Archives April 2026

Nizamabad, April 6: PPS Motors, part of one of India’s largest automobile retail conglomerates today launched the all-new Renault Duster in Nizamabad, with turbo petrol prices starting at INR 10.49 Lakh (ex-showroom) and dispatches now underway nationwide. Renault India, built the new Duster on the advanced Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), with a clear focus on structural robustness, efficiency and future-readiness. Its true SUV proportions, best in segment approach and departure angles and high ground clearance reinforce off-road credibility while supporting everyday usability. The new duster was launched at PPS Motors’ showroom at Bardipur Road, Dichpally (Mandal) in Nizamabad.

Commenting on the launch, Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Motors Pvt. Ltd. said,

“Renault’s new Duster is one of the most awaited SUV launches this year, building on the original Duster’s legacy of redefining the segment with performance and practicality. The new Duster builds on this legacy with best-in-segment capabilities, advanced Google Automotive Services, and cutting-edge display features, making it highly compelling for SUV enthusiasts. With encouraging pre-bookings of new Duster already, PPS Renault is confident of further strengthening its position in the segment.”

The new Renault Duster combines strong performance with best ride and handling, engineered and tested specifically for Indian driving conditions. The Turbo TCe 160 delivers 163 PS and 280 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed wet-clutch DCT calibrated for Indian conditions or a 6-speed manual transmission. Vehicle dynamics have been validated by IDIADA across ride, handling, steering and braking performance, with the chassis tuned for stability, comfort and confidence across varied Indian road surfaces.

The new Duster is offered in five trims: Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic. Key highlights include full LED lighting, OpenR Link multimedia with Google built-in, panoramic sunroof and electric powered tailgate, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, 17 ADAS features, and a 360-degree camera. Renault is also introducing flexible subscription options alongside a 7-year Renault Forever warranty for customers adhering to scheduled maintenance at authorised Renault service centres.

The E-Tech Strong Hybrid combines a 1.8-litre engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, enabling up to 80% EV driving in city conditions while balancing efficiency with performance. In major metro markets, nearly 40% of customers opted for the hybrid during pre-bookings, and Renault confirmed that planned hybrid capacity for 2026 is already fully allocated, with bookings set to reopen ahead of deliveries around Diwali.

New Delhi: In a move aimed at bridging the gap between science and policymaking, the Government of India has introduced a new programme to train scientists in governance under its flagship Mission Karmayogi initiative.

The programme is designed to equip scientists and technical experts with a better understanding of how government systems function, enabling them to contribute more effectively to policy design and implementation. By bringing scientific expertise closer to the decision-making process, the government hopes to strengthen evidence-based policymaking.

Mission Karmayogi, which focuses on capacity building among civil servants, is now being expanded to include professionals from scientific fields. The initiative will provide structured training on governance practices, public administration, and policy frameworks.

Officials say the programme will help scientists align their research and innovations with national priorities while also improving coordination between technical institutions and government departments.

The move is expected to enhance the role of science in governance, ensuring that policies are more informed, practical, and responsive to emerging challenges.

New Delhi: India is stepping up efforts to expand the production of biosimilar insulin and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, aiming to improve access to affordable diabetes care across developing nations.

With the burden of diabetes rising sharply in many low- and middle-income countries, often referred to as the Global South, there is growing demand for cost-effective treatment options. India, known for its strong pharmaceutical manufacturing base, is positioning itself to meet this need.

Government-backed initiatives and industry participation are expected to drive the scale-up of biosimilar insulin production, making life-saving treatment more accessible and affordable. At the same time, efforts are underway to boost domestic manufacturing of CGM devices, which help patients track blood sugar levels in real time and manage their condition more effectively.

Experts believe that strengthening local manufacturing will not only reduce dependency on imports but also enable India to emerge as a key supplier of diabetes care solutions to other developing countries.

The move aligns with India’s broader push to enhance healthcare accessibility and support partner nations facing similar public health challenges. As global demand continues to grow, India’s role in supplying affordable insulin and advanced monitoring technologies is likely to become increasingly important.

New Delhi: India’s major ports have outperformed expectations in the financial year 2025–26, reflecting strong growth in cargo movement and improved operational efficiency.

Data released by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways shows that the country’s 12 major ports handled a total of 915.17 million tonnes of cargo during the year—surpassing the target of 904 million tonnes. This marks a growth of 7.06% compared to 2024–25, signaling a positive trend in maritime trade.

