India’s chemical and manufacturing sectors are increasingly embracing green chemistry principles to reduce environmental impact while remaining globally competitive. It highlights the shift toward safer solvents, energy-efficient processes, waste minimisation, and renewable feedstocks as industries respond to tighter regulations and ESG expectations. The article emphasizes that sustainable manufacturing is not just environmentally necessary but also economically strategic, helping companies cut costs, improve resource efficiency, and access international markets with stricter sustainability standards. However, it notes that wider adoption requires stronger policy support, industry–academia collaboration, innovation investment, and skill development. Overall, the piece argues that green chemistry can position India as a leader in sustainable industrial growth if backed by long-term commitment and systemic change.

Sustainability has shifted from a peripheral CSR activity to a core strategic concern for corporate boards. Driven by climate risks, regulatory pressures, investor expectations, and evolving consumer preferences, companies are increasingly integrating ESG considerations into governance, risk management, and long-term strategy. The article highlights that boards are now focusing on climate disclosures, supply chain resilience, sustainable finance, and accountability metrics, recognizing that environmental and social performance directly impact financial outcomes and brand value. It concludes that sustainability is no longer optional, it is a leadership and governance imperative essential for competitiveness, resilience, and stakeholder trust in a rapidly changing global economy.

Sustainability initiatives can only achieve large-scale impact if they are financially viable and commercially attractive. Naresh Tyagi of the Indian Chemical Council (ICCS) stresses that while environmental responsibility is critical, businesses will adopt green practices more widely when they align with profitability, cost efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. The article underscores the need for policy support, innovation, and industry collaboration to create market-driven sustainability solutions, particularly in energy transition, resource efficiency, and circular economy practices. It concludes that making sustainability economically practical is essential for accelerating India’s broader climate and industrial goals.

The rapid growth of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and questions whether its expansion is financially sustainable. While UPI has revolutionized digital payments with record transaction volumes and widespread adoption, much of its growth has been supported by government incentives and subsidies for banks and fintech players. The piece highlights concerns that zero merchant discount rates (MDR) and reliance on state-backed incentives may strain public finances and limit long-term viability. Industry experts argue that for UPI to remain sustainable, policymakers may need to rethink revenue models, cost-sharing mechanisms, and private sector participation, ensuring innovation and infrastructure growth without excessive fiscal dependence.