Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd (ARE&M) has appointed Narayan Choudhary as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). He succeeds C. Narasimhulu Naidu, who is retiring after more than three decades of service to the organisation.

Leadership transition aligns with next phase of growth

The leadership change comes at a critical stage in ARE&M’s growth journey, as the company accelerates its manufacturing and operational transformation. In his new role, Choudhary will lead manufacturing operations and enterprise-wide operational strategy, with a focus on efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement.

Three decades of experience in large-scale transformation

As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, Choudhary brings nearly 30 years of experience across the automotive and industrial sectors. Over his career, he has led large-scale transformation programmes, including greenfield project development, new technology adoption, supply chain modernisation, quality systems, and people leadership. Prior to joining ARE&M, he served as Chief Executive Officer and Business Head at Taco Punch Powertrain.

Driving Industry 4.0 and future-ready manufacturing

Harshavardhana Gourineni, Executive Director, ARE&M, said the company is strengthening its operational leadership at a pivotal moment. “We are delighted to welcome Narayan at a crucial juncture in our manufacturing evolution. His strong command of Industry 4.0 practices will significantly advance our operational excellence agenda. His experience will add immense value to our ‘Factories of the Future’ initiative, which focuses on building highly automated, digitally enabled, and globally benchmarked manufacturing systems,” Gourineni said.

Strengthening global manufacturing footprint

Choudhary said he looks forward to building on the company’s strong manufacturing foundation and expanding its global presence. “It is an honour to join an organisation that has consistently led with manufacturing and operational excellence. I look forward to building on ARE&M’s legacy and contributing to the company’s expanding global footprint,” he said.

The Government of India has awarded the Padma Shri to Juzer Vasi, Professor Emeritus at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, in the field of Science and Engineering. Four decades of contribution to microelectronics and photovoltaics The Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognises Vasi’s contributions to microelectronics and photovoltaic research over a career spanning more than four decades. His work has focused on teaching, institutional development, and applied research, playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s capabilities in semiconductor and renewable energy technologies.

Strengthening India’s research and academic ecosystem

The award acknowledges Vasi’s sustained efforts to build research infrastructure and academic capacity, particularly in nanoelectronics and solar energy. The 2026 Padma Awards include 131 awardees across diverse fields such as science, medicine, social work, public affairs, art, and trade and industry.

Driving national semiconductor research through INUP

Vasi has been closely associated with the Indian Nanoelectronics Users Programme (INUP), a national initiative designed to expand access to advanced semiconductor fabrication and characterisation facilities. Through shared cleanroom infrastructure and specialised equipment, the programme enabled researchers from universities, research institutions, and start-ups to conduct experimental work in microelectronics and nanoscale devices.

Advancing solar research at NCPRE, IIT Bombay

In parallel, Vasi played a key role in establishing the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay. The centre focuses on research and training in solar photovoltaic materials, devices, and systems, with particular emphasis on reliability and performance under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions prevalent in India.

Padma Awards recognise excellence across disciplines

The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are conferred annually in three categories—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The President of India presents the awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan, typically during March or April.

Academic background and professional recognition

Vasi holds a doctoral degree from The Johns Hopkins University and has served in multiple academic and advisory roles during his career. As reported by machinist.in, in addition, he has been elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), reflecting his long-standing contributions to science and engineering in India.

The Bioenergy Project Development and EPC vertical of Organic Recycling Systems Limited (ORSL) has secured a large-scale order from BNG Power and Energy LLP to develop a Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) project in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The project is designed to produce five tons per day (TPD) of CBG, strengthening ORSL’s growing presence in India’s bioenergy sector.

Napier Grass–based plant to convert biomass into clean fuel

The Jaipur facility will use Napier Grass as its primary feedstock, leveraging the crop’s high yield and strong energy potential. By converting agricultural biomass into clean, grid-quality gas, the project supports sustainable farming practices while contributing to India’s renewable energy goals.

Comprehensive EPC scope with proprietary digester technology

Under the contract, ORSL will provide its proprietary anaerobic digester technology, along with end-to-end design and engineering services. In addition, the company will execute the complete Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) scope, ensuring seamless integration and high operational efficiency across the plant.

Strengthening ORSL’s position in waste-to-energy solutions

With this order, ORSL continues to expand its footprint in the renewable energy landscape. The project highlights the company’s expertise in delivering high-efficiency anaerobic digestion systems and reinforces its position as a trusted technology and EPC partner for large-scale waste-to-energy and bio-CNG projects.

