Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL) launched GRANUVIA™, a next-generation insecticide for paddy cultivation, in Karnataka. Developed to provide long-lasting protection against Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) and stem borer, GRANUVIA™ aims to help rice farmers improve crop health, reduce pest-related losses, and enhance productivity. The product offers up to 60 days of control against Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) when applied 30–35 days after transplanting. In addition, it provides up to two weeks of protection against stem borer, helping farmers manage dead heart symptoms during a critical stage of crop growth.

Addressing Major Challenges in Paddy Cultivation

Pest infestations remain one of the biggest threats to rice production across India. During the previous cropping season, prolonged outbreaks of Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) affected millions of acres across several states. As a result, many farmers had to undertake two to three rounds of pesticide applications to control the pest. In severe infestations, BPH can reduce paddy yields by 20% to 60%, making effective pest management essential for maintaining farm productivity. Similarly, stem borer continues to be a major yield-limiting pest. It typically causes 10% to 30% crop damage, while severe infestations can result in even higher losses due to the formation of dead hearts, which significantly weaken plant growth and reduce grain production.

Long-Duration Protection with Easy Application

GRANUVIA™ has been designed to provide extended pest control while simplifying field operations. Its advanced granular formulation enables farmers to apply the product using the familiar broadcasting method by mixing it with sand or urea, making adoption easy without requiring additional equipment or changes in existing farming practices.

Key features of GRANUVIA™ include up to 60 days of Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) control, up to two weeks of stem borer protection, recommended application at 30–35 days after transplanting, simple broadcasting application, reduced number of pesticide sprays, lower application costs and improved crop vigour and tillering. These benefits help farmers reduce labour requirements while protecting crop yields during critical growth stages.

Managing Director Highlights

Rajesh Kumar Aggarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides (India) Limited, said that rising pest pressure and changing climatic conditions require farmers to adopt more reliable and effective crop protection solutions. He noted that GRANUVIA™ has been developed to deliver consistent,
long-term pest control while improving overall crop health and productivity. By effectively controlling both Brown Plant Hopper and stem borer, the product offers sustained protection throughout key stages of paddy development.

Partnership Brings Advanced Technology to Indian Farmers

Dushyant Sood, Chief Marketing Officer, Insecticides (India) Limited, explained that GRANUVIA™ has been developed by Corteva Agriscience and will be marketed by Insecticides (India) Limited under its own brand. According to him, the product is based on a novel mode of action that effectively controls both Brown Plant Hopper and stem borer. Combining advanced technology with proven field performance, GRANUVIA™ delivers superior value while supporting modern and sustainable rice farming practices. He added that its farmer-friendly application and long-lasting efficacy are expected to strengthen integrated pest management and improve paddy productivity across India.

Granular Formulation Reduces Cost and Effort

Manoj Singh Bhandari, General Manager & Crop Manager – Paddy, described GRANUVIA™ as a future-ready solution for progressive rice farmers. He explained that the product’s granular formulation reduces overall application costs while minimizing repeated pesticide sprays through its extended control of Brown Plant Hopper. Since farmers have long sought practical solutions that fit seamlessly into their existing farming practices, GRANUVIA™ provides an efficient alternative that lowers both labour and operational expenses. The product helps improve crop vigour, encourages better tillering, increases plant density, and supports more reliable harvests despite rising pest pressure and climate variability.

Strengthening Sustainable Paddy Pest Management

With increasing pest incidence and changing climatic conditions posing new challenges to rice cultivation, farmers require crop protection products that combine long-lasting efficacy, ease of application, and cost efficiency. As per the press release, by introducing GRANUVIA™, Insecticides (India) Limited expands its crop protection portfolio with an advanced insecticide that supports sustainable paddy farming, improves integrated pest management, and helps farmers protect yields while reducing repeated pesticide applications.

