Press Release Watch

#Coal India’s e-auction premiums are getting costlier due to #CNG and #LPG shortage

2026-03-31T00:07:00.000-07:00

Coal India’s e-auction premiums have risen to around 35% over notified prices in February 2026

India’s overall coal demand has been rising steadily, with annual consumption crossing 1.25 billion tonnes, driven primarily by the power sector, cement, sponge iron, and captive industrial users. Early signals from coal markets indicate tightening demand–supply dynamics. Coal India’s e-auction premiums have risen to around 35% over notified prices in February 2026, reflecting increased urgency among buyers to secure supply. This marks a shift from softer demand trends earlier in the fiscal year. The demand uptick is being driven by multiple factors, including substitution from gas amid LNG disruptions, seasonal ramp-up in power demand, and reduced imports leading to greater reliance on domestic coal. However, coal’s substitution potential remains largely limited to the power sector in the short-to-medium term. Structural and technological constraints continue to restrict its widespread adoption in industrial applications such as fertilisers and chemicals.

Commenting on the evolving scenario, Vinaya Varma, MD & CEO, mjunction services limited stated, “What we are witnessing is an early but clear behavioural shift in fuel consumption patterns. As LNG availability tightens and CNG/LPG supplies face disruption in several industrial clusters, buyers are increasingly turning to coal to secure operational continuity. The rise in e-auction premiums and improved offtake reflects this urgency. Coal will continue to play a critical role in ensuring India’s energy security, especially in times of global uncertainty. While we are witnessing localized tightening in demand and firming of prices, the overall market remains balanced due to strong domestic availability and adequate stock levels.”

Importantly, the situation remains measured rather than overheated. Only about 47% of auction volumes have been sold so far this year, and current premiums remain below historical peaks, indicating controlled but firming demand. Current coal stock levels at power plants remain comfortable at 18–20 days of consumption, preventing panic buying despite tightening spot demand signals in auction markets. Overall, while India is not facing an immediate energy crisis, evolving global disruptions are beginning to test the system.

Netafim launches #AI Enabled Automated Dosing Machines for smart Fertigation for #Indian #Farmers

2026-03-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

Netafim, Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business a leader in precision irrigation solutions, announced the launch of its “5th Generation AI-Enabled Automated Dosing 5G product range”. The new range is designed to enable optimal fertigation management through advanced AI-powered automated dosing technology, along with intuitive remote control and monitoring capabilities. The suite of updated dosing products includes FertiKit™ 5G, FertiOne™ 5G, NetaJet™ 5G and NetaFlex™ 5G.

A fertigation dosing system injects fertilizers, pesticides, or nutrients directly into irrigation water, ensuring precise, uniform delivery to the root zone.

Vikas Sonawane, Chief Operating Officer at Netafim Irrigation India Pvt Ltd, said that “Farmers in India face rising input costs, water scarcity, inconsistent nutrient dosing and limited real-time visibility, often leading to wastage, uneven crop growth and lower profitability. Addressing these challenges, Netafim has introduced Dosing 5G. “This AI-powered solution brings precision, automation and remote monitoring to fertigation management, ensuring optimal nutrient delivery with minimal manual effort. By improving dosing accuracy and water-use efficiency, it helps enhance crop quality, strengthen farm profitability and support sustainable water management, enabling Indian farmers to make every drop and nutrient count.”

The company claims that Dosing 5G solutions have already been deployed, with early results already demonstrating significant improvements in customer experience and efficiency. These findings validate the system as a powerful solution for achieving higher yields, better-quality crops, reduced nutrient runoff, and minimized environmental impact.

FundsIndia plans to build robust #wealth management portfolio

2026-03-26T00:57:00.000-07:00

Online mutual fund investment platform FundsIndia is looking to ride India’s expanding wealth management market for its next phase of growth. The WestBridge Capital-backed firm aims to build one of the country’s largest wealth management platforms and scale its assets nearly fourfold to Rs.1 lakh crore over the next four years.

FundsIndia has surpassed Rs 25,000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM), after recording a 25% increase from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs 25,000 crore in a little over a quarter.

Commenting on the milestone, Akshay Sapru, Group CEO, FundsIndia, said:

“Crossing Rs 25,000 crore in AUM marks another significant milestone in our journey and reflects the deep trust investors and partners place in us. This growth reaffirms our resolve to champion systematic, disciplined and goal-based long-term wealth creation in India.

Currently it serves ~30 lakh users across India, with participation extending well beyond traditional urban wealth centres. About 39% of investors are from T30 cities, while 61% are from B30 markets, highlighting the deepening penetration of structured investing across emerging geographies. Systematic investing remains a cornerstone of this growth, with FundsIndia’s SIP book at Rs 142 crore and an incremental monthly run-rate of Rs.2 crore, reflecting consistent investor commitment to long-term wealth creation.

Backed by WestBridge Capital, FundsIndia is investing substantially to strengthen its technology stack, data infrastructure, and core platform capabilities. During FY25–26, the company has sharpened its advisory frameworks, enhanced portfolio intelligence, and improved the end-to-end client experience across digital and partner-led channels. Parallel investments in AI- and analytics-led capabilities will enable deeper personalization and scalable advisory efficiency.

Mahanagar Gas Limited Ventures into #Renewable #Energy

2026-03-23T01:13:00.000-07:00

Acquires 26% Stake in the Solar Power SPV, FPEL Reliant Energy Private Limited for ₹3.89 crore

Mahanagar Gas Ltd. (MGL), a city gas distribution (CGD) company said it has signed a Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) and Shareholding Agreement (SHA) with Fourth Partner Energy’s FPEL Reliant Energy Private Ltd. and its holding company FPEL Saur Vidyut Private Ltd. on to acquire a 26% stake in FPEL Reliant for ₹3.89 crore.

The investment will support the setting up of a solar power plant in Maharashtra and this makes MGL’s foray into solar energy.