Supporting India’s energy transition and circular economy goals

CBG projects play a critical role in India’s energy transition by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and advancing national decarbonisation targets. As reported by in.marketscreener.com, by transforming organic biomass into clean energy, ORSL’s Jaipur project promotes a circular economy model, strengthens local energy security, and creates a sustainable utilisation pathway for agricultural produce.

Global experts, policymakers and investors will converge in Kochi for the seventh India International Seaweed Expo and Summit, scheduled for January 29–30. Hosted at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), the event will spotlight the growing economic and environmental potential of seaweed as a key driver of sustainable development.

Global participation underscores seaweed’s strategic importance

The two-day summit will welcome delegates from ten countries, including the United States, Russia, Australia, France and Indonesia. Together, international experts and Indian stakeholders will examine seaweed as a sunrise sector capable of strengthening food security, generating livelihoods and supporting climate-resilient growth.

Policymakers and industry leaders to shape sector roadmap

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will join industry leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs to discuss policy frameworks, investment pathways and market expansion strategies. The discussions aim to identify how India can accelerate the development of a robust and globally competitive seaweed industry.

Platform for technology transfer and commercial collaboration

Jointly organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), ICAR-CMFRI, and CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), the summit will serve as a global platform for technology transfer and commercial collaboration. Technical sessions will cover areas such as bioprospecting, nutraceuticals, value-added products and climate resilience, culminating in a roadmap to position India as a major player in the global seaweed economy.

Expo to drive B2B networking and investment opportunities

Beyond policy and research, the Expo will function as a major B2B networking platform, bringing together leading industrial players from India and overseas with investors, startups and entrepreneurs. The interactions are expected to foster partnerships and unlock business opportunities across the seaweed value chain.

Public engagement through products, food and live demonstrations

As reported by thefishsite.com, in addition, the event will open its doors to the public, offering visitors a chance to sample seaweed-based delicacies and explore a wide range of seaweed-derived products, including health supplements, functional foods, cosmetics and lifestyle products. Interactive stalls and live demonstrations will help showcase how seaweed is rapidly emerging as a sustainable solution for food security, livelihoods and green growth.

Zydus Lifesciences Limited announced the launch of the world’s first biosimilar of Nivolumab in India, marking a significant step toward expanding access to advanced cancer immunotherapy. The launch positions India at the forefront of biosimilar innovation while addressing long-standing affordability challenges in oncology care.

Tishtha™ aims to expand access to immuno-oncology therapies

The company has introduced the biosimilar under the brand name Tishtha™, which will be used in the treatment of multiple cancer types. According to Zydus, the therapy will be available at nearly one-fourth the cost of the reference drug, substantially easing the financial burden on patients requiring long-term immunotherapy.

Competitive pricing and flexible dosing to reduce treatment costs

To further enhance affordability, Zydus has launched Tishtha™ in two dosage strengths—100 mg priced at ₹28,950 and 40 mg priced at ₹13,950. The dual-strength format will allow oncologists to optimise dosing while minimising drug wastage, a critical factor in improving the overall economics of immunotherapy treatment.

Over five lakh patients could benefit from improved affordability

Zydus estimates that more than five lakh patients in India could benefit from wider access to Nivolumab-based immunotherapy due to the reduced cost. Commenting on the launch, Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said the company remains committed to making advanced cancer care accessible to a broader patient population. “At Zydus, we believe every patient deserves timely access to affordable, advanced cancer care. With the launch of Tishtha™, we are expanding access to Immuno-Oncology through a patient-centric therapy,” he said.

Made-in-India biosimilar ensures supply continuity

Zydus highlighted that access to modern cancer treatment depends on consistency, affordability, and reach. As Tishtha™ has been developed and manufactured in India, the company said it will ensure reliable and uninterrupted availability for patients who require therapy across multiple treatment cycles.

Strengthening Zydus’ biologics and immuno-oncology portfolio

The launch further strengthens Zydus’ position in advanced biologics and immuno-oncology, aligning with its broader strategy to expand access to high-quality biosimilar therapies in India and global markets. As reported by cnbctv18.com, the company is reportedly in discussions to acquire US-based biopharmaceutical firm Ardelyx, according to sources cited by CNBC-TV18. To support the potential acquisition, Zydus is also exploring fundraising through a qualified institutional placement (QIP), the report added.

