India’s leading crop protection companies have jointly urged the government to introduce a Protection of Regulatory Data (PRD) framework, arguing that it could give farmers faster access to newer and safer crop protection solutions while strengthening domestic manufacturing and agrochemical exports.

Crystal Crop Protection, Rallis India, Dhanuka Agritech, PI Industries and Godrej Agrovet have called for a limited, time-bound data protection window for new molecules and new uses. According to the companies, such a framework would encourage innovators to introduce advanced, lower-dose and safer crop protection products in India. Importantly, they said the proposal would eventually benefit the entire domestic industry, including generic manufacturers and SMEs, once the protection period expires.

Farmers Could Gain Access to Newer and Safer Chemistry

The companies believe the biggest beneficiaries of a modern regulatory data protection framework would be Indian farmers. Climate change is altering pest, weed and disease patterns, while resistance to existing crop protection products continues to create challenges. As a result, farmers increasingly require access to newer chemistry that can provide more targeted and dependable crop protection.

New-generation molecules generally work at lower application rates and offer improved safety profiles. Consequently, they can support safer handling, lower residues in agricultural produce and more effective crop protection. India reportedly loses an estimated 10% to 35% of agricultural output annually due to pests, weeds and diseases, representing losses of around ₹2 lakh crore. The companies also highlighted concerns that rising temperatures and changing climatic conditions could further intensify these crop losses.

A Modern Molecule Portfolio Could Strengthen Agriculture and Exports

Beyond farm productivity, the companies said PRD could strengthen India’s agrochemical manufacturing sector and export competitiveness. India currently has approximately 380 registered molecules, compared with around 1,200 molecules used globally. Expanding the availability of modern crop protection products could therefore provide Indian manufacturers with a broader portfolio of products to manufacture and commercialise. Furthermore, access to newer chemistry could help agricultural exporters meet increasingly stringent international residue requirements. The companies argued that Indian agrochemical exporters compete with countries that already provide regulatory data protection. Therefore, they believe a stronger and more modern product portfolio could improve India’s manufacturing competitiveness and export resilience.

PRD Could Encourage Investment in New Crop Protection Molecules

According to the companies, introducing a new crop protection molecule in India requires substantial investment and time. They estimate that bringing a new molecule to the Indian market can cost around ₹40–50 crore and require six to eight years of local safety, efficacy and residue studies. However, they argue that the absence of regulatory data protection reduces the incentive for companies to make these investments. Under the proposed framework, a limited protection period would allow the original applicant to recover its investment before other companies could rely on the submitted regulatory data. Once the protection period ends, the molecule would become available to the wider domestic industry. The companies have proposed a five-year PRD period from the first registration of new molecules and new uses.

Generic Manufacturers and SMEs Could Benefit After the Protection Period

The proposed framework, the companies stressed, would not restrict the long-term growth of generic manufacturers or small and medium-sized enterprises. Instead, they argue that once a molecule completes its protection period, generic companies and SMEs would gain access to a larger and more modern portfolio of crop protection products for domestic and export markets. The proposal would apply only to new molecules and new uses, meaning products already available in the Indian market would remain unaffected. As a result, the companies said PRD would add to the range of opportunities available to domestic manufacturers rather than reduce them.

India Looks to Catch Up with Global Agrochemical Markets

The companies also pointed out that several major agrochemical markets already provide regulatory data protection. According to their submission, China provides six years of data protection, while countries such as Thailand, Brazil and the United States provide protection for up to ten years. The European Union provides ten years, with longer protection available for certain low-risk and biological products. India, however, currently does not provide a comparable regulatory data protection framework. The companies believe introducing a time-bound system would therefore help India align more closely with major global agrochemical markets and strengthen its ability to compete internationally.

