At the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 ceremony held on 23 December 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Prof. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit received the Vigyan Shri Award in Engineering Sciences for his exceptional contributions to chemical and reactor engineering.

As per pib.gov.in and ICT Department of Specialty Chemicals, Prof. Pandit’s work has transformed industrial processes and sustainable technologies, particularly through:

• Innovations in cavitational and multiphase reactor engineering, boosting efficiency in chemical processing.
• Development of energy-efficient microbial cell disruption techniques, now used as superior industrial alternatives.

Moreover, his leadership at ICT Mumbai has inspired students and researchers nationwide, marking this award as a milestone in his career and a proud moment for the institute.

President Conferred National Science Awards

At the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 to 24 distinguished scientists across various categories. In addition to Prof. Pandit’s recognition, the awards spanned lifetime achievement, mid-career excellence, and emerging researcher honours. 

Specifically:

• Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was posthumously honoured with the Vigyan Ratna for lifetime contributions to physics. 
• Other Vigyan Shri recipients included Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh (Agricultural Science), Dr. Yusuf Mohammad Sheikh (Atomic Energy), Dr. K. Thangaraj (Biological Sciences), Dr. S. Venkata Mohan (Environmental Science), Prof. Mahan Mj (Mathematics & Computer Science), and Shri Jayan N (Space Science & Technology). 
• Notably, the Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards recognized emerging researchers in fields like physics, earth sciences, technology, and medicine. 

Significance of the Awards

These prestigious honours were given to recognise scientific excellence and innovation that contribute directly to national progress. Furthermore, women scientists were prominently represented among the recipients, highlighting India’s growing inclusivity in science and research. 

Overall, the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar showcases India’s dedication to celebrating scientists at all stages of their careers — from seasoned leaders like Prof. Pandit to promising young innovators across disciplines.

Scientists are actively developing technologies that transform carbon dioxide (CO₂) into valuable chemical products. A promising method is the electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR), which converts CO₂ into carbon-based compounds like ethylene, widely used in plastics and industrial chemicals. However, most existing systems operate only in neutral or alkaline conditions, where CO₂ reacts with the solution to form carbonates or bicarbonates and reduces overall efficiency.

Breakthrough With Acidic Electrolytes

Recently, researchers at Soochow University introduced a new process that tackles this limitation. Instead of neutral or alkaline conditions, they used acidic environments to carry out CO₂RR, which prevents the formation of carbonate byproducts. Their key innovation was adding small amounts of iodide ions to the electrolyte—a strategy that fundamentally changes how the CO₂ reduction process unfolds. This work was highlighted in a study published in Nature Energy and reported in the press; as per Phys.org, the technique significantly enhances performance compared to systems without iodide. 

How Iodide Enhances the Reaction

The researchers discovered that iodide ions interact strongly with copper catalysts, which are commonly used in CO₂RR. When iodide binds to the copper surface, it modifies the electrochemical behavior of the catalyst. As a result:

• The system produces higher amounts of desired multi-carbon products such as ethylene and ethanol, rather than unwanted byproducts.
• It doubles the selectivity toward ethylene and lowers the required energy input compared to iodide-free systems.

This improvement stems from surface chemistry changes that direct the reaction along a more favorable pathway.

Real-World Promise and Next Steps

In addition to improving selectivity, the proposed strategy works with existing catalyst design techniques like alloying and defect engineering, opening the door for further optimization.

However, researchers note a current limitation: the enhanced performance only persists while iodide remains in the electrolyte. Once iodide is removed, efficiency drops quickly. To address this, the team plans to anchor iodide directly on the electrode surface, which could maintain benefits with far less iodide, potentially making the method more practical for industrial applications.

Conclusion

In summary, by introducing iodide ions into acidic CO₂RR systems, scientists have unlocked a way to efficiently convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals. This approach overcomes traditional barriers in acidic environments and suggests a promising future for scalable carbon conversion technologies, advancing toward real-world deployment.

NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of MAIRE, has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Ballestra Group. This acquisition significantly expands NEXTCHEM’s intellectual property, technology capabilities, and global footprint in specialty chemicals, sustainable fertilizers, bio-based detergents, fluorine derivatives, and gas-liquid reactor design.

Overview of the Transaction

Under the agreement, NEXTCHEM will acquire the entire share capital of Ballestra Group, which includes Ballestra S.p.A. (Italy), BUSS ChemTech AG (Switzerland), and Ballestra Engineering and Projects Pvt. Ltd. (India). Collectively, the group employs approximately 450 people and operates across more than 120 countries.

