Category: news

India Launches Carbon Market Portal at Prakriti 2026, Positions Carbon Trading as Key to Climate Action

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Saturday inaugurated the International Conference on Carbon Markets, Prakriti 2026, and launched the Indian Carbon Market Portal, underscoring India’s commitment to advancing climate action alongside economic growth.

The two-day conference, organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is being held in the national capital as part of the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.

The event brings together global experts, policymakers, industry leaders and researchers to deliberate on carbon markets and their role in supporting climate goals and green growth. The theme of this year’s conference is “Unlocking Carbon Finance for NDC Implementation through Global Partnerships and Digital Pathways.”

During the inaugural session, the Indian Carbon Market Portal (www.indiancarbonmarket.gov.in
) was launched by Manohar Lal, along with Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik and other dignitaries. The portal is designed as a central platform for implementing and administering the country’s carbon market.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister said India has demonstrated that climate responsibility and economic development can progress together. He highlighted initiatives such as the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), renewable energy expansion and energy efficiency programmes as key steps toward building a transparent and credible carbon market framework.

He noted that the country has already notified nine methodologies under the CCTS, with over 40 entities registering projects in sectors such as biogas, hydrogen and forestry. Additionally, greenhouse gas emission intensity targets have been set for nearly 490 entities across seven energy-intensive sectors.

Emphasising the economic potential of carbon markets, Lal urged businesses to view them not merely as compliance mechanisms but as opportunities for innovation, investment and entrepreneurship.

Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik highlighted three key pillars for robust carbon markets — credibility through digital monitoring, reporting and verification systems, capital mobilisation for clean technologies, and international collaboration under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

He said India’s progress in renewable energy and energy efficiency demonstrates that climate action and economic growth are complementary, adding that carbon markets can empower MSMEs and farmers while enabling transparent global cooperation.

The conference will feature discussions on global carbon markets under the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism, compliance frameworks, digital technologies, carbon border policies and financing clean technologies.

Officials said Prakriti 2026 reflects India’s growing role as a global leader in climate action and its efforts to develop a transparent, inclusive and innovation-driven carbon market ecosystem.

Celebration of Pakhala Paraba by Odia Samaj, Tripura

Agartala, 20 March 2026 (BNP): The Odia community residing in Tripura celebrated Pakhala Paraba (Pakhala Divas), a traditional festival of Odisha, with great enthusiasm, cultural pride, and collective joy on 20th March 2026.

The celebration was organized under the aegis of Odia Samaj, Tripura, where members gathered at Sangam to mark the occasion in a spirit of unity and festivity. The event witnessed active participation, especially by the women members of the community, who played a central role in showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Odisha.

On this occasion, the lady members prepared a wide variety of traditional Odia cuisine at their respective homes. More than twenty different dishes were presented, reflecting the diversity and uniqueness of Odia food culture. The celebration was further enriched by joining the live telecast of Pakhala Paraba festivities from Odisha, creating a sense of connection with their cultural roots.

Following the presentation, all participants shared the meal together. The food was lovingly served by the women members, symbolizing warmth, affection, and community bonding. The gathering was marked by joy, togetherness, and a deep sense of cultural identity.

The event concluded on a cheerful note, with all attendees expressing happiness and satisfaction at celebrating their traditional festival away from their home state, yet with equal fervour and authenticity.

Hinduja Foundation’s Jal Jeevan initiative recharges 5 trillion litres of groundwater; Impacts 6 million lives

New Delhi, Mar 21: On the occasion of World Water Day, the Hinduja Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Hinduja Group, announced that its flagship Jal Jeevan water stewardship initiative has enabled the recharge of over 5 trillion litres of groundwater and strengthened irrigation systems across 117,620 hectares of farmland in India. The initiative has improved water security, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihoods across 16 states, benefiting millions of people in water-stressed regions.

 Implemented in partnership with local communities, technical organisations, and Hinduja Group companies, the Jal Jeevan initiative adopts an integrated approach to water management – spanning watershed and springshed management, improved domestic water access through rainwater harvesting, water ATMs and restoration of water sources, revival of traditional water bodies, and promotion of climate-resilient agriculture. These interventions collectively enhance groundwater recharge and strengthen community resilience to climate variability.

