21, Mar 2026
FIA and UNTourism announce first ever Sustainable Sports Tourism Award winners
Dubai, UAE, 21st March, 2026: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA.
Announced at a ceremony in Madrid, ahead of this weekend’s ABB FIA Formula ECUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, the winners demonstrated leadership and innovation across key areas insustainable tourism, showcasing environmental, social and economic impact, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy.
FIA President and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, commented: “The diversity and quality of our inaugural winners highlights the growing global momentum behind sustainable sports tourism.
“These awards celebrate sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth, and together with UN Tourism, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability while building a future where sport continues to unite people across borders.”
Awards winners
Most Sustainable Sport Event – Winner: Secto Rally Finland – Pioneering ISO 20121 & Spark the Future Sustainability Forum (AKK Sports Ltd., Finland).
Community Impact in Sports Tourism – Winner: Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail (Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency & Argeus Travel & Events, Türkiye).
Innovation in Sports Tourism Development – Winner: Saalfelden Leogang – Nature-Driven Performance in Eco-Friendly Mountain Bike Tourism (Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH, Austria).
Outstanding Public-Private Parntership in Sports Tourism – Winner: MadCup Universe (MadCup S.L., Spain).
FIA President’s Exceptional Award – Winner: Tirana – European City of Sports 2023 (Municipality of Tirana, Albania).
UN Tourism Secretary-General Exceptional Award – Winner: WRC UENO Rally of Paraguay 2025 (SENATUR, Paraguay).
UN Tourism Secretary-General, H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais said: “When UN Tourism and the FIA signed the Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, we committed to advancing together a more sustainable sports tourism industry.
“Last night, that commitment became a reality with the inaugural ceremony for the Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism. This milestone proves that our collaboration is now a global platform recognizing sustainability, innovation, and community impact, turning our shared vision into a powerful legacy for the sector.”
A total of 70 applications were submitted by organisations worldwide, including federations, tourism boards, governments, NGOs, companies and universities, with 28 shortlisted for the final, where the winners were selected by a seven-member jury of experts.
A joint initiative between UN Tourism and the FIA, the awards recognise the projects and events that are successfully integrating sport and tourism with sustainable development.
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- By Neel Achary
21, Mar 2026
Ayushman Bharat: From Health Access to Health Security in India
For decades, India’s healthcare system faced a difficult balancing act—expanding access while keeping care affordable. Millions of families, especially in rural and low-income communities, often delayed or avoided treatment due to high costs. A single hospitalization could push households into debt, turning a health crisis into a financial one.
The launch of Ayushman Bharat in 2018 marked a turning point in this journey. More than just a government scheme, it introduced a new vision—one where healthcare is not limited to access, but extends to security, dignity, and long-term well-being.
From Health Access to Health Security: Ayushman Bharat is reshaping Indian public healthcarehttps://t.co/byAyCzSSVf
via NaMo App pic.twitter.com/1FHPwT0tvr
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 20, 2026
A Transformative Vision for Public Health
Ayushman Bharat reimagines healthcare as a continuous system rather than a one-time service. It connects prevention, treatment, infrastructure, and digital innovation into a unified framework. This integrated approach ensures that individuals are not only treated when they fall ill but are also supported in staying healthy.
Today, it stands as one of the largest publicly funded healthcare initiatives in the world, reflecting India’s commitment to inclusive and equitable healthcare.
The Four Pillars of Ayushman Bharat
At the heart of this transformation are four key pillars that work together to deliver comprehensive care:
1. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Bringing Care Closer to Communities
Formerly known as Health and Wellness Centres, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have reshaped primary healthcare in India. Spread across villages and towns, these centers provide essential services right at the community level.
They focus on:
- Maternal and child healthcare
- Immunization and nutrition
- Screening for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancers
- Basic medicines and diagnostic services
- Wellness activities, including yoga
By prioritizing early detection and prevention, these centres reduce the need for costly treatments later.
2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Financial Protection for Millions
The insurance component of Ayushman Bharat ensures that healthcare is affordable. It provides cashless treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalization.
This has been especially significant for economically vulnerable families, who previously had limited access to quality healthcare. Today, they can seek treatment in empaneled hospitals without worrying about immediate financial burden.
3. Building Stronger Systems with PM-ABHIM
The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission focuses on strengthening the healthcare system itself.
