On Monday, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati urged everyone to come together to fight the rising number of cancer cases in the state. Speaking at the “Cancer-Free Odisha” Awareness Conclave and the Mahanayak–2026 Awards, he said cancer is not just a medical problem—it affects families and communities across Odisha.

The Governor pointed out that lifestyle changes, tobacco use, environmental factors, and late diagnosis are contributing to the steady rise in cancer cases. He stressed that prevention is better than cure. By spreading awareness about healthy diets, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco, many cancer cases could be prevented.

He also emphasized the importance of early detection. Strong primary healthcare and wider screening, especially in rural areas, can help identify cancer early, improve survival rates, and reduce the emotional and financial burden on families.

Governor Kambhampati called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to ensure cancer care reaches every corner of the state. He also congratulated the Mahanayak–2026 awardees for their contributions and encouraged continued efforts to create a cancer-aware Odisha.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Korei MLA Akash Dasnayak and former Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena, while the welcome address was delivered by Asim Odisha Foundation Trust Chairperson Asima Das.

The conclave made it clear that tackling cancer in Odisha will require awareness, early detection, and the support of the entire community.

Bhubaneswar, March 30: In a significant move to strengthen India’s strategic mineral ecosystem, Oil India Limited (OIL) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) to establish a Centre of Excellence for critical minerals.

The collaboration, formalized in Bhubaneswar, is aligned with the National Critical Mineral Mission under the Ministry of Mines and aims to enhance research, exploration, and processing of critical minerals, supporting the country’s self-reliance objectives.

Under this agreement, OIL will become the first “Industry Spoke” of CSIR-IMMT under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, creating a new model of partnership between India’s energy and mining sectors.

The MoU was signed by Saloma Yomdo, Director (Exploration & Development), Oil India Limited, and Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, in the presence of OIL CMD Ranjit Rath. Senior officials from OIL and CSIR-IMMT scientists, including Kali Sanjay and Satyajit Rath, also attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, CMD Ranjit Rath emphasized that the partnership would expand OIL’s role beyond hydrocarbons, boosting its contribution to the National Critical Mineral Mission. He also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in identifying mineral resources, noting that OIL has already pinpointed ten focus areas for technology-driven initiatives in consultation with the CSIR Director General.

Director Ramanuj Narayan underlined CSIR-IMMT’s expertise in research and technology solutions for the mining, minerals, and metals sectors, with a particular focus on critical minerals. He expressed optimism that the Centre of Excellence would drive innovation and support India’s long-term goals in mineral self-reliance.

This collaboration represents a strategic convergence of energy and mining expertise, aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in critical mineral exploration and processing, while leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable resource development.

Mar 31:  Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Ltd. (ROHL), one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, today announced the signing of a new upscale property in Mundra, Gujarat.

The upcoming Regenta Hotel, Mundra will be operated under a hotel management agreement, reinforcing ROHL’s asset-light expansion strategy and strengthening its presence in key industrial and port cities across India.

Strategic Location and World-Class Amenities

Located in the prominent port city of Mundra, the hotel is designed to cater to the evolving needs of business travellers and logistics professionals. The property will feature 103 well-appointed keys and is scheduled to open by Q4, 2027.

To ensure a seamless stay for its guests, the hotel will offer a comprehensive suite of premium facilities, including:

• Dining: A signature all-day dining restaurant.

• Wellness: A dedicated swimming pool, fully-equipped gym, and a rejuvenating spa.

• Convenience: Extensive parking facilities with a capacity for over 150 vehicles.

Premier Venue for Events

Regenta Hotel, Mundra is set to become a preferred destination for corporate gatherings and social celebrations in the region, featuring expansive banquet facilities totaling 14,000 sq. ft.:

• Grand Ballroom: A massive 10,000 sq. ft. space for large-scale events.

• Junior Ballroom: A versatile 4,000 sq. ft. hall for mid-sized meetings and functions.

“The signing of Regenta Hotel, Mundra aligns seamlessly with our vision of expanding our footprint in high-growth economic hubs. As we continue to march toward our goals, this property will deliver the distinctive hospitality experience that defines the Regenta brand in Gujarat‘s industrial landscape.” 

— Mr. Chander K. Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Ltd.