Framework Could Support Quality, Research and Responsible Product Use

The companies also highlighted broader benefits of a regulatory data protection framework. They argued that when a single molecule receives hundreds of identical registrations, intense price competition can sometimes encourage overuse, misuse and the growth of markets for spurious or sub-standard products. A time-bound protection period, they said, could reward genuine investment in research, product quality and innovation while encouraging more responsible competition. In addition, because new product registrations require locally generated safety, efficacy and residue data, the framework could increase research activity at Indian laboratories and field stations. The first registrant would also carry stewardship and resistance-management responsibilities during the protected period, potentially improving the responsible use of crop protection products in the field.

Industry Leaders Call for Action Through the Pesticides Management Bill

The companies have urged the Government to use the proposed Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 as an opportunity to introduce a balanced and time-bound PRD framework. They believe a five-year protection period would provide sufficient incentive for companies to invest in new molecules and technologies while ensuring that generic manufacturers and SMEs gain market access after the protection period expires. Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman of CropLife India and Executive Chairman & Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd., said evolving pest pressures require farmers to gain faster access to modern crop protection solutions.

Dr. Gyanendra Shukla, Vice Chairman of CropLife India and Managing Director & CEO of Rallis India, said India needs a modern crop protection portfolio to protect farmers and maintain export competitiveness. Rahul Dhanuka, Managing Director of Dhanuka Agritech, said time-bound data protection could accelerate farmers’ access to newer, safer and lower-dose crop protection solutions. Mayank Singhal, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director of PI Industries, emphasised that a predictable data protection framework could encourage research and bring innovative solutions to Indian farmers. N. K. Rajavelu, CEO of Godrej Agrovet, added that longer protection for low-risk and greener products could help encourage sustainable and lower-dose crop protection technologies.

PRD Could Support a More Innovative Agrochemical Industry

The companies believe that a carefully designed Protection of Regulatory Data framework could create a balanced pathway for innovation and competition in India’s crop protection industry. By encouraging investment in newer molecules, expanding the availability of safer and lower-dose chemistry, supporting domestic research and eventually opening new opportunities for generic manufacturers and SMEs, the proposed framework could strengthen the entire agrochemical value chain. As per the press release, as India faces evolving pest pressures, climate-related agricultural challenges and increasingly demanding global export standards, the industry believes that faster access to modern crop protection technologies could play an important role in supporting farm productivity, sustainable agriculture, domestic manufacturing and agrochemical exports.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, has announced a strategic partnership to advance commercial-scale circular PET packaging in Thailand. Through Indovida, its packaging business segment, Indorama Ventures has partnered with Suntory Holdings Limited, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Iwatani Corporation. Together, the companies aim to strengthen the circular economy for PET packaging while expanding the use of recycled materials across the packaging value chain. The collaboration will also reinforce Indorama Ventures’ downstream packaging platform and strengthen its position in circular packaging solutions across Southeast Asia.

Indovida Introduces Flake-to-Preform Recycling Technology

As part of the partnership, Indovida (Thailand) Limited—a joint venture between Indorama Ventures and Iwatani Corporation—will introduce Flake-to-Preform™ (FtoP) Direct Recycling Technology to Thailand. The patented technology, jointly developed by Suntory and three partner companies, including Japanese recycling specialist Kyoei Industry Co., Ltd., enables manufacturers to produce PET preforms directly from recycled PET bottles. The process can improve recycling efficiency and reduce the environmental impact associated with conventional PET production. The project marks the first commercial deployment of FtoP technology in Southeast Asia. The facility is expected to produce recycled PET preforms equivalent to approximately 400 million PET bottles annually. Beginning in 2028, Indovida will supply these recycled PET preforms to Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand).

Strengthening Indorama Ventures’ Circular Packaging Platform

Through Indovida, Indorama Ventures continues to expand its integrated packaging platform by combining expertise in PET, recycled PET and packaging manufacturing with advanced recycling technologies and strategic partnerships. In addition, the collaboration strengthens the company’s circular packaging capabilities in Thailand and creates opportunities for future expansion across Southeast Asia. The initiative also supports Indorama Ventures’ IVL 2.0 growth strategy, which focuses on building market-leading businesses through innovation, strategic partnerships and disciplined investment. At the same time, the project aims to help customers achieve their sustainability goals by increasing the availability of high-quality recycled PET packaging solutions.