Investments under this mission include:
- Development of critical care blocks in districts
- Expansion of diagnostic and laboratory networks
- Strengthening disease surveillance systems
- Improving emergency response capabilities
This pillar ensures that healthcare delivery is not only accessible but also reliable and prepared for future challenges.
4. Digital Health Revolution
Technology is playing a key role in making healthcare more efficient and transparent. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission aims to create a seamless digital ecosystem.
Through digital health IDs and integrated records:
- Patients can access their medical history anywhere
- Doctors can make better-informed decisions
- Services become faster and more coordinated
Telemedicine platforms like eSanjeevani have further expanded access, especially in remote areas, enabling millions of consultations without the need for travel.
Measurable Impact: Changing Lives at Scale
The scale of Ayushman Bharat is matched by its real-world impact:
- Financial Relief: Families are saving substantial amounts on medical expenses, reducing dependence on loans or selling assets.
- Wider Coverage: Tens of crores of citizens have been enrolled, including a major expansion to cover senior citizens above 70 years.
- Stronger Public Hospitals: Government hospitals are being revitalized through better funding and increased patient flow.
- Preventive Healthcare: Large-scale screenings are helping detect diseases early, improving health outcomes and reducing long-term costs.
This shift towards prevention marks a significant evolution in India’s healthcare approach.
From Treatment to Prevention
One of the most important changes brought by Ayushman Bharat is the growing focus on preventive care. Instead of reacting to illness, the system now emphasizes early diagnosis and regular health monitoring.
Screenings for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are becoming more common at the community level. This not only improves quality of life but also reduces the overall burden on hospitals.
Strengthening Healthcare for the Future
Beyond immediate benefits, Ayushman Bharat is building long-term resilience in India’s healthcare system. New infrastructure, improved digital connectivity, and community participation are creating a foundation for sustainable growth.
The government’s continued investment and policy support indicate a strong commitment to expanding and improving the scheme in the coming years.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the progress is significant, challenges remain. Ensuring consistent quality across regions, addressing gaps in rural infrastructure, and increasing awareness about available services are ongoing priorities.
However, the direction is clear—towards a system that is inclusive, efficient, and centered on people’s needs.
Conclusion: A Healthier, More Secure India
Ayushman Bharat represents a bold step in India’s development journey. It moves beyond the idea of healthcare as a service and embraces it as a right and a safeguard for every citizen.
By combining financial protection, accessible services, strong infrastructure, and digital innovation, it is creating a healthcare system that is not only larger but also better.
As India continues to evolve, Ayushman Bharat stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful policy and collective effort can transform lives—ensuring that health is not a privilege, but a promise fulfilled for all.
21, Mar 2026
Uttar Pradesh Emerges as Key Logistics and Industrial Hub with Rapid Infrastructure Transformation
Mar 20: Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past nine years, evolving from a state with limited infrastructure into a fast-growing logistics and industrial hub. Driven by large-scale expansion of expressways, airports, waterways, and multi-modal connectivity, the state is now positioned as a key contributor to India’s economic growth.
Prior to 2017, infrastructure development in the state was limited, with only two operational expressways and relatively weak connectivity. High logistics costs, longer transportation times, and limited aviation expansion constrained industrial growth and investment opportunities. Additionally, there was minimal progress in waterways and integrated multi-modal connectivity systems.
Over the past nine years, Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in infrastructure development. The number of expressways has increased from just 2 in 2017 to 22, including operational, under-construction, and proposed projects. Today, nearly 55% of India’s total expressway network passes through the state, significantly boosting regional and national connectivity.
To support industrial expansion, approximately 5,300 hectares of land across 27 locations in 26 districts have been earmarked along expressway corridors. The establishment of the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority has further accelerated development, laying the foundation for a new industrial city after nearly five decades and enabling multi-dimensional growth across 56,662 acres.
The state has also made notable progress in exports, rising to 4th place in the Export Preparedness Index 2024, up from 7th in 2022, and ranking first among landlocked states. Improvements in logistics infrastructure have significantly reduced transportation time and costs, enhancing industrial competitiveness and strengthening investor confidence.
Multi-modal connectivity has been a key focus area. The country’s first multi-modal terminal has been established in Varanasi, while additional terminals and freight villages are being developed in Ramnagar, Chandauli, Mirzapur, and Ghazipur.
Road infrastructure development has accelerated, with an average of 19 kilometers of roads being constructed, widened, or strengthened daily. The aviation sector has also seen rapid growth, with 16 operational airports, including 4 international airports, and 8 more under development.
