Deepak Gupta, a veteran energy sector executive, assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of GAIL (India) Limited, India’s largest natural gas transmission and marketing company, thereby marking a new leadership chapter for the Maharatna PSU. He succeeds Sandeep Kumar Gupta, who superannuated on February 28.

Strong Technical and Leadership Background

Gupta brings decades of experience in natural gas transmission, marketing, and infrastructure development. Over the years, he has held several key leadership positions within GAIL, spanning operations, business development, project execution, and corporate management. As a result, he offers a balanced blend of technical expertise and strategic oversight. Gupta’s strengths include project and construction management, global procurement and contracts, technology selection, operations and maintenance, and board-level leadership.

Tenure Until 2029

Gupta joined GAIL’s board as Director (Projects) in February 2022. Now, as CMD, he will serve a tenure extending until February 28, 2029. His appointment ensures leadership continuity at a time when India is expanding its natural gas infrastructure and pushing for a cleaner energy mix.

Track Record of Project Execution

Gupta played a key role in completing the Dabhol breakwater project of Konkan LNG, a subsidiary of GAIL. The project enabled all-weather LNG operations at Dabhol, thereby enhancing supply reliability and strengthening India’s gas import infrastructure. As reported by deccanchronicle.com, with his proven track record in project execution and infrastructure development, Gupta is expected to steer GAIL through its next phase of growth, expansion, and energy transition initiatives.

The Ministry of ports, shipping and waterways approved the development of a dedicated green hydrogen jetty at Paradip Port with an estimated investment of ₹797.17 crore. The project will enable the handling of green hydrogen, ammonia, and other liquid cargo, significantly strengthening the port’s position as an emerging green energy logistics hub. Authorities plan to implement the project through the Paradip Port Authority under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Once operational, the facility will have a handling capacity of 4.0 million tons per annum (MTPA).

Strengthening Green Energy Infrastructure

The new jetty will feature modern infrastructure designed to support India’s expanding clean energy ambitions.  To ensure safe vessel operations, engineers have designed the jetty with a 279-metre centre-to-centre distance between extreme end dolphins. Additionally, authorities will maintain a dredged depth of 14.3 metres in front of the berth, enabling secure handling of large liquid cargo vessels.

Flexibility to Maximise Utilisation

The facility will also handle other liquid cargo during the early growth phase of the green hydrogen sector. This strategic flexibility will optimise asset utilisation while diversifying Paradip Port’s cargo profile. By incorporating adaptable infrastructure, the port can respond efficiently to evolving market demand and support multiple clean energy supply chains.

Aligned with National Green Hydrogen Mission

The project aligns closely with the objectives of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The jetty will facilitate investments in green energy infrastructure in Odisha and strengthen port-based logistics for clean energy commodities. Moreover, it will help create an integrated green hydrogen ecosystem around Paradip, positioning the region as a key export and distribution hub.

Advanced Safety and Integrated Ecosystem

Given the sensitive nature of green hydrogen and ammonia handling, the proposed jetty will incorporate specialised infrastructure and advanced safety systems. These measures will ensure safe storage, transport, and loading operations while meeting international maritime and environmental standards. As reported by psuconnect.in, the ₹797 crore investment represents a major step in building India’s green hydrogen export infrastructure and accelerating the transition toward cleaner energy solutions.

Engineers India Limited (EIL) bid farewell to its Chairman and Managing Director, Vartika Shukla, celebrating a transformative leadership journey that reshaped both the organisation and India’s energy and infrastructure landscape. After nearly four decades of service, Shukla leaves behind a legacy of strategic growth and operational excellence. Her leadership championed sustainability and innovation with a forward-looking vision.

From Management Trainee to CMD: A Remarkable Journey

Shukla began her journey with EIL in 1988 as a Management Trainee soon after completing her B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. From the outset, she demonstrated technical depth, leadership acumen, and a strong commitment to nation-building projects. Over the years, she steadily rose through the ranks, taking on increasingly complex responsibilities across refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and energy-transition initiatives. Her hands-on leadership and strategic foresight helped position EIL at the forefront of India’s industrial and energy transformation.

Driving Growth Across Energy and Infrastructure

Under Shukla’s stewardship, EIL significantly expanded its footprint in both domestic and international markets. She actively drove diversification into advanced infrastructure, green energy solutions, and sustainable technologies. This ensured the company remained aligned with global energy-transition trends.

Notably, EIL achieved record financial performance during her tenure. Through disciplined execution, strategic expansion, and a focus on innovation, she strengthened the company’s competitive position in the engineering consultancy and EPC sectors. Her emphasis on efficiency and sustainability reinforced EIL’s reputation as a trusted partner in large-scale refining and petrochemical projects.