Deendayal Port led the chart with the highest cargo handling of 160.11 million tonnes. Paradip Port followed closely with 156.45 million tonnes, while Jawaharlal Nehru Port handled 102.01 million tonnes, maintaining its position as a key hub for container traffic.

Among other major ports, Visakhapatnam handled 91.16 million tonnes and Kolkata recorded 70.87 million tonnes. Ports such as Chennai, Kamarajar (Ennore), New Mangalore, Cochin, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Mormugao also contributed significantly to the overall cargo volume.

In terms of growth, Mormugao Port emerged as the fastest-growing, registering an impressive 15.91% increase in cargo handling. Kolkata Dock System followed with 14.28% growth, while Jawaharlal Nehru Port recorded a rise of 10.74%. Paradip Port also posted a steady growth of 4.02%.

The strong performance highlights the increasing capacity and efficiency of India’s port sector. With continued focus on infrastructure upgrades and streamlined logistics, the country’s ports are set to play an even bigger role in driving trade and economic growth.

Apr 6: With ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raising concerns over global fuel supplies, India is taking decisive steps to safeguard its energy needs. One of the biggest challenges currently facing the country is ensuring a stable supply of oil and natural gas.

In a significant move, the Government of India is pushing ahead with a major coal gasification project in Lakhanpur, located in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district. The project recently crossed an important milestone with the signing of a land lease agreement between Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL).

The project, which involves an investment of around ₹25,000 crore, is expected to be completed within the next two years. Once operational, it will produce ammonium nitrate, a key chemical used in various industries.

Coal gasification is emerging as a critical strategy for India to reduce its dependence on imported fuels and make better use of its abundant coal resources. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader push for energy self-reliance.

Back in 2020, the Centre had launched the National Coal Gasification Mission to promote cleaner and more efficient utilization of coal. The Lakhanpur project is expected to play an important role in advancing this vision.

As global uncertainties continue, such initiatives could help India build a more resilient and self-sufficient energy ecosystem.

 Mumbai, Apr 6: BULLET microdrama and ZEE5 announce the launch of Mom Talks, a content-led IP, hosted by Parineeti Chopra. Designed as a 9-episode series, Mom Talks brings together celebrity parents including Imran Khan, Neha Dhupia, Vikrant Massey & Sheetal, and Gauahar Khan & Zaid Darbar, among others, to share honest, relatable perspectives on everyday parenting.

Positioned as a high-engagement format, Mom Talks taps into the growing demand for credible, relatable parenting content while enabling seamless, contextual brand integration. The series is supported by a strong lineup of brand partners including Johnson’s Baby, GSK, Aveeno Baby, Mini Klub, Titan Eye+ and Cordelia Cruises, reflecting the increasing shift towards content-led collaborations in the digital ecosystem.

Speaking on the launch, Azim Lalani, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BULLET microdrama app, said: “Mom Talks is a strong example of how content formats are evolving to be more rooted in real experiences and sustained engagement. For us, it’s about bringing forth content that people come back to, while creating a natural space for brands to be part of the narrative in a way that feels relevant to the audience.”

Highlighting the insight behind the IP, Munaf Merchant, Head – AVOD & Partnerships, BULLET and Creator, Mom Talks, said:

“As a creator, I saw the need for more credible guidance in the parenting space, where conversations are often fragmented or unverified. With ‘Mom Talks’, the idea was to build a safe, honest, one-stop destination for parents to find real answers to everyday questions. This aligns closely with BULLET’s focus on meaningful, high-value content that resonates with audiences. We’re grateful to ZEE5 for helping bring this vision to life, and to our partners, Johnson’s Baby, GSK, Aveeno Baby, Mini Klub, Titan Eye+ and Cordelia Cruises, for their support and trust.”

Talking about the collaboration, Peeyush Unikkat, Commercial & Brand Equity Lead, Johnson’s Baby said,

“At Johnson’s Baby, we are built for the evolving needs of new-age parents – driven by innovation, grounded in care, and shaped by relevance. ‘Mom Talks’ brings this to life as a platform where real stories and expert guidance come together to support modern parenting journeys.”

Sharing his thoughts on the importance of such content pieces, Aakash Mehta, Marketing Head, Pediatric Vaccines, GSK added,

“Through ‘Mom Talks’, we see an opportunity to simplify important health conversations and make them more relatable to new parents. By combining expert insights from doctors with real experiences, the show intends to support pregnant women and help parents make informed vaccination decisions with confidence.”

