Manipal Institute Of Technology, Manipal Concludes NCIIPC–AICTE Pentathon 2026 Advanced Cybersecurity Bootcamp

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), concluded the Advanced Bootcamp on Controlled Penetration Testing, a five-day intensive programme that marked the final phase of the NCIIPC-AICTE Pentathon 2026 national cybersecurity competition. Hosted at the School of Computer Engineering, MIT, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security, MAHE, the bootcamp represented the most advanced stage of Pentathon 2026, a flagship national initiative jointly organised by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Pentathon 2026 unfolded across multiple competitive phases and attracted wide participation from aspiring cybersecurity professionals nationwide. The first phase, a jeopardy-style online Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge, drew thousands of students from institutions across the country and aimed to identify promising talent in ethical hacking and penetration testing. After several evaluation rounds, over 200 top-performing finalists advanced to the Grand Finale (Stage II), where participants tackled fictionalised enterprise-grade cyber-attack scenarios modelled on real-world threats to critical information infrastructure.

Advanced Technical Training

Held from 16-20 February 2026 at MIT Manipal, the advanced bootcamp provided finalists with an immersive, expert-led training experience designed to strengthen practical cybersecurity capabilities. The curriculum, curated by leading cybersecurity experts and industry trainers, covered key areas including Cloud Security, Malware Analysis and Incident Response, Cryptography and Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Foundations, along with hands-on cyber laboratory simulations and a capstone challenge. Leveraging MIT’s advanced technological infrastructure, participants engaged in cyber-range simulations replicating enterprise-scale digital environments, enabling them to identify vulnerabilities and respond to cyber incidents in realistic scenarios. Participants appreciated the programme’s structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and collaborative learning environment, which also fostered peer engagement among students from institutions across India.

Collaborative National Initiative

Pentathon 2026 represents a collaborative effort involving government, academia, and industry stakeholders to strengthen India’s cybersecurity preparedness and workforce development.

The bootcamp’s closing ceremony was attended by senior officials from NCIIPC, advisors and directors from AICTE, and senior leadership from MAHE, including Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor, Technology & Science; and Dr Anil Rana, Director, MIT, Manipal. Their presence underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening India’s cyber defence ecosystem and protecting critical information infrastructure.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, offering over 400 specialisations across Health Sciences, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Technology & Science. MAHE operates through its constituent institutions across campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai.

Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class infrastructure, and impactful research contributions, MAHE has earned strong national and international recognition. In 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, conferred MAHE with the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE continues to be a preferred destination for students seeking a transformative learning experience and vibrant campus life, as well as for national and multinational organisations seeking top talent.

Tsuyo Secures Clearance From Government Of Karnataka For ₹250 Crore EV Powertrain Manufacturing Facility In Hubli-Dharwad

TSUYO Manufacturing Pvt Ltd., a deep-tech electric mobility technology company and one of India’s leading e-mobility component manufacturers, delivering next-generation system solutions through integrated hardware and software platforms powering the electric mobility ecosystem has secured Single Window Clearance from the Government of Karnataka to establish a 20-acre EV Powertrain Manufacturing and Validation Facility in the Hubli-Dharwad region, denoting a significant step toward strengthening India’s domestic electric mobility component ecosystem.

The State-Level Single Window Clearance Committee of the Government of Karnataka has granted clearance, permitting the company to proceed with the development of the integrated manufacturing and testing campus. Tsuyo Manufacturing had earlier, in November 2025, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Government of Karnataka during the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025.

The proposed facility involves an investment of ₹250 crore and will focus on developing, manufacturing, and validating advanced EV powertrain technologies. The facility will comprise integrated facilities for electric traction motors, motor controllers, power electronics, and drivetrain systems, designed to support multiple EV mobility segments.

Commenting on the clearance and plans, Vijay Kumar, Founder & CEO, said, “The Hubli–Dharwad facility will be a significant breakthrough in Tsuyo’s mission to build a globally competitive EV powertrain ecosystem from India. With advanced manufacturing, integrated validation infrastructure, and system-level engineering capabilities, this investment will enable us to deliver high-power, high-voltage electric powertrain solutions for both domestic and international markets. Our focus is to develop and manufacture complete electric powertrain systems with world-class engineering and validation capabilities. The new facility will allow Tsuyo to accelerate innovation in motors, power electronics, and integrated drivetrain solutions while meeting the reliability and performance standards required by Indian as well as global OEMs.”