Leadership Rooted in Values and Vision

The EIL Board acknowledged her impact, stating that true leadership goes beyond driving change—it builds institutions and touches lives. Throughout her tenure, Shukla fostered a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Importantly, the systems, governance practices, and organisational values she embedded will continue to guide EIL’s long-term growth strategy. Her leadership not only delivered measurable business results but also strengthened the institutional framework of the company.

A New Chapter Ahead

As Shukla embarks on a new chapter, the entire EIL family has expressed deep gratitude and admiration for her decades of dedicated service. Her contributions have left an enduring imprint on India’s refining, petrochemical, infrastructure, and energy-transition ecosystem. As reported by psuconnect.in, with a strong foundation in place, Engineers India Limited now moves forward, inspired by the vision and direction she established.

China has achieved a major milestone in the construction of the world’s largest hybrid pumped hydro storage facility at the Lianghekou Dam. The project team has completed excavation of the plant’s underground “power heart,” marking a critical step toward commissioning. At the same time, workers have begun building the downstream reservoir, accelerating overall progress. The development signals China’s continued push to strengthen grid stability as renewable energy capacity expands rapidly.

Why Energy Storage Is Becoming Critical

As wind and solar installations grow across the globe, countries must address a pressing challenge: how to store surplus electricity generated during periods of low demand. While lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density, scaling them to grid level remains expensive. As a result, governments and utilities are increasingly turning to pumped hydro storage — a proven, large-scale, and cost-effective energy storage solution.

How Pumped Hydro Storage Works

Pumped hydro storage converts excess renewable energy into stored potential energy. When electricity supply exceeds demand, the system uses surplus power to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher one. Later, when demand rises, operators release the stored water downhill through turbines to generate electricity. In essence, the water acts like a rechargeable battery — storing energy when available and releasing it when needed.

Unlike conventional hydropower plants, which depend solely on natural water flow, pumped hydro facilities reuse stored water. This design allows year-round operation and ensures energy generation even during periods of low rainfall. In contrast, traditional hydropower plants can halt generation during water scarcity because water flows only in one direction.

A Backbone for Renewable Energy Integration

Pumped hydro storage plays a vital role in balancing power grids. It helps utilities manage the intermittency of wind and solar generation by smoothing fluctuations in supply. As renewable penetration increases, grid operators need flexible, dispatchable power sources. Pumped hydro provides exactly that — rapid response capability, long-duration storage, and large-scale reliability. However, these projects require years of geological surveys, environmental clearances, engineering design, and construction before they become operational. Therefore, reaching major construction milestones represents significant progress.

A Landmark Achievement

Completing the excavation of the facility’s underground powerhouse — often referred to as its “power heart” — marks a defining moment for the Lianghekou project. With downstream reservoir construction now underway, the world’s largest hybrid pumped hydro storage facility moves closer to operational reality. As reported by msn.com, the project not only demonstrates engineering ambition but also reinforces the growing global shift toward large-scale renewable energy storage solutions.

Anupam Rasayan India Ltd, a custom synthesis and specialty chemicals company, successfully completed its previously announced acquisition of 100% equity stake in Jayhawk Fine Chemicals Corporation, a U.S.-based specialty chemicals firm and part of the CABB Group. The transaction, valued at approximately $150 million, was executed through Anupam Rasayan’s wholly owned subsidiary, Doriath S.à r.l. With the deal now closed, Jayhawk will be fully consolidated into Anupam Rasayan’s financials and is expected to be EPS accretive.

Advancing Up the Specialty Chemicals Value Chain

Anand Desai, Managing Director of Anupam Rasayan India Ltd, said, “We are pleased to announce the successful closing of the acquisition of Jayhawk. This transaction marks a significant milestone in our long-term strategy of building a differentiated, innovation-led global specialty chemicals platform.” With Jayhawk’s integration, Anupam Rasayan moves further up the value chain by manufacturing key N-1 molecules for high-growth sectors. Jayhawk’s U.S. manufacturing presence enhances Anupam Rasayan’s proximity to strategic customers in developed markets, thereby strengthening customer engagement and expanding global reach.

Building a Globally Diversified Specialty Chemicals Platform

The acquisition also enables the creation of an integrated platform combining:

Tanfac Industries Limited

Anupam Rasayan India Ltd

Jayhawk Fine Chemicals Corporation

Together, these entities form a globally diversified specialty chemicals platform with complementary chemistries, broader geographic coverage, and enhanced technological capabilities. As per the press release, Anupam Rasayan expects to unlock cross-selling opportunities, improve operational synergies, and deepen relationships with multinational customers. The integrated model is designed to drive sustainable long-term value creation while strengthening the company’s competitive positioning in high-value specialty segments.

