India’s demand for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries is poised for exponential growth over the next two decades, rising from 28 GWh in 2025 to more than 700 GWh by the mid-2040s, according to a new report by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA). The findings highlight the scale of opportunity for domestic battery manufacturing as the country accelerates its shift toward electric mobility and renewable energy storage.

Roadmap for a Self-Reliant Battery Ecosystem

IESA unveiled the report, Vision 2047: India’s Roadmap for a Self-Reliant Battery Ecosystem, at the India Battery Manufacturing and Supply Chain Summit (IBMSCS) 2026. The study outlines a strategic blueprint for building local manufacturing capacity, strengthening supply chains, and reducing import dependence, while supporting India’s broader clean energy and industrial ambitions. Importantly, the report positions battery storage as a cornerstone of India’s Viksit Bharat Vision 2047 and its climate commitments.

LFP Chemistry to Dominate Future Demand

Looking ahead, the report projects Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and their variants will account for more than 60 per cent of total battery demand by 2047. This dominance will likely stem from several advantages, including lower costs, enhanced thermal stability, improved safety, and longer life cycles — making LFP particularly suitable for electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary energy storage systems. As a result, manufacturers are expected to increasingly prioritise LFP-based technologies to meet both mobility and grid-storage requirements.

Collaboration Key to Scaling India’s Energy Storage Market

Speaking at the launch, Rajesh Kulhari, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Renewable Energy, stressed that India’s energy storage ambitions will require coordinated action across the ecosystem. “It’s time for policy makers, regulators, utilities, financiers, manufacturers, developers and researchers to come together,” he said, underscoring the need for strong public-private collaboration. Such partnerships, he noted, will be critical to scaling infrastructure, mobilising investments, and accelerating technology deployment.

A Strategic Opportunity for Domestic Manufacturing

Debmalya Sen, President of IESA, described the growing battery demand as both an economic opportunity and a strategic necessity. “India is at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey. Our analysis shows that the rapidly growing demand for batteries presents both an enormous opportunity and a strategic imperative for building domestic manufacturing capabilities,” he said. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, by developing local production ecosystems, India can strengthen energy security, and position itself as a global hub for battery manufacturing and supply chains.

Baker Hughes and Giammarco Technologies S.r.l. have entered into an exclusive collaboration to accelerate the commercialization of Hot Potassium Carbonate (HPC) technology for post-combustion carbon capture, aiming to deliver scalable and cost-efficient decarbonization solutions across energy and industrial sectors. The partnership was announced at the 2026 Baker Hughes Annual Meeting in Florence, Italy.

Proven HPC Technology Meets Advanced Turbomachinery

At the heart of the collaboration lies Giammarco Technologies’ proven HPC process, which has already been deployed in more than 400 industrial projects worldwide. The potassium-based solvent system safely and efficiently captures carbon dioxide from gas streams, making it a reliable and sustainable option for large-scale carbon capture.

Under the agreement, Baker Hughes will integrate this established solvent-based process with its turbomachinery portfolio. This includes flue gas compression and expansion trains, along with mechanical vapor recompression systems designed specifically for post-combustion capture applications. By combining solvent chemistry with advanced rotating equipment, the companies aim to deliver fully integrated capture solutions that improve operational efficiency while reducing energy consumption and overall costs.

Focus on Pilots, FEED and Full-Scale Deployment

Moving beyond technology integration, the partners will jointly conduct multi-sector pilot plant testing to validate performance across diverse industrial environments. They are also supporting customers with feasibility studies and front-end engineering design (FEED) activities. From concept to execution, the companies plan to offer end-to-end project delivery, enabling faster deployment and smoother implementation across industries such as power, refining, chemicals and other
hard-to-abate sectors. This structured approach is expected to lower the total cost of carbon capture while accelerating commercial adoption.

Leadership Views

Ahmed Eldemerdash, Vice President of Climate Technology Solutions at Baker Hughes, emphasized, “We’re proud to collaborate with Giammarco Technologies. Together, our complementary capabilities will expand the use of HPC across hard-to-abate sectors and unlock new pathways for energy and industrial decarbonization at scale,” he said. “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to improving the economics of CO₂ projects and supporting customers worldwide in reducing emissions.”

