24, Jul 2025
Best Yoga Asanas to Improve Posture and Reduce Back Pain
By – Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar
Author, Columnist, Founder :Akshar Yoga Kendraa
Work :Yoga and spiritual leader

Best Yoga Asanas to Improve Posture and Reduce Back Pain
The modern world presents a unique challenge as the use of technology continues to rise, and more people take on sedentary office jobs. Poor posture and back pain have become common side effects of modern living. The musculoskeletal system, which used to efficiently endure motion and walking, is now being overtaken by distractions from the cyber world. Fortunately, potent tools offered by yoga, the ancient healing and realignment practice, can fix this issue restore one’s natural posture and strength.
Let’s explore easy to integrate yoga for posture correction and back pain relief that can help when practiced routinely.
1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
The foundation of all standing postures
A lot of people regard Tadasana as a simple exercise, but it’s much more than that. Like most yoga poses, Tadasana requires self-correction and it’s the set template for standing posture. Stand to attention, feet together, shoulders relaxed, straight back, and two arms. Activating the thighs while opening the chest helps a person feel as if they are correcting posture by themselves. To Tadasana, we owe gratitude for teaching us to maintain proper posture and balance.
2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Increases the chest while strenghtening the lower back
An easy backbend can buffer the ill effects of slumping for hours. Lie face down on the ground place your palms beneath your shoulders and gradually lift your chest keeping your elbows bent. Pyour back and chest muscles are engaging, which untention in your upper back.
Tip: Breathe, don’t go too far and remember it’s from strength not speed.
3. Combining Marjaryasana and Bitilasana (Cat and Cow Pose)
Gains movement in every part of the spine
On your hands and knees start with arching your back(elevate cow) and switch to rounding(elevate cat) your back. This harmonious shift nourishes the discs between the vertebrae, creating somatic awareness in the alignment of the spine. Cat-cow is perfect for people with desk jobs.
4. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)
Interlocks and counteracts tension to the spine
This pose is the most famous and standard of yoga. It stretches out the spine, strengthens the muscles surrounding it, as well as stretching hamstrings all of which are crucial for compensating the damage caused by poor posture. This pose provides a mini vertebral de-stressing massage perfect for tense backs.
5. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Gains Strength in the lower back and glutes
To assume the Bridge position, lie down on your back and lift your hips while keeping your knees bent. This position activates the posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, and lower back) while gently stretching the front of the body. An active posterior chain is critical to maintaining proper posture.
6. Balasana (Child’s Pose)
Soothes and revitalizes the spine
Child’s pose is not merely a position of rest; it is restorative. Kneel on a mat and lay your torso down, stretch your arms out in front of you, or rest them beside you. This position eases the lower back and allows for the spine to relax and decompress gently.
Create a firm Routine
While these postures relieve discomfort, regular practice is the key to unlocking their full potential. Even 15 to 2other time slots could change one’s life significantly. You make your body come back into balance and reprogram it to feel strong and pain-free with every breath and pose.
Akshar Yoga Kendraa is celebrating International Yoga Day under the guidance of Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar in a historic way with an attempt to set 12 new Guinness World Records in Yogasanas, adding to its legacy of 9 existing records. The grand event will take place at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru, with participants from across India and around the world coming together to mark this extraordinary celebration of yoga.
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- By Neel Achary
24, Jul 2025
JAIN Successfully Hosts 5-Day AICTE-MoE FDP on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Bengaluru, 24th July 2025 – JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), proudly concluded a 5-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” recently.

This initiative aimed to equip faculty members and Incubation Managers from AICTE-Approved Institutions with the Tools, Frameworks, and confidence to mentor student innovators and support early-stage startups.
Key Highlights of the 5-Day FDP
• 50 + Faculty Members from diverse institutions across south India participated actively in the sessions.
• 13 Expert Speakers from industry and startups shared their insights.
• Day-wise Thematic Sessions covering entrepreneurship mindset, innovation frameworks, and startup strategies.
• Hands-on Workshops on customer discovery, problem validation, and Business Model Canvas.
Interactive Tools Introduced:
• Empathy Mapping
• Problem Statement Canvas
• Value Proposition Design
• Build-Measure-Learn Loop
Exposure to IP & Startup Finance, with practical insights on protecting ideas and managing funding stages.
