8JUNE, 2026TOP STORIESHPCL and Tata Motors have partnered for a used lubricant pilot project, marking a fresh push toward sustainable waste management in India's automotive sector.The collaboration aims to create an organised system for collecting, storing, and recycling used automotive lubricants, helping reduce environmental risks and strengthen circular economy practices in the country.The pilot project is expected to address a growing challenge in the automobile industry -- the safe disposal of used lubricants. Waste oils generated from vehicles often enter informal disposal systems, which can harm soil and water if not handled properly.Through this initiative, the two companies plan to introduce a more structured and traceable process to ensure used lubricant recycling is carried out responsibly. The partnership comes at a time when industries are increasingly focusing on sustainability and environmentally responsible operations. Toyota Kirloskar Motor's decision to anchor a global "BizIntel Hub" in Karnataka's upcoming KWIN City is less about incremental capacity and more about repositioning India in the global automotive value chain. The investment of Rs 1,200 crore over five years, while modest compared to full-scale manufacturing plants, carries disproportionate strategic weight: it signals a pivot from assembly-led growth to intelligence-led mobility ecosystems.At its core, the proposed hub spanning 300 acres with vehicle manufacturing and testing capabilities sits at the intersection of engineering, data, and product validation. This is where the story diverges from a conventional investment announcement. Toyota is not merely expanding footprint; it is embedding decision-making capabilities closer to a market that is rapidly evolving in complexity, regulation, and consumer behavior. India must target 60% edible oil self-sufficiency, according to Wilmar International Chairman Kuok Khoon Hong, who believes the country needs to reduce its heavy dependence on imports and strengthen domestic production to ensure long-term food security in India.With edible oil demand in India steadily rising, industry leaders say the country can no longer rely heavily on global markets that are often affected by supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating prices.Speaking about India's growing edible oil demand, Kuok highlighted the importance of increasing local oilseed cultivation to reduce the country's import burden. India currently imports a large share of its edible oil requirements, including palm oil imports, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, making it vulnerable to sudden price changes in international markets.According to Kuok, India should aim to become at least 50­60% self-sufficient in edible oils over time. He stressed that a stable and long-term policy framework from the government would encourage farmers to invest more confidently in oilseed farming in India. India's mine block operationalisation is gathering momentum, with a growing number of auctioned mineral blocks moving into production as the government intensifies efforts to strengthen domestic mineral security and reduce import dependence.A rising number of auctioned mine blocks are now moving closer to production, supported by faster approvals, policy reforms, and better coordination between the Centre and state governments. The progress is seen as a major step toward reducing import dependence and ensuring steady access to minerals needed for infrastructure, manufacturing, steel, and energy sectors.The increasing pace of mine operationalisation comes at a crucial time when India is working to secure essential minerals for long-term industrial growth. Government officials believe faster activation of mining projects will not only improve raw material availability but also create jobs, increase state revenues, and support the country's broader economic growth goals. HPCL, TATA MOTORS JOIN HANDS FOR USED LUBRICANT RECYCLING PILOTINDIA'S MINE BLOCK PUSH GAINS PACE AS OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY RISESTOYOTA'S RS 1,200 CR BET ON KWIN CITY SIGNALS MOBILITY SHIFTWILMAR CHIEF URGES INDIA TO REACH 60% EDIBLE OIL SELF-RELIANCE
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