The acquisition is compliant with regulatory requirements related to power consumption under the Electricity Act, 2003 (read with the Electricity Rules, 2005. By integrating renewable energy into its operations, MGL aims to strengthen its commitment to sustainable business practices and reduce the carbon footprint associated with its operations.

Commenting on the company’s foray into renewable energy, Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director, Mahanagar Gas Limited said, “Mahanagar Gas Limited is continuously exploring opportunities to integrate cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions into its operations. Our foray into solar energy is a step towards adopting cleaner energy sources for our CNG station network while optimising energy costs and meeting regulatory requirements. As we continue to expand our footprint within the state of Maharashtra and beyond, incorporating renewable energy solutions will remain an important part of our long-term growth strategy.”

The acquisition will be completed through a cash investment and is expected to be finalised within six months from the execution of the agreements. Following completion, FPEL Reliant will become an associate company of Mahanagar Gas Limited.

Jay Kumar Waghela, CEO (Distributed Business Unit), Fourth Partner Energy said, “We at Fourth Partner Energy are proud to partner with Mahanagar Gas Limited in its endeavour to integrate renewable power into their operational ecosystem and supporting India’s transition towards cleaner energy solutions. Corporates across various sectors are boosting their use of solar and other renewables to lower carbon emissions and promote a greener environment. At FPEL, we are proud to offer all integrated clean energy solutions including solar, wind, battery storage, hybrid power and carbon credits on a single platform to help players like MGL fast-track its net zero goals. We are thrilled and look forward to this new journey with MGL.”

Challenges of preserving #electronic #evidence in the new #BSA era

2026-03-21T01:58:00.000-07:00

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 or BSA does not provide a standard operating procedure SOP for forensic imaging of devices. At the time of seizure, if a device is seized without a proper write blocker, the metadata changes instantly, potentially rendering the primary evidence inadmissible or contestable.

According to Sreya Chakraborty Assistant Professor at the Techo India Legal Sciences department "The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam or BSA 2023, even the earlier evidence act, do not prescribe potential SOPs for forensic imaging at the statute level. So what they rely on? General principles of evidence, authenticity, integrity, chain of custody, expert testimony, guidelines issued by forensic labs or investigative agencies, which may vary state to state, because each state has their own forensic agency. So write blocker matters because no data is altered in the original storage device. Metadata remains intact, and forensic image is true, verifiable copy. So, what can be done? Without this, the last access time stamps can be changed, triggered background OS writes, and also modify logs or hidden systems. So that directly undermines the forensic principles of preservation in original state. "

"The integrity of the evidence can be questioned. The defense can argue that the data was contaminated, the data was tampered with, or even planted, contaminated, the data was tampered with or even planted. Chain of custody becomes weak, of course, and admissibility is not there. So, expert validation, which I told earlier, that expert validation for forensic labs, forensic labs, science labs, case-wise split scrutiny, and also many agencies do follow the SOPs. But these are always not properly codified in law," she added.

Courts operating under the BSA 2023 framework follow a systematic evaluation process that begins with the initial submission and classification of electronic evidence. The judicial evaluation framework requires courts to first determine whether the evidence being presented constitutes primary or secondary evidence, a determination that has significant implications for the subsequent authentication requirements. When the original electronic device containing the evidence is physically produced in court, courts can treat the evidence as primary evidence, potentially eliminating the need for the Section 63(4) certificate that is mandatory for secondary evidence. This distinction requires courts to carefully examine the nature of the evidence presentation and make informed decisions about the appropriate evidentiary classification.

The certificate verification process under Section 63(4) represents one of the most critical aspects of the judicial evaluation framework, requiring courts to scrutinize both the administrative and technical components of the dual-signature requirement. Courts must verify that Part A of the certificate, completed by the responsible person, contains comprehensive details about the electronic device or record source, including technical specifications and ownership information. Simultaneously, courts must evaluate Part B of the certificate, completed by an expert, to ensure that the technical verification meets the required standards for hash value calculation and integrity assessment. This dual verification process places significant responsibility on courts to assess the credibility and qualifications of both the responsible person and the technical expert.

WhatsApp messages and social media communications present unique challenges for courts due to their ubiquitous nature and the ease with which they can be manipulated or taken out of context. Courts have developed specific protocols for evaluating WhatsApp evidence that focus on both technical authentication and contextual verification. The judicial approach to WhatsApp evidence requires courts to examine not only the technical aspects of message extraction and preservation but also the communicative context that gives meaning to the digital exchanges. Recent judicial decisions have emphasized that WhatsApp conversations cannot be admitted as evidence without proper certification under Section 63(4), reinforcing the mandatory nature of technical authentication even for seemingly straightforward digital communications.

The authentication process for WhatsApp evidence requires courts to evaluate multiple layers of verification, including device ownership, message integrity, and the reliability of extraction methods. Courts must assess whether the messages were obtained through legitimate means, such as chat exports or forensically sound device imaging, rather than potentially unreliable methods like screenshots that can be easily manipulated. The blue tick feature in WhatsApp can serve as additional corroborative evidence of message delivery and reading, but courts must be careful not to overstate its probative value or treat it as conclusive proof of communication authenticity. The judicial evaluation also extends to examining the broader context of the conversation, including the identity verification of participants and the chronological consistency of the message exchange.

CCTV footage represents one of the most technically complex forms of electronic evidence that courts regularly encounter, requiring judicial evaluation of both technical and evidential aspects. Courts must apply a multi-factor analysis that examines the quality of the footage, the reliability of the recording system, and the chain of custody from the moment of recording to presentation in court. The judicial approach to CCTV evidence has evolved to recognize that while perfect image quality is not always achievable, the footage must be of sufficient clarity to support the inferences being drawn from it. Courts have established that CCTV footage can serve as the sole basis for conviction in appropriate cases, provided that the technical authentication requirements are met and the footage clearly depicts the relevant events.

