Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), one of India’s largest upstream oil and gas producer, has earned the Global Energy & Environment Foundation (GEEF) Platinum Award 2026 for Safety & Environment Management, securing global recognition for its leadership in operational safety, environmental protection, and sustainable energy practices. The prestigious honour places ONGC among the world’s top energy companies that consistently demonstrate high standards in safeguarding people, protecting ecosystems, and embedding sustainability into core business operations.

Built on a Strong Safety-First Culture

At the heart of the recognition lies ONGC’s comprehensive Corporate Safety & Environment Management System, which goes beyond regulatory compliance to make safety a core organisational value. Rather than treating safety as a checklist-driven process, the company actively integrates it into everyday decision-making, operational planning, and workforce behaviour. As a result, safety becomes a shared responsibility across all levels—from field teams to senior leadership.

Through this proactive approach, ONGC has:

*Strengthened workforce safety across complex, high-risk upstream operations

*Identified and mitigated operational and environmental risks early

*Achieved continuous improvements in safety and sustainability performance

The structured framework has helped the company maintain disciplined, incident-free operations across its extensive exploration and production assets.

Environmental Stewardship Embedded in Operations

Alongside safety excellence, ONGC has prioritised environmental stewardship as a key pillar of its business strategy. As India’s energy demand rises, the company continues to ensure that exploration and production activities proceed with minimal ecological impact. By balancing energy security with sustainability goals, ONGC aims to create long-term environmental and social value.

Its key focus areas include:

*Biodiversity conservation around operational zones

*Reducing environmental footprint through responsible practices

*Promoting sustainable development initiatives in local communities

*Consequently, environmental care now runs through every stage of ONGC’s energy value chain.

Team Effort Drives Global Recognition

ONGC has credited this achievement to the collective efforts of its employees, partners, and stakeholders. Strong collaboration, regular training, and strict adherence to safety and sustainability standards have played a crucial role in delivering consistent results. By fostering accountability and awareness across its workforce, the company has built a culture where safety and environmental responsibility remain non-negotiable.

Strengthening ONGC’s Global ESG Leadership

With the GEEF Platinum Award 2026, ONGC has further strengthened its standing as a responsible global energy major. The recognition reinforces that operational growth, safety leadership, and environmental accountability can move forward together. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, as the global energy sector transitions toward cleaner and more sustainable models, ONGC continues to demonstrate that powering progress responsibly remains central to its long-term mission.

Vedanta Resources is sharpening its global mining and manufacturing strategy as it prepares to participate in African Mining Indaba 2026, one of the world’s most influential mining investment forums. From February 9–12 in Cape Town, the company will bring together its leadership, technical experts and Africa-based businesses to engage directly with governments, investors and industry stakeholders. By stepping onto this high-profile platform, Vedanta aims to deepen its presence in Africa and strengthen partnerships across the continent’s rapidly evolving minerals sector. Widely regarded as Africa’s premier forum for mining policy, capital flows and deal-making, Indaba offers Vedanta a strategic opportunity to position itself at the centre of global conversations around critical minerals and the energy transition.

Expanding Footprint Across the Global Metals Value Chain

Over the years, Vedanta has built a strong international footprint spanning India, South Africa, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Namibia and Liberia. At Indaba, the company’s African strategy will be anchored by Konkola Copper Mines and Vedanta Zinc International, two key assets that drive its regional growth. Beyond simply showcasing operations, Vedanta will highlight its role as a reliable supplier of essential raw materials that power electrification, infrastructure development and clean energy technologies worldwide.

Critical Minerals Take Centre Stage

As the global energy transition accelerates, demand for critical minerals continues to rise. Vedanta, one of the world’s largest zinc producers and a major supplier of silver and aluminium, plans to spotlight the growing importance of copper, cobalt, aluminium and zinc.

