Vedanta Deploys India’s First High‑Speed Portable Rig to Unlock Gold and Critical Minerals

India's First Portable Rig for Gold  Critical Mineral Exploration_Vedanta Employee at Site in Chhattisgarh

• Built for inaccessible and tough terrains, it is the first high-speed hydrostatic portable rig in India that can carry out high-speed drilling up to 1,000 metres. 
• Vedanta holds the largest number of critical mineral blocks; poised to back India's bid to cut import dependence as global demand is expected to triple by 2030

Vedanta Limited (NSE: VEDL; BSE: 500295), a leading global producer of metals, critical minerals and technology, that powers the industries of today and is incubating the industries of tomorrow, has reinforced its commitment to technology-led innovation by commissioning India's first-ever high-tech, high-speed hydrostatic portable rig equipped with advanced safety features. The rigs have been deployed at two of Vedanta's flagship exploration projects in Chhattisgarh dedicated to gold and exploration of critical minerals such as nickel, chromium and platinum group elements.

Critical mineral exploration demands exceptional technical expertise and deep-shaft mining capabilities, a high-barrier domain where Vedanta stands out among a select few national and global players. As the energy transition accelerates, Vedanta is uniquely positioned to bridge the critical mineral deficit by leveraging its integrated smelting infrastructure and advanced geological tech to unlock complex blocks.

Purpose-built for inaccessible and tough terrains, this rig can carry out high-speed drilling up to 1,000 metres compared to the typical 300–400 metre range, without losing precious time in inter-location movement — a first for exploration capability in the country. The deployment marks a significant leap in Vedanta's exploration infrastructure, enabling faster, safer, minimally intrusive and more efficient access to India's largely untapped mineral reserves.

Vedanta has placed itself at the forefront of India's critical minerals push, being the only company to have secured 10 critical mineral blocks across gold, manganese, copper, nickel-chromium-PGE (Platinum Group of Elements) tungsten, graphite, vanadium, rare earth elements and potash, with exploration already underway across five blocks. Recently, Vedanta has also been declared the Successful Bidder for the Punnam Manganese Block in Andhra Pradesh.

India's Untapped Mineral Potential

The government estimates suggest close to 80% of India's mineral resources remain unexplored. Gold is vital for medical applications, high-reliability electronics and other strategic industries, while critical minerals such as copper and nickel underpin AI infrastructure and data centres, renewable energy, electric mobility, defence, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. India's task is to move beyond extraction alone and build capability across exploration, mining, processing, refining, recycling and manufacturing.

The opportunity is simple: India's resource advantage will be won not by what lies beneath the ground, but by how much value it builds above it.

According to the International Energy Agency, global critical mineral demand for clean energy technologies is projected to nearly triple by 2030 under its Net Zero Emissions Scenario, and quadruple by 2040, reaching close to 40 million tonnes annually. This has accelerated efforts by countries to diversify critical mineral supply chains away from dependence on any single country or source, positioning India as a natural partner in the shift. India holds substantial reserves of rare earth elements and critical minerals, giving it strong potential to become a key player in global supply chains though the country remains largely import-dependent despite this geological potential.

Vedanta 2.0 – Transformation through Technology

Vedanta 2.0 represents the group's vision to build a technology-driven, future-facing conglomerate centred on sustainable growth. While strengthening its core businesses, the group is simultaneously expanding into critical minerals as part of the clean-energy value chain, having secured several new mineral blocks and stepped-up exploration activity.

Vedanta Group holds a differentiated position as one of the few Indian companies with mineral assets spread across India, South Africa, Namibia, Liberia and Zambia, giving it access to diverse, high-potential reserves. The company plans to expand into new geographies with stable regulatory environments, deepen value-added processing within India, and build mining partnerships aligned with global environmental, social and governance standards.

JSW MG Motor India Redefines the Future of Mobility; Launches the MG Hector Tomahawk in EV and PHEV

Introductory Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) price for a limited number of bookings: the MG Hector Tomahawk EV starts at ₹13.99 lakh + 4.90 Rs/Km Battery Rental, and the PHEV variant starts at ₹21.79 lakh + 3.20 Rs/Km Battery Rental

