BASF is accelerating the transformation of its Global Business Services (GB Services) organization to enhance cost competitiveness, improve resilience, and deliver consistent, high-quality services across its global operations. As part of this next phase, the company will consolidate key functions into scalable global hubs, enabling greater standardisation, automation, and operational efficiency.

India to Host New Global Hub

To better support evolving business requirements, BASF plans to establish the global hub in India, where it will bundle finance and human resources services under one integrated structure.

By centralising these functions, BASF aims to:

*Streamline processes

*Improve service consistency

*Reduce operating costs

*Enhance digital and automation capabilities

Meanwhile, Supply Chain-related services will be consolidated at BASF’s established hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the same time, activities that require close operational alignment will continue to be delivered locally or regionally to maintain responsiveness. The hub-based model forms part of BASF’s broader strategy to create a consolidated service portfolio while leveraging cost-efficient global locations.

Driving Efficiency Through Standardisation and Automation

Through the transformation, BASF intends to simplify structures and implement uniform processes across regions. By doing so, the company expects to accelerate digital adoption and improve scalability. “With this step, we plan to systematically strengthen Global Business Services to support BASF’s strategy with the most competitive service structures,” said Dr. Dirk Elvermann, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Digital Officer, BASF SE. “Bundling services into scalable global hubs will be a cornerstone for reliable internal service delivery while ensuring long-term cost competitiveness,” Dr. Elvermann added.

Existing Regional Hubs to Continue Operations

Importantly, BASF’s current regional hubs in:

*Berlin, Germany

*Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

*Montevideo, Uruguay

will continue to operate and deliver services at the regional level.

Tobias Dratt, President of Global Business Services, emphasised, “Global Business Services has always thrived on an entrepreneurial spirit — finding smart solutions, adapting quickly, and supporting BASF with a strong service mindset,” he said. “This project gives us the opportunity to build a more agile, fit-for-purpose organization that continues to unlock value for BASF’s businesses.” He added that BASF will prioritise transparent communication and ensure timely consultation with employee representatives in line with local regulations.

Supporting BASF’s Global Operations

Currently, BASF’s Global Business Services organization employs around 8,500 people worldwide and supports operations across multiple functions, including:

*Finance

*Logistics

*Human Resources

*Communications

*Regulatory and Intellectual Property

*Environment, Health, Safety and Quality (EHSQ)

By strengthening its global hub network, BASF aims to deliver faster, more reliable, and cost-effective services that directly support its businesses worldwide.

A Step Toward Long-Term Competitiveness

Ultimately, the new hub strategy reflects BASF’s commitment to building a leaner, more digital, and resilient service model. By combining consolidation with regional flexibility, the company is positioning its Global Business Services organization to drive sustainable value and long-term competitiveness.

The government has initiated discussions with Brazil, Canada, France, and the Netherlands to forge partnerships for the joint exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling of critical minerals, as the country intensifies efforts to secure key raw materials for its clean energy and industrial growth. The talks form part of India’s broader strategy to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on a limited set of global suppliers.

Focus on Lithium, Rare Earths and Processing Technology

The proposed agreements will primarily target lithium and rare earth elements, which are essential for electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, renewable energy systems, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. In addition to securing raw materials, India is also seeking access to advanced mineral-processing technologies, a crucial step toward strengthening domestic value addition and reducing import dependence. Currently, India relies heavily on China, which dominates global supply chains for several critical minerals and leads in mining and refining technologies. This reliance has prompted policymakers to accelerate partnerships with multiple countries.

Long Timelines Make Overseas Partnerships Crucial

Mining experts caution that critical mineral projects require long gestation periods. From exploration to commercial production, projects can take five to seven years or longer, with many prospects failing to translate into viable mines. Consequently, India views early-stage international collaboration as essential to securing stable, long-term supplies.

Modelled on India–Germany Critical Minerals Pact

Officials indicated that India plans to replicate elements of its critical minerals agreement with Germany, signed earlier this year. That pact covers:

*Exploration and extraction

*Processing and recycling

*Acquisition and development of mineral assets

*Cooperation in third countries

Similar frameworks are under discussion with France, the Netherlands, and Brazil, while an agreement with Canada remains under active consideration.

