The Government of India has launched five pilot projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to deploy hydrogen-fuelled buses and trucks. Sanctioned by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), these projects include 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles and nine refuelling stations across ten routes, including Delhi–Agra and Pune–Mumbai. Industry leaders such as Tata Motors, Reliance, and NTPC are involved, with Rs 2.08 billion allocated. Expected within 18–24 months, these initiatives aim to advance hydrogen transport technologies, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and establish India as a leader in green hydrogen under the Rs 197.44 billion NGHM.Contact: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE),Website: www.mnre.gov.in/enTel - Tel: 011 20849083PLI Scheme Fuels India's Manufacturing with Rs 1.61 Tn Investment The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is driving India’s manufacturing sector forward, fostering domestic production, job creation, and export growth. Investment worth Rs 1.61 trillion has generated Rs 14 trillion in production and creating over 11.5 lakh jobs. The scheme has transformed India's exports from traditional goods to high-value products such as electronics and pharmaceuticals, with exports surpassing Rs 5.31 trillion. With 764 approved applications across 14 sectors, including 176 MSME beneficiaries, the scheme continues to attract significant investment and enhance India's position as a global manufacturing hub.Contact: NITI AayogWebsite: www.niti.gov.in/Email- niti@gov.in.Tel- +91 11 23042421 India’s Data Centre Capacity to Surpass 2,000 MW India’s data centre (DC) capacity is set to rise to 2,000-2,100 MW by March 2027, up from approximately 1,150 MW in December 2024, according to ICRA. This surge is driven by increased data consumption and localisation initiatives. Indian DC operators are expected to invest Rs 2-2.3 trillion, with a 3-3.5 GW pipeline projected over the next decade. AI-driven demand is shaping the global DC market, with India poised for significant expansion. Key hubs such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad will benefit, while growing competition among developers may impact rental pricing dynamics.Contact: ICRAWebsite: www.icra.inTel: +91 9354738909India’s First Exploration Licence Auction Launched in GoaThe Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of Goa, has launched India’s first-ever auction of Exploration Licences (ELs), marking a significant reform in mineral exploration. Union Minister for Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, and Goa Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, inaugurated the event, which also saw the launch of the 5th Tranche of Auction of Critical Mineral Blocks and AI Hackathon 2025. Thirteen EL Blocks featuring rare earth elements, zinc, diamonds, copper, and platinum group elements were put up for auction, aiming to enhance exploration, encourage private participation, and reduce import dependency.Contact: Ministry of MinesWebsite: www.mines.gov.inEmail - mos-mines@gov.inTel: 011-23070396Kalpataru Projects Secures Rs 23.06 Billion in New OrdersKalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL) secured Rs 23.06 billion in new orders across domestic and international markets, bringing its total order book to Rs 225 billion. The Transmission & Distribution (T&D) division won international contracts, while the Buildings & Factories (B&F) segment secured projects in India. KPIL operates in power transmission, buildings, water supply, railways, oil & gas pipelines, urban mobility, highways, and airports. It is executing projects in over 30 countries, with a presence in 75 nations. Contact: Kalpataru Projects International LtdWebsite: www.kalpataruprojects.comTel: +91-22-3064 5000Email - info@kalpataruprojects.comAndhra Pradesh Clears Over Rs 1.21 Trillion in Investments The Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB), led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has approved investments exceeding Rs 1.21 trillion from ten companies. These projects are set to create over 80,000 jobs, including Rs 250 billion from Satyavedu Reserve Infracity (Sri City), Rs 584.69 billion from Indosol Solar, and Rs 220 billion from AP NGEL Harith Amrit. The Chief Minister has also directed the establishment of MSME parks across all 175 constituencies and the launch of five Ratan Tata Innovation Centres within a month.Contact: Andhra Pradesh State Investment Promotion BoardWebsite: www.apedb.ap.gov.inEmail: ceo@apedb.co.inPM Modi Unveils Development Projects worth Rs 25.80 BnPrime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated a series of development projects valued at Rs 25.80 billion in Silvassa, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. A major highlight was the inauguration of the 450-bed Namo Hospital, significantly enhancing healthcare services. Since 2014, the region has transformed into a hub of modern infrastructure, education, and tourism. Initiatives