A Career Built on Special Operations
Over the last two decades, Pandit Ayush Gaur has reportedly led hundreds of joint operations and special investigations across India. From mainstream media houses to dedicated Special Investigation Teams (SITs), his work has consistently exposed systemic failures.

His assignments have taken him from the power corridors of Delhi to conflict zones like Kashmir, where he worked against militant networks. This kind of frontline investigative journalism, where reporters risk their lives for the nation, is rare in India today. Soon after the intelligence input and evidences provided by Ayush Pandit the National Investigation Agency sprang in action and did a joint operation with JNK Police banning Islamic trusts like Fala-he-Aam and others involved in terror funding.

The AAP Sting That Shook Delhi Elections
Ayush Gaur is also widely known for his explosive investigative story against Aam Aadmi Party MLAs in Delhi. Just before the Delhi Assembly elections, his sting operation made national headlines across news channels. The footage reportedly showed Sahiram Pahalwan and other AAP leaders taking bribes, exposing corrupt practices within the party.

Political analysts and party insiders credit this sting for significantly impacting public sentiment. When the BJP secured victory in the recent Delhi elections, a portion of that credit was attributed to Ayush Pandit. The operation was so impactful that BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, Tarun Rathi, and the Delhi BJP President held a press conference acknowledging the exposé.

Senior-most BJP leaders, including National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh, personally congratulated Ayush for his work and its impact on the electoral outcome.

Trusted by State Governments for Crisis & Intelligence
Beyond journalism, it is commonly noted across several state governments that Ayush Pandit is called for special help and assistance during crises – whether it involves horse-trading, undercover operations, or critical intelligence inputs.

Despite the government already having agencies like LIU and IB as primary intelligence sources, political parties and senior bureaucrats across party lines trust Ayush Pandit for his capability in providing on-ground intelligence. His team has worked extensively on such assignments. While currently he is not associated with any political party, the majority of assignments taken from him by different state governments have been primarily from the BJP.

The Deadly Combination: Journalist + Legal Expert
Ayush Pandit brings a rare combination to the table – investigative journalism backed by legal expertise. His legal team carries vast experience, and he personally monitors special cases of senior politicians, including Chief Ministers of states, till the Supreme Court.

This dual role as investigative journalist and advocate makes him a formidable force in both media and law. He doesn’t just expose – he follows through legally to ensure accountability.

From Newsroom to Government
What sets Ayush apart is his crossover from journalism into governance. He has served in multiple government departments, including the Department of State Tax. In 2018, he was appointed as Special Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, serving during the tenure of CM Trivendra Singh Rawat of the BJP.

During this period, he blew the whistle on corrupt practices within media networks – a move that reportedly saved the BJP government from a major crisis in 2018.

The 2016 Horse-Trading Case: Whistleblower & Prime Witness
Ayush Gaur played a pivotal role during the 2016 political crisis in Uttarakhand under the Harish Rawat-led Congress government. He was actively involved in the special operation exposing horse-trading attempts. The matter is currently under CBI investigation, where Pandit Ayush is a prime witness and whistleblower. His testimony remains crucial to the case.

Recognition and Awards
For his service to the nation through journalism, #PanditAyushGaur has been honoured with three national awards. Colleagues describe him as a “dignified investigative journalist” who never shied away from putting his life on the line for truth.

A Case Study for Future Journalists
I have closely observed Pandit Ayush working over the years. At a time when access journalism and paid news have eroded public trust, his model of evidence-based, field-driven investigation + legal follow-through is what India’s media ecosystem desperately needs.

Youth pursuing journalism should take Ayush Pandit’s story as a case history and case study in colleges. He didn’t just report on the system – he entered it, held it accountable, and exposed it from within.

Digital Footprint
While Ayush Gaur maintains a low profile, references to his work appear across social media and news archives – from his SIT stints at Headlines Today to his advisory role in Uttarakhand, the Delhi AAP sting, and his legal interventions. His name is linked to several high-impact investigations over the past 15 years.

