Jharkhand Govt, Infosys Explore AI & Tech Collaboration at Davos 2026

The Jharkhand government and Infosys recently held exploratory talks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, focusing on collaboration in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital skills development.

Key Highlights of the Talks

• Event: World Economic Forum (WEF), Davos, January 21, 2026
• Participants: Hemant Soren (Chief Minister of Jharkhand), Ashish Kumar Das (EVP, Infosys Global)
• Focus Areas: AI-driven mining solutions, digital skills development, IT-led interventions
• Nature of Talks: Exploratory, no immediate investments announced

Potential Areas of Collaboration

• Skill Development: Infosys to support digital literacy & AI training for youth
• Mining Technology: AI-led efficiency, safety, and sustainability improvements
• Digital Ecosystem: IT infrastructure, innovation hubs, AI pilot projects

Strategic Importance

Area	Why It Matters for Jharkhand	Infosys Contribution
Youth Skilling	Large young workforce needing employable skills	Training in AI, coding, digital tools
Mining Sector	Backbone of Jharkhand’s economy	AI-driven efficiency & safety solutions
Digital Transformation	State’s push for tech-led growth	Expertise in IT infrastructure & AI pilots

Challenges & Considerations

• Exploratory stage, no concrete projects yet
• Implementation risks: policy alignment, infrastructure readiness, sustained funding
• Global competition for AI and tech investments

Broader Context

• Jharkhand also engaged with Tech Mahindra on AI and data centre investments
• State aims to become a technology-driven, energy-surplus hub

In summary: Jharkhand’s talks with Infosys signal strong intent to integrate AI and digital skills into its development agenda. While no formal agreements were announced, the focus on youth skilling and mining technology could make Jharkhand a key hub for AI-led industrial innovation if collaborations materialize.

Sindri Goes Solar: ACC and Adani Foundation Build a Blueprint for Rural Self-Reliance and Clean Energy Access

• ACC and the Adani Foundation install solar-powered irrigation and drinking water systems in Chhatatand and nearby villages of Sindri.
• Solar irrigation systems enable uninterrupted farming on 15+ acres, saving ₹30,000 per farmer per season.
• Solar water pumps ensure clean drinking water access for 150 families, improving health and reducing daily hardship.

ACC, the cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, has implemented solar-powered irrigation and water systems across the Gram Panchayat of Chhatatand and nearby villages in Sindri, Jharkhand.

ACC Sindri - solar drinking water

These clean energy interventions are helping small farmers reduce irrigation costs, boost productivity, and are also ensuring safe drinking water access for more than 150 families in the region.

Until recently, erratic electricity and rising diesel prices made farming unreliable, while daily access to clean water remained a major challenge for many households. To address this, ACC installed 5 HP solar irrigation pumps across 15 acres of farmland in Chhatatand and Samlapur, enabling low-cost, uninterrupted irrigation.

At the same time, six 2 HP solar drinking water systems were installed across five villages, including Simatand, Kushberia and Jamadoba Basti. The systems pump water into overhead tanks, offering families a sustainable and safe source of drinking water close to home.

By integrating renewable energy into rural infrastructure, ACC and the Adani Foundation are advancing long-term self-reliance, improved health outcomes, and climate-friendly livelihoods in Jharkhand’s Sindri region.

In India’s 1st, Ministry Starts Underground Coal Gasification Project Converting It to H2, CO and CO2 for Industrial Uses

Ministry of Coal initiates India’s First Ever Pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification in Jharkhand

Initiative aims to Revolutionize the Coal Industry by using in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide for industrial applications

Under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Coal, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has embarked on an innovative pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the coal industry by using in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can be utilized for industrial applications, including producing synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and more.

This project represents a significant milestone for Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, positioning India as a leader in adopting advanced coal gasification technology. As the pilot project progresses, it aims to establish new standards and enhance energy security while promoting sustainable development.

