Mahanagar Gas Limited Ventures Into Renewable Energy

* Acquires 26% Stake in the Solar Power SPV, FPEL Reliant Energy Private Limited

Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), one of the largest city gas distribution (CGD) companies in India, has signed a Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) and Shareholding Agreement (SHA) with Fourth Partner Energy’s FPEL Reliant Energy Private Limited and its holding company FPEL Saur Vidyut Private Limited on March 09, 2026, to acquire a 26% stake in FPEL Reliant. With this investment in solar power, the company has taken a step towards strengthening its sustainability agenda.

The investment, amounting to approximately INR 389 lakhs, will support the setting up of a solar power plant in the state of Maharashtra. The power generated from the power plant will be utilised for consumption at CNG stations across the State and will help the company move towards cleaner energy sources while optimising energy costs.

The acquisition is compliant with regulatory requirements related to power consumption under the Electricity Act, 2003 (read with the Electricity Rules, 2005. By integrating renewable energy into its operations, MGL aims to strengthen its commitment to sustainable business practices and reduce the carbon footprint associated with its operations.

Commenting on the company’s foray into renewable energy, Ashu Shinghal, Managing Director, Mahanagar Gas Limited said, “Mahanagar Gas Limited is continuously exploring opportunities to integrate cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions into its operations. Our foray into solar energy is a step towards adopting cleaner energy sources for our CNG station network while optimising energy costs and meeting regulatory requirements. As we continue to expand our footprint within the state of Maharashtra and beyond, incorporating renewable energy solutions will remain an important part of our long-term growth strategy.”

The acquisition will be completed through a cash investment and is expected to be finalised within six months from the execution of the agreements. Following completion, FPEL Reliant will become an associate company of Mahanagar Gas Limited.

Jay Kumar Waghela, CEO (Distributed Business Unit), Fourth Partner Energy said, “We at Fourth Partner Energy are proud to partner with Mahanagar Gas Limited in its endeavour to integrate renewable power into their operational ecosystem and supporting India’s transition towards cleaner energy solutions. Corporates across various sectors are boosting their use of solar and other renewables to lower carbon emissions and promote a greener environment. At FPEL, we are proud to offer all integrated clean energy solutions including solar, wind, battery storage, hybrid power and carbon credits on a single platform to help players like MGL fast-track its net zero goals. We are thrilled and look forward to this new journey with MGL.”

Fourth Partner Energy is India’s leading renewable energy developer, with an operational capacity of over 1.6 GW clean energy assets, and a target of a 9 GW portfolio by FY31. The firm has solar and wind projects under development across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu – with a focus on clean power supply to hard-to-abate sectors.

Bajaj Electricals Acquires Morphy Richards Brand Rights In India And Neighbouring Markets For ₹141.4 Crores

Bajaj Electricals Limited announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the intellectual property and brand rights of Morphy Richards in India and select South Asian markets for a consideration of ₹141.4 crores. This landmark move builds upon more than two decades of successful collaboration under licensing agreements and enables Bajaj Electricals to fully own and steer the Morphy Richards portfolio in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Morphy Richards, founded in the UK in 1936, has built a strong reputation globally for its premium, design-led home appliances and personal care products. In India, since 2002, Bajaj Electricals has nurtured the brand under licensing arrangements, making it one of the leading international brands in many product categories in the country. In 2022, the parties extended their trademark licensing agreement for 15 years, reaffirming the long-term commitment. With this acquisition, Bajaj Electricals will strengthen its multi-brand strategy, enabling deeper investments in innovation, design, and go-to-market execution. The company anticipates creating greater value for consumers, channel partners, and shareholders by owning full control of the brand in the regions.

“This acquisition is a natural next step in our portfolio journey. Over the years, we have understood Indian consumers’ evolving needs for convenience, design, and reliability. Acquiring Morphy Richards brand gives us the strategic flexibility to invest more consistently, innovate faster, and accelerate growth across premium consumer segments,” said Mr. Sanjay Sachdeva, MD and CEO, Bajaj Electricals Limited.

From the perspective of Glen Dimplex, Morphy Richards has been an iconic brand with deep heritage and emotional resonance. “We are pleased to entrust the Morphy Richards brand in India and neighbouring markets to Bajaj Electricals. Their proven track record and deep understanding of the local consumer landscape give us confidence that the brand will continue to thrive and evolve,” said Mr. Fergal Naughton, Executive Chairman, Glen Dimplex.

