The Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) has awarded Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) a ₹12,800 crore EPC contract for the construction of two 700 MWe nuclear reactors in Karnataka. The contract, the largest ever placed by NPCIL, was awarded using the Quality-cum-Cost-Based Selection method.

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has received Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) an EPC contract worth ₹12,800 crore for the construction of two 700 MWe nuclear reactors in Karnataka, designated as Kaiga Units 5 and 6. This is MEIL’s first project in the nuclear energy sector and the largest-ever order placed by NPCIL.

To ensure a balanced evaluation of both technical excellence and cost-effectiveness, NPCIL adopted the Quality-cum-Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method for the first time in awarding this contract. MEIL was selected over other major contenders, including BHEL and L&T, for its robust technical proposal and competitive pricing.

The official purchase order was handed over to Shri Ch. P. Subbaiah, Director (Projects), MEIL, and his team at NPCIL’s headquarters in Mumbai. The occasion marked a significant milestone for MEIL as it takes on a pivotal role in India’s nuclear energy expansion.

MEIL’s leadership expressed full confidence in the team’s ability to execute the project on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency. With a strong track record in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects across India and abroad, MEIL enters the nuclear sector with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose.

This project reinforces MEIL’s strategic entry into nuclear energy and highlights its growing contribution to India’s energy security and infrastructure development.

With over 40 Indian exhibitors already registered for EMO Hannover 2025, the event would be step toward deepening global partnerships and driving technological progress.

EMO Hannover, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology, officially kicked off its EMO World Tour 2025 in Pune, India. The preview event marked the beginning of a high-impact engagement series across India, bringing together metalworking, automation, additive manufacturing, software, and precision tools industries. 

Organized by VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) and Deutsche Messe AG, EMO Hannover has been a global platform for innovation and international collaboration in the manufacturing industry for over 50 years.

The Pune event brought together esteemed panelists including:

• Rajesh Nath, Managing Director, VDMA India
• Dr. Markus Heering, Executive Director, German Machine Tool Builders’ Association
• Christian Pfeiffer, Senior Vice President Sales, Deutsche Messe AG
• Mohini Kelkar, Director Business Development, Grind Master Machines Pvt. Ltd.
• Nishikant Ahire, Managing Director, Ahire Machine Tools Pvt. Ltd., Nashik

According to IMTMA (Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association), the Indian machine tool industry was valued at INR 12,500 crore in FY 2023. India stands as the 9th largest producer and 4th largest consumer of machine tools globally. Germany holds the position of the third-largest supplier to India with a 10% market share, while also being the biggest exporter of machine tools globally, with exports worth 8.2 billion euros.

Dr. Markus Heering and Christian Pfeiffer shared an overview of EMO Hannover 2025 and the city of Hannover, highlighting its relevance and opportunities. Mohini Kelkar and Nishikant Ahire shared their experiences of exhibiting and visiting EMO over the years, encouraging the gathering to explore this global technology platform and networking opportunity.

In 2025, EMO celebrates 50 years of Innovating Manufacturing—a remarkable milestone that underscores its legacy of industry leadership.

Following Pune, the EMO World Tour – India, organized by VDMA India, will travel to Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi in the coming days.

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd is set to manufacture high-performance magnets for India’s first indigenous MRI scanner, reducing reliance on imported medical imaging equipment. The project, led by the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research, will begin in the upcoming financial year.

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd is set to enter the medical technology market by developing and manufacturing high-performance magnets for India’s first indigenous MRI scanner. The project is being led by the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an R&D institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Paras Defence will produce the MRI system’s core magnets, among the most complex and expensive components, marking a significant step toward reducing India’s reliance on imported medical imaging equipment and advancing self-reliance in critical healthcare technologies.

The MRI magnet technology has been co-developed by Paras Defence in collaboration with the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) and international experts to ensure compliance with global performance standards. Manufacturing will be carried out at Paras Defence’s Ambernath facility, with production scheduled to begin in the upcoming financial year. The first 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner is expected to begin clinical trials at AIIMS New Delhi by October. The initiative is projected to reduce procurement costs by up to 30%, making diagnostic imaging more affordable and accessible across India.

Munjal Shah, Managing Director, Paras Defence, said, “This initiative will redefine India’s capabilities in medical technology. By developing critical MRI components domestically, we are reducing import dependence and also contributing to innovation in global healthcare solutions.”