The authentication requirements for CCTV footage under BSA 2023 require courts to scrutinize both the technical specifications of the recording system and the operational procedures followed during the relevant time period. Courts must verify that the CCTV system was functioning properly during the material time, that the footage has not been altered or tampered with, and that the extraction and preservation methods maintain the integrity of the original recording. The mandatory Section 63(4) certificate for CCTV footage must include detailed technical information about the recording equipment, storage systems, and the manner in which the footage was extracted for presentation. Courts have emphasized that failure to produce this certificate renders CCTV footage inadmissible, highlighting the critical importance of proper procedural compliance.

Digital photographs and images require courts to apply sophisticated authentication standards that address both the technical integrity of the image files and the reliability of the capture process. The judicial approach to digital photography has evolved to incorporate a comprehensive six-factor test that examines the reliability of the recording equipment, the qualifications of the operators, the proper implementation of input/output procedures, the reliability of the software utilized, the correct programming and operation of the equipment, and the proper identification of the output. This multi-factor analysis requires courts to engage with technical details that may be beyond the traditional scope of judicial expertise, necessitating greater reliance on expert testimony and technical verification.

The hash value requirements introduced by BSA 2023 have particular significance for digital photography authentication, as they provide courts with a reliable mechanism for detecting tampering or alteration. Courts must verify that the hash values calculated at the time of evidence collection match those presented at trial, with any discrepancy indicating potential manipulation that could render the evidence inadmissible. The authentication process also requires courts to examine metadata associated with digital images, including EXIF data that can provide crucial information about the camera settings, date and time of capture, and potentially the geographic location where the photograph was taken. However, courts must also be aware that metadata can be manipulated, requiring additional verification through expert analysis and technical authentication.

The BSA 2023's introduction of mandatory expert authentication represents a significant enhancement in the judicial evaluation of electronic evidence, requiring courts to carefully assess the qualifications and credibility of technical experts. Courts must evaluate whether the proposed expert possesses the necessary technical knowledge and experience to provide reliable testimony about the specific type of electronic evidence being presented. The dual-signature requirement under Section 63(4) places particular emphasis on the expert's role in verifying technical aspects such as hash value calculation, file integrity assessment, and the detection of potential tampering or alteration. This enhanced reliance on expert testimony requires courts to develop greater sophistication in evaluating technical evidence and understanding the limitations and capabilities of various authentication methods.

The judicial assessment of expert qualifications has become increasingly important as the complexity of electronic evidence continues to evolve. Courts must determine whether an expert's background in areas such as digital forensics, computer science, or specific technical domains qualifies them to provide reliable testimony about particular types of electronic evidence. The expert authentication process also requires courts to evaluate the methodologies employed by experts in their analysis, ensuring that the technical procedures followed meet accepted standards for digital evidence examination. Courts have recognized that the rapidly evolving nature of digital technology may require ongoing education and adaptation of expert qualification standards.

Courts face significant practical challenges in implementing the enhanced electronic evidence framework under BSA 2023, particularly in terms of technical infrastructure and judicial training. The requirement for hash value verification and technical authentication places new demands on court systems that may lack the necessary technological resources or technical expertise. Courts must develop procedures for handling and verifying electronic evidence that ensure both security and accessibility, while also maintaining the traditional requirements of judicial transparency and public access. The implementation challenges are particularly acute in smaller jurisdictions where technical resources and expert witnesses may be limited.

The volume and complexity of electronic evidence present additional challenges for court management and case processing. Digital devices can contain vast amounts of data, requiring courts to develop efficient procedures for reviewing and evaluating relevant evidence while avoiding unnecessary delays. Courts must also address privacy concerns that arise when electronic evidence contains personal information beyond what is directly relevant to the case. The judicial system's adaptation to these challenges requires ongoing collaboration between the legal and technical communities to develop best practices that serve the interests of justice while respecting individual rights and maintaining procedural efficiency.

More than a dozen #Chinese J-20 Stealth Fighters near India's #Sikkim border spotted

2026-03-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Satellite imagery has revealed China has deployed more than a dozen of its advanced J-20 stealth fighter jets at the high-altitude Shigatse air base in Tibet, less than 150 kilometers from India's Sikkim border.
This development places the J-20s within 300 kilometers of the Indian Air Force's base in Hasimara, Bengal, which houses the IAF's second squadron of 16 Rafale fighter aircraft tasked with defending Eastern India's Himalayan frontier.
The Indian Air Force operates two Rafale squadrons with a total of 36 jets, while China is believed to have manufactured approximately 250 J-20 stealth fighters.
Until recently, the J-20s were primarily stationed on China's eastern frontier, defending the Pacific seaboard.
The presence of at least seven J-20s at Shigatse marks a significant strategic shift and has major military implications for India.
Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, is situated at an altitude of 12,408 feet and has a dual-use airport for civil and military purposes.
The deployment demonstrates the J-20's capability to operate from the harsh environment of ultra-high altitude Tibetan air bases.

#India makes #Iranian Shahed-class copycat kamikaze #drone Kal

2026-03-06T23:22:00.000-08:00

India's IG Defence has unveiled 'Project KAL', an indigenous long-range strike drone capable of carrying explosive payloads up to 1,000 km, aimed at boosting India's unmanned warfare capabilities. Project KAL is an indigenous initiative by IG Defence (founded in Odisha) to develop a long-range, one-way attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the Indian armed forces. The project aims to create a "kamikaze" style drone designed for deep-penetration missions into hostile territory, specifically targeting high-value assets like radar installations and logistics hubs.

Operational Range: Projected up to 1,000 km, allowing it to operate well beyond frontline areas.

Endurance: Approximately 3 to 5 hours, providing the ability to loiter over target zones for monitoring before striking.