Bajaj Electricals Limited is a globally renowned Indian Consumer Appliances and Lighting Solutions company. Headquartered in Mumbai with a turnover of INR INR 4,828 crores (FY 24-25), it is a part of the $100 bn multinational conglomerate Bajaj Group founded by Shri Jamnalal Bajaj. The Company was established in 1938 and has stood the test for more than 87 years. It continues to enjoy consumer trust across various sectors it operates in and remains at the forefront of developing modern, technologically superior and aesthetic products and solutions. Bajaj Electricals’ business portfolio spans Consumer Products (Appliances and Fans) and Lighting Solutions (Consumer and Professional Lighting). They are a front runner in the industry with their key brand offerings comprising BAJAJ and Morphy Richards. Under their Lighting Solutions business, they offer a wide range of innovative LED lamps and fixtures, including panels and battens, to consumers and are known for their prowess in street lighting, sports lighting, industrial commercial and infrastructural lighting, and undertaking specialized illumination projects on a turnkey basis amongst other solutions.

Four Seasons Strong: Coke Studio Bharat Announces Its Season 4 Artist Line-Up

'The List' features Rekha Bhardwaj, Aditya Rikhari, Kutle Khan, Qaiser Nizami, Arslan Nizami, Swarit Shukla and more.

After three seasons of reshaping India’s streaming landscape, Coke Studio Bharat returns with Season 4. Known for bringing together artists from across India to reimagine regional sounds and traditions, the platform begins the new season with ‘The List,’ revealing the artists who will take part this year.

If Season 3 gave audiences Arz Kiya Hai, a modern-day interpretation of India’s poetry culture that topped the Indian music charts, and festival-ready tracks like Holi Aayi Re, Season 4 moves the conversation deeper into India’s local terrains.

This year’s line-up features Aditya Rikhari, Kulte Khan, Ravator, Faheem Abdullah, Arsalan Nizami, Madhur Sharma, Ashok Maskeen, Vaibhav Pani, Mohammad Faiz, Mame Khan, Khwaab, Utpal Udit and Rekha Bhardwaj, a powerful cross-section of artists who represent very different corners of the country, different musical inheritances, and very different audiences.

What defines this season is range. Without revealing what’s to come, Season 4 moves across personal storytelling, devotion, longing, memory and reinterpretation, drawing deeply from India’s living cultural traditions and musical practices, from Rajasthani folk traditions, Kashmiri narrative forms, Banaras-rooted accounts, Sufi lineage from Punjab, and a contemporary lens on modern love. Distinct voices. Unexpected pairings. Stories shaped by culture, place and memory but not confined by it.

Rekha Bhardwaj said, “Every generation rediscovers its roots in its own way. Coke Studio Bharat provides a space where that rediscovery happens through collaboration. Season 4 is about preserving the spirit of tradition while allowing it to breathe in a new context.”

Aditya Rikhari said, “My music has always been personal and emotional. With Coke Studio Bharat, the heart of the song stays intact, even as the sound grows around it. Season 4 feels like that, intimate in its writing, but expansive in how it’s heard.”

Faheem Abdullah said, “Music carries memory, identity and emotion. The song comes from the imagination of a poet from Kashmir who has a story to tell and being a part of Coke Studio Bharat gives me the chance to bring that world of storytelling on a national platform. This season that I am a part of, has enabled me to fuse my roots with the Coke Rock I grew up listening to.”

The details will unfold track by track. The focus remains on creating a space where diverse voices can come together while staying true to their origins.

Shantanu Gangane, IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Coke Studio Bharat brings together India’s folk traditions and contemporary voices, creating a platform where the old and the new evolve together. Over the last three seasons, we’ve seen a powerful narrative of regional languages, traditional instruments and untold stories being presented at scale. Season 4 accelerates that approach and showcases culture and music from the heartlands at a national and global stage.”

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO, India & South Asia, & Senior Vice President of Strategy for Asia, Middle East and Africa, ( AMeA), Universal Music Group shares, “Coke Studio Bharat embodies the kind of creative ecosystem India’s music industry needs — one that honours the depth of our regional heritage while translating it into a contemporary, globally resonant sound. Over the past three seasons, we have shown the power of authentic storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration at scale. As we enter Season 4, our focus is clear to ensure that creativity continues to be our greatest competitive advantage.

In today’s world, the consumer is no longer a passive listener but an active participant by way of being a superfan shaping culture alongside us. That makes our prime directive simple — to build the most compelling music with the most exceptional artists, and in doing so, help shape culture here in India and beyond.”

Coke Studio Bharat has always placed the local at the centre. Built for a digital-first audience, it brings regional languages, folk stories, traditional instruments and contemporary artists onto one stage. Over the years, artists from across the country have featured on the platform. The format encourages unique pairings while preserving each artist’s authenticity and style.

Season 4 brings together experience and experimentation in equal measure. With the first track set to drop, Coke Studio Bharat once again steps into the moment, ready to soundtrack what comes next.  

