IT industry veteran N. R. Narayana Murthy emphasised the urgent need to strengthen India’s national and institutional focus on research. He said research is the only path to building a better India and a better world. Speaking at the announcement of the Infosys Prize 2025, he urged the country to create an aspirational, merit-driven and competitive atmosphere for researchers across disciplines.

Research as the Engine of Discovery

Quoting Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, Murthy said research represents “the broadening of the mind.” He explained that research helps unravel the mysteries of nature, enables people to see what others have not, and inspires solutions that once seemed impossible.

He noted that the United States transformed its scientific landscape through former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s letter to Dr. Vannevar Bush, which resulted in the landmark report “Science — The Endless Frontier.” The report led to the creation of the National Science Foundation, which helped cement America’s position as a global leader in science, technology and space exploration.

Curiosity, Imagination and Persistence Drive Innovation

Murthy referenced thinkers including Jawaharlal Nehru, Richard Feynman, Alan Turing, Thomas Edison and Jennifer Doudna. He said all of them showed how curiosity, imagination and persistence form the foundation of scientific discovery.

He added that research thrives in universities, laboratories, libraries and companies where people embrace imagination and Socratic questioning. “Research effort needs audacity, daring and unbridled imagination,” he said. He emphasised that researchers must learn from failures, avoid repeating mistakes and continue improving.

Research Links Science, Society and Ethics

Murthy highlighted economist and Nobel laureate Dr. Amartya Sen, saying Sen’s work shows how development and freedom are deeply connected. He stressed that research in economics and social sciences helps society understand how science and technology translate into justice, dignity and prosperity.

He added that research in the humanities ensures that knowledge serves an ethical purpose. According to him, voices from Roosevelt to Nehru and from Fourier to Doudna all underline one message: research is humanity’s noblest collective enterprise.

Creating a Supportive Research Ecosystem

Murthy said India must recommit itself to nurturing a strong research environment. He called for a system that is meritocratic, competitive, welcoming and rewarding for scientists, engineers, economists, mathematicians and humanists.

He stated that researchers must find an intellectual environment that values ideas above titles or positions. “Creating such an ecosystem is a national duty,” he said, adding that research is the only way to honour the dreams of India’s founding fathers.

Fulfilling the Vision of a Better Future

As reported by ndtv.com, Murthy concluded by saying that research alone can help fulfil the vision of an India where every child, even in the remotest village, has access to nutrition, healthcare, education and opportunity. He urged the Infosys Prize 2025 laureates to carry forward this responsibility with imagination, courage and compassion.

Organized by Informa Markets in India, the eighteenth edition of CPHI & PMEC India 2025 will take place from November 25–27, 2025, at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR. Known as the “Heart of Pharma,” the event will bring together more than 2,000 exhibitors and over 50,000 industry professionals, buyers, and investors from 120 plus countries.

The edition will showcase the complete pharmaceutical value chain—formulations, APIs, excipients, fine chemicals, packaging, machinery, lab equipment, cleanroom technologies, and contract services—offering unmatched opportunities for B2B networking, business expansion, and market insights.

Industry Growth Sets the Stage for a High-Impact Event

Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, highlighted, “The Indian pharmaceutical industry has evolved into one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven sectors. It is recognised globally for producing affordable generics and life-saving vaccines. With the Union Budget 2025–26 allocating over ₹5,268 crore to the Department of Pharmaceuticals—a nearly 29% increase—the government’s support for R&D, infrastructure and capacity building strengthens India’s vision of becoming a global pharma innovation hub.” He added that CPHI & PMEC India 2025 will act as a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships shaping the future of the Indian pharmaceutical landscape.

India’s Pharma Market Poised for Rapid Expansion

India’s pharmaceutical market continues its robust growth. Industry projections estimate that the sector will reach USD 130 billion by 2030 and USD 450 billion by 2047, reinforcing India’s position as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse.

The 2025 edition will highlight key focus areas—API self-reliance, sustainability, digitalization and exports—reflecting India’s transition towards innovation-led growth. Exhibitors will showcase advancements in clean manufacturing, ESG compliance and Pharma 4.0 technologies, supporting the needs of a future-ready pharma ecosystem.