Startup Collaboration: Invited startup founders for live pitching, mentorship, and team building exercises.
Go-to-Market Planning: Guidance on launching, marketing, and scaling products.
Peer Learning & Reflections: Empathy map-based group activities, team reflections, and institutional action plans.
Real-World Application Focus: Participants drafted actionable strategies for integrating I&E into their institutions.
23, Jul 2025
Torrent Pharma Extends Shelcal® legacy into the Adult Nutrition Powder Segment with the launch of Shelcal® Total
Pune(S.N): Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has announced the launch of Shelcal® Total, a scientifically formulated adult nutrition supplement powder that expands its flagship Shelcal® brand into the rapidly growing Nutrition segment.
Shelcal®—with a three-decade legacy of trust—has remained India’s #1 calcium supplement brand since its acquisition by Torrent Pharma in 2013. The portfolio has since expanded with consumer-friendly innovations like Shelcal® Pro Gummies and Shelcal® Pro Kids Gummies, reinforcing the brand’s relevance across age groups and evolving health needs. Shelcal® Total now marks the brand’s evolution into a modern, consumer-focused nutrition portfolio.
“India is facing a growing nutrition gap driven by lifestyle changes, poor dietary habits, and rising stress levels — all of which contribute to deficiencies across age groups,” said Amal Kelshikar Chief Commercial Officer, India Business, Torrent Pharma. “As health awareness increases and more adults are in need of convenient holistic nutrition, the demand for trusted, convenient solutions is only accelerating. Shelcal® Total is our answer to that need — a science-backed, great-tasting supplement that makes comprehensive daily nutrition more accessible and easier to adopt, while upholding Shelcal’s long-standing credibility and consumer trust.”
Shelcal® Total is a comprehensive daily supplement combining high-quality protein, essential vitamins, minerals, and functional nutrients to support bone, muscle and joint health, energy, immunity, gut health, brain health and skin health —addressing the everyday nutritional gaps faced by modern Indian adults. Formulated with vegetarian-origin ingredients, Shelcal® Total contains no added sugar, artificial colours and flavours, making it suitable for health-conscious adults managing their calorie intake. Each serving delivers targeted nutrients including calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3 and K2 for bone strength, most notably, it has glucosamine and bamboo shoot extract for joint health, —another often overlooked area in mainstream nutrition.
“Through the years, I have observed that the challenge most Indian adults, particularly those over 30, face aren’t just individual nutrient gaps, but how these interconnected deficiencies affect bone density, muscle mass, and joint mobility.” said Nmami Agarwal, Certified Nutritionist. “Shelcal® Total has comprehensive approach with nutrients to addresses the common prevalent deficiencies, even beyond bone and joint health. For busy professionals and aging adults who struggle to meet their nutritional needs through diet alone, this is a practical, science-backed solution due to its multitude of nutrients to help fulfil required RDA.” said Nmami Agarwal.
The launch comes at a pivotal time for India’s nutrition supplements market, which stood at USD 42.97 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% through 2030. Powdered supplements account for nearly 38% of the market, preferred for their bioavailability and ease of daily integration—positioning Shelcal® Total strongly in this high-growth category.
Shelcal® Total is now available in 200 gm & 400 gm packs in Vanilla and Dark Chocolate flavours across key retail pharmacies, modern trade, and e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, 1mg, Flipkart, and PharmEasy.
23, Jul 2025
GoTo deepens GSI collaboration to drive innovation and growth in India
Bengaluru, India, July 23, 2025: GoTo, the global leader in cloud communications and IT support, recently hosted its inaugural GSI Leadership Summit and Roundtable in Bengaluru, reaffirming its commitment to Global System Integrator (GSI) ecosystem. The exclusive two-day event brought together 25+ executive GSI leaders and strategic partners to chart the future of collaboration, spotlight innovation priorities, and strengthen GoTo’s “Better Together” partner philosophy.
GoTo reported strong channel momentum with a 33% growth in its channel partner business for FY 2024–25, while its overall GSI business grew 68% year-on-year during the same period. At the GSI Summit, GoTo emphasized its sharpened focus on co-selling models and deeper alignment with GSI-led digital workplace solutions, underscoring its strategic shift toward a more collaborative go-to-market approach.