Suzlon bagged a 201.6 MW wind power project from Waaree Forever Energies Private Limited (WFEPL), the Independent Power Producer (IPP) arm of the Waaree Group. The project marks Waaree Group’s first wind energy venture in Andhra Pradesh and will be executed under Suzlon’s Development Company (DevCo) model. The order represents a strategic milestone for both companies as they expand their capabilities from individual renewable technologies to integrated clean energy solutions.

DevCo Model Accelerates Renewable Energy Projects

As renewable energy projects continue to increase in size and complexity, integrated execution models such as DevCo are becoming the preferred approach for project developers. By managing every stage of project development—from planning and execution to commissioning and long-term operations—the DevCo model helps reduce development risks, accelerate project timelines, and improve overall project scalability. This latest order further strengthens Suzlon’s growing position as an end-to-end renewable energy solutions provider.

Suzlon to Supply 64 Advanced Wind Turbines

Suzlon will install 64 units of its flagship S144 Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs), each with a rated capacity of 3.15 MW, at the project site in Andhra Pradesh. The company will provide a complete Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) solution that includes land acquisition, wind turbine supply, Balance of Plant (BoP) works, project commissioning and lifetime operations and maintenance (O&M) services. The comprehensive execution approach is designed to ensure seamless project delivery while maximizing long-term operational efficiency.

Suzlon Highlights Growing Demand for Integrated Renewable Solutions

Girish Tanti, Vice Chairman, Suzlon Group, said the collaboration brings together two companies that have played significant roles in India’s renewable energy transformation. He noted that while Waaree has established itself as a leader in solar energy manufacturing, Suzlon has built one of India’s strongest wind energy businesses. As both companies evolve into integrated renewable energy players, the partnership reflects a broader industry trend where customers increasingly seek comprehensive clean energy solutions rather than standalone technologies. Tanti also emphasized that the DevCo business model is gaining significant momentum as developers look for faster,
lower-risk project execution.

EPC Capabilities Strengthen Suzlon’s Market Position

Ajay Kapur, Chief Executive Officer, Suzlon Group, noted that this is the company’s second consecutive DevCo-led EPC order within a week, highlighting the growing market demand for experienced partners capable of delivering large-scale renewable energy projects efficiently. According to Kapur, Suzlon’s integrated project development and EPC expertise have become important competitive advantages in India’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.

Waaree Expands Beyond Solar Energy

Pawan Agrawal, Chief Executive Officer, Waaree Forever Energies Private Limited, said the company is building a diversified renewable energy portfolio that extends beyond its well-established solar business. He explained that the new wind energy project aligns with Waaree’s long-term vision of supporting India’s clean energy transition through multiple renewable technologies. Agrawal described the 201.6 MW Andhra Pradesh wind project as an important milestone and expressed confidence that the partnership with Suzlon will contribute to strengthening India’s renewable energy ecosystem over the long term.

Supporting India’s Clean Energy Transition

The collaboration between Suzlon and Waaree Group reflects the growing convergence of wind and solar energy as India accelerates its transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. As per the press release, by combining Suzlon’s expertise in wind energy with Waaree’s leadership in solar manufacturing, the project demonstrates how integrated renewable energy partnerships can accelerate capacity addition, improve execution efficiency, and support India’s ambitious renewable energy targets.

Godrej Chemicals launched SLNOVA™, its proprietary biosurfactant platform based on Sophorolipids, marking a significant step forward in biotechnology-driven specialty chemicals. Developed using renewable feedstocks and advanced fermentation technology, SLNOVA™ combines high performance with sustainability, offering next-generation surfactant solutions for a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. The launch reinforces Godrej Chemicals’ commitment to green chemistry and biotechnology innovation while addressing the growing demand for sustainable, bio-based ingredients across global markets.

Biotechnology Meets High-Performance Surfactants

SLNOVA™ represents a new generation of biosurfactants that integrate biotechnology with superior formulation performance. Produced through a fermentation process using renewable raw materials, the platform delivers excellent functionality while maintaining a low environmental footprint. Unlike conventional surfactants, SLNOVA™ offers a combination of mildness, multifunctionality, and biodegradability, making it suitable for manufacturers seeking sustainable alternatives without compromising product performance.