Giuseppe Giammarco, CEO of Giammarco Technologies, added, “Our advanced HPC process, combined with Baker Hughes’ global execution expertise, allows us to deliver high-performance, cost-effective and fully integrated solutions for industrial and energy sector decarbonization,” he said. “This strategic collaboration strengthens our position as a leader in post-combustion carbon capture.”

Strengthening Baker Hughes’ CCUS Portfolio

The addition of the HPC offering further broadens Baker Hughes’ carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) portfolio. The company already provides consultancy services, front-end design, capture and purification systems, compression and liquefaction technologies, as well as well design, injection, monitoring and long-term site stewardship. As per the press release, by incorporating HPC technology, Baker Hughes aims to offer customers a comprehensive, one-stop solution for managing carbon emissions from capture to storage.

GAIL (India) Limited and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly evaluate upstream Exploration and Production (E&P) opportunities across the country. The agreement signals a deeper collaboration between two of India’s leading energy public sector enterprises and underscores their shared commitment to reducing import dependence while enhancing indigenous oil and gas output.

Formal Signing in Presence of Senior Leadership

Sanjay Agarwal, Executive Director (Business Development), GAIL, formalised the MoU in the presence of R.K. Singhal, Director (Business Development), along with senior officials from both organisations. Representing ONGC, Arunangshu Sarkar, Director (Strategy and Corporate Affairs), and O.P. Sinha, Director (Exploration), witnessed the signing, highlighting the strategic importance both companies attach to the partnership.

Joint Evaluation of Domestic Upstream Assets

Under the agreement, GAIL and ONGC will jointly identify, assess, and pursue domestic upstream oil and gas blocks and projects. The companies will focus on technically feasible and commercially viable opportunities, ensuring that investments deliver long-term value. Moreover, the collaboration allows both firms to explore participation through joint ventures, partnerships, or co-development models, enabling flexible and efficient project execution.

Leveraging Complementary Strengths

Importantly, the partnership combines the distinct strengths of both organisations. While ONGC brings decades of expertise in exploration and production, GAIL contributes robust capabilities in midstream infrastructure, gas transmission, marketing, and business development. By integrating these complementary capabilities, the companies aim to accelerate project timelines, optimise resources, and improve operational efficiency across the value chain.

Supporting India’s Energy Security Goals

As reported by indianmasterminds.com, beyond business synergies, the alliance aligns closely with India’s broader energy strategy. By increasing domestic oil and gas production, the partnership is expected to reduce import dependency, enhance supply resilience, and support the government’s vision of an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) energy ecosystem. As India continues to expand its energy demand, collaborations like this are likely to play a critical role in securing reliable and sustainable hydrocarbon resources for the future.

Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally, has won the ‘Best BRSR Report – Manufacturing (Large Cap)’ at the 4th ICAI Sustainability Reporting Awards, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The recognition highlights the company’s sustained focus on ethical governance, responsible manufacturing, and transparent ESG disclosures, aligned with global sustainability standards.

In India, Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) is the SEBI-mandated ESG disclosure framework for the top 1,000 listed companies, designed to bring consistency, comparability, and accountability to corporate sustainability reporting.

Data-Driven, Governance-Led Reporting Stands Out

Importantly, the award reflects a broader shift in investor and regulatory expectations—from narrative-heavy disclosures to decision-useful, measurable, and verifiable ESG data.

Hindustan Zinc’s FY25 BRSR stood out for its:

*Governance-led disclosures

*Quantified ESG performance metrics

*Clear presentation of risks and opportunities

*Transparent, comparable reporting

*The report covered critical material indicators including:

*Energy use and emissions

*Water stewardship

*Biodiversity conservation

*Occupational health and safety

*Community development

*Ethical business conduct

Together, these disclosures offered stakeholders deeper clarity and accountability.

Leadership View: Transparency Builds Trust

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc, emphasised the company’s long-term commitment to responsible operations. “This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainability must be embedded in how we operate, govern and report. Transparent, high-quality disclosure is not a compliance exercise; it is fundamental to building long-term trust,” he said. He added that the company will continue pairing measurable on-ground action with credible reporting as it advances toward a responsible,
multi-metal future.

Early Adopter of Global Reporting Standards

Notably, Hindustan Zinc has consistently stayed ahead of regulatory mandates. The company voluntarily adopted BRSR reporting in FY22, a year before it became compulsory under SEBI norms, signalling a proactive ESG approach. 

