From Green Buildings to Net Zero: CII–IGBC’s Green Building Congress 2026 to Shape India’s Sustainable Future

As India’s built environment expands rapidly, Green Building Congress 2026 will bring the country’s growing green-building ecosystem with government, industry, finance, and global sustainability leaders to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

The CII --Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) will host the 24th edition of its annual Green Building Congress (GBC) from 26–28 November 2026 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai

. As world’s premier event on green and net zero built environments, themed “Forging a Sustainable Future – Do Good, Feel Good. Building Greener Worlds Together,” Green Building Congress will bring together government, industry finance, academia, and the global green building community to explore how India can accelerate green-building adoption and scale solutions for a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

India’s green building ecosystem has grown significantly over the past 25 years. IGBC now has 20,000+ registered projects covering the world’s second largest green building footprint of 16.33 billion sq. ft. Till date, the Green Building Congress has welcomed more than 2 lakh participants, reflecting the growing scale of the movement and the role of GBC.

C Shekar Reddy, National Chairman, CII --Indian Green Building Council, says, “India is at a defining moment in its development journey. We are building new cities and infrastructure that will shape the country for decades to come. The question before us is not whether we should build, but how responsibly we can build. Sustainability must move from being a specialized conversation among experts to becoming a fundamental part of every development decision.For 25 years, CII–IGBC has worked to build this consciousness across governments, businesses, professionals, and citizens. Green Building Congress brings this collective responsibility together, providing a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, collaborate, and turn intent to action. I invite every stakeholder to join us at GBC 2026 and be part of India’s journey towards healthier, more resilient, and sustainable places for generations to come.”

AR Unnikrishnan, National Vice Chairman, CII --Indian Green Building Council, says, “The next phase of India’s green building journey must be about moving from commitment to scale—from individual projects to transformation across cities and infrastructure. This requires stronger collaboration between industry, government, finance, technology and academia, alongside wider adoption of high-performance and net-zero solutions.Green Building Congress 2026 will bring together the ideas, innovations, and partnerships needed to accelerate this transition and connect global knowledge with solutions that are relevant, scalable, and impactful for India.”

The 2026 edition is expected to bring together 3,000+ delegates, 10,000+ business visitors, 150+ thought leaders and 100+ institutional and industry partners, alongside a Green Building Expo. Last year’s edition recorded 1,000+ B2B meetings, 8,000+ delegates and visitors attending the 3-day event, reflecting GBC’s growing role in enabling knowledge, green innovation, and industry collaboration.

Mphasis Earns EcoVadis Silver Medal, Ranks in Top 15% Globally for Sustainability Excellence

Recognized for its commitment to sustainable and responsible business practice

Mphasis, (BSE: 526299; NSE: MPHASIS), a global AI-led, platform-driven technology solutions provider, today announced that it has been awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal for 2026, placing the company among the top 15% of more than 130,000 companies assessed globally across 200 industries and 175 countries. The company improved its overall EcoVadis sustainability score from 55 in 2025 to 75 in 2026, a 20-point increase in just over a year, reflecting the progress it has made in strengthening its environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

The rating reflects Mphasis' continued focus on responsible governance, human rights, environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. The company's improved performance across all four EcoVadis assessment pillars highlights the progress made in embedding sustainability across its operations and value chain.

• Environment: 82/100 (+34 points), revealing stronger environmental management, expanded Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reporting, measurable targets for energy, emissions and waste, and continued progress towards its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
• Labour & Human Rights: 76/100 (+21 points), indicating improvements in workplace health and safety, employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, supported by ISO 45001 certification and recognition as a Great Place to Work 2025-26.
• Ethics: 73/100 (+14 points), showcasing stronger anti-corruption practices, information security controls, whistleblower mechanisms and ethics awareness across the organisation.
• Sustainable Procurement: 67/100 (+11 points), reflecting improvements in responsible sourcing through supplier sustainability standards, ESG requirements in supplier contracts and supplier engagement programmes.

“At Mphasis, sustainability is not a standalone initiative, it is embedded in how we run our business and create long-term value. This improvement in our score reflects the progress we've made integrating ESG into our strategy, operations, and culture. While we are encouraged by this achievement, we see it as one milestone in a much larger journey. We remain committed to reducing our environmental footprint, fostering an inclusive workplace, strengthening responsible governance, and working closely with our partners to build a more sustainable future," said Deepa Nagraj, Senior Vice President & Global Head - ESG, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem, and Communications, Mphasis.

The EcoVadis Silver Medal builds on Mphasis' broader sustainability agenda. The company is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reports climate performance to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), aligns its sustainability reporting with the GRI Universal Standards, and tracks its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mphasis has also been recognised in the S&P Global Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) and the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024, reinforcing its continued commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.

Key ESG Highlights for FY 2025

• 35.03% of Mphasis' workforce comprises women, with women representing 35.06% of STEM roles.
• Met 58% of its total energy requirements through renewable sources and achieved 100% wastewater recycling across its campuses.
• Invested INR 398.14 million in community development initiatives through its CSR programmes.
• Assessed 100% of new suppliers against environmental and social criteria while managing a network of more than 5,400 active vendors.
• Delivered an average of 31.8 hours of learning and development per employee during the year.
• Large-scale ecosystem restoration projects, such as plantation of 1,00,000 trees at the Doddasagare Botanical Garden and restoration of 70 acres of mangroves.
• “One Billion Drops” initiative aims to conserve 153 million litres of rainwater by 2026 with 1,200 percolation wells.

About EcoVadis

EcoVadis is one of the world's most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, with a network of over 130,000 rated companies across 200 industries and 175 countries. The Silver medal is awarded to companies scoring in the top 15% of all assessed organisations. Scorecards are valid for 12 months from the date of publication.

Learn more at EcoVadis.com/suppliers

About Mphasis

At Mphasis, engineering has been in our DNA since inception.

Mphasis is an AI-led, platform-driven company with human-in-the-loop intelligence, helping global enterprises modernize, infuse AI, and scale with agility. The Mphasis.ai unit and Mphasis AI-powered ‘Tribes’ are focused on client outcomes and embed artificial intelligence and autonomy into every layer of the enterprise technology and process stack. Mphasis built NeoIP™, a breakthrough AI platform that orchestrates a powerful pack of AI solutions and platforms to deliver impactful outcomes across the enterprise IT value chain, as we believe ‘AI Without Intelligence Is ArtificialTM’. Mphasis NeoIP™ is powered by the Ontosphere, a dynamic and ever-evolving knowledge base, delivering continuous and constant innovation through perpetual intelligent engineering—driving end-to-end enterprise transformation.

At the heart of our approach is customer-centricity—reflected in our proprietary Front2Back™ transformation framework, which uses the exponential power of cloud and cognitive to deliver hyper-personalized digital experiences (C=X2C2TM=1) and build strong relationships with marquee clients. Our Service Transformation solutions enable enterprises to pivot from legacy systems and operations to secure, adaptive, cloud-first operating models with minimal disruption. Continuous investments in platforms, such as the Neo series, enable enterprises to stay efficient, relevant, and ahead in a dynamic AI-first world. Mphasis is a Hi-Tech, Hi-Touch, Hi-Trust company, rooted in a learning and growth culture. 

Recykal Invests ₹10 Crore in Walbha to Drive India’s Biomass Clean Energy Transition

• Strategic investment extends Recykal's behavioral change mission into sustainable industrial fuels, shifting industries from fossil fuels to clean, traceable biomass energy

Recykal, India's leading circular economy company driving behavioral change across the waste and sustainability value chain, today announced a strategic investment of ₴100 million in Walbha Industries Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of biomass briquettes and pellets. The investment marks Recykal's entry into the bioenergy value chain and extends its mission of changing how India produces, consumes, and recovers resources, this time by helping industry shift from fossil fuels to clean, farm-sourced biomass, while giving farmers a paying alternative to burning crop residue.

