Bee Chems, one of India’s leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and industrial adsorbents, has introduced its high-performance Activated Alumina, designed to deliver efficient moisture removal, gas purification, liquid dehydration, and water treatment solutions across a wide range of industries. Activated Alumina is a highly porous form of aluminium oxide known for its high adsorption capacity, large surface area, excellent mechanical strength, and extended service life.

Bee Chems manufactures the material using carefully controlled production processes to ensure consistent quality, reliable performance, and compliance with the requirements of demanding industrial applications. Its robust physical properties enable efficient removal of moisture and impurities from gases and liquids while maintaining structural stability under harsh operating conditions.

Supports Long Service Life and Cost Efficiency

As industries increasingly seek reliable moisture control and purification technologies, Bee Chems has developed Activated Alumina that delivers high adsorption efficiency together with long operating cycles. The product retains its performance over multiple regeneration cycles, allowing customers to reduce replacement costs, minimise downtime, and improve overall process efficiency. Its easy regeneration also contributes to lower operating expenses and sustainable industrial operations.

Wide Range of Industrial Applications

Bee Chems’ Activated Alumina is widely used in industries where moisture control and purification are essential for operational reliability. In compressed air systems, it effectively removes water vapour, protecting air compressors, pneumatic equipment, and production machinery from corrosion and premature failure. For gas processing, the product efficiently dehydrates industrial gases, enhancing system performance while extending equipment life. Its versatility makes it an indispensable adsorbent across numerous industrial sectors.

Reliable Solution for Water Treatment

Activated Alumina also plays a vital role in drinking water and industrial water treatment. Its superior adsorption properties enable the effective removal of contaminants such as fluoride and arsenic, helping industries and municipalities meet stringent water quality standards. As a result, municipal water treatment plants, environmental engineering companies, and industrial water purification facilities increasingly rely on Bee Chems’ Activated Alumina to deliver cleaner, safer, and more sustainable water management solutions.

Customised Grades for Diverse Process Requirements

One of the key strengths of Bee Chems’ Activated Alumina is its flexibility. The company offers the product in multiple particle sizes and customised grades to suit diverse industrial processes and operating conditions. Customers can select products based on specific performance parameters.  The customised approach ensures optimum performance for applications involving air drying, gas dehydration, liquid purification, catalyst support, and water treatment.

Quality Assurance and Technical Expertise

Quality remains central to Bee Chems’ manufacturing philosophy. Every batch of Activated Alumina undergoes rigorous quality testing to verify consistency, purity, and adsorption performance before reaching customers. In addition to Activated Alumina, Bee Chems manufactures a broad range of specialty adsorbents and desiccant products. These products serve diverse industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, food processing, packaging, healthcare, oil and gas, environmental engineering, and industrial manufacturing.

Strengthening Industrial Process Efficiency

With the launch of its advanced Activated Alumina, Bee Chems reinforces its commitment to delivering high-performance adsorption solutions for modern industries. As reported by recorderonline.com, by combining proven manufacturing expertise, stringent quality standards, and customised product offerings, the company continues to support industries in improving process efficiency, equipment reliability, product quality, and sustainable operations.

The Government has introduced stricter resignation norms for scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following reports that more than 100 scientists have resigned in recent months. The move aims to prevent disruptions to high-priority national space programmes, particularly the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and other strategic projects. The Department of Space (DoS) has issued a fresh directive requiring greater scrutiny of resignation and voluntary retirement requests from key scientific personnel involved in mission-critical activities.

New Exit Rules Require Department Approval

Under an internal memorandum dated July 14, ISRO centres have been instructed not to routinely approve resignation or voluntary retirement requests submitted by Group ‘A’ scientific and technical officers working on Gaganyaan and other critical missions. Instead, every such request will now require final approval from the Department of Space. The revised policy is designed to ensure continuity in strategically important programmes and prevent the sudden loss of highly experienced scientists during crucial project phases. Additionally, project directors and senior officials will assess whether an employee’s departure could affect mission schedules, technical expertise, or overall programme execution before forwarding the request for approval.

Over 100 Scientists Reportedly Exit ISRO

Although the Department of Space has not officially confirmed the number of resignations, media reports citing ISRO sources indicate that between 100 and 120 scientists have left the organisation over the past few months. The reported departures include approximately 80 scientists from Bengaluru’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) and around 20 scientists from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram. Officials also suggest that the actual number could be higher as additional resignation requests remain under review.