Over the years, it has developed a robust reporting framework that includes:

*Sustainability Report aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

*Alignment with UN Global Compact principles

*Participation in FIMI Sustainable Mining Initiative

*Dedicated Climate Action Report aligned with IFRS S2 (earlier TCFD)

*India’s first TNFD report in the metals and mining sector

*Integrated Annual Report recognised by LACP

Additionally, the company has strengthened transparency through voluntary disclosures on tax practices and nature-related risks, reinforcing credibility with investors.

Accelerating Renewable Energy and Decarbonisation

Beyond reporting excellence, Hindustan Zinc continues to integrate sustainability across operations. In March 2025, the company signed a round-the-clock Power Delivery Agreement with Serentica Renewables, increasing its green power capacity to 530 MW. This move supports its goal of sourcing 70% of total electricity from renewables by FY28.

The transition aligns with its:

*Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated decarbonisation roadmap

*Commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 or earlier

*Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals

During the year, the company:

*Saved 6.7 lakh tonnes of GHG emissions

*Increased renewable energy share to nearly 19% of total power mix

*Global Recognition and Responsible Mining Leadership

*Hindustan Zinc’s sustainability credentials have also earned global recognition.

The company was ranked the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company for the third consecutive year in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Further strengthening its position, it became India’s first member of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), underscoring its commitment to responsible mining practices.

Outlook: Building a Green, Multi-Metal Future

As it expands beyond zinc into a broader multi-metal portfolio, Hindustan Zinc continues to combine green technologies, operational excellence, and governance-led growth. With strong ESG frameworks, measurable climate action, and credible disclosures, the company is positioning itself as one of India’s most forward-looking and sustainable industrial players. As reported by indiacsr.in, the ICAI award not only recognises reporting excellence but also reinforces the company’s broader ambition to lead the sector in transparent, accountable, and responsible growth.

UPL expects to gain market share and strengthen margins after the reduction in US reciprocal tariffs, which has significantly improved the competitiveness of Indian agrochemical exporters against Chinese suppliers. With India’s effective duties now sharply lower than China’s across several molecules, the company anticipates a positive earnings impact from the fourth quarter onward, said Bikash Prasad, Group CFO, UPL.

“The duty differential today will be about 27%. This allows us to compete against China in most molecules and will definitely help UPL for the rest of the fourth quarter as well as the year ahead,” Prasad said.

Tariff Differential Strengthens India’s Position

The tariff revision has reshaped the competitive landscape for agrochemical exporters.

Earlier, the US imposed:

*50% tariffs on India

*55% tariffs on China

After a 10% reduction linked to fentanyl-related duties, China’s effective tariff dropped to 45%. Meanwhile, India’s duty has fallen to 18%. If the proposed 25% penalty duty tied to Russian oil imports is removed, the overall duty gap could widen to nearly 27%, creating a clear pricing advantage for Indian manufacturers. While some molecules remain duty-exempt, others continue to attract tariffs. However, the overall structure now favours Indian suppliers in most generic agrochemical segments.

Pricing Stable, Margins Get Policy Support

Across the agrochemical industry, pricing has largely remained stable, with volume growth driving expansion. At the same time, China’s decision to withdraw a 9% export subsidy on certain active ingredients could offer additional margin support to Indian producers, especially in phosphorous-based products. Together, these changes may create favourable conditions for sustained profitability.

Outlook: Strong Q4 Momentum Expected

Looking ahead, UPL expects a robust fourth quarter, supported by multiple tailwinds:

*Deferred US sales

*Seasonal demand recovery in Brazil

*Continued traction in differentiated and sustainable products

Notably, these higher-value products now account for around 38% of group sales, reflecting the company’s ongoing portfolio shift. Despite outperforming its nine-month targets, UPL has maintained its full-year guidance, citing geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, still, with tariff advantages, stable pricing, and improving efficiencies, the company appears well-positioned to sustain growth in the coming quarters.

The budget has delivered a strong push to India’s nuclear research ecosystem, nearly doubling allocations for research and development (R&D) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The government has earmarked ₹2,410.48 crore for nuclear research projects this year, up sharply from ₹1,284.77 crore in the revised estimates of 2025–26—an 88% increase. The higher outlay signals a renewed focus on strengthening indigenous reactor technologies and advanced nuclear innovation.

Capital Spending Takes Centre Stage

Importantly, the Budget has prioritised capital expenditure over revenue spending, indicating a focus on infrastructure creation and long-term asset building.

