India Sets Up Lab to Track Offshore Crypto Platforms

India has launched a new “Virtual Asset Lab” under the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to track unregistered offshore crypto platforms, aiming to curb money laundering and tax evasion risks. The lab uses advanced analytics and web surveillance tools to identify high-risk virtual asset service providers (oVASPs) operating outside Indian regulations.

Key Highlights

• Launch Date: March 2026
• Authority: FIU-India, supported by inter-agency cooperation
• Objective: Detect and disrupt offshore crypto platforms serving Indian users without registration
• Tools Used: Analytics, AI-driven monitoring, and web surveillance
• Global Context: Initiative aligns with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations

Why Offshore Crypto Platforms Are Targeted

• Many offshore exchanges bypass KYC norms and avoid Indian tax obligations.
• They operate without physical offices in India, making enforcement difficult.
• Often registered in one country but serving users globally, creating regulatory blind spots.

Benefits of the Virtual Asset Lab

• Enhanced Oversight: Identifies unregistered oVASPs and flags suspicious activity.
• User Protection: Shields Indian traders from fraud-prone platforms.
• Compliance Enforcement: Helps remove unauthorized crypto sites and enforce FIU rules.
• Global Cooperation: India joins FATF members in disrupting illegal crypto activity.

Comparison: India’s Virtual Asset Lab vs. Global Efforts

Feature	India’s Virtual Asset Lab	Other FATF Jurisdictions
Focus	Offshore unregistered oVASPs	Similar focus on high-risk oVASPs
Tools	AI analytics + web surveillance	Cooperation with ISPs, app stores
Regulatory Authority	FIU-India	National FIUs & regulators
Primary Goal	Prevent money laundering, enforce compliance	Disrupt unauthorized crypto activity

Risks & Challenges

• Regulatory Arbitrage: Offshore platforms may shift operations to new jurisdictions.
• User Adaptation: Traders might migrate to decentralized exchanges (DEXs), harder to regulate.
• Implementation Complexity: Requires strong inter-agency coordination and global cooperation.

Takeaway

India’s Virtual Asset Lab is a decisive step toward modernizing crypto oversight. For Indian traders, this means stricter compliance checks and possible restrictions on using offshore exchanges. It also signals India’s intent to align with global FATF standards, strengthening its fight against illicit financial flows in the crypto ecosystem.

Ramky Infra to Build India’s Largest Integrated Life Sciences City at Dighi Port

Ramky Infrastructure Limited (RIL) today announced the execution of a Concession Agreement between the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maha Integrated Life Sciences City Limited (MILeS City), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ramky Infrastructure Limited, for the development of a High-Tech Pharmaceutical Park at the Dighi Port Industrial Area in Raigad district, Maharashtra.

The project will be implemented on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model, with an estimated project cost of INR 3,000 crore excluding the operating income to be generated during the 90 years operation period. The concession period will span 95 years, including a construction period of five years which RIL expects to execute in coming 5 years would form part of the Order Book of RIL aggregating it to INR 13,500 Crores.

The proposed High-Tech Pharmaceutical Park will be developed across approximately 1,000 hectares within the Dighi Port Industrial Area, covering parts of Mangaon and Roha talukas in Raigad district. The project will establish a large-scale integrated development comprising industrial zones, commercial areas, common infrastructure, utilities, internal road networks and designated open spaces.

An Integrated Life Sciences Manufacturing Ecosystem

The project is designed to establish a world-class integrated life sciences manufacturing ecosystem that will provide end-to-end infrastructure and shared facilities for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences companies.

Key elements of the proposed development include:

– Integrated infrastructure and advanced utilities, enabling industries to optimise capital investment and improve operational efficiency.

- Innovation-led research and development centres, incubation hubs, and technology transfer platforms to encourage collaboration, capability building, and sectoral innovation.

- Environmentally responsible infrastructure that supports high standards of environmental safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainable industrial operations.

Under the terms of the concession agreement, MILeS City will be responsible for the development, operation, maintenance and management of the project for the entire concession period.

The revenue model for the project will include:

• Land lease premium and lease rental
• Development charges
• Maintenance charges for common infrastructure and services
• Operational charges for utilities and shared facilities

The project is expected to strengthen industrial infrastructure in the region, attract investments into the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, and generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities. It is also anticipated to stimulate growth in ancillary industries and local businesses across the surrounding areas.

Following the execution of this concession agreement, the order book position of Ramky Infrastructure Limited stands at approximately INR 13,500 crore, reflecting the company’s continued momentum in large-scale infrastructure and industrial development projects.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sunil S Nair, CEO, Ramky Infrastructure Limited said, “This agreement marks a significant milestone not only for industrial development, but for the wider communities and businesses that stand to benefit from it. By creating a large-scale integrated life sciences ecosystem at Dighi Port Industrial Area, we see an opportunity to support employment generation, strengthen regional infrastructure, encourage innovation, and attract long-term investment into Maharashtra. The project is designed to enable pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to grow within a well-supported and globally competitive manufacturing environment."