Senior Scientists Among Those Who Left

Several experienced scientists associated with India’s flagship space missions are reportedly among those who have resigned. The list includes the SpaDeX Project Director from URSC, LVM3 Project Director Victor Joseph, and Aditya Rallapalli, a key scientist involved in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Their departures have raised concerns about retaining institutional knowledge during a period when ISRO is undertaking multiple high-profile missions.

Focus on Mission Continuity and Knowledge Retention

The Centre’s latest directive reflects a broader effort to preserve technical expertise accumulated over decades and ensure that major national missions continue without interruption. By introducing stricter approval procedures, the government aims to minimise the impact of sudden resignations on complex projects that require specialised knowledge, long-term planning, and experienced leadership.

ISRO Chairman Assures Smooth Transition

Responding to concerns over the resignations, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan acknowledged that several scientists have left the organisation but expressed confidence in ISRO’s ability to manage the transition. According to media reports, he stated that employee movement is a normal part of any organisation. However, the new measures are intended not only to retain talent but also to ensure that strategically important missions do not suffer unexpected setbacks. He added that responsibilities will be reassigned wherever necessary so that ongoing programmes continue without disruption.

As ISRO prepares for landmark missions, including Gaganyaan, advanced satellite launches, planetary exploration, and next-generation space technologies, retaining experienced scientific talent has become increasingly important. As reported by news24online.com, the Centre’s revised exit policy underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding India’s strategic space programme while ensuring the timely execution of critical national missions.

GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) to strengthen collaboration in the exploration, evaluation, and development of critical and strategic minerals. The partnership aims to enhance India’s long-term resource security while supporting the country’s clean energy transition. The MoU was signed by Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Director (R&D & E&P), GAIL, and Sunil Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer, KABIL. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of R. K. Singhal, Director (Business Development), GAIL, along with senior officials from both organizations.

Focus on Critical Mineral Development

Under the agreement, GAIL and KABIL will jointly identify and evaluate opportunities across the critical and strategic minerals sector. In addition, the two organizations will collaborate to exchange technical expertise, strengthen institutional capabilities through capacity building, and explore joint initiatives throughout the mining value chain.

Supporting India’s Clean Energy Future

Furthermore, the partnership is expected to improve access to critical minerals that are essential for renewable energy technologies, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, and other strategic industries. As reported by prameyanews.com, by combining their expertise, GAIL and KABIL aim to contribute to a secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals, reinforcing India’s energy security and accelerating its transition toward a low-carbon economy. The collaboration marks another significant step in advancing India’s strategic mineral capabilities and reducing dependence on imported critical resources.

ONGC Energy Centre has reached a significant milestone in India’s clean energy transition by successfully completing the drilling of two geothermal wells—GT#02 and GT#03—at Puga Valley in Ladakh. The achievement marks a crucial step toward developing India’s first 1 MWe demonstration-scale geothermal power plant, strengthening the country’s renewable energy ambitions and technological self-reliance. The completion of the wells brings India closer to harnessing geothermal resources as a dependable source of clean, round-the-clock electricity.

High-Altitude Drilling Completed Successfully

The milestone was commemorated in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, who unveiled a plaque marking the successful completion of the geothermal wells. Both wells have been drilled to a depth of 1,000 metres in the rugged terrain of Puga Valley, located at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Despite the region’s challenging topography and extreme weather conditions, ONGC Energy Centre completed the drilling operations successfully, demonstrating India’s growing capabilities in indigenous geothermal exploration and advanced drilling technologies.

Paving the Way for India’s First Geothermal Power Plant

The successful drilling campaign clears the path for the construction of the 1 MWe pilot geothermal power plant, which will serve as India’s first demonstration-scale geothermal energy project. Once operational, the project will showcase the commercial viability of geothermal power while contributing to the country’s renewable energy portfolio. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, geothermal energy can provide continuous, baseload electricity, making it a valuable addition to India’s clean energy mix.

Boosting Renewable Energy and Energy Security

The Puga Geothermal Project is one of India’s most promising renewable energy initiatives. By tapping naturally occurring geothermal resources, the project aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting the nation’s long-term decarbonisation and energy security goals. Furthermore, the project aligns with India’s broader strategy of diversifying renewable energy sources beyond solar, wind and hydropower.

