Rallis India Limited, a Tata Enterprise and a science-led agri-solutions company, announced the launch of Idea2Impact™ – the Rallis Agri Innovation Ecosystem, a structured open-innovation platform designed to accelerate the development of farmer-centric and sustainable agricultural solutions through collaboration.

Bringing Science, Ideas and Field Insights Together

Idea2Impact™ creates a transparent and responsible framework that connects external innovation with Rallis’ scientific strengths. Through the platform, farmers, researchers, startups, academic institutions and small enterprises can collaborate with Rallis by accessing its scientific expertise, R&D infrastructure, testing and validation capabilities, and pan-India market reach. By combining scientific rigor with real-world field insights, the ecosystem aims to convert promising ideas into impactful agricultural solutions.

Addressing a More Complex Agricultural Landscape

Indian agriculture continues to face rising complexity due to climate variability, sustainability expectations, evolving regulations and changing farmer needs. In response, Rallis believes that meaningful innovation must extend beyond organisational boundaries while remaining firmly rooted in science and on-field relevance. Idea2Impact™ reflects this belief by encouraging collaborative problem-solving across the agricultural value chain.

Structured Governance and Clear Innovation Pathways

The platform follows a milestone-based governance framework, ensuring transparency at every stage. It covers confidentiality, evaluation, development and value-sharing, providing clarity to all participants. Innovations submitted through Idea2Impact™ can progress through laboratory research, greenhouse studies, multi-location field trials and pilot programmes, and—where appropriate—move toward commercialisation. Clear frameworks for intellectual property protection and royalty sharing support this journey.

Leadership Perspective

Dr. Gyanendra Shukla, Managing Director and CEO, Rallis India Limited, said, “At Rallis, we believe meaningful agricultural innovation emerges when strong science is combined with fresh ideas and real field experience. Idea2Impact™ opens up Rallis’ capabilities to the wider ecosystem while maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency and scientific rigor. Through this platform, we aim to work closely with innovators to deliver real value to farmers and support the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture.”

Focus Areas Aligned with Future Agriculture

The ecosystem will prioritise innovation domains critical to India’s agricultural future. These include seeds and trait innovation, covering plant breeding and germplasm; biological and sustainable solutions; crop protection; soil health; digital and precision agriculture; and climate and water resilience. Importantly, these focus areas align closely with Rallis’ long-term portfolio priorities and growth strategy.

Tata Group Values and Responsible Innovation

As part of the Tata Group, Rallis brings strong ethical practices, robust governance standards and a long-term partnership mindset to Idea2Impact™. Consequently, all collaborations will emphasise responsible innovation, respect for intellectual property, transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms and measurable farmer impact.

Building Long-Term Value for Farmers and Partners

As per the press release, through Idea2Impact™, Rallis aims to strengthen its innovation pipeline. The platform will accelerate the validation and scaling of relevant technologies. It also seeks to build long-term partnerships that deliver sustainable value for farmers, collaborators, and stakeholders across the agricultural ecosystem.

The national grand finale of the third edition of the IndianOil Science Quiz 3.0, organised by The Times of India, and held at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, Bandra, concluded successfully. Leading up to the finale, city-level rounds were conducted across eight major metros—Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and New Delhi. Winning teams from each city earned their place at the national showdown, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive finale.

Packed Auditorium and Knowledge-Driven Opening

A packed auditorium underscored the excitement surrounding the event. The programme began with a special ‘Best of IndianOil Science Quiz 3.0’ segment, which saw over 475 students from 50 schools participate. IIT Bombay professor Abhijit Majumder followed this with an engaging lecture, highlighting the importance of scientific thinking in nation-building.

Wide-Ranging Quiz Rounds Test Young Minds

Renowned quizmasters Kunal Savarkar and Seema Chari conducted the stage rounds, which covered a broad spectrum of subjects. Questions spanned physics, chemistry, geology, environment, sustainability, technology and astronomy, presented through multiple engaging formats. As the rounds progressed, competition intensified, keeping all teams in contention until the final powered buzzer round.

Kolkata Team Clinches National Title

After a closely fought contest, Delhi Public School Megacity, Kolkata, represented by Devayudh Das and Iraj Singh, emerged as the national champions, scoring 96 points. Mitra Academy, Bengaluru, claimed second place, while Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram, Chennai, took third.

Awards and Grand Conclusion

The organizers awarded trophies, certificates, and cash prizes to the winners and finalists, and also felicitated teacher mentors for their guidance and support. As reported by factnewsindia.com, the event concluded with a formal prize distribution ceremony. It marked a fitting end to another successful edition of the IndianOil Science Quiz.

