Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) bagged an “Excellent” performance rating under its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for the financial year 2024–25. The corporation achieved an impressive score of 97.36 out of 100, reflecting its strong emphasis on operational excellence, transparency, and robust corporate governance. The recognition highlights SECI’s consistent delivery against key performance benchmarks set by the government.

Driving India’s Renewable Energy Transition

As a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise, SECI continues to play a central role in advancing India’s clean energy agenda. The organisation acts as a key implementing agency for large-scale renewable energy projects across the country. As of 31 December 2025, SECI has awarded over 76 GW of cumulative renewable energy generation capacity. In parallel, the capacity of Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) signed has crossed 60 GW, underscoring the corporation’s leadership in enabling large-scale renewable deployment.

Trading Volumes and Financial Performance Surge

During FY 2024–25, SECI recorded a strong 18.48% increase in annual trading volume, with electricity trading reaching 50.87 billion units. This growth reflects rising demand for renewable power and SECI’s expanding market presence.

At the same time, the company crossed a major financial milestone, with total income exceeding ₹15,000 crore, representing a 16.54% year-on-year increase. SECI also reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹501.92 crore, up 15.11% from the previous financial year.

Reinforcing Its Role as a Clean Energy Catalyst

Together, these achievements reinforce SECI’s position as a key catalyst in India’s clean energy transition. As reported by renewablemirror.com, the corporation combines scale, financial discipline, and operational efficiency. It continues to drive rapid renewable energy deployment while supporting sustainable, long-term growth.

The Motipur industrial area is moving closer to another major milestone in Bihar’s industrial development, with a significant expansion in ethanol production now underway. Construction of two new ethanol units is progressing at a rapid pace, reinforcing Motipur’s growing role in the state’s biofuel ecosystem.

According to the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA), ethanol production is already operational in Motipur. Construction of the first plants began in 2021, with commercial production commencing in 2023. Once authorities commission the new units, the industrial area will have more ethanol plants, substantially increasing overall production capacity.

Employment Generation Gathers Momentum

With the addition of the two new plants, direct job creation is expected to increase significantly. Moreover, the ethanol ecosystem is generating large-scale indirect employment across allied sectors, including transportation, raw material supply, daily wage labour, retail, and service activities. This multiplier effect is strengthening the local economy and improving livelihoods across the region.

Maize-Based Plants to Drive Output Growth

Rakesh Ranjan, Director of Muzaffarpur Biofuels Company, which is setting up the new units, said that one ethanol plant is already operational at Motipur, while the second is currently under construction. He noted that all ethanol units in the complex are maize-based, and ethanol output is expected to rise sharply once all plants become operational later this year. According to Ranjan, each unit supports indirect employment for nearly 3,000 to 4,000 people, underscoring the sector’s broad economic impact.

Strong Demand and Seamless Procurement

Ranjan added that petroleum companies directly procure ethanol from the Motipur units, ensuring smooth marketing and minimal supply-chain challenges. While government incentives and industrial facilities have supported sector growth, he emphasised the need to further strengthen procurement mechanisms to keep pace with rising production levels.

Investor Interest Continues to Rise

BIADA Deputy General Manager Neeraj Mishra said that one of the new ethanol units is in the final stages of construction and will commence production soon. He also highlighted the growing interest among new entrepreneurs in investing in ethanol projects. The sustained interest, he noted, reflects increasing confidence in Motipur’s industrial infrastructure and policy environment.

Emerging as a Key Ethanol Hub in Bihar

As reported by chinimandi.com, with expanding infrastructure, strong policy support, and rising private investment, Motipur is fast emerging as a key centre for ethanol production and industrial employment in Bihar. The upcoming units are expected to further consolidate the region’s position in India’s ethanol blending and biofuel roadmap.

The government plans to involve private sector players in the exploration of its vast thorium and monazite reserves, which are among the largest in the world. The move marks a significant shift in India’s approach to managing critical nuclear minerals. By bringing in private participation, the government aims to accelerate exploration activity while strengthening domestic resource security.