Designed for Diverse Industrial Applications

SLNOVA™ has been engineered to perform multiple functions within a formulation, including emulsification, wetting, dispersing and solubilisation. As a readily biodegradable surfactant, it provides formulation flexibility across multiple industries, including personal care, home care, industrial cleaning, specialty chemical formulations, and other performance-driven applications. To meet varying customer requirements, Godrej Chemicals introduced two SLNOVA™ platform variants, enabling formulators to develop products ranging from gentle personal care solutions to high-performance industrial cleaning systems.

Responding to the Growing Demand for Bio-Based Surfactants

The global surfactant industry is rapidly shifting toward bio-based, renewable, and biotechnology-enabled solutions that deliver both sustainability and high performance. Recognizing this transition, Godrej Chemicals has continued to invest in biotechnology research, advanced laboratory infrastructure, and multidisciplinary scientific expertise. These capabilities have enabled the company to develop biosurfactant technologies that are scientifically robust, commercially scalable, and aligned with evolving customer expectations. Consequently, SLNOVA™ positions the company to meet the increasing demand for environmentally responsible specialty chemical ingredients.

CEO Highlights

Vishal Sharma, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Godrej Industries (Chemicals), said the surfactant industry is undergoing a major transformation as customer expectations evolve and biotechnology continues to unlock new possibilities. He noted that the industry’s focus has shifted beyond developing better ingredients to fundamentally rethinking how specialty chemicals are designed, manufactured, and delivered. According to Sharma, biotechnology has become a key enabler for the next generation of specialty chemicals by combining performance, sustainability, and innovation.

He also highlighted that Godrej Chemicals is the first company in India to produce Sophorolipids at commercial scale, making the launch of SLNOVA™ a significant milestone for both the company and India’s growing biotechnology ecosystem. Powered by locally sourced renewable raw materials and the company’s manufacturing expertise, SLNOVA™ also strengthens the domestic supply chain for biosurfactants while creating a reliable and scalable platform for future innovation.

Strengthening the Future of Green Chemistry

The launch of SLNOVA™ represents another important milestone in Godrej Chemicals’ biotechnology journey and reinforces its long-term commitment to green chemistry, sustainable manufacturing, and innovation in specialty chemicals. By combining decades of surfactant expertise with cutting-edge biotechnology, the company continues to develop advanced solutions that meet changing customer needs while supporting the industry’s transition toward more sustainable products and processes. As per the press release, as demand for renewable and biodegradable ingredients continues to grow worldwide, SLNOVA™ is expected to play an important role in enabling next-generation formulations across personal care, home care, industrial cleaning, and other specialty chemical applications.

Coromandel International Limited, one of India’s leading agri-solutions companies, announced its financial results for the first quarter of FY27 ended June 30, 2026. During the quarter, the company recorded 10% year-on-year revenue growth, reflecting continued demand across its diversified businesses. However, net profit declined by 26%, primarily due to higher raw material costs arising from the ongoing Middle East geopolitical crisis, which significantly impacted the fertiliser business. Despite these challenges, Coromandel continued to strengthen its market leadership across fertilisers, crop protection, bio-products, specialty nutrients, organic fertilisers, and agri-retail. At the same time, the company accelerated digital agriculture initiatives, including agri-drone spraying solutions, to improve farm productivity and support sustainable farming practices.

Strategic Projects Progress as Planned

Coromandel made significant progress on several strategic expansion projects during the quarter. The company successfully stabilized operations at its newly commissioned Phosphoric Acid and Sulphuric Acid plants in Kakinada, enhancing backward integration and strengthening the security of raw material supplies.

Construction of the brownfield fertiliser granulation project is progressing according to schedule. Once commissioned in the fourth quarter of FY27, the facility will add 750,000 tonnes of annual production capacity, further expanding the company’s fertiliser manufacturing capabilities. In the Crop Protection business, capacity expansion for a key molecule at the Sarigam manufacturing facility also remains on track and is expected to be commissioned during Q2 FY27.