Pharmaceutical and medical technology firms in India are urging the government to expand the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in the upcoming Union Budget 2026 to explicitly include active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The demand comes alongside other policy asks like restoration of enhanced R&D tax deductions and rationalising import duties on advanced medical equipment.

Why extend PLI to APIs

Industry groups such as the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) argue that:

*Self-reliance in critical drug inputs is key, given supply chain disruptions and geopolitical challenges.

*Covering APIs under PLI would boost domestic manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports (especially from China), and strengthen the resilience of India’s drug supply chain.

*Enhanced incentives could help companies scale up production and innovate in complex generics, biosimilars, and vaccines.

Current PLI status for APIs

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has already implemented a PLI scheme for bulk drugs, key starting materials (KSMs), drug intermediates and APIs with deadlines for application windows being extended multiple times (e.g., the API/KSM application submission window has been extended through January 16, 2026) to allow more participation.

Industry context and broader policy moves

The government has taken other steps to support local API production, including setting minimum import prices on select pharma inputs to discourage predatory pricing and protect domestic producers. PLI schemes in the pharma space have been credited with creating new domestic manufacturing capacity and reducing import dependence.

What this could mean

If APIs are formally brought into the PLI framework with extended incentives:

*Increased investment and capacity building in API manufacturing

*Enhanced supply-chain security for critical drugs

*More R&D focus on complex molecules

*Potential export opportunities for Indian API makers

Looking ahead

As reported by the economictimes.com, the focus is now on how Budget 2026 will respond to these industry proposals and whether policymakers will broaden the PLI’s scope to ensure greater domestic API competitiveness.

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS has once again been included in the CDP Climate Protection “A List”, marking its seventh consecutive year on the prestigious ranking. With an “A” rating, LANXESS is positioned among the top four percent of more than 22,100 companies assessed globally.

Strong Performance Across Key Climate Metrics

CDP highlighted LANXESS’s excellence in business strategy, target setting, emissions reduction, climate-friendly products, governance, and value chain management. The company’s transparent disclosure and reliable implementation of climate initiatives contributed significantly to its top-tier rating.

CDP Awards Reflect Robust Climate Strategy

The “A” rating recognises companies that disclose climate protection measures transparently and execute their strategies effectively. Key evaluation criteria include verifiable strategies, science-based targets, and a current, actionable climate protection plan.

Leadership in Water Management

In addition to climate, LANXESS achieved a strong result in water stewardship, earning a second-highest grade of A- from CDP for its comprehensive water management practices.

Commitment to Continuous Reporting

As per the press release, LANXESS has reported to CDP continuously since 2012, reflecting its long-term dedication to sustainability, transparency, and environmental accountability. This consistent engagement underscores the company’s ongoing leadership in integrating climate action into its business operations.

The government has significantly reduced India’s dependence on fertiliser imports. In 2025, nearly 73 percent of the country’s total fertiliser requirement was met through domestic production. It marks a key milestone in the nation’s journey toward self-reliance, according to the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers.

Government Focuses on Fertiliser Security and Farmer Empowerment

The ministry highlighted that the government continues to prioritise fertiliser security, ensuring farmers have timely and uninterrupted access to essential nutrients. Efforts include long-term supply agreements for key raw materials and a strategic diversification strategy to mitigate global uncertainties and prevent supply disruptions.

Steady Growth in Domestic Fertiliser Production

Over the past five years, India’s domestic fertiliser production has witnessed consistent growth:

*2021: 433.29 lakh tonnes

*2022: 467.87 lakh tonnes

*2023: 507.93 lakh tonnes

*2024: 509.57 lakh tonnes

*2025: 524.62 lakh tonnes

“The sustained growth demonstrates the robustness of India’s fertiliser manufacturing ecosystem and the effectiveness of government interventions,” a statement from the ministry mentioned, adding that the achievement is the result of proactive and effective policy measures supporting both the fertiliser sector and the broader agricultural economy.

Drivers of Production Growth

The ministry cited several key factors behind the increase in domestic output:

*Establishment of new fertiliser plants

*Revival of previously closed units

*Promotion of indigenous manufacturing

*Assured availability of raw materials

These measures have strengthened the domestic manufacturing base and reduced reliance on imports.

Commitment to Sustainable Agricultural Growth

As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the government remains committed to enhancing fertiliser security, ensuring timely and affordable inputs for farmers, and fostering sustainable agricultural growth. The ministry reaffirmed its focus on supporting the agricultural economy through strategic interventions and continuous expansion of the domestic fertiliser ecosystem.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) successfully flagged off its first-ever tanker lorry carrying domestically produced first-generation (1G) bio-ethanol from the Bargarh Bio-Refinery to the IOTL Raipur Depot. The milestone marks a significant step in BPCL’s biofuel journey and India’s broader clean energy transition. The dispatch was flagged off by Sanjay Khanna, Director (Refineries), who also holds additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director of BPCL.