The partnership will connect Walbha's biomass production to Recykal's enterprise network of 620+ brands and manufacturers, many of which operate industrial boilers as part of their production processes creating an immediate demand channel for Walbha's fuel. In exchange, Walbha gains access to Recykal's technology platform and its expertise in digitising and formalising fragmented supply chains, while Recykal's brand and enterprise customers gain access to verified, lab-tested biomass fuel for their energy transition commitments. The deal will also support Walbha's planned expansion beyond its current North and Central India footprint into South Indian markets.

Abhay Deshpande, Founder & CEO, Recykal, said: "Every problem we solve at Recykal is ultimately a behavior problem. Consumers littering, brands treating sustainability as paperwork, recyclers operating in cash and opacity, industries burning coal because it's familiar and have become a habit with time. But habits change when the alternative is easier, transparent, and economically better. Walbha makes the clean fuel choice exactly that for the Indian industry, giving farmers a profitable alternative to stubble burning. That's behavioral change at both ends of the supply chain."

Vaishavi Sinha Bhasin, Co-Founder, Walbha Industries, said: "21,100+ farmers in Bundelkhand now have a verified buyer for crop residue they would otherwise burn in the open. That is what behavioral change looks like at the supply end of the chain and it is why this partnership makes sense."

Walbha operates one of the largest covered biomass production plants in North India, located in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh right in the groundnut heartland of Bundelkhand, with abundant access to agricultural residues such as groundnut shell, mustard husk, and sawdust. The company converts these residues into high-calorific-value bio briquettes and pellets that serve as a cleaner, cost-effective alternative to coal for industrial boilers, with a supply network spanning 50+ cities across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. Walbha's plant has a production capacity of 250,000 kg per day, supplies to 57 B2B industrial clients, and sources residue through a network of 21,100+ farmers. The company is an active biomass supplier to NTPC Vindhyachal and NTPC Tanda.

The global shift toward renewable energy has sharply increased industrial demand for biomass fuels. Produced from agricultural residues, sawdust, and other organic materials, bio briquettes and pellets deliver lower carbon emissions, improved combustion efficiency, and meaningful cost savings for manufacturing units, power plants, and commercial heating systems.

At its core, Recykal's work has always been about behavioral change, nudging consumers away from littering and toward responsible disposal, helping brands move from compliance checkboxes to genuinely sustainable practices, and enabling recyclers and aggregators to shift from informal, opaque trade to transparent, traceable, digital supply chains. The investment in Walbha carries this same philosophy into industrial energy: changing a decades-old habit of burning fossil fuels, and giving farmers a reason to sell crop residue rather than burn it in the open.

ABOUT RECYKAL:

Founded in 2015, Recykal is a globally recognised, Hyderabad-headquartered technology company driving behavioral change in waste management through digital platforms, Deposit Return Systems (DRS), and circular commerce of recyclable materials. The company also develops AI-enabled hardware solutions, including reverse vending machines, indigenously designed and manufactured in India, helping businesses, and governments across the globe by making material recovery measurable, scalable and economically viable. It has channelised over 30,00,000+ MT of waste by empowering 650 brands like Hindustan Unilever, Samsung, BMW etc, and more than 5000 aggregators and recyclers.

ABOUT WALBHA INDUSTRIES:

Walbha Industries is a biomass briquette and pellet manufacturer operating Uttar Pradesh's largest covered biomass production plant in Jhansi. With in-house lab testing, year-round production capability, and a farmer sourcing network, Walbha supplies groundnut, sawdust, and mustard-based briquettes and pellets to industrial clients across North and Central India.

India Inaugurates 84,000 m³ RCC Water Reservoir to Power Burnpur’s Historic IISCO Steel Plant Expansion

Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated a new 84,000 m³ RCC Water Reservoir at the IISCO Steel Plant in Burnpur, West Bengal, marking a major step in strengthening India’s oldest integrated steel facility under SAIL.

For an uninitiated, Water reservoirs are critical in steel plants because steelmaking processes require massive volumes of water for cooling, cleaning, dust suppression, and sustaining closed‑loop circulation systems. Blast furnaces, coke ovens, and rolling mills generate extreme heat. Large volumes of water are needed to cool equipment and maintain safe operations.

At IISCO Burnpur, the newly inaugurated 84,000 m³ RCC reservoir ensures water security for expansion projects, supports coke oven batteries, and strengthens sustainability by conserving resources.

Key Highlights of the Inauguration

• Capacity: 84,000 cubic metres reinforced cement concrete (RCC) reservoir.
• Purpose: Meets water requirements of COB‑10 (Coke Oven Battery) and supports the upcoming 4.08 MTPA expansion project.
• Integrated System: Includes a Booster Pump House, a dedicated Pump House for COB‑10, and a Process Water Pump House under construction.
• Closed‑Loop Circulation: Designed to maximize water conservation, minimize losses, and improve operational efficiency.

Sustainability & Industrial Impact

The reservoir is part of IISCO’s modernization drive, aligning with India’s push for sustainable steel production.

• Supports resource efficiency by establishing a closed‑loop water system.
• Enhances environmental responsibility while boosting operational performance.
• Complements flagship projects like COB‑12 (Stamp Charge Coke Oven Battery) with advanced environmental protection systems.

Performance & Expansion

• Hot Metal Production: IISCO achieved 2.9 million tonnes in FY 2025‑26.
• Capital Expenditure: Rose to ₹1,860 crore in FY 2025‑26, up from ₹689 crore the previous year.
• Expansion Projects: Focused on capacity augmentation, modernization of blast furnaces, and adoption of AI‑enabled safety systems.

Minister’s Remarks

India’s journey towards becoming a global steel powerhouse depends not only on expanding capacity but also on building modern, sustainable and technologically advanced steel plants. Every strategic investment we make today strengthens the foundation of a self‑reliant India.
— H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries

Resource efficiency and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand with industrial growth. Projects like these demonstrate how modern infrastructure can simultaneously improve operational performance and conserve precious natural resources.
— H.D. Kumaraswamy

Centre–State Cooperation

The Minister also met West Bengal’s Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, discussing stronger Centre–State coordination to accelerate industrial development, attract investments, and generate employment.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the 84,000 m³ RCC Water Reservoir at IISCO Steel Plant is a landmark in India’s steel sector modernization. It strengthens water security, supports expansion, and reflects the Government’s dual focus on industrial growth and sustainability.

Adani and France's Dioxycle to Launch India’s Ist CO₂‑to‑Chemicals Plant

Adani Enterprises has partnered with France’s Dioxycle to launch India’s first pilot plant producing formic acid from captured carbon dioxide and renewable electricity — a landmark move that marks Adani’s entry into low‑carbon chemicals. The project will be located at an Adani Group site, with plans to scale up to commercial production after successful validation.

Low‑carbon chemicals are industrial products made using renewable energy and sustainable feedstocks (like biomass or captured CO₂) instead of fossil fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They are central to decarbonizing the chemical industry, which is one of the largest contributors to global emissions.

The Adani-Dioxycle partnership combines Dioxycle’s electrically driven chemical manufacturing technology with Adani Group’s clean-energy capabilities, infrastructure platform and project execution expertise to create a new model for sustainable and cost-competitive chemical production.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• Pilot Plant: Produces formic acid using captured CO₂ and renewable electricity.
• Strategic Entry: Adani’s first step into the chemicals sector, expanding beyond energy and infrastructure.
• Technology: Dioxycle’s electrically driven process replaces fossil fuels with renewable power.
• Applications: Formic acid is widely used in textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing.
• Future Expansion: Plans to explore other chemicals for energy, packaging, and materials sectors.

Why Formic Acid Matters

• Industrial Uses: Preservative in animal feed, dyeing agent in textiles, and intermediate in chemical manufacturing.
• Sustainability Impact: Converts carbon emissions into valuable products, reducing reliance on fossil feedstocks.
• Market Potential: India’s growing demand in agriculture and textiles makes local production strategically important.