The project is expected to strengthen India’s medical devices industry, generate skilled employment opportunities, and attract investment in advanced healthcare infrastructure. Paras Defence also plans to explore global markets for the export of MRI-grade magnets.

ABB India’s Nelamangala campus in Bangalore has achieved Mission to Zero™ status, achieving 100% renewable electricity (RE100) and using digital tools to improve energy efficiency. The facility has reduced its own Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 92%, diverted over 99% of waste from landfills, and recycled 88% of its water.

ABB India’s campus in Nelamangala, Bangalore, has achieved Mission to Zero™ status, realising its goal to use 100% renewable electricity (RE100) and using cutting-edge digital tools to improve on-site energy efficiency. Additionally, reducing its own Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 92%, the facility diverts more than 99% of its waste from landfills and recycles 88% of its water.

ABB Nelamangala location, which delivers electrification motion, robotic and automation solutions for a variety of industries, is ABB’s second Mission to Zero™ site in India. Mission to Zero™ is part of ABB’s global sustainability journey to deliver net-zero emissions and more sustainable operations at all facilities. The aim is to create a network of decarbonised facilities around the world, all leading the shift to low-carbon, energy-efficient, and circular operations.

Saju SR, Senior Vice President of ABB Electrification, Smart Power Division, said, “The transformation of our Nelamangala facility is a key part of our commitment to sustainability and supports India’s vision for more sustainable manufacturing. We’ve empowered our local team to create an innovative approach to reduce emissions and waste. Water stress is a key challenge in the region, so the team has also focused on water recycling and rainwater harvesting, helping to replenish local groundwater levels by more than 30 metres.”

Since early 2022, the ABB Nelamangala site has operated on RE100 due to a solar power purchase agreement with third-party providers, reducing Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 92% compared to a 2019 baseline. The site has improved its overall energy efficiency by using ABB’s latest digital technologies for monitoring and optimising energy use.

Working together in teams, employees conduct energy audits, monitor emissions, and collaborate on creative projects to reduce waste, optimise packaging and introduce new recyclable materials. Today, more than 99% of the waste generated on-site is either recycled with authorised third parties or processed through waste-to-energy recovery rather than going to landfills.

Nelamangala became ABB’s first water-positive site in 2021 by adopting the 6R Approach, which includes 6 key strategies for sustainable water management: rainwater harvesting, reuse, reduction, recycling, real-time monitoring, and result assurance. The site consistently returns more freshwater to the environment than it uses. Today, 88% of the site’s water is recycled on-site, while rainwater harvesting to reduce run-off has contributed to an increase in local groundwater levels by more than 30 metres over the past three years.

Dynamatic Technologies Limited and Deutsche Aircraft have opened a rear fuselage assembly line for the 40-seater D328eco® turboprop aircraft at their Bengaluru facility. The move marks the transition from collaborative design and development to serial production, highlighting India’s growing role in the global aerospace supply chain.

Dynamatic Technologies Limited and Deutsche Aircraft have officially opened the rear fuselage assembly line for the 40-seater D328eco® turboprop aircraft at Dynamatic’s advanced aerospace facility in Bengaluru. The inauguration marks the transition from collaborative design and development to serial production, highlighting India’s growing role in the global aerospace supply chain. The programme stems from a strategic partnership established in 2024 and further strengthened at Aero India 2025, reaffirming both companies’ commitment to innovation and green aviation.

Tobias Gotthardt, State Secretary of the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, inaugurated the assembly line in the presence of Nico Neumann, Co-CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, and Udayant Malhoutra, CEO and Managing Director of Dynamatic Technologies.

Gotthardt described the partnership as a model of innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation. Neumann emphasised the project’s role in strengthening the global supply chain and supporting sustainable aviation, particularly in connection with India’s UDAN regional connectivity initiative. Malhoutra highlighted the alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reaffirmed Dynamatic’s capabilities in precision aerospace manufacturing.

The dedicated assembly line will produce rear fuselage components for the D328eco®, reinforcing India’s position as a reliable manufacturing hub for high-performance aircraft structures. Developed by Deutsche Aircraft, the D328eco® is designed for efficient, low-emission regional transport and incorporates advanced technologies to meet future sustainability standards.