About Ramky Infrastructure Limited

Ramky Infrastructure Limited is the flagship infrastructure development company of the Ramky Group and has been a prominent player in the infrastructure sector since its establishment in 1994. The company has successfully delivered a wide range of projects spanning industrial infrastructure, water and wastewater treatment, roads, bridges, and urban infrastructure development.

Headquartered in Hyderabad, the company operates across India and international markets with a team of more than 2,000 professionals.

Ramky Infrastructure Limited is certified under ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems), which guide the company’s practices in design, engineering, procurement, and construction of infrastructure projects.

Mercedes-Benz Expands Portfolio with Locally Produced V-Class in Key North India Markets

• The all-new V-Class is launched with an extra-long wheelbase (WB:3430mm L:5370 mm) configuration with a sophisticated 6-seat layout
• V-Class debuts the petrol engine for the first time in India
• V-Class’ AIRMATIC air suspension is specifically developed for Indian road conditions
• Dual Powertrain: Available in both petrol (170 kW / 228 bhp + 15 kW mild hybrid) and diesel (174 kW / 233 bhp) with 9G-TRONIC transmission
• Safest vehicle in its segment: Best-in-class 7 standard airbags (A-to-D pillar window airbags), Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, 360° camera, and driver camera with ATTENTION ASSIST
• Premium Standard Features: AMG Line exterior, first-class luxury seats with massage and ventilation across all three rows, AIRMATIC air suspension, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, Burmester surround sound, and 7 standard airbags come as standard
• India-First Features: India is the first market globally to offer AIRMATIC air suspension on both petrol and diesel powertrains. The V-Class is also the first vehicle in its class to offer ventilated third-row seats
• The all-new V-Class is available for booking with priority delivery for existing Mercedes-Benz customers.
• The V-Class bookings can be made for Rs. 5 lakhs, which will ensure customers are eligible for the introductory price

India’s most desirable luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz today, launched the all-new V-Class, redefining the strongly evolving private luxury mobility segment in Chandigarh and Punjab markets. The introduction of the V-Class Extra LWB in Chandigarh & Punjab further strengthens Mercedes-Benz’s desirable and diverse product portfolio in one of the country’s important luxury vehicle markets.

Chandigarh and Punjab have been key growth markets for Mercedes-Benz India, with a strong demand for Tep-End Vehicles (TEV) that combine prestige, luxury appointments and cutting-edge technology. The launch of the new V-Class in Chandigarh and Punjab markets reflect the brand’s continued focus on bringing its most desirable global luxury products closer to customers, across high-potential markets in India.

The New V-Class seamlessly combines unparalleled space, luxurious comfort and avant-garde design creating an atmosphere of luxury, space and freedom, providing a serene and composed environment to customers, travelling in the lap of luxury and privacy. Available in the extra-long wheelbase configuration (5,370 mm length, 3,430 mm wheelbase, 1,928 mm width, 1,880 mm height) as standard, the V-Class is designed for those who command their environment and appreciate the freedom to move in unparalleled comfort.

Addressing the growing trend of ‘personal luxury space’, the V-Class represents a new category of luxury mobility: an oasis of personal space, freedom and luxurious comfort for power elites, trendsetters and affluent families, who value exclusivity, privacy and security on the move.

 

With the V-Class, Mercedes-Benz offers discerning customers a ‘Private Suite’, that is designed to transform every journey into a deeply personal experience, creating a curated space on wheels. The V-Class truly becomes a private suite on the move, highly refined, spacious, and shaped around​ the customers individual preferences. Increasingly Indian families are preferring luxury private vehicles for family travel, accompanied by pets and the V-Class is aimed at such families with diverse requirements. The V-Class will be an additional vehicle for these families for whom travelling in luxury, with freedom and privacy remains of utmost importance.

The sophisticated 6-seat layout features first-class luxury individual seats in the second row with 3-stage ventilation and massage, calf support, deployable cupholders, and wireless charging. The third row breaks new ground as the first vehicle in its segment to offer ventilated seats, complemented by 3-point seat belts, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, and USB charging ports. The front row offers electrically adjustable and ventilated seats with cushion length adjustment, establishing a luxurious command centre.

The cabin ambience is elevated by 64-colour ambient lighting, a Burmester® surround sound system with Dolby Atmos offering 15 loudspeakers delivering 640 W of output, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, heat-insulating glass with sunblind, and the ENERGIZING Comfort programme with up to ten harmoniously tuned wellness modes including nature soundscapes. Electric sliding doors on both sides can be operated via the key, exterior door handle, driver’s seat, or a button on the door panel, while the electrically operable split tailgate allows easy loading even in tight spaces.

