IISc and C-MET named Centres of Excellence for critical minerals

29 Oct 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Mines has recognised two additional institutes — the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Hyderabad — as Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). This adds to the seven institutes already designated as CoEs.

The decision was approved by the Project Approval and Advisory Committee (PAAC) during its meeting on 24 October 2025, co-chaired by Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, and Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.

Critical raw materials form the backbone of supply chains in emerging sectors such as clean energy, electric mobility, electronics, defence, and space. To ensure technological self-reliance, the CoEs will focus on developing, demonstrating, and deploying end-to-end technologies that can reach higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 7–8) through pilot-scale and pre-commercial projects.

Each Centre of Excellence will function as a consortium under a Hub-and-Spoke model, pooling the core competencies of its member institutions to strengthen research and innovation in critical minerals. As per the CoE guidelines, each hub institute is required to include at least two industry partners and two R&D or academic collaborators in its network.

The nine recognised CoEs have collectively brought together around 90 partners from academia, industry, and research organisations, creating a nationwide collaborative framework for advancing India’s capability in critical mineral research and technology.

Infrastructure Urban

29 Oct 2025

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..