Statements from Leaders

• Jeet Adani (Director, Adani Group): “We are proud to pilot India’s first formic acid facility powered entirely by renewable electricity and captured carbon.”
• Sarah Lamaison (CEO, Dioxycle): “India offers a unique combination of renewable energy, manufacturing capability, and ambition. Together, we aim to build a scalable model for low‑carbon chemical production.”

Strategic Importance

Factor	Details
Carbon Capture	Converts emissions into chemicals, reducing industrial carbon footprint.
Economic Value	Creates cost‑effective alternatives to fossil‑based feedstocks.
India‑Europe Cooperation	Strengthens clean‑tech ties between India and France.
Job Creation	New opportunities in chemical manufacturing and renewable energy.

Risks & Challenges

• Validation Risk: Commercial scaling depends on successful pilot outcomes.
• Regulatory Approvals: Environmental and industrial clearances may delay timelines.
• Market Competition: Competing with global players in sustainable chemicals.

What This Means for India

• This partnership positions India as a pioneer in low‑carbon chemical manufacturing, aligning with its renewable energy ambitions and industrial growth.
• It’s a strategic clean‑tech story linking carbon capture, industrial innovation, and India‑Europe cooperation.

Low‑carbon chemicals represent a fundamental re‑architecture of industrial chemistry, shifting from fossil‑based to renewable, circular systems. For India, projects like Adani–Dioxycle’s pilot plant show how captured carbon can become a valuable feedstock, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable industrial innovation.

TVS Motor and IndianOil join forces to drive sustainable last‑mile LPG cylinder distribution across India

• The first batch of 65 out of a total 260 Montra Electric Rhino 5538 EV trucks was flagged off from Montra Electric's Manesar manufacturing facility, marking the commencement of a phased deployment across key industrial applications and strategic freight corridors.
• The deployment will help establish one of India's longest electrified freight corridors, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition towards zero-emission heavy commercial transportation.

TVS Motor Company, part of TVS Venu, is a leading global manufacturer of two and three-wheelers, today announced a strategic partnership with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil), India's largest integrated energy company, to strengthen last-mile LPG cylinder distribution through sustainable commercial mobility solutions.

As part of the initiative, TVS Motor Company will work with IndianOil network of over 13,000 LPG distributors across the country, enabling the adoption of the TVS King Kargo HD vehicles for doorstep cylinder deliveries. This marks an important step towards enabling cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective LPG cylinder distribution while supporting India's transition to green mobility.

Bringing together two trusted and respected organisations in their respective industries, the partnership combines TVS Motor's expertise in commercial mobility with IndianOil 's extensive distributor network to advance efficient and sustainable LPG cylinder distribution across India. The deployment of the TVS King Kargo HD range for LPG cylinder distribution is expected to reduce carbon emissions while offering IndianOil distributors a lower total cost of ownership. The initiative is designed to improve operational efficiency and profitability, while reinforcing both organisations' commitment to sustainability and the Government of India's clean mobility vision.

Commenting on the partnership, Rajat Gupta, Business Head, Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company, said, "At TVS Motor Company, we are focused on building mobility solutions that make everyday business more efficient and sustainable. Our partnership with IndianOil Corporation Limited brings together the strength of two trusted organisations to transform last-mile LPG cylinder distribution across the country. Through the TVS King Kargo range, we are enabling distributors with reliable, high-performance vehicles that help reduce operating costs, improve productivity, and support cleaner operations. This collaboration is another step towards making sustainable mobility practical, accessible, and impactful for businesses across India.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. V. C. Asokan, ED, SR & SH-TNSO, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, said, "Indian Oil has consistently been at the forefront of delivering energy solutions that power the nation's growth while embracing sustainability. This initiative represents an important step towards modernizing our LPG distribution ecosystem through sustainable mobility solutions. The induction of electric cargo vehicles will help improve fleet productivity, lower operating costs for our distributors, and contribute towards reducing carbon emissions. We believe this engagement will demonstrate how strategic industry partnerships can accelerate India's transition towards greener and more sustainable logistics."

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by senior leadership from both organisations in Coimbatore, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership to advance sustainable commercial mobility. The collaboration will commence with the first phase of vehicle deliveries to Indian Oil distributors, supporting greener, more efficient TVS Motor Company, part of TVS Venu, is a leading global manufacturer of two and three-wheelers, today announced a strategic partnership with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil), India's largest integrated energy company, to strengthen last-mile LPG cylinder distribution through sustainable commercial mobility solutions.

As part of the initiative, TVS Motor Company will work with IndianOil network of over 13,000 LPG distributors across the country, enabling the adoption of the TVS King Kargo HD vehicles for doorstep cylinder deliveries. This marks an important step towards enabling cleaner, more efficient, and cost-effective LPG cylinder distribution while supporting India's transition to green mobility.









Bringing together two trusted and respected organisations in their respective industries, the partnership combines TVS Motor's expertise in commercial mobility with IndianOil 's extensive distributor network to advance efficient and sustainable LPG cylinder distribution across India. The deployment of the TVS King Kargo HD range for LPG cylinder distribution is expected to reduce carbon emissions while offering IndianOil distributors a lower total cost of ownership. The initiative is designed to improve operational efficiency and profitability, while reinforcing both organisations' commitment to sustainability and the Government of India's clean mobility vision.

Commenting on the partnership, Rajat Gupta, Business Head, Commercial Mobility, TVS Motor Company, said, "At TVS Motor Company, we are focused on building mobility solutions that make everyday business more efficient and sustainable. Our partnership with IndianOil Corporation Limited brings together the strength of two trusted organisations to transform last-mile LPG cylinder distribution across the country. Through the TVS King Kargo range, we are enabling distributors with reliable, high-performance vehicles that help reduce operating costs, improve productivity, and support cleaner operations. This collaboration is another step towards making sustainable mobility practical, accessible, and impactful for businesses across India.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. V. C. Asokan, ED, SR & SH-TNSO, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, said, "Indian Oil has consistently been at the forefront of delivering energy solutions that power the nation's growth while embracing sustainability. This initiative represents an important step towards modernizing our LPG distribution ecosystem through sustainable mobility solutions. The induction of electric cargo vehicles will help improve fleet productivity, lower operating costs for our distributors, and contribute towards reducing carbon emissions. We believe this engagement will demonstrate how strategic industry partnerships can accelerate India's transition towards greener and more sustainable logistics."

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by senior leadership from both organisations in Coimbatore, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership to advance sustainable commercial mobility. The collaboration will commence with the first phase of vehicle deliveries to Indian Oil distributors, supporting greener, more efficient last-mile LPG distribution across India.

The TVS King Kargo HD platforms combine superior power with advanced technology, offering several segment-first and best-in-class features. Designed for commercial applications, the platforms provide reliable and efficient solutions for last-mile cargo transportation. LPG distribution across India.

The TVS King Kargo HD platforms combine superior power with advanced technology, offering several segment-first and best-in-class features. Designed for commercial applications, the platforms provide reliable and efficient solutions for last-mile cargo transportation.

Voltas Subsidiary Partners with Italy’s Danitech to Modernize Indian Textile Industry

Universal MEP Projects & Engineering Services Limited (UMPESL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Voltas Limited, a Tata Enterprise, has entered into a strategic agency agreement with Danitech Group, a global leader in advanced textile dyeing, finishing, and automation solutions. Danitech Group is represented in this partnership by Danitech Engineering & Solutions Srl (Italy) and its subsidiary Suzhou Danitech Intelligent Technology (China).

Under the agreement, UMPESL will serve as the exclusive partner for the promotion, sales, technical consultancy, and after-sales support of Danitech’s products and integrated solutions across India. The collaboration will operate in close alignment with Danitech’s global headquarters, ensuring seamless delivery of world-class technologies to Indian customers.

