industries such as renewable energy, fertilisers and strategic manufacturing.
Officials said recent regulatory reforms have further improved the auction framework by enhancing transparency and reducing delays in operationalisation. Changes in rules have streamlined processes such as upfront payments, performance security and issuance of letters of intent, while also allowing insurance surety bonds as an alternative to bank guarantees.
The auctions will be conducted through a transparent, online two-stage ascending forward bidding process, with successful bidders selected based on the highest revenue share offered.
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- By Neel Achary
23, Mar 2026
Govt Unveils Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Framework, Shifts Focus to Sustainable Rural Water Services
New Delhi, Mar 22 (BNP): C. R. Patil on Sunday launched the operational framework for Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, signalling a strategic transition towards long-term sustainability and improved service delivery in rural drinking water systems. The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, on Sunday released the Operational Guidelines of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 as Jal Mahotsav 2026 culminated alongside the Sujal Gram Samvad on the occasion of World Water Day.
The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of Jal Mahotsav 2026, coinciding with World Water Day. The upgraded mission, now extended till December 2028, aims to strengthen governance, accountability and reliability of water supply across rural India.
Speaking on the occasion, Patil said the initiative has evolved from a scheme focused on infrastructure expansion to a transformative programme that improves quality of life, particularly for women and children. He emphasised that the next phase will prioritise consistent water supply, system functionality and long-term resource sustainability.
Highlighting the importance of public participation, the minister said nationwide initiatives such as Jal Mahotsav have helped turn water conservation into a mass movement, encouraging community ownership of water resources.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna said the campaign witnessed large-scale engagement across villages through awareness drives, school programmes and community interactions, reinforcing the idea that water management must extend beyond government efforts to collective responsibility.
Under JJM 2.0, the government will focus on defined service benchmarks, decentralised accountability at state and local levels, and sustainability measures such as water conservation, source protection and efficient resource management.
Officials noted that reform-linked agreements with states are being implemented to ensure better outcomes, with several states already committing to the new framework during the campaign.
The event also featured the Sujal Gram Samvad, where village representatives from different states shared their experiences in managing water supply systems, reflecting improved grassroots participation and operational efficiency.
The government reiterated that collaboration between the Centre, states and local bodies, along with active community involvement, will be essential to achieving universal access to safe drinking water and advancing the broader goal of a developed India by 2047.
23, Mar 2026
Coal Gasification Crucial for Energy Security, Industrial Growth: G. Kishan Reddy
New Delhi, Mar 22 (BNP): G. Kishan Reddy on Sunday said coal gasification will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s energy security, reducing import dependence and supporting industrial growth, while addressing the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.
Speaking to industry leaders, experts, start-ups, researchers and policymakers, the minister said India’s rapidly expanding economy requires a balanced energy strategy that aligns growth with sustainability. He noted that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the country is witnessing strong progress across manufacturing, infrastructure, digital connectivity and innovation.
Highlighting India’s vast coal reserves of nearly 400 billion tonnes—among the largest globally—Reddy said coal currently accounts for about 55 per cent of the country’s energy mix and nearly 74 per cent of electricity generation. With annual demand at around one billion tonnes and expected to rise significantly by 2047, he underlined the continued importance of coal even as India pursues its Net Zero emissions target by 2070.
Describing coal gasification as a transformative technology, the minister said it converts coal into syngas, which can be used to produce cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and hydrogen, enabling more efficient and sustainable utilisation of domestic resources. He also pointed to India’s heavy dependence on imports, including crude oil, natural gas, methanol and fertilisers, stressing the need to enhance energy self-reliance.
Reddy said the government has launched the National Coal Gasification Mission with a target of achieving 100 million tonnes of gasification by 2030. An incentive scheme worth ₹8,500 crore has been introduced to support projects across the public and private sectors, with investments exceeding ₹64,000 crore already in the pipeline.
He also highlighted advanced technologies such as Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) for their potential to utilise otherwise inaccessible reserves while reducing environmental impact.
