N Chandrasekaran has resigned as chairman of Tata Sons, ending his nearly decade-long leadership of the Tata Group and setting the stage for a transition at one of India’s largest business conglomerates. However, Chandrasekaran will continue to serve as chairman until the end of his current term in February 2027, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Chandrasekaran Submits Resignation

Chandrasekaran, 63, has submitted his resignation to the Tata Sons board. The company has not yet announced a successor. His departure marks a significant leadership change for the Tata Group, which spans sectors including technology, automotive, steel, chemicals, consumer products, aviation and financial services.

Exit Comes Ahead of Tata Sons AGM

The resignation comes just days before the Tata Sons Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for August 18. Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as a director was due to be considered at the meeting. His position as Tata Sons chairman is linked to his membership of the company’s board. Therefore, his decision to step down sets the process for identifying and appointing a new leader for the group’s holding company.

Leadership Transition Ahead

Chandrasekaran took charge as chairman of Tata Sons in 2017, succeeding Ratan Tata. During his tenure, the group expanded its presence across several high-growth sectors while pursuing major investments and restructuring initiatives. As reported by firstpost.com, with Chandrasekaran set to remain in the role until February 2027, Tata Sons now faces the task of managing a leadership transition while maintaining continuity across the group’s diverse businesses.

Renowned nuclear scientist Dr M P Parameswaran, a leading figure in India’s people’s science movement, died in Thrissur, Kerala. He was 91. A former scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Parameswaran dedicated much of his life to taking science beyond laboratories and classrooms. Through organisations including the Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP), Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti (BGVS) and All India People’s Science Network (AIPSN), he helped promote scientific temper, literacy and rational thinking among the public.

From Nuclear Science to People’s Science

Parameswaran earned his engineering degree from the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1956. He later obtained a PhD in nuclear engineering from the Moscow Power Institute in 1965. He joined BARC as a nuclear scientist and worked there until 1975. Between 1969 and 1973, he also served as an assistant director at Kerala’s State Institute of Languages. However, his career took a different direction when he became actively involved with KSSP. At the time, the organisation was working to make scientific knowledge accessible to ordinary people and encourage scientific thinking. Under Parameswaran’s leadership, KSSP evolved into a powerful people’s science movement.

Taking the People’s Science Movement Nationwide

Inspired by KSSP’s success in Kerala, Parameswaran expanded his work across India. He played a prominent role in the Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha, a nationwide people’s science and scientific literacy campaign launched in 1987 amid public debate following the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. The following year, in 1988, the All India People’s Science Network was established as a platform bringing together around 40 science organisations across the country. Parameswaran helped shape AIPSN into a movement focused on scientific temper, rationalism and secularism, giving the people’s science movement a broader national platform.

Key Role in India’s Literacy Movement

Parameswaran also made a significant contribution to India’s literacy campaign. Working with the National Literacy Mission, he helped lead KSSP’s literacy initiatives in Ernakulam district. In 1990, Ernakulam became the first fully literate district in India, marking a major milestone in the country’s literacy movement. That same year, Parameswaran played a key role in organising the Bharat Gyan Vigyan Jatha in support of the National Literacy Mission. The initiative subsequently contributed to the expansion of literacy campaigns across the country.

Advocate of Decentralised Development

During the mid-1990s, Parameswaran also contributed to the intellectual framework behind decentralisation and participatory development in Kerala. His approach drew inspiration from German-born economist E F Schumacher, particularly his influential work Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered. Parameswaran advocated development models that placed greater emphasis on local participation and decentralised decision-making. His work subsequently influenced the Left’s approach to decentralised development in Kerala.

A Legacy of Science, Environment and Literacy

Under Parameswaran’s leadership, KSSP gained national and international recognition for its work in science popularisation, environmental awareness, literacy and decentralised planning. The organisation received several major honours, including the Right Livelihood Award in 1996, the UNESCO Literacy Award in 1990, the UNEP Global 500 Award and the Vriksha Mitra Award. Through these initiatives, Parameswaran demonstrated how scientific knowledge could be used not only for technological advancement but also to address social, environmental and educational challenges.

