Solar Policy Update: India’s MNRE eased ALMM approvals by letting higher-watt solar PV module variants (up to 3% above an already-listed model) be enlisted without a fresh factory inspection, as long as the same facility and production line are used. Renewables Supply Chain: JSW Energy commissioned a 600 MW-equivalent wind blade plant in Halol, Gujarat (450 blades/year) and is advancing another in Karnataka to strengthen domestic supply and cut logistics risk. EV Battery Tech: EMO Energy launched an intelligent battery platform for heavy commercial EVs, targeting up to 800V systems and sub-30-minute charging with thermal management and predictive diagnostics. Materials & Manufacturing Scale-Up: Grasim approved a $323m (Rs 3,094 crore) Phase II Lyocell expansion in Karnataka, adding 110,000 tpa capacity with commissioning starting in 2028. Industrial Innovation Funding: Bengaluru’s Helionis Labs raised pre-seed funding to develop printable dielectric materials and additive manufacturing for insulated metal substrates, with plans for certifications and a pilot plant. Quality & Compliance: BETMAT promoted kinetic chromogenic LAL reagents and workflow guidance for quantitative endotoxin testing in pharma QC. Automation & AI for Industry: Algebra AI launched in Dubai with $7m to build managed, custom AI systems for midmarket firms, including manufacturing. Trade & Geopolitics: The Pentagon expanded its list of Chinese firms it says support the military, naming Alibaba, Baidu and BYD. Labor & Policy Pressure: Swiss business and unions are mobilizing against a proposed immigration cap, warning it could worsen labor shortages that underpin sectors like construction and healthcare.