The transaction values Ballestra Group at an enterprise value of €108.3 million, resulting in a purchase price of approximately €126.5 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. The closing is expected to take place in the first half of 2026.

Strategic Rationale and Portfolio Expansion

Through this acquisition, Ballestra Group will contribute proprietary technologies, intellectual property, and specialized engineering expertise to NEXTCHEM’s value proposition. In particular, Ballestra brings advanced capabilities in fluorine derivatives used in lithium-ion batteries and applications across the metals and mining industries.

Moreover, as per the press release, the integration will enable cross-selling opportunities with TECNIMONT, MAIRE’s Integrated E&C and Services business unit. Consequently, the combined capabilities will support energy transition initiatives and material transformation projects worldwide.

Financial Outlook

Following the acquisition, NEXTCHEM expects consolidated revenues to reach approximately €235 million in FY 2025. In addition, the year-end backlog is projected to stand at around €315 million, reflecting strong market demand and a solid project pipeline.

Ballestra Group: Global Presence and Innovation Capabilities

Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Milan, Ballestra S.p.A. serves as the holding company of the group. Over the decades, Ballestra has built a strong global reputation in licensing, plant design, and engineering for the chemical industry.

Today, Ballestra Group supports a blue-chip client base with a proven track record of more than 6,400 plants installed worldwide. Furthermore, it continuously strengthens its innovation pipeline through in-house R&D and proprietary pilot plants located in Italy and Switzerland, which function as testing and scale-up hubs for new technologies.

Leadership in Detergents and Oleochemicals

Ballestra has a long-standing heritage in detergents, surfactants, and oleochemicals. It serves both chemical producers and leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies through technology licensing, engineering services, and proprietary equipment.

Notably, the group markets its equipment under the well-known Mazzoni brand, with manufacturing and assembly carried out at its facilities in Busto Arsizio, Italy. As a result, Ballestra maintains tight control over quality and technological performance.

Strengthening Fertilizer and Chemical Technologies

In addition to detergents, Ballestra’s chemicals division specializes in advanced processes for sulfuric and phosphoric acid production. These acids are essential inputs for phosphate-based solutions, NPK nutrients, and specialty fertilizers.

By integrating Ballestra’s phosphate-sulphur and potassium-based fertilizer technologies, NEXTCHEM further expands its technology offering. Importantly, this addition complements NEXTCHEM’s existing strengths in nitrogen-based fertilizers, creating a more comprehensive and competitive portfolio.

INOX Air Products (INOXAP) has flagged off the country’s first LNG-fueled cryogenic tanker approved by the Petroleum & Safety Organisation (PESO), which functions under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce.

This landmark deployment marks the beginning of a new era of sustainable transportation in India’s industrial gas sector.

Policy Reform Enables a Historic First

Significantly, a June 2025 amendment by DPIIT to the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016 enabled the use of LNG as a transport fuel for cryogenic transportation. As a result, INOXAP became the first industrial gas manufacturer in India to operationalize an LNG-fuelled cryogenic tanker.

This progressive policy change reflects the Government of India’s vision to promote LNG as a cleaner and more efficient alternative fuel for heavy transportation, as per the press release issued by the company.

Flag-Off Ceremony and Advanced Technology

The LNG-fueled cryogenic tanker was formally flagged off by Shri P. Seeniraj, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, PESO Vadodara Circle. Notably, the cryogenic tanker operates on LNG through a 450-litre Kryopower LNG fuel tank, manufactured by INOX India Ltd, India’s largest cryogenic equipment manufacturer.

Consequently, the LNG-fuelled system delivers substantial environmental and operational benefits. It reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 25%, cuts particulate emissions by 95%, and ensures quieter, more efficient performance. In addition, it creates a cleaner pathway for long-term cost optimization in logistics operations.

Leadership Perspective on Sustainable Logistics

Commenting on the milestone, Siddharth Jain, Director – INOX Group, said that INOXAP is leading a clean-energy transition within India’s industrial gases sector. He emphasized that the LNG-fueled cryogenic tanker represents a transformative step toward sustainable logistics while simultaneously strengthening supply chains for critical industries.

Moreover, he acknowledged DPIIT for introducing a forward-looking policy amendment and PESO for providing timely assistance and statutory approvals. He highlighted that this achievement demonstrates the convergence of progressive policymaking, indigenous engineering excellence, and sustainable innovation, while also setting new benchmarks in global engineering leadership.

A Proud Made-in-Gujarat and Make-in-India Milestone

Aligned with the Make in India initiative, this achievement also stands as a strong Made-in-Gujarat success story. Both the cryogenic tanker and the LNG fuel tank have been indigenously designed and manufactured at INOXCVA’s facilities in Gujarat.

