New Delhi, Apr 7: The Ministry of Mines has introduced the Minerals Concession Rules 2026, aimed at boosting the exploration and production of critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, high-tech electronics, and defence equipment, according to an official statement on Monday.

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Effective from March 30, 2026, the new rules provide a clear framework for:

• Incorporating contiguous areas into existing mining leases,
• Granting composite licences for deep-seated minerals, and
• Including associated minerals in the mining leases of both major and minor minerals.

The updated framework is expected to streamline the exploration process, attract investment, and strengthen domestic supply chains for strategic minerals. Officials noted that this initiative will reduce India’s dependence on imports and support emerging sectors such as electric mobility and advanced electronics.

Industry experts believe the rules could accelerate critical mineral production, enhance India’s global competitiveness in the mining sector, and contribute significantly to the country’s industrial and technological growth.

For 30 years, Dr. Diptimayee Mohanty has been at the helm of Aryavart Ancient Academy, shaping an educational environment that seamlessly blends Gurukul traditions—discipline, wisdom, and holistic values—with the modern CBSE curriculum.

Her leadership has empowered thousands of students, especially those from modest backgrounds, helping them overcome personal and societal challenges to reach their full potential. Every achievement of her students stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and personal growth.

Under Dr. Mohanty’s guidance, Aryavart Ancient Academy has become more than a school—it is a place where tradition meets modern education, fostering resilience, character, and lifelong learning. Her legacy is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and vision can transform lives through education.

Swedish Brand Oriflame Presents Whosthat360 North-East Yatra Across 13 Cities Starting April 7, Bringing Business Opportunities to the Fore

Mumbai, Apr 07: As more young consumers look beyond the limitations of a traditional 9-to-5 and explore flexible ways to earn, social selling is steadily gaining ground as a low-barrier entry into entrepreneurship. Swedish brand Oriflame will roll out a month-long yatra with Whosthat360 across India’s Northeast starting April 7, bringing together on-ground beauty experiences with a focus on income opportunities.

 Spanning 13 locations through April and May, the yatra will begin at Lady Keane College in Shillong on April 7, followed by MBB College in Agartala on April 9 and Millennium Centre in Aizawl on April 12. It will then move to Dimapur on April 15 and Kohima on April 17, before covering Assam with stops at Guwahati College on April 21, Nagaon College on April 23 and Sohum Mall in Dibrugarh on April 25.

The route continues to Rajiv Gandhi University in Itanagar on April 27, followed by City Centre Mall in Siliguri on May 5 and Junction Mall in Durgapur on May 7. The final leg will take place in Kolkata, with South City Mall hosting the May 9 event and the closing scheduled for May 10.

Designed as a high-energy, on-ground format, the yatra will engage college students and young audiences through product trials, skincare sessions and interactive consultations across campuses, malls and public spaces. The focus is on participation and access, with formats that encourage direct interaction rather than passive viewing.

“India is seeing a clear shift in how young people think about work and income. There is a strong appetite for flexibility and ownership. Through this yatra, we want to demonstrate how social selling can offer a practical starting point, where good products can translate into a meaningful business without the usual startup pressures, said Edyta Kurek, Senior Vice President and Head of India and Indonesia at Oriflame.”

Adding to this, Abhishek Chakraborty, Head of Brand, PR & Digitalsaid,

“Markets like the Northeast are increasingly open to new formats of earning and self-expression. This initiative is about creating access, bringing opportunities closer to consumers, and building networks at a local level rather than expecting them to come to us.”

Alongside these engagements, Oriflame will introduce attendees to its social selling model, positioning it as a way to build a second income without the typical challenges associated with starting a business. With no heavy upfront investment or operational setup, the model allows individuals to start small and scale at their own pace.

A second income, increasingly, is not just supplementary but transformative, offering greater financial stability and flexibility at a household level. The company is positioning this as an opportunity for students, first-time earners and young professionals to explore entrepreneurship without the risks typically associated with it.

The Northeast is emerging as a key market for companies looking to build both consumer demand and seller networks, driven by a young population and growing participation in digital ecosystems. With a city-by-city rollout and consistent on-ground presence, the yatra signals a deeper push into the region, culminating in Kolkata on May 10.

The roadshow will also include on-ground engagement activities, where 10 participants who spot the truck and share entries will win curated beauty hampers daily, leading up to the mega event in Kolkata on May 10. For further information on the North-East Yatra, visit the link below.