Strong International Participation to Boost Collaboration

The event will welcome global exhibitors from China, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea and several other countries. This will help strengthen cross-border partnerships and expand export opportunities.

Attendees can also look forward to popular marquee events such as:

*Pharma Leaders Roundtable

*Women in Pharma Roundtable

*CPHI Pharma Awards

*Pharma Connect Congress

These sessions will foster policy discussions, leadership insights and innovation-oriented dialogue.

Knowledge-Driven Sessions to Deliver Actionable Insights

Over three days, CPHI & PMEC India 2025 will host a wide range of conferences and leadership dialogues. Key themes will include:

*Business sustainability in a shifting geopolitical environment

*Reimagining innovation and manufacturing for affordable, high-impact medicines

*Enhancing patient centricity beyond GMP compliance

*Achieving sustainability goals in packaging and logistics through green design

These sessions aim to equip industry leaders with strategies for responsible growth, operational resilience and global competitiveness.

Leading Pharma and Machinery Players to Exhibit

Strong Backing from Key Industry Associations

This year’s edition is supported by leading organisations such as Pharmexcil, IPEC India, BDMAI, OPPI, FOPE and IPA. Their involvement further strengthens the event’s role as a trusted platform for policy advocacy, industry collaboration and sustainable business growth.

Reinforcing India’s Position as the “Pharmacy of the World”

Industry associations and experts have welcomed the government’s decision to withdraw fourteen Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on key chemical, polymer, and fibre-based materials. They described the move as a “landmark reform” that will streamline approvals, speed up procedures, and boost ease of doing business across the textile, plastic, and chemical sectors.

On November 12, the government rescinded QCOs covering several key intermediates, including Terephthalic Acid, Ethylene Glycol, Polyester Yarns and Fibres, and major plastics such as Polypropylene, Polyethylene, PVC, ABS, and Polycarbonate.

What QCOs Mean for Industry

A QCO is a legal directive issued by a Ministry that makes compliance with a specific Indian Standard (IS) mandatory. Products under a QCO must obtain a BIS licence and carry the standard mark, such as the ISI mark, before they can be manufactured, imported, or sold in India.

Move Aims to Support MSMEs and Improve Raw Material Access

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announced that this decision aims to ensure raw material availability, reduce import bottlenecks, and lower input costs for downstream MSMEs in packaging, textiles, and moulding. According to officials, the change will help companies operate with greater flexibility and fewer compliance delays.

Experts Say Withdrawal Strengthens Ease of Doing Business

Sohrab Bararia, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, noted that removing BIS requirements for fourteen key products is a major step toward reducing regulatory friction. “From a customs standpoint, this measure will streamline import procedures, accelerate clearances, and minimise delays, penalties, and supply chain disruptions,” he said.

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) also welcomed the decision. The association said the withdrawal of QCOs on Polyester Fibre and Polyester Yarn provides major relief to user industries. It added that the change will improve the cost competitiveness of Indian textile and apparel products by allowing access to raw materials at globally competitive prices. “Coupled with the Export Package announced on November 12, this move will act as a strong confidence-booster for the sector,” CITI said.

Reform Aligns with NITI Aayog’s Recommendations

Saurabh Agarwal, Partner at EY India, said the decision aligns with NITI Aayog’s recommendations to simplify regulations and promote industry-led quality standards. He noted that the withdrawal enables faster operations, encourages innovation, and strengthens India’s position in global value chains for chemicals, plastics, and textiles.

The move also reflects the findings of a High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms, which highlighted the rapid expansion of QCO coverage—from fewer than 70 products to nearly 790 in the past decade. Many of these standards applied to raw materials that do not pose direct risks to consumers, prompting calls to limit mandatory norms to safety-critical or consumer-facing items.

Need for Vigilance on Import Quality

Even as the government withdraws QCOs, experts stressed the need for close monitoring. Ajay Srivastava, Co-founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), warned that India must track import trends carefully to prevent the entry of dumped or sub-standard materials. He pointed out that global suppliers may attempt to push excess stock at predatory prices.

Srivastava recommended real-time tracking of customs data, DGTR alerts, and landed-price movements. Such monitoring would help authorities act quickly through anti-dumping duties, safeguard measures, or tariff-rate interventions if unfair trade practices emerge. He added that this approach protects domestic industry without reducing the benefits of the reform.