“We are delighted to partner with Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels for this landmark development in Mundra. With its strategic location and robust infrastructure, we are confident this hotel will set new benchmarks in hospitality for the region and cater effectively to the growing demand from business and industrial travelers.”
— Directors, Bonava Hospitality LLP

New Delhi,  Mar 31 : SAHIT, founded by Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, to empower women, drive inclusive growth and build collaborative pathways to meaningful workforce inclusion, today held the second edition of their national conference. Shri Jitendra Singh, MOS (IC), Ministry of Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences, was the Chief Guest on the occasion and also felicitated 17 women and 8 organizations for outstanding achievements and work done towards addressing barriers to women

 The  Minister released the SAHIT Knowledge Report, along with Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, and Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA; Ms. Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog. and Chief Architect – NITI Frontier Tech Hub, and Ms. Kavita Bhatia, COO, India AI Mission. After the release of the report, Dr. Singh remarked, “Platforms like SAHIT are extremely important for promoting women in decision-making roles and establishing role models that can inspire a generation of female innovators and pathbreakers. Owing to Hon’ble PM’s vision, we are quickly moving from development from women to women-led development of the nation. Sahit will be an important proponent for that. I congratulate Dr. Subi Chaturvedi for creating such a relevant platform and wish her all the best as she continues to chart new territory in the space and influence young women to dream big, work in STEM fields and aspire for excellence ”.

Thanking the  Minister, Dr Subi Chaturvedi, Founder of SAHIT remarked, “If India is to remain at the forefront of the digital economy, we don’t need only more women in the workforce, but women in critical decision-making roles shaping policy, platforms, and capital flows.” Highlighting the systemic shifts required to secure India’s techade and highlighting SAHIT’s importance, she further said, “SAHIT is our

dedicated effort to bridge that gap, ensuring half of the nation’s population can purposefully contribute toward nation-building and the  Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. We are deeply committed to celebrating role models and plugging  the  leaky  pipeline  for  women  in  STEM  and  girls  in  ICT.”

Central to the event was the launch of the SAHIT Knowledge Report which included primary empirical research from SAHIT and other partner organisations, detailing ground-level surveying on concerns impacting women’s participation in the Indian workforce. One of the key findings of the report was that while 57% of the women benefit from inclusive policies at their workplace, less than a third of the women have sufficient knowledge regarding such policies and programs, indicating a need for better internal communication and information exchange at organizations. The report also noted an increase in FLPR and highlighted the opportunity to increase the GDP by 27% if the gender gap in the labour force is closed.

A central pillar of the SAHIT mission is establishing visible role models to inspire the next generation of female innovators. During the ceremony, Shri Jitendra Singh conferred the prestigious SAHIT Icon Awards upon five trailblazing women which included Dr. Parvinder Maini; Smt. Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog and Founder, NITI Frontier Tech Hub; Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson and Founder, Biocon India and Smt. Kavita Bhatia, COO, IndiaAI Mission. In addition to the Icons, SAHIT also felicitated 17 Women Achievers for their proven excellence across administration, science and technology, business, industry, and sports. The platform also honored 8 Changemaker Partner Organisations whose foundational research and contributions were instrumental to the SAHIT Knowledge Report.

Reflecting on the success of the overarching event, Col. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General of ASSOCHAM, added, “Today’s session, ‘Icons of Impact: Women Who Are Rewriting India’s Growth Story,’ has been a powerful reminder that women are at the forefront of India’s transformation. Their resilience, innovation, and leadership are not only inspiring but essential to shaping our future. We are proud to partner with a prestigious platform like SAHIT to make this initiative truly impactful.”

The SAHIT Awardees expressed their profound appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the essential role that dedicated platforms like SAHIT can play in dismantling systemic barriers and amplifying female voices. They noted that such recognition not only celebrates individual milestones but serves as a vital catalyst, encouraging more women and young girls to aspire for excellence and actively realizing the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for a women-led Viksit Bharat. Summarizing the mission forward, Dr. Subi Chaturvedi stated, “The SAHIT platform is designed to be a dynamic network of networks for action. By forging robust collaborations and partnerships across government, academia, and industry, we will continue to serve as the definitive platform for accelerating women’s equitable

participation in the formal workforce and championing women in leadership roles across every sector of our economy fulfilling the Hon. PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

New Delhi,  Mar 31 : Krvvy, a function-first women’s innerwear brand, has launched its All-Day Shaper Shorts, strengthening its presence in the everyday shapewear category. This is coming at a time when comfort-led design is reshaping how shapewear is worn and experienced. The move taps into a decisive shift in the innerwear market, where performance, ease, and all-day wearability are becoming the new baseline.

 Krvvy’s All-Day Shaper Shorts is an everyday wear that offers light to mid-level compression that delivers subtle shaping while allowing ease of movement across daily routines, from long work hours to travel and social outings. Designed for the modern consumer who expects comfort, flexibility, and performance in equal measure, the product prioritises wearability without compromising on support. Crafted from a breathable blend of 67% polyamide and 33% elastane, the fabric is engineered to move with the body while maintaining shape retention through extended wear.