This partnership brings together Danitech’s cutting-edge engineering capabilities with UMPESL’s strong market presence, proven project execution expertise, and robust nationwide service network.

With over seven decades of experience, UMPESL has established itself as a trusted provider of end-to-end textile solutions, covering the entire value chain from spinning to garmenting, supported by world-class engineering and customer-centric services.

The strategic alliance is set to significantly strengthen the Indian textile industry’s access to advanced processing technologies, smart automation systems, and energy-efficient solutions, alongside reliable lifecycle service support. This reinforces the strong alignment between both organisations in advancing innovation, improving operational efficiency, and fostering sustainable growth across the sector.

UMPESL has been appointed as the exclusive partner to drive promotion, sales, technical consultancy, and after-sales support for the complete range of solutions from Danitech Engineering & Solutions Srl (Italy) and Suzhou Danitech Intelligent Technology, working in full synergy with Danitech’s global headquarters.

The agreement was formally signed by Mr. Danilo Cagnazzi, Chairman, Danitech, and Mr. Pradip Roy, Head – Textile Division, UMPESL, in the presence of Mr. B. Saikumar, Head – Post Spinning, UMPESL, and Ms. Jie Yin, CEO, Danitech.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives from both companies highlighted the importance of the partnership in supporting the modernization and competitiveness of the Indian textile sector.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Pradip Roy, Head – Textile Division, UMPESL said: “We are proud to partner with Danitech to further strengthen our textile technology portfolio. This collaboration enables us to bring advanced, future-ready and sustainable processing solutions to our customers across India, backed by our decades of domain expertise and service excellence.”

Mr. Danilo Cagnazzi, Chairman, further added: “India represents a key strategic market for Danitech’s global growth. This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to the country and our focus on delivering integrated, automated, and sustainable textile solutions. We look forward to building a strong and enduring relationship with UMPESL.”

Danitech reaffirms its long-term commitment to India, placing strong confidence in UMPESL as a strategic partner to drive its next phase of growth. Recognising India as a key pillar in its global expansion, the Group looks forward to a collaborative, enduring partnership built on shared expertise, technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and mutual industrial progress.

Tata Power Launches Vidyut Dhaara, a Social Impact Expression, With a Vision to Empower a Billion Lives

• Vidyut Dhaara embodies the Company's commitment to creating meaningful social impact deeply embedded into its business purpose of providing sustainable, affordable, and innovative energy solutions.
• Created in collaboration with Swarathma and Music Boutique, the film is a sparkling musical mosaic of inclusion, opportunity, livelihoods epitomising the endless possibilities unlocked by flowing energy.

Where does the energy we generate truly flow? For most people, the journey of energy ends when a light turns on, a machine starts running, or a home is powered. For Tata Power, that journey continues much further. It continues into classrooms where young minds discover new possibilities. Into livelihoods that help families build a better future. Into communities that become more inclusive, resilient, and empowered. And into collective efforts that create a more sustainable tomorrow.

As Tata Power's footprint expanded across geographies and businesses over its century-long legacy, so did the stories of impact emerge from the energy ecosystem it powers every day.

Vidyut Dhaara was conceived as a unified expression of these stories - a reflection of Tata Power's vision to empower a billion lives through sustainable, affordable and innovative energy solutions, and of its promise to power not just homes and industries, but a billion aspirations, every hour, every day, for life.

Rooted in the belief that social impact is not separate from business but a natural extension of it, Vidyut Dhaara carries the same conviction that runs through every part of the Company's operations and reflects how the flow of energy creates value beyond electricity: through learning, livelihoods, inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Through Vidyut Dhaara, Tata Power reaffirms its commitment to powering not just homes, industries, and businesses, but also aspirations, opportunities, and sustainable futures, carrying forward its Founder Jamsetji Tata's belief that a business holds its wealth in trust for the community it serves. The film marks a new chapter in the Company's purpose led storytelling journey, bringing alive the transformative role of energy in shaping lives and communities across India.

Vidyut Dhaara reflects how energy powers aspirations beyond the grid. The expression is introduced through an original film and title song that weave together stories of opportunity, resilience, inclusion, and sustainable progress.

At the heart of the film is Dhaara, a young protagonist whose journey threads through classrooms, workshops, fields, and communities - tracing, quite literally, where energy goes once it leaves the grid. As she moves from one story to the next, her journey becomes a lens into the many ways energy transforms lives: opening doors to skill and opportunity, turning entrepreneurship into independence, making space for inclusion, and inspiring a generation to protect the planet they will inherit.

Set against the backdrop of Tata Power's legacy hydro landscapes and the renewable future being built through solar, hydro, and wind energy, the film seamlessly weaves together stories from some of the Company's flagship initiatives. These include Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), which equips youth with green jobs and power sector skills; Anokha Dhaaga, Tata Power's flagship micro collective capacity building and entrepreneurship initiative that creates sustainable livelihoods; Pay Autention, a pioneering initiative focused on neurodiversity awareness, inclusion, and empowerment; and Club Enerji, Tata Power's long standing energy and sustainability literacy programme that inspires young minds to become champions of conservation and climate action.

To bring Vidyut Dhaara to life as an immersive experience, Tata Power partnered with Swarathma, the contemporary folk-rock band known for blending storytelling with social consciousness. The collaboration resulted in an original composition that serves as the narrative thread of the film, carrying viewers through stories of hope, resilience, and transformation.

Tata Power’s commitment to sustainable progress extends directly into its clean energy roadmap. The Company has committed to increasing the share of clean and green capacity in its portfolio to 70% by 2030 - a goal that makes the language of sustainable progress something the Company can be held to, not just something it speaks to. Vidyut Dhaara is the human face of that same transition, a reminder that the shift toward cleaner energy and the shift toward more inclusive, empowered communities are, in fact, the same journey.

At its core, Vidyut Dhaara embodies Tata Power's belief that sustainable progress is created when business purpose and community aspirations move forward together.

Link of the video: https://webappsprd.tatapower.com/content/video/links/vindex715.html

Modi and Jetten Elevate India–Netherlands Ties with New Defence, Semiconductor, and Cybersecurity Roadmaps

India and the Netherlands have elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership, with defence technology and climate sustainability emerging as the twin pillars of their 2026–2030 roadmap.

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Rob Jetten Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the Netherlands on 16-17 May 2026. This marked PM Modi’s second visit to Netherlands.

Defence & Technology Collaboration

• Defence Industrial Roadmap: Co‑development and co‑production of advanced defence equipment, systems, and components through technology transfer and joint ventures.
• Cybersecurity Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration in cyberspace, focusing on countering cyber threats, cybercrime, and building secure ICT environments.
• Semiconductor Partnership: Dutch Semicon Competence Centre linked with India’s Semiconductor Mission, supported by NXP, ASML, Tata, and CG Semi.
• Emerging Technologies: Joint research in AI, quantum computing, photonics, and space applications, with academic partnerships between IITs and Dutch universities.

Climate & Sustainability Partnerships

• Green Hydrogen Roadmap: Accelerates production, usage, and export of green hydrogen, leveraging India’s potential and Dutch renewable expertise.
• Circular Economy: Collaboration on industrial circularity, waste‑to‑value projects, and resilient urban systems.
• Renewable Energy Cooperation: Joint Working Group overseeing projects in solar, hydrogen, and energy storage.
• Water Management: Cooperation on Namami Gange, delta management, wastewater reuse, and a Centre of Excellence at IIT Delhi.