Reducing Dependence on Imported Critical Minerals

Jitendra Singh, minister of state for the department of atomic energy, said the initiative seeks to reduce India’s dependence on foreign sources for critical elements essential to nuclear energy. “The coming in of private players will further empower this process,” Singh said, adding that the government is working to include private participation with adequate safeguards to ensure safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

Backed by Nuclear Energy Legislation

The policy shift follows the passage of the Nuclear Energy Bill in December 2025, which for the first time since Independence allows private participation in India’s civil nuclear energy sector. The legislation has created a formal framework for private involvement, paving the way for investment, technology deployment, and faster development of nuclear-linked resources.

Vast Reserves with Long-Term Energy Potential

India’s thorium reserves are estimated at nearly 8.5 lakh tons, while the country holds approximately 11.93 million tons of monazite, a key source of thorium. These reserves offer substantial potential for long-term nuclear power generation, particularly under India’s three-stage nuclear programme, which positions thorium as a future cornerstone of clean and sustainable energy.

Strategic Step Towards Energy Security

As reported by projectstoday.com, by opening exploration to the private sector, India aims to unlock the full potential of its nuclear mineral wealth, support indigenous technology development, and strengthen energy security in the long run.

US President Donald Trump’s renewed threat to impose an additional 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran could adversely impact India’s exports to the West Asian nation. The warning comes amid ongoing domestic protests in Iran and adds fresh uncertainty to trade flows with one of India’s key regional partners. While the proposed measures target Iran-linked trade, their spillover effects could be felt across multiple Indian export sectors.

Pharma Exports to Iran Surge to Five-Year High

Against this challenging backdrop, India’s pharmaceutical exports to Iran reached a five-year high in calendar year 2025, registering a sharp 70% year-on-year growth compared with 2024. According to data from the Trade Intelligence and Analytics Portal of the Department of Commerce, pharmaceutical exports to Iran stood at $44.26 million in CY25, up from $25.26 million in CY24. This marks the highest level since 2021, when exports were valued at $35.57 million.

India Among Iran’s Key Trade Partners

In recent years, India has consistently ranked among Iran’s top five trading partners, as noted in Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) country briefs. Pharmaceuticals form a critical component of bilateral trade, alongside commodities such as rice, tea, sugar, manmade staple fibres, electrical machinery, and artificial jewellery. Conversely, India imports dry fruits, inorganic and organic chemicals, and glassware from Iran, underscoring the two-way nature of the trade relationship.

Rising Demand for Generics and Specialty Medicines

Pharmaceutical shipments to Tehran, including generic medicines and specialised formulations, have shown steady growth. This trend reflects sustained demand in Iran’s healthcare sector, despite broader geopolitical and economic pressures. In addition to pharmaceuticals, sugar and sugar confectionery exports recorded a significant jump in CY25, rising from $3.24 million in 2024 to $24.22 million in 2025, highlighting diversification within India’s export basket.

Rice Exports Dominate, but Concerns Emerge

Rice remains India’s largest export commodity to Iran, maintaining its central role in bilateral trade. However, policymakers have flagged concerns over a sharp decline in Basmati rice exports to the country. According to NITI Aayog’s Trade Watch for Q1 FY26, cereals account for 2.62% of India’s total exports, with Iran ranking as the second-largest importer in this category.

Strategic Vulnerabilities in West Asia

Highlighting the broader implications, NITI Aayog noted that India’s heavy reliance on the Middle East for both energy imports and agricultural exports increases its exposure to geopolitical and policy risks. “India’s dependence on the Middle East for both energy and agricultural exports makes it vulnerable, with key markets such as Iran for basmati rice and tea seeing sharp declines,” the report stated. As reported by msn.com, as geopolitical tensions intensify and trade restrictions loom, India’s record-high pharmaceutical exports to Iran could face headwinds, even as demand fundamentals remain strong.