These metals form the backbone of:

*Electric vehicle batteries

*Renewable energy systems

*Power transmission networks

*Modern infrastructure projects

Consequently, Vedanta’s leadership is expected to stress that securing stable mineral supply chains is now as crucial as securing energy itself. At the same time, the company sees Africa’s role evolving. Instead of remaining just a source of raw materials, the continent is increasingly emerging as a hub for processing, refining and value-added manufacturing.

Bridging India and Africa Through Industrial Collaboration

To accelerate this shift, Vedanta is positioning itself as a bridge between India and Africa. The company advocates closer industrial ties through:

*Joint investments

*Technology transfers

*Localised manufacturing

*Structured public-private partnerships

By fostering deeper collaboration, Vedanta believes both regions can unlock new growth opportunities while strengthening supply chain resilience.

Moving Beyond Extraction to Integrated Manufacturing

Importantly, Vedanta’s approach now extends well beyond mining. During the event, the company will host business meetings with potential partners across metals processing, downstream manufacturing and sustainability solutions.

These discussions will focus on:

*Advanced processing technologies

*Responsible mining practices

*Local value addition

*Stronger regional supply chains

Through this integrated model, Vedanta aims to create long-term industrial ecosystems rather than simply extract resources.

A Long-Term Commitment to Responsible Growth

Overall, Vedanta’s participation at African Mining Indaba signals a broader shift in how global resource companies operate. Instead of viewing Africa solely as a mineral source, the company is treating the continent as a long-term industrial partner. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, by aligning mining, refining and manufacturing with strategic partnerships, Vedanta is positioning itself to play a central role in the global energy transition while promoting sustainable and responsible development.

RSPL Group’s soda ash arm, SOKA, achieved a major milestone after receiving environmental clearance to double the production capacity at its Gujarat manufacturing facility. The approval paves the way for a significant scale-up in operations and strengthens the company’s position in India’s fast-growing chemicals and industrial materials market. With this expansion, SOKA will increase its soda ash output from 500,000 tons to 1 million tons per annum (MTPA), reinforcing its standing among India’s leading soda ash producers.

Expansion to Include Sodium Bicarbonate Manufacturing

In addition to higher soda ash output, SOKA plans to diversify its portfolio by adding sodium bicarbonate (SBC) production. This move will allow the company to cater to a broader set of industries and enhance value-added offerings. As part of the phased expansion, SOKA is already executing plans to raise capacity to 750,000 tons annually within the next two years, followed by an additional 2,50,000 tons at its state-of-the-art chemical complex. Together, these steps will help the company reach the 1 MTPA target.

Boost to Gujarat’s Economy and Employment

Beyond production gains, the expansion is expected to deliver strong local economic benefits. The project will create nearly 2,000 new employment opportunities in Gujarat’s coastal region, supporting industrial growth and strengthening the regional supply chain ecosystem. By scaling up domestic manufacturing, SOKA also aims to reduce import dependence and support India’s broader industrial self-reliance goals.

Strengthening Presence in Solar Glass and Key End-Use Sectors

The increased capacity will enable SOKA to deepen its presence in high-growth sectors such as solar glass, where soda ash serves as a critical raw material. Rising solar installations across India and globally are driving demand for glass-grade chemicals, creating fresh opportunities for producers.

Apart from solar glass, soda ash from the plant supplies industries including:

*Detergents and FMCG

*Glass manufacturing

*Textiles

*Chemicals and industrial applications

The diversified demand base positions SOKA for steady long-term growth.

Expanding Global Footprint

Since commissioning its soda ash facility in 2019 in Gujarat’s Dwarka district, SOKA has steadily expanded its international reach. Today, the company exports to nearly 50 countries, covering markets across Central America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. The new capacity will further enhance export potential and strengthen India’s role in the global soda ash trade.

Leadership Perspective

Tinku Chhabra, CEO, SOKA, said “The environmental clearance to expand our soda ash manufacturing capacity is a significant step in advancing the ‘Make in India’ vision. Our plant plays a critical role in strengthening the domestic industrial ecosystem by supplying essential raw materials to key sectors such as detergents, glass, solar glass, textiles, and chemicals”.