In December, 2015, the Ministry of Coal approved a comprehensive policy framework for UCG in coal and lignite-bearing areas. In alignment with this policy, Coal India selected the Kasta coal block to implement UCG technology tailored to Indian geo-mining conditions. Managed by ECL in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI) from Canada, this project spans two years and comprises of two phases.

Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is a fascinating process that unlocks the energy potential of coal reserves located deep underground. A suitable coal seam is identified, typically at depths where traditional mining is challenging and wells are drilled into the coal seam from the surface. Oxygen or air is injected into the coal seam through one well, while another well collects the produced gases. The injected oxygen reacts with the coal, initiating gasification. Oxygen or air is injected into the coal seam through one well, while another well collects the produced gases. The injected oxygen reacts with the coal, initiating gasification. The high temperatures (around 1,000°C) cause the coal to undergo chemical reactions, releasing gases.

The primary gases produced during UCG include — Synthetic Gas or 'Syngas', a mixture of hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO); Methane (CH₄); Carbon Dioxide (CO₂); and other Hydrocarbons, depending on coal composition.

The collected gases are extracted through the second well. These gases can be used for various purposes as mentioned below:

• Syngas can fuel gas turbines or combined-cycle power plants.
• Syngas serves as a feedstock for chemicals.
• Hydrogen Production:Valuable for clean energy applications.
• Heat Generation: Methane can be used for heating.

Moreover, UCG reduces environmental impact compared to traditional coal mining:

• No Surface Mining: Minimizes land disturbance.
• Reduced Emissions: Syngas can be cleaner than burning coal directly.
• Carbon Capture: CO₂ can potentially be captured and stored.

Besides this, other companies invloved in UCG projects in the country include ONGC and Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC). These organizations have jointly identified several sites for studying the suitability of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG). Location of sites are Tadkeshwar in Gujarat, Hodu-Sindhari & East Kurla in Rajasthan, and Surkha in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.

Coal India Limited (CIL) is driving India's coal gasification mission. They have identified five surface coal gasification projects which include Shilpanjal Pariyojana (West Bengal), Project Utkarsh (Maharashtra), Dankuni (West Bengal), Ashoka (Jharkhand), Mahamaya SCG (Chhattisgarh). Two tenders have been issued in the build-own-operate model.

Apart from India, it's worth noting that China, with significant coal reserves, has been actively pushing for coal gasification. They adopt proven western-developed gasifiers to gain operational experience.

These initiatives demonstrate the growing interest in cleaner energy solutions and the efficient utilization of coal resources.

Grameen Udyami Project Launched in Jharkhand to Promote Entrepreneurship Amongst the Tribal Youth

On Friday, the second phase of Grameen Udyami Project was launched, wherein Jharkhand tribal youths will now be trained for functional skills to enable them for livelihoods.

Grameen Udyami is a unique multiskilling project, funded by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in partnership with Seva Bharti and Yuva Vikas Societythat aims to train 450 tribal students in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. The project is being implemented in six states— Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. This concept was crystallized by MoS, Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar and tribal MPs.

On this occasion, Union Minister of Tribal affairs, Mr. Arjun Munda stated that our complete focus is on strengthening sustainable livelihood for tribal populations and with this, the central government has sanctioned a budget of 85,000 cr. exclusively for tribal areas.

There is also a dire need of increasing ownership so that there is awareness built around such schemes and initiatives. There is so much potential and ability in the tribal youth that all we need to do is lay down the right avenues for them to use their talent in the right places.

To recall, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has partnered with tech giants — Microsoft and Meta (formerly Facebook) — for training tribal youth in digital skills and technology.

Mr. Munda, who launched the programme today, said, "Grameen Udyami project will prove to be game changer for the tribal communities of Jharkhand and will extend the right opportunities to them to stand on their own feet. He urged gram panchayats, villages, and blocks to bring these initiatives to youth for their progress."The training under the project will be conducted in the following Job roles which are relevant to the local economy.