Strengthening Global Growth Strategy

With the successful completion of the Jayhawk acquisition, Anupam Rasayan reinforces its ambition to become a leading global innovation-driven specialty chemicals company. As per the press release, by combining advanced chemistry expertise, international manufacturing capabilities, and strong financial backing, the company is well-positioned to capitalise on growing demand across electronics, aviation, semiconductors, and advanced materials markets.

Saatvik Green Energy Ltd announced that it has received and accepted a solar PV module supply order worth ₹87.10 crore from a leading independent power producer (IPP) and EPC company. The order is scheduled for execution by March 2026. The contract strengthens the company’s growing order book and reinforces its position in India’s expanding solar manufacturing sector.

Strengthening Customer Confidence and Market Position

Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Ltd, stated, “This new order further validates the strength of our customer relationships and the confidence placed in Saatvik’s manufacturing quality and execution capabilities.” He added that as demand for reliable, domestically manufactured solar modules continues to rise, the company remains focused on scaling operations responsibly. At the same time, Saatvik aims to deepen backward integration and support India’s clean energy and self-reliance goals through high-performance solar solutions.

Scaling Manufacturing and Backward Integration

Saatvik Green Energy currently operates a 4.8 GW solar module manufacturing facility in Ambala, Haryana. In addition, the company is developing a Greenfield integrated manufacturing facility in Odisha. Furthermore, the company has recently commissioned a 2 GW in-house EPE film manufacturing facility, enhancing its vertical integration strategy. By expanding upstream capabilities, Saatvik aims to improve supply chain efficiency, reduce dependency on imports, and strengthen cost competitiveness.

Supporting India’s Clean Energy Ambitions

As India accelerates its renewable energy transition and pushes for greater domestic manufacturing under self-reliance initiatives, Saatvik Green Energy continues to position itself as a key player in the solar value chain. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, the company can capitalise on rising demand for high-quality, Made-in-India solar PV modules. This growth is supported by its expanding order book, increased manufacturing capacity

NTPC Limited has entered into two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) to strengthen collaboration in coal and lignite utilisation. The agreements aim to enhance domestic fuel security while advancing cleaner coal technologies such as gasification. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of NTPC, and Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director of GMDC. Senior officials from both organisations were also present.

Securing Long-Term Coal Supply for Power Generation

Under the first MoU, NTPC and GMDC will collaborate on the utilisation of coal from GMDC’s coal blocks. GMDC will supply coal to NTPC’s existing and upcoming power plants across India. By leveraging GMDC’s coal resources, NTPC aims to ensure reliable and cost-effective fuel availability for its growing power generation capacity.

Exploring Coal and Lignite Gasification Projects

The second MoU focuses on exploring opportunities in coal and lignite gasification, along with downstream commercialisation avenues. The collaboration will include the development of pilot projects and the utilisation of synthesis gas (syngas) for industrial and energy applications. Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, enabling industries to produce chemicals, fuels, fertilisers, and power. Experts consider gasification a cleaner and more efficient way to utilise domestic coal resources compared to conventional combustion.

Supporting India’s Energy Transition Strategy

As India seeks to balance energy security with sustainability, coal gasification has emerged as a key pillar of the national energy transition roadmap. The signing of the two MoUs marks a significant step toward reinforcing India’s coal value chain. By combining their respective strengths, NTPC Limited and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited will drive innovation in coal utilisation. They will also accelerate the adoption of advanced gasification technologies. As reported by psuconnect.in, the strategic alliance marks a strong commitment from both companies. They aim to enhance fuel security, promote cleaner coal solutions, and support India’s evolving energy landscape.

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC), a Government of Gujarat enterprise and one of India’s leading lignite producers, has received Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) for its Lakhpat–Punrajpur Lignite and Limestone Mine in Kutch, Gujarat. The approval marks a significant milestone in GMDC’s expansion roadmap and strengthens its long-term resource and production outlook.

Approved Production Capacity Strengthens Resource Base

Under the Environmental Clearance, GMDC is now authorized to produce:

*3.0 million tons per annum (MTPA) of lignite

*29.81 MTPA of limestone

With this clearance in place, the company enhances its long-term production visibility while reinforcing its mineral reserve base. Moreover, the approval further solidifies GMDC’s strategic role in supporting Gujarat’s energy and industrial mineral ecosystem.

Supporting Energy, Cement, and Core Industries

The integrated development of lignite and limestone at Lakhpat–Punrajpur will provide a stable and reliable supply of raw materials to key sectors. Consequently, the project will contribute to regional industrial growth while ensuring supply chain stability for essential industries.