VA TECH WABAG (WABAG), a water technology company, bagged a large order valued between $30 million and $75 million from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The contract covers the supply of advanced water treatment facilities. These will serve the Bina Petrochemical and Refinery Expansion Project in Bina, Madhya Pradesh. The contract strengthens WABAG’s footprint in India’s oil and gas infrastructure segment.

Comprehensive Water Treatment Scope

As part of the order, WABAG will deliver a complete Water Block Package tailored to the refinery’s operational and sustainability requirements. The scope includes a Raw Water Treatment Plant (RWTP) and a Reverse Osmosis-based Demineralisation Plant (RODMP). It also covers a Zero Liquid Discharge Plant (ZLDP). Together, these facilities will ensure high-quality process water. They will also enable near-total recovery and reuse of wastewater, supporting BPCL’s environmental compliance and resource efficiency goals.

EPC Delivery with Defined Timelines

WABAG will execute the project on an EPC basis. The scope covers design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of the complete water treatment infrastructure. The company plans to complete the project within a 22-month execution period. This timeline reflects its experience in delivering complex industrial water solutions on schedule.

Reinforcing Leadership in Oil and Gas Water Solutions

Natrajan, Head–Sales and Marketing, India Cluster, said, “We are delighted to receive this industrial water treatment order, including a ZLD solution, from BPCL and sincerely thank them for the confidence reposed in WABAG’s technological expertise and execution capabilities. This award further reinforces WABAG’s leadership position in the oil and gas sector and underscores our strong track record in delivering complex, technology-intensive water projects.” As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with this contract, WABAG continues to strengthen its position as a key partner in India’s refining and petrochemical sector. It reinforces the company’s role in delivering large-scale, sustainable water infrastructure.

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) will adopt a flexible, learner-centric higher education model, allowing students multiple entry and exit pathways while maintaining rigorous academic standards and the institutes’ strong research focus. These reforms were discussed at the third meeting of the IISER Standing Committee, chaired by education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, as part of a broader effort to modernise India’s science education ecosystem.

Multiple Pathways and Experiential Learning

Under the proposed framework, IISERs will enable multiple entry, multiple exit, re-entry, and completion options, giving students greater academic flexibility. Importantly, the model also allows learners to opt for a one-semester experiential internship in place of a conventional classroom semester.

Students may pursue internships in research, innovation, industry, or entrepreneurship, with academic credits awarded upon successful completion and evaluation. This approach aims to blend theoretical learning with real-world exposure, while preserving the academic depth that defines IISER programmes.

PhD Programmes to Align with Industry and National Missions

At the doctoral level, IISERs will undertake a comprehensive review of their PhD programmes. The exercise will identify existing gaps, benchmark global best practices, and recommend reforms to better align doctoral training with industry requirements and national priority missions. Through these changes, IISERs seek to enhance the relevance and employability of PhD graduates without compromising research excellence.

Strengthening Research and Innovation Infrastructure

To expand their societal and economic impact, IISERs will strengthen their research and innovation ecosystem across campuses. Plans include setting up research parks, incubators, and domain-specific Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in high-impact areas. These CoEs will span critical and emerging fields such as quantum computing, biotechnology, healthcare, advanced materials, energy and climate change, agri-food technologies, and rare-earth and critical minerals.

Aligned with Viksit Bharat and Make in India

According to the education ministry, these initiatives align with the national vision of Viksit Bharat and Make in India, which aims to build a knowledge-driven economy by leveraging innovation, human capital, sustainability, and indigenous technology development.

Expanding Innovation Ecosystems Across Institutions

Beyond IISERs, the council also stressed the need to rapidly strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship across technical institutions. It directed 13 National Institutes of Technology (NITs) that currently lack incubation centres to establish them immediately. In addition, at least 10 NITs have been asked to set up research parks without delay. As reported by hindustantimes.com, together, these measures are expected to create a more flexible, industry-aligned, and innovation-led higher education system, supporting India’s long-term scientific and economic ambitions.

