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.

Shree Cement Limited has brought together devotees, community members, and spiritual seekers in Beawar through the four-day ‘Krishna Niti Darshan Katha’, centred on the theme “Gyan Se Jeevan Disha Aur Seva”. With Katha discourses being held daily from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the initiative has created a shared space for reflection, rooted in the timeless teachings of Lord Krishna and their relevance to everyday life.

Today, the programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local community, beginning with a Prabhat Pheri in the morning. This was followed by Dev Sthapana rituals, drawing engagement from devotees. The day progressed with Vedi Poojan, leading into the second Katha discourse in the evening.

The programme had commenced on April 2 with early morning spiritual rituals at the Hanuman Temple, starting with Hanuman Janmotsav, and other devotional ceremonies. This was followed by Granth Poojan, a Kalash Yatra, and Sankalp and Vedi Poojan, collectively establishing the spiritual foundation for the Katha, before the first discourse was held later in the day.

As the Katha progresses, April 4 and 5 will carry forward the spiritual journey with a series of community-oriented rituals and engagements, including Abhishek, Dev Poojan, and Vedi Poojan, along with a motivational session by Swamiji for Shree Cement employees as well as dealers. The programme will also include a Hanuman Rath Yatra and Hawan, culminating in the fourth and final Katha discourses.

Through his discourses, Swamiji emphasizes the continued relevance of the Bhagavad Gita in navigating modern life, encouraging individuals to align their actions with values of responsibility, compassion, and purpose, resonating strongly with the community gathered for the Katha.

This Katha is creating a meaningful space for reflection and collective engagement within the community. It is encouraging people to pause, reconnect with enduring values, and draw inspiration from the teachings of Lord Krishna in navigating everyday life

Chennai, Apr 06: Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President of India, is set to inaugurate the 10th edition of CAHOCON 2026, India’s premier healthcare quality conference organized by the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), scheduled to be held in Chennai from April 10 to 12, 2026.

Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Group, will be the Guest of Honour at the inaugural session. Dr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS (Retd.), former Director General of Police and Head of Police Force, Tamil Nadu, will be the Guest of Honour at the Graduation Ceremony. The event is expected to bring together around 2,500 healthcare leaders, clinicians, administrators, and policymakers, including over 200 international delegates, to deliberate on advancements in patient safety, healthcare quality, accreditation, and digital transformation. Ms. Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman & MD, TAFE will be the Chief Guest and Mr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal IAS, Additional Secretary and CEO, National Health Authority, Government of India will be the Guest of Honour at the valedictory ceremony.

Other dignitaries participating in CAHOCON 2026 include Dr. Vijay Agarwal, President; Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General, Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, and AGS & Quality Manager at Christian Medical College Vellore; Dr. Nalla G Palaniswami, Organizing Chairperson CAHOCON 2026, and Chairman of Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital; Dr. S. Manivannan, Organizing Co-Chairperson, and Founder & Managing Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals; Dr. Sathish Devadoss, Organizing Secretary, and Vice Chairman of Devadoss Multispecialty Hospitals; and Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, Academic Committee Member, CAHOCON 2026, and CEO of Apollo Hospitals Chennai.

Guided by the theme ‘Tech, Touch, Trust- The new Healthcare code.’, CAHOCON 2026 will emphasize the human connection, reliability, and innovation at the heart of advancing healthcare quality and patient safety. The main conference will feature high-impact scientific sessions, panel discussions, innovation showcases, and interactive networking opportunities, along with poster presentations by researchers and clinicians that highlight innovative projects and foster knowledge exchange.

Alongside the conference, CAHOCON 2026 will host a comprehensive healthcare exhibition with over 200 stalls, showcasing cutting-edge products and services from leading medical equipment manufacturers, digital health companies, pharmaceutical firms, and service providers. The conference will also feature four breakout houses, designed to facilitate smaller group discussions, interactive workshops, and focused learning sessions.

Recognized by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) as the first ISQua Regional Conference for South Asia, CAHOCON 2026 will witness addresses by 20 ISQua experts. The conference will honour excellence in healthcare quality and patient safety through the prestigious CAHO Awards, celebrating institutions and professionals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing healthcare standards.

A key highlight of CAHOCON 2026 is the pre-conference workshops. Over 40 such workshops will be organized on April 10 engaging 32 leading hospitals from Chennai, providing hands-on training and practical insights into quality improvement and patient safety for the participants.

Over the past decade, CAHO has evolved into a powerful national movement dedicated to strengthening healthcare quality and patient safety across India. Through continuous training, accreditation support, knowledge-sharing platforms and collaborative initiatives, the organization is working to build a culture where quality and safety are embedded in every aspect of healthcare delivery.

CAHOCON is one of the most influential platforms for advancing healthcare quality and patient safety in India. This collaborative forum aims to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare systems and ensure that patients across the country benefit from safer and higher-quality care.

NEW DELHI, April 5, 2026

The 13th edition of Bhilwara Sur Sangam, the flagship Indian classical music festival presented by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, commenced on April 4 at the Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, witnessing an overwhelming turnout of classical music enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and cultural patrons. The opening evening set a resonant tone for the two-day cultural celebration, reaffirming the festival’s stature as a distinguished platform for India’s rich musical traditions.

The evening began with a Hindustani vocal recital by Shri Bhagyesh Marathe, a disciple of Pandit Kedar Bodas from the lineage of Pandit Ram Marathe and a recipient of the CITI-NCPA Kesarbai Kerkar Scholarship. His nuanced and expansive presentation, marked by clarity of raga and emotive depth, held the audience in rapt attention throughout.

This was followed by a Saraswati Veena recital by Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, a sixth-generation Carnatic musician and recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2024, conferred by the Hon’ble President, Droupadi Murmu. She has also been nominated for the Sangeetha Kalanidhi Award 2026 by The Music Academy during its 100th conference year, an honour regarded as the highest accolade in Carnatic music. Her intricate and meditative rendition, blending technical mastery with tonal richness, created a deeply immersive atmosphere, leaving the audience visibly captivated.

Reflecting on his musical journey and philosophy, Shri Bhagyesh Marathe said, “Music is not just an art form for me; it is a legacy that requires complete surrender… ‘Riyaaz’ is more than practice; it is a spiritual discipline. To truly honor one’s lineage, an artist must balance deep respect for the past with the courage to express their own soul.”

Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, known for her profound engagement with the veena, said, “The Veena is not just an instrument; it is a manifestation of the cosmic sound… Music has the power to heal and act as a bridge between the material and the divine, allowing the listener to experience stillness within the melody.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ravi Jhunjhunwala, Chairman, LNJ Bhilwara Group, said, “Celebrating Indian classical music at the Bhilwara Sur Sangam is an honor we hold close to our hearts. For over a decade, we have championed a vision where the magic of music meets the power of community, carrying forward a tradition that connects generations.”

The strong audience presence on the opening day underscored the enduring appeal of classical music and the festival’s role in nurturing a vibrant cultural ecosystem.

The festival will continue on its second day, April 5, featuring performances by Shri Samanway Sarkar and the legendary Pt. Mukul Shivputra, promising another evening of profound musical exploration.

Organized annually by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, Bhilwara Sur Sangam remains a significant cultural initiative aimed at preserving and promoting India’s classical heritage while fostering deeper engagement between artists and audiences.