Partners Combine Expertise Across the PET Value Chain

Each partner brings complementary capabilities to the circular PET packaging initiative. Indorama Ventures contributes its expertise in recycled PET, integrated materials and packaging manufacturing. Meanwhile, Suntory provides the FtoP recycling technology and implementation expertise developed in Japan. Iwatani Corporation adds its industrial capabilities and long-standing partnership with Suntory. Furthermore, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) will become the first commercial customer to use the recycled PET preforms produced through the project. This integrated approach brings together technology, recycling, materials and commercial application, thereby helping accelerate the transition towards more sustainable PET packaging.

Suntory Sees Major Potential for Sustainable PET Bottles

Jun Asaki, Chief Sustainability Officer of Suntory Holdings, said the introduction of FtoP technology in Thailand represents an important step in expanding the adoption of sustainable PET bottles. He added that Suntory aims to work with a broader network of partners to promote PET bottles as a sustainable packaging solution in Thailand and across Southeast Asia while contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.

Partnership Supports the Circular Economy

Kenji Motoori, Director of Iwatani Corporation, said the company is pleased to begin the initiative with the Suntory Group to support the commercialization of FtoP technology in Thailand. Through its joint venture with Indorama Ventures, Iwatani will help ensure a stable supply of high-quality recycled PET preforms. The company also plans to continue working with its partners to support the development of a more circular economy.

Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to advancing circular PET packaging in Thailand and beyond. By combining its integrated PET value chain with advanced recycling technology and strong industry partnerships, Indorama Ventures aims to deliver differentiated circular packaging solutions while further strengthening its downstream packaging business.

Advancing Sustainable Packaging Across Southeast Asia

The project demonstrates how collaboration across the PET and packaging value chain can accelerate the transition towards a circular economy. By increasing the use of recycled PET, improving resource efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil-based materials, the partners aim to create a more sustainable packaging ecosystem. As per the press release, the collaboration could also provide a platform for expanding circular PET packaging solutions across Southeast Asia, supporting both industry sustainability goals and the region’s transition towards a more resource-efficient future.

Asahi Kasei received key regional economic incentives for its project to build new production facilities for alkaline water electrolysis and ion-exchange membrane chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment in Kawasaki, Japan. The incentives include financial support from Kanagawa Prefecture and the City of Kawasaki. The support marks an important milestone in Asahi Kasei’s strategic portfolio transformation and will help accelerate the company’s expansion in hydrogen and electrolysis technologies.

Facilities Target at Least 2 GW Capacity by 2028

Asahi Kasei is building new facilities for the production of cell frames and membranes for electrolysis at its Kawasaki plant in Kanagawa Prefecture. The company aims to establish a manufacturing capacity of at least 2 GW each for cell frames and membranes by 2028. In addition, the new capacity will complement Asahi Kasei’s existing production capabilities for ion-exchange membrane process chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment. As a result, the expansion is expected to increase the company’s total annual manufacturing capacity for cell frames and membranes to more than 3 GW.

Government Support Strengthens Hydrogen Manufacturing Plans

The Kawasaki expansion has already received significant institutional backing. In December 2024, Asahi Kasei’s expansion proposal was selected for government support, reflecting expectations for stronger industrial competitiveness and regional economic development, particularly in hydrogen-related markets. Subsequently, in October 2025, the company formally approved plans to construct the new production facilities and began advancing the project. Through the investment, Asahi Kasei aims to strengthen the global supply base for clean hydrogen technologies while also enhancing Japan’s competitiveness in the growing hydrogen economy.

Kawasaki to Become a Global Hub for Electrolysis Technologies

Asahi Kasei is positioning its Kawasaki manufacturing site as a key global production hub for both water electrolysis systems and chlor-alkali electrolysis equipment. By concentrating its manufacturing resources at the site, the company aims to create a more flexible and resilient supply platform capable of serving growing global demand. Moreover, the regional incentives will support further capacity expansion while contributing to industrial growth and economic development in the Kawasaki region.