*Capital expenditure: ₹1,977.20 crore (vs ₹928.95 crore) — up 113%

*Revenue expenditure: ₹433.38 crore (vs ₹355.82 crore) — modest increase

The shift suggests that the government is accelerating investments in equipment, facilities, and core research capabilities rather than routine operational costs.

BARC Gets the Biggest Boost

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India’s premier nuclear research institution, has emerged as the largest beneficiary of the enhanced funding. The finance ministry has increased BARC’s capital support for R&D projects to ₹1,609.16 crore, compared with ₹778.37 crore last year. Notably, the original 2025–26 allocation stood at ₹880.54 crore, indicating that BARC had underspent part of its earlier outlay.

Overall:

*Total allocation to BARC (capital + revenue): ₹1,800 crore

*Previous revised estimate: ₹918.91 crore

*Increase: 95%

The higher allocation aligns with BARC’s mandate to develop next-generation nuclear technologies, including:

*200 MW Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200)

*55 MW Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55)

*5 MW (thermal) high-temperature gas-cooled reactor for hydrogen production

However, the Budget documents stop short of explicitly linking the funds to these specific projects.

Bonanza for IGCAR’s Fast Breeder Programme

Meanwhile, the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, has also received a substantial funding jump.

Support for its R&D projects has risen sharply:

*Total allocation: ₹226 crore (vs ₹67.86 crore earlier)

*Capital expenditure: ₹183.82 crore (vs ₹59.79 crore)

*Revenue expenditure: ₹42.18 crore (vs ₹17.07 crore)

According to the DAE’s demand notes, IGCAR leads the design and development of liquid sodium-cooled fast breeder reactors, a key part of Stage II of India’s nuclear power programme. These reactors aim to enhance fuel efficiency through fabrication and reprocessing technologies. The higher outlay could accelerate progress in advanced breeder reactor capabilities.

Overall DAE Allocation Stays Flat

Despite the sharp rise in R&D allocations, the total budgetary support to the Department of Atomic Energy has slightly declined.

*Total DAE allocation: ₹24,123.92 crore

*Previous revised estimate: ₹24,411.47 crore

The marginal dip reflects reduced capital support to power generation rather than research.

Lower Support for NPCIL as Finances Improve

The decline primarily stems from a cut in capital assistance to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

*NPCIL capital allocation: ₹5,500 crore

*Previous year (RE): ₹8,242 crore

The reduction appears linked to NPCIL’s stronger financial position. According to Acuité Ratings & Research:

*Operating income: ₹20,384.66 crore (2024–25)

*Net profit: ₹4,737 crore

*Net worth increased to ₹67,033 crore from ₹61,605 crore

Financial risk profile described as “healthy”. Given its improving balance sheet, NPCIL may require less direct budgetary support.

Outlook: Research-Led Nuclear Strategy

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, taken together, Budget 2026 marks a clear strategic shift toward research-led nuclear growth. While overall departmental spending remains steady, the government has channelled significantly higher funds into advanced reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), hydrogen-linked technologies, and fast breeder systems. As India works to expand clean energy capacity and strengthen energy security, these investments could accelerate the development of next-generation nuclear technologies and domestic innovation.

India’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem is set for another phase of rapid expansion, with the country expected to host more than 2,400 GCCs by 2030, employing over 2.8 million professionals, according to a joint report by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and real estate consultancy ANAROCK. The report underscores how GCCs are not only generating large-scale employment but also reshaping India’s commercial office real estate market through sustained leasing demand.

Strong Growth Momentum in GCC Ecosystem

The study, titled Workplaces 2025: India Commercial Real Estate Reimagined, was unveiled at the 3rd FICCI Commercial Real Estate Conclave in Bengaluru.

It reveals that by the end of 2024:

*India housed over 1,700 GCCs

*These centres employed more than 1.9 million people

*The market was valued at $64 billion

Notably, the sector has more than doubled in value over five years. “India’s GCC market has expanded significantly, growing from $30 billion in 2019 to around $64 billion in 2024,” said Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group.

Key Sectors Driving Demand

Importantly, multiple high-growth industries continue to fuel GCC expansion. These include:

*Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (ITeS)

*Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)

*Healthcare and life sciences

*Engineering and R&D

As global companies increasingly centralise innovation, analytics, and digital operations in India, demand for Grade A office spaces has surged.

GCCs Power Office Leasing Across India

The report highlights GCCs as the largest contributors to office space absorption in the country.