India Expands Global Outreach for Energy Security

Beyond these four nations, India has already signed critical mineral partnerships with Argentina, Australia, and Japan, and is currently negotiating broader agreements with Peru and Chile. This expanding global engagement aligns with wider international efforts. Recently, G7 finance ministers and other major economies discussed strategies to reduce overdependence on Chinese rare earth supplies.

Critical Minerals Key to India’s Energy Transition

In 2023, India identified over 20 minerals, including lithium, as “critical” to support its energy transition, infrastructure expansion, and manufacturing growth. As demand for EV batteries, clean power technologies, and advanced electronics rises sharply, securing reliable mineral supplies has become central to India’s economic and climate strategy. As reported by reuters.com, by strengthening overseas partnerships and building domestic capabilities, India aims to create a resilient and diversified critical minerals ecosystem that supports long-term energy security and industrial competitiveness.

International industrial services provider Bilfinger has secured a key contract, as part of a consortium, to deliver the prefabrication, assembly, and installation of plant components for bp’s upcoming green hydrogen electrolyzer facility in Lingen, Germany. With a planned capacity of 100 megawatts (MW), the project will become bp’s largest green hydrogen production plant to date and the company’s first fully owned and operated hydrogen facility.

Major Step in bp’s Green Hydrogen Expansion

Once operational, the facility is expected to produce up to 11,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, significantly strengthening Germany’s clean energy ecosystem. Importantly, the plant will run entirely on renewable electricity, ensuring low-carbon hydrogen production. Commissioning is currently targeted for 2027. The green hydrogen generated at the site will serve industrial customers through Germany’s hydrogen core network. In addition, bp plans to utilise part of the output at its adjacent refinery to manufacture lower-emission fuels.

Bilfinger to Deliver Comprehensive Installation Services

Leveraging its long-standing hydrogen expertise, Bilfinger will manage a broad scope of engineering and construction responsibilities. Specifically, the company will handle:

*Prefabrication and assembly of piping systems

*Installation of plant components

*Thermal and cold insulation works

*HVAC system installation

At peak construction, more than 200 Bilfinger specialists will work on-site to ensure timely and efficient project execution. By integrating multiple services under one roof, Bilfinger aims to streamline installation activities and reduce overall project timelines.

Supporting Germany’s Hydrogen Infrastructure

Thomas Schulz, Group CEO of Bilfinger, said, “We are glad that bp has entrusted us with supporting them in the implementation of their hydrogen initiative. Together with our valued customer, we can contribute further to the development of Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure. This collaboration represents a milestone in our strategy of becoming the number one partner for enhancing efficiency and sustainability.”

Strengthening Europe’s Energy Transition

As per the press release, overall, the Lingen project marks a significant milestone for both companies. While bp accelerates its green hydrogen production capacity, Bilfinger reinforces its position as a leading industrial services provider for energy transition infrastructure. As Europe scales up hydrogen investments, projects like this are expected to play a critical role in decarbonising industry, reducing emissions, and building a resilient clean energy supply chain.

The All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) has called for ethanol–diesel blending to be considered as the next major step in India’s biofuel journey, positioning it as a practical solution to manage surplus ethanol while tapping into the country’s large diesel market. At a recent roundtable titled “What lies beyond E20?”, AIDA brought together industry leaders, technology providers, and policy stakeholders to chart the future of ethanol blending and explore new growth avenues for biofuels.

Surplus Ethanol Prompts Search for New Markets

With ethanol blending in petrol stabilising at E20 and production capacities expanding rapidly across India, the industry now faces a new challenge — excess ethanol supply. Consequently, AIDA stressed the need to diversify ethanol usage beyond petrol. The association highlighted diesel blending as a forward-looking strategy that can absorb additional supply while creating fresh demand channels.

Diesel Market Offers Massive Opportunity

Diesel represents nearly 40% of India’s total fuel consumption, more than double that of petrol. Therefore, even modest ethanol blending in diesel could generate significant new demand for domestically produced biofuels.

According to AIDA, this shift would:

*Support distilleries facing oversupply

*Improve energy security

*Reduce crude oil imports

*Strengthen rural and farm incomes

By leveraging the scale of diesel consumption, India can multiply the impact of its biofuel programme.