Asahi Kasei Strengthens Global Hydrogen and Chlor-Alkali Business

Asahi Kasei plans to further strengthen its technology base and manufacturing capabilities in water electrolysis and hydrogen production. At the same time, the company intends to leverage the complementary strengths of its hydrogen and chlor-alkali businesses to enhance its global competitiveness. As per the press release, with the new Kawasaki facilities and continued government and regional support, Asahi Kasei is advancing its position in the expanding clean hydrogen, water electrolysis and industrial electrolysis equipment markets, while building a stronger and more resilient global manufacturing platform.

Exide Industries invested ₹200 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary Exide Energy Solutions Ltd (EESL) through a rights-based equity subscription. The latest funding will support the development of EESL’s greenfield multi-gigawatt lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility in India. The investment strengthens Exide Industries’ strategy to build domestic battery manufacturing capabilities and serve India’s growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and stationary energy storage systems.

Exide Infuses ₹199.99 Crore into EESL

Following the latest infusion, Exide Industries’ total investment in EESL has increased to ₹5,102.23 crore, including its investment in the erstwhile merged subsidiary Exide Energy Private Ltd (EEPL). Despite the additional capital infusion, Exide Industries’ ownership in EESL remains unchanged at 100%.

EESL Develops Multi-Gigawatt Lithium-Ion Cell Plant

EESL was incorporated to develop advanced battery manufacturing capabilities in India. The company is setting up a greenfield lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The plant will produce lithium-ion cells, modules and battery packs for India’s expanding electric vehicle market and stationary energy storage applications. The facility is planned with an initial manufacturing capacity of 6 GWh, which can subsequently be scaled up to 12 GWh.

Facility to Manufacture Cylindrical and Prismatic Cells

The Bengaluru project will feature four production lines covering both cylindrical and prismatic lithium-ion cell formats. The facility will cater to two major battery chemistries Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). This diversified manufacturing capability will enable EESL to address different requirements across electric mobility and stationary energy storage applications.

Exide Plans Further Investment in Battery Manufacturing

The latest ₹200 crore investment follows a larger funding commitment approved by the Exide Industries Board. On January 30, 2026, the board approved an additional investment of up to ₹1,400 crore in EESL. The proposed investment will be made through equity subscription in one or more tranches to fund the development of the greenfield multi-gigawatt lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility. The latest rights-based investment represents part of Exide Industries’ broader capital commitment towards building an integrated lithium-ion battery manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Strengthening India’s Domestic EV Battery Supply Chain

Exide Industries’ investment comes as India accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage technologies. Developing domestic lithium-ion cell manufacturing capacity can help strengthen the local battery supply chain and reduce dependence on imported cells. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, with its planned 12 GWh scalable capacity, EESL’s Bengaluru facility is positioned to become an important part of Exide Industries’ strategy to participate in India’s rapidly expanding EV and energy storage markets.

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) expects to begin lithium production in Argentina within the next four to five years, subject to completion of project feasibility studies. The development is part of India’s broader strategy to secure overseas supplies of lithium and other critical minerals needed for electric vehicles, renewable energy, battery storage and advanced manufacturing.

KABIL Advances Argentina Lithium Projects

KABIL signed an agreement in 2024 to invest around ₹2 billion ($20.92 million) in lithium exploration across five blocks in Argentina. The government of Catamarca province has offered KABIL seven additional greenfield lithium brine blocks under the existing agreement. KABIL is currently evaluating these opportunities, according to the parliamentary panel report. The company is also expanding its engagement with other lithium-rich provinces in Argentina.

Lithium Opportunities in Salta and Jujuy

KABIL is in the process of signing a preliminary agreement with the Ministry of Production and Mining of the Province of Salta and Energy and Mining Resources Salta SA to explore potential collaboration on lithium projects in Salta. In addition, discussions are underway to secure two greenfield lithium brine projects in Jujuy province. KABIL is also evaluating two other projects in partnership with Oil India and Indian Oil Corporation, further expanding its potential lithium portfolio in the region.