Speaking on GoTo’s broader channel vision, Joseph George, General Manager of IT Solutions Group at GoTo, underlined the company’s channel-first approach as a cornerstone of global expansion. He also recounted GoTo’s journey from a small startup in Budapest to a global force spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. He highlighted that 40% of GoTo’s IT Solutions Group R&D spending is now dedicated to AI innovation, a clear signal of its future-forward technology vision. Joseph said, “Our partners are not just part of the strategy; they represent the cornerstone of the strategy. As we scale globally, we are building smarter, more resilient ecosystems with our channel partners and GSIs at the center.”
“I had the privilege of presenting and moderating insightful sessions on the Future of IT Support at the recently concluded GoTo GSI Leadership Summit and Roundtable. Centered around the theme ‘Future of IT Support in a Brave New World,’ the event delivered timely and high-caliber conversations – particularly crucial given the current uncertainty surrounding this space. It was energizing to engage with peers and thought leaders from leading service providers, all of whom shared valuable perspectives on how client expectations and support models are rapidly evolving,” said Udit Singh, Vice President, Everest Group.
The roundtable also featured a candid roundtable discussion with multiple GSI leaders. who highlighted GoTo’s AI-driven innovations and reaffirmed their continued collaboration. Ram Kurumella – Global Head, Presales & Solutions, CIS from Cognizant shared, “It was heartening to see how GoTo’s strategic investments are now becoming more AI-driven and staying aligned with evolving customer expectations. What stood out was their focus, not only on enhancing the customer experience but also on empowering IT support personnel. The AR and VR capabilities that GoTo has developed will be a valuable asset to our technical support teams for faster remote troubleshooting.”
Ram expressed optimism regarding leveraging GoTo’s tools to scale digital transformation for global clients, particularly in remote IT support and automation-driven operations.
23, Jul 2025
HCBS Developments Launches Uber-Luxury Project “Twin Horizon” in Sector 102, Gurugram; Targets Revenue Potential of 1400 Cr
Gurugram, 23rd July 2025: HCBS Developments, one of India’s leading real estate players, has announced the launch of its upcoming premium residential project, Twin Horizon, in Sector 102, Gurugram. With an estimated investment of ₹700 crore and an expected revenue of 1400 crore, the development spans a total area of 5.2902 acres. The project features two high-rise residential towers, offering 268 thoughtfully designed residential units, priced from ₹4 crore onwards. Alongside, it comprises 7 commercial units, catering to both residential and daily convenience needs of the residents.
Strategically positioned along the high-potential Dwarka Expressway corridor, the project underscores the company’s focus on building high-quality, lifestyle-driven communities in key growth markets. All units have been launched as part of a single-phase development, with construction planned over a four-year timeline. With seamless connectivity to major employment hubs, IGI Airport, and Delhi via the Dwarka Expressway, the project is further positioned to offer both convenience and long-term value appreciation.
Saurabh Saharan, Group Managing Director, HCBS Developments, said, “Twin Horizon represents our vision for a new kind of urban living in Gurugram—elegant, efficient, and connected. As Sector 102 evolves rapidly, the project brings together design excellence and superior value in a location that is fast becoming a realty hotspot. Through this project, our focus is on creating well-planned, future-ready spaces that balance lifestyle, functionality, and long-term value.”
Crafted to meet the expectations of modern homebuyers, Twin Horizon is designed for optimal space utilization, natural ventilation, and abundant sunlight. The development promises contemporary architecture, skyline views, and a wide array of lifestyle amenities tailored for young professionals, nuclear families, and upwardly mobile urban buyers. Residents can experience an elegant sense of arrival at the grand double-height entrance and 6-meter-high lift lobbies. Each residence offers a private entrance foyer and 2 dedicated personal lifts, with 9 high-speed lifts per tower ensuring seamless access and absolute privacy. The low-density layout comprises only two iconic G+34 towers, with all apartments being 3-side open and featuring expansive 9-meter-wide wrap-around balconies that offer panoramic green views of the Najafgarh Jheel and Basai Wetlands.
Further, designed by renowned firm Morphogenesis, Twin Horizon boasts a host of exclusive lifestyle features. A 1.15 lakh sq. ft. mega clubhouse redefines lifestyle indulgence with almost half Olympic-size infinity pool, dedicated kids’ pool, multiple indoor sports arenas (Tennis, Badminton, Squash, Pickleball, Table Tennis), and wellness offerings like a spa, salon, sauna, gym, yoga studio, lounge, and café. Residents will also enjoy concierge and valet services, completing the promise of ultra-luxury urban living. The façade, inspired by the bough of a tree, blends nature with timeless architectural grace, symbolizing both elegance and harmony.
