A New Step Towards Sustainable Cities

India has introduced its first-ever “Liquid Tree” initiative, marking a significant move in the fight against urban air pollution. The innovative installation uses microalgae technology to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, functioning as a compact alternative to traditional trees in densely populated urban areas.

Unlike conventional trees, Liquid Trees require far less space. Therefore, experts believe they can become highly effective in cities where green cover is limited due to rapid urbanisation.

How the Liquid Tree Works

The Liquid Tree system contains water filled with microalgae that perform photosynthesis. As a result, the algae absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and generate oxygen. In addition, the system helps purify surrounding air and supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Authorities and environmental experts see this technology as an innovative solution for heavily polluted urban zones where planting large numbers of trees may not always be possible.

A Sustainable Urban Innovation

The project highlights India’s growing focus on climate-friendly and sustainable technologies. Moreover, the installation demonstrates how scientific innovation can support environmental conservation in modern cities.

As per Rising India Updates, the Liquid Tree initiative represents a breakthrough in combining biotechnology with urban infrastructure to address rising pollution levels.

Why the Initiative Matters

Air pollution continues to remain one of the biggest environmental challenges in Indian cities. Consequently, initiatives like the Liquid Tree can contribute to cleaner air while also spreading awareness about sustainable living.

Environmentalists believe such technologies could complement traditional tree plantations rather than replace them. Furthermore, if implemented on a larger scale, Liquid Trees may help improve air quality in crowded public spaces, business districts, and transport hubs.

Looking Ahead

With increasing concerns over climate change and urban pollution, India’s first Liquid Tree project could pave the way for similar eco-friendly innovations across the country. In the coming years, experts expect more cities to explore advanced green technologies to create healthier and more sustainable urban environments.

The global platinum market continues to face mounting pressure as structural supply deficits tighten availability and reshape investor sentiment toward platinum group metals (PGMs). Analysts believe the imbalance between supply and demand is no longer temporary, but part of a deeper long-term trend driven by declining mine production, geopolitical instability, and shrinking above-ground inventories. 

South African Output Declines Further

South Africa, which accounts for nearly 70% of global platinum production, has experienced a steady decline in output over the past two decades. Production dropped from 5.3 million ounces in 2006 to approximately 3.9 million ounces in 2025, raising concerns about the industry’s ability to meet future demand. Mining companies continue to struggle with ageing infrastructure, underinvestment, and operational challenges, which have slowed new production growth. 

At the same time, Russia and Zimbabwe remain vulnerable to geopolitical and policy-related disruptions. Consequently, investors have started focusing on alternative PGM development projects located outside traditional supply regions.

Platinum Inventories Reach Critical Levels

Above-ground platinum inventories have also fallen sharply. Current stockpiles now represent less than five months of global demand coverage, leaving the market highly sensitive to additional supply disruptions. According to industry estimates, platinum deficits could persist through the remainder of the decade if new projects fail to enter production quickly enough. 

As per Crux Investor, structural supply shortages and geopolitical uncertainty have significantly increased investor interest in development-stage platinum assets outside South Africa and Russia.

Geopolitical Tensions Drive Safe-Haven Demand

Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding global trade policies have strengthened demand for precious metals. Investors increasingly view platinum and palladium as strategic assets during periods of economic instability.

In addition, concerns over inflation and currency volatility have encouraged institutional investors and central banks to diversify into hard assets. Analysts noted that these macroeconomic factors have amplified platinum’s recent price momentum. 

Electric Vehicle Transition Creates Market Debate

Despite the bullish supply outlook, the long-term demand trajectory for PGMs remains debated due to the global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). Since battery electric vehicles do not require catalytic converters, some analysts expect platinum and palladium demand from the automotive sector to weaken over time. 

However, others argue that slower-than-expected EV adoption, combined with continued demand for hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, could sustain platinum consumption for years. Furthermore, recent policy adjustments in Europe regarding combustion engine timelines have provided additional support for platinum demand expectations. 

Investors Focus on New Supply Sources

As supply risks intensify, investors have started evaluating emerging mining projects in politically stable jurisdictions. Companies developing PGM assets in regions such as Brazil and North America are attracting greater attention as the industry searches for diversified supply chains.

