Bengaluru, Apr 07: Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today strengthened its leadership in electric commercial mobility with the launch of the all‑new Tata Intra EV Pickup. Expanding its electric small commercial vehicle portfolio, the new pickup brings together the proven strengths of the trusted Intra platform with a purpose‑built electric architecture—delivering a dependable, high‑earning solution for India’s evolving cargo requirements. It will be available across Tata Motors’ commercial vehicle dealerships nationwide, at an unmatched starting price of Rs. 11.95 lakh (ex‑showroom).

 Launching the Tata Intra EV Pickup, Mr. Girish Wagh, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Motors Ltd., said

“Our commitment to green mobility is focused on delivering sustainable solutions that are proven at scale and relevant to India’s diverse commercial mobility needs. Building on the strong market response to our electric mini‑trucks and the successful deployment of our electric buses serving commuters across 10 cities nationwide, we rolled out our next‑generation electric trucks earlier this year and are now advancing further with the launch of electric pickups. Through this progression, Tata Motors has established the country’s most comprehensive electric commercial vehicle portfolio across segments. This momentum is being enabled by progressive Government policies and strong collaboration across customers, partners and suppliers, accelerating India’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable mobility.”

Shaped by deep insights from real‑world operations and engineered for demanding duty cycles, the Intra EV Pickup introduces electric capability into one of the country’s most versatile pickups. It enables operators to move heavier loads, run longer routes and operate with greater confidence, while benefiting from lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

Speaking about the Tata Intra EV Pickup, Mr. Pinaki Haldar, Vice President & Business Head – SCVPU, Tata Motors Ltd., said,

“The all-new Intra EV Pickup has been developed with a clear focus on earning capability and everyday usability, combining one of the highest payload capacities in its segment with strong performance, long range and high uptime, all at a segment-beating price. Its comfortable, crash‑tested cabin, car‑like driving dynamics and thoughtfully integrated features are designed to reduce fatigue and improve productivity across long operating hours. As adoption of cleaner technologies accelerates, Tata Motors remains committed to raising industry benchmarks and making electric cargo mobility a practical, confident choice for businesses.”

Designed to Earn, Built to Endure

At the heart of the Intra EV Pickup is a clear focus on productivity and profitability. With a 1,750 kg payload and long load body options of up to 10ft 2in, the vehicle supports a broad spectrum of applications—from FMCG and e‑commerce to cold-chain, waste management, LPG and dairy distribution—enabling higher load per trip and better asset utilisation.

A 72kW electric motor producing 230 Nm of peak torque delivers strong pulling power even under full load, while 23% gradeability ensures seamless operations on challenging terrain. The 28.2 kWh, IP67‑rated battery, engineered for Indian weather and usage conditions, offers a certified range of 211 km on a single charge, supporting multiple duty cycles through the day. Fast charging capability, with CCS2 charger, enables 10-80% charging in ~55 minutes, maximising uptime.

Backed by a 6‑year / 2 lakh km HV battery warranty, the Intra EV Pickup is designed to deliver dependable performance over the long term, bringing predictability and peace of mind to electric operations.

Smarter Technology for Safer, More Efficient Operations

Safety is integral to the Intra EV’s design. A dedicated Electronic Braking System enhances vehicle stability and braking efficiency, while three-level regenerative braking improves energy recovery during deceleration, contributing to extended real‑world range.

The Intra EV comes with Tata Motors Fleet Edge, providing real-time vehicle tracking, health monitoring and predictive maintenance insights—helping fleet owners improve uptime, manage costs and operate with greater transparency.

Comfort that Supports Productivity

Recognising the long hours spent behind the wheel, the Intra EV Pickup is equipped with a walk‑through cabin, car‑like ergonomics and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) that significantly reduces steering effort. The inherently low noise and vibration of the electric drivetrain creates a quieter, less fatiguing cabin environment—supporting driver focus, comfort and overall well‑being.