like Smart Cities Mission and Mission Manufacturing are driving progress, while tourism projects such as Ram Setu and a cable car in Diu are boosting economic growth. Contact: Prime Minister’s OfficeWebsite: www.pmoindia.gov.inTel:  +91-11-23012312 Goa Secures Rs 5.23 Billion in Central Tax and Tourism BoostChief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that Goa’s revenue will rise by Rs 5.23 billion as part of its central tax share, bringing total devolution for 2025-26 to Rs 54.9 billion. Infrastructure projects will receive Rs 4.82 billion for Konkan and South Western Railways, facilitating Vande Bharat train services on the Canacona-Pernem route. Goa will establish two Day Care Cancer Centres and support over 3,000 street vendors under the revamped PM Svanidhi scheme. Additionally, tourism will benefit from homestay loans, medical tourism initiatives, and upgrades to major destinations. The foundation stone for IIT Goa’s permanent campus will also be laid this year.Contact: Government of GoaWebsite: www.goa.gov.in Email – stateportal.goa@nic.inJK Tyre Expands Retail Presence in Gujarat JK Tyre & Industries has inaugurated a new JK Truck Wheels Centre in Gandhidham, increasing its footprint in Gujarat’s logistics hub. Operated by Aadinath Tyres, the facility was launched by Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director. Strategically located near Mundra and Kandla ports, the state-of-the-art centre offers computerised wheel alignment, tyre rotation, health monitoring, and expert advisory services. JK Tyres has 850 brand shops and 6,000 channel partners across India.Contact: JK Tyre & IndustriesWebsite: www.jktyre.com Email- contactus@jkmail.comTel: 088794 72781Karnataka Cabinet Greenlights Major Infra ProjectsThe Karnataka cabinet, led by CM Siddaramaiah, has greenlit major infrastructure and technology initiatives, including IIIT-Bengaluru’s Rs 8.17 billion expansion, with Rs 2.85 billion state funding over seven years. A Rs 750 billion cluster seed fund aims to boost startups beyond Bengaluru, while Rs 708 million has been allocated for Semiconductor Future Accelerator Lab 2.0. A new clean mobility policy is set to attract Rs 500 billion in investments, alongside Rs 20 billion in World Bank-backed water projects for Bengaluru. Additionally, key road and flyover developments, a science centre, and urban upgrades have been approved.Contact: Government of KarnatakaWebsite: www.karnataka.gov.in/english Tel: 011- 22253414 Email - cm@karnataka.gov.inKerala Budget Prioritises Infrastructure with Major ProjectsThe final budget of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government emphasises infrastructure growth with key projects, including the Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Growth Triangle (VKP-GT), West Coast Canal and Coastal Highway expansion, the Wayanad tunnel project, and Vizhinjam’s transformation into an Exim hub. The VKP-GT will receive Rs 10 billion from KIIFB for transport corridors, logistics centres, and industrial parks. The Vizhinjam port’s expansion will now be completed by December 2028. Additional proposals include highway upgrades, a new shipyard, and Rs 5 billion for the Kovalam-Bekal inland waterway.Contact: Government of KeralaWebsite: kerala.gov.in Email – chiefminister@kerala.gov.inTel - 0471-2332184 Maharashtra unveils Rs 7.20 Tn budget for 2025-26Maharashtra’s Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, presented an Rs 7.20 trillion budget for 2025-26, with a Rs 1.36 trillion fiscal deficit. Key allocations include investments in roads, ports, metro expansion, irrigation, and AI-driven agriculture. The Industrial Policy 2025 targets Rs 20 trillion in investments. Mumbai’s economy is projected to grow from $140 billion to $300 billion. A Rs 15.65 trillion investment plan aims to generate employment. Social welfare initiatives include the Ladki Bahin Yojana and irrigation projects. Contact: Department of Finance, Government of MaharashtraWebsite: www.finance.maharashtra.gov.inTel: 022- 2202 5271Mahanadi Waterfront Project to Transform Cuttack’s RiverfrontThe Odisha government, in collaboration with urban planners and environmental experts, has unveiled the Mahanadi Waterfront Project, an ambitious initiative aimed at revitalising the riverfront while promoting ecological conservation and urban development.. Key features include eco-friendly water management, pedestrian walkways, river cruises, and flood resilience measures. Aimed at boosting tourism and improving residents' quality of life, the initiative aligns with India’s focus on sustainable urban development.Contact: Government of OdishaWebsite: www. odisha.gov.in/Email – cmo@nic.inTel - 0674-2322165RPP Infra Wins Rs 1.08 Bn Contract for TN Mega Leather ParkRPP Infra Projects has secured an Rs 1.08 billion contract from the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) for infrastructure development at the SIPCOT Mega Leather Park in Panapakkam, Ranipet. The project includes constructing a Customs office, medical facility, plug-and-play