Expertise Challenges Delay Lithium Development

While Argentina offers significant opportunities for lithium production, KABIL has identified challenges in developing the projects. The company has flagged delays stemming from a lack of specialised expertise in handling lithium brine deposits. As a result, additional technical capabilities and project evaluation could be required before the projects move towards commercial production. Nevertheless, KABIL expects to progress towards lithium extraction after completing the necessary feasibility assessments.

KABIL Evaluates Lithium Projects in Australia

KABIL is also exploring lithium opportunities beyond Argentina. In Australia, the company, along with Oil India, Coal India and NLC India, is evaluating two lithium projects. The overseas exploration programme forms part of India’s efforts to diversify its sources of critical minerals and establish more secure international supply chains.

India Steps Up Critical Mineral Security

KABIL’s overseas expansion is part of India’s broader effort to secure reliable supplies of critical minerals. Lithium, rare earth elements and other strategic minerals are essential for electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, renewable energy technologies, electronics and defence applications. If KABIL successfully advances its Argentina projects, the country could become an important source of lithium for India’s emerging battery and clean energy industries. As reported by msn.com, the company will need to overcome technical, regulatory and geopolitical challenges before these overseas mineral assets can move from exploration to commercial production.

Tata Power entered into a Master Research Agreement (MRA) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to accelerate research and development in clean energy technologies. The partnership brings together IIT Bombay’s research expertise and Tata Power’s industry experience to develop innovative and scalable energy solutions. The collaboration is also expected to strengthen India’s clean energy ecosystem by moving promising technologies from research laboratories towards commercial applications.

Partnership Targets Key Clean Energy Technologies

The collaboration will focus on several emerging areas across the energy and power ecosystem, including smart grids and digital grid technologies, power electronics, energy storage, electric mobility, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence applications in power systems, carbon capture and circular economy solutions. By combining academic research with industry expertise, the partnership aims to develop technologies that can move beyond the laboratory and achieve practical, large-scale deployment.

Bridging Research and Commercial Applications

A key objective of the partnership is to reduce the gap between scientific research and commercial implementation. Consequently, Tata Power and IIT Bombay will focus on developing solutions that are not only innovative but also scalable and suitable for real-world energy applications. The collaboration could accelerate the development and deployment of technologies that improve grid resilience, enhance energy efficiency and support the integration of renewable energy into India’s power system.

Building a Smarter and More Resilient Energy System

Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Power, highlighted the importance of developing future-ready energy technologies through industry-academia collaboration. “We aim to create a more resilient, secure, intelligent, and sustainable power ecosystem for India,” Sinha said. As reported by mirrornow.in, the partnership is expected to contribute to India’s broader clean energy transition by supporting technological innovation, strengthening energy security and advancing solutions aligned with sustainable development goals.

Accelerating Indigenous Energy Technology

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, emphasised the importance of converting scientific breakthroughs into reliable and scalable technologies that can support India’s energy transition. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of indigenous clean energy technologies, while also supporting India’s efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, the partnership creates a platform for researchers and industry professionals to work together on practical energy challenges and develop solutions with potential commercial applications.

Long-Term Industry-Academia Partnership

The Master Research Agreement marks the beginning of a long-term strategic collaboration between Tata Power and IIT Bombay. As India expands renewable energy capacity and modernises its electricity infrastructure, partnerships between industry and research institutions will become increasingly important. By combining research capabilities with commercial expertise, Tata Power and IIT Bombay aim to advance clean energy innovation and support the development of a smarter, more secure and sustainable power ecosystem for India.