Key Highlights Table

Area	Initiatives	Impact
Defence	Industrial Roadmap, joint ventures, tech transfer	Strengthens military self‑reliance, EU‑India defence ties
Cybersecurity	Annual consultations, cyber school, LoI on cyberspace	Enhances resilience against cybercrime & threats
Semiconductors	ISM–Dutch Semicon Centre, IIT–Dutch university MoUs	Builds trusted supply chains, talent pipelines
Green Hydrogen	India–Netherlands roadmap	Accelerates clean energy transition
Circular Economy	Waste‑to‑value, RECEIC partnerships	Promotes sustainable urban systems
Water Management	Namami Gange, IIT Delhi Centre of Excellence	Advances climate‑resilient water solutions

Risks & Considerations

• Implementation Complexity: Defence collaboration requires harmonizing regulations and standards.
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Semiconductor and critical minerals partnerships must address disruptions.
• Energy Transition Challenges: Scaling green hydrogen demands infrastructure investment and policy alignment.
• Climate Resilience: Water and circular economy projects hinge on sustained funding and adoption.

Compass Group India and Global Food Partners Drive Cage‑Free Egg Production and Farmer Training

Global Food Partners (GFP), a global consultancy helping food businesses achieve higher animal welfare standards in their supply chains, today announced it has supported Compass Group India, a leader in food services, to drive cage-free egg production and support local farmers in India.

According to the Release of Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025 (2024–25) published by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, the country is the world’s second-largest producer of eggs, with total production estimated at 149.11 billion eggs in 2024–25, reflecting steady year-on-year growth. However, an Ernst & Young report titled Transitioning to Cage-Free: A Roadmap for Corporates in the Egg Supply Chain highlights that a significant share of this production still relies on conventional battery cage systems, underscoring both the urgency and the opportunity to transition towards higher-welfare egg production practices.

Due to limited cage-free supplies and regional market gaps, Compass Group India is using cage-free credits to offset a portion of its caged egg purchases. GFP administers the Impact Incentives programme; cage-free credits enable food businesses to directly support egg farmers making a sustainable transition to cage-free production—while helping to build and secure future supply.

Compass Group has initially purchased around 4,000 cage-free credits in India, with each credit offsetting the purchase of 1,000 caged eggs—a total of four million eggs. The funds for this credit purchase go directly to three farms in India—U and V Agro, Hensway India, and Happy Hens Farm—to expand their cage-free capacities and invest in their logistics networks.

Via Compass Group Foundation, Compass Group India and other partners have also launched a new cage-free and free-range training centre with GFP as technical partner. The training centre, located outside of Bangalore, will support local farmers in their transitions to cage-free systems, teach best practices in egg production and management, and help farmers achieve long-term sustainability and profitability in their industry.

“Compass Group India has shown enormous leadership and innovation in not only their own cage-free commitments, but also in driving substantial, foundational change in how eggs are produced and supplied throughout India,” said GFP CEO Elissa Lane. “Their commitment to responsible sourcing extends to the new training centre that meaningfully supports farmers and strengthens the nation’s food system.”

Compass Group has published a complete Animal Welfare Progress Report for 2026 with more details.

Other industry giants that have adopted Impact Incentives as part of their cage-free strategy include Kellanova, Best Western Hotels, Lagardère Travel Retail, and PizzaExpress. By sourcing cage-free eggs whenever possible, and using cage-free credits to address any supply-chain shortfalls, companies can report 100 percent compliance with cage-free mandates. GFP currently focuses on egg production throughout Asia, and has capabilities in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Latin America.

About Compass Group India

Compass Group India is a subsidiary of Compass Group PLC, the world’s leading provider of contract food and support services. Compass Group India has been serving the Indian Workplace, Education and Healthcare market needs since 2008 through corporate cafeterias, global capability centres (GCCs), manufacturing-led demand, and technology-led services. Its sector-focused businesses give its clients access to unrivalled experience, global best practices, and market-leading innovations.

About Global Food Partners

Global Food Partners (GFP) is a Singapore-based consulting company dedicated to helping food and hospitality businesses achieve cage-free sourcing, and egg producers to implement and optimise cage-free production practices. GFP operates across Asia, including in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and India.

CSIR-CBRI Hands Over 13 Breakthrough Technologies to Industries and Start-ups

On National Technology Day 2026, CSIR-CBRI Roorkee transferred 13 breakthrough indigenous technologies to industries and start-ups, strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

CSIR‑CBRI (Central Building Research Institute), Roorkee, is India’s premier research institute dedicated to building science and technology, established in 1947 under CSIR. It develops innovative solutions for construction, housing, disaster mitigation, fire safety, and sustainable infrastructure.  

Event Overview

• Occasion: National Technology Day, May 11, 2026
• Organizer: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi
• Focus: Technology transfers by CSIR-Central Building Research Institute (CSIR-CBRI), Roorkee
• Outcome: 13 indigenous technologies formally handed over to industries and start-ups

Speakers emphasized that these transfers highlight India’s growing research strength and its role in nation-building through technology-led growth and self-reliance.   

Key Technologies Transferred

Technology	Application Area	Impact
Fire-resistant transparent intumescent coating	Wood & substitutes	Enhances fire safety without compromising aesthetics
IPN coating technology	RCC structures	Protects reinforced concrete from corrosion & degradation
Low-carbon footprint brick manufacturing	Sustainable construction	Reduces emissions, supports eco-friendly building
Hybrid solar-assisted heat pump system	Energy efficiency	Cuts energy costs, promotes renewable integration
Prefabricated high-strength steel cord reinforcement	Wall protection	Improves resilience of infrastructure against stress

These innovations target fire safety, green construction, and energy-efficient infrastructure, aligning with India’s sustainability goals.   

Leadership Insights

• Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar (Director, CSIR-CBRI): Emphasized the significance of transferring indigenous technologies on National Technology Day.
• Dr. Ajay Chaurasia (Programme Coordinator, CSIR-CBRI): Highlighted industry-oriented dissemination to accelerate innovation-led development.
• Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (DG, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR): Stated that science and innovation are key drivers of India’s journey to becoming a developed nation.

Additional Highlights

• Release of CSIR Smart Village Initiative video showcasing rural development and sustainable technologies.
• Launch of Annual Report 2025–26 of CSIR-CBRI.
• Vote of thanks by Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, followed by the National Anthem.

Strategic Significance

• Nation Building: Strengthens India’s innovation ecosystem and supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Sustainability: Promotes eco-friendly construction and energy-efficient solutions.
• Industry Collaboration: Bridges research outputs with industrial applications.
• Global Positioning: Positions India as a hub for affordable, indigenous, and socially relevant technologies.

Apple Pledges ₹100 Crore to Power India’s Green Energy and Startup Revolution

Apple has announced a ₹100 crore investment in India to expand renewable energy and support green startups, partnering with CleanMax and WWF‑India. The initiative will add over 150 MW of clean energy capacity—enough to power 1.5 lakh households annually—and provide catalytic support to six early‑stage enterprises in waste management, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy solutions.

Key Highlights of Apple’s India Green Push

• Investment Size: ₹100 crore (initial phase).
• Renewable Energy Capacity: 150 MW, powering ~150,000 households annually.
• Partners:
  • CleanMax → Renewable energy developer for solar and wind projects.
  • WWF‑India → Recycling and plastic waste recovery initiatives.
  • Acumen → Supporting six early‑stage green startups.
• Focus Areas: Renewable energy, waste management, regenerative agriculture, circular economy, plastic pollution reduction.
• Global Goal: Apple aims to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030.
• Impact on India’s Clean Energy & Startup Ecosystem
• Boost to Renewable Infrastructure: Large‑scale solar and wind projects will strengthen India’s clean energy adoption, especially across Apple’s supply chain.
• Startup Support: Six early‑stage enterprises will receive grants, mentorship, and strategic guidance to scale sustainable solutions.
• Waste Management Expansion: WWF‑India’s collaboration with Saahas Zero Waste in Goa will now extend to Coimbatore and other regions, improving recycling traceability and reducing plastic leakage.
• Supply Chain Sustainability: Apple’s India partners (Foxconn, Tata Electronics) will benefit from increased renewable energy integration.