Lalit Baid, Founder & Chief Operating Officer, shared further details, stating,“The facility will be developed in two phases to progressively scale our integrated EV powertrain technology capabilities. Phase 1 will support powertrain platforms of up to 250 kW with voltage architectures up to 650V, while Phase 2 will expand our capabilities to develop powertrains of up to 1100 kW with high-voltage architectures reaching 850V DC. Importantly, the project will also create over 500 jobs, reinforcing our pledge to building advanced EV technologies and strengthening India’s domestic electric mobility ecosystem.”

The phased approach will enable Tsuyo to support a wide spectrum of electric mobility applications, from light mobility platforms to high-performance commercial vehicle powertrains.

Commenting on the development, Vikas Verma, Partner Avaana Capital said, “From the outset, what stood out to us about Tsuyo was the team’s rare combination of deep engineering capability, product innovation, disciplined execution, and focus on localized manufacturing to build globally competitive EV powertrain technologies from India. The approval of this facility is a testament to Tsuyo’s rapid progress and its strong trajectory in scaling both manufacturing and technological capabilities. Their continued progress in building advanced EV powertrain solutions in India is closely aligned with our conviction in the long-term potential of the country’s electric mobility ecosystem.”

The upcoming facility is designed as a fully integrated powertrain development ecosystem, combining manufacturing infrastructure with advanced testing and validation capabilities. Key features of the facility will include integrated EV powertrain assembly lines, advanced power electronics and drivetrain testing laboratories, and a dedicated open test track for commercial-vehicle powertrain validation.

The facility will serve multiple EV segments, including 3-wheelers, Passenger vehicles, Commercial vehicles and Industrial mobility applications.

This project is expected to generate over 500 engineering and technical jobs over the next three years while building specialised expertise in electric motor design, power electronics engineering, and drivetrain systems development. The initiative is also expected to contribute to the growth of a localised EV component supply chain, supporting India’s broader manufacturing and electrification goals.

The project has received support and facilitation from key state ecosystem partners, including Invest Karnataka, Karnataka Udyog Mitra, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, and Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board. The initiative fits with broader policy efforts to strengthen India’s EV manufacturing ecosystem and accelerate domestic innovation in electric mobility technologies.

About Tsuyo Manufacturing Private Limited:

Tsuyo Manufacturing Private Limited (“Tsuyo”) is a deep-tech EV company that is India’s leading e-mobility component manufacturer, providing advanced electric powertrain solutions for three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles (MHCVs), and off-road applications. The company’s portfolio includes electric motors, controllers, and integrated powertrain systems ranging from 0.5 kW to 350 kW.

With a strong focus on in-house R&D and strategic collaborations with premier institutions such as IITs, NITs, and international universities, Tsuyo delivers reliable, high-performance solutions for OEMs across the L3, L5, and commercial E4W segments—areas that remain largely underserved in India’s EV ecosystem. With two manufacturing facilities in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Tsuyo has sold more than 200,000 motors and partnered with 50+ OEMs, establishing itself as a leader in the mid-drive electric motor category in the past four years.

Pexpo Collaborates With Sony YAY! To Launch “GO24” – A Lifestyle Outdoor Hydration Brand

Featuring Global Pop Culture Icons Shin-chan and Naruto

New brand targets youth as the company expands beyond utility-led bottles into lifestyle hydration

GO24 bottles introduce advanced three-layer insulation technology designed to keep beverages colder and hotter for longer than conventional double-layer bottles in the market

GO24 sets new benchmarks in hydration with three-layer insulation, 24-day free lid replacement and 24-hour customer support

Pexpo partners with Sony YAY!, the official master licensee for Naruto and Shin-chan in India

South India continues to be a strategically important market for the company, contributing nearly 35% of the company’s overall business

Company expects the region to see strong growth over the next 5–6 years
Pexpo, an Indian manufacturer of sustainable steel hydration products, has launched “GO24”, a new lifestyle outdoor hydration brand aimed at India’s rapidly growing base of Gen Z and young consumers in South, in partnership with Sony YAY! to bring globally loved pop culture characters to the hydration category. With the launch of GO24 bottles, the company also introduces advanced three-layer insulation technology designed to keep beverages colder and hotter for longer durations than conventional double-layer bottles available in the market, positioning GO24 among India’s first and one of the few brands globally to bring this level of performance innovation to the hydration category.

