India Pesticides Ltd secured regulatory approvals for two pesticide products in key international markets. The company received technical equivalence approval for an insecticide in the United Kingdom and registration for an herbicide in Argentina. The approvals mark an important step in the company’s international expansion strategy. Moreover, they are expected to strengthen India Pesticides’ presence in the global agrochemical market and expand access to overseas markets.

Insecticide Approval Strengthens UK Market Access

In the United Kingdom, India Pesticides has obtained technical equivalence approval for an insecticide product. The approval is expected to support the company’s export business and improve its access to the European market. The company expects the regulatory clearance to create additional opportunities for its agrochemical products in international markets.

Herbicide Registration Expands Argentina Presence

Separately, India Pesticides has secured registration for an herbicide product in Argentina. The registration will enable the company to strengthen its presence in the Latin American agrochemical market. Together, the UK and Argentina approvals expand the company’s international product portfolio and support its broader global growth strategy.

Focus on Export Growth

India Pesticides expects the newly secured approvals to support growth in its export revenues. In addition, the company said its expanding international business could contribute positively to India’s foreign exchange earnings. These regulatory milestones further support the company’s strategy of increasing its presence across international agrochemical markets. India Pesticides manufactures pesticides and other agrochemical products for domestic and international markets. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Lucknow and Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh. As reported by cnbctv18.com, with regulatory approvals across additional international markets, India Pesticides is continuing to expand its global market reach while strengthening its export-focused business.

Indosol Solar collaborates with the Australian National University (ANU) to accelerate the development and commercial scale-up of next-generation tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell technologies. The two organisations recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and collaboration agreement. Facilitated through the India Australia Technology Commercialisation Challenge Pilot Program, the partnership combines ANU’s photovoltaic (PV) research expertise with Indosol Solar’s giga-scale manufacturing capabilities in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Advancing High-Efficiency TOPCon Solar Cells

Under the collaboration, ANU and Indosol Solar will co-develop advanced TOPCon cell architectures focused on higher conversion efficiency and improved resistance to degradation. In addition, ANU researchers will work closely with Indosol Solar’s process teams to optimise manufacturing processes for advanced n-type TOPCon solar cells. This collaboration will help accelerate the transition of key laboratory breakthroughs into large-scale manufacturing. Indosol Solar will validate ANU’s advanced cell designs directly on its integrated manufacturing lines in India. As a result, the partnership aims to create a faster pathway from research and development to commercial deployment.

Focus on Efficiency and Degradation Resistance

The joint research will target solar cell conversion efficiencies beyond standard TOPCon performance levels. At the same time, the partners will focus on improving resistance to light-induced and UV-induced degradation. These developments could help support the production of high-efficiency solar cells with improved long-term performance for domestic and international PV markets.

Strengthening Research and Industry Collaboration

As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, the partnership will also facilitate technical knowledge exchange between the two organisations. Researchers and technical teams from ANU and Indosol Solar will visit each other’s facilities, conduct joint research and build manufacturing capabilities through hands-on collaboration. “Our team at ANU has a long history of driving silicon solar efficiency breakthroughs that define the global market. Partnering with Indosol Solar allows us to translate cutting-edge TOPCon innovation directly into gigawatt-scale production, ensuring high-efficiency technology makes a tangible impact on the Indian PV market,” said Dr Rabin Basnet and Dr Marco Ernst, Lead Photovoltaic Researchers, The Australian National University.

Saudi Aramco stopped supplying crude oil to Indian refiners until further notice. The development adds pressure on Indian refiners, which are already facing higher crude prices, increased tanker freight costs and disruptions to traditional supply routes. The supply halt comes amid wider disruptions to crude flows from the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline has reportedly been shut following an attack, limiting the kingdom’s ability to transport crude to its western ports. Meanwhile, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have reduced alternative supply routes. Saudi crude has traditionally remained an important source for Indian refiners, with Aramco accounting for around 9% of India’s crude imports since the beginning of the conflict.