Local Production: Strengthening the ‘Make in India’ Commitment

Mercedes-Benz India will commence local production of the V-Class. This strategic move reinforces the company’s three-decade-long commitment to the Indian market. Mercedes-Benz announced the start of local production of the uber-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV. The V-Class will be the second product Mercedes-Benz announced for local production this year.

Mercedes-Benz Anniversary Year “140 Years of Innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constantly innovate and to create the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world's first automobile in 1886 to today's intelligent and safe electric vehicles, like the all-new GLC and the award-winning all-new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company continues the biggest product launch programme in its history. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that leads through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S-Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations - on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 years of innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes-Benz Community.

About Mercedes-Benz India:

Mercedes-Benz India pioneered the luxury car market in India, completing 30 years of Indian operations in 2024. Mercedes-Benz’s world-class production facility set up in 2009, is spread over 100 acres in Chakan near Pune. Mercedes-Benz India is part of Mercedes-Benz’s Global Production Network and plays an important role in the CKD production network. The production facility carries an investment of more than INR 3000 crores and has the largest installed production capacity for any luxury carmaker in India. Mercedes-Benz India has the largest luxury network spread amongst any luxury carmaker, with over 140 luxury touchpoints spread across 50+ cities. Through the exclusive AMG Performance Centres, Mercedes-Benz boasts of a strong AMG retail network presence in the country. Mercedes-Benz India has a robust product portfolio comprising the locally produced A-Class, C-Class, E-Class Long Wheelbase, S-Class, Mercedes Maybach S 580 limousine and the all-new V-Class, along with the electric vehicles– EQS 580 sedan, and EQS SUV 450. Mercedes-Benz is the only luxury brand to locally manufacture 2 BEVs in India. The ‘Made in India’ SUV range starts with the GLA, GLC, GLE, and GLS range of luxury SUVs. The Completely Built imported cars portfolio (CBU) includes the G 450d, GLS Maybach and the exciting AMG range comprising the AMG A 45 S to the AMG GT 63 S E-Performance. Mercedes-Benz also pioneered the luxury BEV segment in India and comprises a strong portfolio including the ‘Made in India’ EQS 580 sedan, EQS 580 SUV and 450 SUV, along with EQA 250+, EQB SUVs, EQE 500 4MATIC SUV, Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV, and G580 with EQ Technology. Mercedes-Benz India introduced the innovative customer-centric ‘direct to customer’ business model in India, as one of the first markets to rollout this business model, redefining customer experience.

From Waste to Resource: Re Sustainability & IOCL Launch India’s 1st Used Oil Circular Economy

(Left) Mr. Masood Mallick and Mr. Bankim Patra (Right)

• Re Sustainability and Indian Oil Join Hands to Create India’s First Integrated Used Oil Circular Economy Ecosystem

Re Sustainability has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited to launch India’s first structured national initiative for the collection and recycling of used lubricating oil. The partnership marks a significant milestone in building a circular ecosystem for lubricant oil management and advancing India’s transition towards a resource-efficient and low-carbon economy.

This pioneering collaboration demonstrates how industry partnerships can accelerate circular resource flows, strengthen environmental governance, and build resilient energy and materials infrastructure for the future. By enabling systematic recovery and re-refining of used lubricants, the initiative will help reduce reliance on virgin crude-derived base oils while conserving natural resources and lowering foreign exchange outflows.

The collaboration will focus on establishing a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to create a nationwide reverse logistics and collection ecosystem for used lubricating oil. The platform will aggregate used lubricants from industrial and automotive sectors and develop advanced Re-Refined Base Oil (RRBO) refining infrastructure to produce Group I and Group II+ base oils from recovered lubricants in partnership with Re Sustainability and its technology partners.

Mr. Bankim Patra, Country Head (Lubes), Indian Oil Corporation Limited, said: “As India’s largest integrated energy company, Indian Oil is committed to advancing solutions that strengthen both energy security and environmental responsibility. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building sustainable value chains that enable responsible recovery, reuse, and circular utilisation of lubricants. By formalising the collection and recycling of used oil, we are supporting a more resource-efficient and sustainable energy ecosystem for India.”

Under the collaboration, recovered oil will be processed to produce Re-Refined Base Oil (RRBO) which can be reintroduced into lubricant manufacturing value chains. This circular approach significantly reduces dependence on virgin crude-derived base oils while strengthening material efficiency across the lubricants sector.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Masood Mallick, Managing Director & Group CEO, Re Sustainability Limited, said: “India’s journey towards a circular economy requires large-scale systems that can recover value from complex waste streams and reintegrate them into productive use. Our partnership with Indian Oil marks a transformative step towards institutionalising structured oil recycling in India. By building an integrated ecosystem for used lubricant recovery and re-refining, we are enabling the transition from waste management to resource recovery while strengthening India’s environmental infrastructure and circular economy.”

