Bengaluru emerges as key hub for India’s ₹50,000-crore BESS expansion

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Industry leaders highlight the need for stronger domestic capabilities in battery storage, smart grids, power electronics and advanced energy technologies

Bengaluru, October 8, 2026: Bengaluru is emerging as an important hub in India’s rapidly expanding battery energy storage sector, with industry and technology leaders stressing the need to strengthen domestic capabilities in advanced batteries, grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), power electronics, smart-grid technologies, battery management and research.

The observations were made at a media roundtable organised by Informa Markets in India in Bengaluru ahead of the fourth edition of The Battery Show India, scheduled to be held from October 22 to 24 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.

The discussions assumed significance following the Government’s recent approval of a ₹50,000-crore incentive scheme for 50 GWh of BESS deployment, as part of a larger ₹1.86 lakh-crore programme aimed at strengthening renewable energy integration and transmission infrastructure.

The roundtable brought together senior representatives from the energy storage, smart-grid, research, power systems, industrial technology and market intelligence sectors. Participants included Ramesh Shivanna, Director, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI); Amol Kotwal, Vice President – Energy & Environment Growth Advisory, Frost & Sullivan; Prof. Aninda J. Bhattacharyya, Professor and J.C. Bose National Fellow, Indian Institute of Science; IB Rao, Managing Director, POM Power Systems; Tirumaleswara Reddy K, Co-Founder and CTO, Smartgrid Analytics; Venugopal Rao Maddisetty, Chairman and Managing Director, Pace Digitek Ltd and Lineage Power Pvt Ltd, along with Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director, Informa Markets in India.

Rajneesh Khattar said India’s energy transition is moving beyond renewable energy capacity addition towards the larger challenge of integrating renewable power into the grid in a reliable and efficient manner.

According to him, the Central Electricity Authority has projected a requirement of 236 GWh of BESS by 2031-32, while the Government’s approval for 50 GWh of BESS deployment under the Green Energy Corridor highlights the growing scale of the opportunity.

He said energy storage would increasingly become a critical component of India’s power infrastructure, requiring simultaneous progress in battery technologies, manufacturing, grid integration, power management, safety and digital intelligence.

Khattar also highlighted Bengaluru’s strong technology ecosystem, research institutions, engineering talent and smart-grid capabilities, stating that the city is well positioned to contribute to India’s energy transition. He said The Battery Show India would provide an important platform for technology collaboration, industry partnerships and new business opportunities.

Karnataka strengthens clean-energy ecosystem

Karnataka is also gaining importance in India’s clean-energy and electric mobility landscape, supported by its strong technology, research and engineering ecosystem.

The state had 6,805 public EV charging stations as of March 31, 2026, making it the second-highest among Indian states. In addition, 1,571 EV chargers have been approved for Karnataka under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.

The state’s clean mobility policy also envisages dedicated charging and battery-swapping infrastructure along key transport corridors, including the Bengaluru-Pune and Bengaluru-Mysuru highways.

Bengaluru’s research ecosystem further strengthens its position in advanced energy technologies. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has ongoing research programmes covering batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, power electronics, EV charging and battery management systems.

Industry leaders emphasised that stronger collaboration between research institutions and industry will be essential to develop and commercialise next-generation energy technologies.

The discussions also underlined the importance of building an integrated ecosystem connecting battery manufacturing, BESS, renewable energy, grid management, power electronics and digital intelligence. Participants stressed that technology development, safety standards, manufacturing capacity and commercial deployment must advance together to support India’s long-term energy transition.

The Battery Show India to bring global industry together

The fourth edition of The Battery Show India, to be held from October 22 to 24 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, is expected to bring together 300 exhibitors and more than 400 brands from countries including Korea, Japan, Germany and China.

The event will feature a dedicated German Pavilion and a specialised BESS Hall, with participation from leading companies including CATL, Lineage Power, Hithium, POM Power Systems, DDEV Group and IPower Battery, among others.

Supported by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the exhibition will also feature more than 40 conference sessions, an Energy Storage Summit, four CXO conclaves and over 500 industry speakers and moderators.

Held alongside the Renewable Energy India Expo, the event is expected to provide a wider platform for stakeholders across electric mobility, battery technology, renewable energy, energy storage and grid infrastructure.