• MG’s first SUV built on ADAPT, the country's first Multi-New Energy Vehicle (NEV) platform
• India's First PHEV^ engineered for a combined driving range of over 1,100 km** on a full tank and a full charge
• Hector Tomahawk EV: 69.2 kWh MAGIC Battery, precision-engineered for a claimed range of 517** km on a single charge
• Hector Tomahawk PHEV: 20.5 kWh battery pack delivering 115+ km of pure-electric range
• India's first Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) capability, turning the SUV into a mobile power source for the household
• Lifetime battery warranty for the first owner for both EV and PHEV
• Tallest and among the longest in its vehicle segment: 4,745 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,770 mm tall with a class-leading 2,810 mm wheelbase
• Largest-in-class 15.6-inch HD display, Level 2 ADAS and i-SMART 3.0 with 80+ connected features
• India's first GenAI-powered voice assistant, engineered to understand 30+ Hinglish commands
• Seven signature colours including two dual-tone options, with an Assured Buy Back Program available

JSW MG Motor India today unveiled the Hector Tomahawk, the first product engineered on ADAPT, its newly developed Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology and India's first Multi-New Energy Vehicle (NEV) platform. Combining intelligent technology, premium comfort, advanced safety and electrified performance, the MG Hector Tomahawk will be offered with both Electric Vehicle (EV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains.

Starting at an introductory Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) price of ₹13.99 lakh + 4.90 Rs/Km Battery Rental for the EV and ₹21.79 lakh + 3.20 Rs/Km Battery Rental for the PHEV, the Hector Tomahawk expands MG’s NEV portfolio, giving customers the freedom of choice while delivering the space, safety, and connected technology that Indian families expect from a modern SUV.

Bold, Futuristic Design

The MG Hector Tomahawk stands out with its bold, futuristic design and segment-leading proportions in its class, delivering significant space and comfort for every occupant. Measuring 4,745 mm in length, 2,130 mm in width (including mirrors), and 1,770 mm in height, it has been designed with substantial proportions and a commanding road presence, standing as the tallest and among the longest in its vehicle segment. With an expansive 2,810 mm wheelbase, MG Hector Tomahawk offers a spacious cabin that delivers best-in-segment space. With 230 mm of ground clearance at the battery, the SUV is engineered to deliver both commanding presence and everyday practicality.

• Sculpted dynamic bumpers
• Signature Beacon Lights
• Illuminated MG logo
• Distinctive Rotor Alloy wheels
• Strong character lines for commanding road presence
• Automatic Power Tailgate for effortless cargo access

Elevated Cabin Comfort

Inside, the MG Hector Tomahawk has been meticulously crafted to deliver a premium blend of comfort, connectivity, and versatility. The cabin showcases the exclusive Desert Squadron Interior, featuring a sophisticated Almond Brown and Carbon Black theme complemented by premium leatherette seat upholstery, leatherette-finished door armrests and dashboard inserts, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

• Front ventilated seats
• 6-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory and auto-retract
• 4-way powered co-driver seat
• One-touch auto up/down windows with anti-pinch
• Boot capacity up to 610 litres (5-seater), expandable in 7-seater
• Flexible second row with 60:40 split, recline, slide, and tip-and-tumble for third-row access
• Dual-pane panoramic Cockpit SkyRoof
• 15.6-inch HD Grand View Display (infotainment + controls)
• 8.8-inch Multi Information Display
• 10-speaker Infinity premium audio system
• Rear window sunshades and intelligently designed storage spaces
• PM2.5 air filtration system
• Customizable 256-colour ambient lighting
• Dual B-pillar coat hooks for convenience

A New Era of Electrified Performance

The MG Hector Tomahawk redefines sustainable mobility with a choice of advanced electrified powertrains that combine performance, efficiency, and intelligent energy management.

• EV: Powered by MAGIC Battery delivering a 69.2 kWh high voltage battery pack paired with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, delivering 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque. Offers a certified driving range of 517 km on a single charge and supports DC fast charging of up to 90 kW.
• PHEV: Combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine, Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), and a 20.5 kWh battery pack delivering over 115 km of pure-electric driving range. The 148 kW electric motor enables 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 9 seconds.
• DHT Innovation: Industry-leading thermal efficiency, 99.1% MCU efficiency, advanced IGBT technology, and electromagnetic clutch with 0.1-second response time for seamless transitions.
• Drive Modes: Pure Electric Drive, Series Hybrid Drive, Parallel Hybrid Drive, Engine Direct Drive.
• Combined Range: Over 1,100 km on full tank + full charge.
• Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): India’s first capability to power appliances, outdoor equipment, and homes directly from the vehicle battery.

Safety at the Core of the MAGIC Battery

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV’s 69.2 kWh high-voltage MAGIC Battery has been developed with a safety-first philosophy at its core.

