Category: Business

Dubai, UAE, 21st March, 2026: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA. 

Announced at a ceremony in Madrid, ahead of this weekend’s ABB FIA Formula ECUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, the winners demonstrated leadership and innovation across key areas insustainable tourism, showcasing environmental, social and economic impact, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy. 

FIA President and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, commented: “The diversity and quality of our inaugural winners highlights the growing global momentum behind sustainable sports tourism. 

“These awards celebrate sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth, and together with UN Tourism, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability while building a future where sport continues to unite people across borders.”

 Awards winners

Most Sustainable Sport Event – Winner: Secto Rally Finland – Pioneering ISO 20121 & Spark the Future Sustainability Forum (AKK Sports Ltd., Finland). 

Community Impact in Sports Tourism – Winner: Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail (Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency & Argeus Travel & Events, Türkiye). 

Innovation in Sports Tourism Development – Winner: Saalfelden Leogang – Nature-Driven Performance in Eco-Friendly Mountain Bike Tourism (Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH, Austria).  

Outstanding Public-Private Parntership in Sports Tourism – Winner: MadCup Universe (MadCup S.L., Spain).  

FIA President’s Exceptional Award – Winner: Tirana – European City of Sports 2023 (Municipality of Tirana, Albania).  

UN Tourism Secretary-General Exceptional Award – Winner: WRC UENO Rally of Paraguay 2025 (SENATUR, Paraguay).

UN Tourism Secretary-General, H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais said: “When UN Tourism and the FIA signed the Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, we committed to advancing together a more sustainable sports tourism industry.

“Last night, that commitment became a reality with the inaugural ceremony for the Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism. This milestone proves that our collaboration is now a global platform recognizing sustainability, innovation, and community impact, turning our shared vision into a powerful legacy for the sector.”

A total of 70 applications were submitted by organisations worldwide, including federations, tourism boards, governments, NGOs, companies and universities, with 28 shortlisted for the final, where the winners were selected by a seven-member jury of experts. 

A joint initiative between UN Tourism and the FIA, the awards recognise the projects and events that are successfully integrating sport and tourism with sustainable development.

Chandigarh, Mar 21: Tata Steel has marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the inauguration of India’s first scrap-based Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) plant at the Hi-Tech Valley in Ludhiana. Built with an investment of approximately ₹3,200 crore, the plant has an annual production capacity of 0.75 million tonnes.

 The state-of-the-art facility is designed to keep CO₂ emissions below 0.3 tonnes per tonne of steel produced, aligning with Tata Steel’s long-term commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, along with Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Steel, and T. V. Narendran, CEO & Managing Director, alongside senior government officials and company representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, N. Chandrasekaran said,

“As India moves toward a climate-conscious future, sustainability has become a national priority requiring collective action. Tata Steel’s Ludhiana EAF plant reflects the Tata Group’s long-term commitment to building a greener and more resilient industrial future.”

T. V. Narendran added,

“The Ludhiana EAF is a key milestone in our journey to achieve net zero by 2045. It highlights our approach to investing in circular economy-driven technologies that reduce resource consumption while maintaining global competitiveness. We are grateful for the continued support of the Punjab Government and look forward to creating long-term value for local communities.”

Designed to support low-carbon steel production, the plant will utilize around 50% renewable energy and rely entirely on 100% steel scrap as raw material. Approximately 40% of the scrap will be sourced from Tata Steel’s recycling facility in Rohtak, Haryana.

The facility will manufacture construction-grade steel rebars under the company’s flagship retail brand Tata Tiscon, further strengthening Tata Steel’s presence in the construction sector.

Over the past three years, Tata Steel, through the Tata Steel Foundation, has actively engaged with local communities around the Ludhiana plant. Initiatives have focused on healthcare, education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment. Key programs include skill development for ITI students, livelihood opportunities for women, installation of solar-powered street lights, promotion of climate-resilient farming practices, community-based waste management systems, enhancement of school infrastructure, and scholarships for meritorious students.

This milestone underscores Tata Steel’s commitment to sustainable industrial development while contributing to India’s transition toward a greener, low-carbon economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandeep Kohli, CEO, Indriya, said, “Bangalore has been an important market for us, with customers who value craftsmanship and design in fine jewellery. With our fourth store in the city, we are excited to deepen our engagement with customers and offer them a jewellery destination that celebrates artistry and thoughtful design. As we continue expanding across India, our focus remains on delivering exceptional craftsmanship, contemporary design, and a memorable jewellery-buying experience.”

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Government of India has clarified that there is no proposal to increase urea prices, stating that the recent reduction in bag size is intended to promote balanced fertilizer use and improve soil health.

