10 GW Target, ₹50,000 Crore Investment: Karnataka Powers Ahead in Clean Energy Race

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Bharat Renewable Energy Summit 2026 Roadshow Reaches Bengaluru, Spotlighting Karnataka’s Clean Energy Leadership

Karnataka targets 10 GW of additional renewable energy capacity by 2027; Clean Mobility Policy aims to attract ₹50,000 crore in investments

Bengaluru, September 8, 2026: Karnataka’s growing prominence in India’s clean energy transition came into focus as the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organised the fifth regional roadshow for the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo (BRESE) 2026 in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

The roadshow, organised in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and moderated by the International Solar Alliance (ISA), brought together policymakers, industry leaders and renewable energy stakeholders to highlight Karnataka’s strengths in clean energy generation, technological innovation and sustainable industrial growth.

The Bengaluru event followed earlier regional roadshows held in Jaipur, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad. It is part of a nationwide outreach initiative ahead of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from November 2 to 5.

Addressing the gathering, K.J. George, Karnataka Minister for Energy, said India’s renewable energy transition has emerged as an important driver of economic growth, employment generation and energy security. As India moves towards its target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity by 2030, he said Karnataka would continue to play a significant role in the country’s clean energy journey.

Highlighting the success of the Pavagada Solar Park, George described it as an example of large-scale renewable energy development supported by local communities. He invited global investors, developers and manufacturers to partner with Karnataka in accelerating the expansion of the clean energy sector.

Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Karnataka, outlined the state’s focus on effective policy implementation, simplified land leasing procedures, strengthening transmission infrastructure and greater engagement with industry.

He said Karnataka aims to add 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2027 under the state’s Integrated Renewable Energy Policy 2025. The state is also looking to tap its estimated renewable energy potential of around 155 GW.

Karnataka is promoting Green Energy Corridors and Renewable Energy Parks through Public-Private Partnership models while strengthening infrastructure required for the rapid expansion of renewable power.

Gupta also highlighted the state’s wider industrial and sustainability ambitions. Karnataka’s Industrial Policy 2025–30 has set an investment target of ₹7.5 lakh crore and aims to generate 20 lakh jobs. The state’s Energy Conservation Policy is expected to deliver energy savings of 744 million units by FY27.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Clean Mobility Policy 2025–30 is aimed at attracting nearly ₹50,000 crore in investments, further strengthening the state’s position as a major destination for clean energy, electric mobility and green manufacturing.

Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said India’s energy transition is entering a critical phase, with greater emphasis on building a resilient, integrated and investment-ready renewable energy ecosystem.

He said the upcoming summit would focus on key issues such as grid integration, domestic manufacturing across the renewable energy value chain, round-the-clock renewable power and access to long-term capital.

During the programme, Mir Mohammed Ali, Director, MNRE, along with industry leaders Akhilur Rahman of Hitachi Energy India, Pattiyampully Gopan of Envision Energy India and Manjunath D.V. of the EMMVEE Group, discussed the business opportunities, strategic priorities and digital engagement platforms associated with the upcoming global summit.

The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 will be held concurrently with the 9th Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly and the 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen.

Guided by the theme “Invest. Innovate. Inspire.”, the summit is expected to bring together participants from more than 75 countries, with over 400 exhibitors and more than 80 curated sessions planned during the four-day event.

Following the Bengaluru roadshow, the nationwide outreach campaign will continue with regional programmes in Lucknow and Kolkata in the coming weeks.

Mayank Tiwari, Additional Secretary, MNRE, Divya Prabhu, Managing Director of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited, and other senior government and industry representatives were present at the event.

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One Pledge, Many Lives: Bengaluru Walkathon Promotes Eye Donation

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Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Hillside Institutions Join Hands to Promote Eye Donation

Over 150 students participate in awareness walkathon during National Eye Donation Fortnight

Bengaluru, September 8, 2026: In an effort to encourage eye donation and dispel long-standing myths surrounding the practice, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, in association with Hillside Group of Institutions, organised an awareness walkathon in Bengaluru as part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight 2026.

More than 150 students participated in the initiative, joining doctors and staff members from Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Kanakapura Road. Carrying awareness placards and raising slogans, participants walked across the campus, urging people to pledge their eyes and highlighting the life-changing impact of corneal donation.

The initiative also drew attention to the growing need for corneal transplants in India, where thousands of people continue to wait for a suitable donor because of inadequate awareness and misconceptions about eye donation.