• Electrician & Solar PV Installation Technician
• Plumbing & Masonry
• 2-Wheeler Repair & Maintenance
• IT/ITES with e-Governance
• Farm Mechanization

Grameen Udyami Yojana is implemented under Sansadiya Parisankul Yojana. A two-day conference of Honorable MPs was held in Mumbai to discuss the upliftment of tribal communities in January 2020 in which various experts and government organizations shared their experiences. Further, Scheduled Tribe organizations called for a 'Parliamentary ST Cluster Development Project' which has been initiated. Under which, 49 clusters in 15 states of India have been selected by 40 tribal MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Under their leadership, the scheme in respective clusters will be implemented. One development associate is appointed by the MPs in each cluster.

Following objectives must be achieved under the project:Increase in Rural/Local Economy

• Enhance employment opportunities
• Reduce forced migration due to lack of local opportunities
• Conservation of natural resources

Due to lack of skill and education, organized sectors have very poor contribution in tribal livelihood as compared to the national average. Therefore, initiatives like Grameen Udyami project are critical for their betterment and to ensure their livelihood generation.

Jharkhand Becomes 1st Indian State For Using Blockchain For Distributing Seeds Among Farmers

Since the state of Jharkhand was formed, it was for the first time in the state's history that seed distribution among farmers has been initiated well ahead of the arrival of the Kharif season. This made possible by using Blockchain-based seed traceability platform. Through this system, timely availability and quality of seeds is being ensured to the farmers.

Following the instruction of Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, the Directorate of Agriculture is distributing seeds to the sate's farmers through a blockchain based seed traceability platform.

In Kharif season, 1,01,065 farmers have been registered in just one month. Along with this, 123 Farmer Producer Groups have also been registered.

The system, based on Blockchain, sends OTP to the registered mobile numbers of the farmers and confirms the seed distribution. This system is being used to trace the supply of seeds from the seed producing agency to the godown, issuing supply orders from the Directorate of Agriculture and District Agriculture Officer for seed distribution.

The blockchain-powered system shall create a database which will map each farmer to the benefits and the schemes that they have availed.

This system will also ensure timely dissemination of information and quality maintenance of the supply chain of seeds, access and quality of seeds to farmers which will help in providing more robust infrastructure towards seed distribution programs in the State in the times to come. Also,

Through this system, seed distribution centers like LAMPS, PACS, Block, Panchayat and others will be able to share their experience through the learning centre and can also connect with the farmers’ system to interact with the competent authority.

Besides, 123 Farmer Producer Groups have also been registered on this system.

Nesha Oraon, Director of Agriculture & Horticulture, Govt of Jharkhand, has informed media that Jharkhand is the first State in the Country to use the block chain system to measure the progress and implementation of Government schemes. “This will play a crucial role in the transparent execution of schemes. There will be a crackdown on middle men. It is the utmost priority of this Government to make quality seeds available to the farmers at the right time,” she added.

She further added — "Due to timely availability of seeds, the demand for seeds from farmers has registered an increase of almost four times as compared to last year. The demand for 38,640 quintal seeds of paddy, arrhar, ragi, groundnut, maize, urad and moong has been met for the first time till May 2022. The total seed distributed in the Kharif season registered an increase of 75 per cent with an increase in the production of coarse cereals and pulses by 9 per cent and 2 per cent respectively."

The demand of 38,640 quintal seeds of paddy, tur, ragi, groundnut, maize, urad and moong in Kharif crop has been fulfilled. More than one lakh farmers cultivating in Kharif have been registered under the seed distribution scheme. Registered farmers will be given seeds at 50 percent subsidy. Seed distribution has started from May 11, 2022.

Since the start of this year, usage of blockchain and other emerging technologies in agriculture and farming ecosystem is on rise in India. In March, Agri FinTech Platform 'UPAJGURU' was launched. Developed by the Hyderabad-based company, UPAJGURU also use blockchain for traceability from farm to fork.

Last month, a startup called TraceX, that harnesses the power of blockchain for traceable supply chains across the food and agriculture ecosystem, raised funding from Govt. of India's National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) -backed NABVENTURES Fund.