With the upcoming Noida International Airport, Uttar Pradesh is set to become the first state in India to have five international airports, further enhancing global connectivity and attracting investments.
Looking ahead, the state aims to become India’s largest logistics and industrial hub by strengthening its expressway network, expanding multi-modal connectivity, and developing industrial corridors. These initiatives are expected to reduce logistics costs further, promote business activity, and generate large-scale employment opportunities.
With a strong focus on export-oriented policies, an investor-friendly ecosystem, and modern infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh is well-positioned to emerge as a major investment destination and a driving force behind India’s economic growth.
21, Mar 2026
Muslim Youth Pauses Ramadan Fast to Donate Blood Stem Cells, Saves a Life This Eid
Kolkata, Mar 20: As families across India celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with feasts and togetherness, one 20-year-old from West Bengal marked this season of giving in a way few ever will, by pausing his Ramadan fast to donate blood stem cells and save a life he had never met.
In India, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer or blood disorder every 5 minutes. Behind each of those statistics is a patient waiting, hoping, and praying that somewhere out there a matching donor exists. For one such patient, that match came in the form of Mohammad Ashraf Ali, a young man from West Bengal whose quiet act of courage this Ramadan is now being hailed as a powerful symbol of what this season truly stands for.
Ashraf’s journey to becoming a lifesaving donor began not in a hospital, but on his phone screen. In 2022, a video by a popular social media influencer about blood stem cell donation stopped him mid-scroll. Moved by what he saw, he registered with DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit dedicated to fighting blood cancers and disorders like thalassemia and aplastic anemia, almost on impulse. He didn’t think much of it afterward. Life moved on.
Then, two years later, the call came.
DKMS informed Ashraf that he was a match for a patient in critical need of a blood stem cell transplant. There was a catch, or rather, two. Ashraf has a deep-rooted fear of needles. And the donation would fall squarely during the holy month of Ramadan, requiring him to pause his fast.
For many, either obstacle alone might have prompted a hesitation. For Ashraf, the decision took almost no time at all.
“When I realised I could be the only match, my focus was only on the patient,” he said simply.
On the question of pausing his Ramadan fast, a deeply personal act of faith for millions of Muslims worldwide, Ashraf offered a reflection that speaks to the very heart of the season. “For me, Ramadan is about self-discipline through prayers, fasting, reading the Quran, and bringing meaningful changes in my daily life. I believe that self-discipline also includes doing what is right. If you can help save one life, it almost translates to saving entire humankind. When I was given this opportunity, I chose to go ahead.”
A personal memory also steeled his resolve. Ashraf’s uncle had once faced a life-threatening health crisis, a reminder, close to home, of how fragile life can be and how much a single act of help can mean. With his mother firmly by his side, Ashraf gathered his family, addressed their concerns with patience, and won their collective support.
He then walked in, faced his fear of needles, and donated.
The spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr, of gratitude, generosity, and reaching beyond oneself, found an unlikely home this year, in the steady hands of a young man who simply refused to look away when someone needed him.
Ashraf’s story, however, shines a light on a quiet crisis unfolding across India. Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman of DKMS in India, called Ashraf’s decision ‘deeply moving,’ adding: “We hope people get inspired by Ashraf and come forward to register, helping give patients with blood cancers and blood disorders a second chance at life.”
The numbers make the urgency clear. While 30% of patients with blood cancers or disorders may find a matching donor within their own family, the remaining 70% depend entirely on unrelated donors, strangers, like Ashraf. Yet today, only 0.09% of India’s eligible population is registered as a potential donor, leaving thousands of patients without a match, and without hope.
Every registration, Paul emphasizes, changes those odds. This Eid, as the spirit of giving fills homes across the country, Ashraf’s story is a reminder that the most profound gifts aren’t wrapped or exchanged over a meal, sometimes, they flow quietly through a needle, from one stranger to another, carrying with them the simple and radical belief that a life is worth saving.
Individuals between 18 and 55 years of age, in general good health, with a BMI under 40, and not already registered, are eligible to sign up as potential blood stem cell donors.
21, Mar 2026
Meghna Singhania Receives Science & Sustainability Award at UK Alumni Awards
Bengaluru, Mar 21: The British Council recently organised the 12th edition of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 in Bengaluru, celebrating the outstanding achievements of UK alumni across the world. The awards shine a spotlight on the lasting impact that UK higher education has had on alumni and the significant contributions they have made in their respective fields.