Mr. Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, said: “Water security is closely linked to livelihood security in rural India. Through the Hinduja Group’s Jal Jeevan initiative, we are working with communities to build sustainable water infrastructure that improves domestic water access, supports agriculture, and strengthens resilience against climate uncertainty. Our focus is on community-driven solutions that ensure long-term, responsible, and efficient use of water resources.”

The Foundation’s work has reduced the burden of water scarcity, improved crop yields, enhanced livestock management, and significantly lowered the time women and families spend fetching water. It has also encouraged community-led maintenance of water assets ensuring sustainability long after implementation.

Jal Jeevan initiative – Impact at a glance

• 6 million lives impacted
• 4,000 villages covered across 16 states
• 20,000 open wells revived or recharged
• 4,000 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems installed
• 125 lakes restored
• 450 springs restored

A notable intervention under the initiative is at the 40-acre Holy Jhulelal Tirthdham campus in Kutch, Gujarat, where a network of freshwater reservoirs developed around the Shri Jhulelal Temple has helped restore ecosystems, strengthen resilience to rising sea levels, and support local biodiversity.

Key impact areas:

The Jal Jeevan programme has been implemented across some of India’s most water-stressed geographies. Key interventions include:

·Creation of ponds, check dams, recharge pits, and rainwater harvesting structures, replenishing over 5 trillion litres of groundwater

·Rejuvenation of 267 springs in rural Uttarakhand, enhancing long-term water security for Himalayan communities

·Improved agricultural and livestock water access, leading to higher productivity and increased household incomes

·Sanitation and hygiene initiatives, contributing to healthier communities

As climate-related water challenges intensify across India, the Hinduja Foundation is committed to expanding the Jal Jeevan initiative through partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and local institutions to develop scalable and sustainable water solutions.

Water and the Feminine: A Reflection for World Water Day

Water has always been more than a natural resource. It is life, movement, and meaning. On World Water Day, observed every year on 22 March, the world reflects on the importance of water—not only for survival, but for balance, dignity, and harmony in human life.

Water is often symbolically linked with the feminine. It is nurturing, sustaining, and deeply life-giving. Like the feminine principle, water carries quiet strength. It flows gently, yet it shapes entire landscapes over time. It sustains life in silence, yet holds immense power within it.

This dual nature—calm and powerful, soft and unstoppable—makes water a powerful reflection of feminine energy. Rivers that nourish fields, rain that renews life, and oceans that connect continents all represent both care and strength in motion.

The connection becomes even more meaningful in the context of the theme “Water and Gender.” Across the world, women are often the primary managers of household water. They walk long distances, collect water, and ensure its use for families and communities. This daily responsibility reflects resilience, patience, and care—qualities often associated with both water and femininity.

Yet this also highlights an important truth: water inequality affects women and girls the most. When access is limited, it is they who carry the burden. When access improves, entire communities move toward dignity, education, and opportunity.

Water can also be forceful and unpredictable. Floods and storms remind us of its strength and ability to transform landscapes. In the same way, feminine strength is not limited to gentleness—it also carries the power to change, rebuild, and endure.

On World Water Day, this symbolism becomes a reminder of responsibility. Water must be protected, shared fairly, and valued not just as a resource, but as the foundation of life. Recognizing its connection to gender equality helps us understand a deeper truth: sustainability and justice go hand in hand.

Ultimately, water teaches balance. It shows that strength does not always mean force, and care does not mean weakness. In its flow, stillness, and power, water reflects life itself—and invites us to protect it with respect and awareness.

FANS Patna Hosts Seminar on National Security Challenges and Policy Strategies

Patna, March 21, 2026 (BNP) — The Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS), Patna Chapter, on Friday organized a seminar on “National Security: Policy, Strategy and Contemporary Challenges” at the CIMP Auditorium in Patna, bringing together academicians, security experts and public figures to deliberate on evolving threats and policy responses.

The programme commenced at 4:00 PM with a welcome address by Shri Kumod Kumar, CAO, CIMP and General Secretary of the FANS Patna Chapter, who greeted the dignitaries and participants and outlined the objectives of the seminar.