Launch Details – Mom Talks will be available to stream for free on ZEE5 AVOD from April 4, 2026, with new episodes dropping every Friday and Saturday, and will also be available on the BULLET microdrama app.

Apr 6: Payal Nag has made the state and the nation proud by securing a gold medal at the World Para Archery Series held in Bangkok. Her remarkable achievement stands as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and hard work.

This victory is not just a personal milestone for Payal, but also an inspiring moment for countless aspiring athletes across the state. Her journey reflects determination and the spirit to overcome challenges, motivating others to pursue excellence in sports.

With this success, Payal Nag has further elevated Odisha’s presence on the global sporting stage. It is hoped that she will continue her winning momentum and achieve even greater heights in the future. Wishing her continued success and a bright sporting career ahead.

IInvenTiv 2026, hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad on April 6–7, is a flagship national R&D fair under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Positioned as a high-impact innovation convergence platform, IInvenTiv 2026 is designed to transform cutting-edge research into deployable technologies while bridging the gap between academia, industry, startups, and investors. The event aligns with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India by enabling structured pathways for technology transfer, commercialization, and adoption, ensuring innovations move from the lab to real-world impact.

The event will showcase over 150 high-potential innovations across critical domains including Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare , Materials Science, Earth Sciences, and Semiconductor Technology & Chip Design. Participation from 50+ startups and 20+ venture capitalists will create a dynamic ecosystem for funding, mentorship, and scaling. Leading institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, National Institutes of Technology, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research will contribute to making IInvenTiv a truly national and inclusive innovation platform.

The event will be inaugurated by Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand. The Guests of Honour include Shri Athar Sahab, Managing Director, Zuari Industries Ltd.; Ms. Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder, ReNew Foundation; and Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Vice President, Tata Steel. Among the prominent dignitaries and industry leaders participating are Shri Raghu Panicker, CEO, Kaynes SemiCon Pvt. Ltd., and Dr. Sunil K. Barnwal (IAS), CEO, National Health Authority.

This year’s IInvenTiv 2026 will feature the inauguration of two externally funded Centres of Excellence. The ReNew Centre of Excellence aims to empower coal mining communities and drive the “coal-to-green” transition.

Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-founder and Chairperson of Sustainability at ReNew, said: “The successful completion of our first cohort shows that the ‘coal to green’ transition is not just necessary, but achievable at scale. With this Centre of Excellence, we are expanding access to skills and opportunities for coal mine workers and their families. At ReNew, sustainability is about ensuring that communities who powered our past are empowered to shape our future.” Prof.

Sukumar Mishra of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad added: “We are grateful to ReNew for partnering with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad on this important initiative. This Centre of Excellence builds on the strong foundation of the pilot phase and reflects the power of academia–industry collaboration in enabling meaningful livelihood transitions. Together, we aim to equip communities from coal mining regions with the skills needed to participate in India’s clean energy future.”

The second, the Wadhwani Innovation Network Centre of Excellence, focuses on Critical Minerals and advanced technologies, backed by a USD 5 million contribution. Dr. Shirshendu Mukherjee, Managing Director of Wadhwani Innovation Network, said: “The Wadhwani Foundation is proud to support the establishment of the Wadhwani-IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Innovation Center on Critical Minerals. The Center will drive research and innovation across the critical minerals value chain—from extraction and processing to recycling and circular utilization—strengthening India’s capabilities in clean energy and advanced technologies. We are honoured that the Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand will inaugurate the Center at IInvenTiv 2026.”

A high-level Roundtable on Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) will bring together leading academic heads from IITs and other premier institutions. The programme also includes MoU signings, seed funding support, technology demonstration zones, investor interactions, startup pitching sessions, and academia–industry matchmaking, along with thematic plenary sessions across AI, semiconductors, healthcare, materials science, and earth sciences.

Highlighting the strategic vision of the initiative, the Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad said: “IInvenTiv 2026 exemplifies IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s commitment to transforming research into real-world impact. By bringing together academia, industry, startups, and investors under one platform, we are creating a seamless pipeline from innovation to global deployment. Coupled with Bharat Innovates 2026, this initiative not only showcases India’s deep-tech capabilities but also positions our nation as a global hub for research, technology, and entrepreneurship. We are proud to support initiatives that empower communities, foster sustainable growth, and enable India’s innovations to reach the world.”