• Built using high-thermal-stability cell materials, ceramic insulation layers, and high-temperature-resistant electrolyte.
• Rigorous safety validations: full needle penetration without fire, 180-degree thermal shock testing, 55-degree short-circuit testing without abnormality, and up to 40% cell deformation without fire or explosion.
• Battery system subjected to 2,000+ bench tests, 490+ full-vehicle validation tests, and extreme environmental evaluations.
• Advanced Battery Management System continuously monitors battery health in real time, 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Lifetime battery warranty for the first owner of both EV and PHEV.

Intelligence & Connectivity

Technology lies at the core of the MG Hector Tomahawk experience, delivering a seamlessly connected and highly intuitive driving environment. Equipped with MG’s most advanced connected car platform, i-SMART 3.0, featuring over 80 smart features, the SUV introduces first-in-segment i-SWIPE technology with 2-, 3-, and 5-finger gesture controls, enabling effortless interaction with key vehicle functions.

• India’s First GenAI-powered voice assistant with natural conversations and 30+ Hinglish commands
• Largest-in-segment 15.6-inch HD infotainment screen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital Bluetooth Key with key-sharing capability
• Over-the-air software updates
• Six thoughtfully designed experience modes: Nap Mode, Pro Pet Mode, Camp Mode, Quiet Mode, Energise Mode, Smoking Mode
• Starmaanch Karaoke app with 8,000+ tracks (Bollywood, English, regional, children’s content)
• MG App Store with Jio-powered services: entertainment, shopping, social media, quick commerce, food services, gaming
• Voice-first interface supported by Jio VR and JioSaavn for personalized music streaming
• ETV Bharat multilingual digital news and video platform

Advanced Safety

Safety remains a cornerstone of the Hector Tomahawk experience. The SUV comes equipped with 6 airbags as standard across all variants, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child-seat anchors and all-wheel disc brakes.

• 360° Around View HD Camera System with Wheel View
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Level 2 ADAS technologies including:
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Departure Prevention
• Front Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Automatic Emergency Braking for Pedestrians
• Intelligent Headlamp Control

MG SHIELD

The MG Hector Tomahawk is supported by MG SHIELD, the brand's comprehensive ownership programme designed to deliver a convenient and worry-free after-sales experience.

• EV Customers: 3-3-2 benefit program (three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, three years of Roadside Assistance, and two labour-free periodic services)
• PHEV Customers: 3-3-3 package (three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, three years of Roadside Assistance, and three labour-free periodic services)
• Options for extended warranty and roadside assistance packages
• MG Protect Plans: prepaid maintenance programmes tailored to individual needs
• Assured Buy Back Program available

Colour Options

• Hector Tomahawk EV: Pearl White, Starry Black, Aurora Silver, Celadon Blue, Shadow Gold, Khaki Green. Dual-tone options: Shadow Gold + Black, Khaki Green + Black.
• Hector Tomahawk PHEV: Pearl White, Starry Black, Aurora Silver, Celadon Blue, Turquoise Green, Shadow Gold. Dual-tone options: Turquoise Green + White, Celadon Blue + White.

Variant-wise Price List

Variant	Excite 7S	Exclusive 7S	Essence 5S	Essence 7S
Hector Tomahawk EV	19,49,800	21,99,800	22,99,800	23,49,800
Hector Tomahawk PHEV		25,69,800		27,79,800

Tunnel‑Boring Machines at Heart of India’s $1.2B Construction Boost

India is finalizing a US$1.2 billion (approx.  ₹114,318 crore) incentive scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of advanced construction equipment such as tunnel-boring machines, elevators, and firefighting systems, aiming to cut reliance on Chinese imports and attract $1.8 billion in fresh investment over seven years, said a reported news agency Reuters. 

India’s dependence on imported tunnel‑boring machines (TBMs), particularly from China, has become a strategic vulnerability, prompting a ₹1.2 billion incentive scheme to build domestic capacity. Imports have fallen sharply since 2020 border clashes, but local production remains limited, with firms like BEML and Larsen & Toubro now positioned to benefit.

Key Highlights of the Incentive Plan

• Funding Size:  ₹114,320 crore ($1.2B) in incentives
• Duration: Spread over seven years
• Target Investment: Expected to draw $1.8 billion in new investment
• Focus Areas:
  • Tunnel-boring machines
  • Elevators
  • Firefighting equipment

Strategic Context

India has relied on Chinese TBMs for metro rail and highway construction. Imports dropped from $18 million in 2022–23 to just $800,000 in 2025–26, largely due to restrictions and customs delays imposed by Beijing.