Experts believe that future platinum prices will depend heavily on how quickly new production can offset declining output from mature mining regions. Until then, persistent supply deficits and geopolitical uncertainty are expected to keep the platinum market under pressure.

Europe’s energy policy has failed on several fronts, according to Josu Jon Imaz, CEO of Repsol. He argued that the continent’s energy transition strategy left Europe overly dependent on Russian energy supplies while also making energy less affordable for consumers.

Speaking at the Reuters Energy Transition Europe 2022 conference, Imaz said Europe failed to secure its energy independence and struggled to balance affordability with climate goals. As per Reuters, he stressed that Europe’s heavy reliance on Russian gas exposed major weaknesses in the region’s long-term energy planning. 

Dependence on Russian Energy Increased Risks

Imaz explained that Europe depended too heavily on Russian fuel imports for years. Consequently, the region faced severe energy insecurity after the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted supplies. He noted that many households across Europe now struggle to pay rising energy bills because policymakers overlooked affordability during the transition process. 

Energy Transition Policies Spark Debate

Furthermore, Imaz criticized what he described as an “ideological” energy transition. He argued that Europe discouraged investment in certain energy sources for political reasons rather than technological or practical considerations.

According to him, these policies increased energy costs for businesses and consumers while failing to reduce global carbon emissions effectively. Although emissions within Europe declined, industrial activity shifted to other regions, which continued producing significant emissions. 

Industry Leaders Call for a More Balanced Strategy

At the same time, several industry leaders have urged European governments to rethink energy policies and provide stronger incentives for investment. Recent discussions within the sector have focused on balancing sustainability goals with industrial competitiveness and energy security. 

Meanwhile, companies across Europe continue to warn that regulatory uncertainty and additional taxes could slow investments in clean energy projects, including green hydrogen initiatives.

ASML and Tata Group have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate semiconductor manufacturing in India. The collaboration will support the development and ramp-up of Tata Electronics’ upcoming semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat, marking a major step in India’s chip manufacturing ambitions. 

Partnership to Power India’s First Commercial Semiconductor Fab

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ASML will provide its advanced lithography tools and solutions for Tata Electronics’ 300 mm semiconductor fab in Dholera. The facility is expected to become India’s first commercial semiconductor fabrication plant and will manufacture chips for sectors such as automotive, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, and electronics. 

As per the ASML press release, the partnership will also focus on building domestic talent, strengthening supply chain resilience, and developing research and development infrastructure critical for the long-term success of the Dholera fab. 

Focus on Advanced Lithography Technology

ASML, headquartered in the Netherlands, is globally known for its cutting-edge lithography systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. Through this collaboration, Tata Electronics will gain access to ASML’s holistic suite of lithography technologies, which are essential for producing advanced semiconductor chips efficiently and at scale. 

Moreover, the companies plan to accelerate lithography-intensive skill development in India while creating a trusted semiconductor supply chain for global customers. 

Leaders Welcome the Strategic Collaboration

The agreement was signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten during Modi’s visit to the Netherlands. Both leaders highlighted the partnership as a significant milestone in strengthening India-Netherlands cooperation in critical technologies, particularly semiconductors. 

Prime Minister Modi stated that the agreement represents an important step in India’s journey toward building a strong semiconductor ecosystem and boosting domestic chip production capabilities. 

India Pushes Ahead With Semiconductor Ambitions

India has intensified efforts to establish a domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem through government incentives and large-scale investments. Tata Electronics is investing nearly $11 billion in the Dholera semiconductor project, which forms part of the country’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported chips and strengthen technological self-reliance. 

Industry experts believe the partnership between Tata Electronics and ASML could significantly boost India’s position in the global semiconductor value chain while opening new opportunities for local talent, research, and high-tech manufacturing.

New Technologies Aim to Transform Industrial Sustainability

Memsift Innovations has launched three next-generation membrane technology platforms — MISTIL-PURE™, HYPER-X-RO™, and NUCLEX™ — to address some of the most complex industrial water treatment and resource recovery challenges.

