The delegation also visited SECL’s Gevra Area, Asia’s largest coal mine, where the media representatives witnessed mining operations and gained an understanding of coal extraction and related activities. They also observed environmental and sustainability initiatives, including the Miyawaki plantation programme. SECL management highlighted its commitment to meeting the country’s energy requirements while maintaining a strong focus on safe, technology-driven and sustainable mining, environmental protection and community welfare. The visit concluded with an interactive question-and-answer and experience-sharing session, during which the delegation engaged with SECL officials on issues relating to mining, energy security, safety, technology, environment and community development.

The Ministry’s remarks came amid recent reports of coal supply-related power shortages in Uttar Pradesh. However, it said that as of September 15, 2026, none of UPRVUNL’s thermal power plants was in the critical-stock category, with coal stocks rising from 7.25 lakh tonnes on September 1 to 8.41 lakh tonnes on September 15. During the preceding seven days, average daily coal receipts stood at around 0.90 lakh tonnes against consumption of approximately 0.83 lakh tonnes, while Coal India Limited (CIL) supplied an average of about 17.7 rakes per day over the preceding 10 days. The Ministry also pointed to unloading constraints at some UPRVUNL plants, which can restrict rake placement and further stock augmentation. With the current-month plant load factor at around 48%, it said lower generation cannot be attributed solely to inadequate coal availability and called for operational constraints at generating stations to be addressed alongside faster development of the Saharpur Jamarpani block.

A seasoned finance professional, Shri Prasanna Kumar Acharya brings over 28 years of experience across Central and State government organisations as well as the private sector. He is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and an Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Honours) from Utkal University, an LLB from M.S. Law College, Cuttack, a Master’s degree in Commerce from Ravenshaw University, and an MBA. His extensive experience in finance, corporate affairs and organisational management positions him to take on a key leadership role at one of India’s major public sector energy enterprises.

NBCC employees from across project sites and regional offices nationwide joined the festivities virtually and in person to mark the day, honoring the engineering community’s contributions to national development.

On Engineers’ Day, Dr. K. P. Mahadevaswamy, CMD, #NBCC , and Shri Anjeev Kumar Jain, Director (Finance), celebrated the occasion by cutting a cake, with NBCC employees joining the celebrations from across the country.

Speaking at a high-powered panel discussion titled “The New LNG Order: Leadership Strategies for Energy Security and Growth” during the Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, Shri Gupta noted that strategic supply diversification has provided substantial relief and stability to the country’s energy ecosystem amidst evolving market challenges.

Shri Mitra currently serves as Executive Director and Senior Technical Assistant (STA) / Executive Assistant to the CMD at HPCL. His selection follows a rigorous screening and interview process conducted by the PESB board.

Shri Pankaj Kumar Gupta, Chief General Manager (Traction & Energy), and Shri Shailendra Mohan Yadav, General Manager (Property Development), received the prestigious honor from the Chief Guest, Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta.

Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director of DMRC, attended the event as the Guest of Honor.

The Delhi Engineers’ Association dedicated this year’s observance specifically to Delhi Metro, celebrating its outstanding contributions to engineering excellence and its continued service to the citizens of Delhi.

Smt. Varsha Ashok Aglawe, the first lady Director General of GSI, was the Chief Guest for the event. The others present at the occasion included senior officials from GRSE, GSI, TNSL & IRS.

The keel of any vessel is similar to the spine in humans. The entire skeletal structure of the ship is attached to it, providing the necessary strength to the platform. The keel laying marks an important milestone in the shipbuilding process, as the vessel’s principal structural elements begin to take shape around this central component.

The CRVs will be 64 meters long and 13 meters wide with a deadweight tonnage of about 461 Tons. These vessels will have an endurance of 15 days with a top speed of 10 knots. Each ship will have facilities for 35 personnel on board.

These research vessels will have capabilities to carry out offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration (including dredging), ocean environment monitoring and research. They will have modern, well-equipped scientific laboratories on board for data processing and sample analysis. These ships will be fitted with Dynamic Positioning – 1 to enable them to maintain position even in Sea State 3. Powered by diesel-electric propulsion, with diesel generators driving the thrusters, these ships would operate within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India, in depths of 5-1,000 meters.

The order for these CRVs was on recognition of GRSE’s proven excellence in the field of advanced specialised vessels. The shipyard is currently building an Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and an Acoustic Research Ship (ARS) for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), an establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Having delivered two series of Sandhayak Class of survey vessels to the Navy and the marine acoustic research ship INS Sagardhwani to NPOL in 1994, GRSE has established its position as a designer and builder of specialised platforms.

Recently, the shipyard has received the Notification of Award (NOA) from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for the construction of four Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs).

Smt. Varsha Ashok Aglawe, DG, GSI, said, “The two Coastal Research Vessels being constructed will prove to be extremely valuable in exploring our mineral resources beyond the country’s land borders. Once commissioned, these vessels will play a pivotal role in augmenting India’s offshore mineral exploration capabilities. This project aligns seamlessly with our national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat @2047 and achieving comprehensive self-reliance in the mineral sector.”

Cmde PR Hari, IN(Retd), CMD, GRSE said, “The keel laying of the two Coastal Research Vessels is a significant milestone, marking the transformation of design and planning into the physical construction of the vessels. Backed by strong collaboration among all stakeholders, GRSE is confident of delivering these specialised vessels to the Geological Survey of India on schedule and with the highest quality standards.”

The Board has formally requested NTPC to bear the full cost of relocating the facility and to provide compensation for financial losses incurred due to recurring flood events.