Alternative Crude Supplies Could Cost More

For Indian refiners, the immediate challenge is not necessarily finding replacement crude but securing those supplies at competitive prices. Brent crude prices surged to around $108 a barrel on Wednesday and continued to trade above $105 a barrel. Although Indian refiners can seek crude from other producers, replacing Saudi supplies could increase procurement costs as global benchmarks and spot prices remain elevated. Refiners are also facing higher tanker freight rates. At the same time, discounts on Russian crude have narrowed or disappeared, making this alternative source less attractive from a cost perspective.

Aramco Continues Some Spot Market Sales

However, the supply halt does not mean Saudi crude has completely disappeared from the market. Aramco continues to sell some crude cargoes to traders through the spot market. Consequently, some of these cargoes could eventually reach Indian refiners through the Strait of Hormuz. However, spot-market purchases may not offer the same supply certainty or pricing advantages as regular term contracts.

Impact on Indian Refiners

The disruption comes at a sensitive time for India’s refining sector, which relies heavily on imported crude to meet domestic fuel demand and operate refining facilities. Higher crude procurement costs could put pressure on refining margins, particularly if refiners cannot fully pass higher costs on to product prices. Therefore, refiners may need to optimise their crude mix, diversify suppliers and make greater use of available spot cargoes.

Potential Impact on India’s Oil Import Bill

The impact will ultimately depend on how long the Saudi supply disruption continues and how quickly normal crude flows through key Gulf routes resume. A prolonged disruption could tighten crude availability in the region while keeping oil prices and freight rates under pressure. As reported by news18.com, for India, sustained higher crude prices could also increase the overall oil import bill if refiners have to secure replacement barrels at higher costs.

India’s dependence on imported critical minerals is increasing as demand for these resources grows, according to a new report by NITI Aayog. The report highlights the growing importance of critical minerals for clean-energy technologies and India’s broader industrial development.

Global Trade in Critical Minerals Surges

Global trade in energy-related critical minerals has increased sharply over the past two decades. According to the report, annual global trade rose from $53 billion in 2002 to $378 billion in 2024. This significant increase reflects the growing demand for minerals required across advanced manufacturing and clean-energy applications.

Domestic Manufacturing Faces Challenges

The report also identified factors contributing to India’s dependence on critical mineral imports. For example, zero-duty imports of nickel-based superalloy bars and rods continue despite the availability of domestic manufacturing capabilities. As a result, such imports can contribute to greater import dependence while also limiting the utilisation of investments made in India’s domestic manufacturing sector.

Clean Energy Drives Mineral Demand

Meanwhile, demand for critical minerals is expected to rise substantially as India and other economies expand clean-energy technologies. The growing adoption of electric vehicles, battery energy storage systems and renewable energy is expected to further increase the need for these minerals. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities and improving the utilisation of existing investments could help India address its growing critical mineral requirements and reduce import dependence.

US based semiconductor equipment manufacturer Lam Research plans to invest approximately ₹10,000 crore in India over the next several years. The investment will strengthen the company’s manufacturing capabilities and expand its advanced research and development operations in the country.

First Silicon Component Manufacturing Facility

As part of the investment, Lam Research plans to establish its first silicon component manufacturing facility in India. The proposed facility will create a vertically integrated manufacturing process covering silicon ingot production and processing. The expansion will enable the company to support advanced semiconductor technologies and leading-edge manufacturing nodes. Moreover, the facility is expected to strengthen India’s role in Lam Research’s global semiconductor supply chain.

Expansion of Semiconductor R&D Operations

In parallel, Lam Research plans to expand its India Center for Engineering. The centre supports global customers in the design, testing and development of next-generation semiconductor technologies. Lam Research has operated in India for more than 25 years. During this period, the company has built a significant engineering presence and established an advanced semiconductor R&D laboratory in Bengaluru.

Strengthening India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

The planned investment will therefore expand Lam Research’s manufacturing and engineering footprint in India. As reported by projectstoday.ai, by combining silicon component manufacturing with advanced engineering and R&D capabilities, the company aims to further support semiconductor technology development and innovation in the country.