Calling for greater collaboration among industry, academia, start-ups and research institutions, the minister said coal gasification spans multiple sectors, including power, oil and gas, and fertilisers. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating investments through supportive policies, streamlined approvals and incentives.
Expressing confidence in India’s capabilities, Reddy said the country is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in clean coal technologies while advancing energy security, sustainability, and self-reliance.
23, Mar 2026
PM Modi Chairs CCS Meet on West Asia Conflict, Orders Steps to Safeguard Supplies and Economy
New Delhi, Mar 23 (BNP): Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the evolving situation arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict and directed a coordinated government response to mitigate its impact on India’s economy and essential supplies.
During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary made a detailed presentation on the global scenario and outlined measures already undertaken as well as those being planned by various ministries and departments. The CCS reviewed the likely implications of the conflict across key sectors including agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, trade, shipping, finance and supply chains.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the conflict could have significant short-, medium- and long-term implications for the global economy and its ripple effects on India, and called for proactive and calibrated countermeasures.
A comprehensive assessment of the availability of essential commodities, including food, fuel and energy, was undertaken. The government expressed confidence that adequate arrangements are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply, with detailed strategies discussed for immediate as well as long-term requirements.
The CCS also reviewed the impact on agriculture, particularly fertiliser availability for the upcoming Kharif season. It noted that sufficient buffer stocks have been maintained and discussed alternative sourcing strategies to ensure continued supply to farmers.
On the energy front, the government assessed that adequate coal stocks at power plants would prevent any disruption in electricity supply across the country.
The meeting also deliberated on diversifying import sources for critical inputs required by the chemicals, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals sectors. In parallel, efforts will be made to identify and develop new export destinations to promote Indian goods.
The Prime Minister directed that a group of ministers and secretaries be constituted to oversee a “whole-of-government” approach, with dedicated sectoral groups working in consultation with stakeholders to implement mitigation measures.
Stressing the need to minimise the impact on citizens, Modi instructed all arms of the government to work in close coordination and ensure that there is no inconvenience to the public. He also called for effective coordination with state governments to prevent black-marketing and hoarding of essential commodities.
Describing the situation as dynamic, the Prime Minister said continuous monitoring and timely intervention would be critical to safeguarding national interests.
23, Mar 2026
Epson showcases education innovation as Platinum Sponsor of the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association National Summit (ASPA)
Held from 24–25 March 2026 at Gandel Hall in the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
CANBERRA, 23 March 2026 – Epson Australia will take centre stage as a Platinum Sponsor at the upcoming Australian Secondary Principals’ Association (ASPA) National Summit, bringing some of its latest education technology solutions to one of the country’s most influential gatherings of public secondary school leaders.
Held from 24–25 March 2026 at Gandel Hall in the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, the summit will bring together delegates including leading secondary school principals from across Australia, heads of principals’ associations, senior education policymakers, academics, politicians, students and representatives from parent and community organisations.
Organised by the Australian Secondary Principals’ Association (ASPA) — the national peak body advocating for Australia’s public secondary school principals — the summit provides a unique forum to address critical challenges facing schools and to shape the future of secondary education policy and leadership.
As a Platinum Sponsor, Epson will have a prominent presence throughout the two-day event, demonstrating its commitment to supporting educators and equipping schools with innovative, reliable technology designed to enhance learning outcomes and streamline administrative workflows.
Epson’s participation highlights its ongoing dedication to the education sector, where schools increasingly rely on advanced technology to support teaching, collaboration and efficient document management.
Epson technology on display
Summit attendees will have the opportunity to experience one of Epson’s latest solutions designed for education and enterprise environments, the WorkForce DS-32000 A3 high-speed document scanner, designed to streamline document capture and digital record management for busy education environments.
This powerful scanning solution helps schools digitise records, manage administrative tasks efficiently and support paper-to-digital workflows.
Key features of the DS-32000 include:
- High-speed scanning – capable of handling large volumes of documents
- Support for a wide range of media types – including A3 documents and bound materials
- Advanced image processing – for clear, accurate digital records
- Excellent network connectivity – allows easy integration into school workflows
Epson DS-32000 A3 high-speed document scanner
In addition to scanners Epson also has a range of printers designed to meet the needs of the education sector including the WorkForce Enterprise AM-C400, the WorkForce Enterprise AM-C4000 and the SureColor T3160.