Outlook

As reported by projectstoday.com, with higher capacity, product diversification, and expanding exports, SOKA is positioning itself as a key growth driver in India’s soda ash and specialty chemicals market. The expansion not only boosts supply capabilities but also supports renewable energy, industrial manufacturing, and regional economic development.

The government has extended the bid submission deadline for India’s largest oil and gas acreage offering for the fourth time, giving investors an additional three months to participate. According to the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), the closing date for submitting bids under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy Round X (OALP-X) has now been pushed to May 29, 2026.

While the regulator did not cite an official reason, industry sources said the extension will allow companies more time to assess the newly liberalised rules introduced after the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill.

Multiple Extensions Since Launch

The tenth OALP round, launched during India Energy Week (IEW) 2025 in New Delhi, has seen repeated timeline revisions.

Originally scheduled to close in July, the deadline has since been extended several times:

July → October 31

October → December 31, 2025

December → February 18, 2026

Now → May 29, 2026

However, deadlines for the fourth Discovered Small Field (DSF) bid round and the special coal-bed methane (CBM) round remain unchanged at February 18, 2026.

Largest Acreage on Offer So Far

OALP-X represents the biggest exploration offering to date. The government has put 25 blocks covering nearly 191,986 square kilometres up for bidding.

The acreage includes:

*6 onshore blocks

*6 shallow-water blocks

*1 deepwater block

*12 ultra-deepwater blocks

These blocks are spread across thirteen sedimentary basins, offering significant opportunities for hydrocarbon exploration and production. Notably, four blocks spanning 47,058 sq km in the Andaman basin are being positioned as high-potential assets. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has highlighted the basin’s prospects, comparing it with Guyana, one of the world’s most promising recent exploration hotspots.

Aim: Boost Domestic Production, Cut Import Bill

Through larger auctions and policy reforms, the government aims to ramp up domestic oil and gas output. Higher local production could help reduce India’s hefty $220 billion annual oil import bill and strengthen energy security. The blocks on offer will support exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas—critical for fuels, power generation, fertiliser manufacturing, CNG transport, and household cooking needs. For context, the previous nine rounds together offered 3.78 lakh sq km, while OALP-IX had made available 1.36 lakh sq km across 28 blocks.

Liberalised Policy to Attract Investors

India introduced OALP in 2016 under the broader Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP). The reform shifted away from the earlier system where the government identified blocks, allowing companies to propose and explore any available area.

Key incentives under HELP include:

*Reduced royalty rates

*Concessions for early production

*No oil cess

*Full exploration rights for the contract duration

*Marketing and pricing freedom

Additionally, firms that identify areas receive a five-point bidding advantage, encouraging proactive exploration.

Past Rounds See Strong Participation

Recent rounds have drawn a mix of public and private sector players.

In OALP-IX:

*ONGC won 11 blocks independently and three with Oil India Ltd (OIL)

*Vedanta secured seven blocks

*OIL won six blocks

*Reliance Industries and BP partnered with ONGC for a Gujarat offshore block

Bidders compete by offering higher revenue shares to the government and committing to robust exploration programmes. Earlier, Vedanta had emerged as a dominant player, securing 41 out of 55 blocks in the first OALP round.

Outlook

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, by extending the bidding window once again, the government hopes to attract broader participation and maximise investment under the latest regulatory framework. If successful, OALP-X could unlock fresh discoveries and accelerate India’s long-term goal of energy self-reliance.

Vedanta Group company Hindustan Zinc Ltd, in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), developed advanced zinc-ion battery pouch cell prototypes designed for large-scale renewable energy storage applications. The breakthrough marks a major step forward in India’s indigenous energy storage research and strengthens the country’s push to build affordable, locally developed battery technologies.