Prolific Writer and Science Communicator

Parameswaran wrote extensively in both Malayalam and English, covering subjects ranging from atomic science, astronomy and mathematics to politics, social science and ecology. Among his notable works are “Fourth World” and “Janakeeya Sasthra Prasthanam.” Through his scientific career, activism and writing, Parameswaran helped bridge the gap between science and society. As reported by the indianexpress.com, his efforts left a lasting impact on India’s people’s science movement, scientific literacy and public engagement with science.

Wockhardt established an Antibiotic Academy to engage with healthcare practitioners, share real-world clinical data and promote the rational use of antibiotics. The initiative comes as the pharmaceutical company advances a portfolio of six antibiotic products at different stages of research and development and launch. Wockhardt Founder and Chairman Habil Khorakiwala said the academy will provide an open scientific platform for healthcare professionals to discuss antimicrobial resistance (AMR), clinical evidence and appropriate antibiotic use.

Zaynich Set for India and US Launch

Wockhardt’s novel antibiotic Zaynich is expected to be launched in India and the US early next year, Khorakiwala said. Meanwhile, six of the company’s antibacterial discovery programmes have received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The designation is intended to support and accelerate the development of medicines that address serious or life-threatening infections. The company’s expanding antibiotic pipeline has also strengthened its focus on improving awareness and clinical decision-making around antibiotic use.

Tackling the Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance

Wockhardt said the Antibiotic Academy addresses the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance, which continues to make infections harder to treat. Khorakiwala noted that despite the introduction of more than 300 antibiotics since the discovery of penicillin nearly a century ago, antimicrobial resistance has continued to emerge and accelerate. He described AMR as one of the major threats to global public health. According to the company, approximately one million patients die annually in India from multidrug-resistant infections, highlighting the urgent need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship and better treatment practices.

Promoting Science-Based Antibiotic Stewardship

According to Khorakiwala, developing new antibiotics alone will not be sufficient to address the AMR crisis. Healthcare professionals also need access to scientific evidence and platforms that encourage constructive dialogue on antimicrobial resistance and its appropriate management. “It is essential to use the right antibiotic for the right patient at the right time,” Khorakiwala said. The Wockhardt Antibiotic Academy will therefore function as an open scientific learning platform designed to support continuous medical education among healthcare professionals.

Focus on Continuous Medical Education

The academy will facilitate knowledge-sharing and discussions around real-world clinical data, antimicrobial resistance and responsible antibiotic use. By bringing practitioners together, Wockhardt aims to encourage evidence-based approaches to antibiotic selection and treatment. Importantly, Khorakiwala said the initiative would have no commercial-use motive, positioning the academy primarily as a scientific and educational platform. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the initiative complements Wockhardt’s antibiotic research efforts while highlighting the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, clinical education and responsible antibiotic use in tackling the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.

Epsilon Carbon commissioned a 300,000 tons per annum (TPA) specialty carbon facility at Vijayanagar, Karnataka, taking its total specialty carbon production capacity to 600,000 TPA. The expansion strengthens Epsilon Carbon’s position as one of India’s largest specialty carbon producers while supporting the country’s growing role in the global specialty carbon value chain.

Facility Strengthens Specialty Carbon Production

The facility is built on Industry 4.0 principles and integrates advanced process controls, digital automation and intelligent manufacturing systems. As a result, the plant is designed to improve product consistency, operational efficiency and supply reliability for customers in India and international markets. The facility will manufacture a range of specialty carbon products and value-added carbon derivatives, including: coal tar pitch, including binder pitch and impregnated pitch, crude and refined naphthalene, anthracene oil, wash oil, creosote oil and  other value-added carbon derivatives. These products support several critical industries, including aluminium, graphite, steel, tyres, paints and dyes, pharmaceuticals, construction chemicals and advanced materials.

Epsilon Carbon Eyes Global Specialty Carbon Growth

Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, said the investment demonstrates India’s increasing capability to emerge as a global supplier of specialty carbon materials. He added that the company’s 600,000 TPA specialty carbon capacity will help strengthen supply chain resilience for domestic industries and international customers, particularly the global aluminium sector. Moreover, as companies worldwide seek to diversify their supply chains, Epsilon Carbon aims to support India’s emergence as a reliable, sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing hub.