23, Jul 2025
Visit Qatar and Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre Partner to Celebrate Shared Culture and Heritage
Visit Qatar announces a year-long partnership with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai — a first-of-its-kind, multi-disciplinary space dedicated to celebrating arts and heritage — marking the beginning of a new era of global cultural confluence.
This collaboration reinforces Visit Qatar’s commitment to establish the country as a premier destination for Indian visitors. Through this partnership, Visit Qatar looks forward to welcoming the Indian visitors and inviting them to explore exceptional experiences that blend luxury, heritage, and world-class infrastructure.
“India is among the most important strategic tourism markets and currently represents the second-largest source of visitors to Qatar,” said Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar. “Our partnership with the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre reflects our commitment to positioning Qatar as a preferred destination for Indian travellers seeking premium and holistic travel experiences. Through such high-level collaborations, we aim to strengthen our presence in key markets and attract more visitors by highlighting Qatar’s distinctive blend of cultural richness, contemporary appeal, and world-class hospitality.”
Devendra Bharma, CEO of Jio World Centre, added, “We are delighted to partner with Visit Qatar, and proudly extend our Founder & Chairperson, Mrs. Nita Ambani’s vision of showcasing the best of India to the world and bringing the best of the world to India. Together, we aspire to transform the travel and tourism landscape by curating a truly holistic and enriching journey.”
As part of this collaboration, a distinctive art installation will be unveiled at NMACC, accompanied by a high-profile celebratory event that highlights the shared cultural and tourism dimensions. The event will showcase a blend of Qatari and Indian cultures through craft experiences and performances.
Qatar is a leading global tourist destination, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage, modernity, and natural beauty. With world-class services, advanced infrastructure, and a vibrant annual calendar of experiences, Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a preferred choice for Indian travellers.
23, Jul 2025
K Raheja Corp Launches ‘I-Lead’ to Develop Early Managers into Effective People Leaders Across its Group Companies
Mumbai, July 23, 2025: K Raheja Corp, one of India’s leading real estate conglomerates, has launched ‘I-Lead’, a focused managerial development initiative aimed at enhancing people management capabilities of early-career managers across its businesses of Mindspace Business Parks REIT, Chalet Hotels, Inorbit Mall, and K Raheja Corp Homes. With over 100 managers participating in the first cohort, the programme is part of a broader effort to build stronger managerial foundations across the organisation.
‘I-Lead’ is designed for professionals in the Manager to Assistant General Manager grades, a talent segment that plays a pivotal role in team performance, daily execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The programme focuses on strengthening core managerial competencies such as driving team accountability, fostering trust, setting goals, delegating effectively, and navigating feedback conversations – skills that are central to creating high-performing, people-centric teams.
With the first batch successfully hosted, the initiative blends structured learning with practical application, ensuring that managers are not only exposed to management frameworks, but are also equipped to apply them meaningfully in real-world situations. The experience is designed to create tangible behavioural shifts rather than just theoretical understanding.
A program co-created between K Raheja Corp’s in-house L&D team and Basil Tree Consulting, it is delivered by experienced facilitators offering participants expert-led insights. It includes classroom sessions, reflection-led discussions, workplace application, and follow-up interventions such as assessments and feedback mechanisms to support continued learning and growth.
Speaking on the initiative, Urvi Aradhya, CHRO, K Raheja Corp, said, “Managers form the operational backbone of our businesses. They directly influence how teams align, collaborate, and deliver. With ‘I-Lead’, we are investing in helping our managers build the right mindset and skills to lead teams with greater clarity, empathy and executional strength. This program is designed to support their transition into confident, capable people managers.”
All eligible managers across Group companies will undergo the ‘I-Lead’ journey over the coming months. By focusing on practical capability-building at the managerial level, K Raheja Corp is reinforcing its commitment to developing a strong internal talent pool that can support the organisation’s growth and operational excellence.
K Raheja Corp’s people-first culture is reflected in a suite of progressive programmes, from Anchal for expectant mothers and Pride Side for LGBTQ+ inclusion, to Reach Out for mental well-being, Relaunch for career re-entry, Future-Forward Leadership program for CXO’s, Shikhar for managerial growth, and Sheroes for advancing women leaders and many more. Together, these initiatives nurture talent at every stage and prepare employees to excel.
