Author: Rishabh Sharma

NEW DELHI — In a major push toward energy self-reliance, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has commissioned its advanced Second-Generation (2G) Bioethanol Refinery in Bargarh, Odisha. Announced on March 20, 2026, the facility is a cornerstone of India’s strategy to decouple its fuel needs from volatile global oil markets. Turning Waste into Wealth The refinery utilizes cutting-edge lignocellulosic technology to convert agricultural residue into high-value fuel: Feedstock: The plant processes rice straw, a move designed to eliminate crop stubble burning and reduce seasonal air pollution. Capacity: It is designed to produce 100 kilolitres per day (KL/day) of fuel-grade bioethanol. Economic…

NEW DELHI — In a strategic scheduling shift, both Houses of Parliament will convene over the March 28–29 weekend (Saturday and Sunday). The decision, announced by the Chair on March 18, 2026, aims to recover legislative time lost due to consecutive public holidays this week. Schedule Adjustments & Holidays The revised calendar accounts for significant cultural and religious observances: Holidays: Parliament did not sit on Thursday, March 19 (Ugadi/Gudi Padwa) and Friday, March 20 (Eid-ul-Fitr/Jamat-ul-Vida). Compensatory Sittings: To maintain the planned 30 sittings for the Budget Session, the House will function on the upcoming weekend. Question Hour: Questions originally scheduled…

NEW DELHI — As the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict continues to paralyze the Strait of Hormuz, global shipping is undergoing a massive, real-time reconfiguration. While some vessels are attempting a longer, “Iran-approved” route near Larak Island, the disruption has left roughly 22 Indian-flagged ships stranded in the Persian Gulf with critical energy cargo. India’s Multi-Pronged Strategy The Indian government has activated a series of emergency protocols to safeguard its energy security and economic stability: Naval Escorts (Operation Sankalp): The Indian Navy has deployed over half a dozen warships to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. These vessels are providing safe…

HYDERABAD — In a major leadership transition within India’s public sector, Krishna Kumar Thakur officially assumed charge as Director (Personnel) of NMDC Limited on March 19, 2026. Thakur transitioned from his role as Director (Human Resources) at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to join the Navratna mining major.