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, elaborated on the concept of strategy in national security and highlighted emerging threats, including nuclear, chemical, biological and radiological risks. He underscored the importance of indigenous research and digital preparedness, noting the role of DRDO in strengthening secure networks and advancing technological sovereignty to reduce dependence on external systems.

Lt. Gen. Ashok Kumar Choudhary, President of the FANS Patna Chapter, described national security as a multi-dimensional concept encompassing economic stability, social harmony and technological strength. He called for an integrated approach, emphasizing that citizens also play a crucial role in building national resilience.

Chief Guest Dr. Dinesh Chandra Rai, Vice Chancellor of B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University, spoke on the need to preserve cultural values alongside promoting self-reliance. He highlighted the role of technology in agriculture, integrated farming practices and training, while stressing rural development as a cornerstone of national progress. He also raised concerns over the influence of western culture on Indian heritage.

Distinguished Guest Shri Vikramaditya Singh, National Organization General Secretary of FANS, addressed issues related to interstate coordination, international dimensions of national security and the need to create protective environments for sustainable development.

Keynote Speaker Shri Golok Bihari Rai, member of the National Steering Committee of FANS, emphasized citizen security, peace and societal well-being. He spoke on challenges such as population pressure, the alcohol-crime nexus and policy transparency, linking economic growth with national sovereignty.

Guest of Honour Shri Alok Raj, retired IPS officer and former Director General of Police, Bihar, discussed both traditional and emerging security challenges. He referred to threats from neighbouring regions, cyber and digital attacks, and the misuse of social media for propaganda. He lauded the role of security forces and stressed the importance of public awareness, preparedness and coordinated action.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Kumod Kumar. The event facilitated meaningful discussions on strengthening India’s national security framework in the face of contemporary challenges.

India successfully carries out first of its kind Pure Gir Embryo Transfer programme at scale

Bareilly, Mar 21: Marking a historic moment for India’s dairy industry, Leads Genetics, a subsidiary of BL Agro, announced that it has become the first private company to carry out the country’s first large-scale indigenous Cow Embryo Transfer programme here at the newly established Centre of Excellence of Cattle breeding and Dairying Technology, which is equipped with state of the Art IVF, Pathology and Genomics Lab.

 The first phase of the programme held in December 2025 saw Leads Genetics successfully conduct in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in 116 cows, achieving an impressive 70% success rate. The scale of this success represents a significant advancement in India’s livestock sector that has never been attempted and achieved before.

Building on the success of its first programme, Leads Genetics also conducted the second round of embryo transfer through IVF in 160 Gir, Sahiwal and HF cross cows. Renowned for its superior milk yield, adaptability, and disease resistance, the Gir breed is central to the genetic improvement of India’s indigenous cattle population.

Commenting on the success, Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director, BL Agro 

“The scale of this success is a defining moment for Indian dairy. Never before in India has this been achieved in this scale. These advancements in reproductive technologies like IVF and embryo transfer can accelerate India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in per cow dairy productivity and livestock genetics. Leads Genetics and BL Agro are committed to bringing world-class science to the service of our farmers and rural communities.”

The embryo transfer programme will accelerate rapid multiplication of high-genetic-merit cattle at scale. The technology has the potential to increase milk production capacity by up to three times, delivering transformative benefits for dairy farmers, the rural economy, and India’s broader livestock ecosystem.

This initiative underlines the sustainable growth of India’s dairy industry and the long-term enhancement of indigenous cattle genetics. The laboratory and the program is guided by an unique tripartite agreement between Brazil’s Embrapa (state-owned agricultural research Institution under MAPA), Fazenda Floresta and Leads Genetics. This is also Embrapa’s first ever MOU with a private entity in India, highlighting strategic convergence in livestock innovation, food security, and cattle genetics leadership.

The success of the first large-scale Cow Embryo Transfer programme highlights the success of Indo-Brazil co-operation in to revolutionise Indian cattle genetics. At an event held here, Leads Genetics brought together leading experts and scientists from Brazil and India in a collaborative effort for the second phase of the programme.