The industry gathering comes at a crucial stage for India as the country works to build a safer, more resilient and self-reliant energy storage ecosystem capable of supporting its growing renewable energy ambitions.

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ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ ಸಚಿವಾಲಯ ಸ್ಥಾಪನೆಗೆ ಒತ್ತಾಯ

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ನ್ಯಾಯಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಒಬಿಸಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಏಕತಾ ಆಂದೋಲನಕ್ಕೆ ಕರೆ

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಅ.7: ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಅಥವಾ ಸಚಿವಾಲಯವನ್ನು ತಕ್ಷಣ ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿ, ದೇಶದ ಒಬಿಸಿ ಸಮುದಾಯ ಎದುರಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಪರಿಣಾಮಕಾರಿ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಒಬಿಸಿ ಫೆಡರೇಶನ್ ಆಫ್ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸಿದೆ.

ನಗರದ ಪ್ರೆಸ್ ಕ್ಲಬ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಸುದ್ದಿಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಸಂಘಟನೆಯ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಜೆ. ಎಂ. ಜೆರಪ್ಪ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಾಜಿ ಶಾಸಕ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಚಂದ್ರು, ಹಿಂದುಳಿದ ವರ್ಗಗಳ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ, ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಹಾಗೂ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳ ರಕ್ಷಣೆಗೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾದ ನೀತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಜಾರಿಗೊಳಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಆಗ್ರಹಿಸಿದರು.

ದೇಶದ ಒಬಿಸಿ ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯೆಗೆ ಅನುಗುಣವಾಗಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಬಜೆಟ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ ಅನುದಾನ ಮೀಸಲಿಡಬೇಕು. ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬಿಸಿ ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ದೊರೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಪ್ರಾತಿನಿಧ್ಯವನ್ನು ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸಿ, ವಿಧಾನಸಭೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಂಸತ್ ಚುನಾವಣೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಒಬಿಸಿಗೆ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಮೀಸಲಾತಿ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸುವ ಕುರಿತು ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ತಕ್ಷಣ ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಒಬಿಸಿ ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಹಲವು ಪ್ರಕರಣಗಳು ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಬಾಕಿ ಉಳಿಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿತ ನ್ಯಾಯ ದೊರೆಯುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಶಾಶ್ವತ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಕಂಡುಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಸಮರ್ಪಕ ಕಾನೂನು ಹಾಗೂ ಆಡಳಿತಾತ್ಮಕ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಮುಖಂಡರು ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯಪಟ್ಟರು.

ದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ 1931ರ ನಂತರ ಸಮಗ್ರ ಜಾತಿ ಆಧಾರಿತ ಜನಗಣತಿ ನಡೆದಿಲ್ಲ. ಹೀಗಾಗಿ ವಿವಿಧ ಸಮುದಾಯಗಳ ನಿಖರ ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ-ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಗತಿಗಳ ಕುರಿತು ಸಮರ್ಪಕ ದತ್ತಾಂಶದ ಕೊರತೆಯಿದೆ. ಈ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ನಡೆಸಲಿರುವ ಜಾತಿ ಗಣತಿಯನ್ನು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಪಾರದರ್ಶಕವಾಗಿ ನಡೆಸಬೇಕು. ಜಾತಿ ಗಣತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬಿಸಿ ಸಮುದಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ ಕಲಂ ಅಳವಡಿಸಿ, ನಿಖರವಾದ ದತ್ತಾಂಶ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸಿದರು.

ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಈ ಹಿಂದೆ ವಿವಿಧ ಒಬಿಸಿ ಸಮುದಾಯಗಳ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗಾಗಿ ಹಲವು ನಿಗಮಗಳನ್ನು ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿದ್ದರೂ, ಸಮರ್ಪಕ ಹಣಕಾಸಿನ ನೆರವು ದೊರೆಯದೆ ಅವುಗಳ ಕಾರ್ಯಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳು ಕುಂಠಿತಗೊಂಡಿವೆ. ಹೀಗಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಒಬಿಸಿ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ನಿಗಮಗಳಿಗೆ ತಲಾ ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ₹100 ಕೋಟಿ ಅನುದಾನ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಿ, ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಶೈಕ್ಷಣಿಕ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ಆದ್ಯತೆ ನೀಡಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಆಗ್ರಹಿಸಿದರು.

ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ನ್ಯಾಯ, ಸಮಾನ ಅವಕಾಶ ಮತ್ತು ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ದೇಶಾದ್ಯಂತ ಒಬಿಸಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಏಕತಾ ಆಂದೋಲನವನ್ನು ಬಲಪಡಿಸುವ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಮುಖಂಡರು ಕರೆ ನೀಡಿದರು.

ಸುದ್ದಿಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂಜಾರ ಗುರುಪೀಠದ ಸರ್ದಾರ್ ಸೇವಾಲಾಲ್ ಸ್ವಾಮೀಜಿ, ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಕೇಶವ ಪ್ರಸಾದ್, ಶಿವಪ್ಪ ಲಮಾಣಿ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಹಲವು ಮುಖಂಡರು ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.

City Today News 9341997936

Karnataka Philately Passport sale on October 10, 11

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Karnataka Philately Passport sale on October 10, 11

8,000 passports to be sold across Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Belagavi; price fixed at ₹600

Bengaluru, October 7: Good news for stamp collectors, heritage enthusiasts and travellers. The Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post will conduct the physical sale of the much-awaited Karnataka Philately Passport on October 10 and 11.

The travel-diary-style collectible has been designed to encourage heritage tourism and provide visitors with a unique way of documenting their journeys across Karnataka. The passport enables collectors to visit designated heritage locations, purchase local stamps and obtain special Permanent Pictorial Cancellations (PPCs) at participating post offices.

Over time, these stamps and cancellations can turn the passport into a personalised keepsake reflecting the holder’s heritage travels across the state.

8,000 copies up for sale

A total of 8,000 Philately Passports will be made available at four locations. Each passport will be priced at ₹2,600.

The sale will be strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, with physical tokens issued to visitors in the counter queues. India Post has clarified that there will be no online sale or advance booking.

The distribution will be:

– Bengaluru GPO: 3,500 copies — 1,500 on Saturday and 2,000 on Sunday
– Mysuru Head Post Office: 1,500 copies — 500 on Saturday and 1,000 on Sunday
– Mangaluru Head Post Office: 1,500 copies — 500 on Saturday and 1,000 on Sunday
– Belagavi Head Post Office: 1,500 copies — 500 on Saturday and 1,000 on Sunday

Bengaluru GPO to host special activities

The Bengaluru GPO will turn the release into a cultural and philatelic experience, with several activities planned for visitors.

A Digital Detox Zone will encourage visitors to put aside their phones and return to the traditional charm of letter writing. Complimentary picture postcards and stationery will be provided, allowing visitors to write and post letters to family and friends.

Passport buyers will also receive a Letter Box-themed bookmark and a customised paper bag. Philatelic souvenirs and local products, including Channapatna toy pen stands and letterbox keychains, will also be available for purchase.

Collectors who have already completed their passports by visiting all the designated heritage post offices across Karnataka will be felicitated with gift hampers.

Queue and parking arrangements

To manage the expected rush, Bengaluru GPO will have dedicated barricaded queues, with volunteers deployed at regular intervals to assist visitors. UPI QR payment counters and cash receipt counters will be available to speed up transactions.

Visitors have been advised that vehicle parking will not be available inside the Bengaluru GPO premises on October 10 and 11, as the space will be used for queue arrangements.

Commuters are therefore encouraged to use public transport, particularly the Namma Metro, with Dr BR Ambedkar Station and Cubbon Park among the convenient options for reaching the GPO.

The Karnataka Postal Circle has urged visitors to plan their travel accordingly and follow the queue and security instructions at the respective sale centres.

City Today News 9341997936

Bajaj Electricals Foundation Wins 2026 Mahatma Award for Clean Energy

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

‘Flame of Change’ initiative reaches 70,000 people across 175 villages, cuts firewood use and creates rural livelihood opportunities

New Delhi, October 6, 2026: Bajaj Electricals Foundation, the CSR arm of Bajaj Electricals Limited, has been honoured with the Mahatma Award for Affordable and Clean Energy 2026 for its flagship ‘Flame of Change’ Improved Cookstove Project, recognising its efforts to promote cleaner cooking practices and sustainable development in rural communities.