Catalysing Future Geothermal Development

Beyond electricity generation, the successful implementation of the Puga project is expected to accelerate geothermal exploration across the country. It could also encourage investments in geothermal technologies and create new opportunities for sustainable economic development, particularly in high-altitude and remote regions. As reported by indianmasterminds.com, as India continues to expand its clean energy infrastructure, the Puga Valley project could serve as a model for future geothermal developments, reinforcing the country’s commitment to a resilient and low-carbon energy future.

India has taken a significant step toward expanding its nuclear energy capacity by floating an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) tender worth over ₹28,000 crore for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP). The tender marks one of the largest EPC opportunities under the country’s indigenous nuclear power programme.

ASHVINI Invites Bids for Nuclear Island Package

Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam (ASHVINI), a joint venture between the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) and NTPC Ltd., has invited bids for the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) for Units 1 to 4 of the Mahi Banswara project. According to the tender document, the contract covers engineering, design, manufacturing, supply, inspection, testing, transportation, civil construction, fabrication, erection, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the nuclear island systems for the project.

Largest Indigenous Nuclear EPC Tender

Estimated at more than ₹28,000 crore, the package is the largest Nuclear Island EPC tender ever issued for India’s indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) programme. The comprehensive scope includes engineering, manufacturing, civil works, installation, testing, and commissioning support for four 700 MW electrical (MWe) PHWR units. These reactors form part of India’s indigenous IPHWR-700 technology platform, designed with advanced safety systems.

Part of India’s Fleet-Mode Nuclear Expansion

The Mahi Banswara project forms a key component of India’s fleet-mode nuclear expansion strategy, under which ten identical 700 MWe PHWRs are being developed using standardized designs and procurement processes. This approach is expected to reduce project timelines, improve cost efficiencies, and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities. Earlier this week, NPCIL announced on its official X account that ASHVINI had released the tender for the four-unit nuclear power project in Rajasthan.

Boost to Domestic Manufacturing and Clean Energy

NPCIL stated that the project will significantly strengthen India’s indigenous nuclear manufacturing ecosystem while promoting advanced engineering and construction capabilities. Furthermore, it will create substantial business opportunities for Indian industries across equipment manufacturing, construction, engineering, and project execution. In addition, the project will support India’s transition to clean energy by adding reliable, low-carbon baseload electricity to the national grid.

Supporting India’s 2047 Nuclear Vision

The Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Project aligns with India’s long-term objective of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. As the country accelerates investments in nuclear infrastructure, projects such as MBRAPP are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing energy security while reducing carbon emissions. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the project, with an estimated investment of around ₹42,000 crore, will comprise four indigenous 700 MWe IPHWR reactors equipped with advanced safety features, making it one of India’s largest nuclear power developments.

DCM Shriram Limited signed a definitive agreement with Serentica Renewables India Pvt. Ltd. to develop a 58 MW peak hybrid renewable energy project for its energy-intensive chemical operations in Bharuch, Gujarat. The project represents a major step in the company’s strategy to increase the use of renewable energy and strengthen the sustainability of its manufacturing operations.

Renewable Energy Capacity to Reach 176 MW

Once the new project is commissioned, DCM Shriram’s total renewable energy capacity will increase to 176 MW (peak) across its facilities in Bharuch and Kota. As a result, the company will significantly expand its clean energy base and reduce dependence on conventional power sources. The hybrid renewable energy project is expected to become operational by June 2027.

Investment and Equity Participation

DCM Shriram Limited will invest up to Rs. 105 crores in one or more tranches. In return, the company will acquire a minimum 26% equity stake in Serentica Renewables India Pvt. Ltd. This investment will not only secure access to renewable power but also provide DCM Shriram with a strategic partnership in the development of the project.

Focus on Sustainability and Cost Efficiency

Sabaleel Nandy, Executive Director & CEO, DCM Shriram Chemicals, said the agreement marks an important milestone in increasing the share of renewable energy used in the company’s chemical operations at Bharuch. “The project is expected to help avoid nearly 0.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually while increasing the share of renewable power. In addition, since power is one of the most significant input costs, the project will improve cost efficiency, provide better visibility into long-term power costs and reduce exposure to fluctuations in conventional energy prices.” Through this initiative, DCM Shriram aims to enhance both environmental performance and operational efficiency.