Quick Comparison of Apple’s Initiatives in India

Initiative	Partner	Scale/Impact	Focus Area
Renewable Energy Expansion	CleanMax	150 MW capacity, 1.5 lakh households	Solar & wind infrastructure
Green Startup Support	Acumen	6 startups	Waste mgmt, agriculture, circular economy
Plastic Waste Recovery	WWF‑India + Saahas Zero Waste	Expansion from Goa to Coimbatore	Recycling, pollution reduction

Risks & Challenges

• Execution Timeline: Large‑scale renewable projects often face delays due to land acquisition and regulatory approvals.
• Startup Viability: Early‑stage green startups may struggle with scalability and funding beyond Apple’s initial support.
• Supply Chain Integration: Ensuring suppliers adopt renewable energy consistently across India could be complex.

Why This Matters for India

• Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing import dependence in clean energy.
• Aligns with India’s 500 GW non‑fossil fuel target by 2030.
• Encourages green entrepreneurship, creating jobs and innovation in sustainability sectors.

At Apple, our commitment to the environment is also a driving force for innovation — across the company and around the world, said Sarah Chandler, Apple’s vice president of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation. We’re proud to expand our efforts to invest in India’s clean energy economy and protect the country’s precious natural resources

Tata Power, Keppel and Tata Realty Partner to Deliver AI‑Driven Cooling‑as‑a‑Service at Intellion Park, Chennai

• 12,100 TR Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) deployment to reduce facility energy consumption by over 20%
• AI- and ML-driven Operations Nerve Centre to enable real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and dynamic performance optimisation
• Collaboration brings together complementary expertise to establish CaaS as a scalable model for large and ultra-large commercial and industrial developments in India

Tata Power Trading Company Limited (TPTCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power, in collaboration with Keppel Limited’s Infrastructure Division (Keppel), has partnered with Infopark Properties Limited (IPL), a unit of Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited (TRIL), to deploy a large-scale CaaS solution at Intellion Park in Chennai.

Intellion Park spans 25.27 acres, comprising both special economic zones (SEZs) and non-SEZs, and is strategically located in Taramani’s IT corridor. With a total installed capacity of 12,100 TR (tonnes of refrigeration), the project is scheduled to go live in October 2026 under a 15-year contract. Engineered with high-efficiency equipment, intelligent controls, and optimised lifecycle operations, the solution is expected to reduce the facility’s overall energy consumption by ~20%.

At the core of the solution is an AI- and ML-driven Operations Nerve Centre (ONC), patented by Keppel, which enables real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and dynamic performance optimisation to enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across the facility.

Intellion Park sources green power from Tata Power, and the addition of CaaS further strengthens its integrated, low-carbon energy ecosystem. Over time, the partnership is expected to extend to the broader heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, including the low-side air-handling systems, unlocking additional efficiency gains, improving occupant comfort, and enabling a more holistic approach to energy optimisation.

Tata Power, along with consortium partner Keppel, provides innovative, reliable, and low-carbon Cooling-as-a-Service solutions which are scalable, premium, and future-ready. These grow with the clean energy needs, require no upfront investment, and integrate with emerging technologies to deliver seamless, sustainable, and cost-efficient cooling.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, said: “Anchored in the India Cooling Action Plan, India’s commercial real estate sector is a fast-growing source of energy demand, driven by rising cooling needs. In this context, optimal cooling solutions are a critical lever, especially as the country continues to record peak power demand year after year. Tata Power is leveraging its expertise and innovative models such as Cooling-as-a-Service to deliver efficient, low-carbon cooling at scale. Its partnership with Keppel and TRIL at Intellion Park demonstrates how integrated solutions combining clean energy and advanced cooling can accelerate decarbonisation, enhance efficiency, and deliver long-term value. The company is well positioned to scale these capabilities further through Utilities-as-a-Service and Energy-as-a-Service offerings for real estate, data centres, GCCs, and other C&I customers.”

As TRIL advances its ambition to expand its portfolio to approximately 30 million sq. ft. over the next five years, with a focus on its net-zero goals by 2045, Tata Power and Keppel are well-positioned to support this journey through their complementary and integrated energy capabilities.

Mr. Sanjay Dutt, MD & CEO, Tata Realty and Infrastructure Limited, added: “This agreement marks a fundamental shift in how we design, operate, and sustain modern commercial assets - from ownership-led infrastructure to a performance-driven, service-led model where outcomes define success. By bringing together Tata Power's operational discipline, Keppel's global leadership in Cooling-as-a-Service, and Tata Realty's long-term asset stewardship, we are creating a platform that blends local execution with global technical excellence. This is not just a cooling contract - it is a blueprint for how forward-looking organizations collaborate to deliver better operational outcomes, superior user experience, and long-term environmental value.”

Beyond Intellion Park, Tata Power and Keppel have jointly secured additional Cooling-as-a-Service projects and are building on a robust pipeline of opportunities. These span commercial real estate and specialised industrial facilities including data centres and advanced manufacturing as well as district cooling systems for master-planned cities and large mixed-use developments such as airports.

Ms Cindy Lim, CEO of Keppel’s Infrastructure Division, said: “Cooling is no longer a standalone utility and is becoming core to how the built environment and commercial assets are designed, operated, and decarbonised. Through Cooling-as-a-Service, Keppel brings together engineering excellence and lifecycle operations to deliver efficient, reliable, and more sustainable cooling. Our proprietary AI- and ML-enabled Operations Nerve Centre will continuously optimise Intellion Park’s energy performance in real time, thus enhancing energy efficiency, system resilience, and cost outcomes.Together with Tata Power and Tata Realty, we are establishing a scalable model to deploy Cooling-as-a-Service at scale to meet rapidly growing demand, including across the Tata Group’s portfolio as it advances towards its net-zero ambitions.”

According to the International Energy Agency, India is expected to become the world’s largest consumer of space cooling by 2050. In this context, future-facing solutions such as Cooling-as-a-Service will play a critical role in supporting India’s energy transition and sustainability goals.

GVFL Leads ₹13.3 Crore Funding in Surat’s Canvaloop, Turning Farm Waste into Textiles

GVFL, Gujarat’s pioneer venture capital firm, has announced a lead investment of ₹10 crore in the Rs 13.3 crore fund flow into Canvaloop, the Surat-based innovating textile startup that converts agricultural waste into high-performance textile material. The remaining Rs 3.3 crore has been pumped in by Mumbai-based Rockstud Capital.

Canvaloop, founded in 2020 by Shreyans Kokra, addresses textile pollution by transforming crop residues into spinnable material, including HempLoop, FlaxLoop, BanLoop, NettleLoop, and PineLoop. Engineered for ‘adoption-first’ compatibility with existing mills, these materials ensure seamless sustainability.

The fresh capital of Rs 13.3 crore will drive growth by boosting production from 30 tonnes to 300 tonnes per month, assembling an elite team, and pioneering regenerative cellulose R&D. It will accelerate Canvaloop’s mission to transform the textile industry’s sustainability landscape, making eco-friendly materials mainstream and commercially viable.

GVFL Managing Director Mihir Joshi emphasized the strategic fit: "Canvaloop exemplifies the scalable innovation Gujarat startups are delivering in deep-tech sustainability. With its founder, Shreyans Kokra’s vision, we are excited to fuel their journey from a local waste-to-fiber pioneer to a global supply chain backbone. This investment aligns with GVFL’s commitment to high-impact ventures driving environmental and economic value.”

On the investment of Rs 3.3 crore, Abhishek Agarwal, Managing Partner at Rockstud Capital, said: “India’s manufacturing future will be shaped by founders rethinking materials and supply chains. Canvaloop’s ability to convert agricultural waste into textile-grade materials shows how sustainability and industrial innovation can go hand in hand. We think such solutions are vital for the shift to circular manufacturing in global supply chains.”