India’s automobile market recorded a historic year in FY26, with total vehicle retail sales reaching an all-time high of 2,96,71,064 units, marking a 13.3% increase compared to 2,61,87,255 units in FY25, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Industry experts say the rollout of GST 2.0 played a key role in driving consumer confidence and demand, particularly during the latter half of the fiscal year.

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Passenger and Two-Wheeler Sales Lead Growth

Passenger vehicle sales grew 13%, reaching 47,05,056 units, up from 41,63,927 units in FY25. Two-wheelers, which continue to dominate the market, also saw robust growth, with retail sales rising 13.4% to 2,14,20,386 units. Three-wheelers and commercial vehicles recorded steady growth as well, with sales increasing 11.68% and 11.74%, respectively.

A Landmark Year for the Auto Industry

FADA President C S Vigneshwar described FY26 as a “landmark year” for the automotive sector, noting that five out of six vehicle categories achieved record annual sales. He emphasized that strong policy support, market stability, and renewed consumer confidence contributed to this growth, even as the pace of sales varied across different segments.

Looking Ahead

With the positive momentum, industry insiders are optimistic about the future. Continued policy clarity, enhanced financing options, and consumer incentives are expected to sustain demand, helping India maintain its growth trajectory in the auto sector.

The record FY26 figures underscore the resilience of the Indian automotive market and highlight the growing appetite for both personal and commercial vehicles across the country.

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Indian Railways has achieved historic milestones in both passenger and freight operations in the 2025–26 fiscal year, reflecting growing demand and improved operational efficiency across the network.

Passenger revenue grew by approximately 6%, crossing ₹80,000 crore, up from ₹75,500 crore in the previous year. The increase outpaced the rise in passenger volumes, indicating stronger demand for long-distance and premium travel services.

On the freight front, Indian Railways transported a record 1,670 million tonnes (MT) of cargo, marking a 3.25% year-on-year growth. The growth highlights the railways’ crucial role in supporting India’s supply chains, with bulk commodities such as coal, cement, and agricultural products driving the increase.

Passenger and Freight Growth: A Dual Success

The combined growth in passengers and freight underscores the railways’ importance as both a mode of transport and a pillar of the economy. Increased freight volumes help industries move goods efficiently, while rising passenger revenues indicate recovery in travel and confidence in the network.

Modernization and Future Outlook

With ongoing projects including dedicated freight corridors, upgraded stations, and faster passenger trains, Indian Railways is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory. Experts say these developments will further strengthen connectivity, boost economic activity, and enhance the overall travel experience for millions of Indians.

The record figures in FY26 demonstrate the resilience and strategic importance of Indian Railways as it balances passenger convenience with freight efficiency, playing a vital role in India’s economic growth.

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India’s coffee sector has achieved a historic milestone, with exports reaching a record $2.136 billion in the 2025–26 fiscal year, registering a 17% growth over the previous year’s $1.82 billion. The surge comes on the back of higher international prices and a modest rise in export volumes, according to industry sources.

Rising Global Demand and Prices

The growth reflects strong global demand for Indian coffee, particularly Arabica and Robusta varieties. Higher international prices, combined with steady shipments, helped push the overall export value to an all-time high. Key markets such as the United States, Germany, and Italy continued to drive demand, highlighting India’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality coffee beans.

A Boost for Indian Coffee Growers

For small and medium coffee growers, the record exports are a welcome development, offering better returns and strengthening livelihoods in traditional coffee-growing regions like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Looking Ahead

Industry experts say that while the export volumes grew moderately, India’s focus on improving quality, exploring new markets, and expanding specialty coffee production could sustain momentum in the coming years. Initiatives to enhance branding, adopt sustainable practices, and support farmers are expected to further consolidate India’s position in the global coffee trade.

The milestone signals both the resilience and growing global recognition of Indian coffee, positioning the country as a key player in the international coffee market.

Nagpur, April 07: Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited (NSE: VGINFOTECH), a leading provider of AI enabled hybrid SaaS platforms and enterprise software solutions, today announced its estimated standalone turnover for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, reflecting a year of strong operational execution and sustained business momentum.

The company reported an estimated turnover of Rs 5,466.07 lakh (Rs 54.66 crore) for the quarter ended March 2026, registering a healthy sequential growth over Rs 4,126.45 lakh (Rs 41.26 crore) reported in the quarter ended December 2025. This steady quarter-on-quarter improvement highlights the company’s consistent demand pipeline and effective delivery capabilities.

For the full financial year FY2025–26, the company achieved an estimated turnover of Rs 18,205.64 lakh (Rs 182.06 crore), marking a robust year-on-year growth of 51.53%, compared to Rs 12,014.35 lakh (Rs 120.14 crore) in FY2024–25. The strong annual performance underscores the company’s ability to scale rapidly while maintaining operational discipline.