Serentica to Supply Renewable Power from Solar and Wind Sources

Akshay Hiranandani, CEO, Serentica Renewables, highlighted that the partnership supports India’s industrial decarbonization efforts. “Our partnership with DCM Shriram Chemicals marks another significant step in advancing India’s industrial decarbonization journey. Through a 190 MW renewable energy project comprising solar power from Rajasthan and wind power from Karnataka, we will supply 58 MW renewable power to the DCM Shriram Chemicals Bharuch plant, enabling reliable and sustainable energy for its operations,” mentioned Hiranandani. The renewable power supplied to the Bharuch facility will be generated through a combination of solar energy from Rajasthan and wind energy from Karnataka, ensuring a stable and diversified green power source.

Strengthening the Renewable Energy Portfolio

The agreement further strengthens DCM Shriram Chemicals’ renewable energy portfolio and supports the long-term energy requirements of its Bharuch operations. Moreover, the project is expected to contribute significantly to the company’s goals of improving energy efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and building a more resilient manufacturing base. As per the press release, by expanding its renewable energy footprint, DCM Shriram continues to align its operations with India’s broader clean energy transition while enhancing the sustainability of its chemical manufacturing business.

Waaree Energies bagged an additional 212 MW solar module supply order from an international customer. With this latest award, the total order value from the same customer has increased to 562 MW. The company stated that the customer is a well-established developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects and manages a large portfolio of clean energy assets.

Module Supply Scheduled in FY 2026-27

Waaree Energies plans to execute the supply of photovoltaic (PV) modules during the 2026-27 financial year. The additional order strengthens the company’s order book and reinforces its position as a major supplier of solar modules for large-scale renewable energy projects. Waaree Energies continues to expand its manufacturing footprint in both India and overseas markets. As of early 2026, the company reported an aggregate solar module manufacturing capacity of 25.75 GW. In addition, the company has 5.4 GW of solar cell manufacturing capacity, supporting its vertically integrated solar manufacturing operations.

US Capacity Expansion Underway

Waaree Energies is also accelerating its expansion in the United States. The company plans to increase its US solar module manufacturing capacity from 1.6 GW to 4.2 GW by the end of the year. The expansion is expected to strengthen local supply capabilities and improve access to the rapidly growing US renewable energy market.

Strong Outlook for Solar Growth

The new 212 MW order, combined with ongoing capacity expansion, highlights Waaree Energies’ strategy of strengthening its presence in both domestic and international markets. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, as global demand for utility-scale solar projects continues to rise, the company is positioning itself to benefit from increased investments in renewable energy infrastructure and localised manufacturing.

Alpex Solar has applied to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for the inclusion of its 2.2 GW TOPCon G12R solar cell manufacturing facility in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II. The application marks an important step as the company prepares to launch commercial production at its new high-efficiency solar cell plant.

Commercial Production to Begin in August 2026

Alpex Solar is preparing to start production at its third-generation G12 TOPCon solar cell facility located in Kosi Kotwan, Mathura. According to the company, commercial manufacturing is expected to commence in August 2026. Notably, the plant was completed within 15 months of its announcement, reflecting rapid project execution. Once operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 2.2 GW and will significantly strengthen the company’s domestic solar cell manufacturing capabilities.

Expansion Plans Include 5 GW Ingot and Wafer Plant

As part of its long-term growth strategy, Alpex Solar is also planning to establish a 5 GW ingot and wafer manufacturing facility. The proposed plant is expected to begin operations by 2030 and will help the company achieve greater vertical integration across the renewable energy value chain. By adding ingot and wafer production, Alpex Solar aims to reduce dependence on external suppliers and strengthen its position in India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Growth Supported by Strong Execution and Demand

The company stated that its expansion continues to be supported by timely project execution, improved capacity utilisation, a healthy order book and rising demand for domestically manufactured solar equipment. These factors are reinforcing Alpex Solar’s manufacturing expansion strategy at a time when India is accelerating investments in clean energy infrastructure.