The walkathon was flagged off by Shri Ramachandra S. Choudhari, Police Inspector, Thalaghattapura Police Station, along with Dr Sreepathi DK, Head – Clinical Services (General Ophthalmology, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Squint and Oculoplasty), Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital.

The participation of the police, educational institution and healthcare professionals reflected the importance of a collective community effort in encouraging citizens, particularly young people, to support the cause of eye donation.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sreepathi DK said, that eye donation has the potential to transform lives by restoring vision to people suffering from corneal blindness.

“Eye donation is a powerful gift that can help restore sight and bring about a meaningful change in the lives of those waiting for a corneal transplant. There continues to be a significant gap between the number of corneas required and the number of donations available. Awareness programmes, particularly those involving young people, can play an important role in encouraging more individuals and families to come forward,” he said.

Corneal blindness remains one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in India. An estimated 1.2 to 1.3 million people are affected by corneal blindness, while several million others suffer from vision impairment in one eye.

India requires around 200,000 corneal transplants annually. However, only about 50,000 to 55,000 eye donations are recorded every year, leaving a significant number of patients waiting for the opportunity to regain their vision. Bengaluru too has thousands of patients awaiting corneal transplantation.

Dr Sreepathi DK said, myths and misinformation continue to discourage many families from considering eye donation.

“Eye donation is among the most selfless contributions an individual can make. A single donor can potentially help restore sight to two to four people. However, several misconceptions still persist, including the belief that only young people can donate their eyes or that the body is disfigured after eye donation. These beliefs are incorrect. People of different ages and genders can pledge their eyes,” he added.

Shri Ramachandra S. Choudhari appreciated the participation of the students and stressed the role of young people in spreading awareness within society.

“We are happy to see such enthusiastic participation from students for this noble cause. Awareness initiatives like these encourage young people to become responsible citizens and help them carry the message of eye donation to their families, friends and communities,” he said.

Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital is also adopting advanced corneal transplantation procedures, including Pre-Descemet’s Endothelial Keratoplasty (PDEK). The procedure has the potential to maximise the use of donor tissue, with a single cornea being utilised to help restore vision in multiple patients.

The hospital said it plans to continue its awareness efforts beyond the National Eye Donation Fortnight by collaborating with educational institutions, NGOs and community organisations. Digital outreach initiatives will also be expanded to encourage more young people to pledge their eyes.

Across its centres, Dr Agarwals Group of Eye Hospitals has undertaken several initiatives during the awareness fortnight, including walkathons, human chains, college awareness sessions, student competitions and social media campaigns. The group has also introduced QR code-based pledging initiatives and deployed trained grief counsellors in government hospitals and mortuaries to support families and provide information about eye donation.

The initiatives are aimed at addressing the shortage of donor corneas and encouraging individuals and families to make informed decisions about eye donation.

As part of the National Eye Donation Fortnight, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital has appealed to citizens to pledge their eyes and encourage others to do the same, emphasising that the decision to donate can leave behind a lasting legacy by giving someone the priceless gift of sight.

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M5 Ecity Mall Unveils Ganesha Installation Crafted with Over 2,000 Brass Bells

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Unique Naad Ganesha installation celebrates faith, craftsmanship and the spirit of giving during Ganesh Chaturthi

Bengaluru, September 8, 2026: Adding a distinctive spiritual and artistic dimension to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the city, M5 Ecity Mall in Electronic City has unveiled a majestic Ganesha installation crafted using more than 2,000 traditional brass bells.

Developed by M5 Mahendra Group, M5 Ecity Mall has brought together devotion, traditional craftsmanship and community celebration through the unique installation, which will be on display from September 8 to September 15.

The striking Naad Ganesha installation has been meticulously created using thousands of brass bells ranging in size from 2.5 to 5 inches. Carefully assembled to form an intricate representation of Lord Ganesha, the installation is expected to become a major festive attraction for visitors during the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Where Every Bell Carries a Blessing

The installation draws inspiration from the spiritual significance of temple bells in Indian traditions. The sound of a bell is widely associated with auspiciousness, positivity and spiritual focus, making it an integral part of prayer and worship.

At M5 Ecity Mall, this symbolism has been transformed into an artistic expression, with more than 2,000 brass bells coming together to create the form of Lord Ganesha. The installation celebrates the belief that every ring of a bell signifies an auspicious beginning and offers a moment of prayer, reflection and positivity.