Zinc-Ion Batteries Emerge as a Cost-Effective Alternative

As demand for grid-scale storage grows alongside renewable energy capacity, zinc-ion batteries are gaining traction as a safer and more economical alternative to conventional lithium-ion systems. Unlike lithium, zinc is abundant, widely available, and significantly cheaper. This makes zinc-ion technology particularly attractive for stationary energy storage applications such as solar and wind power integration, microgrids, and backup systems. Consequently, the technology offers both cost advantages and supply chain security, two critical factors for India’s energy transition.

Tackling Key Performance Challenges

However, improving cycle life, stability, and energy density remains a technical challenge for
zinc-based batteries. To address these issues, Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR are actively optimising electrode and electrolyte materials.

Through focused research, the team has developed:

*Low-cost electrolyte formulations

*Stable zinc-ion chemistries

*Prototype pouch cells suitable for scalable deployment

These advancements enhance battery durability and operational efficiency, making the technology viable for commercial-scale renewable energy storage.

Supporting Safe and Scalable Clean Energy Storage

By combining academic research with industry expertise, the partnership aims to deliver energy storage solutions that are not only affordable but also safe and sustainable. Zinc-ion systems inherently offer lower fire risks and improved environmental compatibility compared to many existing battery technologies. As a result, the prototypes demonstrate strong potential to support large renewable installations while ensuring operational reliability.

Leadership Perspective

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Arun Misra, CEO and Whole-Time Director, Hindustan Zinc, said “Our partnership with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research reflects our commitment to enabling safe, cost-effective, and scalable energy storage solutions that can support the growing integration of renewable energy,” he said.

Strengthening India’s Energy Storage Ecosystem

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, overall, the development positions Hindustan Zinc and JNCASR at the forefront of next-generation battery innovation in India. As the country accelerates renewable energy deployment, indigenous zinc-ion technologies could play a vital role in building resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy storage infrastructure.

Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL) delivered steady financial growth in the third quarter ended December 31, 2025, while simultaneously advancing energy efficiency and approving major capacity expansion projects across its Vadodara and Dahej complexes. The company reported revenue of ₹1,008 crore for the quarter, up from ₹1,001 crore in the corresponding period last year. Meanwhile, standalone EBITDA rose 19% year-on-year to ₹135 crore, reflecting stronger operating performance and improved cost management.

Renewable Energy Push Lowers Production Costs

At the same time, GACL strengthened its sustainability profile by increasing the share of renewable energy in its overall power mix. The contribution of green energy climbed to 35.7%, compared with 29.7% a year earlier. The transition not only supports the company’s decarbonisation goals but also helps reduce production costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance long-term competitiveness.

Board Clears Major Capex for Energy and Capacity Expansion

Building on its performance, GACL’s board approved three key capital expenditure projects aimed at strengthening energy security and expanding manufacturing capabilities.

Boiler Infrastructure Upgrade

The company will invest ₹389 crore to install four bio-fuel or coal-fired boilers at its Vadodara and Dahej facilities. These boilers will ensure reliable steam and power supply while improving energy efficiency across operations.

New Phosphoric Acid Plant

In addition, GACL approved a ₹560 crore investment to set up a 33,870 tonnes per annum (TPA) food-grade phosphoric acid plant at Dahej. The new facility will enhance value-added chemical production and cater to rising demand from food, beverage, and allied industries.

Caustic Potash Capacity Enhancement

Further, the company will allocate ₹80 crore to relocate electrolysers and boost caustic potash production capacity at the Vadodara complex, thereby improving operational flexibility and output.

Strengthened Financial Position

To support its expansion roadmap, the board also sanctioned a fresh ₹250 crore line of credit from Gujarat State Financial Services Ltd., ensuring adequate liquidity for upcoming projects. Additionally, GACL reported a one-time profit impact after revising the valuation methodology for spent palladium catalyst, resulting in a gain of ₹1,829.48 lakh during the quarter.