ABB launched AquaMaster+™, a digital platform designed to help water utilities monitor, analyse and manage water distribution networks more efficiently. The platform aims to reduce pipeline water losses while helping utilities optimise network operations. The integrated solution combines hardware, advanced software and cloud-based decision-making tools. In addition, water companies can use AquaMaster+ with ABB’s AquaMaster4™ flowmeters or deploy it as a standalone software solution that integrates with existing systems.

Real-Time Water Network Monitoring

AquaMaster+ provides fleet-level and device-level insights to help operators manage water networks more effectively. The platform offers a fleet overview with GIS mapping, while device-level information includes flow and pressure changes, diagnostics and remote configuration. Real-time monitoring allows utilities to identify potential issues early and respond proactively. Remote configuration and management can also improve response times while reducing the need for on-site visits and associated travel costs.

Identifying Water Network Anomalies

The platform stores device and event logs, enabling operators to compare key parameters such as flow rate and pressure. Consequently, utilities can identify unusual patterns and potential network issues at an early stage. AquaMaster+ also supports virtual flowmeters. This capability allows operators to model different scenarios, compare potential outcomes and simulate real-world conditions before making operational decisions.

Improving Water Utility Operations

AquaMaster+ features intuitive navigation and requires minimal training. As a result, operators can access critical information quickly while reducing the risk of human errors. ABB’s AquaMaster flowmeters provide real-time water-flow measurements, allowing utilities to track the volume of water moving through their networks. The flowmeters can measure flow velocities below 0.1 m/s and support faster leak detection compared with many conventional approaches.

ABB’s Water Management Expertise

ABB introduced AquaMaster4 Mobile Comms in 2022 as the world’s first electromagnetic flowmeter with bidirectional connectivity. With more than 50 years of experience in the water industry, ABB provides a broad portfolio of technologies for water management and water analysis. As per the press relase, through AquaMaster+ and its connected measurement technologies, ABB is expanding digital capabilities that can help water utilities improve network visibility, respond to issues faster and manage water resources more efficiently.

CropLife India, an industry body representing 17 leading crop protection companies, urged the government to address the limited range of crop protection solutions currently available to Indian farmers. According to the organisation, Indian farmers have access to around 380 active ingredients (AIs), compared with approximately 1,200 AIs available globally. CropLife India cautioned that restricting existing crop protection products without introducing better alternatives could further limit farmers’ choices.

CropLife India Proposes Two-Pronged Approach

To address the gap, CropLife India has proposed a two-pronged approach. First, it recommends that any restriction on existing crop protection molecules should rely on established scientific literature and evidence, including contextual safety, health and efficacy data. The assessment should also consider the potential impact on farmers. Second, the industry body has called for the introduction of Regulatory Data Protection (RDP) for five years within India’s regulatory framework. RDP would protect regulatory data generated during the registration of new crop protection products. According to CropLife India, such protection could encourage companies to invest in and introduce newer, safer and more efficient technologies available globally.

Regulatory Data Protection Could Encourage Innovation

CropLife India said the absence of RDP currently creates concerns around the protection of regulatory data and can discourage investment in new technologies. The organisation believes that protecting data generated through safety, health and efficacy studies conducted under Indian conditions could encourage companies to bring new products to the market more quickly. Several countries already provide regulatory data protection. China, Indonesia and Malaysia offer up to six years of protection, while the US, European Union, Canada, Thailand, Brazil and Colombia provide protection of up to 10 years. Australia, Taiwan and the Philippines offer up to eight years.

Climate Change Increases Pest Management Challenges

According to Rahul Dhanuka, Managing Director, Dhanuka Agritech Ltd, factors such as El Niño and climate change are making pest pressures more dynamic and challenging for farmers. He said a robust regulatory framework could facilitate the introduction of science- and technology-backed products to help farmers respond to changing pest conditions. He also stated that RDP could support the registration of newer technologies and enable evidence-based phasing out of existing products where appropriate.

Industry Seeks Wider Access to New Technologies

Mohan Babu Boppana, Vice Chairman of CropLife India and COO of Bayer CropScience Ltd, said a time-bound RDP framework has supported innovation and competition in other markets. He pointed to regulatory frameworks in several countries and said India could benefit from aligning its system with established global practices. According to him, expanding the range of crop protection solutions could reduce farmers’ dependence on a limited set of products while supporting the Indian industry’s participation in global markets. Boppana also highlighted the potential of newer molecules, including green molecules. According to him, these products can offer more selective action, reduce unintended impacts on flora and fauna and require lower application rates.