Payload: Equipped to carry high-explosive payloads for precision strikes.

Strategic Comparison: It is frequently compared to the Iranian Shahed-class drones due to its emphasis on low-cost, long-range strike capabilities that can overwhelm enemy air defenses.

Strategic Significance

Project KAL is a key component of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in the defense sector. By developing these capabilities indigenously, India seeks to:

Reduce Reliance: Minimize dependence on foreign imports for advanced unmanned systems.

Cost Efficiency: Deploy inexpensive drones in large numbers to force adversaries into using significantly more expensive interceptor missiles, creating a tactical "cost imbalance".

Modern Warfare: Address a critical gap in India's arsenal for conducting standoff attacks with reduced risk to personnel.

In recent and ongoing conflicts, Iranian Shahed-class drones—particularly the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136—have become a central weapon for both Russia and Iran’s regional proxies to overwhelm advanced air defenses. Their primary role is that of a "loitering munition" or "kamikaze drone," designed to strike fixed targets at long ranges.

Russia has deployed Iranian-designed Shahed drones (rebranded as Geran-1 and Geran-2) on an industrial scale. In 2025 alone, Russia launched over 38,000 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine, with a record monthly peak of over 6,000 strikes in July 2025.They are often launched in massive "swarms" alongside cruise and ballistic missiles. This forces defenders to expend multi-million dollar interceptor missiles on drones costing as little as $20,000 to $80,000, effectively exhausting air defense stockpiles.

The Shahed-238 (Geran-3) and Geran-5 feature turbojet engines, allowing for higher speeds and making them harder to intercept than propeller models.

During Operation True Promise in April 2024 and the 12-Day War in June 2025, Iran launched over 1,000 drones directly from its territory at Israeli military and civilian targets.

Groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen continue to use the Shahed-101 and Shahed-136 against Israeli and merchant shipping targets.

Recognizing the effectiveness of the design, the United States reverse-engineered captured Shahed-136 drones to create its own version, the LUCAS (Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System). As of December 2025, these "American Shaheds" have been deployed by U.S. Central Command for operations in the Middle East.

Is #CookingGas #LPG shortage likely to hit India?

2026-03-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

90% of India's LPG passes through Hormuz.

Govenment of India has invoked emergency provisions, asks refiners to boost LPG output amid Gulf crisis.

India normally imports two-thirds of its cooking gas, and almost all of it comes straight from the Middle East.

India now the world’s 3rd largest energy consumer.

Nearly 80–85% of India’s LPG imports move through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the most militarised and politically fragile choke points in the world. Every escalation in West Asia immediately threatens the cooking fuel of ordinary Indian households.

Emergency directives to refiners and state oil companies like Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum may ensure short-term supply, but they also expose how fragile India’s energy planning remains. If a single maritime corridor can disrupt a basic household necessity, then the real crisis is structural, not temporary.

India invokes emergency powers to boost LPG production amid Middle East crisis. As the world's second-biggest LPG importer, India consumed 33.15 million metric tons last year, with imports making up two-thirds of consumption.

This moment raises uncomfortable questions:

• Why does a country aspiring to global leadership remain so dependent on imported LPG?

• Why were stronger domestic energy diversification strategies not prioritised earlier?

• Why must emergency powers be invoked whenever geopolitical tensions rise?

Buffer stocks and administrative orders may calm markets for now, but they do not change the underlying reality: energy security cannot rely on distant conflict zones.

Until India builds deeper self-reliance in energy production and alternatives, every geopolitical flare-up abroad will continue to land directly in the kitchens of its citizens

MIB suspends #News #TV ratings for 4 weeks to curb “sensationalism”

2026-03-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

I&B Ministry has passed an order to halt TRP reporting by TV news channels for four weeks. The order has been issued in view of the “unwarranted sensationalism” in reporting the ongoing war in West Asia involving the U.S., Israel and Iran. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has asked the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to suspend publication of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for TV news channels for four weeks or until further direction. The order has been issued in view of the “unwarranted sensationalism” in reporting the ongoing war in West Asia involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

New #motorola edge 70 fusion is launched #India

2026-03-06T05:28:00.000-08:00

Motorola has launched the “motorola edge 70 fusion”, bringing breakthrough camera innovation, immersive visuals, and next-gen on-device AI to the mid-premium smartphone segment. The device features the World’s 1st 50MP Sony-LYT 710 Camera with motoAI, delivering superior low-light clarity, blur-free shots, 100% True Colours and skin tones validated by Pantone™, and 4K video recording across all lenses. It sports an All-New Design with luxurious fabric finishes in Pantone™ curated colours, paired with India’s Only 144Hz 1.5K True Colour^ Quad-Curved Pantone™ Validated Display. Backed by a 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 68W TurboPower™ charging, powered by the Snapdragon® 7s Gen 4, and reinforced with IP68 + IP69 and MIL-STD-810H durability.

It is backed by a 4473mm² vapor chamber for improved cooling, up to 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, and 16 5G bands with Wi-Fi 6E, it ensures ultra-smooth performance and blazing-fast connectivity.

The motorola edge 70 fusion also comes with moto ai 2.0, delivering next-level intelligence. It brings Next Move contextual suggestions that understand what’s on your screen and offer the right actions in real time, along with creative tools like AI Image Studio, Sketch to Image, Style Sync, Text to Sticker, and avatar creation. Productivity is elevated with Catch Me Up 2.0, Pay Attention live transcriptions, AI Playlist Studio, Global Search, Auto Screenshot Blur, and seamless cross-device task flow via This On That. Features such as Remember This and Recall act as a smart memory vault, while Perplexity integration enables instant exploration, planning, and contextual recommendations. With the freedom to choose between motoAI, Copilot, Perplexity, and Google Gemini, users experience truly versatile, intelligent assistance.

