Coal India Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India to explore the utilisation of synthesis gas (syngas) from a proposed coal gasification plant near AMNS’s pellet facility in Paradip, Odisha. The collaboration aims to assess the technical and commercial potential of using coal-derived syngas in steelmaking while supporting India’s efforts to advance coal gasification and reduce import dependence.

Proposed Coal Gasification Plant to Include CCUS

The proposed coal gasification facility could be developed adjacent to or at ArcelorMittal’s Paradip pellet plant. The project is expected to incorporate carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology. Both companies will jointly evaluate the project’s technical and commercial feasibility, examine potential implementation models and prepare a preliminary feasibility report. The assessment will help determine the project’s overall viability and identify the most suitable approach for development.

Syngas Could Support Cleaner Steelmaking

Coal gasification converts coal into synthesis gas, primarily comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Steelmakers can use syngas as a fuel as well as a chemical reducing agent. Consequently, the technology could help reduce dependence on imported natural gas and coking coal, while creating additional applications for domestic coal resources.

India Pushes Coal Gasification

The proposed collaboration aligns with the government’s broader push to expand coal gasification in India. The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹37,500-crore incentive scheme aimed at promoting the gasification of 100 million tons of coal by 2030. The initiative also seeks to reduce India’s dependence on imports of LNG, urea, ammonia and methanol. Through the Paradip project, both companies are exploring how coal gasification and syngas utilisation can contribute to domestic resource utilisation, industrial efficiency and India’s energy security.

The Andhra Pradesh government signed an agreement with the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to undertake extensive exploration for lithium and gallium deposits in the Kadapa Basin. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s critical mineral exploration efforts and assess the potential of these strategically important resources.

Exploration Focuses on Kadapa Basin

Under the pact, detailed geological studies will be carried out around Vempalle, where preliminary research has indicated the presence of lithium and gallium in Thummalapalle and nearby areas. Initial studies by NGRI have estimated lithium concentrations of up to 1,000 parts per million (ppm) and gallium concentrations of up to 250 ppm in the region. The detailed exploration will help determine the extent and potential of these mineral deposits and support future decisions on resource development.

₹140 Crore Project to Receive Full Funding

The exploration project will receive 100% funding from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). The estimated project cost stands at ₹140 crore. The funding will support detailed exploration and scientific studies aimed at evaluating the state’s critical mineral resources.

Andhra Pradesh Strengthens Mining Capabilities

In a parallel initiative, the state Mines Department has signed an agreement with IIT (ISM)
Dhanbad-TEXMiN for research and skill development in the mining sector. The collaboration will focus on strengthening research capabilities while enhancing the skills required for modern mining operations. As reported by projectstoday.ai, together, these initiatives are expected to advance critical mineral exploration, strengthen mining capabilities and support the development of strategically important mineral resources in Andhra Pradesh.

CropLife India launched a digital awareness campaign to help farmers identify and avoid illicit pesticides, targeting more than 2.5 million farmers across 13 states. The initiative aims to improve awareness about genuine crop-protection products while encouraging farmers to purchase pesticides only from authorised sources and follow recommended application practices.

Campaign Targets Farmers Across 13 States

Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, formally launched the campaign under the theme “Be an Aware Farmer, Choose Genuine Pesticide.” The campaign will reach farmers across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat. To improve accessibility, CropLife India will disseminate awareness messages in Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil and Punjabi.

Campaign Promotes Genuine Pesticide Use

The initiative will help farmers distinguish genuine crop-protection products from illicit or unauthorised pesticides. It will also promote responsible pesticide use and encourage farmers to buy products through authorised channels. As part of the campaign, farmers will be encouraged to purchase pesticides only from trusted and authorised sources, always ask for an invoice or bill when purchasing pesticides, check product labels carefully before use and follow recommended dosage and application practices. These measures can help farmers reduce the risks associated with unauthorised products while supporting safer and more effective crop protection.

Awareness Key to Protecting Farm Incomes

Launching the campaign, Thakur emphasized that farmers need greater awareness of genuine agricultural inputs to protect crops, improve productivity and safeguard their livelihoods. He also highlighted the need for coordinated action involving farmers, manufacturers, dealers, scientists and government agencies to address the challenge of illicit pesticides.

CropLife India Calls for Collective Action

Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India, said greater farmer awareness will play an important role in tackling the issue of illicit pesticides. He emphasized that empowering farmers with the right knowledge is essential for building a stronger agricultural sector. Furthermore, he called for collective efforts among stakeholders to promote genuine agricultural products and safe crop-protection practices. As reported by global-agriculture.com, through the campaign, CropLife India aims to strengthen farmer awareness and encourage informed purchasing decisions, contributing to a safer, more transparent and quality-driven agricultural input ecosystem.