Inox Clean Energy completed the ₹6,000 crore acquisition of Vena Energy India Holdings Pte Ltd, the India renewable energy platform of Vena Group, which is owned by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). The acquisition significantly expands Inox Clean Energy’s renewable energy portfolio and strengthens its position across solar, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Acquisition Adds 1 GW of Operational Renewable Capacity

Vena Energy India has a diversified renewable energy portfolio that includes approximately 1 GW of operational capacity. In addition, the company has around 1.7 GW of solar and wind projects and 1.2 GWh of BESS assets at advanced stages of development. Its broader development pipeline includes a further 2.7 GW of solar and wind projects and 1.3 GWh of BESS capacity. As a result, the acquisition provides Inox Clean Energy with both operating assets and a substantial pipeline of projects that can support future growth.

Inox Clean Energy Portfolio to Reach 4 GW

Following the completion of the transaction, Inox Clean Energy’s operating and near-operational renewable energy portfolio is expected to reach approximately 4 GW. Furthermore, the company will have a development pipeline exceeding 12 GW of solar and wind projects, along with approximately 2.5 GWh of battery energy storage capacity. The expanded portfolio is expected to strengthen Inox Clean Energy’s ability to participate in India’s growing demand for renewable power and energy storage solutions.

Acquisition Strengthens Solar, Wind and Energy Storage Presence

The transaction marks an important step in Inox Clean Energy’s strategy to scale its integrated renewable energy platform. With the addition of Vena Energy India’s assets, the company will strengthen its presence across multiple segments of the renewable energy value chain. In particular, the growing BESS portfolio positions the company to participate in India’s rapidly developing energy storage market. As renewable power generation increases, battery storage is becoming increasingly important for managing intermittency, improving grid flexibility and supporting reliable power supply.

Inox Clean Highlights Fast Execution

Devansh Jain, Executive Director, INOXGFL Group, said the completion of the transaction demonstrates the group’s ability to execute large-scale strategic initiatives quickly. “The completion of the Vena Energy India acquisition… demonstrates our fast execution capabilities.” The successful completion of the deal also highlights Inox Clean Energy’s focus on rapidly expanding its renewable energy asset base while building a larger project development pipeline.

Expanding INOXGFL’s Integrated Renewable Energy Platform

Inox Clean Energy is the integrated renewable energy platform of the INOXGFL Group. Its operations span the renewable Independent Power Producer (IPP) business through subsidiary Inox Neo and the solar manufacturing business through Inox Solar Ltd. The Vena Energy India acquisition complements these existing capabilities by adding a sizeable portfolio of renewable power and energy storage assets. As reported by msn.com, the expanded portfolio and development pipeline are expected to support Inox Clean Energy’s growth as India accelerates its transition towards solar and wind power, battery energy storage and other clean energy solutions.

IREL (India) Ltd, an undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, has invited entrepreneurs, startups and industrial companies to commercialise seven indigenous technologies developed for the rare-earth and titanium sectors. The initiative comes as India intensifies efforts to strengthen its domestic critical minerals value chain and reduce dependence on imported technologies and high-value materials. Developed and demonstrated at IREL’s Rare Earth & Titanium Theme Park (RETTP) in Bhopal, the technologies cover several strategically important materials used across energy, electronics, defence and advanced manufacturing. The RETTP was inaugurated on May 10, providing a platform to demonstrate technologies developed for the processing and production of rare-earth and titanium-based materials.

Seven Technologies Open for Commercialisation

IREL’s technology package covers a range of products and processes with applications across multiple industries. The technologies include the production of lanthanum and cerium, which are widely used in batteries, catalysts and glass polishing applications. The package also features technology for producing neodymium, a critical material used in permanent magnets. In addition, IREL is offering technology for recovering neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) from end-of-life NdFeB magnets. This process could support the recycling of valuable rare-earth materials and contribute to a more circular supply chain.

Supporting Advanced Materials and Titanium Production

The technology portfolio also includes solutions for manufacturing lamp and LED phosphors, which are used in lighting and display applications. Another key offering is technology for producing titanium sponge, an important intermediate used in the manufacture of titanium metal. Titanium is particularly important for high-performance applications, including the aerospace sector, because of its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. By opening these technologies to commercialisation, IREL aims to encourage greater participation from private industry and accelerate the transition from technology development to large-scale production.