• Import Dependence: Heavy reliance on Chinese tunnel-boring machines; imports dropped since 2020 border clashes
• Domestic Push: Scheme designed to make local production viable with value-addition targets
• Beneficiaries: BEML, Larsen & Toubro, Johnson Lifts

Market Impact

• Construction Equipment Market Size: Valued at ₹1 trillion ($10.5B)
• Growth Drivers: Roads, metros, airports, smart city projects
• Policy Goal: Reduce reliance on imports, strengthen supply chain resilience, support Make in India

Equipment Type	Current Status	Policy Impact
Tunnel-boring machines	Mostly imported from China	Incentives for local production, BEML & L&T to benefit
Elevators	Domestic players exist but rely on imports	Boost to Johnson Lifts & others
Firefighting equipment	Largely imported	Push for indigenous manufacturing

Risks & Challenges

• Execution Risk: Previous attempts struggled to scale
• Technology Gap: Tunnel-boring machines are highly sophisticated; R&D hurdles likely
• Global Supply Chain Pressure: China’s export restrictions since 2024 highlight vulnerability

Outlook

• If implemented effectively, the scheme could transform India’s construction equipment sector
• Reduce strategic dependence on China
• Create a globally competitive domestic industry
• Aligns with India’s infrastructure expansion and self-reliance agenda

If successful, the scheme could transform India’s construction equipment sector, reduce strategic dependence on China, and create a globally competitive domestic industry. It directly supports India’s infrastructure expansion goals and self‑reliance agenda.

Mobile Screens Expose Kids to Triple the Adult Content — Parents Must Act Now

Kaspersky revealed its Q1 2026 data on Indian kids' online activity, revealing a noteworthy pattern on both Windows and Android devices. Communication platforms and self-directed media tools have come to anchor most of children's time online, together accounting for more than three-quarters of all recorded activity on each. Yet categories carrying real-world risk, among them adult content, alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, and gambling, continue to hold a measurable share of that activity, with mobile devices showing meaningfully higher exposure than desktop in several of them. As the data shows entertainment giving way to communication and self-directed learning, it also shows that the categories parents worry about most haven't gone anywhere.

To better understand what Indian children are doing online and help parents navigate the risks that come with it, Kaspersky analyzed anonymized data related to Indian users of Kaspersky Safe Kids across Q1 2026, covering Windows and Android devices separately. The solution itself is regularly recognized in independent tests from top labs, including AV-Comparatives and AV-Test.

On Windows devices

Internet, Communication & Media was by far the most-visited category among Indian children (43.44%), with Software, Audio, Video close behind in second place (34.99%). Together, the two categories made up more than three-quarters of all activity, with News media a distant third at 8.43%. Computer games held a modest 2.60% share, a reminder that gaming, while no longer the dominant force it once was, remains part of children's everyday routine on desktop.

Among the categories Kaspersky is flagging for continued monitoring this quarter for Adult content held a 1.91% share of Windows activity, and Alcohol, Tobacco, Narcotics registered at 0.29%. Individually small, their consistent presence in the dataset is why Kaspersky continues to recommend active, ongoing parental controls rather than a one-time setup.

Altogether, the pattern on Windows points to children's desktop time being anchored in communication and shared media consumption, with risk categories present but contained to a small, steady share, signaling a device where parental oversight, once established, tends to hold.

On Android devices

Android traffic followed a similar top-line pattern, with Internet, Communication, Media (39.86%) and Software, Audio, Video (34.89%) again accounting for roughly three-quarters of activity. But children's exposure to risk categories on Android told a different story entirely: Adult content reached 5.71% of activity, nearly three times its 1.91% share on Windows. E-Commerce (5.70%) and News media (4.69%) were also meaningfully higher on mobile than desktop, while Alcohol, Tobacco, Narcotics held steady at 0.26%, close to the Windows figure of 0.29%.

A notable gap emerged specifically around adult content, which nearly tripled on Android compared to Windows, a clear sign that mobile devices, typically the less-supervised of the two, are where Indian parents may need to focus their attention most closely this quarter. In cases where parents had already activated these category blocks for adult content, gambling, and other harmful sites within Kaspersky Safe Kids, the corresponding visits were being prevented in real time, underscoring the role active parental controls continue to play in curbing this exposure.

"It's encouraging to see that Indian children's time online is still anchored in communication, shared media, and everyday self-expression rather than pure entertainment. But the presence of adult content, narcotics-related material, and unsupervised gaming, even in small shares, is a reminder that curiosity online doesn't stop at the categories parents expect. Mobile devices in particular are where we're seeing that gap widen, and that's exactly where parents need to stay closest," said Jaydeep Singh, General Manager for India at Kaspersky.