A key differentiator lies in its bonded construction, a smooth, stitch-free finish, making the garment virtually invisible under skirts, dresses, and workwear. The high-waist, upper-thigh silhouette is designed to contour the body and stay in place, addressing common category concerns such as rolling waistbands and discomfort during prolonged use. 

Commenting on the launch, Yash Goyal, Co-Founder & CEO, Krvvy, said, 

 “The biggest challenge was getting the balance right. Most shapewear either supports or feels comfortable, rarely both. We focused on bonded construction to eliminate seams, and a fabric that adapts to the body rather than working against it. The goal was to create something women can wear for hours without constantly adjusting or feeling restricted. With All-Day Shaper Shorts, shapewear becomes invisible not just under clothing, but in how it feels.”

Anant Bhardwaj, Co-Founder, Krvvy, added that the shift toward comfort-led innerwear is becoming more pronounced.

 “Customer feedback played a big role in shaping this product. Women in our focus group told us they wanted shapewear that isn’t too long or too short, stays invisible under dresses, and still delivers the right level of compression. That balance is exactly what we’ve aimed to achieve. Everyday shapewear is clearly evolving into a comfort-first, practical category.”

The All-Day Shaper Shorts are priced at INR 1499 and are available on the company website and e-commerce platforms namely Amazon, Myntra and Nykaa.The product is offered across sizes S – 5XL, catering to a diverse range of body types.

This launch builds on Krvvy’s recent introduction of the TrueForm Bra, as the brand continues to expand its portfolio of function-first innerwear designed for everyday comfort, versatility, and confidence. 

Founded in 2023, Krvvy has since raised INR 7.2 crore to date and reported revenue of approximately INR 6 crore as of September in the current financial year, with a projected target of INR 15 crore for the full year. The company is currently expanding its product portfolio and strengthening its reach across India through its digital-first channels.

The Government of Odisha will celebrate ‘Odia Pakhya’ from April 1 to April 14 with the aim of promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, lifestyle, food, and attire on a wider platform.

Announcing the initiative at a press conference held at Sanskruti Bhawan, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said that a series of events will be organized across all districts of the state, including the capital city Bhubaneswar, with active participation from various government departments.

The celebration will begin on April 1 with Utkal Divas, observed by the Information and Public Relations Department. On April 2, the School and Mass Education Department will mark ‘Khadi Chuan Day’, welcoming young children enrolling in early education.

On April 3, the Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts Department will promote traditional attire through ‘Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya’ (Our Dress, Our Identity) Day. This will be followed by a campaign on April 4 encouraging the use of Odia language in signboards.

To highlight heritage and fitness, a heritage run will be organized near historical sites on April 5, along with a cleanliness drive on April 6.

Further events include Children’s Storytelling Day on April 7, a blood donation drive on April 8, and a book-buying campaign on April 9 to encourage reading habits. April 10 will be dedicated to folk arts, celebrating Odisha’s traditional art forms.

The programme will continue with cultural events such as ‘Amrutapidhi Samaroha’ on April 11 and ‘Bandaniya Baraputra’ on April 12, honoring notable personalities.

On April 13, ‘Ama Ruchi Ama Khadya Day’ will focus on promoting traditional and local cuisine, highlighting Odisha’s diverse food culture.

The ‘Odia Pakhya’ initiative reflects the state government’s efforts to preserve and promote Odia identity, while engaging people across all sections of society in celebrating their cultural roots.

New Delhi, India, March 31 – The Panasonic Harit Umang Program has received the India Green Award 2026 under the “Sustainability Education & Training Providers” category, recognizing its contribution to sustainability education, environmental awareness, and responsible waste management practices across India. This recognition highlights the program’s pivotal role in inspiring schools, students, educators, and communities to drive meaningful grassroots change, transforming practices in e-waste management, dry cell battery recycling, and sustainable living on a wide scale.

Over the past two years, the initiative has been implemented by Focalyt, a skill-tech organization specializing in education-led capacity building and community development. The program has delivered structured interventions including awareness sessions, training workshops, collection drives, competitions, and outreach campaigns. It has reached thousands of students and stakeholders, enabling informed environmental action and fostering strong community participation through a collaborative approach with educational institutions and local ecosystems, aligned with national sustainability priorities.

Saurabh Gupta, Lead Environmental and Sustainability Affairs, Panasonic India said, “This recognition underscores the importance of sustained efforts by Panasonic in advancing sustainability education in India. Through the Harit Umang Program, we are focused on driving awareness that translates into everyday action. Engaging students and communities remain central to fostering long-term environmental responsibility. Our continued emphasis on critical areas such as e-waste management and recycling awareness, supported by strong partnerships, has enabled deeper and more consistent outreach. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen education-led engagement to drive meaningful and lasting behavioural changes.”