Canvaloop founder Shreyans Kokra said,

GVFL’s lead investment, along with the money from Rockstud Capital, supercharges our vision. It proves sustainable textile material can be practical and profitable.

According to Kokra, the textile and fashion industry’s path to net zero is increasingly being shaped by raw material choices, and there is a focus on cutting greenhouse-gas emissions from fiber and raw material production by 45% by 2030. “This is exactly where Canvaloop aligns with the focus. He stated, "We transform agricultural waste into textile-grade materials and yarns using proprietary low-impact technology. Our climate-friendly, closed-loop process eliminates the use of solvents, recycles water, and utilises bio-waste as a heat source."

Canvaloop has served 200+ clients, generated revenue, and validated commercial viability. It targets mass-premium/luxury segments with proprietary processing for consistent, cost-effective quality. Over the next 6-12 months, the startup aims for 10x production, new launches, and a path to global wardrobe presence in seven years.

Honeywell and IIT Bombay Establish CoE to Advance Sustainability Skills and Innovation in India

• Partnership to skill over 100,000 students in sustainability fields by 2030 through industry–academia collaboration

Honeywell (NASDAQ:HON) today announced an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to establish a new Centre of Excellence at the Institute’s Powai campus that will help skill more than 100,000 students by 2030 in sustainability-related fields.

The IIT Bombay - Honeywell Centre of Excellence for Future Skills & Innovation (IITB-Honeywell CoE) will be created and fully funded by Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation (HHSIF) – Honeywell’s philanthropic arm in India. The IITB-Honeywell CoE will offer advanced laboratory infrastructure, equipment procurement, curriculum design and research and innovation grants.

In its pilot phase over the next two months, the IITB-Honeywell CoE will focus on establishing core infrastructure, developing a specialized curriculum and training a first phase of 250 students. The IITB-Honeywell CoE will offer certificate-based programs featuring coursework and hands-on projects aligned with real-world sustainability challenges. It will benefit undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from across the country. Following the pilot phase, subsequent phases are expected to engage nearly 20,000 students per year during the partnership, through the IITB-Honeywell CoE’s structured curriculum.

As India digitally transforms its economy and critical sectors such as energy, it faces a growing shortage of sustainability professionals with cross-disciplinary, technology-driven skills. According to the Economic Survey 2023-24[i], India aims to create 3.4 million jobs in the green sector by 2030. The renewable energy industry alone faces a deficit of 1.2 million skilled workers, a number that could swell to 1.7 million by 2027, according to TeamLease[ii]. The IITB-Honeywell CoE will address the growing demand for skilled sustainability professionals by combining classroom learning with applied research across five learning tracks: Sustainability Reporting, Sustainable Finance, Energy Security, Sustainability Infrastructure and Policy Advocacy.

“Skilling our workforce is central to building a future-ready and sustainable India. Our collaboration with IIT Bombay reinforces Honeywell’s commitment to developing high-quality talent across sustainability fields, as India accelerates growth through its AI-powered digital economy,” said Ashish Modi, President, India and Asia Pacific, Honeywell. “Honeywell’s new CoE aligns with this digital transformation and will equip students with the right industrial skills to support long-term economic growth with sustainability at the core.”

The IITB-Honeywell CoE’s course structure, applicable through 2030, requires each student to complete 40 hours of training across the five learning tracks. Classroom programming and applied research will be jointly delivered by the IIT Bombay faculty and industry specialists and supported by Honeywell employees through volunteer mentorship, technical guidance and career-readiness training.

“IIT Bombay has always emphasized translating academic excellence into societal impact,” said Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare, Director, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. “The establishment of our Centre of Excellence with Honeywell strengthens that mission by giving students experiential learning beyond the classroom, enabling them to engage meaningfully with real-world sustainability challenges that are critical to India’s future.”

The partnership with IIT Bombay is a defining milestone under Honeywell India’s flagship ‘Saksham’ skilling initiative. Under Saksham, STEM students nationwide are trained in AI, cybersecurity and sustainability, while the IIT Bombay collaboration will focus specifically on sustainability-skilling through the IITB-Honeywell CoE.

Performance-Based Environmental Governance: Andhra Pradesh Introduces Recognition-Linked Incentives for GreenCo and IGBC Projects

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board introduced a structured incentive framework to encourage industry participation in the GreenCo Rating System. Under this mechanism, units holding valid GreenCo ratings became eligible for a one-year extension of Consent to Operate (CTO), subject to the absence of reported noncompliance during the consent period. GreenCo-rated units were also accorded formal recognition through annual State-level awards, while products manufactured by such units were positioned to receive preference in State Government tendering processes, in line with applicable procurement policies. Additionally, rated companies were provided enhanced visibility through exclusive mentions on the official websites of APPCB and CII GreenCo, highlighting their sustainability achievements and environmental performance.

Under the APPCB–IGBC facilitation framework, building projects in Andhra Pradesh pursuing or achieving IGBC certification were made eligible for a range of incentives, including streamlined and fast-tracked processing of Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO), prioritized regulatory clearances to minimize procedural delays, and a one-year extension of CTO for eligible IGBC-certified Hotels, Hospitals (Red Category), and large Township/Area Development projects. In addition, certified projects received formal recognition and enhanced visibility through APPCB platforms, reinforcing a performance-linked regulatory approach that rewards sustainable building practices.

At the APPCB–CII Andhra Pradesh Conference on “Circular Economy & Green Industry: Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Resource Efficiency” held in Visakhapatnam, the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) announced a structured set of recognition-based incentives and regulatory facilitation measures to encourage industries to participate in the GreenCo Rating System. The initiative marked a strategic shift toward performance-driven environmental governance, aimed at rewarding industries that demonstrate measurable improvements in resource efficiency and sustainability.

Addressing the gathering, Dr P Krishnaiah, I.A.S (Retd.), Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, outlined the Board’s intent to differentiate and incentivize environmentally responsible industries. “APPCB is committed to moving beyond a compliance-only framework toward a performance-driven regulatory model. Industries that achieve GreenCo ratings and demonstrate measurable excellence in energy efficiency, water stewardship, waste reduction, and circular practices will receive recognition-based incentives and regulatory facilitation from the Board.” He further stated “Our objective is to create a positive reinforcement mechanism where environmental leadership is acknowledged and supported. By linking GreenCo performance with facilitative measures, we aim to encourage industries to voluntarily exceed statutory requirements and embed sustainability into core operations.”

The incentive framework announced by APPCB included regulatory facilitation for higher-rated GreenCo industries, enhanced visibility and formal recognition, and structured engagement mechanisms to promote best practice replication across industrial clusters. The measures were designed to reduce procedural uncertainties, reward transparent environmental performance, and foster healthy competition among industries.

Speaking on the broader sanitation and circularity agenda, Sri Pattabhi Ram, Chairman, Swachh Andhra Corporation, emphasized the importance of industrial participation in resource circularity. “Circular economy cannot be achieved without active industry participation. Incentivizing industries through credible rating systems such as GreenCo strengthens accountability and drives measurable impact in waste reduction, recycling, and material recovery. Recognition-linked facilitation sends a strong signal that sustainability leadership will be institutionally supported.” He added, “When industries see tangible regulatory benefits tied to environmental performance, sustainability transitions from being a cost centre to becoming a strategic advantage.”

Highlighting the technical robustness of the framework, Sri N Muthusezhiyan, Deputy Executive Director, CII Green Business Centre, noted that the GreenCo Rating System provided a comprehensive metrics-based pathway for industries to improve across critical sustainability parameters. “GreenCo enables industries to benchmark and enhance performance across energy productivity, renewable energy adoption, water efficiency, waste management, material conservation, and green supply chains. APPCB’s incentive-linked approach creates a powerful multiplier effect by aligning regulatory facilitation with measurable sustainability outcomes.” He further observed, “Andhra Pradesh has set an important precedent by formally recognizing environmental performance as a criterion for regulatory engagement. This approach will accelerate the adoption of structured sustainability frameworks and position the State as a leader in performance-based environmental governance.The announcement underscored Andhra Pradesh’s intent to integrate circular economy principles into mainstream industrial regulation. By embedding incentives within a credible sustainability rating framework, APPCB reinforced its commitment to promoting resource-efficient, responsible, and globally competitive industries across the State.