The Singapore-based company developed these advanced systems to help industries recover more water, extract valuable materials from industrial waste, and produce ultra-pure water with greater efficiency and operational stability. Collectively, the three platforms support the growing global shift toward circular manufacturing, high-recovery water reuse, and low-carbon industrial operations.

As per the press release, the technologies combine advanced membrane science, thermodynamics, and modular engineering to push beyond the limitations of conventional separation systems.

Leadership Highlights Vision for Circular Manufacturing

Dr. J Antony Prince, Founder and CEO of Memsift Innovations, said the company designed the platforms to redefine how industries manage water, energy, and waste.

According to Dr. Prince, the newly launched systems result from years of scientific innovation in membrane engineering, resource recovery, and thermodynamic optimization. He added that the technologies will not only address current industrial wastewater challenges but also support the next generation of sustainable manufacturing and ultra-pure production globally.

MISTIL-PURE™ Enhances Ultra-Pure Water Production

Advanced Membrane Distillation Technology for Semiconductor Manufacturing

MISTIL-PURE™ is an improved membrane distillation-based ultra-pure water (UPW) system developed for semiconductor and AI-driven manufacturing facilities.

The system uses vapor-phase molecular separation, allowing only water vapor molecules to pass through a specially engineered hydrophobic membrane. At the same time, it rejects contaminants such as salts, metals, silica, nanoparticles, endotoxins, organics, and ionic impurities with extremely high selectivity.

Key Benefits of MISTIL-PURE™

• Delivers exceptional rejection of nanoparticles and contaminants 
• Maintains stable ultra-pure water production under variable feed conditions 
• Reduces the risk of contaminant breakthrough 
• Minimizes chemical dependency and resin exhaustion 
• Supports low-grade heat utilization and energy recovery 
• Simplifies polishing architecture 

HYPER-X-RO™ Expands the Limits of Reverse Osmosis

Designed for High-Salinity Industrial Wastewater

HYPER-X-RO™ is a hyper saline batch reverse osmosis platform engineered to overcome the thermodynamic limitations of conventional reverse osmosis systems.

The technology treats extremely high-salinity industrial wastewater streams and complex brines through a high-pressure membrane separation process. Additionally, the batch recirculation design progressively concentrates dissolved salts and contaminants while continuously recovering purified water.

Key Benefits of HYPER-X-RO™

• Enables stable operation under ultra-high salinity conditions 
• Achieves higher water recovery than conventional RO systems 
• Lowers specific energy consumption 
• Reduces residual brine volume 
• Adapts effectively to changing wastewater compositions 
• Integrates efficiently with crystallization systems 

NUCLEX™ Introduces Advanced Crystallization Technology

Integrated Solution for Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery

NUCLEX™ offers a new approach to hypersaline wastewater treatment by combining advanced membrane distillation with controlled crystallization in a single energy-efficient system.

The platform uses vapor-phase separation technology that allows only water vapor to pass through engineered hydrophobic membranes while retaining dissolved salts, metals, and contaminants with near-complete rejection.

Key Benefits of NUCLEX™

• Treats ultra-high salinity brines beyond conventional RO capabilities 
• Reduces membrane scaling and fouling 
• Recovers high-purity salts and minerals 
• Simultaneously produces reusable water and engineered crystalline products 
• Features a compact modular architecture for seamless Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) integration 

Strengthening the Circular Industrial Economy

With the launch of these three platforms, Memsift Innovations aims to strengthen its position in advanced industrial water treatment and resource recovery technologies.

The company stated that the integrated platform enables industries to improve water recovery, reduce carbon emissions, minimize liquid waste, and extract valuable resources from industrial effluents more effectively.

Mr. Chris O’Connor, CFO and COO of Memsift Innovations, said the company sees strong commercial opportunities, particularly in the United States, where demand for circular manufacturing and sustainable industrial operations continues to rise.

He further noted that the technologies work together across the entire treatment process — from pretreatment and concentration to ultra-pure water production and resource extraction — helping industries achieve higher recovery rates and move closer to sustainable Zero Liquid Discharge operations.