Epsilon Carbon, one of India’s leading carbon black manufacturers, became the first company in India’s carbon black industry to receive certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in accordance with applicable Indian Standards. The milestone strengthens the company’s focus on product quality, manufacturing consistency and compliance while positioning it to meet growing demand for certified carbon black across domestic and international markets.

Certification Follows Comprehensive Quality Assessment

The BIS certification follows a detailed assessment of Epsilon Carbon’s manufacturing processes, quality management systems, testing capabilities and product compliance. The company has invested consistently in quality systems, process standardization and workforce capabilities. As a result, Epsilon Carbon is better positioned to supply high-quality carbon black to tyre manufacturers, rubber goods producers and other downstream industries.

Certification Strengthens Customer Confidence

For customers, the BIS certification provides greater assurance of product consistency, quality and compliance. This is particularly important as domestic and export buyers increasingly prioritize certified and reliable supply chains. Moreover, the certification strengthens Epsilon Carbon’s position as India moves toward a more standardized and quality-driven manufacturing ecosystem.

Epsilon Carbon Targets Global Carbon Materials Market

Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, described the certification as an important milestone in the company’s manufacturing journey. He credited the company’s teams for their dedication and said the certification would give customers greater confidence while encouraging Epsilon Carbon to continue raising manufacturing standards. The company aims to build on this achievement as part of its broader ambition to become a globally trusted supplier of high-performance carbon materials. As per the press release, the BIS certification therefore marks an important step for Epsilon Carbon, reinforcing its commitment to quality, compliance and manufacturing excellence in the carbon black industry.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, reported a strong improvement in first-half 2026 earnings, supported by favorable market conditions and continued progress in strengthening its operating fundamentals. For the first half of 2026, IVL reported revenue of THB 245.3 billion, up 4% year-on-year. Meanwhile, EBITDA increased 61% to THB 29.7 billion. The company delivered particularly strong performance in the second quarter, with all four business segments recording year-on-year improvements. At the same time, operating cash flow after maintenance capital expenditure rose 78% to THB 25.9 billion. Strong cash generation also helped IVL accelerate its deleveraging efforts. Its Net Debt-to-Equity ratio improved to 1.56x, reaching the company’s 2026 Capital Markets Day target ahead of schedule.

IVL Strengthens Cash and Working Capital Management

Alongside favourable market conditions, IVL continued implementing its IVL 2.0 self-help initiatives. These include Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE), tighter inventory management and stronger working capital discipline. Consequently, inventory turnover improved to 5.0x in the second quarter, compared with 4.7x at the end of 2025. The company also carefully managed operating rates, aligning production with inventory targets while protecting margins amid volatile pricing conditions.

Company Prepares for Normalized Market Conditions

Looking ahead, Indorama Ventures expects some of the exceptionally strong market tailwinds seen during the second quarter to moderate. Therefore, the company will focus on generating sustainable earnings under normalized market spreads, converting earnings into free cash flow, reducing absolute net debt and improving returns on capital during the remainder of 2026.

Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, said the first-half results reflected both supportive market conditions and progress from the company’s self-help initiatives. He emphasized that the company’s long-term objective is to convert its scale, integration, global footprint, local-for-local operating model and customer relationships into more consistent earnings, stronger cash generation and higher returns through the cycle.

Combined PET Leads Business Improvement

The earnings improvement was led by Combined PET, which benefited from favorable market conditions and IVL’s integrated global platform and local-for-local operating model. Meanwhile, Indovida maintained its growth momentum, supported by its leading position in packaging, strong customer relationships and organic growth initiatives. Indovinya also delivered strong performance across its High Value Applications and Essentials businesses, supported by commercial excellence initiatives. The Fibers segment improved sequentially in the second quarter, driven by stable hygiene demand and ongoing transformation efforts. However, continued weakness in the Lifestyle and Mobility markets remained a challenge.

Focus Remains on Financial Resilience

IVL remains confident in its 2026 expectations and 2028 ambitions. Going forward, management will continue focusing on operational execution, balance-sheet strengthening and improved returns on capital. As per the press release, at the same time, the company aims to retain sufficient flexibility to capture growth opportunities as global chemical markets evolve.

Topsoe signed an agreement with First Ammonia to supply its dynamic ammonia synthesis technology for a green ammonia production facility in Victoria, Texas. The project represents another step toward establishing commercial-scale green ammonia production in the United States. The planned facility will produce green ammonia using green hydrogen generated through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. The ammonia is expected to serve both US and international markets. Financial close for the project is expected later in 2026, while commercial operations are targeted to begin in 2029. Joel H. Moser, CEO of First Ammonia, said the company is continuing its partnership with Topsoe to support the development of a green ammonia industry in the US and globally.