The growth trajectory has been supported by a combination of factors, including deeper client engagements, expansion into new business opportunities, and increasing adoption of digital and technology-led solutions across industries. The company has also continued to strengthen its delivery frameworks and execution capabilities, enabling it to effectively manage higher volumes and complex mandates.

Performance Snapshot: 

Mr. Avinash Shende, Chairman, Executive Director & CFO, Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited said,

 “FY26 has been a defining year for Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited, marked by strong growth, consistent execution, and deepening client engagement. Our 5153% year-on-year increase in turnover reflects not only favourable market opportunities, but also the strength of our capabilities and the trust our clients place in us. We have built a solid foundation through focused investments in technology, scalable delivery models, and a customer-first approach. As we move forward, we remain committed to sustaining this momentum by expanding our service offerings, embracing emerging technologies, and strengthening our presence across key markets. We are confident that our strategic direction will continue to drive long-term, sustainable growth.”

The company’s consistent performance across quarters reflects a well-diversified business model and its ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics. With a clear focus on innovation and customer centricity, the company continues to strengthen its position in the competitive technology landscape.

Looking ahead, Virtual Galaxy Infotech Limited remains optimistic about sustaining its growth momentum. The company is focused on leveraging emerging technologies, enhancing service capabilities, and expanding its footprint across key markets to drive long-term value creation.

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New Delhi – India has set a new milestone in renewable energy, adding 6.05 GW of wind power capacity in fiscal year 2025–26, marking the highest annual growth ever in the sector. This represents a 46% increase over the previous year and surpasses the previous record of 5.5 GW added in FY17.

The country’s cumulative installed wind power capacity now exceeds 56 GW, reflecting a strong resurgence in the sector driven by policy clarity, improved transmission infrastructure, competitive tariffs, and a robust project pipeline, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Leading States and Hybrid Projects

States such as Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra were at the forefront of this growth, contributing the largest share of new capacity. The rise of hybrid wind-solar projects and the rollout of green energy open access have further accelerated investment in these regions.

Government Support and Policy Boosts

The central government has introduced several measures to support wind energy development, including concessional customs duties on turbine components, graded waivers of inter-state transmission charges until June 2028, and competitive bidding mechanisms. These initiatives have helped create a favorable environment for investors and developers.

Strengthening India’s Renewable Goals

This record growth in wind energy strengthens India’s renewable energy portfolio and aligns with the nation’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030. Institutions like the National Institute of Wind Energy continue to provide technical guidance and support to improve efficiency and deployment across projects.

The milestone underscores India’s commitment to sustainable energy and demonstrates the country’s ability to leverage technology, policy, and investment to drive large-scale clean energy growth.

India has achieved a landmark moment in its quest for energy self-reliance with the indigenously built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam reaching criticality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “defining step” in India’s civil nuclear journey, highlighting the nation’s growing expertise in advanced science and engineering.

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A Journey Years in the Making

Criticality is the moment when a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction—a key milestone before it begins full-scale power generation. For the scientists and engineers behind the PFBR, it is the culmination of decades of research, careful planning, and relentless effort.

The PFBR forms the second stage of India’s unique three-stage nuclear programme, a long-term vision designed to harness the country’s vast energy resources and reduce dependence on imported fuels.

Why the PFBR Is Special

Unlike conventional reactors, the PFBR is a “breeder” reactor—it produces more fuel than it consumes. This ability is vital for India, which has limited uranium but abundant thorium reserves. By generating additional fissile material, the reactor supports a closed nuclear fuel cycle and strengthens the country’s energy security.

This achievement is not just about producing electricity—it is about laying the foundation for future thorium-based reactors, which will form the third stage of India’s nuclear programme. Thorium, more abundant in India than uranium, has the potential to provide cleaner, safer, and virtually inexhaustible energy.

A Global Achievement

With the PFBR, India joins a small group of countries, including Russia, capable of operating commercial fast breeder technology. It demonstrates the country’s ability to innovate and execute complex scientific projects at a global standard.

Looking Ahead

While criticality is a major milestone, the PFBR’s journey is far from over. The next phase will involve fine-tuning the reactor, scaling operations, and eventually integrating it into India’s energy grid.

For millions of Indians, this development represents more than technology—it symbolizes a step toward energy independence, sustainable growth, and a future where the nation can harness its own resources to power homes, industries, and progress.

The PFBR is a reminder that innovation and perseverance can turn ambitious visions into reality, securing energy for generations to come.