23, Jul 2025
Venus Foundation, Haryana Govt Sign MoU to Transform Schools
Venus Foundation to Transform Government Schools into Future-Ready Learning Hubs; Signs Landmark Five-Year MoU with Haryana Government
Panchkula, July 23, 2025: In a significant step toward strengthening public education, Venus Foundation—the social impact arm of Venus Remedies Ltd.—has entered into a formal collaboration with the Government of Haryana to implement holistic development initiatives in selected government schools of Panchkula. The five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed with the School Education Department, outlines a shared commitment to fostering accessible, equitable, and future-ready learning environments.
The partnership will initially focus on two schools in Sector 19, Panchkula—Government Primary School and Government Senior Secondary School—with potential for broader scale-up across the region. Entirely funded and executed by Venus Foundation under the CSR umbrella of Venus Remedies, the initiative will drive targeted upgrades across physical, technological, and academic dimensions of school infrastructure, in alignment with state education priorities and responsible corporate citizenship goals.
This collaboration complements the Government of Haryana’s broader education reform agenda, which includes implementing key national programmes such as Samagra Shiksha—a centrally sponsored scheme focused on improving school infrastructure, digital learning, and inclusive education—and state-led initiatives like Saksham Haryana, which emphasizes learning outcomes and remedial support through data-driven academic interventions. While independently executed, the MoU supports these shared priorities by enabling smart classrooms, computer labs, solar infrastructure, skilling programmes, and community-led engagement. These efforts also align with the broader vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for holistic, future-ready, and sustainable learning ecosystems.
Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Ekta S. Chaudhary, Chairperson of Venus Foundation, said, “At Venus Foundation, we believe education is key to unlocking broader social change. With this MoU, we are moving forward to transform government schools into centers of learning and community progress. This partnership will enable us to create tangible impact. We thank the Government of Haryana for their support and look forward to delivering meaningful change on the ground.”
Under the agreement, the Foundation will modernize sanitation facilities with a focus on gender-responsive infrastructure, including the construction of separate toilets for girls. Clean drinking water systems, including RO units and water coolers, will be installed to support student health and hygiene. Classrooms will undergo renovation to incorporate digital learning tools such as smart boards and interactive aids, while libraries and science and mathematics laboratories will be established to enrich the academic experience. Dedicated computer labs and learning spaces will also be created to strengthen digital literacy from an early stage.
The initiative further includes development of playgrounds and indoor recreational spaces, landscaping, and the provision of solar panels to encourage environmental stewardship. Inclusive infrastructure for children with special needs will be integrated across facilities to promote equal access. The Foundation will also support the distribution of uniforms, hygiene kits, and educational materials to underprivileged students.
To ensure a nurturing and holistic ecosystem, the programme encompasses health and wellness camps, remedial learning sessions, life skills education, career counselling, and capacity-building workshops for teachers. These efforts are aimed at bridging learning gaps and fostering all-round development.
The Government of Haryana, through the School Education Department, will facilitate coordination with school authorities and stakeholders, provide administrative permissions, and support joint planning of priority areas. Venus Foundation will bear all implementation costs and ensure compliance with quality and ethical standards in project execution. A Joint Steering Committee, comprising representatives from both sides, will be constituted to review project progress quarterly and make strategic recommendations.
This collaboration strengthens Venus Foundation’s long-standing efforts to uplift public education and underlines Venus Remedies’ commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. Rooted in the principles of equity, empowerment, and sustainability, the Foundation’s work reflects the broader CSR vision of the organization—delivering scalable and enduring impact in education, health, and community development.
Beyond school infrastructure and learning outcomes, Venus Foundation is equally committed to advancing gender equality, improving health and well-being, and promoting environmental sustainability. Through skill-building programs, vocational training, health awareness initiatives, and environmental projects, the organization aims to create lasting, positive impact in communities.
23, Jul 2025
Venture Capital firm Auxano Capital Scores Nearly 7x Return From WIOM Exit
National, July 23rd, 2025: Auxano, a leading early-stage investment firm, today announced a successful secondary exit from its portfolio company Wiom, a fast-growing internet infrastructure platform focused on affordable broadband access for India’s underserved population. The exit delivered an impressive 7x return, underscoring Auxano’s strategic acumen in backing category-creating businesses.