India and the European Union are poised to conclude negotiations on their long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with both sides signalling that talks have reached a decisive stage. Momentum around the pact gathered pace after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the negotiations as having reached a “pivotal moment” during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

On the Cusp of a Historic Agreement

von der Leyen underscored the political intent driving the negotiations. “And right after Davos, the next weekend, I will travel to India. There is still work to do, but we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement,” she said. If finalised, the agreement would create a combined market of nearly two billion people and represent close to a quarter of global GDP, underscoring its significance for global trade and investment flows.

Tariff Cuts and Market Access at the Core

At the heart of the proposed deal are reciprocal tariff reductions and improved market access. The agreement is expected to lower duties on European automobiles and wine, while opening up wider opportunities for Indian exports in electronics, textiles, chemicals, and other manufacturing sectors. For India, the pact would mark its ninth trade agreement in just four years, reinforcing its strategy to deepen global market access at a time when protectionist policies are gaining ground worldwide.

Strategic Gains for Both Sides

Beyond trade volumes, the FTA carries strong geopolitical and strategic implications. For the European Union, closer economic ties with India offer a pathway to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China. The deal would also strengthen the EU’s engagement with India’s rapidly expanding $4.2 trillion economy. India, meanwhile, stands to consolidate its position as a key global manufacturing and services hub, while attracting greater investment from European firms.

Strong Trade Ties Provide a Solid Foundation

The EU already ranks among India’s top trading partners, alongside the United States and China. Bilateral trade in goods and services crossed $190 billion in 2024–25. During this period, India exported approximately $76 billion worth of goods and $30 billion in services to the 27-member bloc, highlighting the depth of existing economic ties.

Tariff Asymmetries and Outstanding Challenges

While average EU tariffs on Indian goods remain relatively low at around 3.8 per cent, labour-intensive sectors continue to face higher barriers. According to the Delhi-based Global Trade Research Initiative, duties on textiles and garments hover around 10 per cent, making market access a critical issue for Indian exporters. Analysts note that recent geopolitical tensions and global trade disruptions have nudged both sides toward a more pragmatic and implementable compromise.

Final Outcomes Will Shape Long-Term Impact

However, the true balance of gains will depend on how key issues—such as carbon border levies, mobility of services professionals, and non-tariff barriers—are ultimately resolved. As reported by firstpost.com, as negotiations enter the final stretch, stakeholders on both sides will be watching closely to see whether the landmark pact delivers equitable and sustainable benefits.

Weeks ahead of Budget 2026, renewable energy experts and policy analysts are urging the government to introduce stronger fiscal and policy measures to accelerate India’s clean energy transition and address emerging system-level challenges.

Over the past decade, India has made rapid progress in renewable capacity addition. Installed renewable energy capacity has grown from 76 GW in 2014 to over 226 GW by mid-2025, underscoring the scale of the transition already underway. However, industry leaders now argue that the next phase must focus on quality, resilience, and integration, rather than capacity alone.

Decentralised Renewables Seen as the Next Growth Engine

Calling for a sharper policy focus, Radhika Choudhary, Co-founder and Director, Freyr Energy, said the upcoming Budget should prioritise decentralised renewable energy, particularly distributed and rooftop solar. She noted that decentralised systems can strengthen grid resilience, reduce transmission losses, and improve energy access in semi-urban and rural regions. According to Choudhary, these solutions are well positioned to drive the next phase of renewable growth.

In addition, she advocated targeted incentives for battery storage, domestic solar manufacturing, and digital energy platforms. Measures such as interest subvention, simplified GST structures, and faster project approvals could significantly boost rooftop solar adoption, she added.

Policy Support Sought for Low-Carbon Technologies and Green Finance

Meanwhile, Bharath Jairaj, Executive Program Director, WRI India, emphasised the need for stronger policy and financial support to scale low-carbon technologies, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. He called for expanded tax credits, guarantees, and R&D funding, along with greater investments in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) pilot projects, electrolyser manufacturing, technology transfer, and workforce skilling.

Jairaj also proposed the creation of a green bank or credit guarantee institution to mobilise capital for battery storage, green hydrogen, and industrial electrification. In parallel, he highlighted the importance of Just Transition Funds for coal-dependent regions to support an equitable energy transition.

Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains and Industrial Decarbonisation

Beyond finance, Jairaj urged policymakers to deploy pooled procurement funds to accelerate adoption of green steel and green cement, while also investing in critical minerals and solar village initiatives. He further recommended expanding the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to cover the entire solar value chain, a move he said would help reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Grid Reliability and Discom Reforms Take Centre Stage

Shifting focus from capacity addition to system performance, Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables, stressed that India’s renewable strategy must now prioritise grid reliability and market viability. He flagged the urgent need to fix discom finances, noting that weak balance sheets have stalled nearly 50 GW of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Budgetary support, he said, is also essential to accelerate transmission expansion and grid modernisation, particularly through the deployment of advanced grid technologies.

Energy Storage as a Core Grid Asset

Hiranandani further argued that energy storage should be treated as a grid asset under the control of system operators. He highlighted Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for grid-connected battery systems as a critical requirement to scale storage capacity and enable round-the-clock renewable power integration.

From Capacity Growth to System Readiness

Collectively, industry voices ahead of Budget 2026 are calling for a shift in focus—from headline capacity numbers to system readiness, financial health, and decentralised deployment. Ad reported by knnindia.co.in, with targeted policy support, experts believe the upcoming Budget can play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s clean energy ecosystem while ensuring reliability, affordability, and long-term sustainability.

Juniper Green Energy Limited has fully commissioned a 100 MWh merchant Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Bikaner, Rajasthan, marking a major milestone in India’s rapidly evolving energy storage market.

Developed through its subsidiary Juniper Green Cosmic Private Limited, the project is now fully operational following regulatory clearances and successful trial runs. With this commissioning, the Bikaner facility becomes India’s first fully operational merchant BESS, opening new commercial pathways for grid-connected energy storage.

Phased Commissioning Achieved Ahead of Full Operations

Merchant Model Enables New Revenue Streams

Global Technology Partnership Supports Execution

To deliver the project, Juniper Green Energy partnered with Envision Energy for the supply and installation of the battery storage systems. This collaboration combines global technology expertise with domestic renewable infrastructure development, ensuring high performance and operational reliability.

Enhancing Grid Stability and Renewable Integration

As renewable energy penetration continues to rise, battery energy storage systems are becoming critical to grid stability. The Bikaner BESS is designed to manage peak demand, improve transmission utilisation, and enable smoother integration of solar power into the national grid. By providing fast-response flexibility, the system supports India’s broader goals of grid modernisation and clean energy transition.

Expanding a Renewable-Plus-Storage Platform

Looking ahead, Juniper Green Energy plans to deploy battery storage across its solar assets connected to the inter-state transmission system. This strategy aims to create an integrated renewable-plus-storage platform capable of addressing intermittency while improving dispatch flexibility. In line with this roadmap, the company has already installed an additional 400 MWh of BESS capacity at Fatehgarh, Rajasthan. Juniper Green Energy will commission the project by the first quarter of 2026, significantly expanding its operational storage footprint.

Early Mover Advantage in Merchant Storage

With merchant energy storage gaining momentum in both policy and market frameworks, Juniper Green Energy’s early entry places it in a strong position to capitalise on emerging opportunities. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, the company’s investments directly support India’s clean energy ambitions. They also strengthen grid resilience and accelerate the transition to a more flexible and sustainable power system.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) will purchase twelve million barrels of crude oil from Brazil’s Petrobras in fiscal year 2027 for $780 million, according to a government statement issued on Friday. The volume is twice the size of BPCL’s FY2026 contract. This reflects a deliberate move by the state-run refiner to partially replace Russian oil amid shifting global trade flows.

Indian Refiners Diversify Crude Import Sources

As Russian oil volumes decline, Indian refiners are reworking their import strategies, increasing procurement from the Middle East, Africa, and South America. The upcoming BPCL–Petrobras agreement fits squarely into this broader diversification push aimed at strengthening supply security and flexibility. The government confirmed that BPCL will sign the crude supply deal next week. Officials will sign the agreement on the sidelines of India Energy Week, providing a high-profile backdrop.

Energy Week to Witness Multiple Strategic Agreements

In parallel, India Energy Week, scheduled to begin on January 27, is expected to host several major energy-related agreements involving Indian and global players. During the four-day conference, state-run Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) will sign a preliminary agreement with France’s TotalEnergies. The deal aims to develop a 200-kilotonne-per-year sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project at Paradip in Odisha.

LNG Supply Tie-Ups to Support Future Demand

Additionally, NRL and Oil India Ltd (OIL) will enter into a preliminary pact with TotalEnergies to source liquefied natural gas (LNG). It will support the companies’ anticipated future energy demand. These agreements reflect India’s continued push to balance conventional fuels with cleaner energy options.