I salute dynamic and multi-talented personalities who are giving so much to the society and nation.
All the best to the
“Janpatrakar” #PanditAyushGaur…

Competing against talented young players from across the country, Agrim displayed remarkable focus, strategic thinking, and composure throughout the championship. Taking on seasoned opponents in a highly competitive environment, he embraced every match as a learning opportunity, demonstrating resilience and confidence well beyond his years.

His participation in the prestigious championship marks an important milestone in his sporting journey, reflecting the dedication, discipline, and perseverance that have shaped his growth as a budding chess player. More than the results, the experience has strengthened his competitive spirit and inspired him to aim even higher in the years ahead.

Congratulating Agrim on his achievement, Ms Anita Saini, Principal, Birla Open Minds International School, Dehradun, said, “Agrim’s qualification for the National Under-9 Chess Championship is a matter of immense pride for our school. Competing at the national level against the country’s finest young players is a remarkable achievement. His dedication, discipline, and passion for the game are truly inspiring, and we are confident that he will continue to achieve greater milestones in the years ahead. We wish him every success as he works towards representing India on the international stage.”

The achievement is a proud reminder that with the right encouragement, determination, and passion, young learners can confidently compete on national platforms. Agrim’s inspiring journey serves as a motivation for aspiring students to embrace challenges, believe in their abilities, and continue striving for excellence both on and off the chessboard.

Delivering the inaugural address, the Chief Guest  Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force, underscored the transformative role of unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies in modern warfare and emphasised that sustained collaboration among the armed forces, industry, startups and research institutions will be key to strengthening India’s indigenous drone capabilities. Highlighting the Indian Air Force’s commitment to innovation, he said the Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) has been established to facilitate industry engagement and announced Dronathon 2026 as a platform to evaluate indigenous technologies through live demonstrations. Calling for accelerated development of critical technologies, AI-enabled systems, cybersecurity and localisation of key drone components, he urged industry to scale up innovation and manufacturing, remarking, “Technology delayed is technology denied.”

While addressing the august gathering, Dr. N. Ranjana, Outstanding Scientist & Director, Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management, DRDO Headquarters, highlighted the growing strategic importance of drones, robotics and autonomous systems, noting that recent global conflicts have reinforced their critical role in defence and national security. She said DRDO’s Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence are fostering indigenous innovation by bringing together academia, industry and government laboratories to accelerate technology development and commercialisation. She highlighted DRDO’s research initiatives in swarm technologies, advanced propulsion systems, autonomous platforms, additive manufacturing and next-generation aerial systems, while encouraging startups and industry to leverage DRDO’s testing infrastructure, research facilities and technology transfer programmes to accelerate indigenous innovation.

Dr. Panneerselavam Madangopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub, highlighted India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem and the government’s strong policy support for innovation through initiatives such as MeitY Startup Hub and iDEX. Emphasising the strategic importance of electronics and semiconductor manufacturing for drones, defence and emerging technologies, he said strengthening indigenous design and component manufacturing is critical to achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat. He encouraged startups to build globally competitive solutions around real-world problem statements and leverage government programmes to accelerate innovation, product development and commercialisation.

Underscoring the importance of industry-government collaboration in advancing emerging technologies, Mr. Sanjiv Edward, Chair, PHDCCI Civil Aviation Committee, said Bharat Drone Manthan 3.0 serves as a strategic platform for shaping the future of India’s drone, robotics and deep-tech ecosystem by fostering collaboration between government, defence, industry, startups and academia. He observed that the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and next-generation aerial technologies is redefining national security, industrial competitiveness and economic growth, and stressed that sustained innovation and cross-sector partnerships will be instrumental in positioning India as a global leader in emerging technologies. Reaffirming PHDCCI’s commitment to fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem, he said the Chamber will continue to catalyse meaningful partnerships to accelerate indigenous technology development and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Mr. Michael Jain, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Civil Aviation Committee, appreciated the inspiring deliberations during the inaugural session and observed that the interaction between the Chief of the Air Staff and young innovators, students and startups served as a strong source of encouragement for India’s emerging technology ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the deliberations at Bharat Drone Manthan 3.0 would further strengthen collaboration among government, industry, defence and academia, paving the way for accelerated innovation and indigenous technology development.