Zeba Kazmi, Zonal Head, Focalyt, added, “The program has been driven by sustained, on-ground engagement across schools and communities, with a strong focus on translating awareness into action. This has helped embed environmental responsibility as an ongoing practice. Sustaining long-term impact will depend on maintaining consistency and relevance across diverse environments.”

The award was received by Saurabh Gupta, Environment Lead, Panasonic, along with Zeba Kazmi, Zonal Head, Focalyt, and presented by Shyam Sunder Paliwal, a renowned environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee, known for his exceptional contribution to environmental conservation and community-led sustainability initiatives, at Labhgarh Palace, in the presence of sustainability leaders and experts.

The Panasonic Harit Umang Program continues to expand its engagement across schools and communities, with a focus on strengthening awareness-led interventions and encouraging responsible environmental practices. A key strength of the initiative lies in its collaborative approach, working closely with educational institutions, partners, and communities to create scalable and sustainable impact. The program is also working towards improving participation in collection and recycling efforts, while reinforcing practical understanding of sustainable behaviours. Its implementation remains aligned with national environmental priorities and regulatory frameworks, supporting consistent environmental learning and enabling deeper community-level adoption of responsible practices across regions.

New Delhi, Mar 31: Bharti Airtel (NSE: BHARTIARTL) (“Airtel”), today announced an investment of US$ 1 Billion by Alpha Wave Global, Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) and Anchorage Capital, through their affiliates, in Nxtra Data Limited (“Nxtra”), a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel engaged in the data center business, to expand its network across India and accelerate growth. Airtel will also participate in this round.

As part of the pact, Alpha Wave Global will invest US$435 million, Carlyle US$240 million, and Anchorage Capital US$35 million, with the rest being infused by Airtel. The investors’ final shareholding will be subject to finalized post-closing adjustments. Airtel will continue to retain a controlling stake in Nxtra. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals in India.

Nxtra – the first data center company in India to deploy AI at scale for predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, and automated operations – intends to deploy proceeds from the fund infusion to accelerate its growth plans. It plans to extensively scale its infrastructure and broaden its portfolio of services, catering to the evolving needs of enterprises, hyperscalers, and government organisations across the country.

India’s data center sector is currently witnessing rapid growth, driven by accelerating digital transformation across enterprises, rising adoption of cloud services, and expanding demand from hyperscalers. According to a Savills India report, India’s data center market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 21% between 2024 and 2030 to reach nearly 3,400 MW of IT capacity.

“At Nxtra, we have built one of India’s most advanced and sustainable data center networks, designed to meet the evolving needs of enterprises, hyperscalers, and government. With ~300 MW capacity today, we aim to scale to 1 GW in the next few years, targeting ~25% market share,” Gopal Vittal, Executive Vice Chairman, Airtel, said.

Strategic partnerships with global investors and technology leaders are central to our growth roadmap, enabling us to accelerate expansion, harness world-class expertise, and deliver next-generation digital infrastructure solutions at scale. With strong market demand, we are committed to stepping up investments and strengthening India’s position as a leading data center hub.”

“We have built a strong partnership with Airtel and continue to believe Nxtra is well-positioned to benefit from India’s long-term digital infrastructure tailwinds. The company has made significant progress in expanding its capabilities, strengthening customer relationships and building a scalable platform, and we look forward to further working with Airtel and Nxtra’s management team to build the company into one of the largest datacenter players in India,” said Kapil Modi, Partner at Carlyle India Advisors.

Rick Gerson, Co-Founder & CIO, Alpha Wave Global, said, “Alpha Wave has a particular focus on identifying and backing AI-first businesses including Anthropic, OpenAI, Cerebras, SpaceX, X.ai, Ramp, Cognition and Long Lake Management. We are excited to partner with Mr. Sunil Mittal and the Bharti Group — a franchise defined by outstanding leadership and a remarkable track record of executing at scale alongside institutional investors – as Nxtra scales to become India’s leading data center business.”

Navroz D. Udwadia, Co-Founder, Alpha Wave Global, added, “India has an immense AI opportunity ahead of it — Indians already meaningfully interact with and on Chat GPT, Claude and other AI platforms. As such India is set to see its data center capacity grow meaningfully to keep up with hyperscaler and LLM demand.”

Headquartered in New Delhi, Nxtra operates 14 large core data centers and 120+ edge facilities across India, offering co-location, cloud infrastructure, managed hosting, data backup, disaster recovery, and edge computing services. It has a state-of-the-art facility in Pune and is developing additional AI-ready campuses in Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Nxtra has recently partnered with Google to build a gigawatt-scale AI data center campus, backed by a $15-billion investment.