Outlook

Taken together, GACL’s stronger earnings, rising renewable energy adoption, and strategic capex approvals position the company for sustained growth. As reported by globalflowcontrol.com, by investing in energy infrastructure and value-added chemicals, the company continues to reinforce its footprint in India’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector while improving operational resilience.

Engineers India Limited (EIL), in partnership with GAIL (India) Limited, successfully commissioned a 60 kilo tons per annum (KTPA) Polypropylene (PP) Project at GAIL’s Pata Petrochemical Complex in Uttar Pradesh. The milestone marks a significant step toward expanding India’s petrochemical manufacturing base and accelerating the country’s push for self-reliance in polymers. With the unit now fully operational, the facility will enhance domestic polypropylene supply, reduce import dependence, and support growing demand across key industrial sectors.

Three New Polymer Grades to Serve Diverse Industries

The newly commissioned plant will produce three major polypropylene grades:

*Homo Polymer

*Impact Polymer

*Co-Polymer

These grades cater to a wide spectrum of applications, including packaging, automotive components, consumer goods, infrastructure materials, and healthcare products. By manufacturing these polymers locally, GAIL and EIL aim to ensure reliable supply, improve cost efficiency, and strengthen India’s downstream manufacturing ecosystem. As demand for high-performance plastics continues to rise, the facility is expected to play a critical role in meeting both domestic and industrial requirements.

Integrated Commissioning of Utilities and Support Infrastructure

In addition to the polypropylene unit, the companies commissioned all associated utilities, offsite systems, and seamless interconnections with the existing petrochemical complex. This integrated approach ensures smooth operations, enhanced safety, and higher process efficiency.

Key infrastructure additions include:

*A dedicated Nitrogen Plant to support safe, stable, and efficient plant operations

*A Mounded Bullet storage facility to enhance on-site storage capacity and strengthen safety protocols

By synchronizing core production with critical utilities and safety systems, EIL delivered a fully integrated and operational petrochemical unit.

Demonstrating EIL’s End-to-End Project Execution Capabilities

Through this project, EIL showcased its expertise in executing complex petrochemical and energy infrastructure developments. From engineering and procurement to construction and commissioning, the company ensured timely delivery while maintaining stringent quality and safety standards. The successful integration with the existing Pata complex further highlights EIL’s capability to manage large-scale, brownfield expansions with minimal disruption.

Strategic Boost to India’s Petrochemical and Polymer Ecosystem

The 60 KTPA polypropylene project aligns closely with India’s broader industrial and energy transition goals. Specifically, the project supports:

*Expansion of domestic petrochemical manufacturing

*Import substitution and enhanced supply security

*Value addition to natural gas and downstream chemical chains

*National initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat

By enabling the production of multiple polymer grades at a single site, the facility also improves operational flexibility and competitiveness within India’s polymer market.

Strengthening the Road Ahead

With commissioning complete, the Pata Polypropylene Project positions GAIL and EIL as key contributors to India’s growing petrochemical landscape. As reported by psuconnect.in, as the country continues to scale its manufacturing capabilities, such integrated and capacity-building projects will remain central to meeting future demand and driving sustainable industrial growth.

NITI Aayog has rolled out a draft blueprint to transform Andhra Pradesh into one of India’s top three renewable energy hubs by 2035. Developed under its Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition (ASSET) platform, the plan lays out a structured pathway to scale clean energy capacity, strengthen grid infrastructure, and ensure reliable and affordable electricity across the state. NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam presented the strategy to Chief Secretary K Vijayanand at the State Secretariat, signalling close coordination between the Centre and the state to fast-track the transition.

Scaling up renewable capacity

Currently, renewable sources account for nearly 47% of Andhra Pradesh’s power generation. Building on this strong base, the blueprint proposes an aggressive capacity addition plan.