In 2025 alone:

*Total gross office leasing reached 80.5 million sq. ft.

8GCCs accounted for over 32.5 million sq. ft.

This represented more than 40% of total leasing activity. Consequently, GCCs have become a primary driver of India’s commercial real estate growth.

Bengaluru Leads, Tier-Two Cities Gain Ground

City-wise, Bengaluru continues to dominate India’s GCC landscape.

*Bengaluru: 875+ centres, nearly 29% share

*Pune: 15% share

*Delhi-NCR: 14%

*Hyderabad: 14%

However, the expansion is no longer limited to metro hubs. Companies are increasingly exploring tier-two cities such as Jaipur, Indore, Kochi, Surat, and Coimbatore, attracted by lower costs, skilled talent pools, and improving infrastructure.

Market to Cross $100 Billion by 2030

Looking ahead, the sector’s outlook remains robust. “The Indian GCC market is projected to reach $105–110 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%,” Puri noted.

He attributed this growth to:

*Cost efficiency

*A deep skilled workforce

*Strong digital capabilities

*Ability to attract global talent

Together, these advantages continue to position India as the preferred global hub for capability centres.

Outlook

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with rising global outsourcing, digital transformation mandates, and expanding talent availability, India’s GCC sector is poised to remain a major employment generator and commercial real estate catalyst over the next decade. As new cities emerge and investments deepen, GCCs are expected to play an even bigger role in shaping India’s economic and urban growth story.

AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has introduced a new single-coat Aerobase basecoat solution that helps Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) paint facilities improve productivity, reduce process complexity, and deliver consistent, high-quality finishes. By replacing traditional two-coat systems with a validated single-coat application, the company enables operators to cut application time, lower total film thickness, and streamline painting operations across mixed aircraft fleets.

Designed Specifically for the Global MRO Market

AkzoNobel developed the enhanced Aerobase formulation specifically for the global mixed fleet MRO environment, where speed, consistency, and reliability are critical. Importantly, the solution is already certified for immediate worldwide use, allowing paint facilities to adopt the simplified process without delay. This targeted development reflects AkzoNobel’s ongoing focus on continuous improvement in both coating performance and operational efficiency.

Faster Application, Greater Process Control

To meet the demanding requirements of aircraft repainting, AkzoNobel optimized the new formulation for better application control, consistent film build, and superior finish quality. Most notably, the coating delivers around 40% higher sag resistance compared to the previous system. When paired with a cross-coat technique, it achieves full hiding power and surface finish in just one application — effectively eliminating the need for a second coat. As a result, paint shops can reduce labor hours, shorten turnaround times, and increase overall throughput.

Thinner Coatings Deliver Weight and Fuel Savings

Beyond process efficiency, the single-coat system also improves aircraft performance. Field testing conducted in 2025 on a single-aisle aircraft showed a 36% reduction in total film thickness versus a conventional two-coat system. Despite the thinner application, the coating maintains durability and appearance standards. Meanwhile, the lower film build helps reduce aircraft weight, which in turn cuts fuel consumption and associated CO₂ emissions — a key advantage for airlines aiming to meet sustainability targets.

Addressing Real-World MRO Challenges

According to AkzoNobel, the development directly responds to operational pressures faced by MRO operators. “MROs are under constant pressure to improve efficiency without compromising quality,” said Aurore Bournazel, Segment Manager OEM, MRO and Airlines at AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings. “This latest Aerobase solution enables a validated single-coat process that simplifies application, improves consistency and delivers measurable performance benefits. By reducing total film thickness, it also helps airlines lower aircraft weight, fuel burn, and CO₂ emissions. It’s a practical solution that helps facilities do more with less — today,” added Bournazel.

Immediate Availability and Global Support

The enhanced Aerobase solution will initially be available in the most widely used aerospace white shades, ensuring immediate relevance for airlines and MRO operators. To support adoption, AkzoNobel’s technical teams are actively working with customers on process development, validation, and applicator training, ensuring consistent and repeatable results across facilities. While the product is already certified for global MRO use, OEM testing and approvals are underway. Additional real-world applications are currently being conducted with two MRO partners on both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. As reported by avm-mag.com, with strong early performance data and growing industry interest, AkzoNobel plans a global rollout of the single-coat Aerobase solution throughout 2026, positioning the technology as a faster, lighter, and more sustainable alternative for aerospace painting.