Zydus Lifesciences signed a definitive agreement through its subsidiary, Zydus Worldwide DMCC, to acquire Assertio Holdings Inc. in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $166.4 million. Assertio, a Nasdaq-listed pharmaceutical company, specializes in oncology supportive-care and other specialty therapies. Through the acquisition, Zydus aims to strengthen its foothold in the US specialty oncology market and accelerate its global specialty pharma strategy.

Strategic Push into Specialty and Oncology Therapies

Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences said the transaction aligns with the company’s long-term vision of building differentiated and sustainable specialty businesses globally. “This transaction represents a strategic step in strengthening our specialty and oncology footprint in the US. Assertio brings a focused commercial platform and an approved oncology asset that aligns well with our long-term strategy,” Patel added.

Focus on Long-Term Growth in the US Market

With the acquisition of Assertio, Zydus plans to leverage the company’s established oncology relationships, specialty sales network, and commercial capabilities to expand its specialty drug portfolio in the United States. As reported by msn.com, the deal further highlights Zydus’ growing emphasis on specialty therapies, oncology, and value-driven acquisitions aimed at strengthening its presence in regulated global markets.

The Transport Processes Research Group recognised Prof. Arun S. Mujumdar for his outstanding global academic achievements in engineering and drying science. According to the latest rankings published by ScholarGPS, Prof. Mujumdar secured a place among the world’s top scholars in his field, reinforcing his long-standing contribution to research, innovation, and engineering education.

Ranked among top global scholars in Food Science and Technology

Prof. Mujumdar currently ranks number five worldwide in the field of Food Science and Technology, highlighting his significant impact on drying technologies, transport processes, and advanced engineering research. In addition, he continues to hold leading positions across multiple engineering disciplines, reflecting his broad academic influence and decades of pioneering work in process engineering and thermal sciences.

Global recognition for contributions to engineering and drying science

Widely regarded as one of the foremost experts in drying technology and transport phenomena, Prof. Mujumdar has contributed extensively to industrial process engineering, sustainable drying systems, and interdisciplinary research applications. His work has influenced academic institutions, industrial research programmes, and technological developments worldwide, particularly in areas related to food processing, energy efficiency, and advanced manufacturing systems.

Inspiring future generations of researchers and engineers

The recognition by ScholarGPS further underscores Prof. Mujumdar’s role as a global thought leader in engineering research. His achievements continue to inspire researchers, students, and professionals working across chemical engineering, food technology, thermal engineering, and industrial process innovation. The Transport Processes Research Group stated that the recognition reflects not only Prof. Mujumdar’s academic excellence but also his enduring contribution to advancing engineering science on a global scale.

Gulshan Polyols secured an additional ethanol allocation under the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme (EBPP) for the third quarter of Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. The company had participated in a tender floated by oil marketing companies (OMCs) and received an order for the supply of 2,923 kiloliters of ethanol.

BPCL and IOCL award ethanol allocation

The ethanol supply allocation has been awarded by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). According to the company, the contract will be executed during ESY 2025-26 as part of the government’s ongoing ethanol blending initiative. Gulshan Polyols further clarified that the order is entirely domestic in nature and does not involve any related-party transaction or promoter interest in the awarding entities.

Strengthening India’s ethanol blending programme

The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, overseen by the government aims to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil imports by increasing ethanol blending in petrol. At the same time, the programme supports domestic sugarcane-based and grain-based ethanol producers while promoting cleaner fuel adoption and energy security. As reported by chinimandi.com, the latest allocation further strengthens Gulshan Polyols’ position in the growing ethanol and biofuel market as India continues to accelerate its clean energy and blending targets.

Hindustan Zinc Limited announced plans to unlock nearly ₹2,000 crore in value through artificial intelligence (AI)-driven transformation across its mining, smelting, and manufacturing operations. The company unveiled the initiative during ‘Zinnovation 2026’, an industrial technology showcase organised in Udaipur in collaboration with V-Spark DeepTech Ventures.

Through the initiative, Hindustan Zinc aims to enhance productivity, improve asset reliability, increase energy efficiency, strengthen operational safety, and accelerate decision-making using advanced industrial AI applications. The identified value pool is expected to emerge from large-scale digital deployment across the company’s integrated operations.