Capacity Target of 1 Million TPA by 2029

The Vijayanagar commissioning marks another important step in Epsilon Carbon’s long-term expansion strategy. The company is also developing an Integrated Carbon Complex at Jharsuguda, Odisha. Once operational, the project is expected to help Epsilon Carbon increase its specialty carbon capacity to 1 million TPA by 2029. This would position the company among the world’s largest integrated specialty carbon manufacturers.

Focus on Sustainable Manufacturing

Alongside capacity expansion, Epsilon Carbon is focusing on resource efficiency and responsible manufacturing at its Vijayanagar carbon complex. The facility operates a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system, enabling the plant to reuse 100% of its treated wastewater. In addition, the complex is powered by a 17 MW captive power plant that uses recovered waste gases as fuel. Consequently, the company can meet 100% of the complex’s energy requirements through the captive power plant while reducing its overall carbon footprint.

Commitment to Responsible Operations

Epsilon Carbon’s sustainability and responsible manufacturing initiatives are further supported by its Responsible Care® certification, EcoVadis Silver Rating and SA8000 certification. As per the press release, these certifications reflect the company’s focus on internationally recognised standards covering health and safety, environmental stewardship, ethical business practices and social accountability. Together with its ongoing capacity investments, these initiatives strengthen Epsilon Carbon’s ambition to build a globally competitive and sustainable specialty carbon manufacturing platform.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is targeting a 15%-20% increase in its customer base in India over the next five years, driven by the country’s expanding biopharma research and manufacturing ecosystem. The U.S. based company, which provides laboratory and drug development equipment, analytical instruments, antibodies and genetic analysis products, expects continued double-digit growth in India. Rising demand from the biopharma, semiconductor and clean energy sectors is expected to support this expansion.

“From a laboratory standpoint, as more laboratories create quality standards in line with global standards, our products will be found there. With more quality labs coming up, that’s where our customer base is growing,” said Srinath Venkatesh, Managing Director for India and South Asia, in an interview with Reuters. He declined to disclose the company’s current customer base.

As reported by yahoo.com, Thermo Fisher also expects opportunities from India’s growing obesity-drug market, as more pharmaceutical companies expand their work in this therapeutic area. The company serves customers worldwide, with the U.S. remaining its largest market. The Asia-Pacific region contributes about 18% of its revenue, with India among Thermo Fisher’s fastest-growing markets. “We expect continued double-digit CAGR growth from India. We have made deliberate investments in the region, more so than in the past,” said Tony Acciarito, President for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

A-1 Ltd, a logistics and industrial chemical supplier, has secured a ₹39 crore order from Solar Group of Industries to supply acids and industrial chemicals. The order covers supplies to Solar Industries and its group companies. A-1 Ltd plans to complete the entire order by the end of October 2026, providing greater revenue visibility for the second and third quarters of FY27.

Repeat Order Strengthens Customer Relationship

The latest contract follows a ₹12 crore order from the same group in June, highlighting the customer’s continued confidence in A-1 Ltd’s product quality, service reliability and delivery capabilities. Solar Industries India is a major Indian player in the industrial explosives and defence sectors. The repeat business also strengthens A-1 Ltd’s relationship with a large industrial customer and creates opportunities for further collaboration.

Order Book Gains Further Momentum

The new contract will strengthen A-1 Ltd’s order book and reinforce its position within India’s organised industrial chemical supply chain. Moreover, the order demonstrates the company’s ability to serve large industrial customers with reliable chemical supplies and timely deliveries. Management expects successful execution of the contract to further deepen its relationship with Solar Industries and potentially generate additional business opportunities. The company remains focused on operational excellence, customer satisfaction and sustainable long-term value creation for its stakeholders.