Crop Losses Highlight Need for Effective Protection

CropLife India noted that Indian farmers lose approximately 10–35% of crops annually due to pests and diseases, representing an estimated economic loss of around Rs 2 lakh crore each year. Against this backdrop, the industry body has called for a broader and science-based framework that can expand the range of crop protection technologies available to farmers. Giridhar Ranuva, Business Director, BASF Agricultural Solutions, India, said a time-bound RDP framework could encourage the introduction of newer technologies and help farmers address pest-related crop losses. He added that improved crop protection could support farm productivity and incomes and contribute to India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 ambitions.

RDP Could Support Export Compliance

CropLife India also highlighted the growing regulatory requirements in high-value export markets. In particular, regulations in the European Union, including stricter maximum residue limits (MRLs) for various crop protection molecules, could create additional challenges for Indian farmers and exporters. The industry body said access to newer crop protection technologies could help farmers and exporters respond to these requirements while maintaining access to international markets.

Calls for E-Commerce Regulation

CropLife India has called for stronger regulation of crop protection product sales through e-commerce platforms. The organisation has proposed licensing requirements and digital traceability measures to help prevent the sale of unauthorised crop protection products through online channels. As per the press release and according to CropLife India, a combination of science-based regulation, wider technology access, regulatory data protection and stronger digital oversight could help expand crop protection choices while supporting farmers and the wider agricultural sector.

Ascenso Tyres committed US$100 million to establish All Steel Radial (ASR) tyre manufacturing capabilities in India as it expands its Off-The-Road (OTR) portfolio for mining applications. The investment will support advanced manufacturing infrastructure, specialised radial tyre technology, product development and testing, engineering capabilities, and giant tyre manufacturing. It will also provide scope for future capacity expansion at Ascenso’s Indian facility.

Ascenso Expands Giant Mining Tyre Portfolio

Ascenso initially entered the mining tyre segment with 25-inch tyres. Since then, the company has expanded its portfolio to include 49-inch giant mining tyres, while developing larger sizes for future applications. The portfolio is designed to serve a wide range of operations, from construction and quarrying to large open-pit mining. According to Ascenso, the expansion makes it the second Indian tyre brand and the fifth globally outside China to enter giant tyre manufacturing with in-house design and development capabilities. The company aims to build a comprehensive radial mining tyre portfolio that is engineered and developed in India.

Focus on Radial Tyre Technology

Ascenso plans to position its radial OTR tyres against established global premium brands while maintaining a competitive price proposition for Indian mining operators. As a result, the company aims to address key mining requirements, including productivity, operating costs and tyre performance. The strategy also targets a market that has traditionally depended heavily on imported mining tyres. Yogesh Mahansaria, Managing Director, Ascenso Tyres, said the US$100 million investment focuses on building radial mining tyre engineering and manufacturing capabilities in India rather than simply increasing production capacity.

Field Engineers to Improve Mining Tyre Performance

Alongside its manufacturing expansion, Ascenso is strengthening its customer-facing engineering capabilities. The company plans to deploy more than 15 dedicated Field Application Engineers across major mining markets globally, including key mining regions in India. These engineers will work directly with mine operators to monitor tyre performance, analyse wear patterns and evaluate operating conditions. Ascenso will feed data collected from field operations back into its research and development (R&D) organisation. This approach will help the company optimise existing products and develop tyres suited to different mining environments.

Radial OTR Programme Drives Product Development

Ascenso launched its radial OTR programme in late 2023 following extensive engagement with customers across multiple markets. The company subsequently created a specialised team comprising OTR engineers, application specialists and R&D professionals to develop its radial tyre technology platform. The product roadmap extends through 2027 and 2028, with Ascenso planning to introduce additional tyre sizes and tread patterns for mining, earthmoving and loader applications.