The exit, executed via a secondary sale, marks Auxano’s second full exit among a total of four to date (two full and two partial) across its various investment vehicles.
Notably, this exit was made through Auxano’s pre-fund Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which was established prior to the launch of its first official fund in 2019.
Wiom operates an asset-light, technology-led platform that integrates with India’s existing internet infrastructure ecosystem. Leveraging the Government of India’s PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework, Wiom functions as the country’s largest licensed Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA). The company partners with local internet operators to extend broadband access to communities where traditional connectivity models are often economically unviable. Auxano had initially invested in Wiom through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in 2017, followed by a subsequent round in 2021.
“Touching the lives of 500 million people & being committed to the vision & mission is important. Being one of our earliest investments, we are grateful to our LP’s, who had patience in this journey & the resilience & adaptability powers of the founding team. Phoenix- it is. Identifying emerging megatrends/disruption & investing in category creators transforming to market leaders – Wiom it is,” said Brijesh Damodaran, Co-founder and Partner, Auxano.
During the investment period, Auxano played an active role in supporting Wiom, both operationally and strategically, acting as a trusted sounding board for the founding team and aligning closely with the company through multiple pivots.
“Working with Auxano has been one of the best decisions for Wiom. They truly embody a ‘Founder First’ philosophy, standing steadfast through highs and lows without a hint of doubt. In tricky moments, they never imposed but always asked, ‘What would you like to do? ‘- and then backed me without hesitation. Their unwavering conviction and genuinely good nature make them more than just investors – they’re true partners. If you’re an early-stage founder, trust me: take their money blindly. You won’t regret it,” said Satyam Darmora, Co-founder of Wiom.
Auxano’s investment strategy focuses on identifying disruptive startups across core sectors such as fintech, healthtech, sustainability, Industry 4.0, and consumer internet. The firm remains committed to supporting visionary founders and transformative business models that can unlock the next wave of innovation from India to the world.
23, Jul 2025
Can Policy Reforms Fuel India’s Energy Independence Dream?
India must intensify efforts to increase domestic oil production to address its heavy import dependence, which currently stands at 88%. The recent fluctuation in global oil prices—briefly spiking to $81 a barrel before settling around $67 following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and a fragile ceasefire—highlights the vulnerability of oil-importing nations like India to global geopolitical tensions. Even as oil supply remains sufficient, price volatility is expected to persist, prompting energy producers, including the U.S., to ramp up domestic production.
For India, which has seen a steady decline in domestic oil output since FY12, reversing this trend is critical. Key challenges include outdated regulations, high taxes, ageing fields, and limited deep-water exploration capabilities. Moreover, no major hydrocarbon discoveries have been made recently.
The government is taking steps to address this. The recently enacted Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025 aims to attract both domestic and international investment into exploration and production (E&P). According to Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the goal is to increase exploration acreage to 1 million sq. km by 2030, including in areas that were previously classified as no-go zones. Encouragingly, 38% of bids in the 9th round of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy targeted these areas.
Progress is evident: ONGC drilled 578 wells in FY25—the highest in 35 years—and has committed $7.2 billion in capital expenditure. It has also partnered with BP to enhance recovery from Mumbai High. Private players like Cairn Oil & Gas are stepping up too, planning to triple their output and invest $3–4 billion in E&P over the next five years to eventually contribute half of India’s total oil production.
While the policy direction towards production maximisation is promising, significant progress depends on discovering new reserves. For this, the participation of global oil majors is essential. India’s untapped regions, such as the Andaman basin, are believed to hold immense potential—possibly on par with Guyana—but attracting foreign investment remains a challenge. Legal and financial concerns, particularly around arbitration and compensation, have kept FDI in the sector modest—only $8.2 billion between April 2000 and September 2024.
Moreover, India’s current tax structure—where companies pay up to 65% of revenues in taxes compared to the global average of 35%—and high operational costs further deter investment. A more investor-friendly, facilitative tax regime is crucial to unlocking the $100 billion E&P opportunity and reducing the country’s vulnerability to external oil shocks.
In summary, achieving greater energy self-sufficiency requires an enabling policy environment, increased investment, and active collaboration between public and private stakeholders—both domestic and international.