India Moves Closer to Global Standards

According to Srivastava, rolling back certain QCOs brings India closer to international regulatory norms. Major economies do not impose mandatory national certification on industrial inputs such as metals or polymers. “By withdrawing QCOs that create friction rather than ensure safety, India is aligning its quality-control regime with global practice,” he said.

Trade Talks Reflect Push for Simplification

The reform also ties into India’s ongoing trade negotiations. During the eleventh round of talks for the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement in May 2025, the European Union raised concerns about the complexity of India’s QCO certification process. India indicated that improvements, including online applications, could be introduced.

As reported by moneycontrol.com, India is currently negotiating several major trade agreements with developed economies and blocs, including the United States and the European Union. The country also signed an agreement with the United Kingdom in July this year.

BASF has started supplying Ultradur®* specialty grades—such as flame-retardant (FR) and hydrolysis-resistant (HR)—directly from India. This marks a major milestone in the company’s effort to deliver high-performance engineering plastics tailored to local market needs. With this development, customers across India benefit from faster response times, improved supply reliability, and greater production flexibility.

BASF Reinforces Commitment to India

“The new localized supply of Ultradur® is a strategic step that enhances our ability to serve Indian customers with speed and agility. It reflects our confidence in the country’s industrial growth and our commitment to supporting innovation in key sectors such as automotive and electronics,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

High-Performance Material for Advanced Applications

Ultradur® offers outstanding dimensional stability, mechanical strength, and rigidity. It also resists heat, chemicals, and weathering, while its low moisture absorption ensures precision during processing. Specialty FR and HR grades provide enhanced flame retardancy and long-term durability. Because of these properties, Ultradur® is widely used in electric vehicles, connectors, electronics, and a range of industrial components.

What Ultradur® Stands For

As per company press release, Ultradur® is BASF’s brand for its portfolio of partially crystalline, thermoplastic, saturated polyesters made from polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). These materials are known for their consistency, reliability, and suitability for high-performance engineering applications.

ReNew Energy Global Plc announced an additional investment of ₹60,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh to develop a suite of large-scale green energy projects. With this new commitment, the company’s total planned investment in the state rises to ₹82,000 crore, following its earlier ₹22,000 crore pledge in May 2025.

New MoUs Strengthen Clean Energy Pipeline

As part of its latest investment announcement, ReNew signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. These MoUs outline plans to build a fully integrated clean energy ecosystem in the state. The company will set up:

*6 GW PV ingot-wafer manufacturing plant

*2 GW pumped hydro energy storage project

*300 KTPA green ammonia facility

*5 GW of hybrid projects, including wind–solar and solar-BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)

ReNew Strengthens Its Clean Energy Value Chain

Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman and CEO of ReNew, said the company is deepening its commitment to Andhra Pradesh by bringing an end-to-end clean energy value chain to the state.
He added that this expansion will strengthen domestic supply chains, create high-quality skilled jobs, and further India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

₹22,000 Cr Mega Hybrid Project Moves Forward

In May 2025, ReNew announced a ₹22,000 crore investment to build one of India’s largest hybrid renewable energy projects in the Anantapur district.

The project includes:

*1.8 GW of solar capacity

*1 GW of wind capacity

*2 GW of battery energy storage (BESS)

Once complete, it is expected to be one of the largest renewable energy installations at a single location in India.

State Government Welcomes Expanding Investments

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu welcomed ReNew’s continued investments, stating that the company’s confidence reflects the state’s strong policies, infrastructure, and skilled workforce. He emphasized that this collaboration will accelerate clean energy deployment, generate high-quality employment, and support the state’s sustainable and inclusive growth goals.

Boosting Renewable Energy Capacity and Job Creation

As reported by msn.com, ReNew currently operates 717 MW of wind and 60 MW of solar capacity across 10 sites in the state. With the new investments, the company aims to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The green energy projects also support Andhra Pradesh’s ambitious renewable energy targets of:

*78.5 GW solar capacity

*35 GW wind capacity

*25 GWh battery energy storage

UPL, a global player in sustainable agricultural solutions, achieved the highest ESG score among all agricultural solutions companies in the 2025 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) powered by S&P Global. Notably, UPL is the only company from its sector in the DJSI World Index. This reinforces its strong sustainability leadership.