Prabhat Kumar (IRS), Chairman – Pan IIT Alumni India, said:“Pan IIT Alumni India has been in constant engagement with and support of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s key initiatives, including IInvenTiv. IInvenTiv 2026 showcases the institute’s commitment to transforming research into real-world impact and highlights India’s growing strength in deep-tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We are proud to support initiatives that foster sustainable growth and enable India’s innovations to reach the world.”

Across the two days, the event will feature MoU signings, seed fund support to startups, technology demonstration zone inaugurations, investor interactions, academia–industry matchmaking, and startup pitching sessions, along with plenary discussions on Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductor Technology, Healthcare, Materials Science, and Earth Sciences. The programme also includes expert talks on innovation ecosystems, digital health initiatives, and guided visits to advanced technology facilities. With participation from IITs, NITs, IISc, IISERs and other premier institutions, IInvenTiv 2026 reflects a truly national and inclusive innovation landscape. The initiative is poised to catalyse deep-tech investments, strengthen academia-industry linkages, and create a replicable model for innovation-driven growth, positioning India firmly on the path of becoming a global hub for research and technology.

Importantly, IInvenTiv 2026 serves as a key national feeder for Bharat Innovates 2026, identifying and showcasing high-potential innovations that can scale globally. Bharat Innovates 2026, led by the Ministry of Education, Government of India and announced by Narendra Modi with support from Emmanuel Macron, will take 100–120 curated DeepTech startups and leading institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru to Nice from 14–16 June 2026. Structured around Partnerships, Deployments, Capital, and Global Integration, Bharat Innovates provides Indian startups pathways for global co-development, investments, and international market access.

Together, IInvenTiv 2026 and Bharat Innovates 2026 form an integrated national-to-global innovation pipeline—where domestic research excellence is showcased, validated, and scaled internationally—accelerating India’s emergence as a global leader in deep-tech innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

NEW DELHI, Apr 6: The 13th edition of Bhilwara Sur Sangam, the flagship Indian classical music festival presented by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, concluded on April 5 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, with an evening of profound musical brilliance. Following a resounding opening, the second day drew an equally enthusiastic gathering of music lovers, connoisseurs, and cultural patrons, bringing the two-day celebration to a memorable close.

The evening commenced with a captivating sitar recital by Shri Samanway Sarkar, whose performance reflected both technical finesse and emotive depth. With a command over raga exposition and a nuanced sense of rhythm, his rendition created an engaging musical narrative that resonated deeply with the audience.

Sharing his thoughts after the performance, Shri Samanway Sarkar said, “Performing at Bhilwara Sur Sangam is always special, as the audience here listens with deep understanding and openness. It allows an artist to truly explore and present the soul of a raga.” He further added, “The energy and attentiveness of the listeners tonight made this recital a deeply fulfilling experience for me.”

The highlight of the evening was a deeply evocative Hindustani classical vocal (khayal) performance by the legendary Pt. Mukul Shivputra. Known for his introspective and spiritually charged style, his rendition transported listeners into a meditative soundscape, marked by intricate improvisations and profound emotional intensity. His performance stood as a powerful reminder of the transcendental nature of Indian classical music.

Reflecting on his performance, Pt. Mukul Shivputra shared, “Music, for me, is a journey inward—it is not just performance but a form of sadhana. Platforms like Bhilwara Sur Sangam provide the space for that deeper connection to unfold.” He added, “The silence and receptivity of the audience here create an atmosphere where music can truly breathe and evolve.”

The second day’s performances not only upheld the artistic excellence established on the opening day but also reinforced the festival’s commitment to presenting maestros who embody the depth and diversity of India’s musical traditions.

Speaking on the successful culmination of the festival, Shri Ravi Jhunjhunwala, Chairman, LNJ Bhilwara Group, said, “Bhilwara Sur Sangam continues to be a celebration of India’s rich musical heritage and a platform that brings together exceptional artistry and appreciative audiences. The overwhelming response over both days reaffirms our commitment to preserving and promoting classical music for future generations.”

He further added, “This festival is not just an event, but a legacy we are proud to nurture and grow with each passing year. It is especially meaningful to see the next generation, including my son, actively carrying this vision forward, ensuring that our cultural roots remain strong and relevant.”

With a strong audience presence across both days, Bhilwara Sur Sangam 2026 once again highlighted the enduring appeal of classical music and its ability to create meaningful cultural connections. 

Organized annually by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, Bhilwara Sur Sangam remains a significant cultural initiative dedicated to nurturing and promoting India’s classical arts while fostering deeper engagement between artists and audiences.