Elcogen, a European manufacturer of technologies that enable the efficient production of affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity, has announced its expansion into India and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The company appointed Anil Srikar Pavuluri as Business Development Director for India and APAC, marking a strategic step in its global growth journey. The move positions Elcogen closer to some of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets. In these regions, demand for clean, efficient, and scalable technologies is rising sharply.

Rapid Energy Growth Drives the Transition

India and the broader Asia-Pacific region are entering a phase of sustained energy growth and structural transition. As economies expand and urbanisation accelerates, energy demand continues to climb—particularly in industrial and transport sectors.

According to the IEA World Energy Outlook 2025, India’s energy mix is steadily shifting towards renewables. Solar PV and wind, which currently account for around 2% of the energy mix, are projected to reach nearly 20% by 2050 under current policies. At the same time, industrial energy consumption is growing at one of the fastest rates globally.

Policy Momentum Creates Market Opportunity

Against this backdrop, Elcogen’s entry into India and APAC aligns closely with regional policy momentum. India’s ambitious targets for non-fossil power generation, expansion of nuclear capacity, increased ethanol blending, and the planned rollout of a carbon market are creating favourable conditions for zero-carbon technologies. Governments and industries are seeking to cut emissions, improve energy efficiency, and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. As a result, demand for advanced hydrogen and clean power solutions is accelerating.

Solid Oxide Technology at the Core

Elcogen specialises in high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) technologies for clean electricity generation and green hydrogen production. These solutions suit industrial decarbonisation and distributed energy applications particularly well. The company’s solid oxide components produce hydrogen at 33–40 kWh per kilogram and deliver 75% electrical efficiency in fuel cell mode. Recovering waste heat boosts overall system efficiency beyond 90%, offering a compelling value proposition for energy-intensive applications.

Addressing Hard-to-Abate Sectors and Emerging Demand

Anil Srikar Pavuluri highlighted, “Hard-to-abate sectors are energy-intensive and heat-rich, creating ideal conditions for SOEC integration to reduce the cost of hydrogen production,” he said. “At the same time, the rapid growth of data centres and remote microgrids—where operators can pair hydrogen supply with on-site power generation—positions SOFCs as a powerful hydrogen utilisation pathway.”

Positioned for the Energy Transition

Elcogen has more than two decades of experience in solid oxide technology, including high-performance cells, stacks, and modules. The company brings deep technical expertise to the region. The company currently operates manufacturing capacity of up to 360 MW, enabling it to support large-scale deployment.

“Elcogen is strategically positioned to enable high-efficiency hydrogen production, clean power generation, and system flexibility. These capabilities form the core pillars of the global energy transition,” Pavuluri added. As per the press release, Elcogen is expanding into India and APAC. The company aims to support industrial decarbonisation and accelerate the adoption of next-generation clean energy technologies across the region.

In a decisive step to strengthen India’s capabilities in critical and strategic materials, union minister for heavy industries and steel, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, chaired a high-level stakeholder consultation on the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs). The consultation brought together key policymakers, public sector leaders, and domestic and international industry players, highlighting the strategic importance of REPMs for India’s industrial and clean-energy transition.

High-Level Stakeholder Consultation

The consultation convened officials including the Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries; Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy; CMD, IREL (India) Ltd.; Director (Technical), NMDC; and Director, NFTDC, along with representatives from leading global and Indian manufacturing firms. The presence of these stakeholders underscores the geopolitical and technological significance of REPMs, which are critical for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, electronics, defence, and advanced manufacturing.

Scheme as a Strategic Step Toward Self-Reliance

Kumaraswamy described the Scheme as a pivotal initiative to build a self-reliant, resilient, and globally competitive REPM ecosystem, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Emphasising supply-chain security and strategic autonomy, he urged eligible domestic and international companies to actively participate in the upcoming bidding process. The Minister also confirmed that the Ministry is finalising the Request for Proposal (RfP), signalling the imminent operationalisation of the Scheme.