The MoU is signed, with a targeted annual collection of 100 KTA (kilotonnes per annum) of used lubricating oil supported by a structured nationwide network of aggregation, logistics, and traceability systems.

As part of the initiative, the partners will establish a state-of-the-art re-refining facility at mutually agreed locations. The project will include both the development of new infrastructure and the upgrade of existing facilities designed to process used lubricating oil and convert it into Group II Re-Refined Base Oil (RRBO) meeting Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and international specifications.

The facility is expected to have a processing capacity of 50–100 KTA and is targeted to be commissioned within the next three years, forming the foundation for a scalable oil recovery and circular recycling ecosystem under the partnership.

The initiative will also include recovery and recycling of plastic lubricant containers, aligned with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements under India’s environmental regulations, thereby strengthening compliance and enabling responsible lifecycle management of lubricant packaging.

India currently generates approximately 1.3 million tonnes of used lubricating oil annually, of which only around 0.2 million tonnes is recovered through formal recycling channels. This initiative aims to significantly expand formal recovery infrastructure, unlock the resource value of used lubricants, and accelerate India’s transition toward a circular, resource-efficient, and sustainable lubricant economy.

Re Sustainability Limited (ReSL), a KKR-backed company, is one of Asia’s largest and most diversified providers of integrated environmental and sustainability solutions. The company operates across 100+ sites in India, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Tanzania, and the USA. With a 22,000+ strong workforce and over three decades of leadership in waste management, resource recovery, and sustainability infrastructure, ReSL is driving the transition toward a low-carbon, circular economy.

For more information, visit: resustainability.com

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil) is India’s largest integrated energy company and a Maharatna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. Headquartered in New Delhi, the company operates across the entire hydrocarbon value chain including refining, pipeline transportation, marketing of petroleum products, petrochemicals, natural gas, and exploration and production.

IndianOil owns and operates one of the country’s largest refining capacities and an extensive network of pipelines, terminals, depots, and fuel stations that serve millions of consumers across India. The company plays a vital role in ensuring India’s energy security and supporting economic growth.

Ranked among the Fortune Global 500 companies, IndianOil is also advancing investments in cleaner fuels, renewable energy, and emerging technologies as part of its transition towards a more sustainable and diversified energy future.

Nothing Phone (4a) Series Goes on Sale in India

London-based consumer tech unicorn, Nothing announced the sale commencement of Phone (4a) Series in India. Designed to raise the bar in the mid-range segment, the new lineup combines Nothing’s transparent design, powerful Snapdragon performance, advanced telephoto cameras, and the latest Nothing OS experience. 

Phone (4a) delivers a best-in-class triple camera system, featuring a 50MP OIS main camera and a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens with up to 70x Ultra Zoom, alongside a Sony ultra-wide sensor and a 32MP selfie camera. Powered by the TrueLens Engine 4 computational photography system, it enables Ultra XDR photos and AI-enhanced imaging, making it easy to capture everything from landscapes to distant subjects with clarity.

The phone features a 6.78” 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Gorilla Glass 7i. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset delivers fast everyday performance and smooth gaming. The device also introduces the new Glyph Bar, a refined lighting interface that provides smart notifications and can double as a fill light for photos and videos. The transparent design returns in bold colour options including Blue, Pink, Black and White, paired with IP64 protection.

The Phone (4a) features a large AMOLED display, upgraded Glyph lighting interfaces, and a massive 5400 mAh battery with 50W fast charging. Powered by Nothing OS 4.1 based on Android 16, the smartphone brings smarter AI tools, deeper personalisation, and a smooth, fast everyday experience.

Pricing and Availability

Phone (4a) is available for sale in Black, White, Blue and Pink in three configurations:

• 8GB + 128GB priced at ₹31,999,
• 8GB + 256GB priced at ₹34,999, and
• 12GB + 256GB priced at ₹37,999.

Phone (4a) Pro is available in Black, Silver and Pink in three configurations:

• 8GB + 128GB priced at ₹39,999,
• 8GB + 256GB priced at ₹42,999,
• 12GB + 256GB priced at ₹45,999.

Starting today, as part of launch offers, customers can avail bank discounts of up to ₹3,000 on Phone (4a) and up to ₹4,000 on Phone (4a) Pro, along with exchange benefits and no-cost EMI options across select partners. With these combined offers on 13 March 2026, Phone (4a) will be available at an effective starting price of ₹24,999, while Phone (4a) Pro will start at an effective price of ₹34,999.

The Phone (4a) series is available for sale via Flipkart, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, Croma and leading retail stores across India.