Milestone Supports Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme

The achievement aligns closely with the government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, which aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote sustainable energy solutions, and strengthen domestic energy security. BPCL’s commencement of in-house bio-ethanol supplies will reinforce domestic supply chains, lower carbon emissions, and accelerate India’s transition to cleaner, greener fuels.

Leadership Reviews Facility, Praises Execution Teams

During his visit to the Bargarh Bio-Refinery, Khanna reviewed the operational facilities and commended the project and operations teams for their coordinated efforts in achieving this milestone. He highlighted the importance of seamless execution and operational excellence in delivering strategic national energy initiatives. Furthermore, he reaffirmed BPCL’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and energy security. He also underscored the company’s role in supporting India’s long-term economic and environmental goals.

Expanding Bio-Refinery Capabilities Across India

In recent years, BPCL has been steadily expanding its bio-refinery and renewable fuel capabilities as part of a broader strategy to diversify its energy portfolio. These efforts also support government mandates on renewable and blended fuels. As reported by chinimandi.com, BPCL commissioned the Bargarh Bio-Refinery and made its first commercial dispatch of 1G bio-ethanol. This marks a key milestone in India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat, where domestically produced renewable energy drives sustainable growth.

Saatvik Green Energy Ltd announced that its subsidiary, Saatvik Cleantech EPC Private Ltd, has secured a ₹20.84 crore order from a leading solar power developer. The contract involves a turnkey Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) project, further strengthening the company’s position in India’s fast-growing renewable energy sector.

Project Scope Covers End-to-End Execution

Under the agreement, Saatvik Cleantech will handle the complete lifecycle of the solar project, including design, engineering, procurement, supply, testing, and commissioning. The company expects to complete the project by March 2026. As a result, the order underscores Saatvik Cleantech’s ability to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solar EPC solutions.

Leadership Highlights Execution Strength

Prashant Mathur, CEO of Saatvik Green Energy Ltd, said, “We are delighted to announce this significant order win for our subsidiary, Saatvik Cleantech EPC Private Ltd. The milestone contract demonstrates the increasing trust in our ability to deliver high-quality, end-to-end solar solutions”.

Order Win Boosts Growth Outlook

Mathur further noted that the project strengthens the company’s order book and positions it well for sustained growth in the rapidly expanding solar EPC segment. Moreover, as India accelerates its transition toward clean energy, Saatvik Green Energy remains focused on delivering world-class solar infrastructure that supports the country’s renewable energy ambitions. As reported by manufactutingtodsyindia.com, consequently, the latest contract reinforces Saatvik Cleantech’s role as a reliable EPC partner in India’s evolving solar energy landscape.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has put its plans to manufacture lithium-ion battery cells in India on hold after it was unable to secure critical technology from China. The decision marks a setback for the conglomerate’s near-term battery manufacturing ambitions.

Technology Tie-Up with Chinese Firm Falls Through

Reliance had planned to begin cell manufacturing this year and was in advanced discussions with Xiamen Hithium Energy Storage Technology, a Chinese energy storage company, to license battery cell technology. However, the talks stalled after Xiamen withdrew from the proposed partnership. The withdrawal followed China’s tightening restrictions on overseas technology transfers, which directly affected the proposed licensing arrangement.

China Tightens Control on Battery Technology Exports

In October last year, Beijing announced new controls on the export of lithium battery components, requiring exporters to obtain government permits. As a result, Chinese authorities have strengthened their oversight of technologies critical to energy storage systems and electric vehicles. These curbs have made it increasingly difficult for Indian companies to access advanced Chinese battery technologies, slowing the pace of domestic cell manufacturing plans.

Impact on Reliance’s Battery Manufacturing Timeline

With the technology partnership now on hold, Reliance has paused its immediate plans to set up battery cell manufacturing in India. As reported by msn.com, while the company has not disclosed its next steps, the development highlights the broader challenges facing India’s push to localise advanced battery technologies amid global supply chain and geopolitical constraints.

NTPC announced plans to set up a coal-to-synthetic natural gas (SNG) facility in Chhattisgarh, involving an estimated investment of around ₹10,000 crore. The project marks a significant step in NTPC’s efforts to develop cleaner fuel alternatives while leveraging domestic coal resources.

Technology Tie-Ups Underway for Key Processes

Alongside project planning, NTPC is actively seeking technology partnerships for critical processes such as coal beneficiation and gasification. These tie-ups will support the production of synthetic natural gas and help optimise efficiency and emissions performance across the value chain. At the same time, the company aims to build a robust technology framework for large-scale commercial deployment.