The AM-C400 is a compact A4 colour multifunction inkjet printer with a high-resolution output of 600 x 1200 dpi and the AM-C4000 is a high-performance A3 colour multifunction printer with a professional, even higher resolution output of 600 x 2400 dpi. Both printers offer print speeds of up to 40 ISO ppm in mono and colour.
Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM-C400
Built for productivity, the AM-C400 and AM-C4000 combine print, copy, scan and workflow integration capabilities in a compact, scalable footprint suited to high-volume environments such as schools, universities and administrative departments.
Powered by Epson’s PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology, these printers deliver fast, reliable and energy-efficient printing while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM-C4000
Epson WorkForce Enterprise AM-C400 and AM-C4000 key features include:
• High reliability – simple mechanism for environments where downtime is a not an option
• More sustainable – lower power consumption saves energy thanks to Epson’s Heat-Free Technology
• Small footprint – amongst the smallest footprints in their class
• Solution compatibility – a wide variety of integrated software solutions
• Award winning design – specifically designed to blend in with and complement just about any school, office or work environment
• Powered by PrecisionCore – advanced printing technology engineered by Epson to power the world’s top performing printers
• Work with Epson Remote Services – cloud-based, advanced diagnosis of Epson printers and MFPs
The Epson SureColor T3160M is a compact 24-inch large-format wireless multi-function printer that includes an integrated scanner designed for precision, speed and reliability. Engineered for professionals in education, architecture, engineering and design it delivers high-quality CAD drawings, posters and technical documents with exceptional accuracy and efficiency.
The 24-inch Epson SureColor T3160M
The 24-inch SureColor T3160M also supports copy enlargements and reductions, as well as enhanced tracing and offers highlight detection for scanning annotated blueprints.
Built on Epson’s PrecisionCore technology and powered by UltraChrome XD2 pigment inks, the T3160M produces sharp lines, vibrant colours and durable prints that are resistant to water and smudging. Its space-saving design and flexible media handling make it ideal for educational offices and institutions requiring professional-grade wide-format output.
Key features of the SureColor T3160M
- High-speed performance – produces A1 prints in as little as 34 seconds for fast turnaround
- PrecisionCore print technology – delivers sharp detail and consistent output at up to 2400 × 1200 dpi
- Durable pigment inks – UltraChrome XD2 inks provide water- and smudge-resistant prints for professional use
- Wide-format capability – supports media up to 24 inches (610 mm) wide, including roll and cut-sheet paper
- Integrated auto-cutter – ensures clean, precise finishing of prints
- Flexible media handling – up to sheet feeder and roll-to-sheet switching for seamless workflow
- Compact, space-saving design – suitable for desktops or floor-standing configurations in smaller workspaces
- User-friendly interface – 4.3-inch colour touchscreen for intuitive operation
- Connectivity and integration – supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Ethernet, AirPrint, and CAD/GIS software workflows
- Low running costs – energy-efficient operation with individual ink cartridges for cost control
EcoTank printer giveaway at ASPA 2026
To celebrate its Platinum Sponsorship and participation at ASPA, Epson will also host a giveaway of an EcoTank ET-4950 printer, offering one lucky attendee the opportunity to take home Epson’s premium, award-winning cartridge-free printing solution.
EcoTank ET-4950 printer
The EcoTank range is known for its ultra-low-cost printing, refillable ink tanks, and reduced environmental impact making it a popular choice for schools and home offices alike.
Event
ASPA National Summit 2026
Dates
Tuesday 24 March – Wednesday 25 March 2026
Show times
Tuesday 24 March – 8:45am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday 25 March – 7:30 am to 2:45 pm
Location
Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra ACT
Summit delegates are invited to visit Epson during the event to explore the latest solutions designed to support modern education environments.