Responsible Care® Certification Strengthens Sustainability Commitment

During the quarter, Coromandel achieved an important sustainability milestone by receiving the prestigious Responsible Care® Certification. The certification reinforces the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and responsible chemical manufacturing. It also reflects Coromandel’s continued focus on sustainable business practices across its manufacturing operations.

Managing Director Highlights Business Resilience

S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director and CEO, Coromandel International Limited, said the conflict in the Middle East triggered a sharp increase in raw material prices, while fertiliser subsidy rates did not adequately compensate for the higher input costs. Despite these market pressures, the company strengthened its leadership in the phosphatic fertilisers segment by increasing market share and maintaining a disciplined approach to production planning, raw material procurement, and inventory management. These measures ensured uninterrupted fertiliser availability to farmers across the country. He further noted that Coromandel successfully leveraged its diversified business portfolio and strong execution capabilities to deliver robust growth across its non-subsidy businesses, which helped partially offset the challenges faced by the fertiliser segment.

Diversified Portfolio Supports Long-Term Growth

Coromandel’s diversified business model continues to provide resilience amid volatile market conditions. While rising raw material costs affected fertiliser profitability, strong performance across crop protection, specialty nutrients, bio-products, organic fertilisers, agri-retail, and digital agriculture initiatives contributed to overall business growth. As per the press release, the company remains focused on expanding manufacturing capacity, strengthening backward integration, advancing sustainable agriculture solutions, and enhancing operational efficiency. These strategic initiatives are expected to support long-term growth while creating greater value for farmers, customers, and stakeholders.

Clariant, a sustainability-focused specialty chemicals company, marked a major milestone at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) by celebrating the tenth anniversary of the TUM Catalysis Research Center (CRC) and the Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award for Catalysis Research. The event highlighted a decade of successful collaboration between industry and academia while recognizing scientists whose groundbreaking research continues to shape the future of catalysis and sustainable chemistry. The celebration also reaffirmed Clariant’s long-term commitment to promoting scientific excellence, supporting young researchers, and accelerating innovation in catalysis.

Partnership Fuels Research and Talent Development

Conrad Keijzer, Chief Executive Officer of Clariant, described the anniversary as an important milestone for the company. He emphasized that Clariant’s collaboration with TUM extends well beyond sponsorship. According to Keijzer, the partnership has created a strong foundation for technological innovation while helping attract and nurture exceptional scientific talent in the field of catalysis.

Honouring the Legacy of Dr. Karl Wamsler

The Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award commemorates the legacy of Dr. Karl Wamsler, one of Germany’s leading post-war chemists and a former Board Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Süd-Chemie. Dr. Wamsler firmly believed that scientific knowledge could transform society through innovation. In recognition of his contributions, TUM conferred upon him the title of Honorary Senator in 2015.

To continue his vision, Clariant has sponsored the award since 2017, investing €50,000 annually to encourage excellence in both fundamental and applied catalysis research. The award has become an important platform for recognizing pioneering scientists whose work advances sustainable chemical technologies.

Professor Tao Zhang Receives 2025 Innovation Award

The 2025 Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award was presented to Professor Tao Zhang, Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and researcher at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. Professor Zhang received the honour for his pioneering work in single-atom catalysis, a revolutionary concept he introduced in 2011. His research has significantly advanced catalyst design by improving catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and resource utilization across numerous industrial applications. Further highlighting his global scientific impact, Professor Zhang was also named a Clarivate Citation Laureate in 2025.

Professor Frances H. Arnold Named 2026 Laureate

The 2026 Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award was conferred upon Professor Frances H. Arnold of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), recipient of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Professor Arnold earned the recognition for her pioneering contributions to biocatalysis through the development of directed evolution of enzymes. Her breakthrough research has enabled scientists to engineer proteins with entirely new and highly efficient functions, transforming modern biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, sustainable manufacturing, and green chemistry. Today, her work continues to influence research and industrial innovation worldwide.