Dynamic Technology Enables Flexible Production

Under the agreement, Topsoe will provide its dynamic ammonia synthesis technology, which is designed specifically to address the operational requirements of green ammonia plants. Unlike conventional ammonia production systems, green ammonia facilities can experience fluctuations in renewable power generation. Therefore, production flexibility is critical for maintaining efficient and reliable operations.

Topsoe’s technology allows the ammonia synthesis loop to ramp production from 10% to 100% within 30 minutes. Similarly, operators can reduce production at a comparable rate. This flexibility enables the system to respond quickly to changes in renewable electricity availability while maintaining safe and stable operations.

Supporting US Green Ammonia Production

Yassir Ghiyati, Chief Commercial Officer at Topsoe, highlighted the growing importance of operational flexibility as green ammonia projects move from development to execution. The company said its technology is designed to support efficient, reliable and flexible green ammonia production. Consequently, the agreement with First Ammonia strengthens the role of advanced ammonia synthesis technology in scaling up renewable-based ammonia production. As per the press release, the Texas project could therefore contribute to the development of the US green ammonia market, while supporting the broader transition toward low-carbon industrial production.

BASF Agricultural Solutions is investing a low double-digit million-euro amount in a new Climate Center at its headquarters in Limburgerhof, Germany. The purpose-built facility will strengthen the company’s research and regulatory capabilities while supporting the generation of scientific data needed to register crop protection products worldwide.

Climate Center to Strengthen Research

Construction of the Climate Center has already begun and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. Once operational, the facility will feature state-of-the-art climate chambers capable of creating precisely controlled environmental conditions for scientific studies. The investment comes as regulatory requirements continue to increase and demand grows for high-quality, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant ecotoxicology studies.

Melanie Bausen-Wiens, Member of the Management Board of BASF Agricultural Solutions responsible for Technology, said the facility represents a strategic investment that combines advanced research with stronger regulatory capabilities. She added that it will help BASF bring innovative agricultural solutions to farmers more efficiently and responsibly while meeting evolving regulatory requirements.

Controlled Conditions for Ecotoxicology Studies

The new Climate Center will provide highly controlled conditions for ecotoxicology research. By precisely managing temperature, humidity and light, the climate chambers will enable researchers to conduct reproducible and scientifically robust studies. As a result, BASF expects the facility to improve planning reliability, data quality and research capacity as the volume of studies increases.

Supporting Insecticide Research and Crop Protection Innovation

Some climate chambers will be dedicated specifically to insecticide research. Controlled environmental conditions will allow BASF to produce insect populations required for early-stage screening and discovery programs. This capability will support the development of future crop protection products and agricultural innovations, helping researchers evaluate potential solutions under consistent conditions.

Strengthening BASF’s Agricultural Innovation Hub

The investment also reinforces BASF Agricultural Solutions’ long-term commitment to its Agricultural Center in Limburgerhof, which serves as a key global hub for agricultural innovation. By expanding the site’s research infrastructure, BASF aims to further strengthen its scientific capabilities and competitiveness. At the same time, the upgraded facility is expected to help the company attract future scientific and technical talent. As per the press release, the Climate Center represents a strategic step in BASF’s efforts to advance agricultural research, regulatory readiness and sustainable crop protection innovation.

The third edition of the India Bio Energy and Tech Expo (IBET Expo 2026) opened at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, bringing together government representatives, bioenergy companies, technology providers, investors and clean-energy stakeholders from across India. The three-day international exhibition and conference is taking place from August 11 to 13, 2026, with a focus on accelerating the development and adoption of bioenergy technologies.

IBET Expo 2026 Focuses on Low-Carbon Solutions

Held under the theme “Advancing Bioenergy Solutions for a Low Carbon World,” IBET Expo 2026 highlights emerging technologies and business opportunities across the bioenergy ecosystem. The event covers a broad range of technologies and applications, including Compressed biogas (CBG), Ethanol, Biodiesel, Waste-to-energy, Bio-mobility, Biomass, Biomaterials and Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). By bringing these segments together, the expo provides a platform for industry participants to exchange knowledge, explore technologies and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Government and Industry Stakeholders Participate

The event has attracted participation from stakeholders across the bioenergy and clean-energy sectors, including policymakers, technology developers, project developers, investors and industry representatives. Moreover, discussions at the conference are addressing the role of bioenergy in supporting India’s transition towards a lower-carbon energy system and creating new opportunities across the renewable energy value chain.