Strengthening India’s Critical Minerals Value Chain

India is increasingly looking beyond the mining and processing of critical minerals to develop higher-value materials and components domestically. This shift is important because rare-earth and titanium-based materials support several strategic industries, including electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, defence and advanced manufacturing. Although India has significant rare-earth resources, gaps in midstream processing and downstream manufacturing continue to constrain the development of the domestic value chain. According to government estimates, India has around 7.23 million tonnes of in-situ rare-earth oxide equivalent resources in monazite-bearing beach-sand deposits. However, converting these resources into commercially valuable materials and components requires stronger processing capabilities and industrial capacity.

Reducing Dependence on Imported Rare-Earth Products

Against this backdrop, commercialising indigenous technologies could help India strengthen its position across the rare-earth value chain. For example, domestic production of materials such as neodymium, NdPr and titanium sponge could support industries that currently depend on global supply chains for critical inputs. At the same time, recycling technologies for end-of-life NdFeB magnets could help recover valuable rare-earth elements and improve resource efficiency. Therefore, scaling up the technologies developed by IREL could help bridge India’s midstream and downstream capability gaps while reducing dependence on imported high-value rare-earth products.

Creating Opportunities for Industry and Startups

By inviting entrepreneurs, startups and established industries to commercialise these technologies, IREL is creating an opportunity for the private sector to participate in India’s growing critical minerals ecosystem. Successful commercialisation could accelerate technology deployment, expand domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthen the supply of strategic materials needed for India’s clean energy and industrial transition. As reported by moneycontrol.com, IREL’s initiative represents an important step towards converting India’s rare-earth resource base and indigenous technology capabilities into commercially scalable products, thereby supporting a more resilient and self-reliant critical minerals value chain.

Adnan Ahmad joined the Board of Deepak Nitrite Limited as an Independent Director, bringing more than four decades of leadership experience across the chemicals, specialty materials, lubricants, manufacturing, supply chain, operations and corporate management sectors. His appointment adds extensive industry and board-level expertise to Deepak Nitrite’s governance framework and further strengthens the company’s leadership team.

Brings Extensive Board and Industry Experience

Ahmad currently serves as an Independent Director at Coromandel International Limited and DIC India Limited. In addition, he previously served as an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, where he contributed his extensive industry experience to academia. Over the years, he has developed a broad portfolio of board and advisory responsibilities, reflecting his deep understanding of the chemicals and industrial sectors.

Former Managing Director of Clariant Chemicals India

Before joining Deepak Nitrite’s Board, Ahmad served as Managing Director of Clariant Chemicals India Limited from 2017 to 2021. During his career, he has held several senior leadership positions across manufacturing, specialty chemicals, supply chain and business operations. Consequently, his experience spans both operational management and strategic corporate leadership.

International Leadership Experience with BP

Prior to Clariant, Ahmad spent more than nine years with BP, where he held several international leadership roles in the company’s lubricants business. His key positions included Regional Supply Chain Director, Europe & Africa – BP Lubricants, as well as Regional Supply Chain Director, Asia & Pacific – Lubricants. Through these assignments, Ahmad gained significant international exposure across Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, managing complex supply chain and operational responsibilities across multiple markets.

Leadership Role at Castrol India

Ahmad served as Executive Director – Supply Chain at Castrol India Limited for more than four years. In this role, he strengthened his expertise in supply chain management, manufacturing operations and business leadership, adding to his extensive experience in the industrial and chemicals ecosystem.

Nearly Two Decades with ICI India

A significant part of Ahmad’s professional journey was built during his approximately 18-year tenure with ICI India Limited. During this period, he progressed through a range of technical, operational and leadership positions across specialty chemicals, paints, manufacturing, supply chain and information technology. His roles included General Manager – Supply Chain & IT, General Manager – Motors & Industrial, Operations Manager – Paints Business, Factory Manager, Technical Manager and Plant Manager. This diverse experience provided Ahmad with a strong foundation in process engineering, plant operations, factory management, business leadership and supply chain strategy.