Building Real-World Cyber Awareness: The KidZania Partnership

Today's children are digital natives. From a very early age, they are in contact with technology and its benefits, using their devices to watch videos, play online, stay in touch with friends and family, and support themselves in school tasks. It is with this awareness in mind that Kaspersky partnered with KidZania India to open Cyber Investigation Centres in Mumbai and Delhi NCR, a first-of-its-kind role-play establishment giving children a hands-on experience as cyber investigators, learning to detect and respond to online threats well before they encounter them unsupervised.

"This is exactly why we built the Cyber Investigation Centres the way we did, inside a place children already visit to explore the world, not as an add-on to our software. A child who has role-played spotting a phishing attempt at KidZania carries that instinct home, onto the same devices this data is flagging. That's the outcome we're chasing with this partnership, not just downloads, but instinct," said Purshottam Bhatia, Head of Consumer Business, South Asia, Kaspersky.

As part of the KidZania partnership, Kaspersky is currently running a special offer of a 30-day free trial, plus up to 40% off award-winning Premium protection, plus a 1-year Safe Kids subscription worth INR 1,439.

Full details here: Kaspersky | Kaspersky India.

To watch favorite shows safely, Kaspersky recommends the following:

• Maintain open communication with children about potential online risks and establish clear guidelines to ensure their safety.
• Secure gaming experiences by installing a trusted security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, to prevent malicious file downloads.
• Stay informed about emerging threats and actively monitor children’s online activities in order to create a safer digital environment.
• Introduce children to cybersecurity basics using educational tools like the Kaspersky Cybersecurity Alphabet — a free downloadable book that explains key concepts, cyber hygiene rules, and how to avoid fraud.
• Use digital parenting apps like Kaspersky Safe Kids to protect children both online and offline, manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and track their location for greater peace of mind.

About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Innovating the industry with a Cyber Immunity approach, Kaspersky safeguards consumers, businesses, critical infrastructure, and governments from cyberthreats, with over a billion devices protected to date.

Kaspersky ensures Cybersecurity True to Business, focusing on providing clear outcomes, protecting revenue, easing workloads and preventing downtime. Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services for organizations of every size, from small businesses to large enterprises, combining proven AI-driven protection technologies with simple management and expert support.

Recognized in independent tests and trusted by millions of individuals worldwide and nearly 200,000 organizations, Kaspersky helps detect threats earlier, respond faster and operate with greater confidence and freedom, protecting what matters most to our clients. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

Global Tech Giants Back India’s $200B Data Centre Future

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has pitched India as a “trusted destination” for global data centres, highlighting investment commitments worth nearly $200 billion from hyperscalers like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Digital Connexion. He made this pitch during his Japan visit, inviting Japanese firms to partner in AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure.

The minister invited Japanese companies to partner with India in data centres, AI and semiconductors, highlighting around $200 billion in hyperscaler investment commitments.

Key Highlights of Goyal’s Pitch

Piyush Goyal in the Fireside Chat with Nikkei Asia in Tokyo on the India-Japan Next Generation Economic Partnership.

• Investment Commitments: Around $200 billion pledged by global hyperscalers for India’s data centre ecosystem.
• Major Announcements (Oct–Dec 2025):
  • Google: $15 billion
  • Microsoft: $17.5 billion
  • Amazon: $35 billion
  • Digital Connexion: $11 billion
• Policy Incentives: Indian government has proposed a tax holiday for data centres until 2047.
• Strategic Partnership: Goyal met Japanese Economy Minister Akazawa Ryosei, outlining four pillars of cooperation — trade, technology, investment, and tourism.
• Sectoral Focus: Collaboration in AI, semiconductors, and digital ecosystems, with India’s demand estimated at $150 billion.

Why India is Emerging as a Data Centre Hub

• Trusted Destination: India is positioning itself as a reliable partner amid global supply chain realignments.
• Policy Push: Incentives like tax holidays, renewable energy integration, and subsea cable projects.
• Talent Pool: India offers a large base of engineers, AI specialists, and IT professionals.
• Geopolitical Advantage: Seen as a safe harbour for digital infrastructure compared to other Asian hubs.

Comparison of Hyperscaler Investments in India

Company	Investment Size	Focus Area	Timeline
Google	$15B	AI & cloud infra (Vizag hub)	By 2028
Microsoft	$17.5B	AI-ready data centres	By 2029
Amazon	$35B	Hyperscale cloud infra	By 2030
Digital Connexion	$11B	AI infra & subsea cables	By 2029

Risks & Challenges

• Water & Energy Security: Large-scale AI data centres demand sustainable cooling and renewable energy.
• Execution Risk: Scaling commitments to operational capacity within tight timelines.
• Global Competition: India must compete with hubs in Singapore, UAE, and the U.S. for capital.