Author: Neel Achary

Indore SEZ Exports Rise 10.5 pc to Cross INR 14,000 Crore in FY26

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Indore’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) recorded a steady growth in exports, with shipments rising by around 10.5% to reach ₹14,302 crore in the financial year 2025–26, despite global economic uncertainties.

Officials from the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the growth was supported by strong order pipelines from overseas buyers. They noted that even amid disruptions caused by shifting US tariff policies and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, export momentum remained largely resilient.

The performance highlights the continued strength of export-oriented industries operating out of the Indore SEZ, which have maintained consistent demand in international markets.

Sensex Drops Over 700 Points Amid Global Uncertainty

New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): Indian equity markets ended lower on Monday, with benchmark indices slipping nearly 1% amid rising global tensions and concerns over crude oil prices.

The decline came after reports of stalled US-Iran negotiations, which heightened fears of a prolonged geopolitical conflict and its potential impact on global energy markets.

The BSE Sensex dropped 702.68 points, or 0.91%, to close at 76,847.57. During intraday trade, it fell as much as 1,681.93 points, or 2.16%, to touch 75,868.32.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty declined 207.95 points, or 0.86%, to settle at 23,842.65.

Market analysts said rising uncertainty in global crude oil prices added pressure on investor sentiment, leading to broad-based selling across sectors.

EU Sustainability Governance: A Solid Foundation for the Rapid Expansion of the Hydrogen Sector

The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East once again highlight the importance of an energy supply free from fossil fuels. Renewable hydrogen is a key component in finding a way out of this dependency and achieving climate targets, including for energy-intensive sectors. A new policy paper from the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) brings good news in this regard: in the EU, as in other countries, there are already governance frameworks in place that can be built upon – and which promote a rapid yet sustainable ramp-up of the global hydrogen economy. Join the online event about this topic and publications on the 15th of April 2026, 10:00 to 11:00 AM (CEST). 

Green hydrogen has great potential to replace fossil fuels in energy-intensive industries such as the steel and chemical sectors. However, the roll-out of the hydrogen economy must happen quickly, as the climate crisis demands urgent action. At the same time, hydrogen offers opportunities for value creation, particularly in countries with abundant renewable energy resources. 

However, hydrogen production also carries environmental and social risks: for example, expanding hydrogen production capacity could exacerbate existing water shortages. This is because more than 60 per cent of the global onshore production potential of renewable hydrogen is located in regions facing water scarcity. 

The recently published policy paper “Strengthening Sustainability Governance for a Rapid Hydrogen Ramp-Up” by Rainer Quitzow and Maximilian Rischer builds on an assessment of sustainability governance mechanisms in the hydrogen sector across various countries. The conclusion: “The rules and mechanisms do not need to be completely reinvented,” says researcher Maximilian Rischer – “as frameworks for environmental and social considerations already exist in other areas, such as development banks, which need to be adapted to the hydrogen sector.” 

Sustainability governance (see figure) also helps to ensure transparency and fair competition by ensuring that all economic actors adhere to the same standards and safeguards.

Finally, this policy paper proposes four measures at international and EU level that not only make governance structures more effective in supporting sustainability goals, but also strengthen capacities along the value chain. 

1.  Recommendation: Develop guidelines for hydrogen to implement sustainability-related due diligence 

Guidelines for hydrogen to implement sustainability-related due diligence can help companies gain access to finance whilst strengthening efforts to mitigate environmental and social risks. A joint initiative by the major multilateral development banks and key private financial institutions to develop such guidelines for the hydrogen sector could help establish a global benchmark for this purpose.

2. Recommendation: ISO standard for hydrogen sustainability

In addition to the development of sector-specific guidelines, the introduction of an ISO standard for assessing sustainability in the hydrogen sector could further support the harmonisation and alignment of approaches over time. It also provides certainty for project developers in times of potential regulatory changes. In Germany, a draft sustainability standard for hydrogen has already been developed by the national standards institute DIN, which could be adopted at the international level. 

3. Recommendation: Promote best practices in sustainability, capacity building and knowledge sharing

The promotion of best practices in the field of sustainable hydrogen production, combined with capacity building and knowledge sharing, can strengthen the ability of project developers to develop credible and cost-effective approaches to meeting sustainability criteria and due diligence obligations. Stakeholders such as the International PtX Hub are already playing an important role in this regard.