Highlighting the transformative potential of drone technologies, Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, said that every era of progress has been driven by breakthrough innovations from the steam engine and the internet to artificial intelligence and expressed confidence that drones would define India’s next wave of technological advancement. He said the sector presents immense opportunities for employment generation, indigenous manufacturing and innovation, supported by India’s vibrant ecosystem of over 1.5 lakh startups and 150 unicorns. Reaffirming PHDCCI’s commitment, as it marks 121 years of service to Indian industry, he said the Chamber will continue to strengthen collaboration among government, industry, academia and startups to help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, who highlighted the remarkable evolution of Bharat Drone Manthan into PHDCCI’s flagship platform for India’s drone and robotics ecosystem. He recalled that while the inaugural edition in 2024 laid the foundation by focusing on unmanned traffic management, urban air mobility and advanced air mobility systems, the second edition strengthened industry-government collaboration in support of the vision of Viksit Bharat. He said the third edition marks a decisive transition from vision to action by promoting AI-led innovation, skilling and indigenous manufacturing as India works towards becoming a leading global drone hub by 2030.

The conclave featured a series of high-level technical sessions on “Why Bharat Becoming a Global Drone Hub by 2030 is a Strategic Imperative”; “Building a Secure and Self-Reliant Airspace”; “Surveillance to Strategic Superiority: Drone Innovation in Defence & Homeland Security”; “Own in Bharat: Strengthening Indigenous Manufacturing & Supply Chain Ecosystems”; “Next Generation Drones: Creating an Indian Ecosystem”; “Innovation to Enterprise: Business Transformation through Commercial Applications & Robotics Technologies”; “Future of Drones, Robotics & Deep Tech: Transforming Air Power and India’s Defence Ecosystem,” and “Wings of Innovation: Trailblazers Shaping the Future of Autonomous Technologies.” The discussions focused on advancing indigenous manufacturing, strengthening research and development, integrating artificial intelligence with autonomous systems, promoting commercial drone applications, enhancing defence preparedness, fostering startup-led innovation and positioning India as a global hub for drone and deep-tech technologies. On the occasion, PHDCCI also released a Knowledge Report highlighting the evolving policy landscape, emerging technology trends and strategic recommendations to strengthen India’s drone, robotics and autonomous systems ecosystem.

Bharat Drone Manthan 3.0 reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among government, defence, industry, academia and startups to build a robust, innovation-driven and self-reliant drone ecosystem. The deliberations underscored the critical role of indigenous technologies, policy support, research partnerships and entrepreneurship in positioning India as a global leader in drones, robotics and advanced autonomous systems while contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Bringing together students to plant saplings, the initiative transforms a simple environmental activity into a powerful lesson in collaboration, accountability, and long-term thinking. Working together to nurture green spaces, participants experience how collective action can create meaningful and lasting impact, an approach that reflects the values of future-ready, purpose-driven organisations.

More than a plantation drive, Mitti to Management serves as a hands-on lesson in environmental stewardship. Every sapling planted encourages students to reflect on climate action, resource conservation, and the growing responsibility of businesses to embed sustainability into everyday decision-making. It reinforces the idea that sustainability is not merely a corporate commitment but a leadership mindset that shapes lasting success.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, sustainable communities, and responsible consumption, the initiative helps students connect global challenges with local action. It demonstrates how small, consistent efforts can contribute to broader environmental and social progress while inspiring future managers to think beyond profits and towards purpose.

The initiative reflects an educational philosophy that extends beyond academic excellence to nurturing socially conscious leaders. By encouraging empathy, collaboration, resilience, and accountability, it equips students with qualities that are increasingly essential for leading organisations in a sustainability-focused world.

By bringing together the principles of management and environmental responsibility, Mitti to Management reminds students that the journey to becoming an effective leader does not begin in a boardroom; it begins with understanding the value of giving back to the world. Through every sapling planted today, the initiative is cultivating a generation of leaders who will build businesses that grow with purpose, responsibility, and lasting impact.

To execute this campaign, Hilary Rhoda held an experience-driven event that saw influencers, beauty leaders and creators, and power consumers come together to experience Hilary Rhoda’s entire lineup of lipsticks at once. From creamy to matte, from glosses to mousse lipsticks, guests were taken through the complete spectrum of lipsticks at this event through swatching and product experiences.