Amazon India Teams with IIT Roorkee to Curb Stubble Burning Through Crop-Waste Packaging

• Research collaboration develops strong, durable paper mailers from agricultural waste to reduce reliance on virgin wood pulp and address stubble-burning challenges

Amazon India today announced a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to develop innovative packaging materials from agricultural waste. This project aims to create non-wood paper technology that diverts agricultural waste from burning while reducing pressure on virgin wood pulp. These lightweight yet strong packaging materials offer recyclable and home-compostable alternatives to traditional wood pulp paper or plastic bags.

The research will focus on converting crop residues such as wheat straw and bagasse into high-quality pulp for paper mailers with performance comparable to conventional paper packaging. This helps reduce stubble burning in India by turning agricultural waste into valuable packaging material. It also reduces dependency on imported virgin wood pulp and could create additional income for farmers by providing a market for agricultural residues.

The collaboration with IIT Roorkee’s Department of Paper and Packaging Technology will begin with lab-scale development and testing over a 15-month period. Subject to successful performance tests, Amazon will provide support to progress to industrial trials, process validation, and commercial production by mid to late next year.

Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India said “At Amazon, we are building and managing India’s fastest, safest, and most reliable operations network, and we’re committed to making it more sustainable. As part of this effort, we’re partnering with IIT Roorkee to develop innovative packaging from crop residue. India generates nearly 500 million tons of this waste annually, and by repurposing it into packaging, we can support a more circular economy while reducing reliance on conventional materials."

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director IIT Roorkee said, "Sustainability is no longer a choice, it is an urgent national priority. This collaboration between IIT Roorkee and Amazon is a step towards realizing India’s vision of a circular economy, aligned with government missions such as Swachh Bharat, Startup India, and the National Resource Efficiency Policy. By transforming agricultural residues into biodegradable packaging materials, we are addressing the twin challenges of stubble burning and a reliance on virgin materials in India, while creating scalable solutions that can benefit industries, farmers, and society at large. This initiative showcases how academic research and industry partnerships can accelerate India’s journey towards a more sustainable, and self-reliant future.”

Dr. Anurag Kulshreshtha from the INNOPAP Lab (Innovations in Paper and Packaging) at the Department of Paper and Packaging Technology at IIT Roorkee, Saharanpur Campus will be leading this research project.

As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce packaging, Amazon ships more than 50% of all customer orders in India either in their original packaging or with reduced packaging. The company ships customer orders in product packaging to more than 300 cities across the country. Since 2019, Amazon India has eliminated 100% of single-use plastic from its packaging across fulfillment centers.

Amazon India is committed to powering our operations more sustainably. The Climate Pledge is Amazon’s goal to reach net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040. We’ve worked fast and made impactful progress over a short period of time, including through investments in carbon-free energy, packaging innovations, electrification of our transport network, circularity improvements, and AI. Amazon has set a goal to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit aboutamazon.in and follow @AmazonNews.

Tata Power, LSE Launch AI-Powered Energy Insights Lab to Drive India’s Clean Energy Transition

• The Energy Insights and Innovation Lab (EIIL) will leverage data, behavioural science, and AI for smarter power solutions.
• The MoU sets roadmap for demand-side management, and consumer-centric innovation

Tata Power, one of India’s largest vertically integrated power companies, has launched the Energy Insights & Innovation Lab (EIIL) today at its Mumbai based headquarters. This strategic research initiative is designed to harness cutting-edge research, data and experimentation to support India’s clean energy transition while improving the quality, reliability, and affordability of electricity services for consumers across India.

The EIIL is a collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the International Growth Centre (IGC), a global research centre based at LSE. The Lab aims to address pressing challenges in India’s power sector. These range from managing peak electricity demand to enabling deeper renewable energy integration in a way that is reliable, affordable, and aligned with India’s net-zero goals.

The Lab was inaugurated by Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power; Prof. Robin Burgess , Professor of Economics and Director of IGC and EEE Research Program, LSE; Dr. Jonathan Leape, Executive Director, IGC in the august presence of HM Harjinder Kang, Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. Also, present at the ceremony, Dr. Chetan Ghate, Professor, ISI and IGC ISGH.

The inaugural ceremony also marked the signing of an MoU between Tata Power, LSE and IGC to co-develop scalable solutions for the power sector through evidence-based approaches and global best practices.

System-level modelling + consumer-level insight

The Lab will leverage consumer behavioural science, data analytics, and energy systems modelling to test practical solutions at scale. It will focus on applied pilots that use smart meter and IoT data to improve demand-side management and grid resilience.

The initiative will explore how advanced analytics, and behavioural insights can help shift or smooth peak electricity demand in urban households, reducing stress on local networks while maintaining consumer comfort.

The partnership aims to expand the Lab into a full-scale innovation hub with enhanced funding, institutional partnerships, and a broader mandate - including support in tariff designing for regulatory approvals, consumer flexibility, distributed renewables, and energy equity.

India’s electricity demand is surging, driven by industrial growth, lifestyle requirements (cooling and heating requirements), digital infrastructure like data centres, electric mobility et al. In such a scenario, efficiency and system flexibility are increasingly critical to lower procurement costs and facilitate renewable energy integration. The EIIL is designed precisely for this moment. It brings together consumer behavioural science, data analytics, and systems modelling, to test real-world interventions, measure what works, and help utilities and governments turn those insights into scalable and sustainable energy solutions and strategies.

New UK–India research partnership - how it works

EIIL will have a dedicated analyst team co-located at Tata Power’s Mumbai headquarters, working closely with LSE and IGC researchers. The collaboration reflects a model of UK–India partnership where global academic expertise is integrated with on-the-ground industrial capability to solve shared development challenges. LSE and IGC bring international research expertise, while Tata Power contributes operational capabilities, a diverse customer base, and a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Tata Steel & constructsteel Launches Climate-Resilient Zero Energy Building Using Advanced Steel Technology

ZEB Odisha

• 1,836 sq. ft. next-generation facility, completed in 3.5 months
• Showcases India's pathway to sustainable, climate-resilient construction

Tata Steel, in partnership with constructsteel, the steel construction market-development programme of the World Steel Association, inaugurated a pioneering steel-based Zero Energy Building (ZEB) constructed using advanced Light-Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) technology.

T V Narendran, CEO & Managing Director of Tata Steel, inaugurated the 1,836 sq. ft. facility in the presence of Dr Edwin Basson, Director General of the World Steel Association (worldsteel). Built in just 3.5 months, the facility represents a significant step in India’s move towards net-zero, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The steel-based zero energy building reflects the future of construction,” commented T V Narendran. Our partnership with constructsteel showcases how modern, energy-efficient, and low-carbon solutions can be replicated at scale across India and integrated into mainstream infrastructure.

ZEB Inauguration

The LGSF technology, where precisely manufactured steel sections are assembled like a frame, allows the building to achieve a tight envelope with minimal air leakage, better insulation, and reduced energy loss. Steel makes the structure lighter, faster to build, and highly durable, while its recyclability ensures lower long-term environmental impact.

Designed to produce as much energy as it consumes, the steel-based ZEB combines ultra-low operational energy demand with on-site renewable energy generation, achieving annual net-zero energy use. The building uses high-performance glazing, well-insulated walls & roof panels, and natural ventilation wherever possible. To generate clean power on-site, it uses rooftop solar panels and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). The building also includes rainwater harvesting and low-flow fixtures to optimise water consumption.