BRIC Research Advisory Board Holds Inaugural Meeting

01 Apr 2026 CW Team

Dr Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology and Director General of BRIC, set out a framework for co-creating the next phase of the country's biotech transformation and urged the board to act as co-architects of BRIC's evolution. Professor K VijayRaghavan emphasised the value of multidisciplinary teams and advocated for open knowledge sharing, shared infrastructure and iterative ideation aligned with technological advances. Discussions underlined the need to design mission-focused objectives to support a growing bioeconomy and to foster sustainability alongside scientific excellence.

Directors of the BRIC Institutes including the Regional Centre for Biotechnology and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) presented a map of institutional capacity, niche research domains and strategic infrastructure. Participants outlined a network of biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries being developed to position BRIC at the forefront of the emerging bio-based economy, and emphasised linkages with industry to accelerate technology translation. Delegates also discussed a performance framework matrix to help BRIC faculty align their work with institutional mandates and national development goals.

The conclave concluded with an open webinar and panel discussion that enabled iBRIC faculty to engage with the Research Advisory Board and to exchange ideas on priorities and collaborations. Follow-up work will focus on utilising core budgets strategically and on fostering frugal innovations that leverage local materials and design intelligence.

The Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) held the inaugural meeting of its Research Advisory Board (RAB) on 27 and 28 March 2026 at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad. BRIC is an apex autonomous body formed by subsuming 14 autonomous institutes of the Department of Biotechnology, and the board was constituted to guide, review and monitor research activities across BRIC Institutes (iBRIC). The two-day meeting brought together senior scientists, institutional leaders and expert members to deliberate on ambitious national initiatives and governance reforms aimed at transforming BRIC into a decentralised national biotechnology laboratory. Dr Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology and Director General of BRIC, set out a framework for co-creating the next phase of the country's biotech transformation and urged the board to act as co-architects of BRIC's evolution. Professor K VijayRaghavan emphasised the value of multidisciplinary teams and advocated for open knowledge sharing, shared infrastructure and iterative ideation aligned with technological advances. Discussions underlined the need to design mission-focused objectives to support a growing bioeconomy and to foster sustainability alongside scientific excellence. Directors of the BRIC Institutes including the Regional Centre for Biotechnology and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) presented a map of institutional capacity, niche research domains and strategic infrastructure. Participants outlined a network of biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries being developed to position BRIC at the forefront of the emerging bio-based economy, and emphasised linkages with industry to accelerate technology translation. Delegates also discussed a performance framework matrix to help BRIC faculty align their work with institutional mandates and national development goals. The conclave concluded with an open webinar and panel discussion that enabled iBRIC faculty to engage with the Research Advisory Board and to exchange ideas on priorities and collaborations. Follow-up work will focus on utilising core budgets strategically and on fostering frugal innovations that leverage local materials and design intelligence.

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

MMRDA Removes 1.14 lakh m of Metro Barricades

In a bid to ease congestion and improve urban mobility during monsoon, MMRDA has undertaken one of the largest coordinated barricade removal and monsoon preparedness drives across its ongoing metro and infrastructure projects.With substantial progress achieved in viaduct and structural works across multiple metro corridors, barricades from completed stretches beneath metro viaducts are being systematically removed, restoring maximum possible road space before the monsoon. Wider carriageways across key arterial roads are expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, support better rainwa..

Infrastructure Transport

15 May 2026

Pune Division to Remove All Diamond Crossings by Year-End

The Pune railway division has announced plans to remove all 16 diamond crossings by the end of 2026 as part of a major yard remodelling project following the derailment of a Vande Bharat Express at Pune Junction on April 27. Railway authorities said the replacements aim to improve safety and streamline train operations across the busy station. The decision followed a Central Railway finding that the accident involved a non-standard diamond crossing and highlighted the need for replacement. Regular maintenance of existing crossings will continue until the replacement work is completed. Official..

Infrastructure Urban

15 May 2026

Goa Declares 80 Million Square Metres No Development Zone

The Goa state government has declared 80 million square metres (mn) of land a no development zone, designating the area as protected from new construction. The notification reclassifies tracts across the state under a no development category for planning and regulatory purposes. The declaration signals a formal halt to new building permits within the defined zone. Authorities indicated that maps will be issued to show broad boundaries while detailed surveys will refine precise limits. The move transfers responsibility for enforcement to local planning authorities and relevant departments, whic..