Aligned with India’s Clean Energy Push

India’s renewable energy policies increasingly favour locally manufactured solar components through initiatives such as the ALMM framework and production-linked incentives. As reported by projectstoday.ai, Alpex Solar’s new TOPCon cell facility and its planned upstream manufacturing expansion are expected to position the company to benefit from the growing demand for Made-in-India solar modules and cells.

India has chosen the first batch of biotechnology startups for funding under its ₹1 trillion Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) initiative. The move marks an important early step in the country’s strategy to accelerate deep-tech innovation and commercial biotechnology manufacturing. The selected startups include Fermbox Bio, Sea6 Energy, Revelations Biotech, 4baseCare and Telluris Biotech. The first round of funding aims to help these companies transition from laboratory research to large-scale commercial production.

Biotechnology Among the First Sectors to Benefit

The government has started deploying funds from the ₹1 trillion RDI program, and biotechnology has emerged as one of the first sectors to receive support. The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, which oversees the biotechnology component of the scheme, selected the initial projects for funding. This early allocation signals the government’s intent to strengthen India’s domestic biotech ecosystem and encourage innovation-led manufacturing.

₹450 Crore Support Planned for Initial Projects

The first group of biotech projects could receive approximately ₹450 crore in government support. However, the funding model requires participating companies to contribute the remaining project cost. This co-funding structure is designed to attract private investment while ensuring that high-potential biotech projects receive substantial public support.

Why the Funding Push Matters

The initiative is significant because it seeks to reduce India’s dependence on imported biotech products, build domestic manufacturing capabilities, accelerate commercialization of research and support emerging technologies such as synthetic biology and biofuels. Importantly, the program encourages startups to move beyond academic research and develop real-world industrial applications that can compete globally.

Part of a Larger National Innovation Strategy

The biotechnology funding round forms part of a broader national innovation plan that targets several strategic sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Space Technology, Healthcare and Energy Security. By supporting these sectors, the government aims to create a stronger innovation-driven economy and improve India’s technological competitiveness.

New Opportunities for Indian Deep-Tech Startups

For Indian startups, the ₹1 trillion RDI initiative could become a valuable source of long-term patient capital. Unlike conventional funding, deep-tech projects often require extended development timelines, significant research investment and higher risk tolerance. As reported by influence360.co.uk, sustained government support could help Indian companies scale breakthrough technologies, attract private investors and build globally competitive businesses in biotechnology and other strategic industries.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has significantly disrupted the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market across Asia, creating supply challenges for several South Asian countries. As a result, India is facing an estimated LNG shortfall of nearly 1.5 million tons (mt) per month, raising concerns about energy availability and industrial fuel supplies.

India Faces Major LNG Supply Gap

According to industry estimates, the disruption in regional LNG trade could reduce supplies to India by around 1.5 mt every month. Such a shortfall may affect sectors that depend heavily on natural gas, including power generation, fertilisers, petrochemicals and industrial manufacturing. Consequently, energy companies may need to seek alternative LNG sources or increase spot market purchases to meet domestic demand.

Asia Relies Heavily on Gulf LNG Shipments

In its latest market commentary, Wood Mackenzie highlighted the strategic importance of LNG shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz. The report noted that Asia received nearly 90% of LNG cargoes exported from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025, the route remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors and any disruption to shipping activity can immediately affect LNG availability across Asian markets.

South Asia Among the Hardest-Hit Regions

Within Asia, South Asian countries are experiencing some of the most severe impacts. Nations that rely heavily on imported LNG face heightened risks from delayed cargoes, higher freight costs and increased competition for alternative supplies. Moreover, tighter LNG availability could push regional buyers toward the spot market, potentially driving up procurement costs.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital gateway for energy exports from Gulf producers. A substantial portion of global LNG trade passes through this narrow shipping corridor before reaching Asian consumers. Therefore, geopolitical tensions in the region can quickly influence LNG prices, shipping schedules, supply security and industrial fuel availability.

Outlook for India’s Energy Market

India’s growing dependence on imported LNG makes the country particularly sensitive to disruptions in Gulf supply routes. If the current geopolitical tensions continue, importers may face higher costs and tighter supply conditions over the coming months. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, at the same time, policymakers and energy companies are likely to focus on diversifying LNG sourcing, strengthening storage infrastructure and securing long-term supply agreements to reduce exposure to regional disruptions.