49-Inch Tyre Marks Manufacturing Milestone

Dhaval Nanavati, Chief Executive Officer, Ascenso Tyres, said the development of 49-inch giant mining tyres in India marks an important milestone in the company’s mining expansion and broader manufacturing plans. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, with its investment in ASR technology, field engineering and product development, Ascenso is working to strengthen its position in the global OTR tyre market while expanding India’s capabilities in giant mining tyre manufacturing.

The Asia Pacific Drying Conference (ADC) is a biennial conference series established in 1997 by Prof A. Kamaruddin and Prof Arun S. Mujumdar. Inspired by the International Drying Symposium (IDS), the conference has evolved into an important platform for researchers, academics and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss advances in drying technology.

ADC 2027 to Focus on Emerging Drying Technologies

Following the success of ADC 2025 in Changzhou, China, the 13th Asia Pacific Drying Conference (ADC 2027) to be held from 11^th to 13^th August 2027 at Taylor’s University, Malaysia, will focus on the integration of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The conference will examine how these technologies can improve drying processes, promote sustainable operations and support the development of high-value products. In addition, discussions will address technological innovations and practical solutions for evolving industrial and agricultural requirements.

Key Topics at ADC 2027

ADC 2027 will cover a wide range of topics spanning intelligent technologies, sustainability, advanced drying processes and industrial applications. Key areas will include:

*Smart and Sustainable Drying

*Smart and intelligent drying

*Green and sustainable drying

*Advanced energy recovery and efficient thermal management

*Environmental impact and life cycle analysis (LCA)

*Advanced Drying Processes

*Process intensification and hybridisation

*Innovative drying techniques and equipment

*Fundamentals, modelling and simulation

*Microstructure and material engineering

*Food, Agriculture and Biological Products

*Drying for food security and safety

*Drying of biological, pharmaceutical and forest products

*Agricultural digitalisation and postharvest technology

*Industrial Innovation and R&D

*Industrial challenges and R&D opportunities

*Digital technologies for improved drying operations

*Development of energy-efficient and sustainable drying solutions

Advancing the Future of Drying Technology

By bringing together experts from academia, research and industry, ADC 2027 will provide a platform to examine how digitalisation, AI, IoT and advanced engineering can transform drying processes. The conference will encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration around energy efficiency, sustainability, process optimisation and high-value product development. These discussions can help advance innovative drying technologies for industrial, agricultural, food and pharmaceutical applications.

Russia’s State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry (Giredmet) signed an agreement with Alt Metals to establish a pilot production facility for titanium sponge, a primary feedstock used to manufacture titanium. The partnership will strengthen cooperation between Russian and Indian specialists in the deep processing of mineral raw materials and support the development of titanium production capabilities in India.

Pilot Facility to Support Titanium Sponge Production

Giredmet will supply laboratory equipment for titanium sponge production and support the initial development of the pilot facility. The project will focus on developing initial design data for an industrial-scale titanium sponge plant with a proposed capacity of 1,000 tons per year. During the first stage, the partners will study the customer’s raw materials and conduct laboratory testing. Giredmet will subsequently manufacture and supply laboratory equipment and provide installation supervision, commissioning support and personnel training. According to Andrey Goliney, Director of the Chemical Engineering Division at Rosatom Nauka JSC, the project could eventually scale the technology to industrial production and integrate it into the Indian industry.

Titanium Sponge Supports Key Industries

Titanium is valued for its high strength, low weight and corrosion resistance. As a result, titanium alloys and components find applications across several critical sectors, including defence, aerospace and medical devices. Titanium sponge serves as a key intermediate material in the titanium production chain. Therefore, developing local production capabilities could support downstream titanium processing and manufacturing.

Giredmet Strengthens India-Russia Cooperation

Giredmet operates under Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation and works across the rare and rare-earth metals value chain. Its activities range from developing methods to process ores containing rare and rare-earth metals to producing high-purity substances, single crystals and finished products. These materials and products serve industries including electronics, nuclear energy, aviation and space. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, Russia continues to expand international trade and economic cooperation, while Rosatom and its enterprises participate in projects involving technology, services and raw materials.