The initiative also promotes technology transfer, high-skilled employment, and talent development, further integrating Indian manufacturing into the global aerospace ecosystem. With serial production now underway, the Bengaluru facility is set to play a crucial role in the D328eco® programme and may open doors to future expansion and deeper collaboration in the aerospace sector.

Panasonic Life Solutions India has appointed K V S Sanjay as the Vice President and Head of the Solar and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Business. Sanjay will lead the strategic growth and operations of Panasonic’s Solar and EV Charging business in India and select global markets.

Panasonic Life Solutions India, an electrical solutions provider, appoints K V S Sanjay as the Vice President and Head of the Solar and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Business.

With over 25 years of experience across the solar energy and telecom sectors, he has held leadership roles at major organisations such as Reliance, Luminous, Tata, and Airtel, where he led key projects in renewable energy and infrastructure development.

In his new role, Sanjay will lead the strategic growth and operations of Panasonic’s Solar and EV Charging business in India and select global markets. He will focus on expanding the company’s market presence and building strong partnerships to support its clean energy goals. His efforts will also contribute to Panasonic’s long-term vision of a greener and more sustainable future. At a time when India’s renewable energy and electric mobility sectors are growing rapidly, his appointment further strengthens Panasonic’s leadership in this space.

Welcoming him to the company, the leadership at Panasonic Life Solutions India shared, “We are delighted to have Sanjay on board. His deep industry knowledge and strategic vision will be key in scaling our solar and EV initiatives. We look forward to building a strong and future-ready energy portfolio under his leadership.”

Gabriel India Limited is venturing into the European bicycle industry with a focus on innovative suspension technology. This move marks the company’s strategic diversification beyond the automotive sector, targeting the growing demand for advanced mobility solutions in the cycling space.

Gabriel India Limited, a leading manufacturer of ride control products, is making a strategic entry into the European bicycle industry with a new line of high-performance suspension forks and shock absorbers designed to meet the demands of modern cyclists.

Backed by decades of expertise in automotive suspension systems, Gabriel India aims to cater to key bicycle segments such as city bikes, mountain bikes, cargo bikes, and SUV-style bicycles. The new product range will combine advanced spring-damping technology with lightweight, durable fork structures engineered for seamless integration into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) models.

Atul Jaggi, Managing Director of Gabriel India, said, “With bicycles becoming a vital mode of eco-friendly urban transport, the European market holds immense potential. Our proven track record in suspension technology enables us to deliver high-value solutions to both OEMs and retailers.”

The upcoming suspension series is built on innovations developed through Gabriel India’s extensive automotive R&D. The products will feature enhanced damping response, robust sealing systems, and long-term durability, ensuring reliable performance across varied and challenging riding conditions, including urban streets, rugged trails, and heavy-load applications.

To lead this new venture, Gabriel India has appointed Andreas Wildgrube, a seasoned expert in the global bicycle industry, to head its bicycle division. “Urbanisation and the surge in e-bike adoption are transforming the cycling landscape,” said Wildgrube. “Our suspension systems are designed to meet these evolving needs with sustainable, performance-focused engineering.”

This expansion represents a key milestone in Gabriel India’s strategic diversification, aligning its engineering strengths with emerging global mobility trends. The move supports environmental sustainability while unlocking new growth opportunities in international markets.

Rio Tinto and AMG Metals & Materials have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a low-carbon aluminium project in India, powered entirely by renewable energy. The project aims to produce up to 1 million tonnes per annum of primary aluminium and 2 million tonnes of alumina, using wind and solar energy and hydropumped storage.

Rio Tinto and AMG Metals & Materials (AMG M&M), promoted by the founders of Greenko and AM Green, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of an integrated low-carbon aluminium project in India, powered entirely by renewable energy.

The study will evaluate the feasibility of establishing a facility capable of producing up to 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of primary aluminium and 2 Mtpa of alumina. The proposed operations would rely on wind and solar energy, supported by hydropumped storage. The initial phase of the project will focus on developing a 500,000 tonnes per annum aluminium smelter at a strategically selected site in India.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive Jérôme Pécresse described the MoU as a key step in expanding the company’s low-carbon aluminium portfolio while exploring new project delivery models in emerging markets. He noted that India’s rapid economic growth and strategic importance make it an ideal location, aligning with Rio Tinto’s long-term vision for a more diverse and resilient global aluminium business.

As part of the study, AMG M&M will collaborate with Greenko to develop a firmed renewable energy solution, while Rio Tinto will assess a commercially viable alumina supply chain. The study will also compare multiple smelting technologies to identify the most efficient and cost-effective approach for the project.