The motorola edge 70 fusion meets ultimate military standards for durability, passing 16 tests of MIL-810H Military Grade Certified Protection. All while maintaining a sophisticated, elegant look and feel. It’s protected against extreme temperatures, including harsh winters as cold as -20°C or scorching summer days as high as 60°C, even the blazing temperatures inside a parked car. It also withstands up to 95% humidity. With the Highest level of water protection IP68 and IP69 ratings, offering superior protection against dust, dirt, sand, and high-pressure water, it’s designed to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. T.M. Narasimhan, Managing Director, Motorola India, said, “At Motorola, we continue to challenge conventional boundaries by combining purposeful innovation with a deep understanding of how consumers live, create, and connect today. With the motorola edge 70 fusion, we have focused on delivering an exceptional camera performance, design excellence, intelligent experiences, and dependable power and performance in an ultra-refined form factor. This launch reflects our commitment to moving beyond specifications and creating technology that feels personal, expressive, and effortlessly powerful. It marks another important milestone in our journey to deliver premium, design-led and AI-driven experiences that elevate everyday life in a meaningful way.”

Change of #Governors in poll bound #WestBengal and #Tamilnadu & Article 155

2026-03-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

There is no specific article in the Indian Constitution that mandates the President to consult the Chief Minister (CM) when appointing a Governor under Article 155.

Sarkaria Commission recommended this consultation as a convention to ensure cooperative federalism, a practice the Union government has acknowledged may be followed.

The Union government did informed the Rajya Sabha on a written reply to a question by CPI(M) leader John Brittas that the practice of appointing Governors in consultation with State Chief Minister may be followed as a matter of convention.

#US Treasury grants 30-day waiver allowing #India to buy #Russian oil

2026-03-05T18:49:00.000-08:00

The US Treasury Department has established specific dates for its Russian oil waiver, allowing shipments loaded before March 5 to be delivered to India until April 4. This timeline provides operational clarity for Indian refiners while maintaining strategic pressure on Russian oil revenues through targeted sanctions relief.

The United States Treasury Department has provided specific timeline details for its waiver covering Russian crude oil deliveries to Indian refiners. The clarification establishes that Russian oil shipments loaded before March 5 can be delivered to India until April 4, providing clear operational parameters for the relief measure.

The Treasury Department has now specified exact dates for the waiver implementation, creating definitive boundaries for eligible shipments. Oil cargoes that were loaded before March 5 qualify for delivery under the waiver provisions, with all such deliveries required to be completed by April 4. This timeline provides Indian refiners with a structured framework for processing existing shipments.

The specific date parameters demonstrate the Treasury's targeted approach to managing Russian oil sanctions while addressing logistical realities. By establishing March 5 as the loading cutoff date and April 4 as the delivery deadline, the waiver creates a clear operational window for stranded cargoes without enabling new Russian oil transactions.

This timeline specification provides Indian energy companies with concrete deadlines for managing their Russian oil shipments. Refiners can now plan their operations around the April 4 delivery deadline while understanding that only shipments loaded before March 5 qualify for the waiver. The defined timeframe helps resolve immediate supply chain disruptions within established regulatory boundaries governing Russian oil transactions. This action acts as a "carve-out" for existing sanctions, allowing Indian refineries to process stranded oil from floating storage.

#Russia offers 9.5 mln barrels of oil to #India amid #Hormuz crisis

2026-03-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

According to Reuters, Russia is prepared to divert crude oil shipments to India in response to disruptions in oil flows from the Middle East (especially through the Strait of Hormuz) due to escalating conflict in the region

India is vulnerable to supply shocks, with crude stocks covering only about 25 days of demand, while refiners hold similarly limited inventories of gasoil, gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas.

Russia is willing to send more oil to India if it wants it, Alexander Novak has said.

“We are always ready. Our oil is in demand. If they buy it, we'll sell it,” he said.

Indian officials have recently shown renewed interest in Russian crude, despite earlier pressure from the US, he added. (Interfax)

#India & #Russia sign $238MN or Rs 5,083 cr. Deal For Air #Defence Systems

2026-03-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

The contract is for Shtil air defence systems equipped with vertical-launch missiles.

The systems are intended to strengthen the Indian Navy’s air defence capabilities and enhance protection for warships against a wide range of aerial threats. The ministry said they will boost India’s multi-layered naval air defence and enable rapid and effective response in all weather conditions.

Ministry of Defence, on March 03, 2026, signed contracts worth a total of Rs 5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

ALH Mk-III (MR)

The contract for ALH Mk-III (MR) along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category.

These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea. The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen & marine environment.

The project envisages supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative, while further strengthening the nation’s maritime security architecture.

Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles

The contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation. The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard the platforms of the Indian Navy by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments. The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.

#Iranian Ship IRIS #Dena #torpedoed in #Indian Ocean

2026-03-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

IRIS Dena was returning from the MILAN 2026 exercise held in Visakhapatnam.

US submarines have torpedoed Iranian Ship IRIS Dena in Indian Ocean. It had been invited by the Indian Navy to take part in the IFR/ Milan exercises and was returning home.

The Iranian frigate IRS Dena was sunk by the US nevy close to Indian territory. It was returning from the MILAN 2026 exercise held in Visakhapatnam.

The IRIS Dena issued a distress call 40 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka. She is sinking. One hundred and fifty of her 180 crew are missing or wounded. Sri Lankan sailors, whose own warships participated in that same fleet review alongside the IRS Dena just days ago, are pulling Iranian sailors from the Indian Ocean.

Indian Refiners Looking to Step Up Russian Crude Purchases

2026-03-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

If the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is extended or the conflict intensifies with attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Middle East Gulf (MEG) region, domestic refiners will have to manage supplies from “anywhere possible

As per news agency Bloomberg Government officials and state refiners met over the weekend to work on a contingency plan as the Iran-Israel war threatens oil supplies to India. Russian crude is being considered once again, despite the threat of potential punitive tariffs from the US, according to the news outlet.

