Author: Neel Achary

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.

India Launches Carbon Market Portal at Prakriti 2026, Positions Carbon Trading as Key to Climate Action

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday inaugurated the International Conference on Carbon Markets, Prakriti 2026, and launched the Indian Carbon Market Portal, underscoring India’s commitment to advancing climate action alongside economic growth.

The two-day conference, organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is being held in the national capital as part of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.

The event brings together global experts, policymakers, industry leaders and researchers to deliberate on carbon markets and their role in supporting climate goals and green growth. The theme of this year’s conference is “Unlocking Carbon Finance for NDC Implementation through Global Partnerships and Digital Pathways.”

During the inaugural session, the Indian Carbon Market Portal (www.indiancarbonmarket.gov.in
) was launched by Manohar Lal, along with Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik and other dignitaries. The portal is designed as a central platform for implementing and administering the country’s carbon market.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister said India has demonstrated that climate responsibility and economic development can progress together. He highlighted initiatives such as the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), renewable energy expansion and energy efficiency programmes as key steps toward building a transparent and credible carbon market framework.

He noted that the country has already notified nine methodologies under the CCTS, with over 40 entities registering projects in sectors such as biogas, hydrogen and forestry. Additionally, greenhouse gas emission intensity targets have been set for nearly 490 entities across seven energy-intensive sectors.

Emphasising the economic potential of carbon markets, Lal urged businesses to view them not merely as compliance mechanisms but as opportunities for innovation, investment and entrepreneurship.

Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik highlighted three key pillars for robust carbon markets — credibility through digital monitoring, reporting and verification systems, capital mobilisation for clean technologies, and international collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

He said India’s progress in renewable energy and energy efficiency demonstrates that climate action and economic growth are complementary, adding that carbon markets can empower MSMEs and farmers while enabling transparent global cooperation.

The conference will feature discussions on global carbon markets under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism, compliance frameworks, digital technologies, carbon border policies and financing clean technologies.

Officials said Prakriti 2026 reflects India’s growing role as a global leader in climate action and its efforts to develop a transparent, inclusive and innovation-driven carbon market ecosystem.

Celebration of Pakhala Paraba by Odia Samaj, Tripura

Agartala, 20 March 2026 (BNP): The Odia community residing in Tripura celebrated Pakhala Paraba (Pakhala Divas), a traditional festival of Odisha, with great enthusiasm, cultural pride, and collective joy on 20th March 2026.

The celebration was organized under the aegis of Odia Samaj, Tripura, where members gathered at Sangam to mark the occasion in a spirit of unity and festivity. The event witnessed active participation, especially by the women members of the community, who played a central role in showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Odisha.

On this occasion, the lady members prepared a wide variety of traditional Odia cuisine at their respective homes. More than twenty different dishes were presented, reflecting the diversity and uniqueness of Odia food culture. The celebration was further enriched by joining the live telecast of Pakhala Paraba festivities from Odisha, creating a sense of connection with their cultural roots.

Following the presentation, all participants shared the meal together. The food was lovingly served by the women members, symbolizing warmth, affection, and community bonding. The gathering was marked by joy, togetherness, and a deep sense of cultural identity.

The event concluded on a cheerful note, with all attendees expressing happiness and satisfaction at celebrating their traditional festival away from their home state, yet with equal fervour and authenticity.

Water and the Feminine: A Reflection for World Water Day

Water has always been more than a natural resource. It is life, movement, and meaning. On World Water Day, observed every year on 22 March, the world reflects on the importance of water—not only for survival, but for balance, dignity, and harmony in human life.

Water is often symbolically linked with the feminine. It is nurturing, sustaining, and deeply life-giving. Like the feminine principle, water carries quiet strength. It flows gently, yet it shapes entire landscapes over time. It sustains life in silence, yet holds immense power within it.

This dual nature—calm and powerful, soft and unstoppable—makes water a powerful reflection of feminine energy. Rivers that nourish fields, rain that renews life, and oceans that connect continents all represent both care and strength in motion.

The connection becomes even more meaningful in the context of the theme “Water and Gender.” Across the world, women are often the primary managers of household water. They walk long distances, collect water, and ensure its use for families and communities. This daily responsibility reflects resilience, patience, and care—qualities often associated with both water and femininity.

Yet this also highlights an important truth: water inequality affects women and girls the most. When access is limited, it is they who carry the burden. When access improves, entire communities move toward dignity, education, and opportunity.

Water can also be forceful and unpredictable. Floods and storms remind us of its strength and ability to transform landscapes. In the same way, feminine strength is not limited to gentleness—it also carries the power to change, rebuild, and endure.

On World Water Day, this symbolism becomes a reminder of responsibility. Water must be protected, shared fairly, and valued not just as a resource, but as the foundation of life. Recognizing its connection to gender equality helps us understand a deeper truth: sustainability and justice go hand in hand.

Ultimately, water teaches balance. It shows that strength does not always mean force, and care does not mean weakness. In its flow, stillness, and power, water reflects life itself—and invites us to protect it with respect and awareness.

FANS Patna Hosts Seminar on National Security Challenges and Policy Strategies

Patna, March 21, 2026 (BNP) — The Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS), Patna Chapter, on Friday organized a seminar on “National Security: Policy, Strategy and Contemporary Challenges” at the CIMP Auditorium in Patna, bringing together academicians, security experts and public figures to deliberate on evolving threats and policy responses.

The programme commenced at 4:00 PM with a welcome address by Shri Kumod Kumar, CAO, CIMP and General Secretary of the FANS Patna Chapter, who greeted the dignitaries and participants and outlined the objectives of the seminar.

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, elaborated on the concept of strategy in national security and highlighted emerging threats, including nuclear, chemical, biological and radiological risks. He underscored the importance of indigenous research and digital preparedness, noting the role of DRDO in strengthening secure networks and advancing technological sovereignty to reduce dependence on external systems.

Lt. Gen. Ashok Kumar Choudhary, President of the FANS Patna Chapter, described national security as a multi-dimensional concept encompassing economic stability, social harmony and technological strength. He called for an integrated approach, emphasizing that citizens also play a crucial role in building national resilience.

Chief Guest Dr. Dinesh Chandra Rai, Vice Chancellor of B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University, spoke on the need to preserve cultural values alongside promoting self-reliance. He highlighted the role of technology in agriculture, integrated farming practices and training, while stressing rural development as a cornerstone of national progress. He also raised concerns over the influence of western culture on Indian heritage.

Distinguished Guest Shri Vikramaditya Singh, National Organization General Secretary of FANS, addressed issues related to interstate coordination, international dimensions of national security and the need to create protective environments for sustainable development.

Keynote Speaker Shri Golok Bihari Rai, member of the National Steering Committee of FANS, emphasized citizen security, peace and societal well-being. He spoke on challenges such as population pressure, the alcohol-crime nexus and policy transparency, linking economic growth with national sovereignty.

Guest of Honour Shri Alok Raj, retired IPS officer and former Director General of Police, Bihar, discussed both traditional and emerging security challenges. He referred to threats from neighbouring regions, cyber and digital attacks, and the misuse of social media for propaganda. He lauded the role of security forces and stressed the importance of public awareness, preparedness and coordinated action.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Kumod Kumar. The event facilitated meaningful discussions on strengthening India’s national security framework in the face of contemporary challenges.