BPCL Arm to Expand Global Upstream Footprint

Bharat PetroResources Ltd, BPCL’s upstream arm, will sign an agreement with Shell. The deal will allow it to acquire stakes in oil and gas assets worldwide. It aims to strengthen BPCL’s international upstream portfolio and enhance long-term energy security.

India is set to host one of the world’s most influential energy gatherings as India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 opens this week in Goa, bringing together global policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and technology innovators at an unprecedented scale. The four-day event, running from 27–30 January at the ONGC Advanced Training Institute (ATI), is expected to be the largest edition yet of this rapidly growing global energy platform.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri described IEW 2026 as convening global energy leadership at a “defining moment” for the sector, with discussions focused on energy security, investment mobilisation, and practical decarbonisation pathways. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to virtually inaugurate the summit, reinforcing India’s strategic intent to position itself not only as a major energy consumer, but also as a key architect of future energy systems.

Record Participation Underscores Global Significance

IEW 2026 marks a new milestone in both scale and ambition. Organisers expect more than 75,000 delegates, over 600 exhibitors, including 180 international participants, 500+ speakers, and 120+ conference sessions spanning the entire energy value chain. Seventeen ministers and deputy ministers from countries including the UAE, Canada, the Netherlands, Oman, Brunei, Myanmar, and Tanzania have confirmed their participation. In addition, senior representatives from international organisations such as the International Energy Forum, BIMSTEC, and the Eurasian Economic Union will also be present.

Expanded Exhibition Reflects Energy Transition Priorities

The exhibition has expanded significantly, now covering 11 thematic zones that reflect both current realities and future priorities of the global energy system. These zones include digitalisation and artificial intelligence, hydrogen and renewables, petrochemicals, biofuels, LNG ecosystems, city gas distribution, indigenous manufacturing, and net-zero solutions. Notably, nuclear energy and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) have been introduced as dedicated zones for the first time, highlighting their growing importance in long-term decarbonisation strategies.

Policy, Markets and Technology Converge Under One Platform

Organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and co-hosted by the Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI) and dmg events, IEW 2026 blends policy dialogue with commercial and technical engagement. The agenda includes multiple ministerial sessions, 47 leadership panels, and five in-depth Energy Talks, designed to translate policy ambition into actionable outcomes. Discussions will focus on critical themes such as energy security, affordability, climate resilience, and equitable energy transition, encouraging cross-sector collaboration.

Spotlight on Indigenisation and “Make in India”

A strong emphasis on indigenisation anchors this year’s programme. A dedicated “Make in India” pavilion, led by Engineers India Limited, will showcase domestic equipment manufacturers, MSMEs, vendors, and start-ups. This initiative aims to integrate Indian companies more deeply into global energy value chains, while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities across hydrocarbons, renewables, and emerging energy technologies.

IEW 2026 Emerges as a Major Deal-Making Platform

Beyond dialogue, IEW 2026 is rapidly evolving into a significant deal-making forum. Industry sources say companies will announce several strategic agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the event.

Key developments anticipated include:

*Shipbuilding and offshore logistics collaborations involving Indian and global maritime players

*A $780 million term crude supply contract between BPCL and Petrobras (Braskem subsidiary)

MoUs between BPRL and Shell, and between OIL/NRL and Saudi Aramco

A joint venture agreement between TotalEnergies and NRL to develop a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) facility in Paradip, supporting aviation’s net-zero ambitions. Collectively, these initiatives—spanning hydrocarbons, fuel diversification, maritime infrastructure, and renewable energy—will enable Indian and international companies to forge strong long-term partnerships.

India’s Pragmatic Approach to Energy Transition

Addressing the policy direction, Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasised that India is pursuing a calibrated and pragmatic energy transition. The government’s priority remains ensuring affordable, reliable energy access, while steadily reducing carbon intensity through cleaner fuels and advanced technologies. He underscored that oil and gas will continue to play a critical role, even as renewables and emerging fuels scale up to meet future demand.

India’s Growing Influence on the Global Energy Stage

The rapid evolution of India Energy Week into a premier global forum mirrors India’s rising profile in the international energy landscape. With each successive edition drawing greater participation and higher-level engagement, IEW has become a key platform shaping global energy discourse. Etvbharat.com reports that as stakeholders converge in Goa, IEW 2026 will provide valuable insights into how nations can balance economic growth, energy security, and sustainability in a complex and uncertain global environment.