Indian oil ministry officials are requesting the MEA to try and get concessions from Washington

Sources said that Indian public and private sector refiners are already procuring non-sanctioned Russian crude oil. However, if the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is extended or the conflict intensifies with attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Middle East Gulf (MEG) region, domestic refiners will have to manage supplies from “anywhere possible”.

“In such a scenario, Russian crude at sea is among the best possible alternatives. Supplies from the US, South America and West Africa will take anywhere between 30 and 45 days, which can be an issue if this war extends further,” said a government source.

#Apple has unveiled #iPhone 17e

2026-03-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17e today, March 2, 2026. The new model doubles the base storage of its predecessor and introduces several key upgrades like the A19 chip and MagSafe support.

The iPhone 17e is available in two storage configurations:

Key Highlights

Performance: Powered by the A19 chip (3nm) with a 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU, significantly faster than the previous model.

Charging: Finally adds MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging support at up to 15W.

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with Ceramic Shield 2 (3x more scratch-resistant), though the refresh rate remains at 60Hz.

Camera: Single 48MP Fusion camera on the back with a 2x optical-quality telephoto mode and a 12MP front camera.

Colors: Available in three finishes: Black, White, and Soft Pink.

Connectivity: Features Apple's new C1X modem, which is up to 2x faster than the older C1 modem.

Availability

Pre-orders: Start March 4, 2026 (at 7:45 PM IST in India).

Sale Date: Available for purchase starting March 11, 2026.

India’s current account deficit (#CAD ) widens to $13.2 b in Q3FY26

2026-03-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

In percentage terms, the Q3FY26 CAD increased to 1.3 per cent of GDP from 1.1 per cent of GDP in the year ago quarter

According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on March 2, 2026, India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) for the October–December quarter (Q3 FY26) widened to $13.2 billion, which is 1.3% of the GDP.

This is an increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year (Q3 FY25), when the deficit stood at $11.3 billion (1.1% of GDP).

Key Drivers of the Q3 2025 Deficit

The widening was primarily influenced by a larger trade gap, though strong "invisibles" helped cushion the impact:

Merchandise Trade Deficit: Widened significantly to $93.6 billion, up from $79.3 billion a year earlier. This was largely due to higher imports (specifically gold and silver) and dampened export growth, partially attributed to high U.S. trade tariffs during that period.

Services Receipts: Net services receipts grew to $57.5 billion (up from $51.2 billion), driven by strong exports in computer and business services.

Remittances: Private transfer receipts (remittances from Indians working abroad) rose to $36.9 billion.

Primary Income: The net outgo (investment income payments) actually decreased to $12.2 billion from $16.4 billion the previous year, which helped limit the overall deficit.

For the first nine months of the fiscal year (April–December 2025), the overall CAD actually moderated to $30.1 billion (1.0% of GDP) compared to $36.6 billion (1.3% of GDP) in the prior year, thanks to stronger performance in earlier quarters.

Consequence of India’s decision to curb #Russian oil imports

2026-03-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

Trump-Netanyahu war has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a massive single point of failure for India.

India’s economic growth and energy security are now exposed to the volatile front lines of the Middle East conflict. By slashing imports of discounted Russian oil to their lowest level since March 2022 and ramping up purchases of higher-priced Middle Eastern and U.S. crude, India has made itself acutely vulnerable to rising oil prices and to disruptions of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in the wake of the Trump-Netanyahu war on Iran.

Roughly 50% of India’s oil imports and 60% of its LNG purchases now pass through Hormuz. The vulnerability is even more pronounced for cooking gas (LPG): nearly 80-85% of India’s LPG is sourced from the Gulf and must transit the strait. Unlike crude, India maintains no strategic reserves of LPG, meaning any disruption would quickly hit households directly.

In effect, the Trump-Netanyahu war has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a massive single point of failure for India. By aligning more closely with the U.S.-Israel axis against Iran, India has traded a price risk (the loss of Russian discounts) for a supply risk (deepened dependence on Hormuz).

The economic consequences of Modi’s costly bet are significant. Every $10 increase in oil prices adds roughly $13-14 billion to India’s annual import bill, putting upward pressure on inflation and widening its overall trade deficit. Simply put, India will pay a steep price for the war — even as Trump calls Modi a “very close friend” and Netanyahu describes him as a “brother.” Under pressure from the Trump administration, India agreed to curb Russian purchases in exchange for relief from punitive U.S. tariffs, which had reached as high as 50%.

China, by contrast, can mitigate the Hormuz risk by simply stepping up purchases of Russian oil and gas via overland routes. In effect, India’s decision to curb Russian imports has handed its principal adversary an advantage: Beijing can absorb additional Russian supplies at a critical juncture, insulating itself from Gulf disruptions while New Delhi becomes more exposed to them.

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 boosts India's #IP and Global #Gaming ambition

2026-03-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

Three day long Bengaluru GAFX 2026 brought together over 200 speakers representing India and 10 international countries across close to 100 sessions, including panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, policy dialogues, investor forums, and six high-impact industry roundtables. The summit saw participation from 15+ State AVGC associations and hosted the AVGC Women Leaders Mixer, which convened 30 women leaders to discuss returnships, leadership pathways, and entrepreneurship in the sector. Dedicated tracks covered AAA gaming, console development, animation pipelines, immersive media, IP monetisation, distribution strategies, AI-driven production workflows, and education-led talent development.

