Category Archives: Business

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.

Exotica Housing to Invest INR 500 Crore in a Luxury IT & ITES Project ‘Exotica One32’ in Noida

Noida, Mar 21: One of North India’s leading real estate developers, Exotica Housing, has announced the launch of Exotica One32 in Sector 132, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The company plans to invest approximately ₹500 crore to develop this IT and ITES project comprising high-end office spaces along with integrated retail and F&B offerings. With its focus on quality construction and strong design standards, the project is expected to emerge as a landmark IT and ITES development in Noida. The project has received all statutory approvals, including RERA registration (RERA No: UPRERAPRJ731857).

Spread across five acres along the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway, Exotica One32 is strategically located in Sector 132, Noida. The project offers IT and ITES office spaces in various configurations ranging from 1,000 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft., housed within two towers of 27 floors each, along with integrated retail spaces within the premises. Office spaces are currently priced at ₹13,990 per sq. ft. As per RERA registration details, the expected possession date for Phase 1 is January 2030.

Exotica One32 has been envisioned as a next-generation, sustainable business ecosystem catering to entrepreneurs, corporates, and IT/ITES occupiers. The project is strategically positioned with direct access from the expressway and is located within walking distance of the proposed Sector 93 Metro Station, ensuring strong connectivity and convenience.

The project is IGBC Gold certified and has applied for LEED Platinum certification, reflecting Exotica Housing’s commitment to green infrastructure and future-ready design. It will offer over 1,400 car parking spaces supported by multi-level and AI-assisted parking solutions, along with comprehensive security systems including 24/7 CCTV surveillance and biometric access control. Planned amenities include smart office floors, high-speed elevators aligned with international standards, advanced building management systems, and dedicated wellness and recreational zones.

Commenting on the launch, Dinesh Jain, MD, Exotica Housing, said, “We are pleased to introduce Exotica One32 in Noida, marking our entry into the IT and ITES segment. The project has been conceived as an integrated ecosystem designed for today’s workforce, offering an environment that supports productivity, interaction, and well-being in a sustainable setting. We look forward to building long-term trust with occupiers and investors through quality execution.”

The company has already delivered over 4,000 residential units across projects in Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, and Greater Noida West.

Odisha: A Rising Star for Startup Growth in Eastern India

ISB’s PPD 2026 Brings Together Farmers, Women Leaders, and Policymakers to Strengthen India’s Food Systems

Hyderabad, Mar 21: India feeds 1.4 billion people. It also faces collapsing soil health, a crisis of farmer distress, and a food system pulling in opposite directions — producing both hunger and obesity. On Friday, the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) opened Public Policy Dialogues (PPD) 2026, a three-day national conference designed to confront these contradictions head-on.

Shri Pasha Patel, Chairman, State Agricultural Price Commission, Maharashtra, delivered the keynote address, not as a technocrat, but as a farmer speaking truth to power. “If we do not reduce our carbon footprint and increase our green cover, farmers will not be able to grow food. Sustainability must be action-driven — not just words and presentations.  Sustainability commitments must move from conference rooms to fields.”

Patel’s address landed with urgency, without systemic reduction in carbon emissions and restoration of green cover, India’s farming communities, already vulnerable to climate disruption, will not be able to sustain food production.

Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, in his opening remarks, underlined that as ISB enters its 25th year, it remains anchored in the vision of its founders to study Indian problems with the scientific rigour of the highest global standards. The institution’s goal has been to capture local wisdom and translate it into reliable, generalised practices that create a positive impact on the nation. The Bharti Institute of Public Policy reflects this mission. In the context of food systems, there is also a need to address emerging complexities, including environmental degradation and the dual challenges of nutritional deficiency and caloric excess, he added.

Professor Ashwini Chhatre, Executive Director, BIPP, ISB, and Conference Chair, PPD 2026, in his welcome address, shared his vision behind this year’s theme of Food Systems. Addressing the gathering, he said, “India’s food system needs our help. It is under profound stress. But it is something that we barely understand. And what we need as a first step is to acknowledge that. The challenge is not a shortage of ideas, but a shortage of integrated thinking. Our attempt is to look at food systems through three crucial lenses, which affect the food systems the most- culture, markets and policy.  The Public Policy Dialogues 2026 is our attempt to bring the right people from different walks of life into the same room: those who make policy, those who implement it, those who study it, and crucially, those who live its consequences every day”.

Over three days, PPD 2026 will convene panel discussions, roundtables, a startup showcase, a women collectives showcase, and a research and innovation showcase, all oriented toward one outcome: actionable policy for a food system India can no longer afford to leave fragmented.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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

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.