Proposed National Youth Policy 2026 Aims to Align Youth Power with Viksit Bharat Vision

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The proposed National Youth Policy 2026 seeks to align India’s youth with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by adopting a more structured, outcome-oriented approach to youth development.

Building on the framework of the National Youth Policy 2014, the new policy focuses on holistic human capital development and positions young people as active stakeholders in the country’s growth.

The policy outlines six core focus areas: youth leadership and volunteerism, education, skilling and employment readiness, entrepreneurship and innovation, health and well-being, sports and recreation, and environment and climate action. Officials said these domains reflect a shift towards a balanced approach that combines economic productivity with civic responsibility and sustainability.

A key feature of the policy is the integration of the MY Bharat platform, which serves as a digital ecosystem for youth participation. The platform enables registration, profiling, and engagement in volunteering, experiential learning, and multi-stakeholder initiatives, while also functioning as a data-driven tool for policymaking.

The policy formulation process has been consultative, incorporating inputs from citizens through platforms such as MyGov, along with consultations with States, Union Territories, and various ministries.

Officials said monitoring and evaluation mechanisms have been strengthened through real-time dashboards and integration with the Output-Outcome Monitoring Framework of NITI Aayog, ensuring effective tracking of outcomes.

The policy is also supported by analytical tools such as the Youth Development Index developed by Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, which provides insights aligned with global benchmarks.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said the policy marks a transition towards a participatory, digitally enabled, and outcome-focused governance model, where youth are not just beneficiaries but key drivers of India’s developmental journey.

Dr Jitendra Singh Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Diabetes Care

Chennai, March 20 (BNP): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award in Medicine and Diabetes at a national medical conference in Chennai, in recognition of his contributions to diabetes care and public health.

The award was presented at MVCON 2026, a national-level conference organised by the M.V. Hospital for Diabetes and Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre. The citation acknowledged his work as a distinguished medical professional, author, and advocate in advancing diabetes treatment and awareness.

This marks the second Lifetime Achievement Award received by Dr. Singh, the first having been conferred at an international medical meet in 2024.

Accepting the honour, Dr. Singh said the recognition holds special significance as it is associated with the legacy of Prof. M. Viswanathan, regarded as one of the founding figures of diabetology in India.

Reflecting on his early career, he credited Stanley Medical College for shaping his professional journey and emphasised the importance of mentorship, ethical practice, and compassion in building a successful medical career.

He noted that medical science has undergone a major transformation, evolving from traditional bedside diagnosis to technology-driven systems supported by artificial intelligence, and described himself as a witness to this transition.

Dr. Singh, a renowned diabetologist and academician, has contributed extensively to medical research and literature, with thousands of publications and several books. His work on “stress diabetes” among displaced populations has received international recognition.

The conference saw participation from over 700 delegates, including leading experts and international faculty, and featured discussions, workshops, and research presentations focused on improving diabetes care and patient outcomes.

PM GatiShakti Panel Reviews Key Rail, Metro and Highway Projects to Boost Connectivity

New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): The 110th meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative reviewed several major infrastructure projects aimed at improving multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency across the country.

The meeting, held at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), evaluated six projects, including rail, metro, and highway proposals from key ministries, in line with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.

Among the railway projects, proposals for doubling the Arakkonam–Chengalpattu line in Tamil Nadu and quadrupling the Whitefield–Bangarpet section in Karnataka were assessed. These projects are expected to enhance line capacity, reduce congestion, and improve freight and passenger movement along critical corridors.

In the urban transport segment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs presented plans for Mumbai Metro Line-11, connecting Anik Depot to the Gateway of India, and extensions of Pune Metro Line-4. These projects aim to ease urban congestion, improve connectivity, and support sustainable public transport systems in rapidly growing cities.

The group also reviewed two major road infrastructure projects. These include the four-laning of the Badnawar–Petlawad–Thandla corridor in Madhya Pradesh to strengthen regional connectivity and economic integration, and the construction of the Fotu La Tunnel in Ladakh to ensure all-weather connectivity on the strategic Srinagar–Leh route.

According to officials, these projects are expected to reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and generate significant socio-economic benefits for surrounding regions. The focus remains on integrated planning, last-mile connectivity, and a coordinated “whole-of-government” approach under the PM GatiShakti framework.