The state aims to add:

*35 GW of solar power

*12 GW of wind energy

*55–60 GWh of energy storage

Together, these additions will strengthen domestic energy security while improving grid stability and round-the-clock supply.

Building a renewable export powerhouse

Beyond meeting local demand, the state also plans to position itself as a renewable energy export hub. To achieve this, the blueprint proposes large export-oriented projects, including:

*30 GW of additional solar capacity

*25–30 GW of wind capacity

As a result, Andhra Pradesh could supply clean power to other regions, supporting India’s broader decarbonisation goals while unlocking new revenue streams.

Massive investments to drive transition

To turn these ambitions into reality, the plan outlines substantial capital commitments:

*₹3.3–3.4 lakh crore for energy transition projects

*₹4–4.2 lakh crore for developing renewable export infrastructure

*Total estimated investment: ~₹7.5 lakh crore

Notably, around 90% of the funding is expected from private sector participation, highlighting strong opportunities for investors, developers, and technology providers.

Grid modernisation and affordability focus

To support rising renewable capacity, the state will simultaneously upgrade its power infrastructure. Planned investments will fund transmission modernisation, green energy corridors, substations, and distribution network strengthening, ensuring seamless integration of renewable power. Importantly, NITI Aayog projects that these measures could reduce power purchase costs to around ₹3.90–₹4 per unit, making electricity more affordable for households, farmers, and industries.

Roadmap for a sustainable future

As reported by projectstoday.com, overall, the blueprint positions Andhra Pradesh as a frontrunner in India’s clean energy transition. By combining large-scale renewables, storage systems, private investment, and grid upgrades, the state aims to secure energy independence, lower costs, and accelerate sustainable growth by 2035.

Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL) has partnered with specialty chemicals company Synthomer to develop and commercialise bio-based alternatives to fossil-derived monomers, marking a significant step toward sustainable and low-carbon chemical manufacturing.

The collaboration reinforces GBL’s focus on innovation, green chemistry, and customer-centric solutions aimed at reducing the environmental footprint across the value chain, the company said in an exchange filing.

Accelerating the Shift to Sustainable Raw Materials

Under the partnership, Synthomer will commercialise bio-based butyl acrylate produced using bio-based butanol supplied by Godavari Biorefineries. By replacing fossil-based inputs with renewable feedstocks, both companies aim to fast-track the industry’s transition toward more sustainable raw materials. The move is expected to help customers lower emissions while maintaining performance standards in downstream applications.

Leveraging Integrated Biorefinery Capabilities

Godavari Biorefineries brings to the table its integrated biorefinery platform and expertise in producing renewable, bio-based chemicals at scale. By utilising these capabilities, the company plans to support partners and customers seeking to reduce dependence on fossil-based materials. Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited, emphasised, “At Godavari Biorefineries, sustainability is integral to our business strategy and innovation agenda. This collaboration with Synthomer reflects our commitment to advancing bio-based alternatives that enable meaningful reductions in carbon footprint across the value chain,” he said.

“By leveraging renewable feedstocks and our integrated biorefinery capabilities, we aim to support our partners and customers in transitioning away from fossil-based materials toward more sustainable solutions. Partnerships like this are critical to accelerating green chemistry adoption and building a more circular and resilient chemical industry,” he added.

Supporting Customer Decarbonisation Goals

From Synthomer’s perspective, the alliance strengthens its ability to offer lower-carbon solutions to customers across global markets. Chris Brown, Vice President – ESG at Synthomer, said the partnership will help customers meet their sustainability targets without compromising on reliability or supply. “Partnering with GBL enables us to offer customers a lower-carbon alternative to fossil-based monomers, helping them meet their emissions targets while supporting the growing demand for sustainable solutions,” he said. “By expanding access to bio-based products, we are also strengthening the resilience of our monomers portfolio and ensuring we can continue meeting evolving customer needs,” Brown added.