Multiple Orders Improve Revenue Visibility

In addition to the latest Solar Industries order, A-1 Ltd secured industrial supply orders worth around ₹35 crore from major customers, including Solar Industries, Mahadhan Agritech and Sai Baba Polymer Technologies. The company is also continuing to execute its ₹127 crore industrial urea supply order. The combination of new contracts and ongoing execution is strengthening the company’s order book and improving revenue visibility. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with rising order inflows and continued execution of large industrial supply contracts, A-1 Ltd is strengthening its position as a reliable supplier to major industrial customers in India.

Privi Speciality Chemicals Limited, a global manufacturer, supplier and exporter of aroma and fragrance chemicals, has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre at Hirwal Education Trust’s College of Science, Computer Science and Information Technology in Mahad. The new centre creates a technology-enabled learning environment where students can gain practical exposure to AI and other emerging technologies. Through the initiative, Privi aims to equip students with future-ready skills and prepare them for opportunities in an increasingly digital economy.

AI Centre Provides Technology-Enabled Learning

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries and reshape workforce requirements, access to technology-focused education has become increasingly important. The new AI Centre will give students hands-on experience with emerging technologies while helping them develop practical skills. In addition, the facility is designed to encourage experiential learning, creativity and innovation. The centre includes AI-enabled computer systems, internet-connected smart panels, specialised classroom infrastructure, power backup systems and technology-enabled learning resources. Together, these facilities provide students with the tools they need to explore AI applications in a practical learning environment.

Privi Highlights Focus on Future Skills

Mahesh Babani, Chairman and Managing Director, Privi Speciality Chemicals Ltd, highlighted the importance of preparing students for a technology-driven future. “Technology is transforming the way industries operate and creating entirely new career opportunities. Ensuring that students have access to emerging technologies and relevant skills is essential to preparing them for the future. As an organisation with deep roots in Mahad, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to education, skill development and long-term community progress,” Babani added.

Workshops Introduce Students to AI Applications

Since its launch, the AI Centre has hosted workshops, lectures and training sessions focused on the practical applications of artificial intelligence. The programmes have included AI-focused workshops conducted by Chetan Taksale, Director, Softech Solutions and Services, Pune, as well as expert sessions led by Pushkar Adhikari, Co-Founder of Apex Academy, Mumbai; Harshita Gaikwad, AI Teacher; and Masooda Antule, AI Trainer. These sessions help students understand real-world AI applications while encouraging them to develop innovation-led and technology-focused thinking.

Initiative Strengthens Education Infrastructure in Mahad

The AI Centre forms part of Privi Speciality Chemicals’ broader commitment to community development through education, skill development and knowledge access. By bringing advanced learning infrastructure closer to students, the company aims to expand access to emerging technologies and support the development of a future-ready talent pool in the Mahad region. As per the press release, the initiative strengthens local educational infrastructure while creating new opportunities for students to build skills that can support their future academic and career pathways.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Shell Energy India Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration opportunities across India’s energy sector. The partnership brings together ONGC’s extensive experience in India’s offshore oil and gas industry and Shell’s global technical and operational expertise. Together, the companies aim to support deeper exploration, strengthen energy availability and contribute to India’s long-term energy security.

Partnership Targets Deepwater and Ultra-Deepwater Blocks

As part of the upstream oil and gas collaboration, ONGC and Shell Energy India will explore opportunities for joint participation in deepwater and ultra-deepwater offshore blocks. The companies will particularly assess opportunities across upcoming and existing exploration areas, including OALP Round X and XI offshore blocks, future bidding rounds under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), potential farm-in and farm-out opportunities in ONGC’s existing OALP blocks and opportunities emerging from the government’s broader Samudra Manthan initiative.

Collaboration Supports India’s Energy Security

The proposed collaboration could help accelerate exploration in India’s offshore basins while bringing together complementary technical capabilities and industry experience. Deeper exploration could help unlock additional domestic oil and gas resources, thereby supporting India’s efforts to improve energy availability and reduce dependence on imported hydrocarbons.

MoU Creates Framework for Future Opportunities

The MoU establishes a framework for ONGC and Shell Energy India to evaluate potential projects and identify areas of mutual business interest. The companies will assess opportunities based on their technical, commercial and strategic potential. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, through this partnership, both organisations aim to explore new avenues in India’s offshore energy sector while supporting the country’s evolving energy requirements.