Global technology firms participate in Zinnovation 2026

The event brought together leading global technology companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and deep-tech startups to showcase scalable AI and automation solutions for industrial applications. Participating companies included Microsoft, Google, ABB, Siemens Limited, Sandvik, and XCMG. During the event, Hindustan Zinc signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with XCMG, Sandvik, STL Digital, and AVEVA to evaluate and deploy next-generation industrial technologies across its operations.

Focus on predictive maintenance and digital twins

The newly formed partnerships will primarily focus on pilot projects involving predictive maintenance, digital twins, connected operations, robotics, autonomous systems, and industrial data platforms. Additionally, the collaborations aim to evaluate technology feasibility, integration capabilities, and scalable deployment models for broader manufacturing adoption. V-Spark DeepTech Ventures also signed agreements with several emerging startups, including Beta Tanks Robotics, Symboticware AI, Kernely, Infinite Uptime, and Flutura.

HZL 2.0 strategy focuses on intelligent manufacturing

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc, stated that the future of manufacturing will depend on the ability to scale operations intelligently using technology and data-driven systems. She added that the company’s HZL 2.0 strategy aims to build a globally benchmarked metals enterprise powered by advanced digital capabilities and industrial innovation. According to the company, manufacturing contributes nearly 17 per cent to India’s GDP. However, industrial sectors have traditionally lagged behind industries such as finance and consumer technology in adopting AI-driven solutions.

Expanding industrial AI across manufacturing sectors

V-Spark DeepTech Ventures said it plans to expand industrial AI applications beyond Hindustan Zinc into the wider manufacturing ecosystem. The platform is currently collaborating with more than 50 deep-tech startups across over 100 projects focused on production enhancement, operational efficiency, sustainability, and cost optimisation.

Digital mining and smart smelting technologies showcased

The event highlighted Hindustan Zinc’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives in mining and smelting operations. Visitors witnessed demonstrations of tele-remote mining operations, virtual industrial systems, and smart manufacturing technologies designed to improve operational control, safety, and efficiency across the metals value chain.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals announced that the merger of Mumbai-based JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals with the company has entered its final phase, with the transaction expected to become effective within the next one to two months. Aman Mehta, Managing Director of Torrent Pharmaceuticals and a Board member of JB Chemicals, said the merger process is progressing as planned and has already secured the required shareholder approvals. “On the merger process we have received the requisite shareholder approval for merger of JB Pharma with Torrent and we are in the last stage of the process,” Mehta said. He added that the hearing date is scheduled for the second week of June, after which the merger is expected to become effective within one to two months.

Shareholder and regulatory approvals already secured

The merger scheme received approvals from shareholders of both companies in April 2026. In addition, the companies secured approvals from public shareholders and received no-objection letters from stock exchanges. Under the approved share exchange ratio, shareholders of JB Chemicals, excluding Torrent Pharmaceuticals, will receive 51 equity shares of Torrent Pharma for every 100 shares held in JB Chemicals. The appointed date for the merger has been fixed as January 21, 2026.

Torrent Pharma already overseeing integration

Torrent Pharma has already been exercising operational control over JB Chemicals for the past four months as part of the ongoing integration process. According to Mehta, JB Chemicals’ strong domestic brands continue to provide confidence for future growth opportunities within the merged entity. “The brands in the India business in particular continue to give us confidence. These are such widely established and recognized brands and familiarity is so high that in a merged entity it could certainly be possible to grow further,” he said.

India business to drive future growth

The merged entity plans to sharpen its focus on the Indian pharmaceutical market, which Torrent Pharma views as its primary long-term growth engine. “The objective that we have taken is to change the mix profile and growth profile of the company as JB which would be more geared to India growth as an outperformance driver rather than a mix of international and India,” Mehta stated. While international operations will continue to remain important, the company expects future growth momentum to come mainly from recovery in the domestic branded formulations business and revenue synergies arising from the merger integration.

Field force rationalisation likely during integration

Torrent Pharma also indicated that some rationalisation within the field force could take place as the integration process advances. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, currently, the company’s integration efforts are focused on aligning business practices, operating structures, and sales processes across the combined organisation to ensure a smoother transition and stronger operational efficiency.