Commenting on the campaign, Vatsal Agrawal, Co-founder and CMO of Hilary Rhoda, says, “Choosing the right lipstick is not only finding a particular shade but also finding the right shade for yourself. With ‘Finding The One,’ we want to capture that feeling in an inspiring manner that will empower people. Our diverse collection of lipsticks has been crafted after extensive research, taking into account distinct Indian skin tones, tastes, and occasions. So, there is something special for everybody out there. It is part of our mission to produce high-quality research-based beauty products crafted specifically for Indian skin tones while making the entire process interesting and exciting.”

The new campaign by Hilary Rhoda captures the brand’s founder’s vision of making the process of searching for the right shade interesting and personalized. By promoting experimentation with different shades and textures of lipstick, the brand emphasizes everyone’s individuality.

An event designed to inspire conversation both on and off the Internet, the effort provided an opportunity for the creatives and beauty enthusiasts to interact directly with Hilary Rhoda’s carefully selected line of lipsticks in order to create unique and shareable moments celebrating their individuality with colors and textures.

“Hilary Rhoda – Finding The One” further solidifies the brand’s position as a destination point for lipstick enthusiasts, presenting a wide selection of lipstick textures and finishes that would suit any personality, any mood, and any occasion. Making the process of product discovery a fun and immersive experience, the brand proves its dedication to helping consumers find the perfect lipstick for them.

The Karnataka Tourism pavilion was inaugurated by Shri K.J. George, Hon’ble Minister for Energy and Tourism, Government of Karnataka, who reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure, improving connectivity, promoting coastal tourism and encouraging private investment to position Karnataka as a leading global tourism destination.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted that accessibility and world-class infrastructure remain central to Karnataka’s tourism development strategy. He also emphasized the Government’s continued efforts to promote the State through travel marts, roadshows and strategic domestic and international marketing initiatives while strengthening partnerships with the travel trade.

Senior officials present on the occasion included Dr. V. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Director, Department of Tourism; Shri Shivaprasad P.R., IAS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC); Shri Sivaram Babu, IFS, Managing Director, Jungle Lodges and Resorts; and Shri K. Syama Raju, President, SIHRA and Karnataka Tourism Society, along with tourism stakeholders, industry representatives and members of the travel fraternity from across the country.

During the three-day exhibition, Karnataka Tourism and its co-exhibiting tourism stakeholders will engage with travel agents, tour operators, destination management companies, hospitality professionals and travel enthusiasts from across India and international markets. The interactions are expected to strengthen industry partnerships, generate new business opportunities and promote Karnataka’s diverse tourism offerings across key source markets.

At the pavilion, visitors can explore Karnataka’s extensive tourism offerings spanning heritage, wildlife, nature, beaches, wellness, adventure, spirituality and MICE tourism. Tourism officials and stakeholders will provide destination information, promotional literature and insights into the State’s diverse tourism circuits, enabling visitors to discover experiences beyond the conventional travel itinerary.

Karnataka is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Group of Monuments at Hampi, the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, and the Western Ghats – reflecting the State’s exceptional cultural heritage, architectural brilliance and remarkable biodiversity.

Complementing its heritage attractions, Karnataka offers some of India’s finest wildlife and eco-tourism experiences. The State includes significant portions of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, with renowned protected areas such as Bandipur National Park, Nagarahole National Park and the Biligiri Ranganatha (BRT) Tiger Reserve, providing exceptional opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Karnataka’s 343-kilometre Arabian Sea coastline offers a diverse range of tourism experiences through destinations such as Karwar, Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Malpe and Ullal, combining pristine beaches, coastal cuisine, pilgrimage, water-based activities and scenic landscapes. The Government is also strengthening this segment through the proposed Karavali–Malnad Tourism Policy 2026, aimed at promoting beach tourism, cruise tourism, water sports and eco-tourism while encouraging greater private sector participation.

