The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has signed two significant MoUs to advance decarbonisation and innovation in India’s cement industry. One MoU, with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) India, aims to promote research on decarbonization to achieve a Net Zero cement sector by 2070. The second MoU, with AIC-Plasmatech Innovation Foundation, focuses on applying Thermal Plasma Torch Technology in cement production to enhance sustainability and efficiency. These agreements were signed during the 18th NCB International Conference and Exhibition on Cement and Concrete.Contact: National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB)Website: www.ncbindia.comEmail: nccbm@ncbindia.comTel: 91-129-2666600 Odisha to have cement factory and economic corridorChief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has unveiled ambitious plans for Malkangiri, including a Rs 40 billion cement factory to provide 2,000 local jobs. During a three-day visit, he outlined his vision to industrialize Malkangiri and enhance its role in Odisha. The cement plant is a key project, supported by infrastructure initiatives like a six-lane highway connecting Malkangiri to Tiring, rail links to Jeypore and Bhadrachalam, and an express highway to Gopalpur port. The Malkangiri airport, already operational, will soon is fully functional, boosting regional connectivity. Over 50,000 people attended the Malyabanta Mahostav, featuring tribal dances like Lavani and Chhau.JK Cement Expands with New Units in BiharJK Cement has laid the foundation for a new Rs 5 billion Grey Cement Grinding Unit in Buxar, Bihar, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy. The plant, with a proposed capacity of 3.00 Million tonne (Mn t) per annum, aims to strengthen the company's presence in Eastern India and meet the growing demand for premium cement. The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Dr. Nidhipati Singhania and Madhavkrishna Singhania. Dr. Raghavpat Singhania emphasized the unit's role in enhancing Bihar’s economic growth and infrastructure. The facility is expected to help JK Cement surpass 30 Mn t per annum capacity by next year, supporting regional development and India's broader goals.Contact: JK CementWebsite: www.jkcement.comAdani Group approves merger of Sanghi and Penna with Ambuja CementsAdani Group has approved the merger of Sanghi Industries and Penna Cement Industries with Ambuja Cements. The boards have finalised the schemes of arrangement, initiating the process for this strategic integration. Ambuja, India’s second-largest cement manufacturer, acquired Sanghi in December 2023 and Penna in August 2024. The mergers are designed to streamline operations and enhance governance. Under the terms of the merger, Ambuja will issue shares to the shareholders of Sanghi and Penna, with the transactions expected to be completed within 9-12 months. Adani’s cement sector expansion, including recent acquisitions, aims to reach 100 Million tonne (Mn t) per annum by FY25 and 140 Mn t per annum by FY28.Contact: Adani GroupWebsite: www.adani.comCement industry to add 70-75 Mn T capacity in two yearsThe Indian cement industry is set to expand by 70-75 million tonnes (Mn t) over the next two years, with 33-37 mn t from clinker capacity and the rest from grinding capacity, as per ICRA. The eastern and southern regions will lead this growth. Despite this, the utilization rate is expected to remain moderate, improving slightly to 71 per cent in FY2025. ICRA has revised its cement volume growth forecast for FY2025 to 4-5 per cent, lower than the earlier estimate of 7-8 per cent, citing slower construction activities post-elections. While rural and urban housing demand should support volumes, profitability is anticipated to remain under pressure.