Industry Seeks Policy Clarity

AIDA President Vijendra Singh emphasised that the sector has already made substantial investments aligned with government blending targets. “The industry has invested heavily in capacity creation. What we need now is clear policy direction on the next phase — higher ethanol blending and diversified applications — so these investments can be optimally utilised,” he said.

Technology and Global Lessons Support Transition

During the roundtable, participants examined global best practices and emerging technologies that enable ethanol–diesel compatibility. Experts also discussed advanced biofuels such as isobutanol, which offer better engine compatibility and smoother integration with existing fuel infrastructure. Importantly, speakers noted that India does not need to start from scratch. International pilots and domestic trials have already demonstrated that low-level blends can deliver emission reductions without major engine modifications.

Beyond E20: Toward Higher Blends and Wider Applications

AIDA reiterated that increasing ethanol blending beyond E20 in petrol, while simultaneously exploring diesel blends, can serve a dual purpose — balancing surplus production and accelerating India’s climate goals.

The association also advocated:

*Regulatory pilot projects

*Stronger engagement with OEMs

*Phased implementation strategies

Such measures, it said, would ensure a smooth and scalable transition.

Boost for Farmers and Rural Economy

As reported by chinimandi.com, higher blending targets could also deepen the socio-economic impact of the ethanol programme. While E20 already benefits farmers and rural supply chains, moving toward E30 and diversified fuel applications could further strengthen farm incomes and local economies.

The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved the allocation of nearly 290 acres of land in Linga village, Kalmeshwar taluka, to support upcoming coal-to-chemical projects, marking a major step toward strengthening the state’s coal gasification and clean energy ambitions. With this decision, the government aims to accelerate investments in coal conversion technologies and position Vidarbha as a key hub for downstream chemical manufacturing.

Focus on Coal Gasification and Syngas Production

The state will use the allocated land to develop a coal gasification facility that converts coal into syngas (synthesis gas) and value-added derivatives such as hydrogen and chemical feedstocks. Coal gasification enables the production of cleaner fuels and industrial chemicals while enhancing domestic value addition. Consequently, the technology plays an important role in reducing import dependence on fertilizers, chemicals, and energy intermediates.

State Pushes Coal-to-Chemicals Strategy

The Maharashtra government continues to actively promote coal gasification and coal-to-chemicals projects as part of its industrial development strategy. To attract large-scale investments, the state has earmarked ₹8,500 crore in viability gap funding, with plans to roll out four additional projects across the Vidarbha region. This policy support aims to reduce financial risks for developers while fast-tracking project execution.

Boost for Vidarbha’s Industrial Ecosystem

Overall, the Kalmeshwar project is expected to generate significant employment, boost regional manufacturing, and strengthen Maharashtra’s energy and chemicals value chain. As reported by projectstoday.com, by combining land allocation, financial incentives, and private sector participation, the state is positioning Vidarbha as an emerging hub for coal gasification, hydrogen production, and specialty chemicals.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) bagged a major project order worth approximately ₹2,800 crore from Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL), a joint venture between Coal India Limited and BHEL. The contract further strengthens BHEL’s position in India’s emerging coal gasification and value-added chemicals segment. The project will focus on building a syngas purification plant for a coal-to-ammonium nitrate facility in Odisha.

Project to Support Coal Gasification Push

The upcoming plant will be located at Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda district, Odisha, and forms part of the government’s broader strategy to promote coal gasification, import substitution, and domestic chemical production. By converting coal into syngas and downstream chemicals, the facility aims to create higher-value products while improving resource efficiency. Consequently, the project aligns with India’s long-term goal of reducing dependence on imported feedstocks.

BHEL to Deliver End-to-End EPC Execution

Under the contract, BHEL will undertake complete turnkey execution of the project. Specifically, the scope of work includes:

*Design and detailed engineering

*Equipment supply

*Civil construction

*Installation and commissioning

*Maintenance services

By managing the entire value chain, BHEL aims to ensure seamless execution and timely delivery. The company expects to complete the project within 42 months from the date of order.

Long-Term Operations and Maintenance Support

Following commissioning, BHEL will continue to support the facility by providing operations and maintenance (O&M) services for 60 months. This extended engagement not only ensures operational efficiency but also provides the company with sustained revenue visibility.