The State’s vibrant cultural identity is showcased through iconic festivals including Mysuru Dasara, Hampi Utsav, Karavali Utsav and Kadalekai Parishe, offering visitors authentic experiences rooted in Karnataka’s traditions, performing arts, crafts and cuisine. Complementing these experiences, Bengaluru continues to strengthen Karnataka’s position as one of India’s leading business and innovation hubs, making the State an attractive destination for both leisure and MICE tourism.

As one of India’s premier travel exhibitions, IITM Bengaluru provides an important platform for Karnataka Tourism to strengthen industry relationships, expand its tourism outreach and reinforce the State’s position as one of India’s leading tourism destinations. Visitors are invited to visit Stall No. IP7 to explore Karnataka’s diverse tourism experiences and interact with the Department’s officials and tourism stakeholders throughout the exhibition.

1. A Musical Tribute Worth Building an Evening Around

25 July | Yashobhoomi Convention Center, Dwarka | 7:30 PM

For those who’d rather spend Saturday night somewhere with a live orchestra than a screen, singer Sonu Nigam is performing a tribute to Mohammed Rafi at Yashobhoomi Convention Center on 25 July. It’s the kind of evening that works equally well as a date night or a family outing, old-school Bollywood favourites, reimagined live, in one of Delhi’s newer large-format venues. Pair it with dinner nearby and the night takes care of itself.

2. Felix Plaza’s Retail Line-Up Turns Shopping Into a Whole Afternoon

Sector 82A, NH-48, Gurugram

Shopping itself has become less of an errand and more of a weekend activity in its own right, and Felix Plaza in Gurugram is a fairly clear example of why. Spread across roughly 8 lakh sq. ft., the mall brings together over 150 Indian and international brands spanning fashion, beauty, electronics, dining and entertainment in one space. On the retail side, the line-up includes H&M, Marks & Spencer, Lifestyle, Westside, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Guess, Birkenstock and Aldo, alongside newer-to-Gurugram names like R&B Fashion, Skin Bae and Style Union.

What makes it a weekend destination rather than just a shopping stop is what sits around the stores: a four-screen Cinepolis multiplex, a Mr. DIY outlet, Fun City, Fun Block and a GameX gaming arena mean a shopping trip can stretch into a movie, a round of games, or a food court break without anyone needing to drive elsewhere. It’s the same instinct behind most of this week’s plans, fewer separate outings, more single destinations that do it all.

3. A Korean Food Fair to Mark on the Calendar

30–31 July | Pullman Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi | 10 AM – 5 PM

If Korean food is more your thing than mangoes or street snacks, the second edition of the Korean Food Fair returns to Delhi on 30–31 July at the Pullman Hotel in Aerocity, bringing a slice of South Korean culinary culture to the city over a full weekend. It’s a few days out, but worth planning around if a themed food outing is more appealing than the usual restaurant reservation.

Taken together, these plans point to the same shift: people aren’t necessarily choosing between eating out, catching a show, or shopping anymore, they’re increasingly finding all three under one roof, or at least within a short drive of each other. Whether that means a concert night or an afternoon spent working through Felix Plaza’s store list before catching a film at Cinepolis, Delhi-NCR’s weekends are getting a lot less predictable, in a good way.

The panel also featured distinguished industry leaders, including former PwC India Chief Marketing and Communication Officer Nandini Chatterjee and BJP Spokesperson and senior lawyer Charu Pragya. The insightful session was moderated by BW Business World Senior Editor Ruhail Amin.

Crayons started in Delhi in 1986, when the industry said that was the wrong city and independence was the wrong model.

Four decades later, it is one of the largest fully independent advertising agencies in the country.

The Crayons Network today marked forty years in business – forty years since Kunal Lalani founded the agency in July 1986 from a basement office in New Delhi, at a time when the Indian advertising industry was concentrated almost entirely in Bombay, and when the conventional wisdom held that a truly independent, homegrown agency could not compete with the multinational networks. Crayons has spent four decades proving that wrong.

The First Bet

The first real test came early, with Baba Zafrani Zarda. The brand was a chewing tobacco product – a category that Doordarshan, then India’s only television broadcaster, flatly refused to carry. Crayons took the campaign to cinema halls and VHS instead. The film was shot at a casino in Nepal and featured Bollywood star Vinod Khanna. It achieved near-total recall across every format it ran in. The campaign worked, spectacularly. And Crayons had learned its first lesson early, that the right idea finds its audience.