The event was attended by Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council, and Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Council, who opened the evening with remarks. Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, was the Chief Guest, who recognized this year’s award finalists and winners.
Among the awardees was Meghna A. Singhania, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Medical Dialogues, who was honoured with the Science and Sustainability Award for her exceptional work in medical journalism. Singhania’s platform, Medical Dialogues, is dedicated to providing credible health information while combating medical misinformation and simplifying science for the masses.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Meghna A. Singhania. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my incredible team at Medical Dialogues. The success of our platform is driven by the collective efforts of doctors, journalists, and fact-checkers who work tirelessly to ensure that credible health information is accessible to the public across India. Our shared mission has always been to simplify complex science for the masses and provide clear, trustworthy health information that empowers individuals to make informed healthcare decisions.”
Medical Dialogues has emerged as a leading force in medical news and fact-checking since its inception. The platform has earned recognitions from global organizations such as the Google News Initiative, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) for its efforts in delivering reliable health information and addressing misinformation.
Singhania’s academic background, with an MSc in Economics from LSE and an MSc in Finance and Economics from Warwick Business School, has been instrumental in shaping her approach to healthcare communication and public policy.
The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of UK alumni who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their industries and communities. The awards are presented annually in four categories: Science and Sustainability, Culture, Creativity and Sport, Social Action, and Business and Innovation.
Since its inception, Medical Dialogues has played a pivotal role in fighting medical misinformation in India and providing reliable, evidence-based health information to both healthcare professionals and the public.
21, Mar 2026
Kärcher India Showcased Professional Cleaning Solutions at Surat International Auto Expo 2026
Mar 21 : Kärcher India, a global leader in cleaning technology, participated in the Surat International Auto Expo 2026, held from 13–16 March 2026 at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC). The expo brought together key stakeholders from the automotive industry, including manufacturers, dealers, service professionals, and automotive enthusiasts, providing a platform to explore the latest technologies and solutions in the automotive sector.
At its stall, Kärcher India demonstrated a range of professional automotive and workshop cleaning solutions designed to support efficient cleaning, maintenance, and detailing operations across service centres and automotive workshops. The company highlighted the performance and versatility of its professional cleaning equipment through product displays and live demonstrations.
The showcase featured high-pressure cleaners such as HD 6/15-4 M Classic, HD 7/16-4 Cage, HD 9/20-4 Classic, and HD 5/13 Classic, along with wet and dry vacuum cleaners including NT 30/1 Me Classic, NT 65/2 Ap, and NT 70/2 Me Classic. Kärcher also presented specialised solutions such as the Puzzi 10/1 with a hand tool for upholstery and interior cleaning, the SG 4/4 steam cleaner for hygienic deep cleaning, the BD 43/40 C Ep scrubber dryer for floor care, and the IVR 100/22 SC industrial vacuum for heavy-duty industrial cleaning applications.
Along with its professional range, Kärcher India also showcased its consumer cleaning solutions, including vacuum cleaners such as WD 1s Classic, WD 3 V-17/4/20, WD 5 S V-25/5/22, and WD 6 P S V-30/6/22; pressure washers such as K 1 Upright, K 2 Premium, K 3 Plus HR, K 4 WCM Premium, and K 7 WCM; the SC 2 EasyFix steam cleaner; the WV 1 Plus window vacuum; and the RCV 5 robotic cleaner, highlighting its end-to-end offerings for both professional and home users.
Mr Malay Joshi, Regional Head, said “The automotive service industry today requires reliable and efficient cleaning solutions that support faster turnaround times and high standards of maintenance. At the Surat International Auto Expo 2026, we showcased Kärcher’s professional cleaning technologies designed specifically for automotive workshops and detailing facilities, demonstrating how our solutions help businesses improve productivity while ensuring superior cleaning performance.”
21, Mar 2026
No Hike in Urea Prices; Smaller Bag Size Aimed at Promoting Balanced Use
New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Government of India has clarified that there is no proposal to increase urea prices, stating that the recent reduction in bag size is intended to promote balanced fertilizer use and improve soil health.
According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the size of urea bags has been reduced from 50 kg to 45 kg, and in some cases to 40 kg, as part of a policy initiative to curb excessive usage and encourage more efficient application by farmers.