Websol Energy System started upgrading its existing Mono PERC solar cell manufacturing line to TOPCon technology, marking another step in the company’s plans to expand its high-efficiency solar manufacturing capabilities in India. The upgrade is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will increase Websol’s total TOPCon solar cell manufacturing capacity to 750 MW. As a result, TOPCon technology will account for approximately 55 percent of the company’s total cell capacity, strengthening its portfolio of high-efficiency solar products.

TOPCon Upgrade Supports Long-Term Expansion

The facility upgrade will also support Websol Energy’s broader plan to expand its solar cell manufacturing capacity to 4 GW. The company plans to implement the expansion in two phases, reinforcing its long-term manufacturing and technology development roadmap in India. By transitioning an existing Mono PERC production line to TOPCon, Websol aims to increase its manufacturing capabilities while responding to growing demand for more efficient solar cells.

Module Production Rises in Q1 FY27

Meanwhile, Websol Energy reported strong operating performance during Q1 FY27. Module production increased to 103 MW, compared with 50 MW in Q1 FY26. Consequently, the company’s capacity utilisation rose to 81 percent, indicating stronger utilisation of its manufacturing infrastructure.

₹1,278 Crore Order Book Signals Strong Demand

Websol Energy’s order book stood at approximately ₹1,278 crore as of June 30, 2026. The sizeable order pipeline reflects sustained demand for the company’s solar products and provides visibility for its near-term manufacturing operations. As reported by projectstoday.ai, overall, the TOPCon upgrade, rising production and strong order book position Websol Energy to strengthen its presence in India’s rapidly expanding solar cell and module manufacturing sector.

Global private equity firm Warburg Pincus emerged as the frontrunner to acquire Universal NutriScience (UNS), the company behind the popular cod liver oil capsule brand Seacod. The proposed transaction is valued at around ₹2,700–2,800 crore. The deal comes as private equity firms, pharmaceutical companies and consumer businesses increasingly target the fast-growing nutraceuticals and preventive healthcare markets. Growing consumer interest in personalised nutrition and healthy ageing is also driving investment in the sector.

Warburg Pincus Leads Competitive Bidding

Warburg Pincus reportedly prevailed over several prominent bidders, including ChrysCapital, Procter & Gamble, TA Associates and Haleon, the former consumer health business of GlaxoSmithKline. A formal announcement of the transaction is expected in the coming days. The acquisition would strengthen Warburg Pincus’ presence in India’s healthcare and nutraceutical sectors. It would also give the investment firm access to an established portfolio of consumer healthcare brands.

Universal NutriScience Builds a Nutraceutical Portfolio

Universal NutriScience was established in 2021 through a partnership between Kedaara Capital and Universal Medicare. The company was created following the acquisition of 16 nutraceutical brands from Sanofi India for ₹587 crore. Since then, UNS has expanded its portfolio across several healthcare and wellness categories. The company’s established brands and presence in the nutraceutical market make it an attractive acquisition target as demand for preventive healthcare products continues to rise.

Acquisition Supports Warburg Pincus’ Healthcare Strategy

The proposed UNS acquisition would further expand Warburg Pincus’ broader India healthcare strategy. The private equity firm has been building a domestic pharmaceutical platform by investing in specialised healthcare segments, including women’s health and orthopaedics. In addition, Warburg Pincus recently acquired Integrace Health, following its investments in Koye Pharma and the non-tuberculosis portfolio of Maneesh Pharmaceuticals. The firm’s healthcare platform also gained industry expertise when Rehan A. Khan, former managing director of MSD and Abbott India, joined Integrace Health as CEO.

Nutraceuticals Attract Growing Investor Interest

As reported by outlookbusiness.com, the potential acquisition highlights the increasing investor interest in India’s nutraceutical and preventive healthcare industry. As consumers become more health-conscious, demand for dietary supplements, functional nutrition and healthy-ageing products continues to create new opportunities. Consequently, established nutraceutical brands such as Universal NutriScience are attracting attention from private equity investors as well as global healthcare and consumer companies.