Driving Diversification and Sustainable Growth

The Lakhpat–Punrajpur Mine forms an important part of GMDC’s broader strategy to diversify its mineral portfolio, strengthen its reserve base, and achieve sustainable operational growth. At the same time, the company continues to prioritize responsible mining practices, strict environmental safeguards, and full statutory compliance across all operations. By aligning expansion with sustainability, GMDC aims to balance economic development with environmental stewardship. As reported by psuconnect.in, with the environmental clearance secured, GMDC takes a decisive step forward in expanding its mining footprint in Kutch while reinforcing its position as a key player in India’s lignite and limestone sectors.

Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, a subsidiary of Cosmo First Limited, has launched an expanded range of advanced masterbatches, further strengthening its Specialty Chemicals portfolio. With this move, the company reinforces its growing presence in value-added polymer solutions and specialty packaging applications. The newly introduced portfolio features two key product platforms — CosmoWhite and CosmoAdd — both engineered to deliver enhanced performance, sustainability, and application-specific functionality across the polymer and flexible packaging industry.

CosmoWhite: Premium White Masterbatches for Superior Performance

At the forefront of the launch is CosmoWhite, a premium portfolio of advanced white masterbatches designed for polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) applications. By combining aesthetics with durability, CosmoWhite enables manufacturers to achieve high-quality output while maintaining operational efficiency.

CosmoAdd: Advanced Additive Masterbatches for Modern Packaging

In addition, the company has unveiled CosmoAdd, a complementary portfolio of additive masterbatches engineered to improve processing efficiency, product durability, and end-use functionality. Specifically tailored for flexible packaging applications such as BOPP, CPP, and blown films, CosmoAdd includes a broad range of high-performance solutions.

Specialized solutions for synthetic paper

Importantly, CosmoAdd addresses evolving industry challenges, including sustainability requirements and regulatory shifts. As a result, it positions Cosmo Speciality Chemicals as a comprehensive and forward-looking partner for modern packaging manufacturers.

Leadership View

Raj Sharma, Business Head, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, stated, “Our expanded masterbatch portfolio reflects our focus on innovation-led specialty solutions. We remain committed to delivering high-performance, sustainable, and application-specific masterbatches that enhance both functionality and aesthetics for our customers across the polymer and packaging industry.” He further emphasized that together, CosmoWhite and CosmoAdd represent engineered excellence and practical innovation, enabling manufacturers to achieve superior product quality, improved efficiency, and enhanced sustainability.

Aligned with Cosmo First’s Specialty Chemicals Growth Strategy

The launch aligns closely with Cosmo First Limited’s strategic expansion of its Specialty Chemicals vertical. Since its inception in FY21, the division has steadily scaled operations alongside the company’s core specialty films business. Backed by strong R&D capabilities and advanced technology platforms, the specialty chemicals segment continues to strengthen its footprint in external markets while developing innovative, customer-centric solutions.

Strengthening Position in India’s Masterbatch Market

With this expanded portfolio, Cosmo Speciality Chemicals reinforces its position as a trusted Indian manufacturer of innovation-driven masterbatch solutions. By offering tailored formulations supported by rigorous research and sustainable manufacturing practices, the company aims to deliver measurable value across the polymer processing and flexible packaging ecosystem. As per the press release, through CosmoWhite and CosmoAdd, the company not only enhances its product offerings but also advances its mission of driving performance, sustainability, and technological excellence in specialty chemicals.

In a significant step toward strengthening India’s mineral and metals ecosystem, the Research and Development Centre of NMDC Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad). The partnership aims to deepen academic–industry collaboration and accelerate the development of indigenous technologies in mining and mineral processing. The agreement was formalised by Sanjeev Sahi, Executive Director (R&D), NMDC, and the Dean (Sponsored Research & Consultancy), IIT Hyderabad, in the presence of Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad.

Advancing Indigenous Mineral Processing Technologies

Through this collaboration, NMDC and IIT Hyderabad will jointly drive research across critical areas of the mineral and metals value chain.

Key focus areas include:

*Iron ore beneficiation and agglomeration

*Green steelmaking technologies

*Alternative iron-making processes using domestic raw materials

*Advanced modelling and simulation of mining and metallurgical processes

Focus on Critical and Rare Earth Minerals

Importantly, the MoU also prioritises research in the extraction of critical and rare earth minerals from both primary and secondary sources. This initiative aligns with India’s broader objective of strengthening mineral security and improving resource resilience. As global competition intensifies for access to strategic minerals, the partnership will support sustainable extraction methods and reduce import dependence.

Driving Digital Transformation in Mining

In addition to conventional mineral research, the collaboration will actively support digital transformation in the mining sector. By integrating digital tools with mining operations, NMDC and IIT Hyderabad seek to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Leadership Perspective