infrastructure, warehouse, water supply system, and SEZ boundary wall. Awarded by the Superintending Engineer of SIPCOT, the contract is set for completion within 15 months, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s push for enhanced industrial infrastructure and investment promotion.Contact: RPP Infra ProjectsWebsite: www.rppipl.comTel: +91 424 228 4077Uttar Pradesh Unveils New Policy to Strengthen Rural SanitationThe Uttar Pradesh government has launched a policy to enhance rural sanitation and ensure the sustainable management of sanitation infrastructure in gram panchayats. Aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural), the policy focuses on solid and liquid waste management, plastic waste disposal, faecal sludge management, and biogas unit construction under the Gobardhan Yojana. With 85,827 villages already recognised as model ODF Plus, the initiative aims for complete sanitation coverage by 2025. Contact: Department of Panchayati Raj, Uttar PradeshWebsite: panchayatiraj.up.nic.inEmail: panchraj@nic.inTel: (522) 232-2924Italy’s Fontana Acquires Majority Stake in Right Tight Fasteners Italian fasteners manufacturer Fontana Gruppo is set to acquire a 60% stake in India’s Right Tight Fasteners Pvt Ltd for approximately Rs 10 billion ($114.4 million). As part of the deal, Nashik-based Right Tight will take over Fontana’s Indian operations before the merger. The acquisition strengthens Fontana’s presence in India, positioning the combined entity among the country’s largest fastener manufacturers. Fontana CEO Giuseppe Fontana emphasised India’s strategic importance in the company’s localisation strategy. The move reflects growing investment in India’s auto components sector, following recent acquisitions by Carlyle, Bain Capital, and Warburg Pincus.Contact: Fontana GruppoWebsite: www.gruppofontana.it Email: fontana@fontana-group.com9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks Reinforce Strategic TiesThe 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks strengthened defence cooperation between the two nations. Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad led the Indian delegation, while Australia was represented by Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary, International Policy Division. Discussions covered maritime security, joint exercises, defence industry collaboration, and science & technology partnerships. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a stable Indo-Pacific and outlined future engagements, including the 2025 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The Australian delegation will visit Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. in Mumbai, further bolstering the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.Contact: Ministry of defenceWebsite: www.mod.gov.inTel- 098485 16159India-Mauritius Joint Vision for a Strengthened Strategic PartnershipDuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Mauritius, he and Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam reaffirmed their nations’ deep historical, cultural, and economic ties. Key initiatives include infrastructure projects, maritime security, trade cooperation, and digital governance. India will support Mauritius with electric buses, water pipeline upgrades, and a new Parliament building. Trade ties will deepen under CECPA, and collaboration in cybersecurity, healthcare, and space will expand. The leaders celebrated their growing partnership, setting a benchmark for regional cooperation.Contact: Prime Minister’s OfficeWebsite: www.pmoindia.gov.inTel:  +91-11-23012312 India and New Zealand Begin FTA NegotiationsIndia and New Zealand have officially launched negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step in deepening economic ties. Announced during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the initiative underscores both nations’ commitment to strengthening trade and investment. The talks were formally initiated by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay on 16 March 2025. Rooted in shared democratic values and economic complementarities, the FTA aims to enhance market access, supply chain integration, and sustainable growth.Contact: Prime Minister’s OfficeWebsite: www.pmoindia.gov.inTel:  +91-11-23012312 Blackstone Acquires Safe Harbor Marinas for $5.65 BillionBlackstone Infrastructure has acquired Safe Harbor Marinas, the largest U.S. marina and superyacht servicing company, from Sun Communities for $5.65 billion. Safe Harbor operates 138 marinas across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, reinforcing Blackstone’s investment in leisure and coastal infrastructure.Senior Managing Director Heidi Boyd highlighted the sector’s growth potential amid rising travel and coastal living trends. The deal aligns with Blackstone’s strategy of investing in high-growth infrastructure assets. Wells Fargo advised on the transaction, with legal counsel from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.Contact: Blackstone InfrastructureWebsite: www.blackstone.comTel- +91 (0)22 6752 8500