Related-Party Transaction at Market Terms

Since BCGCL is a joint venture in which BHEL holds a stake, the contract qualifies as a related-party transaction. However, the company clarified that the order has been awarded at arm’s length and on market terms, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Strengthening Order Book and Energy Transition Role

As reported by freepressjournal.in, overall, the new order enhances BHEL’s project pipeline and order book strength, while reinforcing its growing role in energy transition, coal gasification, and downstream chemical infrastructure. As India accelerates investments in domestic energy and chemical production, projects like this position BHEL as a key technology and EPC partner in the country’s evolving industrial landscape.

Premier Energies has entered into a joint venture with BA Prerna Renewables to strengthen its presence in the fast-growing renewable energy EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) segment. Through this move, the company aims to offer comprehensive project execution capabilities while accelerating its expansion across India’s clean energy market. In the newly created entity, Premier Energies will hold a majority 51% stake, while the remaining equity will be owned by its partner.

Delivering End-to-End Renewable EPC Solution

Operating under the name HeliosAnthos Energies, the joint venture will provide end-to-end EPC services across the renewable energy value chain. Specifically, it will handle:

*Land acquisition

*Transmission connectivity

*Statutory and regulatory approvals

*Detailed engineering

*Procurement

*Installation and commissioning

By integrating these services, the JV aims to streamline project development, reduce execution risks, and shorten timelines for solar and storage projects.

Strategic Advantage in Land and Grid Connectivity

Chiranjeev Saluja, MD & CEO, Premier Energies, highlighted, “The JV will strengthen our EPC capabilities and expand our footprint across the renewable energy sector, as our partner brings strong expertise in securing land and transmission connectivity”. Transmission access remains a crucial factor for the success of solar and energy storage infrastructure, especially as India accelerates its transition toward higher renewable capacity. The partnership is therefore expected to address one of the sector’s key bottlenecks.

Strengthening Manufacturing Backbone

Alongside its EPC push, Premier Energies continues to scale its solar manufacturing operations. The Hyderabad-based company currently operates:

*5.5 GW solar module manufacturing capacity

*3.6 GW solar cell capacity

*Facilities located in Telangana

Furthermore, the company plans to more than double its annual production capacity, expanding to:

*10.6 GW solar cells

*11.1 GW modules

The expansion will strengthen backward integration and support rising domestic demand.

₹11,000 Crore Investment to Drive Growth

To support its growth strategy, Premier Energies has outlined an investment plan exceeding ₹11,000 crore. The capital will fund:

*Solar cell and module capacity expansion

*Entry into new product segments such as inverters, batteries, and transformers

By diversifying into these adjacent technologies, the company aims to build a fully integrated renewable energy ecosystem.

Positioning for India’s Energy Transition

Overall, the joint venture marks a strategic step in Premier Energies’ evolution from a manufacturing-focused player to a full-spectrum renewable energy solutions provider. As reported by msn.com, by combining large-scale production capacity with EPC expertise, the company is positioning itself to capture opportunities across India’s rapidly expanding solar and clean energy infrastructure landscape.

Actylis has strengthened its specialty chemicals portfolio by entering into an exclusive distribution partnership with Aarti Industries Limited to supply PCBTF (para-chlorobenzotrifluoride) across North America. Through this agreement, Actylis will serve customers in the CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers) and chemical intermediates markets with reliable access to the high-performance solvent. By combining Aarti’s integrated manufacturing capabilities with Actylis’s regional distribution strength, the collaboration aims to ensure consistent supply, technical expertise, and faster market reach.

Expanding a High-Performance Solvent Portfolio

With this partnership, Actylis broadens its solvent offerings by adding PCBTF, a versatile aromatic solvent valued for its strong solvency power, broad resin compatibility, and formulation flexibility. As a result, manufacturers can enhance performance across a wide range of industrial and specialty applications while maintaining operational efficiency. The addition also enables Actylis to better support customers seeking dependable, high-quality alternatives for demanding formulations.

Wide Applications Across Industries

PCBTF plays a critical role in multiple industrial processes. Thanks to its chemical stability and performance characteristics, the solvent is widely used in:

*Coatings and paints

*Adhesives and sealants

*Printing inks

*Industrial cleaners

*Crop protection formulations

*Agrochemical intermediates

*Specialty chemical synthesis

The broad applicability makes PCBTF an important component for both formulators and chemical producers across sectors.