Clariant Extends Strategic Collaboration with TUM

Strengthening its commitment to catalysis research, the Clariant Foundation has signed a three-year extension of its partnership with the Technical University of Munich. The collaboration dates back to 2010, when both organizations launched the MuniCat initiative to promote cutting-edge catalysis research and facilitate knowledge transfer between academia and industry. The renewed agreement will continue supporting joint research projects, scientific collaboration, and the development of next-generation catalyst technologies.

Advancing the Future of Sustainable Catalysis

Catalysis plays a critical role in improving chemical manufacturing by enhancing process efficiency, reducing energy consumption, lowering emissions, and enabling more sustainable production pathways. Consequently, collaboration between industry leaders and research institutions has become increasingly important for addressing global sustainability challenges. As per the press release, through its long-standing partnership with TUM and continued support for the Dr. Karl Wamsler Innovation Award, Clariant reinforces its commitment to advancing catalysis research, nurturing scientific talent, and developing innovative technologies that will help shape the future of the global chemical industry.

DuPont introduced a comprehensive Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) portfolio that brings together more than 20 advanced products across multiple separation technologies. The integrated portfolio is designed to improve lithium recovery, enhance process efficiency, and provide customized solutions for a wide variety of lithium-bearing brine resources.

As global demand for lithium continues to rise—driven by electric vehicles (EVs), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and the clean energy transition—the need for faster, more efficient lithium production has become increasingly important. In response, DuPont’s end-to-end DLE portfolio enables lithium producers to optimize extraction processes while reducing operational complexity.

Direct Lithium Extraction: A Smarter Alternative

Unlike conventional lithium production methods such as hard rock mining and solar evaporation ponds, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) uses advanced separation technologies to recover lithium directly from brine. This approach offers higher recovery potential, shorter processing times, and greater operational flexibility, making it an attractive option for developing new lithium resources. DLE is emerging as one of the most promising technologies for supporting the rapidly expanding global lithium supply chain.

Integrated Technologies Across the Entire Process

DuPont’s new portfolio covers every major stage of the lithium brine treatment process—from extraction and purification to final concentration. The portfolio includes lithium-selective sorbents, Nanofiltration (NF) membranes, Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, ion exchange resins and ultrafiltration technologies. Because these technologies are integrated into a single process framework, customers can either implement a complete end-to-end solution or select individual technologies that best match their process requirements and brine chemistry.

Customized Solutions for Diverse Brine Resources

One of the key strengths of DuPont’s DLE portfolio is its flexibility. Since lithium brine compositions vary significantly across geographical locations, the company has developed specialized solutions to address different operating conditions. For example, the portfolio includes DuPont™ AmberSorb™ lithium-selective adsorbents designed for both high-temperature and low-temperature brine streams. These materials help maximize lithium recovery from a broad range of natural resources.

In addition, FilmTec™ LiNE nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes feature unique separation characteristics, including Low Salt Rejection Reverse Osmosis (LSRRO) technology. This innovation enables producers to achieve exceptionally high lithium concentrations while maintaining efficient separation performance.

Advanced Technologies Improve Recovery and Purity

Beyond lithium-selective materials, the portfolio also incorporates DuPont™ IntegraTec™ ultrafiltration modules, Inge™ ultrafiltration systems, FilmTec™ nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes and DuPont™ AmberLite™ ion exchange resins. Together, these technologies enhance lithium recovery, increase product purity, and improve final lithium concentration throughout the extraction process. Moreover, integrating all these technologies into a unified platform allows operators to optimize the complete DLE flowsheet instead of managing individual process steps independently.

Accelerating Commercial Lithium Production

According to Dr. Martin Deetz, Senior R&D Laureate, DuPont Water Solutions, successful DLE projects depend heavily on the composition of lithium brines, operating temperatures, and the presence of competing ions. He explained that by integrating lithium-selective sorbents, membrane technologies, and ion exchange systems within a single process design framework, DuPont can optimize the entire extraction process rather than treating each technology separately. He further noted that customers are increasingly seeking faster commercialization of lithium projects. By combining advanced modeling, laboratory testing, and pilot-scale validation with its integrated technology portfolio, DuPont helps accelerate the development of customized DLE process flowsheets tailored to individual brine resources.