Advancing Green Chemistry and Circular Economy

Together, the companies aim to promote renewable chemistry, reduce reliance on fossil resources, and support the broader shift toward circular economy principles. The partnership highlights how strategic collaborations can accelerate sustainable innovation across the specialty chemicals sector. As reported by chinimandi.com, with rising global demand for eco-friendly materials, the Godavari–Synthomer alliance positions both companies at the forefront of bio-based monomer development while enabling customers to build greener, future-ready supply chains.

India should take the lead in promoting alternatives to animal testing in drug discovery and accelerate the adoption of non-animal methodologies (NAMs), said K. Satish Reddy, Chairman of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories.

Regulatory Readiness Key to Progress

Highlighting the evolution of drug discovery, Reddy said the industry is constantly adopting new methodologies and regulatory frameworks must keep pace. “Drug discovery is a journey with new methodologies emerging from time to time. The Indian regulatory framework should also be prepared for NAMs,” he said. He added that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has already begun aligning with these approaches and could further strengthen the ecosystem through improved infrastructure, staffing, and policy support.

Call for Dedicated Non-Animal Testing Infrastructure

Building on the report’s findings, Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director, Humane World for Animals India, called for the creation of a central agency dedicated to validating and promoting non-animal methodologies.

The report recommends:

*Setting up a national non-animal methodology agency and validation centre

*Creating a comprehensive database of validated alternatives

*Forming a multi-stakeholder consortium for collaboration

*Establishing centres of excellence for training, skilling, and infrastructure

These measures, she said, would accelerate the transition toward more ethical and scientifically reliable testing systems.

Validated Alternatives to Replace Animal Testing

The study also urges faster replacement of traditional animal-based pyrogen testing. It recommends promoting validated alternatives such as:

*Monocyte Activation Test (MAT)

*Recombinant Factor C (rFC) assay

With proper training, standardisation, and reagent availability, these methods can significantly reduce reliance on animals while maintaining safety standards. “In this modern age, we have human cell-based and computational models that reflect human biology far more accurately,” Sengupta noted. “These technologies can reduce drug failures, save animal lives, and make drug development faster and more cost-effective.”

Industry Backing for NAM Adoption

Importantly, major Indian pharmaceutical companies are already moving in this direction. Deepak Sapra, CEO – API & Services, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, said the company is actively integrating non-animal methodologies into its research processes. “We are working closely with other industry leaders such as Biocon, Cipla, and Sun Pharma to adopt NAMs,” Sapra said. He added that technologies like organoids, computational tools, and advanced cardiac and liver models are helping create more predictive, human-relevant testing systems. “Dr Reddy’s is actively integrating NAMs and will continue to push for wider adoption,” he said.

Cost, Time, and Accuracy Benefits

According to Sarfaraz K. Niazi, Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois and Chancellor of Chicago University, NAMs can significantly cut development costs and timelines. He pointed out that generics, biologicals, and biosimilars may not require animal testing at all, making NAM adoption both economically and scientifically advantageous. Traditionally, animal models have dominated preclinical research. However, species-specific physiological and genetic differences often limit their ability to predict human outcomes accurately. As a result, only about 10% of drugs entering Phase I clinical trials eventually receive regulatory approval, leading to higher costs, delays, and lost therapeutic opportunities.

Gradual Transition Still Necessary

While experts advocate rapid adoption of alternatives, they acknowledged that animal testing cannot yet be fully eliminated, especially for certain chemical drugs and novel molecules. Therefore, stakeholders must continue exploring balanced approaches that combine scientific advancement with safety requirements.

A Roadmap for Ethical and Efficient Drug Development

Overall, the report positions India at a critical juncture. By investing in non-animal drug testing technologies, strengthening regulations, and building collaborative platforms, the country can reduce costs, improve accuracy, and promote ethical research practices. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, if implemented effectively, India could not only modernise its drug development ecosystem but also lead the global shift toward humane and human-relevant testing solutions.