Strengthening Deepak Nitrite’s Board

With more than 40 years of experience across the chemicals and manufacturing sectors, Adnan Ahmad brings a combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, international business exposure and board-level experience to Deepak Nitrite. As reported by hrtoday.in, his appointment as an Independent Director is expected to further strengthen the company’s governance framework and add valuable strategic insights as Deepak Nitrite continues to expand its presence across the chemicals and specialty materials value chain.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and Maharatna PSU, developed a district-level Compressed Biogas (CBG) ecosystem in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, where locally generated waste is converted into renewable gas to meet the energy needs of households, commercial establishments and CNG-powered vehicles. The initiative demonstrates how waste-to-energy solutions and existing gas infrastructure can work together to create a decentralised and circular energy ecosystem. By linking local waste generation with CBG production, distribution and consumption, BPCL is creating a model that could support wider renewable gas adoption across India.

Turning Local Waste into Clean Energy

The Satna initiative forms part of BPCL’s #TheGoodPrint Solution for the nation, a decentralised approach that focuses on converting locally available waste into clean energy for use within the same geographical ecosystem. Under this model, waste generated in and around Satna is processed to produce biogas. The biogas is then upgraded into Compressed Biogas (CBG) and supplied through the existing gas distribution infrastructure to meet local energy requirements. As a result, the initiative creates an integrated value chain connecting waste generation, CBG production, gas distribution and end-use within the same district.

CBG Expands Beyond Transportation Fuel

Traditionally, CBG has primarily been associated with the transportation sector. However, the Satna model demonstrates its potential to serve a much wider range of energy requirements. The locally produced renewable gas is being supplied to PNG domestic and commercial consumers, while also supporting CNG-powered automobiles. Consequently, the initiative shows how CBG can integrate with existing gas infrastructure and serve multiple customer segments. This approach can also help create a more decentralised energy system by bringing renewable energy production closer to areas of consumption.

BPCL Strengthens India’s CBG Value Chain

Alongside the Satna initiative, BPCL is strengthening the broader CBG value chain through strategic partnerships and tie-ups with CBG producers across India. These collaborations aim to build a reliable and scalable renewable gas supply base while increasing the integration of CBG into BPCL’s City Gas Distribution (CGD) network. By connecting CBG producers with domestic, commercial and transportation consumers through existing infrastructure, BPCL is working to create a broader and more sustainable market for renewable gas.

CBG Blending Gains Momentum Across BPCL’s CGD Network

Currently, more than 7% CBG is being blended across BPCL’s CGD operations in India. The company expects this share to increase as additional CBG plants become operational and its network of renewable gas producers expands. Against this backdrop, Satna represents the next stage of BPCL’s decentralised energy approach. The model brings together local CBG production and local energy demand, demonstrating how renewable gas can support district-level energy requirements. Moreover, the initiative highlights the potential for similar waste-to-energy ecosystems to emerge in other suitable regions across India.

Supporting a Circular and Decentralised Energy System

The #TheGoodPrint Solution reflects BPCL’s broader strategy to support India’s energy transition by making productive use of locally available resources. By linking waste management with renewable energy generation and end-use, the model supports a more circular approach to energy. Instead of treating waste solely as a disposal challenge, it converts available resources into a useful source of clean energy. The decentralised model has the potential to be replicated across other suitable geographies, supporting the wider adoption of CBG and strengthening India’s renewable gas ecosystem.

BPCL Focuses on Scalable Renewable Energy Solutions

As BPCL expands its partnerships with CBG producers and increases renewable gas integration across its CGD network, the company remains focused on developing practical and scalable clean energy solutions. As per the press release, the Satna CBG ecosystem demonstrates how local waste, renewable gas production and existing energy infrastructure can work together to meet everyday energy needs. Going forward, similar decentralised models could play an increasingly important role in India’s transition towards cleaner, more sustainable and resource-efficient energy systems.