Mahesh Kolli, Group President of AMG M&M and Greenko, said, “This collaboration extends their decarbonisation efforts into the materials sector. He emphasised that the project could deliver scalable, low-carbon aluminium to support global sustainability goals across key sectors such as automotive, construction, and consumer packaging.”

India’s Smartphone Exports Cross ₹2 Lakh Crore Milestone; iPhone Alone Contributes ₹1.5 Lakh Crore for the FY 24-25 and Samsung likely surpassed the ₹25,000 crore production target set by PLI scheme.

Electonics sector has impressive growth trajectory. In the last financial year, smartphone exports surpassed ₹2 lakh crore, with iPhone exports alone accounting for approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore. Over the past decade, electronics production has grown five-fold and exports have grown more than six-fold, with export CAGR exceeding 20% and production CAGR over 17%. ET reported that Samsung is likely to get the prize money of ₹1,000-1,200 crore for completing the target production worth ₹25,000-30,000 crore under PLI scheme. Samsung manufactured more than 45 million handsets in the tenure, each phone worth more than ₹15,000, to be eligible for the incentives. The filing for the grants in under way by Samsung. The incentives will prove to be a huge boost for the “Make in India” and encourage global players to focus on Indian electronic manufacturing, brining in more investments.

Within a short time, the electronics manufacturing ecosystem—comprising component manufacturers and a diverse range of players—has developed substantially. Today, there are more than 400 production units, both big and small, manufacturing a variety of components.

Reflecting global industry trends, the India’s journey in electronics manufacturing has evolved through distinct phases: beginning with finished goods, progressing to sub-assemblies, and now entering the critical phase of deep component manufacturing. The sector is steadily advancing into this third phase, which marks a significant leap in value addition, self-reliance, and ecosystem depth.

The Ministry of  Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY) also recently notified the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme for positioning India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing. The Scheme is in continuation of the recent Cabinet decision. 

Focus on horizontal expansion and component manufacturing

Outlining the structure of the scheme, it is designed as a horizontal initiative with benefits spanning multiple sectors such as consumer electronics, medical devices, automobiles, power electronics, and electrical grids, thereby creating a strong multiplier effect across the economy.

The scheme focuses particularly on passive electronic components, which will be supported under the new initiative. In contrast, active components fall under the purview of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The indicative list of passive components includes resistors, capacitors, connectors, inductors, speakers, relays, switches, oscillators, sensors, films, lenses, and many more—underscoring the depth and breadth of the scheme.

Support for capital equipment and tooling industry

Recognizing the importance of precision tools and capital goods in manufacturing, Shri Vaishnaw announced that the scheme will also support the design and manufacturing of capital equipment used in electronics production. “Just like the Semiconductor Mission encouraged companies like Applied Materials and Lam Research to invest in India, this scheme will promote a similar model for the electronics component ecosystem,” he said. Chemical and gas majors such as Linde has already begun establishing facilities in India, and several global players are in discussions to join the ecosystem.

Tailored incentives to reflect sector needs

The electronic component manufacturing typically requires higher investment and has a longer gestation period compared to finished goods. Accordingly, the scheme will offer three incentive structures: i)Turnover-linked incentive ii) Capex-linked incentive iii)Hybrid incentive model

Anil Ghegade has been appointed as Managing Director of Sandvik’s Innovation Hub in Pune, India. Ghegade is expected to drive significant technological innovation and business transformation, making the Pune hub a key pillar in Sandvik’s global innovation ecosystem.

Anil Ghegade has been appointed Managing Director of Sandvik’s newly launched Innovation Hub in Pune, India. With an impressive track record of leadership in the manufacturing, industrial products, and off-highway machinery sectors across the U.S. and Asia-Pacific, Ghegade brings extensive global expertise to the role.

His broad experience spans operations, business strategy, and advanced research and development, making him exceptionally well-suited to lead this strategic initiative. He is widely recognised for successfully establishing and scaling innovation centres both in India and internationally.

Sandvik’s Innovation Hub aims to accelerate creative development and deliver cutting-edge, future-ready solutions. Ghegade’s leadership is expected to drive significant technological innovation and business transformation. The Innovation Hub in Pune is set to become a key pillar in Sandvik’s global innovation ecosystem.