4. Recommendation: Ensuring a level playing field through robust certification systems

Ensure a level playing field for all economic operators by having the European Commission implement the established monitoring and reporting obligations.

Study defining sustainability governance

In their study “Governance for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy. A Review of the Current State of Play”, published concurrently and forming the basis for this policy paper, the authors examine approaches from various regions in detail. For the first time, the two authors define what sustainability governance entails – a definition that is not limited to the hydrogen economy but can also be applied to other sectors.

Firstly, it encompasses government strategies, rules and regulations designed to ensure sustainability in the hydrogen sector. These include direct requirements for actors in the hydrogen value chain, as well as regulations aimed at creating transparency regarding specific economic activities.

Furthermore, there are sustainability-related rules and framework conditions that apply to the financing of hydrogen-related facilities. This may concern government support programmes as well as financing by public and private financial institutions.

Standards and certification systems serve as the basis for defining and verifying sustainability requirements or claims. These are intended to be core elements of a developing, sustainability-oriented quality infrastructure in the hydrogen sector.
Finally, high-level principles and initiatives serve as reference points for sustainability governance mechanisms and provide guidance to actors along the value chain towards more sustainable practices.

The authors’ conclusion: The European Union’s existing sustainability governance framework provides a basis for the sustainable expansion of the hydrogen sector. To be effective, therefore, there is no need for a multitude of new instruments or mechanisms. Rather, the next step requires targeted adjustments and additions to drive forward the expansion of a sustainable hydrogen sector.

Berger Paints Responds to India’s Heat Challenge with ‘Garmi Gone, Thandak On’ Home Cooling Solutions Range

Apr 13: As temperatures continue to climb year after year, staying cool is no longer just about comfort, it is becoming a daily challenge for millions of households across India. Against this backdrop, Berger Paints India Ltd., the country’s second-largest paint company and a leader in protective coatings, has introduced a more intuitive and immersive way to tackle rising heat through its Home Cooling Paints Range. This is supported by a nationwide campaign, Garmi Gone, Thandak On’, which promotes smarter and more energy-efficient ways of living.

Recognizing that a significant amount of heat enters homes through walls, roofs, and structural openings, Berger Paints’ Home Cooling range offers a practical solution through innovative products such as Berger Anti Dustt Kool and Berger Roof Kool & Seal, which are designed to reduce heat absorption across walls and rooftops. The range also includes Berger Tank Kool, which addresses an often-overlooked source of heat—black synthetic water tanks that tend to overheat during peak summers. Together, the range provides a holistic approach to lowering indoor temperatures at the source.

At the heart of the campaign lies a simple but powerful idea, smarter cooling must go beyond air conditioning. By addressing heat ingress at its origin, Berger Paints is positioning its solutions as not only effective and accessible, but also as a more sustainable alternative to energy-intensive cooling methods. The solutions can help reduce surface and ambient temperatures by up to 10°C, making them especially relevant for heat-prone regions and cost-conscious households.

Taking this commitment a step further, Berger Paints is extending its cooling solutions to underserved communities through a partnership with Smile Foundation. As part of this initiative, the company will undertake a school beautification programme across 30 government schools in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. By applying heat-reflective coatings to school buildings, the initiative aims to lower indoor temperatures and create more comfortable, heat-resilient learning environments, particularly critical during peak summer months when extreme heat can impact attendance, concentration, and overall student well-being.

The rollout will focus on some of India’s most heat-affected regions, aligning with the growing urgency around climate adaptation. As weather patterns continue to shift, Berger Paints’ Kool range signals a broader transition in how India approaches cooling by moving from reactive solutions to preventive ones. It is a step that combines innovation with purpose, helping households and communities better cope with increasingly harsh summers.

Mr. Abhijit Roy, MD & CEO of Berger Paints India Limited, said, “At Berger Paints, we have always believed in staying ahead of consumer needs, and as we are known to launch industry first innovative products, we understand the evolving challenges households face in heat-prone regions. With our Home Cooling range, we are looking at addressing heat where it begins, rather than where it is felt. Through ‘Garmi Gone, Thandak On’ campaign, we want to drive a larger behavioral shift towards more sustainable and accessible cooling practices, while also extending this impact to communities through our partnership with Smile Foundation.”