Author: Vijay Raman

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s agriculture and horticulture sector, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the development of a ₹200-crore Banana Cluster aimed at enhancing productivity, value addition, and market linkages for banana farmers.   The Banana Cluster initiative is designed to create an integrated ecosystem encompassing cultivation, post-harvest management, processing, storage, and export facilitation. By focusing on improving infrastructure and supply chains, the project seeks to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better price realization for farmers.   The initiative will also promote the adoption of modern…

In a significant step towards strengthening preventive healthcare and holistic well-being among security forces, the Ministry of Ayush has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The MoU aims to promote Ayush-based preventive healthcare, wellness, yoga, stress management, and overall well-being among CISF personnel and their families.  The agreement was signed by Dr. A. Raghu, Adviser (Ayu.), Ministry of Ayush, and Smt. Pratibha Agarwal, Inspector General (Administration), CISF Headquarters, New Delhi. The signing ceremony took place in the…

India has achieved a landmark milestone by successfully auctioning 200 mineral blocks during the financial year 2025–26, marking the highest number of auctions conducted in a single year since the introduction of the auction regime. This achievement reflects the growing effectiveness, transparency, and maturity of the mineral allocation framework in the country.   Out of the total auctions, 123 blocks were granted as Mining Leases (ML), enabling immediate commencement of production, while 77 were Composite Licences (CL), aimed at promoting systematic exploration followed by mining. Notably, 22 critical mineral blocks…

The keel laying ceremony of Yard 16402 & 16403, the second and third ship of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), was held at M/s YMPL, Ratnagiri on March 17, 2026.  With a range of 5,000 nautical miles, these ships will be capable of achieving a maximum speed of 23 knots. Measuring 117 meters in length and having a strength of 11 officers and 110 men, it will also feature state-of-the-art machinery and advanced technological systems, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems, Remote Piloted Drones, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), and…

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) to usher in a new era of plug-and-play industrial development in the country. The scheme aims to provide ready-built industrial infrastructure with pre-approved clearances, enabling industries to commence operations in a time-bound and efficient manner.   Salient Features:  Development of plug-and-play industrial parks with world-class infrastructure  Availability of pre-cleared land and statutory approvals  Provision of common utilities and trunk infrastructure  Promotion of integrated industrial townships  Focus on ease of doing business and reducing compliance…

The Bharat Web3 Association (BWA) organised a closed-door workshop on Operationalising the Updated AML/CFT Guidelines for Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers (VDA SPs) in New Delhi. The workshop brought together officials from the Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) and representatives of Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers registered as Reporting Entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Shri Amit Mohan Govil, Director, Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND), delivered the Chief Guest Address at the workshop. In his address, he emphasised the importance of effective implementation of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the…

A recent geological study has provided new insights into the evolution of the Ladakh magmatic arc in the northwestern Himalaya, shedding light on the processes involved in the formation of the Himalayan mountain range.   The research focuses on understanding the origin and development of the Ladakh magmatic arc, which formed due to subduction-related tectonic activity prior to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.   According to the study, the magmatic arc developed as a result of the subduction of the Neo-Tethys Oceanic Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.…