Furthermore, INOXAP will produce the industrial gases transported by this vehicle within the state, primarily serving customers across Gujarat. This localized approach strengthens supply-chain resilience, enhances operational efficiency, and reduces logistics-related emissions.

Strong Support from the Gujarat Government

Importantly, proactive and progressive support from relevant Gujarat State Government departments enabled this milestone. Their involvement underscores the state’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and industrial growth, while positioning Gujarat as a hub for advanced clean-energy manufacturing solutions.

Setting a New Benchmark for the Industry

In conclusion, the deployment of India’s first LNG-fuelled cryogenic tanker not only advances sustainable transportation but also sets a new benchmark for the industrial gas industry. Through collaborative policymaking, indigenous manufacturing, and clean-energy innovation, INOXAP continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a greener and more resilient industrial ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia’s GI Aqua Tech is set to export its first industrial wastewater treatment facility using nanotechnology in early 2026, marking a historic milestone for the Kingdom’s water technology sector. GI Aqua Tech will install the €5 million ($5.9 million) project in France, making it the first nanotechnology-based water treatment and reuse system manufactured and exported from Saudi Arabia to Europe.

Expanding Exports Across the Gulf Region

The plant treats industrial wastewater on a per-cubic-meter system and reuses 100% of it. GI Aqua Tech plans to expand exports to Bahrain and other Gulf countries, with a combined capacity of 10,000 cubic meters expected in the first quarter of 2026. The French plant will serve a cosmetics manufacturing facility, one of the most demanding industries for wastewater treatment, ensuring stringent environmental compliance. Industries previously transported wastewater for costly incineration. With nanotechnology, they can now treat and reuse it on-site, improving efficiency, cutting disposal costs, and saving up to 80% energy.

Fully Developed and Manufactured in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, with government support, fully developed and manufactured the technology, enabling its transition from local use to international exports. The facility is located in Al-Kharj Industrial City under the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) and spans 23,000 sq. meters, making it the first in the Middle East to combine nanomaterial production with wastewater treatment plant manufacturing. GI Aqua Tech expects to invest €150 million in the project, employing 54% Saudi nationals to boost local jobs and technical skills.

Proven Technology Across Saudi Arabia

GI Aqua Tech has already implemented the technology in several major industrial projects. Notably, in Riyadh’s Third Industrial Area, the plant achieved 100% water reuse, a global first. The land that was made available in the Modon project has not yet been converted into a public park. However, the project has opened the door and created the opportunity for Modon to transform it into a park in the future. The company also established the world’s first decentralized nanotech wastewater plant in the Al-Mousa district of northern Jeddah. Constructed and operational in just 10 days, it serves 8,000 residents in areas without central sewage networks, offering a rapid, relocatable solution for water crises.

Landmark Applications and Global Collaboration

GI Aqua Tech applied its technology to the world’s largest concrete factory wastewater plant in Neom and the Samhan Hotel in Riyadh, successfully treating all wastewater types—grey, black, kitchen, and laundry—for a full year. This success has opened avenues for collaboration with the global Marriott chain, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing capabilities in sustainable water technology.

As reported by arabnews.pk, the technology delivers record energy savings of 80% and reduces space requirements by 90%. It also ensures treated water meets the highest quality standards, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in industrial water reuse and nanotechnology-based solutions.

HPCL Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) announced an investment of ₹2,600 crore at the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery in Bathinda, Punjab. The investment will support the development of polypropylene downstream industries and fine chemical projects, strengthening the refinery’s industrial footprint.

Strengthening India’s Polypropylene Hub

Highlighting the refinery’s strategic importance, Prabh Das, Managing Director and CEO of HMEL, said the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery has positioned Punjab as a major polypropylene manufacturing hub in India. Currently, the refinery meets nearly 14 percent of the country’s total polypropylene demand and has operated continuously without disruption for several years.

Expanding Beyond Fuels into Fine Chemicals

In addition to producing petrol, diesel, and gas, HMEL is now expanding its focus toward
higher-value industrial activities. According to Das, the planned fine chemical projects in Bathinda will further diversify the refinery’s portfolio and enhance value addition within the state.

Significant Economic Contribution to Punjab

The refinery, commissioned in 2011, spans nearly 2,000 acres and generates an annual business turnover of approximately ₹90,000 crore. The facility contributes around ₹2,100 crore annually in tax revenue to the state exchequer and accounts for nearly 5–6 percent of India’s total petrol and diesel production.

