Mines Ministry will launch first-ever Exploration Licence (EL) auction tomorrow

Amid global energy disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has assured that the domestic supply of LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, and natural gas remains stable, while citizens are urged to avoid panic booking and conserve fuel, said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, today.

Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], March 12: Jindal Steel has been declared the preferred bidder by the Government of Odisha for the Rengalaberha North-East Extension and Nuagan West Iron Ore Block in Keonjhar district. The iron ore block spans approximately 84 hectares. Following the successful conclusion of the online auction, Jindal Steel has committed to a final price offer of 111.15 per cent premium to the Government of Odisha.

Sharma said two LNG cargos are on their way to India

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) recorded its highest-ever sales performance during the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, bolstered by a 14 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth. According to the Ministry of Steel, SAIL achieved total sales of 18.24 million tonnes (MT) between April 2025 and February 2026. Alongside this volume growth, the company expanded its product portfolio through the reintroduction of chequered plates to meet specific market demands.

New Delhi [India], March 10: Shanvi Resources Private Limited (SRPL), an ISO-certified and CMMI Level 5 mining and exploration consultancy based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, has announced the strategic expansion of its global advisory operations. As demand for critical minerals rises worldwide and regulatory standards become more stringent, SRPL is strengthening its position as an independent technical advisor to mining companies, investors, and government institutions across international markets. The expansion marks a significant step in the company's mission to deliver reliable, transparent, and globally compliant mining advisory services.

The agreement between India and the member States of the European Free Trade Association, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, the partnership has moved from negotiation to implementation with effect from 1 October 2025. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, "The Agreement brings together India and a group of advanced European economies in a framework that supports trade, investment, services, technology collaboration and long-term industrial growth."

Indian Oil Corporation has initiated measures to enhance Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production and prioritise its availability for domestic consumers following geopolitical disruptions to global fuel supplies. In a statement on Tuesday, the corporation confirmed that the Ministry has taken steps for higher LPG production while securing stocks for domestic customers and essential non-domestic sectors.

According to the Petroleum Ministry, the government has issued a control order directing refineries and petrochemical units to maximize the production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and divert key hydrocarbon streams to the LPG pool to ensure an uninterrupted supply of cooking gas across the country. The Petroleum Ministry stated that the invocation of the Act has established a clear priority list for natural gas distribution to manage current supply constraints. Under this new mandate, there is a 100% assured supply of domestic piped gas for homes and CNG for vehicles.

An Australia-India partnership took a step closer to green steel through a "world-first" use of agricultural waste in steelmaking during a successful commercial-scale trial in India. Researchers from Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) demonstrated a viable approach to cut emissions by partially replacing coal with locally sourced rice husk pellets.

The Income Tax Department carried out a nationwide verification exercise on restaurants regarding turnovers, revealing a suppression of sales amounting to approximately Rs 408 crore. According to a Ministry of Finance press statement, the investigation targeted tax evasion patterns within the Food & Beverage (F&B) sector following preliminary data analysis initiated in November 2025.