According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, the size of urea bags has been reduced from 50 kg to 45 kg, and in some cases to 40 kg, as part of a policy initiative to curb excessive usage and encourage more efficient application by farmers.

Officials said the move is aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices without increasing the financial burden on farmers. The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of a 45 kg bag of neem-coated urea remains ₹242 per bag, while sulphur-coated urea is priced at ₹254 for a 40 kg bag, excluding applicable taxes.

Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel stated that the measure is designed to ensure judicious fertilizer use while maintaining affordability.

The government emphasised that the initiative supports long-term soil health and balanced nutrient application, aligning with broader goals of sustainable agriculture and improved farm productivity.

Agra, March 21 (BNP): Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh visited Agra, Uttar Pradesh, to review the progress and future potential of key sectors including carpets, handicrafts, footwear, and technical textiles.

During the visit, the Minister toured a carpet manufacturing facility and assessed sustainable production practices such as the use of vegetable dyes, organic wool, and eco-friendly processes. He noted that such initiatives align the industry with global sustainability and quality standards.

Interacting with exporters and designers, Singh discussed evolving global trends and emphasised the importance of promoting alternative fibres like banana fibre. He highlighted the need to strengthen the “India Handmade” brand and encouraged the use of indigenous tools such as Vision NXT for trend forecasting and design innovation.

The Minister also visited a footwear manufacturing unit, where he reviewed the integration of technical textiles in improving product quality and export potential. He appreciated the role of young professionals in driving innovation within the sector.

A stakeholder meeting was held with representatives from the footwear and technical textiles industries, where discussions focused on expanding the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, enhancing product design, and shifting towards high-value, export-oriented manufacturing.

Singh underlined that technical textiles will play a key role in transforming India’s footwear industry into a globally competitive and design-driven sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting both traditional sectors such as carpets and handicrafts, as well as emerging segments like technical textiles.

The visit also included a handicrafts exhibition showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of local artisans.

Officials said the visit highlighted the importance of sustainability, innovation, and technology adoption in strengthening India’s textile ecosystem and boosting its global competitiveness

New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): T. N. Natarajan has taken charge as Director (Commercial) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), effective March 19, 2026.

With over 32 years of experience, Natarajan has built a distinguished career within SAIL since joining the organisation as a Management Trainee in 1993. Over the years, he has held key positions across production, logistics, supply chain management, and strategic marketing.

He is credited with driving sustained business growth and expanding market presence by strengthening key customer relationships and scaling regional sales. His contributions include enhancing SAIL’s footprint in high-value sectors such as infrastructure, fabrication, and oil and gas.

Natarajan has also played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s marketing approach from traditional commodity-based selling to a more solution-oriented and customer-centric model, introducing innovative service frameworks to meet evolving market demands.

Known for his leadership in building high-performing teams and strengthening distribution networks, he has contributed to improving market share, profitability, and brand visibility.

Officials said his appointment is expected to further strengthen SAIL’s commercial strategy and support its long-term growth and value creation objectives.

New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): Krishna Kumar Thakur has assumed charge as Director (Personnel) at NMDC Limited, the country’s largest iron ore producer.

A 1998 batch officer of the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS), Thakur brings over two decades of experience in human resource management and administration across Indian Railways and central public sector enterprises.

During his tenure in Indian Railways, he handled key HR functions in major divisions including Solapur, Bhopal, and Mumbai. As Chairman of the Railway Recruitment Cell, Western Railway, he oversaw large-scale recruitment, facilitating the induction of around 12,000 employees.

He has also worked with RITES Limited, where he was involved in an international train operations project in Saudi Arabia, and served as head of HR at Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, contributing to policy reforms and streamlining HR processes.

Prior to joining NMDC, Thakur served as Director (HR) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, where he led initiatives in HR, legal, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) domains. His work included restructuring HR functions, introducing uniform incentive schemes, and implementing multi-skilling initiatives to improve workforce efficiency and retention.

An alumnus of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Thakur holds a postgraduate degree in Literature and a PGDM in Human Resources from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Officials said his extensive experience is expected to strengthen NMDC’s human resource framework and support the organisation’s focus on employee development and operational excellence.

New Delhi, March 20 (BNP): Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar chaired a high-level ministerial meeting with States and Union Territories during the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, focusing on strengthening energy security and accelerating sectoral reforms.

The meeting, held on the second day of the summit, was co-chaired by Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik and attended by senior officials and energy ministers from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister highlighted that India has achieved over 520 GW of installed power capacity and has made significant progress in improving distribution company (DISCOM) performance, expanding smart metering, and reducing power shortages.

He stressed that coordinated efforts between the Centre and States are essential to ensure affordable, efficient, and reliable power supply. Emphasising the importance of energy security amid global uncertainties, he called for increased per capita energy consumption and faster adoption of renewable energy sources.