The initiative provides rural households with fuel-efficient improved cookstoves as an alternative to traditional biomass cooking. By reducing dependence on firewood, the project is helping families save time, improve indoor cooking conditions and reduce their environmental impact.

The award was received by Ms. Pooja Anant Bajaj, Chairperson, Bajaj Electricals Foundation, along with members of the CSR team. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Kiran Bedi, former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and India’s first woman IPS officer; Santrupt Misra, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; and Amit Sachdeva, Founder of the Mahatma Award and Chairperson of Mahatma Foundation.

The recognition assumes special significance in 2026, which marks the centenary year of the Bajaj Group. The Foundation said the award reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to nation-building, social responsibility and values-based leadership inspired by the Gandhian ideals of its founder, Shri Jamnalal Bajaj.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Pooja Anant Bajaj, Chairperson, Bajaj Electricals Foundation, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that sustainable development must benefit both people and the planet.

“Meaningful development must uplift both people and the planet. The Flame of Change initiative is an extension of that legacy. When a woman in Karauli can save seven hours a day and breathe cleaner air in her own kitchen, those values are truly at work,” she said.

Under the Flame of Change programme, the Foundation has distributed 14,000 improved cookstoves across Karauli and Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, and Jawhar and Vikramgad in Maharashtra. The initiative has reached more than 70,000 people across over 175 villages, while also contributing to rural livelihoods by creating 47 women entrepreneurs and 48 rural employment opportunities.

The impact of the project has also been independently assessed. An ISO 14064-compliant carbon and social impact assessment covering 8,000 cookstoves distributed in Rajasthan recorded a 73% reduction in household firewood consumption. The assessment also found that households could save approximately seven hours a day previously spent on cooking and collecting fuel.

The Rajasthan component is projected to deliver carbon mitigation of approximately 222,711 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) over the project’s five-year lifespan. A similar impact assessment covering the remaining 6,000 cookstoves in Maharashtra is currently underway.

The Foundation said the recognition reinforces its commitment to developing solutions that combine clean energy, environmental sustainability, improved health and livelihoods, while addressing everyday challenges faced by rural communities.

City Today News 9341997936

Remembering K. Kamaraj: A Leader Who Lived for the People

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Bengaluru, Oct. 2: On the memorial day of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and veteran statesman Kumaraswami Kamaraj, heartfelt tributes are being paid to a leader remembered for his simplicity, honesty and unwavering commitment to public service.

Kamaraj, popularly known as “Perunthalaivar” (Great Leader), played a significant role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s social and educational development. Born on July 15, 1903, in Virudhunagar, he entered public life at a young age and became an important leader in India’s freedom movement. He was imprisoned several times during the struggle for independence.

As Chief Minister of Madras State from 1954 to 1963, Kamaraj focused strongly on education and the welfare of ordinary people. His administration is widely associated with the expansion of schools, improved access to education in rural areas and measures aimed at encouraging children to attend school. His efforts in strengthening basic infrastructure and public welfare left a lasting mark on the state.

Kamaraj later played an important role in national politics and served as president of the Indian National Congress. He was also closely associated with the Kamaraj Plan, through which senior Congress leaders were encouraged to leave ministerial positions and devote themselves to strengthening the organisation.

Remembering the great leader on his memorial day, G.S. Gopal Raaj, Editor – City Today News & TJ Vision Media, said that Kamaraj’s life continues to stand as an example of simplicity, discipline, integrity and people-centred leadership.

“Kamaraj believed that public office was an opportunity to serve society. His contribution to education and the welfare of the common people remains an important part of India’s public life. His simple lifestyle and commitment to the nation continue to inspire generations,” he said.

Kamaraj passed away on October 2, 1975. His legacy continues to be remembered particularly for his emphasis on education, social development and accessible governance.

On his memorial day, people across the country pay their respects to a leader whose public life was marked by simplicity, service and dedication to the welfare of the people.

City Today News 9341997936