Technical Support from Laboratory to Commercial Scale

In addition to its product portfolio, DuPont offers comprehensive technical support through its global research and development network. The company provides advanced laboratory testing, process simulation and modelling, pilot-scale validation and performance evaluation using actual brine samples. As a result, lithium producers can validate process performance, reduce development risks, and move more quickly from pilot studies to commercial production.

Supporting the Future of Sustainable Lithium Production

The rapid growth of electric mobility, renewable energy storage, and battery manufacturing continues to increase global demand for lithium. Consequently, mining companies and technology providers are actively adopting Direct Lithium Extraction as a faster, more efficient, and more sustainable approach to lithium recovery. As per the press release, with its integrated DLE portfolio, advanced separation technologies, and strong technical support capabilities, DuPont positions itself as a strategic technology partner for lithium producers seeking to improve recovery rates, optimize process performance, and accelerate the commercialization of new lithium resources.

Merck appointed Sakshi Yadav as Head of Process Solutions India, effective August 1, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to expanding its presence in India’s rapidly growing biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector. In her new role, Yadav will lead Merck’s Process Solutions business in India, driving strategic growth, strengthening customer engagement and supporting the development of the country’s evolving biopharmaceutical ecosystem. The appointment also reflects Merck’s continued focus on developing internal leadership talent and building future-ready management capabilities.

Sakshi Yadav to Lead Process Solutions Business

As Head of Process Solutions India, Yadav will spearhead initiatives aimed at accelerating business growth while enhancing operational excellence and customer partnerships across the Indian market. Her key responsibilities include driving strategic business expansion, strengthening customer relationships, supporting biopharmaceutical manufacturing growth, promoting operational excellence and advancing innovation across pharmaceutical production processes. Through these initiatives, Merck aims to help customers scale manufacturing operations and adopt advanced technologies for pharmaceutical development and production.

Strong Track Record of Internal Leadership

Yadav joined Merck in 2019 and has since held several leadership positions across commercial operations, the Managing Director’s Office and business excellence functions. During her tenure, she has played a significant role in leading business transformation initiatives, driving commercial growth programmes, improving operational efficiency, building high-performing cross-functional teams and strengthening organisational collaboration. According to Merck, her proven leadership capabilities and success in driving operational improvements made her a natural choice for the leadership role.

Merck Reinforces Internal Talent Development

Tony Budianto Bee, Head of Process Solutions, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Life Science business at Merck, said Yadav has consistently demonstrated the ability to deliver sustainable growth, lead organisational transformation and develop high-performing teams. He added that her appointment reflects Merck’s long-term commitment to nurturing leadership talent from within the organisation while preparing future business leaders.

Supporting India’s Growing Biopharmaceutical Industry

India’s biopharmaceutical industry continues to expand rapidly, driven by increased investments in manufacturing capacity, research and development, advanced technologies and quality systems. Against this backdrop, Merck plans to further strengthen its support for pharmaceutical manufacturers by helping customers enhance production capabilities, improve operational efficiency and accelerate innovation. Yadav will play a key role in advancing these strategic priorities while strengthening Merck’s position in one of the world’s fastest-growing life sciences markets.

Focus on Innovation and Customer Success

Sakshi Yadav said India’s biopharmaceutical sector is entering an exciting phase of growth, fuelled by innovation, manufacturing expansion and an increasing emphasis on quality and sustainability. She added that Merck remains committed to partnering with customers to strengthen manufacturing capabilities, accelerate innovation and support the continued growth of India’s biopharmaceutical industry.

Strengthening Merck’s Growth Strategy in India

The appointment of Sakshi Yadav marks another important step in Merck’s strategy to expand its Process Solutions business in India. As reported by manufactutingtodayindia.com, by combining experienced leadership with continued investments in customer support, innovation and operational excellence, the company aims to strengthen its contribution to India’s growing biopharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem while supporting the industry’s global competitiveness.

