2026 – Page 9 – News Deck

Mega coal gasification project to come up at Lakhanpur, Odisha

2 April 20262 April 2026 Vijay Raman

Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) have signed a land leasing agreement for setting up a coal-to-ammonium nitrate project at Lakhanpur in Odisha, marking a significant step toward boosting coal gasification-based industries in the country. The project will come up in the Lakhanpur area of Odisha, with MCL leasing land to BCGCL for establishing the facility. The initiative aligns with the Government’s push to promote coal gasification as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imported natural gas and enhance value addition from…

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Takes Over as New Vice Chief of Army Staff

2 April 20262 April 2026 Vijay Raman

Dhiraj Seth on Wednesday assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), taking over one of the most senior positions in the Indian Army. He succeeds Pushpendra Pal Singh, who has moved to a new command role following a broader reshuffle in the Army’s top leadership. Lt Gen Seth took charge at a formal ceremony held at South Block in New Delhi, where he reviewed a guard of honour after assuming office. Prior to this appointment, he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern…

Indian Railways Achieves Best-Ever Operational Performance in 2025–26

2 April 20262 April 2026 Vijay Raman

Indian Railways has recorded its highest-ever passenger traffic and freight movement in the financial year 2025–26, reflecting strong growth in both mobility demand and logistics operations. According to official data, the national transporter carried approximately 741 crore passengers during the year, marking a 3.54% increase over the previous fiscal. On the freight front, Indian Railways transported a record 1,670 million tonnes (MT) of cargo, registering a 3.25% year-on-year growth. Key commodities contributing to this surge included fertilisers, steel, cement and iron ore. Passenger revenue also saw a notable rise, reaching…

Dr Bhargav Mallappa Appointed as Director of SIIA Data Analysis Research Council (SIIADARC)

2 April 20262 April 2026 Vijay Raman

# Appointment aims to strengthen legal oversight and institutional governance within the Council The SIIA and Data Analysis Research Council (SIIADARC) has announced the appointment of Dr Bhargav Mallappa as Director of, following an official selection process and approval by the competent authority. The appointment has been made by Dr. Lijo Kuriyadath, Director, SIIADARC.Dr Mallappa, will serve in this nominated position for a fixed tenure of five years. The role is honorary in nature and aligned with the Council’s broader objective of strengthening institutional governance and legal oversight within its…

The Offshore Crypto Problem Regulators Can No Longer Ignore

1 April 20261 April 2026 Vijay Raman

Globally, the virtual digital asset (VDA) space is emerging as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative sectors. Yet, it continues to face persistent challenges, including lack of regulatory clarity, legal uncertainty, skepticism, and high taxation. A recent report by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) highlights another growing concern for the industry: virtual asset platforms that operate across borders while remaining largely out of reach of regulators. These platforms, known as offshore Virtual Asset Service Providers (oVASPs), are exchanges or platforms that are registered in one country but serve…

CSL Kochi Hands Over ASW Craft ‘Malwan’ to Indian Navy

1 April 20261 April 2026 Vijay Raman

In a significant boost to India’s coastal defence capabilities, the Indian Navy on Tuesday took delivery of ‘Malwan’, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) in Kochi. The vessel is part of a series of specialised ships being constructed under a contract with the Ministry of Defence (India) to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy in shallow coastal waters. ‘Malwan’ is equipped with advanced sonar systems and modern surveillance technology, enabling it to detect and neutralise enemy submarines…

Stealth Frigate Dunagiri Joins Indian Navy

1 April 20261 April 2026 Vijay Raman

In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Indian Navy on Tuesday received the stealth frigate ‘Dunagiri’, reinforcing the country’s push towards Aatmanirbharta in warship building. The warship has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) under the prestigious Project 17A stealth frigate program, which aims to build a new generation of advanced stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. ‘Dunagiri’ is equipped with modern stealth features, advanced weapons, and state-of-the-art sensors, enabling it to operate effectively in a network-centric warfare environment. The frigate…

LNJ Bhilwara Group Announces 13th Edition of ‘Bhilwara Sur Sangam’: A Grand Confluence of Classical Maestros in New Delhi

31 March 202631 March 2026 Vijay Raman

The LNJ Bhilwara Group is proud to announce the return of its premier Indian classical music festival, Bhilwara Sur Sangam, for its 13th edition. The two-day cultural landmark will be held at the Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, on April 4 and 5, 2026. Established as a cornerstone of the capital’s cultural calendar, the festival continues its mission of celebrating India’s profound musical heritage by providing a prestigious platform for both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. This year’s curation promises an immersive experience of raga-based performances, further solidifying the event's reputation for…

Airtel Announces US$1 Billion Investment in Nxtra Led by Alpha Wave Global and Existing Investor Carlyle. Bharti Airtel Will Also Participate

31 March 202631 March 2026 Vijay Raman

Investment Aims to Spur AI-Data Center Expansion, Fuel Next Phase of Growth Nxtra to be Valued at Around US$3.1 Billion Post-Closing of Transaction Bharti Airtel (NSE: BHARTIARTL) (“Airtel”), today announced an investment of US$ 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…

NCL surpasses annual coal output milestone

31 March 202631 March 2026 Vijay Raman

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has achieved its coal production target of 140 million tonnes (MT) ahead of the scheduled timeline, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy sector. The achievement reflects NCL’s operational efficiency and its sustained efforts to enhance coal output to meet the growing energy demands of the nation. The company has consistently adopted advanced mining technologies, improved logistics, and optimized resource utilization to boost productivity. NCL plays a crucial role in ensuring fuel supply to thermal power plants…