A Strong ESG Performance Backed by Global Benchmarks

In the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), UPL earned an impressive ESG score of 77 out of 100, far surpassing the Chemical sector average of 32. This exceptional performance highlights UPL’s commitment to advancing environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance practices across its global operations.

Commitment to Reimagining Sustainability

Jai Shroff, Chairman and Group CEO of UPL Group, said, “At UPL, we believe agriculture lies at the heart of global sustainability efforts. We are immensely proud to be the top sustainable company globally in our sector. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to ‘Reimagining Sustainability’ by demonstrating how agriculture can be a force for good—empowering farmers, enhancing food security, fostering sustainable development, and creating a brighter future for all.”

Dr. Mritunjay Chaubey, Chief Sustainability Officer of UPL Group, added, “In FY25, we exceeded our Environmental Footprint Reduction targets. Globally, we reduced carbon emissions by 38%, water usage by 49%, and waste generation by 52% compared to FY2020 levels. These results reflect our unwavering focus on creating meaningful impact and setting new industry benchmarks for sustainability.”

DJSI: Recognizing the World’s Top Sustainability Performers

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices serve as one of the world’s most trusted benchmarks for evaluating corporate ESG performance. This year, more than 13,000 companies participated in the assessment, representing 99% of global market capitalization.

Reinforcing Long-Term Sustainability Leadership

As per the press release, UPL’s top-tier ESG score places the company among the world’s leading sustainability performers. It underscores UPL’s ongoing commitment to delivering best-in-class sustainability practices that create long-term value for investors, stakeholders, and global communities.

DHL Group announced plans to invest around €1 billion in India by 2030, strengthening its long-term commitment to one of the world’s fastest-growing logistics markets. The investment aligns with the company’s Strategy 2030 and supports its vision to accelerate sustainable growth across all business units.

Expanding Infrastructure Across High-Growth Sectors

The multi-year investment program targets strategic sectors such as life sciences and healthcare, new energy, e-commerce, and digitalization. DHL will enhance India’s logistics landscape through several major infrastructure projects, including:

*DHL Health Logistics Hub for DHL Supply Chain India in Bhiwandi

*India’s largest low-emission integrated operating facility for Blue Dart in Bijwasan

*First automatic sorting center for DHL Express India in Delhi

*Fifth DHL IT Services Center in Indore

*EV and Battery Logistics Centers of Excellence (COE) in Chennai and Mumbai

*Largest low-emission integrated ground hub for Blue Dart in Haryana

These projects reinforce DHL’s focus on building reliable, scalable, and sustainable supply chain solutions across the country.

Confidence in India’s Growth Trajectory

Despite global economic pressures, DHL remains optimistic about India’s rising role in global trade. The country’s diversification efforts, pro-business environment, and robust market fundamentals continue to attract long-term global investment.

Tobias Meyer, CEO of DHL Group, said, “Global trade is facing headwinds, but we remain confident in India’s dynamic market. The country’s diversification strategy and business-friendly policies provide a solid foundation for long-term investments. With our investment program of around EUR 1 billion, we are expanding reliable and more sustainable logistics solutions for our customers in India.”

Strengthening India’s Role as a Global Technology Hub

India is also becoming a global technology hub for DHL Group, with more than 1,300 digital and logistics experts supporting operations worldwide. The new IT Services Center and training academy in Indore will equip employees with advanced skills in automation, AI, and digital transformation, further accelerating DHL’s digitalization roadmap.

Accelerating Sustainable and Digital Logistics

Through the investment program, DHL Group aims to enhance supply chain resilience, promote low-emission logistics, and enable future-ready digital capabilities. As per company press release, by 2030, these initiatives will position India as a pivotal market in DHL’s global network, delivering stronger, greener, and smarter logistics solutions for customers.

Neterwala Group, a professionally managed, family-owned enterprise with more than 60 years of steady growth, introduced its new brand identity, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability—in business and for the environment. The refreshed identity reflects the Group’s evolution into a high-tech manufacturing and engineering leader, focused on touching lives positively through technology.