Officials said the move is aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices without increasing the financial burden on farmers. The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of a 45 kg bag of neem-coated urea remains ₹242 per bag, while sulphur-coated urea is priced at ₹254 for a 40 kg bag, excluding applicable taxes.
Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel stated that the measure is designed to ensure judicious fertilizer use while maintaining affordability.
The government emphasised that the initiative supports long-term soil health and balanced nutrient application, aligning with broader goals of sustainable agriculture and improved farm productivity.
21, Mar 2026
Proposed National Youth Policy 2026 Aims to Align Youth Power with Viksit Bharat Vision
New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The proposed National Youth Policy 2026 seeks to align India’s youth with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by adopting a more structured, outcome-oriented approach to youth development.
Building on the framework of the National Youth Policy 2014, the new policy focuses on holistic human capital development and positions young people as active stakeholders in the country’s growth.
The policy outlines six core focus areas: youth leadership and volunteerism, education, skilling and employment readiness, entrepreneurship and innovation, health and well-being, sports and recreation, and environment and climate action. Officials said these domains reflect a shift towards a balanced approach that combines economic productivity with civic responsibility and sustainability.
A key feature of the policy is the integration of the MY Bharat platform, which serves as a digital ecosystem for youth participation. The platform enables registration, profiling, and engagement in volunteering, experiential learning, and multi-stakeholder initiatives, while also functioning as a data-driven tool for policymaking.
The policy formulation process has been consultative, incorporating inputs from citizens through platforms such as MyGov, along with consultations with States, Union Territories, and various ministries.
Officials said monitoring and evaluation mechanisms have been strengthened through real-time dashboards and integration with the Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework of NITI Aayog, ensuring effective tracking of outcomes.
The policy is also supported by analytical tools such as the Youth Development Index developed by Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, which provides insights aligned with global benchmarks.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said the policy marks a transition towards a participatory, digitally enabled, and outcome-focused governance model, where youth are not just beneficiaries but key drivers of India’s developmental journey.
21, Mar 2026
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh Reviews Carpet, Footwear and Technical Textile Sectors in Agra
Agra, March 21 (BNP): Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh visited Agra, Uttar Pradesh, to review the progress and future potential of key sectors including carpets, handicrafts, footwear, and technical textiles.
During the visit, the Minister toured a carpet manufacturing facility and assessed sustainable production practices such as the use of vegetable dyes, organic wool, and eco-friendly processes. He noted that such initiatives align the industry with global sustainability and quality standards.
Interacting with exporters and designers, Singh discussed evolving global trends and emphasised the importance of promoting alternative fibres like banana fibre. He highlighted the need to strengthen the “India Handmade” brand and encouraged the use of indigenous tools such as Vision NXT for trend forecasting and design innovation.
The Minister also visited a footwear manufacturing unit, where he reviewed the integration of technical textiles in improving product quality and export potential. He appreciated the role of young professionals in driving innovation within the sector.
A stakeholder meeting was held with representatives from the footwear and technical textiles industries, where discussions focused on expanding the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, enhancing product design, and shifting towards high-value, export-oriented manufacturing.
Singh underlined that technical textiles will play a key role in transforming India’s footwear industry into a globally competitive and design-driven sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting both traditional sectors such as carpets and handicrafts, as well as emerging segments like technical textiles.
The visit also included a handicrafts exhibition showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of local artisans.
Officials said the visit highlighted the importance of sustainability, innovation, and technology adoption in strengthening India’s textile ecosystem and boosting its global competitiveness
21, Mar 2026
T.N. Natarajan Assumes Charge as Director (Commercial) at SAIL
New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): T. N. Natarajan has taken charge as Director (Commercial) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), effective March 19, 2026.
With over 32 years of experience, Natarajan has built a distinguished career within SAIL since joining the organisation as a Management Trainee in 1993. Over the years, he has held key positions across production, logistics, supply chain management, and strategic marketing.
He is credited with driving sustained business growth and expanding market presence by strengthening key customer relationships and scaling regional sales. His contributions include enhancing SAIL’s footprint in high-value sectors such as infrastructure, fabrication, and oil and gas.
Natarajan has also played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s marketing approach from traditional commodity-based selling to a more solution-oriented and customer-centric model, introducing innovative service frameworks to meet evolving market demands.
Known for his leadership in building high-performing teams and strengthening distribution networks, he has contributed to improving market share, profitability, and brand visibility.
Officials said his appointment is expected to further strengthen SAIL’s commercial strategy and support its long-term growth and value creation objectives.