The Minister also pointed to the potential of nuclear energy as a clean power source and described the SHANTI Act as an important step towards strengthening the energy framework. He assured States of full support from the Centre in implementing necessary legal and administrative reforms.

Speaking at the meeting, Shripad Naik underlined the role of technology and artificial intelligence in transforming the power sector, particularly through initiatives such as smart metering. He noted that nearly half of India’s installed power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources and highlighted the draft National Electricity Policy aimed at achieving long-term energy goals.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Power released two key reports for FY 2024–25 — the Consumer Service Ratings of DISCOMs (CSRD) and the Distribution Utilities Ranking (DUR).

The CSRD report evaluates DISCOMs on parameters such as billing accuracy, grievance redressal, and tariff transparency. Based on performance, utilities are graded from A+ to D to promote competition and service improvement. Of the 66 DISCOMs assessed, six received the top A+ rating, while 21 were rated A and 27 received B+ grades.

Officials said the improved ratings reflect better service delivery and consumer satisfaction, with fewer utilities falling in lower performance categories, indicating an overall positive trend in the power distribution sector.

The meeting underscored the need for collective action to meet rising energy demand while ensuring sustainability, reliability, and affordability across the country

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Ministry of Heavy Industries has invited global bids for setting up integrated Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet manufacturing facilities in India, under a flagship scheme aimed at boosting domestic production and reducing import dependence.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks to establish facilities for manufacturing Sintered NdFeB Rare Earth Permanent Magnets with a total capacity of 6,000 Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA). The bidding process will be conducted online through the Central Public Procurement (CPP) Portal using a transparent two-stage Least Cost System (LCS), comprising technical and financial bids.

According to the Ministry, the tender documents have been made available from March 20, 2026, with a pre-bid conference scheduled for April 7. The last date for submission of bids is May 28, while technical bids will be opened on May 29.

The scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2025, has a financial outlay of ₹7,280 crore and aims to position India as a key player in the global rare earth magnet market.

Under the initiative, selected beneficiaries will be eligible for a capital subsidy of ₹750 crore and sales-linked incentives worth ₹6,450 crore. Each participant will be allocated manufacturing capacity ranging from 600 to 1,200 MTPA.

The scheme also provides for limited assured supply of NdPr oxide from IREL (India) Limited to the three lowest bidders, ensuring raw material availability for production.

Rare Earth Permanent Magnets are critical components used in sectors such as electric vehicles, wind energy, electronics, aerospace, and defence. Officials said the development of a complete domestic value chain—from raw materials to finished magnets—will significantly reduce reliance on imports and strengthen India’s strategic and industrial capabilities.

The Ministry said the initiative marks a major step towards building a self-reliant ecosystem in advanced materials and clean energy technologies.

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday launched ‘PRARAMBH 2026’, a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at educating taxpayers about the upcoming Income Tax Act, 2025.

The multimedia campaign, which will run across print, television, radio, digital and social media platforms, seeks to familiarise citizens with the key features of the new law ahead of its implementation from April 1, 2026.

As part of the initiative, the Minister also inaugurated the upgraded Income Tax Website 2.0, designed to offer improved navigation, enhanced usability, and more efficient service delivery for taxpayers.

Addressing the gathering, Sitharaman said the new Income Tax Act represents a major step towards simplifying tax laws, reducing disputes, and improving voluntary compliance. She noted that, for the first time in independent India, both direct and indirect tax systems are being overhauled simultaneously to create a more citizen-centric framework.

The Minister emphasised that effective implementation of the law is as important as its formulation, urging tax officials to adopt a trust-based and empathetic approach while leveraging technology to minimise human interface.

Highlighting outreach efforts, she said the campaign includes guidance materials such as brochures, tutorial videos, FAQs, and interactive initiatives like quizzes to ensure better understanding among taxpayers. The Department is also focusing on multilingual communication and digital engagement to reach a wider audience.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a human-centric digital era, Sitharaman said the new tax regime should be rooted in ethical governance, accountability, and inclusivity.

Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava said the Income Tax Act, 2025 marks a shift towards a simpler and more user-friendly tax system, supported by capacity-building efforts within the department.

Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Ravi Agrawal, described PRARAMBH as a comprehensive outreach and facilitation initiative aimed at easing compliance through clear communication and digital tools.

The campaign will include over 300 workshops and stakeholder consultations across the country. An AI-enabled chatbot, “Kar Saathi,” has also been introduced to assist taxpayers with queries related to the new law.

Officials said PRARAMBH 2026 marks the beginning of a more transparent, simplified, and technology-driven tax administration system, aligned with the government’s broader push for citizen-centric governance.