Hikal Limited, a partner to global pharmaceutical, crop protection and specialty chemical companies, commissioned an enhanced current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) compliant pilot facility at its Research & Technology (R&T) Campus in Pune. The new facility strengthens the company’s pharmaceutical development, process scale-up and clinical manufacturing capabilities, enabling it to better support global innovator companies from early-stage research through commercial manufacturing readiness. The investment further reinforces Hikal’s commitment to expanding its contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) capabilities while meeting stringent international quality and regulatory standards.

New Facility Strengthens End-to-End Pharmaceutical Development

The upgraded cGMP pilot facility bridges the gap between laboratory research and commercial-scale manufacturing. By integrating process development, technology transfer and clinical-stage manufacturing at a single location, Hikal aims to accelerate drug development programmes and improve operational efficiency.

The facility enables customers to accelerate pharmaceutical development timelines, improve process robustness and scalability, produce high-quality materials for regulated development programmes, simplify technology transfer from laboratory to manufacturing and reduce project execution timelines. The facility allows scientists and engineers to manufacture and supply both preclinical and clinical-stage development materials directly from the Pune R&T campus, promoting closer collaboration and faster decision-making throughout the product development lifecycle.

Advanced Infrastructure Supports Diverse Chemistries

Designed for flexible and cGMP-compliant scale-up, the facility supports a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Its advanced infrastructure includes reactors ranging from 20 litres to 2,000 litres, stainless steel and glass-lined reactors, advanced distillation and filtration systems, Hastelloy Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryers (ANFDs) and high-vacuum distillation equipment.  In addition, the facility is equipped to handle complex chemical processes such as cryogenic reactions, hydrogenation, high-temperature reactions and high vacuum distillation. These capabilities enable Hikal to support a wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development and scale-up requirements for global pharmaceutical innovators.

Supporting Clinical-Stage Manufacturing

The enhanced facility has been designed to support clinical-stage manufacturing while complying with global regulatory and quality requirements. By producing development materials within the same research campus, Hikal can closely monitor process performance, facilitate seamless technology transfer and ensure consistent product quality throughout the development cycle. As a result, pharmaceutical customers can transition more efficiently from laboratory-scale research to clinical production and eventual commercial manufacturing.

Leadership Highlights

Sameer Hiremath, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Hikal, said the investment marks an important milestone in strengthening the company’s pharmaceutical development platform. He noted that the cGMP pilot plant enhances Hikal’s ability to support customers as they progress from laboratory research to larger-scale clinical development programmes while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance.

Strengthening Hikal’s Global CDMO Capabilities

The commissioning of the cGMP pilot plant reflects Hikal’s continued investment in research, development and advanced manufacturing infrastructure. As pharmaceutical companies increasingly seek integrated development and manufacturing partners, the expanded facility positions Hikal to deliver end-to-end solutions spanning process development, scale-up, technology transfer and clinical manufacturing. As per the press release, by combining advanced infrastructure with strong regulatory compliance and technical expertise, Hikal is further strengthening its role as a trusted global partner for pharmaceutical innovation and commercialisation.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna Public Sector Enterprise, continued to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies across India despite geopolitical tensions and volatility in global energy markets during the first quarter of FY2026-27. Announcing its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, the company highlighted its focus on operational resilience, supply chain efficiency and continued investments in infrastructure to reinforce India’s energy security.

BPCL Ensures Uninterrupted Fuel Supply Across India

During the quarter, BPCL maintained seamless operations across its refining, marketing and distribution network, ensuring the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products in urban, industrial and rural markets. Leveraging a resilient supply chain and disciplined operational execution, the company successfully navigated a challenging global environment while maintaining reliable fuel supplies nationwide.