An Ecosystem That Removes Barriers

The Intra EV Pickup is supported by Tata Motors’ expanding electric vehicle ecosystem, including over 25,000 charging points nationwide, 200+ dedicated EV service centres, and facilitated home‑charging solutions. In partnership with leading banks and NBFCs, Tata Motors also offers customised financing options, flexible EMIs and quick approvals—making the transition to electric both accessible and assured.

Joining the Ace EV 1000 and Ace Pro EV, the Intra EV Pickup strengthens Tata Motors’ comprehensive electric small commercial vehicle portfolio—built to support India’s entrepreneurs, drivers and fleet owners in building more efficient businesses and a more sustainable future.

Kolkata, Apr 07: In a significant step toward restoring Kolkata’s polluted urban waterways, Willowood Chemicals has removed 18.5 tonnes of floating waste from the Adi Ganga, ensuring that 30% of the collected material is utilised and processed for recycling through a technology-driven river-cleaning initiative. The project deploys AI-powered autonomous marine robots to clear floating debris from the Adi Ganga and other canals, demonstrating an innovative approach to sustainable urban water management. Implemented in collaboration with Bengaluru-based Clear Robotics India Pvt. Ltd. and undertaken with all necessary approvals from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the initiative marks a progressive move toward cleaner waterways and smarter environmental stewardship.

 As part of this pilot project, Willowood is also committed to fostering an ecologically balanced environment for farmers by supporting the continued cleaning of the city’s major canal, the Adi Ganga, which is connected to the Hooghly River — a vital water source sustaining the agricultural ecosystems of South Bengal districts.

Additionally, Willowood’s commitment to recycling 30% of the recovered waste underscores its dedication to the circular economy — converting waste into valuable resources — while reinforcing its broader environmental responsibility as a leader in crop protection.

For the Kolkata operations, the Clearbot Class 2 model was used — a compact, fully electric, and autonomous vessel designed specifically for narrow and shallow waterways such as the Adi Ganga. Its design enables safe navigation in confined channels while ensuring consistent waste removal with minimal manpower. The system’s operational reliability allows for regular cleaning cycles, making it suitable for sustained river maintenance.

The Willowood River sponsored boat, deployed under the Adi Ganga Project, has delivered measurable environmental benefits. It has removed large volumes of anthropogenic waste, particularly single-use plastics and thermocol, intercepting debris before it can break down into harmful microplastics. The system has also cleared dense growth of invasive water hyacinth, improving sunlight penetration and oxygen exchange in the water — both essential for aquatic ecosystem recovery. Additionally, the removal of surface blockages has improved hydraulic flow, reducing stagnation and potentially curbing mosquito breeding.

The initiative aligns with Willowood Chemicals’ established CSR pillars — “Paryavaran” (Environment) and “We Care” — expanding its sustainability efforts beyond agroforestry into integrated water resource management. Urban rivers in industrial corridors often face dual pressures from non-biodegradable floating waste and invasive plant species such as water hyacinth. These factors obstruct natural flow, lower dissolved oxygen levels critical to aquatic life, and increase flood risks during the monsoon by restricting the river’s carrying capacity.

Beyond water restoration, Willowood Chemicals has invested in scientific research and academic collaboration in West Bengal. In association with Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV), the company has supported pesticide residue studies to assess residue levels across crops in North Bengal. It also collaborates with the Department of Agronomy at Visva Bharati University on research aimed at improving agricultural management practices.

Through its “Health & Protection, Hand in Hand” initiative, Willowood promotes plantation drives and awareness on the safe and responsible use of pesticides to safeguard farmers and encourage sustainable agriculture. The company’s Clinical Van Program further supports farmers by offering free soil testing and crop protection advice across India, including West Bengal.

Parikshit Mundhra, Managing Director, Willowood Chemicals, said water stewardship is central to sustainable agriculture.