Additionally, during the valedictory, ten original IPs from Karnataka were launched, exemplifying the state’s growing strength in creator-owned content and transmedia storytelling. These Ips included Arena Animation Originals by Arena Animation; Niko by Studio Jatayu; Garuda and Sacred Legacy by Neo Entertainment Studios; Nina – The Girl with the Magic Pot and Wild Bound by Quixotics Creative Limited; Gurucool and Devi Katha by Sanskriti; Nayanar: Origins by Plangle Studio; and Lacher (brand) by Aesuloid Media. Together, these projects reflected a strong focus on culturally rooted narratives, mythology-inspired storytelling, youth-oriented animation, and globally adaptable content emerging from Karnataka’s AVGC-XR ecosystem.

The summit also witnessed the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) and ABAI. The MoU establishes a five-year, non-binding framework to strengthen collaboration across education, skilling, incubation, research, and ecosystem development within the AVGC-XR sector. It outlines cooperation in curriculum development, faculty engagement, startup mentorship, joint R&D exploration, and resource mobilisation, including CSR and philanthropic funding avenues. The agreement also enables institutional visibility through reciprocal participation at events and supports the potential rollout of national AVGC Content Creator Labs, with IICT as nodal agency and ABAI contributing its industry network and Centres of Excellence experience within Karnataka.

The three-day summit recorded over 10,000+ footfalls, with 56 sellers and solution providers showcasing innovations across animation, gaming, VFX, comics, AI tools, and immersive technologies, reflecting strong domestic and international engagement. The B2B Forum facilitated 300 curated business meetings, connecting studios, IP owners, buyers, and 11 strategic investors, while the dedicated Investor Pitch Platform hosted 35 live pitches with 21 additional online pitches scheduled, enabling 28 registered business entities to directly engage with leading investors. Strong academic and community participation further defined the summit, with 150 colleges and 500 students competing across multiple streams, 550 contestants across student and professional categories, 20+ national and international artists and 10 Muse artists featured at Sketch Alley, and 50 entries in the debut Cosplay segment spanning anime, gaming universes, and mythology. A total prize pool of ₹10 lakh, along with curated goodies, was awarded, reinforcing GAFX’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of AVGC-XR talent.

With the successful conclusion of Bengaluru GAFX 2026, Karnataka has reinforced its leadership in India’s AVGC-XR sector, accelerating its shift toward original IP creation and global production maturity. Through structured global consultations, curated investor engagement, and high-impact creative showcases, the summit aligned policy, capital, and talent under a unified growth roadmap. GAFX 2026 strengthened Karnataka’s position as a competitive creator economy hub in animation, gaming, VFX, and immersive media.

Bengaluru GAFX 2026 convened artists, studio professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers and students for a focused dialogue on strengthening women’s participation in the animation, VFX, gaming and comics (AVGC-XR) ecosystem in a special segment titled as ‘The Women in Animation: Her Frame. Her Future.’

Designed as a dedicated and supportive platform, the mixer enabled curated mentor roundtables, lightning talks and structured networking, alongside a live opportunity wall featuring job openings, internships and collaboration pathways. The initiative aimed to create meaningful career visibility while reinforcing Karnataka’s inclusive AVGC-XR growth vision.

The session was led by the Karnataka government department of IT and BT secretary Dr. Manjula N (IAS) along with women industry leaders and emerging talent from across the country.

“Today’s discussion with women professionals in the animation sector was both insightful and necessary. We heard firsthand about the structural challenges they face-from career breaks and limited access to skilling opportunities to the need for stronger mentorship and institutional support,” said Dr. Manjula N.

She also pointed out,”Women’s participation in animation is currently less than 25 percent, significantly lower than in several other sectors. Yet women bring a distinct creative edge and are exceptionally well- suited to thrive in this industry. The opportunities within the creative economy are immense, and enabling and facilitating women’s contribution will be a priority takeaway from today’s engagement.”

“When women creators rise, the entire AVGC-XR ecosystem becomes stronger, more innovative and globally competitive,” said ABAI convenor and Bengaluru GAFX co-chair B.S. Srinivas.

“It was fantastic to see how many women are committed to growing in the AVGC-XR industry. The discussion focused on how we can bring women back into the workforce and create stronger opportunities for women entrepreneurs in this space. What stood out was the spirit of collaboration- women supporting each other across the nation. The beauty of this forum was to connect, network and embrace each other’s growth,” said Indian Digital Gaming Society (CII) Madhurima Manyara.

The Women in Animation mixer at Bengaluru GAFX 2026 reaffirmed that inclusive participation is central to Karnataka’s long-term AVGC-XR roadmap, positioning women as critical drivers of innovation, creativity and global competitiveness.

Delivering the special address at the valedictory function, “Mr. Biren Ghose, Chairman, Bengaluru GAFX & President, ABAI, said, “Bengaluru GAFX 2026 has exceeded expectations in both scale and strategic depth. Over the past three days, we witnessed high-impact showcases, strong investor participation, meaningful global collaborations, and an extraordinary response from creators across the country. The dedicated AI tracks this year sparked critical conversations around responsible adoption, AI-led production pipelines, and the future of immersive storytelling. The quality of dialogue across gaming, animation, VFX, and XR reflects the growing maturity of India’s creative technology ecosystem. This edition clearly demonstrated that India is not only contributing to the global AVGC-XR industry but actively shaping its evolution. The partnerships forged and momentum generated here will continue to drive original IP creation and innovation well beyond this summit.”

#India and #Canada entered into a new era of #nuclear material supply agreement 🇨🇦🇮🇳

2026-03-02T01:03:00.000-08:00

Canada based Cameco (TSX: CCO; NYSE: CCJ) has entered a long-term agreement to supply uranium ore concentrate (U3O8) to the Government of India’s Department of Atomic Energy, for use in the country’s fleet of nuclear reactors. The agreement will see Cameco supply nearly 22 million pounds of uranium ore concentrate to India over a nine-year period on market-related price terms, with a total contract value estimated at approximately $2.6 billion.