The brand debuts with design-led hydration bottles inspired by global pop culture icons Shin-chan and Naruto, marking Pexpo’s strategic entry into the lifestyle hydration category through GO24.

South India continues to remain a strategically important market for the company, contributing nearly 35% of its overall business, and expecting strong growth from the region over the next five to six years.

The name ‘GO24’ reflects the brand’s core philosophy, ‘GO’ representing movement, outdoor living and on-the-go lifestyles such as travel, fitness and everyday mobility, while ‘24’ signifies round-the-clock utility, performance and reliability for hydration needs across different environments and routines.

With GO24, Pexpo is looking to reposition hydration bottles from traditional kitchen-led utility products to lifestyle accessories designed for mobility, outdoor use and personal expression, reflecting evolving consumer preferences among younger audiences.

The launch comes amid a broader shift in consumer behaviour, where younger consumers are increasingly opting for durable stainless-steel bottles suited for active lifestyles such as fitness, travel, work and outdoor activities, while moving away from traditional plastic bottles primarily used at home.

Through licensed character collaborations, design-forward formats and performance-focused features, GO24 aims to build a fandom-driven lifestyle hydration category, blending global pop culture with everyday functionality.

Pop Culture Meets Everyday Hydration

The inaugural GO24 collections draw inspiration from globally recognised characters that hold strong cultural resonance among young audiences.

The Shin-chan edition taps into the nostalgia and meme appeal of Shin-chan, translating the character’s playful personality into expressive bottle designs aimed at millennials and Gen Z audiences who grew up watching the show.

Meanwhile, the Naruto edition takes inspiration from the Naruto anime series, whose themes of resilience, ambition and perseverance resonate strongly with India’s expanding anime fan communities.

The collections are introduced in collaboration with Sony YAY!, the official broadcaster of both properties in India. Together, the collections bring global entertainment culture into a category traditionally driven by functionality, positioning hydration products as extensions of personal style and identity.

Commenting on the launch, Vedant Padia, Director, PEXPO, said, "The way young consumers interact with everyday products is changing rapidly. Hydration today is no longer limited to home use; it is part of an active, on-the-go lifestyle that includes work, fitness, travel and outdoor experiences. With GO24, we are introducing a brand that combines performance, durability and cultural relevance. Collaborations with globally recognised characters like Shin-chan and Naruto allow us to connect with youth audiences in a way that reflects their interests, aspirations and identity."

He further added that “GO24 bottles have been designed for multiple lifestyle use cases, including gym, office, travel, sports and hiking, with variants ranging from designer collections to purpose-led bottles tailored for different routines.”

On the collaboration, Ambesh Tiwari, Business Head – Kids & Animation and Sony AATH, said, “Shin-chan and Naruto continue to enjoy immense popularity among young audiences in India, cutting across nostalgia-driven millennial viewers and the growing community of anime fans. Collaborating with Pexpo to bring these beloved characters into everyday lifestyle products like hydration bottles allows fans to engage with the stories and characters they love beyond the screen, in ways that fit seamlessly into their daily lives.”

Designed for Performance and Durability

GO24 bottles combines lifestyle design with advanced functionality, featuring:

Three-layer insulation technology engineered to keep beverages colder and hotter for longer durations compared to conventional double-layer bottles available in the market

ISI-certified stainless steel construction with 18% chromium for rust resistance and 8% nickel for durability

Scratch-resistant exterior finish to maintain long-term product appearance

24-hour customer support

24-day free lid replacement

24-month warranty

With these features, GO24 also aims to set new benchmarks in the hydration category, positioning itself among India’s first and one of the few brands globally to combine three-layer insulation technology with consumer-first services such as 24-day free lid replacement and 24-hour customer support, fortifying its focus on performance, durability and user convenience.

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.