“Our ‘Paryavaran’ initiative has always focused on strengthening the farmer ecosystem at its roots. By introducing mechanised river cleaning, we are safeguarding the most critical resource our communities depend on — water. This effort is not just about removing waste; it is about restoring the river’s life force, which directly sustains agricultural productivity, community health, and rural livelihoods. At Willowood, water stewardship is not an added responsibility — it is central to building truly sustainable agriculture and resilient farming communities,” he said.

He added that this project also integrates responsible waste management at every stage. All collected material is carefully segregated, with recyclable plastics channelled to authorised recycling partners — ensuring that waste is repurposed within a circular economy framework rather than ending up in landfills. “Nearly 30% of the recovered waste is being recycled and repurposed, reflecting our commitment to responsible resource management and strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. We plan to continue deploying these vessels in the coming seasons and will share clean-up data with municipal authorities to support long-term urban planning and flood mitigation efforts,” he mentioned.

The project signals how industry, technology providers, and civic authorities can collaborate to address urban environmental challenges through scalable, data-driven solutions.

Apr 07: At a time when many organizations are responding to global uncertainty with layoffs, salary cuts, and reduced employee engagement, Milano by Danube continues to stand firm in its people-first philosophy. Through meaningful initiatives, the company prioritizes employee wellbeing, unity, and long-term resilience. The brand under the leadership of Anis Sajan, Vice Chairman of Danube Group, has taken a distinctly different path, one that puts people first.

In a major step toward enhancing safety and efficiency, Indian Railways has approved an investment of ₹1,364 crore to expand the Kavach train collision avoidance system and upgrade modern signalling infrastructure across the network.

Pic Credit: Pexel

The initiative aims to strengthen rail safety, operational reliability, and train management, ensuring passengers enjoy a safer and smoother travel experience. By integrating advanced technology such as automatic train protection, the project will help prevent collisions, reduce human error, and improve on-time performance.

Officials said the expansion will cover critical routes nationwide and accelerate the modernization of India’s railway network. Industry experts believe this move will transform rail operations, support higher train speeds, and lay the foundation for future-ready, smart rail corridors.

With this significant investment, Indian Railways demonstrates its commitment to passenger safety, technological innovation, and efficient transportation, aligning with the broader vision of a modern, reliable, and resilient railway system.

Apr 7: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has highlighted that India’s strong fiscal position is giving the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greater flexibility in framing monetary policy. Speaking on recent economic developments, she emphasized that prudent fiscal management has created room for the central bank to take measured policy decisions to support growth while maintaining price stability.

Sitharaman noted that the government’s focus on sound public finances, effective revenue collection, and targeted expenditure has strengthened India’s macroeconomic resilience. This robust fiscal health allows the RBI to address inflationary pressures and economic challenges without compromising the pace of growth.

Analysts say that a strong fiscal position coupled with disciplined government spending can enhance investor confidence, stabilize markets, and support sustainable economic expansion. The finance minister’s remarks underline the synergy between fiscal prudence and monetary flexibility in navigating India’s economic priorities.

April 07: VT Markets, hosted its premier regional flagship event of the year, the “2026 APAC Gala: Future in Motion.” Held in the heart of Bangkok, the evening served as a prestigious celebration of the regional talent and momentum driving the company’s ambitious expansion across Asia-Pacific.

As the firm’s pinnacle event for the region, “Future in Motion” brought together leadership, top traders and  VIP clients to align on a 2026 roadmap defined by accelerated innovation and enhanced local support. The 2026 APAC Gala focused on the strategic partnerships that continue to propel VT Market’s regional success.

VT Markets started 2026 with a record $1.5 trillion in January trading volume, and a 246% increase in active users compared to the same quarter last year. Driven by strategic regional support, Thailand’s trading volume tripled, Vietnam’s gross revenue surged 397%, and first-time trades in the Philippines skyrocketed 450% –  signaling a decisive shift in regional market share. This follows its 10th anniversary year in 2025 where the firm secured over 30 industry awards, including ‘Best Global Multi-Asset Broker’ and ‘Most Reliable Trading Platform”.