22, Mar 2026
ABB FIA Formula E in Madrid hosts a royal visit at inaugural race, welcoming His Majesty King Felipe VI
The race welcomed 30,000 fans over the weekend which saw António Félix da Costa win, and Jaguar TCS Racing secure a one-two finish
Dubai, UAE, March 22: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, welcomed His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain to Madrid’s inaugural hosting of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
King Felipe VI’s presence highlighted the growing importance of sustainable motorsport and Spain’s role in embracing innovative, electric racing technologies.
The event marked a historic milestone for a championship that is currently in its twelfth season, and which since its inception has had innovation embedded in its DNA.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “It was an honour for the FIA to welcome His Majesty King Felipe VI to the Circuito de Madrid-Jarama for the city’s inaugural ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race.
“This landmark event reflects the growing global appeal of electric racing and underscores our shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cutting-edge motorsport.
“Madrid has embraced Formula E with great enthusiasm, and hosting the championship here for the first time allows us to showcase the excitement of electric racing while promoting cleaner mobility solutions.
“We are thrilled to bring fans from around the world to the Spanish capital and inspire the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts and innovators.”
Jaguar TCS Racing secured a one-two finish in the race as Portugal’s Antonio Felix da Costa secured victory ahead of New Zealander Mitch Evans.
Carmelo Sanz de Barros, President of the FIA Senate and President of the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE), said: “Bringing Formula E to Madrid for the first time is a historic moment for our city and for Spanish motorsport.
“The CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix showcases not only racing at the highest level but also the importance of sustainable mobility. We are proud to have welcomed His Majesty King Felipe VI to experience this unique event, which celebrates innovation, excitement, and Spain’s commitment to a greener future in motorsport.”
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship stands at the forefront of sustainable innovation in global sport, combining high-performance racing with a clear purpose: to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
Since it began, the championship has served as a platform for cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, driving advancements in energy efficiency, battery development and urban mobility solutions.
Formula E not only brings world-class motorsport to fans but also demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, supporting the FIA’s commitment to reducing environmental impact while inspiring the next generation of mobility.
The Championship will continue for Rounds 7 & 8 in Berlin from the 2nd May 2026.
22, Mar 2026
Amit Shah Extends Greetings on Bihar Diwas, Lauds State’s Cultural Legacy and Contribution to Nation-Building
New Delhi, March 22 (BNP): Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, on Sunday extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Bihar on the occasion of Bihar Diwas, highlighting the state’s rich cultural heritage and enduring contributions to India’s progress.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, Shah described Bihar as a land renowned for its vibrant culture, traditions, and unique art forms. He noted that the state has consistently guided the nation along the path of social justice and intellectual awakening.
The Home Minister underscored Bihar’s historical significance, referring to its illustrious centres of learning such as Nalanda and Vikramshila. He said that from these ancient institutions to its active role in the freedom struggle and during the Emergency period, Bihar has made invaluable contributions to nation-building across eras.
Shah further stated that by embracing and preserving its vast heritage and traditions, Bihar is today setting new benchmarks of growth and development.
Bihar Diwas, celebrated annually on March 22, marks the formation of the state in 1912 and is observed with cultural events and public celebrations across the region.
22, Mar 2026
Amethyst Hosts Abraham & Thakore Sale, Showcases A&T Home and Deepa Gurnani Collections in Chennai
Chennai, March 2026: Amethyst is hosting a three-day retail showcase featuring an Abraham & Thakore discount sale alongside the launch of A&T Home, complemented by a pop-up exhibition of jewellery and clutches by designer Deepa Gurnani.
The event will be held from March 24 to 26, 2026, between 11:00 AM and 7:30 PM at The Folly, Amethyst, Whites Road, Royapettah.
The Abraham & Thakore sale offers up to 60% off across a wide range of apparel, including dresses, tunics, kurtas, jackets, tops, scarves, sarees, and menswear, with prices starting from ₹6,500.