Strategic Investments Drive Long-Term Growth

At the same time, BPCL continued to invest in strengthening its energy infrastructure and
future-ready businesses. The company expanded investments across refining and marketing infrastructure, pipeline connectivity, City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, digital technologies and emerging energy businesses. BPCL accelerated technology-led initiatives in supply chain management, retail operations and customer engagement to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience.

Digital Technologies Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency

BPCL also strengthened its nationwide supply chain by deploying advanced planning systems, digital monitoring tools and real-time coordination across its operations. These initiatives enabled the company to optimise product placement across the country, respond quickly to changing market demand, maintain operational continuity and ensure reliable fuel availability despite global market volatility. The technology-driven approach further improved supply chain resilience and strengthened BPCL’s ability to meet customer requirements efficiently.

BPCL Continues to Reinforce India’s Energy Security

Despite a volatile global energy landscape, BPCL remained focused on its core mission of ensuring reliable fuel availability across the country. Through continued investments in infrastructure, digital transformation and supply chain resilience, the company strengthened its operational capabilities while supporting India’s long-term energy security. As per the press release, as BPCL expands its refining capacity, modernises its distribution network and invests in emerging energy businesses, it remains well-positioned to meet the country’s evolving energy needs while navigating an increasingly dynamic global market.

India’s rapid progress in ethanol blending is emerging as a global benchmark for countries seeking to enhance energy security through renewable fuels. According to the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA), India’s policy-driven approach to ethanol production and blending demonstrates how governments can successfully reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports while promoting sustainable economic growth. Arushi Jain, Joint Secretary, GEMA, speaking at The Alcohol School Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, highlighted India’s “Roadmap to E20 & Beyond”, highlighting the country’s achievements in ethanol blending, policy reforms and feedstock diversification.

India Showcases Ethanol Success at International Conference

During the conference, GEMA presented India’s ethanol roadmap to delegates from across the global biofuel industry. The session attracted significant interest, particularly from Thailand, which currently operates an E10 ethanol blending programme and is evaluating higher blending levels despite feedstock-related challenges. The presentation highlighted how India’s long-term policy support, diversified raw material base and industry collaboration have enabled the country to rapidly scale up ethanol production and blending.

India Becomes the World’s Third-Largest Ethanol Producer

India has now emerged as the world’s third-largest ethanol producer, successfully achieving the 20% ethanol blending (E20) target through the use of multiple feedstocks, including maize, rice and sugarcane. During the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, the country blended approximately 10.39 billion litres of ethanol into petrol. Furthermore, ethanol blending volumes are projected to rise to nearly 12 billion litres during ESY 2025-26, reflecting the continued expansion of India’s biofuel programme. According to GEMA, this diversified approach has strengthened India’s energy security while reducing reliance on imported crude oil and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Policy Support Drives India’s Ethanol Growth

Jain mentioned that India’s ethanol journey demonstrates the importance of long-term policy planning and strong collaboration between government and industry. She noted that India’s experience proves renewable fuel programmes can deliver multiple benefits simultaneously by improving energy security, supporting cleaner transportation, boosting rural incomes, reducing fossil fuel imports and encouraging investment in the biofuel sector. She also emphasised that although every country has unique agricultural resources and policy priorities, India’s ethanol programme offers valuable lessons for governments planning to expand renewable fuel adoption.

Building a Complete Biofuel Ecosystem

According to GEMA, achieving higher ethanol blending requires more than setting blending targets. Jain highlighted the importance of encouraging innovation in higher ethanol blends, flex-fuel vehicles, second-generation (2G) ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to ensure long-term growth of the global biofuel industry.

Global Collaboration Will Accelerate Renewable Fuel Adoption

GEMA believes that continued policy stability, technological innovation and international knowledge-sharing will play a crucial role in accelerating the global transition to renewable fuels. As more countries look to strengthen energy security and decarbonise their transport sectors, India’s policy-led ethanol success offers a practical and scalable model for developing sustainable biofuel ecosystems. As per the press release, through coordinated policy reforms, diversified feedstocks and strong industry participation, India has positioned itself as a global leader in the renewable fuels sector while providing valuable lessons for the international biofuel industry.