Delivering Supply Security and Local Support

Through the exclusive arrangement, Actylis will provide customers with both global manufacturing reliability and local distribution advantages. Specifically, the partnership delivers:

*Secure supply from a fully backward-integrated manufacturer in India

*Local inventory availability across North America

*Flexible packaging options

*Technical and formulation support from Actylis application experts

*Streamlined sourcing from development to commercial-scale production

Consequently, customers can reduce supply chain risks, shorten lead times, and simplify procurement.

Strengthening Market Reach Through Collaboration

As per the press release, the alliance between Actylis and Aarti Industries aligns global manufacturing strength with regional service excellence. By integrating supply, technical support, and logistics, both companies aim to help customers scale faster and innovate with confidence. With PCBTF now part of its portfolio, Actylis continues to position itself as a trusted partner for specialty solvents and performance-driven chemical solutions across North America.

Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet), one of India’s leading diversified agri-business companies, has strengthened its crop protection portfolio with the launch of TAKAI, a new-generation insecticide specifically developed for rice cultivation. Powered by Cyclapryn™ technology from ISK Japan, TAKAI targets two of the most damaging paddy pests—Stem Borer and Leaf Folder—helping farmers safeguard yields during critical growth stages. With this launch, the company aims to provide rice farmers with faster pest control, longer protection, and improved crop health.

Advanced Technology for Targeted Pest Control

TAKAI uses Cyclapryn™ technology, which delivers rapid feeding cessation and sustained pest suppression. As a result, pests stop damaging crops quickly, while the insecticide continues protecting fields for an extended period. When applied at a dose of 160 ml, first at 15–30 Days After Transplanting (DAT) and again at 40–60 DAT, TAKAI offers a broad protection window that covers both the vegetative and reproductive stages of rice growth. This dual-application strategy ensures crops remain shielded precisely when pest pressure peaks.

Addressing Critical Pest Threats in Rice Farming

Rice, grown across Kharif, Rabi, and summer seasons, thrives in warm, humid, and waterlogged conditions. However, these same conditions create an ideal environment for pest infestations. During the early vegetative stage (15–30 DAT), Stem Borers damage plants internally, making infestations difficult to detect. Later, in the reproductive stage (40–60 DAT), both Stem Borers and Leaf Folders attack aggressively. Leaf Folders reduce the plant’s photosynthetic capacity by folding and feeding on leaf tissues, which directly impacts crop growth and yield. By targeting both pests at these stages, TAKAI helps farmers minimise losses and maintain healthier crops.

Focus on Farmer Productivity

Sunil Kataria, Managing Director & CEO, Godrej Agrovet, said, “Effective pest management determines the success of the Indian rice farmer. Through TAKAI, we intend to enable rice farmers to protect their crops with a solution that offers quick control and long-lasting effectiveness, thereby improving crop health.”

He added that the company continues to focus on farmer-centric innovation. “At Godrej Agrovet, our endeavour is to deliver crop protection solutions that address environmental and market challenges faced by farmers. The launch of TAKAI aligns with our strategy to strengthen our portfolio across key crops by leveraging research expertise and strong on-ground reach that empower farming families.”

Farmer Insights Shape Product Strategy

N.K. Rajavelu, CEO – Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet, mentioned, “Our pre-launch rice farmer survey revealed that 77% of farmers value quick pest control, long-lasting effects, and improved crop health. Through our partnership with ISK Japan, TAKAI delivers rapid feeding cessation and sustained pest control, helping farmers optimise input costs and secure stable, high-quality yields.”

Expanding to Multiple Crops

Beyond rice, Godrej Agrovet is currently seeking label approvals to extend TAKAI’s application to other major crops, including:

*Maize

*Chilli

*Cabbage

*Soybean

*Chickpea

*Sugarcane

This expansion will broaden the insecticide’s relevance across India’s diverse farming systems.

Strengthening Sustainable Agriculture Through Innovation

The TAKAI launch follows the introduction of ASHITAKA maize herbicide last year, reinforcing Godrej Agrovet’s commitment to building a productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. As reported by thehansindia.com, by combining advanced global technologies with local farmer insights, the company continues to develop practical, high-impact solutions that enhance crop protection and improve farm incomes.