The event also provided a moment of reflection following a meaningful community visit earlier that day to the Baan Nokkamin Foundation, where VT Markets and its partners delivered essential supplies to support local underprivileged youth and individuals to leave a lasting local impact that extended well beyond the financial markets.

“We titled this gala ‘Future in Motion’ because that is exactly where VT Markets is right now,” said Dandelyn Koh, Head of Global Marketing at VT Markets. “Our growth across APAC is explosive, but we never want to lose sight of our partners who fuel that engine. Whether we are donating essentials to the community or unveiling next-gen infrastructure, we are moving forward together, and this is just the beginning for us”.

The evening’s highlights included:

• The Awards Excellence Ceremony: An awards ceremony dedicated to recognizing the strategic vision and performance that have made VT Markets a leader in APAC.
• The Signature Lucky Draw: The night’s most anticipated segment featured a curated selection of luxury rewards. From flagship tech gadgets to bespoke travel experiences to Newcastle, United Kingdom, the prizes were a reflection of the high-value partnerships VT Markets shares with its top-tier affiliates.
• The 2026 Roadmap Reveal: An exclusive first look at the next generation of trading infrastructure where guests were given an exclusive preview of the products and features set to be rolled out progressively.

As VT Markets continues to scale its presence regionally, the 2026 APAC Gala reinforces its position as a forward-thinking broker that prioritises both technological advancement and the long-term success of its global partner community.

Ras Al Khaimah, Apr 07: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) continues to deepen its global engagement as it welcomed over a hundred delegates from across international markets in the first quarter of the year, reflecting growing interest in Ras Al Khaimah as a destination for business expansion and collaboration.

As businesses increasingly seek resilient, well-connected markets to support their growth strategies, cross-border engagement has become a key driver of long-term partnerships. In this context, RAKEZ has emerged as an active platform for dialogue, bringing together representatives from consulates, embassies, and business organisations to explore opportunities within Ras Al Khaimah’s evolving economic landscape.

The visiting delegations, representing countries including Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, Spain, Guatemala, and Russia, were introduced to RAKEZ’s integrated ecosystem through a series of site visits across its industrial zones, gaining firsthand exposure to the emirate’s industrial infrastructure and operational capabilities.

These engagements enabled discussions around investment and collaboration opportunities across key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, reflecting the growing alignment between global business priorities and the opportunities emerging from Ras Al Khaimah.

This momentum builds on RAKEZ’s continued efforts to strengthen international ties, having hosted a growing number of delegations in recent years, further reinforcing its role as a trusted point of connection for global stakeholders seeking access to regional and international markets.

Commenting on the visits, RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Welcoming international delegations to Ras Al Khaimah reflects the growing confidence in the emirate’s business environment and investment potential. These engagements create meaningful dialogue and lay the foundation for long-term partnerships. At RAKEZ, we continue to provide a platform where global stakeholders can explore opportunities, connect with the right ecosystem, and move forward with clarity and confidence.”

As global business dynamics continue to evolve, RAKEZ remains committed to facilitating impactful engagement with international partners, supporting businesses in identifying opportunities, building connections, and advancing their expansion plans from Ras Al Khaimah.

India’s corporate sector is expected to maintain stable salary growth in 2026, with average pay hikes projected at 9.1%, according to industry reports. Despite global economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures, companies are continuing to offer competitive compensation to retain talent and reward performance.

Analysts say that while the growth rate is slightly moderated compared to previous years, it reflects a balanced approach by employers—ensuring employee satisfaction while managing operational costs. Sectors such as IT, BFSI, and e-commerce are likely to continue leading in terms of compensation increases, driven by high demand for skilled professionals.

Industry experts highlight that employee retention, upskilling, and performance incentives remain key factors influencing salary decisions. Stable hikes are also seen as a signal of confidence in India Inc’s resilience and its focus on sustainable growth in the coming year.

With wages expected to stay consistent, professionals can anticipate predictable increments, while companies continue to strategically invest in talent development and retention.

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.

Pic Credit: Pexel

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.