More than just a festive display, the Naad Ganesha installation represents a blend of faith, sound, tradition and craftsmanship, creating a unique experience for visitors in the heart of Electronic City.

From Bappa to Every Home

The initiative will continue even after the festival celebrations conclude. The more than 2,000 brass bells used in the installation will be carefully distributed among customers as blessed souvenirs.

Through this gesture, each bell will move from being part of a large public installation to becoming a personal symbol of faith and remembrance. Visitors will have an opportunity to take home a piece of the festive celebration, carrying with them the blessings and spirit associated with Lord Ganesha.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr Rajesh Naidu, Centre Director, M5 Ecity Mall by M5 Mahendra Group, said, “Ganesh Chaturthi is a time when devotion, artistry and community come together. The brass bell has always held a special place in our traditions, with its sound representing auspiciousness, devotion and spiritual connection. By creating Ganesha with more than 2,000 bells, we have brought this symbolism to life. By sharing these bells with our customers after the celebrations, we hope the blessings of Bappa continue to resonate in their homes long after the festival concludes.”

The installation will remain open to visitors of all age groups throughout the festive period, offering a space for prayer, photography and celebration.

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“Young Minds, Big Moves” 25 Aspirants Challenge Magnus Carlsen and Chess Stars

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Young players from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu face some of the biggest names in world chess at the YiPPee! Checkmate Challenge

Bengaluru, September 7, 2026: For 25 young chess aspirants, it was a dream opportunity to sit across the chessboard from some of the biggest names in the game.

Young players aged between 13 and 19 from Bengaluru and Chennai got the rare chance to test their skills against World No. 1 and five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen, Indian chess star Koneru Humpy, Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi and veteran Indian Grandmaster Pravin Mahadeo Thipsay at the YiPPee! Checkmate Challenge, held at ITC Windsor in Bengaluru.

The event brought together emerging chess talent and global champions, giving the young participants an opportunity to experience the pressure, excitement and intensity of competitive chess at the highest level.

Vivaan Sachdev emerged as the best player of the YiPPee! Checkmate Challenge. He was recognised by Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, coach of the Alpine APL Pipers, for maintaining the strongest board position while playing against three Grandmasters.

For many of the participants, the experience went far beyond winning or losing. Every move demanded concentration, confidence and composure as the young players faced accomplished champions across the board. The challenge offered them a close glimpse of high-level competitive chess while encouraging them to trust their instincts and perform under pressure.

Magnus Carlsen of the Alpine APL Pipers said it was encouraging to witness the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the young participants.

“It is always nice to see the joy that kids have in chess. The young players here were very good, and you could see the amount of energy and effort they brought to the games. It was great to see them get the opportunity to play and experience chess in this way,” Carlsen said.

The occasion was equally memorable for parents and coaches, who watched the young players compete against internationally acclaimed chess personalities, including Magnus Carlsen, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh.

Atul Pujar, Head of Marketing, Snacks and Noodles, Foods Division, ITC Ltd., said the initiative reflected the brand’s effort to encourage and inspire young talent.

“It was wonderful to see the excitement and confidence of the young participants as they played against some of the biggest names in world chess. As a brand, it is our constant endeavour to support and inspire young minds of India, and we are happy to have played a small part in bringing these kids closer to their dreams,” he said.

The opportunity was created through YiPPee!’s Cook. Share. Checkmate! contest, held between August 26 and September 2 across Bengaluru and Chennai. Chess enthusiasts aged between 13 and 19 were invited to prepare a bowl of YiPPee! noodles and share a memorable chess moment. From the entries received, 25 finalists were selected to participate in the Checkmate Challenge.

The initiative is also part of #BeyondTheMove, YiPPee!’s campaign celebrating the passion, personal stories and experiences that extend beyond every move on the chessboard.

For the 25 young players, however, the biggest takeaway was the experience of a lifetime – sharing the board with champions they had long admired and turning a childhood dream into reality.

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Ziroh Labs Launches Kompact AI to Accelerate Enterprise AI on CPU Infrastructure

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Platform targets high-volume AI workloads across healthcare, education, retail, fintech, cybersecurity and enterprise automation

Bengaluru, September 7, 2026: AI and deep-tech startup Ziroh Labs has launched Kompact AI, a CPU-first AI platform aimed at making artificial intelligence more accessible, efficient and practical for enterprises by enabling AI workloads to run on widely available CPU infrastructure.