Building the Network — City by City

Expansion diverged from advertising logic, Crayons started by going to markets where agencies didn’t typically go to first. Starting with Chandigarh in 1996. Jaipur, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chennai and Kolkata followed shortly after. In 2006, Crayons crossed another border altogether by opening in Dubai to serve the GCC region.

Growth brought different kinds of work.

Tourism became one of the agency’s defining strengths. From Kerala Tourism to the Incredible India’s first global digital campaign, Crayons has worked with over a dozen state tourism boards.

Integration followed. In 2011, Crayons expanded beyond the traditional agency model with specialist media, digital, OOH and events businesses. Melon Media, Ultraviolet Digital, Amber OOH, and Jade Events gave clients all the capability under a single independent roof.

More recently came some of the country’s biggest brands. From Air India’s historic return to the Tata Group to the Tata Group’s social media mandate itself.

Today, Crayons counts Air India, Tata, ITC, Kajaria, Fortis healthcare, APL Apollo and The Leela Hotels among the brands that have shaped its journey, alongside partnerships with public institutions, financial services, healthcare leaders and more than ten state governments.

Going Public, Staying Independent

In May 2023, Crayons listed on the NSE SME – a step that gave the agency access to capital markets without giving up the independence that built it. The IPO was oversubscribed 147 times.

The 40th Anniversary

The milestone was marked with a day-long leadership summit in Delhi. With branch heads and department leads from across the network, a full day focused on the years ahead. The agenda centred on Crayons’ continued investment in technology, AI, and integrated communications capabilities that extend what an independent agency can deliver.

The summit was followed by a celebration that, by all accounts, reflected the agency’s character: large, earned, and entirely its own.

New Delhi, July 2, 2026: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) today hosted the 15th edition of its India Minerals & Metals Forum (Ferrous & Non-Ferrous) in the capital, bringing together senior government officials, steel majors and mining companies to discuss how India can build a secure, self-reliant supply chain for critical minerals even as its steel and metals industry scales up sharply over the next two decades.

The forum, themed “Minerals to Metals,” opened with Dr. Pankaj Satija, Chairperson of ICC’s National Expert Committee on Minerals & Metals, setting out the scale of the opportunity and the government’s current approach to critical minerals. India’s list of critical minerals, he noted, now stands at 31 following the recent addition of coking coal, spanning applications from clean energy and electric vehicles to defence, healthcare and advanced manufacturing, with the government working simultaneously across exploration, recycling and recovery from industrial waste.

“Critical minerals are going to play a defining role in India’s future. They are essential for everything from clean energy and electric vehicles to defence, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. India has already identified 31 critical minerals, and the government’s approach is moving on three fronts—speeding up domestic exploration, treating e-waste as a valuable resource through recycling, and recovering critical minerals from industrial waste such as steel slag and fly ash. More than 500 blocks are already under exploration, while partnerships with countries like the US and Argentina are helping strengthen our supply chain. We still have a long way to go, but if the government, industry and researchers work together, India can steadily build a secure and self-reliant critical minerals ecosystem,” Dr. Satija said.

He also pointed to recent international engagement on the subject, noting that India and the United States had deepened cooperation through the FORGE initiative on February 4, 2026, followed by the PACT Initiative on February 20, 2026, with discussions during a subsequent visit by the US Secretary of State covering lithium refining, cathode materials, recycling, feedstock corridors and synthetic graphite production. He said India was similarly expanding engagement with Argentina and other Latin American markets to widen access to mineral resources.

Mr Anupam Lahiri, Programme Director, NITI Aayog, followed with the policy think tank’s view on recycling as the most immediate lever available to Indian industry, arguing that with domestic exploration still years away from yielding proven, mineable reserves, recovery from existing waste streams offered India its fastest route to reducing import dependence.

“India’s critical minerals journey cannot depend on mining alone. Domestic exploration will take time, so we also need to focus on the resources that are already around us. E-waste, battery waste, mine overburden and tailings have the potential to become important sources of critical minerals if we can build the right ecosystem around them. That means making recycling commercially viable, creating the right incentives for industry and helping new technologies move beyond the pilot stage. Overseas partnerships will continue to play an important role, but in the near term, recycling offers India the fastest and most practical path to strengthening its critical minerals supply,” he said.