Jos Alukkas Introduces Augmented Reality Feature “Virtual Try-On” Experience On Online Store

Jos Alukkas, a trusted name in quality, innovation, and trendy jewellery in India, has announced the launch of Augmented Reality (AR) experience on its website, developed in partnership with mirrAR, allowing customers to virtually try on jewellery from their smart devices.

The new AR feature enables customers to view and try necklaces, earrings, bangles, and rings, etc using the device camera and bringing in an added layer of confidence to online jewellery shopping. By blending advanced AR technology with traditional jewellery craftsmanship, the brand aims to redefine the online shopping experience for customers across India and globally.

“Jewellery is deeply personal, and customers often want to see how a piece looks on them before making a purchase. With this new AR feature, we are bringing the showroom experience directly to our customers’ screens. It reflects our continued efforts to align traditional retail strengths with evolving digital expectations”, said John Alukkas, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas.

Customers can visit the brand’s website https://www.josalukkasonline.com/ and select on a desired jewellery and choose the ‘Virtual Try-On’ option and see the jewellery appear on them through their device camera. The feature works seamlessly across most modern smartphones and desktops without requiring any additional downloads.

AR not only offers a convenient online shopping experience, it allows customers to feel confident with their purchase decisions, ultimately increasing conversion rates while reducing returns. The feature also appeals to younger, tech-oriented customers further reinforcing the brand’s efforts to expand its reach to a wider and more digitally connected audience.

“We are excited to collaborate with Jos Alukkas to bring cutting-edge AR technology to the jewellery industry. This solution bridges the gap between physical and digital retail, helping customers shop with confidence online,” said Meghna Saraogi, Founder and CEO, mirrAR.

The introduction of AR comes as part of Jos Alukkas’ broader digital transformation strategy aimed at enhancing customer engagement, improving online conversions, and delivering a premium omnichannel experience.

Customers can explore the new feature made available on www.josalukkasonline.com.

Celebrate Ugadi With Karnataka’s Culinary Heritage At Karunadu Swada

Karunadu Swada – Ugadi Special Edition: A Celebration of Karnataka’s Culinary Heritage

Step into the vibrant world of Karnataka’s food and culture as MTR Foods presents Karunadu Swada–Ugadi Special Edition, a one-day culinary festival celebrating the rich flavours, traditions, and stories that define Karnataka’s diverse cuisine. Taking place on 21 March 2026 at Sahakar Nagar Ground, the festival invites guests to explore an immersive journey through Karnataka’s regional food heritage.

Curated especially for the festive spirit of Ugadi, Karunadu Swada offers an immersive journey through Karnataka’s regional food heritage. The festival features 40+ authentic dishes and traditional sweets, showcasing culinary traditions from North Karnataka, South Karnataka, and Kodagu.

From the bold, rustic taste of North Karnataka to the refined and the rich flavours of coastal Karnataka to the royalty-inspired classics of Old Mysore, each dish reflects the depth and diversity of the region’s culinary legacy. Adding to the experience, guests can also enjoy iconic MTR signature favourites, including the legendary Rava Idli, celebrating MTR’s enduring role in Karnataka’s food story.

Designed as a vibrant festive gathering, Karunadu Swada brings together food lovers, families, and culture enthusiasts in a lively community setting—where authentic regional cuisine, age-old traditions, and the joyous spirit of Ugadi come together for a truly memorable experience.

Date: 21 March 2026
Venue: Sahakar Nagar Ground
Highlights: 40+ regional dishes and sweets across North Karnataka, South Karnataka & Kodagu, along with MTR’s iconic Masala Dosa and Rava Idli
Time Slots: 12:00 PM | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 7:30 PM | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM
Tickets: Available via the District by Zomato platform (https://link.district.in/DSTRKT/7q68fgi8)

Celebrate Ugadi with the flavours of Karnataka—where tradition, culture, and community come together at a single festive table.

Raptee .HV Receives ₹25 Crore Backing From Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation

The board of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has approved an investment of about ₹25 crore in Raptee Energy under the TIDCO Startup Investment Policy 2025. These investments mark the first deployments under the policy and signal the Government of Tamil Nadu’s decision to directly support high-potential startups emerging from the State’s deep-tech and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.

Approval letters were handed over by TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries, to Dinesh Arjun, CEO and Co- Founder of Raptee Energy. This investment represents a broader institutional shift led by the Department of Industries to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s startup financing ecosystem. It also reflects the State’s focus on supporting innovative companies in frontier sectors such as electric mobility and advanced technologies.