Ambitious Incentives to Drive Manufacturing

Key highlights include:

*Total financial outlay: ₹7,280 crore, comprising ₹6,450 crore in sales-linked incentives (SLI) and ₹750 crore in capital subsidy.

*Target capacity: 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of domestic REPM production.

*Scheme duration: Seven years, including a two-year gestation period for setting up integrated facilities, followed by five years of performance-linked incentive disbursement.

The structure ensures long-term viability and performance-based support for participating manufacturers.

Industry Engagement and Global Partnerships

Strategic Implications: Reducing Import Dependence

By targeting a critical choke-point in global supply chains, the Scheme positions India to emerge as a reliable global supplier of high-performance rare earth magnets. It is expected to reduce import dependence, strengthen strategic autonomy, and support India’s transition to a high-tech, clean-energy-driven industrial base.

Early Movers to Gain Advantage

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Bharat PetroResources Limited (BPRL), (BPCL’s wholly owned subsidiary) have marked a major milestone in their overseas upstream operations with multiple oil discoveries in Abu Dhabi’s Onshore Block 1. India operates the concession through a 50:50 joint special purpose vehicle, Urja Bharat Pte Limited (UBPL), reflecting its growing presence in international hydrocarbon exploration.

Strategic Entry into a Prolific Oil Region

First Oil Discovery Confirms Unconventional Potential

In early 2024, UBPL reported its first oil discovery from the XN-76 exploratory well, drilled in the unconventional Shilaif play. Following successful hydrofracking operations, the well flowed light crude oil at surface from the Shilaif formation. “This discovery firmly establishes the presence of unconventional oil resources within the concession and materially enhances the block’s prospectivity,” the company said. The results have strengthened confidence in the asset, with appraisal activities now underway to validate its economic and commercial potential.

Second Discovery Opens New Reservoir Development

Adding to the success, UBPL announced another oil discovery during testing of the XN79-02S exploratory well in the same concession area. This well flowed light crude oil from the Habshan reservoir, marking the first oil find in this reservoir within Onshore Block 1. The discovery opens a new development avenue. Appraisal activities are planned to evaluate the find and potentially advance it toward commercial development.

Strengthening India’s Global Energy Footprint

These discoveries by UBPL reinforce the technical capabilities and strategic intent of IOCL and BPCL as global energy operators. As reported by businessupturn.com, India is establishing a foothold in Abu Dhabi’s prolific onshore basins. This move strengthens the country’s energy security and global upstream presence. It also opens avenues for future growth and collaboration in the oil sector

NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna central public sector enterprise under the ministry of coal, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat to develop large-scale renewable energy projects in the state. NLC India Limited signed the MoU on January 12, 2026, on the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Saurashtra and Kutch region, marking a major step in strengthening Gujarat’s clean energy infrastructure.

₹25,000-Crore Investment Across Multiple Green Technologies

Under the non-binding MoU, NLCIL plans to invest up to ₹25,000 crore in a diversified portfolio of renewable energy projects. These include solar, wind, hybrid power systems and battery energy storage solutions, reflecting an integrated approach to clean power development. In addition to boosting renewable capacity, the proposed projects will create significant employment opportunities during both construction and operations.

Projects to Be Executed Through Renewable Arm NIRL

NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL), NLCIL’s wholly owned subsidiary focused on green energy development, will implement the renewable energy projects. This initiative aligns closely with NLCIL’s corporate roadmap to achieve 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. By leveraging NIRL’s specialised capabilities, NLCIL aims to accelerate execution timelines while ensuring technological and operational efficiency.

Clearances and Approvals

As part of the agreement, the government of gujarat will support NLCIL and NIRL by facilitating statutory approvals, regulatory clearances, registrations and other necessary permissions. This support will enable time-bound implementation of the projects.

Advancing Energy Security and Decarbonisation Goals

As reported by cnbctv18.com, the partnership reinforces NLCIL’s commitment to sustainable development, energy security, and decarbonisation. It also supports Gujarat’s renewable energy goals and India’s broader clean energy transition.