The exhibition also introduces A&T Home, featuring a curated range of soft furnishings, upholstery fabrics, wallpapers, textile artworks, ceramics, diffusers, and candles. Upholstery fabrics, inspired by traditional techniques such as basket weaves, ikat, and kantha, are priced from ₹1,990 per metre. The wallpaper collection, drawing from heritage crafts like crewel, kantha, and bandhani, is biodegradable, odourless, and suitable for residential and commercial spaces, with prices starting at ₹15,000 per roll.
In addition, the pop-up showcases Deepa Gurnani’s latest collections, including Sandflower and Euphoria (Spring/Summer 2026), featuring handcrafted jewellery and clutches. The collections focus on vibrant colours, intricate embellishments, and contemporary design, with prices starting from ₹4,500.
The event brings together fashion, home décor, and accessories under one platform, offering visitors a curated retail experience.
22, Mar 2026
IFFD 2026 Launches AI Filmmaking Hackathon in Association with LTM, Powered by IDFC FIRST Bank
New Delhi, March 2026: The International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026, in association with LTM and powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, has announced the launch of a 48-hour nationwide AI Filmmaking Hackathon, inviting creators to explore the future of storytelling through artificial intelligence.
Positioned at the intersection of technology and cinema, the hackathon is designed as a high-intensity creative sprint where participants will conceptualise and produce original 2–3-minute short films using end-to-end AI-driven workflows. The initiative is anchored by LTM CraftStudio and reflects LTM’s leadership in business AI, alongside its continued focus on enabling new frontiers of creative and technological innovation.
Scheduled to run virtually from March 25 to 27, 2026, the hackathon forms a key highlight of the inaugural edition of IFFD 2026, which will take place across New Delhi from March 25 to 31. Open to creators across India, the competition invites individuals as well as teams of up to five members to participate in a fast-paced format that encourages rapid ideation, experimentation, and execution.
Entries will be evaluated on creativity, storytelling, use of AI, and overall cinematic impact. Selected films will be shortlisted for final jury evaluation and screened at IFFD 2026, offering participants valuable exposure within a global festival ecosystem.
The hackathon will award ₹3 lakh for Best Film and ₹2 lakh for Runner-up, recognising exceptional work that pushes the boundaries of AI-led filmmaking.
With a lineup of over 125 Indian and international films and a diverse programme across venues including Bharat Mandapam, IFFD 2026 provides a dynamic backdrop for this initiative—extending the festival experience into emerging forms of digital creativity.
22, Mar 2026
IHCL Hotels in Tamil Nadu Reinforce Responsible Hospitality, Mark Four Years of Paathya with Bharat Eksaath Walkathon
CHENNAI, MARCH 22, 2026: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, continues to advance its sustainability and social impact agenda through Paathya, its ESG+ framework.
Photo caption: Dr. S. Armstrong, Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee, University of Madras, Megalina Iden, DC Traffic – East, and Ian Dubier, Area Director Operations for Tamil Nadu and General Manager of Taj Coromandel, flagging off IHCL’s Bharat EkSaath Walkathon at University of Madras in Chennai.
Marking its fourth year, IHCL reinforced its commitment to responsible tourism with Bharat EkSaath Walkathon – Tamil Nadu edition, an inclusive 3 km walk that brought together associates, their families, local partners, vendors and community members. This was held simultaneously across 14 countries in over 200 locations. The funds raised through the walkathon support the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust (TPSWT), reinforcing IHCL’s approach to social impact.
Teams from Taj Coromandel, Taj Connemara, Taj Club House, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa Chennai, Taj Wellington Mews Chennai, Vivanta Chennai IT Expressway, Ginger Chennai, OMR, Ginger Chennai, Vadapalani, Ginger Chennai, IITM, TajSATS, Vivanta Coimbatore, Savoy, Ooty – IHCL SeleQtions, Gateway Madurai and Gateway Coonoor participated in the 3-km walk.
The Walkathon commenced from the University of Madras and was flagged off by distinguished guests, Dr. S. Armstrong Vice-Chancellor Convener Committee, University of Madras, and Megalina Iden, DC Traffic – East. The route began at the University of Madras, proceeded along Madras Beach Road, and concluded back at the University campus. The event concluded with a hearty breakfast, followed by the distribution of medals and certificates to all participants.