Dinesh Arjun, CEO & Co-Founder, Raptee Energy

“Having TIDCO as a direct investor is a historic first for any state in the country, and it provides Raptee with the institutional credibility to compete on a global stage. This milestone would not have been possible without the forward-thinking leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister Thiru MK Stalin and the hands-on encouragement of the Industries Minister Dr. TRB Rajaa. From our early days to this significant backing, the Minister has personally championed our mission, providing the guidance and ecosystem support necessary for a deep-tech startup to thrive. We are proud to be building world-class electric motorcycles in Tamil Nadu, fueled by a government that truly believes in the power of homegrown innovation.”

TRB Rajaa, Minister for Industries

“Since 2024, we have been working on reimagining TIDCO’s role in the Department of Industries. Making Tamil Nadu a ‘Product Nation’ has been the ambition of the Honourable Chief Minister, and my personal target, for two years. To lay the foundation for that target, we rebranded TIDCO as a ‘Venture Catalyst’ - the first step towards reforming the organisation into a robust investment arm of the government that helps secure the state’s future in sunrise sectors. With these investments, we have opened a brand new chapter

in TIDCO’s journey with the ambition to recreate the success of our early investments, like the one in TITAN, across many more promising startups.”

Arun Roy, Secretary, Department of Industries

“Under this policy, TIDCO has been authorised to invest up to ₹25 crore in eligible startups across sunrise sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, aerospace and defence, semiconductors, medical electronics, advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain and quantum computing, agro and food processing, technical textiles and speciality chemicals. The policy enables investments across the startup lifecycle, from early-stage innovation to scale and expansion, ensuring that high-growth Tamil Nadu companies have access to patient capital within the State.”

About Raptee.HV

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Chennai, Raptee.HV is an Indian electric motorcycle startup with a mission to bring the best of global electric technology to motorcycles. The company has developed its technology entirely in- house, delivering superior performance, reliability, and charging convenience. Its motorcycles are the only two- wheelers equipped with the CCS2 car-charging standard, enabling compatibility with the rapidly expanding electric car charging infrastructure. With 7 years of deep-tech , R&D-driven innovation, and a strong focus on engineering-led product development , Raptee.HV is poised to redefine the performance electric motorcycle segment.

EBG Group Partners With Hard Rock International To Launch Premium Coffee Machines & Small Kitchen Appliances In India

• The partnership plans to drive brand-led growth in India’s premium home appliance market by combining global equity with lifestyle-driven product innovation

• Products will roll out through top retail and digital channels, catering to urban consumers seeking performance with lifestyle appeal

EBG Group, a progressive player in innovative consumer and lifestyle solutions under the EBG Group umbrella, has announced a strategic brand licensing partnership with Hard Rock International to introduce a premium range of Hard Rock–branded coffee machines and small kitchen appliances in India. As part of its India market entry strategy, the partnership is backed by a planned investment of 100 Cr, with a projected revenue target of 500 Cr over 5 years. The collaboration aims to capitalise on India’s rapidly expanding premium home appliance segment, currently valued at 29,000 Cr and growing at an estimated 9% CAGR.

Globally, Hard Rock spans hospitality, entertainment, retail, and licensed lifestyle categories, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most recognisable music-led brands. The collaboration marks Hard Rock’s entry into India’s premium home appliance segment, bringing its distinctive design language and cultural identity into modern kitchens. The companies aim to capture approximately 5% market share within the first few years of operations.

Under the licensing agreement, EBG Group will design, develop, manufacture, and distribute a curated portfolio of products aligned with Hard Rock’s bold and contemporary brand ethos. The first phase of launch will be across key metropolitan markets, followed by a phased expansion into other major cities.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Irfan Khan, Founder and CEO of EBG Group said, “Partnering with Hard Rock is a significant milestone for us. Hard Rock represents energy, authenticity, and a globally aspirational lifestyle. Through this licensing collaboration, we aim to bring a differentiated portfolio of premium coffee machines and small kitchen appliances to Indian consumers who value both performance and brand experience. Our focus is on creating products that are emotionally resonant while delivering world-class quality and reliability.”

The upcoming range will combine distinctive Hard Rock aesthetics with high-performance technology, premium materials, and a contemporary, music-inspired lifestyle appeal. The products are expected to be launched through leading retail chains, major e-commerce platforms, and select premium distribution channels, targeting aspirational urban consumers seeking performance-driven appliances with strong lifestyle positioning.

About EBG Group

EBG Group is a diversified Indian enterprise with interests spanning mobility, health, realty, lifestyle, food, services, technology, and education. Known for its innovation-led approach and strategic brand-building capabilities, the Group continues to build scalable platforms for global partnerships and emerging consumer categories.

About Hard Rock

Founded in 1971, Hard Rock International is one of the world’s most globally recognised brands, celebrated for its music heritage and vibrant culture. With cafes, hotels, casinos, live music venues, and retail outlets across more than 70 countries, Hard Rock continues to extend its iconic brand into carefully curated lifestyle categories that reflect its bold and distinctive identity.