Focus on Cost-Competitive and Cleaner Fuel

NTPC is targeting an SNG production cost of around $12 per million British thermal units (MMBTU). This cost benchmark aligns with the company’s broader strategy to offer cleaner alternatives to conventional fuels while supporting India’s energy transition goals. In this context, NTPC signed an agreement with Engineers India Limited (EIL) in October last year to jointly develop the coal-to-SNG project. While the company had initially withheld details, it has now confirmed that the facility will use high-ash Indian coal sourced from its captive mines.

NETRA to Lead Project Under ‘Greening the Coal’ Vision

NTPC’s R&D arm, NETRA, is spearheading the project as part of the company’s wider vision of “greening the coal” and advancing carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies. The facility will be located at the Talaipalli area in Chhattisgarh and will involve a capital investment of approximately ₹10,000 crore.

Project Scale, Capacity and Timeline

The proposed plant will have a capacity of 5 lakh tons per annum of SNG and will be spread across 150 acres. To support operations, the facility will consume around 25 lakh tonnes of coal per year, sourced from NTPC’s Talaipalli mines. According to the company, the technology selection is expected to be finalised in the last quarter of FY26. The coal-to-SNG process will involve multiple stages, including coal beneficiation, coal gasification, water-gas shift reactions, and methanation.

Coal Gasification Gains Momentum in India

In recent years, coal gasification has emerged as a key enabler for the sustainable utilisation of India’s domestic coal reserves. By converting coal into cleaner gaseous fuels, the process helps reduce dependence on imported energy while also supporting emissions reduction efforts. As a result, India increasingly considers coal gasification a transitional technology in its evolving energy mix.

Commercial Opportunities Beyond SNG

Beyond synthetic natural gas, NTPC is also exploring commercial opportunities from the project. Industries can use the syngas produced through coal gasification to manufacture methanol and ethanol as energy fuels, as well as ammonia for fertilisers and petrochemical applications. As reported by livemint.com, consequently, the project could serve as a multi-product platform, enhancing value creation while supporting cleaner energy pathways.

The Centre extended the anti-dumping duty on imports of normal butanol (n-butyl alcohol) from the European Union, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States until 12 July 2026, pending the completion of a sunset review to assess whether the levy should continue. The move aims to safeguard domestic producers while the government evaluates the impact of withdrawing the duty.

Duty to Remain During Sunset Review

On 8 January, the Union Ministry of Finance notified that it will keep the anti-dumping duty, originally imposed in April 2021, in force throughout the review period unless it withdraws, amends, or supersedes it earlier.

The extension follows a request from the designated authority, which initiated the sunset review in September 2025 under the Customs Tariff Act and anti-dumping rules. The review will examine whether removing the duty could lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping of n-butanol into India and cause injury to the domestic industry. Under trade remedy regulations, authorities typically keep anti-dumping duties valid for five years and extend them if investigations show that withdrawing them may harm domestic manufacturers.

Key Industrial Chemical with Broad Applications

Industries use normal butanol extensively to produce paints, coatings, adhesives, solvents, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Given its wide-ranging applications, pricing distortions caused by dumped imports can have a cascading impact across multiple downstream sectors. Earlier investigations found that imports from the five regions were entering the Indian market at unfairly low prices, adversely affecting the profitability and capacity utilisation of domestic producers.

Extension to Support Domestic Producers

Industry experts note that continuing the duty during the review period is expected to protect Indian manufacturers from under-priced imports. At the same time, it is likely to provide greater stability to downstream industries—such as paints, coatings, and pharmaceuticals—that depend on a reliable domestic supply of n-butanol. As a result, the measure balances trade protection with supply-chain continuity.

Indian n-Butanol Market Shows Steady Growth

According to estimates by IMARC Group, the Indian n-butanol market was valued at $119.92 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $180.17 million by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%. Rising demand from the paints and coatings sector, along with a gradual shift toward bio-based n-butanol production, drives market growth and aligns with sustainability trends in the chemical industry.

Domestic Manufacturing Landscape

In India, Andhra Petrochemicals Ltd remains the primary domestic producer of n-butanol, operating a dedicated manufacturing facility and serving as a key supplier to the market. Additionally, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) supplies n-butanol through its Kochi refinery and associated petrochemical operations, although its production volumes remain relatively limited compared to global players.

Beyond large manufacturers, several Indian chemical companies—including Vizag Chemical, Pon Pure Chemicals, and other specialty chemical firms—operate mainly as formulators, suppliers, or traders. These companies source n-butanol either domestically or through imports to meet the requirements of downstream industries.

Duty Extension Reinforces Domestic Chemical Ecosystem

As reported by livemint.com, overall, the continuation of the anti-dumping duty primarily benefits key domestic manufacturers by shielding them from low-priced imports. At the same time, it indirectly supports the broader Indian chemical ecosystem by ensuring stable local production and supply of n-butanol during the review period.