Mr Lahiri disclosed that NITI Aayog has constituted a technical committee, with presentations from Coal India, Singareni Collieries, Jindal Steel and Adani, to assess how much critical mineral value can be recovered from mine tailings and overburden dumps, citing Neyveli Lignite Corporation’s success in extracting rare earth elements from fly ash as an early proof point. He flagged unresolved policy questions around how royalties should apply when critical minerals are recovered from an already-licensed coal mine, and noted that state-run KABIL was pursuing overseas mineral assets in Australia, Argentina and, more recently, the United States, though several host countries require ore processing to happen locally before export, limiting downstream value capture for India.

Mr Sushanta Kumar Mishra, Executive In-charge of Tata Steel’s Ferro Alloys & Minerals Division, linked the critical minerals push to India’s steel expansion plans, with national output targeted to rise from current levels of roughly 150-160 million tonnes to 300 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047. He said Tata Steel, which currently operates around 24 million tonnes of capacity against an ambition of 40 million tonnes, was steering its ferroalloys business toward high-value products, targeting nearly 80% of its portfolio in value-added segments, while research at its Sukinda Valley operations on recovering nickel and cobalt from chromite overburden had already produced successful nickel pig iron trials in India. He called for greater regulatory clarity on how minerals recovered from mine overburden should be classified under existing licensing norms.

Offering an industry-wide perspective, Mr Tushar Chakraborty, Executive Director at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, said the sector’s focus needed to extend beyond output targets to cost competitiveness and supply chain resilience.

“As demand for steel, non-ferrous metals and other industrial commodities continues to rise, the conversation has to move beyond production targets. The real challenge is ensuring that this growth remains competitive and sustainable. That means improving productivity, securing reliable access to raw materials and building supply chains that can withstand future disruptions. India has set ambitious milestones for 2030 and 2047, but achieving them will depend as much on cost competitiveness as on capacity expansion. The industry now needs to focus on creating a resilient raw material ecosystem that supports long-term growth while keeping Indian manufacturing globally competitive,” Mr Chakraborty said.

Mr N. D. Rao, President-Projects at Atha & Amalgam Steel Group, framed the debate around mineralogy, noting that iron ore grade varies sharply by mineral type, from magnetite at roughly 72.3% iron content to hematite at 69.8%, goethite at around 62.5% and siderite below 50%, directly affecting processing costs and recovery. He pointed to emerging reduction roasting technology, now being trialled at a Bhubaneswar laboratory, that can convert lower-grade goethite and limonite ores into magnetite, lifting iron content to 67-70%. Drawing on his own experience leading bioleaching trials with Professor K. A. Natarajan of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and Hindustan Zinc’s decades-old programme recovering silver from zinc processing waste, which helped make India the world’s largest silver producer, Mr Rao cited Vadodara-based Rubamin’s success in recovering lithium from e-waste as evidence of the commercial potential in India’s “waste-to-wealth” approach, while noting that the country’s beach sand rare earth reserves remained underexploited due to limited private sector participation.

Mr R R Sathpathy, Executive Director-Exploration and Beneficiation at Lloyds Metals & Energy, distinguished between scientific, sustainable and responsible mining, arguing that Indian miners had mastered the first two but were only beginning the third. He detailed the transformation of the company’s Surjagad iron ore mine in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, once known chiefly for insurgency-related instability, into a fully electrified operation, with battery-powered dumpers, shovels and loaders cutting carbon emissions from around 11-12 kg per tonne to 3-3.5 kg per tonne, with a target of 1-1.5 kg per tonne once a planned 110 MW solar-and-wind hybrid power supply comes online later this year. He said the mine’s ongoing 45-million-tonne beneficiation plant, being built in three 15-million-tonne modules with the first due by September 2027, had extended the site’s usable resource base beyond a billion tonnes by lowering the cut-off ore grade, while the surrounding community had seen sustained local employment, a company-run school and a 100-bed hospital.