The platform is designed for high-volume enterprise applications where smaller AI models, large data flows, input-output requirements and latency often matter as much as computing power. It seeks to provide organisations with an alternative for workloads that do not necessarily require specialised GPU infrastructure.

Enterprise AI adoption is expanding beyond large, compute-intensive models. Organisations are increasingly using AI for software testing, document processing, customer engagement, cybersecurity, enterprise automation and industry-specific applications. Many of these applications involve thousands of transactions and workflows, making infrastructure efficiency, deployment costs and data handling critical considerations.

Kompact AI is designed specifically for this segment, enabling AI inference on CPU infrastructure and allowing organisations to deploy AI closer to their existing applications and data.

“The next phase of AI adoption will require infrastructure that is accessible, efficient, and closer to the people and businesses using it. Our focus is to make AI more accessible by enabling organisations to run AI where it is needed, with greater control over cost, performance and data,” said Hrishikesh Dewan, Co-founder and CEO, Ziroh Labs.

Backing a decentralised approach to AI

The launch also featured renowned cryptographer Dr. Whitfield Diffie, recipient of the 2015 ACM A.M. Turing Award, who has expressed strong support for Kompact AI’s approach to AI infrastructure.

Dr. Diffie’s perspective on the platform is rooted not only in computing efficiency but also in the broader idea of decentralising access to technology. He believes the impact of AI will depend partly on how widely its capabilities can be made available.

Describing the ability to run AI on ubiquitous CPUs as “one of the most exciting things I have seen in quite a number of years,” Dr. Diffie highlighted the potential of bringing AI capabilities to the computing infrastructure already available across organisations.

Expanding across industry segments

Ziroh Labs is positioning Kompact AI as more than an AI runtime, with an ecosystem aimed at developing and deploying practical applications.

The company is introducing Kompact AI Box solutions, packaged AI infrastructure tailored to specific industry requirements. These solutions combine AI models and inference capabilities for applications across sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, fintech and sovereign deployments.

Several partners are already evaluating or implementing solutions on Kompact AI. The applications range from AI-powered software testing and quality engineering to intelligent enterprise platforms and sector-specific workflows.

Rather than requiring every organisation to build an AI infrastructure stack from scratch, Ziroh Labs is developing ready-to-deploy solutions around defined business and industry requirements.

Bringing AI infrastructure to educational institutions

Ziroh Labs is also extending Kompact AI into the education sector through partnerships with academic institutions to establish Centres of Excellence (CoEs) focused on artificial intelligence.

The initiative aims to provide students with access to practical AI infrastructure, enabling them to experiment with, develop and deploy AI applications. Ziroh Labs said Kompact AI will be available to educational institutions through a free academic licence, covering institutions and their students.

The CoEs are expected to help create a talent pipeline of developers, researchers and entrepreneurs equipped to work with real-world AI infrastructure and contribute to India’s expanding AI ecosystem.

Focus on accessible and energy-efficient AI

At the heart of Kompact AI is the objective of making better use of the extensive CPU infrastructure already deployed across data centres, enterprises, educational institutions and edge environments.

By enabling AI inference on existing compute infrastructure, the platform could help organisations address requirements around data locality, privacy, latency, infrastructure availability and predictable deployment costs.

Ziroh Labs has also partnered with academicians from institutions including IIT Guwahati on its Math Lab initiative. The programme seeks to examine the mathematical structures used in large language models and state-space models and explore whether they provide a foundation capable of progressing towards general intelligence.

In collaboration with IIT Guwahati, the company has also developed a 40-plus-hour course on advanced AI and large language models. The course is available free of charge to students, developers, researchers and professionals worldwide, while certification is offered separately through IIT Guwahati.

The launch event brought together academic and technology leaders, including Prof. S. Sadagopan, Founder Director, IIIT-Bangalore, along with Sanjay Tyagi, Mahadesh and other members of the technology and innovation ecosystem.

Congratulating Ziroh Labs, Prof. S. Sadagopan said, the company’s work represents an important development for India’s deep-tech ecosystem. He highlighted its growing network of partners, technical research and model development, while particularly noting its focus on frugal innovation and energy-efficient AI.

“Kompact AI is creating a huge ecosystem for deep tech. Frugal innovation and building energy-efficient AI for everyone is what excites me about the platform, which is a timely development for India,” he said.

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