India currently has 24 operating reactors along with ambitious plans to deploy dozens more to reach 100 GW by 2047. Deliveries under the contract are expected to begin in 2027 and run through 2035 in alignment with Cameco’s long-term contracting strategy. The volumes under this contract were included in the total long-term contracting volumes and in the expected five-year realized uranium price sensitivity analysis, disclosed in the 2025 annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis in February 2026.

Cameco’s CEO Tim Gitzel attended an event in Delhi today to celebrate the agreement alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, highlighting the strong diplomatic and commercial trade relationships between the countries.

“Cameco is proud to be a strategic partner with India to help meet its civil nuclear fuel needs and support its trade relationship with Canada,” said Gitzel. “India is embarking on an ambitious nuclear expansion to power its development plans and meet the future energy security needs of its people. That isn’t possible without a stable supply of uranium fuel. Importantly, this demand underscores an emerging trend of sovereign buyers locking up large volumes from multiple suppliers, and in a window where demand continues to grow and available supplies continue to become more uncertain and constrained. As a proven and reliable producer, Cameco is globally recognized as a nuclear fuel supplier of choice, and we are pleased to be a trusted provider for India once again.”

Cameco previously supplied uranium to India under a five-year contract that began in 2015.

The estimated value of the new contract is approximately $2.6 billion based on a uranium price of US$86.95 per pound, which was the average of the month-end UxC and TradeTech uranium spot prices on February 28, 2026, and the exchange rate on February 27, 2026 of USD1.00/CAD1.36. Further details of the newly signed contract are commercially sensitive and confidential.

#Iranian #drone hits Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery in Saudi Arabia

2026-03-02T00:38:00.000-08:00

Iran has reportedly struck Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery in Saudi Arabia with drone

Ras Tanura is the oldest refinery on the Persian Gulf coast, located near the industrial port city Jubail in Saudi Arabia. It is owned and operated by the state-owned oil company, Saudi Aramco.

It has a crude distillation capacity of 550,000 barrels per day (bpd). The majority of the products produced by the refinery are supplied to Dhahran bulk plant for domestic use and the remaining are exported.

India's cargo handling capacity poised to grow rapidly says 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘂 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗿

2026-02-26T02:07:00.000-08:00

By 2047, India will be among the top five shipping centres in the world says 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘂 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗿, Union 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀, addressing the 𝗖𝗜𝗜 𝗘𝗫𝗜𝗠 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 on 26 February 2026 in Kolkata.

He also stated, “India stands at a decisive position, and export competitiveness will be a strong pillar in the days to come. India’s capacity in cargo handling has increased significantly, and inland waterways, shipbuilding, and ports are essential for building a strong economy"

As of early 2025, India's major ports have a cargo handling capacity exceeding 1,600 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA), reaching approximately 2,760 MTPA including non-major ports. Major ports handled around 855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, showcasing improved efficiency and a 4.3% annual growth.

Earlier the CII Eastern Region 𝗘𝗫𝗜𝗠 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 commenced with an Inaugural Session graced by Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Mr Shashwat Goenka, Chairman, CII Eastern Region and Vice Chairman, RPSG Group; Mr Aung Myo Thein, Consul General, Consulate General of Myanmar; Mr Sandeep Kumar, Chairman – CII ER International Trade Subcommittee and Vice President Raw Materials, Tata Steel Ltd and Mr Sumit Goyal, Co-Chairman – CII ER International Trade Subcommittee and President, Patton International Ltd.

The session also witnessed the Release of the Joint Report by CII and DGCI&S on the Exports Scenario of the Eastern Region, setting a strong and strategic tone for advancing the region’s export competitiveness.

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝗻𝗸𝗮, 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝗖𝗜𝗜 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝗥𝗣𝗦𝗚 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽, also addressed the 𝗖𝗜𝗜 𝗘𝗫𝗜𝗠 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 on 26 February 2026 in Kolkata, and highlighted the region’s growing trade contribution, stating that global trade serves as a key engine of economic growth. Emphasising the region’s strategic importance in export–import activity, he noted that the region serves as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific. He also stated that Eastern India’s proximity to neighbouring countries provides unique opportunities for cross-border trade and regional value chains.

Aurelia unveils its Spring Summer ’26 collection with #Bollywood actor Ananya Panday

2026-02-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Aurelia, women’s ethnic wear brands from the house of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, strengthens its positioning as the go-to brand for the latest trends in Indian wear with the launch of its Spring Summer ’26 collection under the vibrant #HameshaTrending campaign, starring Bollywood actor Ananya Panday.

Anant Daga, Chief Executive Officer - TCNS Division, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited added, “Aurelia has consistently resonated with women who want to stay relevant in an ever-evolving fashion landscape. With this sharp positioning, we are reinforcing Aurelia’s role as the go-to destination for the latest trends in Indian wear. The Spring Summer ’26 collection and #HameshaTrending campaign are strategic steps toward strengthening our fashion-forward credentials while continuing to offer accessibility, comfort, and inclusivity at scale. Ananya’s strong connect with young consumers further amplifies this vision and aligns perfectly with the brand’s growth ambitions.”

Reebok Announces #Olympic Shooter Manu Bhaker as Brand Ambassador

2026-02-25T06:12:00.000-08:00

Together, Reebok and Manu Bhaker will encourage athletes and fitness enthusiasts to shift focus from podium moments to the preparation that earns them.

Commenting on the collaboration, Manu Bhaker said, “Every result begins long before competition day. Training, focus, and belief shape everything I do, and that’s what connects me with Reebok. I’m proud to represent a brand that stands for preparation and backs athletes through every phase of the journey.”

Speaking on the association, Arjun Ramamoorthy, Brand Head, Reebok India, added, “Manu Bhaker represents the future of Indian sport – focused, fearless, and deeply committed to the work behind performance. As Reebok sharpens its focus on training and high-performance sport in India, this partnership reflects our belief in athletes who don’t chase shortcuts, but show up prepared. It’s about empowering people to push further through training and self-belief.”