Organisers and Government Support

The Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) and MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications are jointly organising the event in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The expo has also received support from several government organisations, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Power, and the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology. As reported by chinimandi.com, with its combination of exhibitions, technology showcases and industry discussions, IBET Expo 2026 aims to strengthen collaboration across India’s growing bioenergy ecosystem and accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy solutions.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is planning to enter rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing in India, as the government accelerates efforts to establish a domestic supply chain for these critical industrial components. The engineering and infrastructure major is preparing a bid under the government’s ₹7,280 crore incentive programme for rare earth permanent magnets, according to people familiar with the matter. To establish manufacturing capabilities, L&T will also need to identify a technology partner with expertise in the high-precision processes required to produce permanent magnets.

L&T Targets New Growth Opportunity

The proposed move would take L&T into a new business segment beyond its established operations in construction, heavy engineering and industrial projects. At the same time, the initiative could complement L&T’s proposed investments in electric vehicle (EV) motors, which commonly use rare earth permanent magnets. By developing capabilities across the magnet value chain, the company could potentially strengthen its position in the expanding EV and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Government Pushes Domestic Magnet Manufacturing

The government’s incentive programme aims to establish 6,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of integrated rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing capacity in India. The scheme includes ₹6,450 crore in sales-linked incentives over five years, ₹750 crore in capital support for advanced manufacturing facilities and a targeted 6,000 TPA integrated manufacturing capacity. Rare earth permanent magnets play an important role in several high-technology industries. They are used in EV motors, wind turbines, industrial robots, aerospace and defence equipment, as well as various electronic applications.

India Seeks to Reduce Import Dependence

China currently accounts for around 90% of global rare earth magnet production, making supply security a growing concern for manufacturers in India and other major markets. Consequently, India is seeking to develop a more integrated domestic ecosystem covering rare earth mining, processing, refining and magnet manufacturing. The government has also announced plans for dedicated rare earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These corridors are expected to support activities ranging from mineral extraction and processing to downstream manufacturing.

L&T Joins Growing Magnet Manufacturing Interest

L&T is not the only company exploring opportunities in India’s rare earth magnet industry.
Japan-based Proterial has announced plans to establish a ₹2,250 crore rare earth permanent magnet facility in Andhra Pradesh. Other Indian companies are also evaluating investments in the emerging segment. For L&T, entering the magnet business could create synergies with its engineering expertise and proposed EV motor activities. However, building a globally competitive rare earth magnet manufacturing industry will require reliable access to raw materials, processing technology, specialised equipment and a strong downstream customer base. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, as India seeks to reduce its dependence on imported rare earth components, investments by major industrial companies could play an important role in developing a resilient domestic rare earth magnet supply chain.

Professor Deepak Dhar, a renowned Indian theoretical physicist, bagged the Dirac Medal 2026 from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, for his seminal contributions to theoretical physics, particularly in the field of statistical mechanics. The ICTP announced the award on August 8, 2026. Established in 1985, the Dirac Medal honours the legacy of legendary physicist Paul Dirac and recognises outstanding contributions to theoretical physics.

Deepak Dhar Shares Dirac Medal with Three Scientists

Prof. Dhar shares the Dirac Medal 2026 with three internationally acclaimed scientists: Prof. Bernard Derrida of France, Prof. Marc Mézard of Italy, and Prof. Haim Sompolinsky of Israel. The four scientists were recognised for pioneering contributions to equilibrium statistical mechanics and for extending its concepts and methods to areas including non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, optimisation problems, theoretical neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence. The recognition highlights the growing influence of statistical physics in several interdisciplinary fields, including modern computational science and AI.

Four Decades at TIFR

Prof. Dhar spent nearly four decades as a faculty member in the Department of Theoretical Physics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai. During this period, he conducted much of his most influential research in theoretical physics and statistical mechanics. His work has earned international recognition and established him as one of India’s leading scientists in statistical physics.

Previous Recognition for Statistical Physics

The Dirac Medal adds to a distinguished list of honours received by Prof. Dhar. In 2022, he received the Boltzmann Medal from the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). He became the first Indian scientist to receive the prestigious award, which recognises outstanding contributions to statistical physics. A year later, in 2023, the Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan on Prof. Dhar for distinguished service of a high order in the field of science and engineering.

A Distinguished Career in Theoretical Physics

With the Dirac Medal 2026, Prof. Deepak Dhar adds another major international honour to his career. His contributions to statistical mechanics, along with his work connecting fundamental physics with broader scientific disciplines, have strengthened India’s standing in theoretical physics research. As reported by TIFR Science Communication, the award also underscores the continuing relevance of statistical mechanics in addressing complex problems across physics, optimisation, neuroscience and artificial intelligence.