Industrial Ecosystem Development

To further promote plastic manufacturing, the Punjab government is considering the development of a dedicated plastic industrial park near Ludhiana. The state has also assured HMEL of time-bound approvals for its expansion plans. Additionally, the licensing process for setting up petrol pumps has been simplified, with approvals now issued within two days.

Multi-Fuel Infrastructure and Renewable Push

Looking ahead, HMEL plans to establish multi-fuel petrol pumps across Punjab, offering petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric vehicle charging facilities on land parcels ranging from 0.5 to 2 acres. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the state government is actively focusing on renewable energy, which is expected to further enhance industrial competitiveness and attract future investments.

A distinguished gathering of industry and thought leaders marked the launch of “The ‘More from Less for More’” by Padma Vibhushan awardee and former Director General of CSIR, Government of India, Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar. The launch was attended by Sushil Borde, Head of the Reliance Innovation Leadership Center. It underscored the growing relevance of science-led innovation in shaping India’s future.

Frugal Innovation with Global Relevance

In his latest work, Dr. Mashelkar compellingly articulates how frugal, inclusive, and sustainable innovation can help nations and organisations achieve disproportionate impact despite limited resources. The book draws on powerful real-world examples to show how constraints can act as catalysts for creativity. This message is especially resonant for emerging economies such as India.

Science-Led, Purpose-Driven Progress

“The ‘More from Less for More’” conveys a clear and urgent message: science must drive long-term progress, guided by purpose and aligned with societal good. The book positions innovation not merely as a commercial imperative, but as a strategic tool for inclusive and sustainable development.

A Must-Read for Industry and Innovation Leaders

Innovation professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders widely regard the book as timely and thought-provoking. They highly recommend it for embedding sustainability and impact into growth strategies.

Eminent Presence from India’s Manufacturing and Innovation Ecosystem

The event brought together several distinguished leaders from India’s manufacturing, innovation, and business ecosystem, including Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma; Padma Vibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar; Shri Mukesh Ambani; Jayen Shah; Rajendra Gogri; Nadir Godrej; Rajnikant (Rajju) Shroff; Sandra Shroff; Harsh Mariwala; Shailesh Haribhakti [GCB.D]; Sushil Borde; and Alok Ranjan Tiwari, among many others. The presence of these leaders reflected the book’s strong resonance across generations and sectors of Indian industry.

The conclusion of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 22 December 2025 marks a decisive shift in bilateral trade relations. The pact grants zero-duty access to 100 percent of India’s exports and liberalises tariffs across nearly 70 per cent of India’s tariff lines. While textiles, services and agriculture dominate early discussions, the agreement carries far-reaching implications for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and industrial inputs.

Strong Tailwinds for Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals

Beyond the headline sectors, the FTA significantly strengthens prospects for organic and inorganic chemicals, pharmaceutical formulations and fuel-linked intermediates. Even before the agreement’s formal implementation, trade data from 2024 indicated resilience and recovery in organic chemicals and pharma, pointing to strong underlying demand that tariff elimination can now accelerate.

Notably, New Zealand’s exports of organic chemicals to India more than tripled between 2022 and 2024, albeit from a modest base. This growth reflects rising flows of specialty-grade, high-purity and agri-linked chemicals rather than bulk commodities—an area where India’s processing and formulation capabilities are well aligned.

From Tariff Reduction to Structural Transformation

Importantly, the India–New Zealand FTA goes beyond tariff cuts. It acts as a structural enabler for India’s chemical and pharmaceutical value chains by improving market access and reducing friction across the trade ecosystem. As regulatory processes align and duties fall, businesses can plan investments and supply chains with greater certainty. Trade trends from 2022 to 2024 already show a recovery trajectory, particularly in organic chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Post-FTA, this momentum is expected to accelerate, driven by a combination of market access and policy clarity.

Key Growth Drivers Under the FTA

Several factors are set to amplify trade and investment flows following the agreement:

*Zero-duty market access, improving price competitiveness

*Regulatory harmonisation, reducing approval timelines and compliance costs

*Higher investment inflows, especially in specialty chemicals and formulations

*Agri-technology collaboration, supporting crop protection and nutrient chemicals

*Manufacturing cost optimisation, strengthening export margins

Together, these elements create a more integrated and efficient trade corridor.

A Predictable Export Pathway to a Developed Market

For chemical producers, pharmaceutical companies and downstream industrial consumers, the FTA establishes a predictable, rules-based pathway into a developed market. This stability supports long-term capacity planning, technology partnerships and product diversification. As reported by alchempro.com, in the broader context, the India–New Zealand FTA aligns closely with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, positioning chemicals and pharmaceuticals as strategic pillars of export-led growth and global value-chain integration.