A Symbol That Captures Purpose and Global Ambition

At the center of the new identity is the dot—a simple yet powerful symbol. The dot represents the Group’s forward-focused journey, filled with intention, possibility, and momentum. It also symbolizes connectedness, uniting people, ideas, and purpose. This spirit of collaboration comes alive in the brand’s visual language, where dots form patterns that convey direction, synergy, and progress. Each pattern tells a story of a brand expanding globally while remaining grounded in relationships, authenticity, and human-centric values.

Driven by the Purpose: Touching Lives Positively Through Technology

Guided by the Group’s purpose—“Touching lives positively through technology”—Neterwala continues to leverage advanced technologies to benefit society. Founded with a mission to give back, the Group introduced next-generation manufacturing and engineering to India and has since expanded to serve critical industries across the world.

Leading the Next Phase of Sustainable Global Growth

*Environmental and clean-technology initiatives

*Advanced materials and engineering ventures

*Upgrades in AI, data analytics, and automation

*Deepened sustainability practices across all operations

A Strong Commitment to Sustainability

As per the press release, Neterwala is intensifying its commitment to sustainability—not merely as a business strategy but as a responsibility to future generations. The Group’s investments in clean technology, environmental innovation, and responsible manufacturing will anchor its long-term expansion. Every step forward aims to deliver value while protecting the planet.

Shaping the Future with Purpose and Innovation

Bry-Air, a global leader in environmental control systems, has launched the P80x dehumidifier, a cutting-edge solution engineered specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. Equipped with the advanced MIRACLE Next-Gen Rotor powered by MOF (Metal-Organic Frameworks) technology, the P80x marks a major leap forward in dehumidification performance and sustainability.

MOF Technology: A New Era Beyond Silica Gel

For more than 35 years, Silica Gel served as the industry’s most reliable desiccant. Today, that era is transforming with the rise of MOFs—ultra-porous materials designed with precise molecular structures that enable exceptional drying efficiency and long-term sustainability. The world is rapidly recognizing the potential of MOFs. In fact, this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry honored three scientists for pioneering research in this field, underscoring its global importance.

P80x: Delivering Superior Performance and Efficiency

The P80x dehumidifier stands out as a true technological breakthrough, significantly outperforming traditional Silica Gel-based systems. Its innovations deliver transformative benefits for high-precision pharmaceutical environments.

Key Features of the P80x Dehumidifier

*High Performance: Delivers over 25% higher performance than conventional Silica Gel rotors, enabling lower operational costs and enhanced process efficiency.

*Lower Regeneration Temperature: Operates at a reduced regeneration temperature of 60°C–80°C, compared to the traditional 120°C–140°C, ensuring major energy savings and extended equipment life.

*>50% Energy Savings: Achieves more than 50% energy savings, supporting sustainability goals and lowering carbon footprint.

*Heat Pump Ready: Built for seamless heat pump integration, the P80x supports next-generation climate-friendly systems and advances the move toward Net Zero processing.

Setting New Standards for Pharma Dehumidification

With these innovations, the P80x is more than a dehumidifier—it is a game-changing advancement for the HVAC and pharmaceutical industries. It addresses the sector’s stringent environmental control requirements while driving energy efficiency and operational excellence. As per the press release, Bry-Air continues to push boundaries in sustainable innovation, reaffirming its leadership in high-performance dehumidification solutions.

Archroma, a global player in specialty chemicals committed to sustainable solutions, has once again secured a Gold rating from EcoVadis. This marks the second consecutive year the company has achieved this distinction, placing it among the top 5% of more than 150,000 companies assessed worldwide across 150 countries and 250 industries.

A Strong Validation of Sustainability Leadership

Rajiv Sharma, CEO, Archroma, said, “As a company built on sustainable innovation, this recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to lead with purpose. Our strategy – from innovations to operational excellence – is centered on delivering measurable impact and long-term value for our customers, communities, and the planet.”

Advancing ESG Reporting Through CSRD Alignment

Strengthening Purpose, Innovation, and Accountability

Sharma added, “The double materiality assessment reinforces our commitment to stakeholder engagement, ESG integration, and responsible growth. We will continue to align purpose, innovation, and accountability at every level of the organization.” As per the press release, Archroma continues to take action through structured reporting and sustainable innovation. The company remains focused on driving long-term, positive impact across the global chemical industry.