Wednesday, September 9, 2026

PETRONAS Lubricants India And Tata Motors Collaborate To Pilot A Scalable Used-Oil Recycling Model

PETRONAS Lubricants India, part of the PETRONAS group and a trusted name in advanced automotive and industrial lubricant technology, and Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the responsible collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants. The two companies will pilot a structured and scalable model simultaneously across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The collaboration brings together the complementary strengths of two industry leaders to address a critical sustainability challenge. It also supports compliance with India's evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and advances the country's circular economy ambitions.

"Achieving true circularity in used oil begins when re-refined base oil is reintegrated into finished lubricants. Our collaboration with Tata Motors marks an important step toward building a scalable model for used oil circularity and reflects the strength of our channel network as we work to significantly reduce our carbon footprint across operations," said Mr. Binu Chandy, India MD, PETRONAS Lubricants India, launching the pilot project.

“At Tata Motors, practices and partnerships promoting sustainability are integral to advancing circular economy principles and creating meaningful environmental impact across the automotive value chain. Through our collaboration with PETRONAS Lubricants India, we are taking a significant step towards establishing a structured framework for the collection, recovery, and recycling of used automotive lubricants. This pilot initiative aligns closely with our commitment to responsible resource stewardship and supports India's broader sustainability ambitions. By bringing together the complementary strengths and expertise of our two organisations, we aim to assess the viability of a scalable used-oil recycling model that can drive long-term value and contribute to industry-wide progress.” said Mr. Vikram Agrawal, Head - Spares and Non-Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Ltd.

The initiative will establish an organised and traceable system for managing used lubricants classified as hazardous waste - from collection and storage through to recycling, where the used oil can be converted into high-quality re-refined base oil. PETRONAS Lubricants India will pilot the aggregation and movement of used lubricants through authorised and specialised collection mechanisms, ensuring their channelisation to genuine, registered recyclers, while Tata Motors will leverage its extensive authorised service network to enable structured collection and promote responsible disposal across its ecosystem. By improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental risk, the pilot seeks to strengthen benchmarks for responsible waste management and support India's broader transition towards a circular, resource-efficient economy.

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):
Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., (BSE: Scrip code 544569; NSE: Scrip code TMCV) is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—amongst Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares are listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

About PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI)

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricant manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, a dynamic global energy group from Malaysia. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full line of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in more than 100 international markets. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI has offices worldwide, including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS’s partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for designing, developing, and delivering Fluid Technology Solutions™, which include customized lubricants, fuels, and transmission fluids to power the "Silver Arrows."

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in a way that contributes positively to society and the environment.

PLI is pursuing an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricant companies at the forefront of the industry, delivering tailored solutions for every need.

For more information, visit: www.pli-petronas.com

Motilal Oswal Alternates Invests ₹600 Crore In KARAM Safety To Accelerate Global Growth

* Investment to fund KARAM's acquisitions and global expansion; marks the fifth investment from Motilal Oswal Alternates' ₹8,500 crore India Business Excellence Fund V

KARAM Safety Private Limited, a leading occupational safety solutions and Personal Protective Equipment company, today announced a ₹600 crore investment from Motilal Oswal Alternates, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and global ambitions. Motilal Oswal Alternates made the investment through its India Business Excellence Fund V (IBEF V). IBEF V was closed at ₹8,500 crore in February 2026 and the investment in KARAM becomes the fifth investment from the fund.

Founded in 1998, KARAM is India's largest company in the Fall Protection and Personal Protection equipment space, with a product portfolio of more than 3,800 products spanning across categories such as harnesses, lanyards, helmets, safety footwear, respiratory, hearing and hand protection among others. The company’s manufacturing facilities are vertically integrated and are spread across India (Sitarganj, Lucknow, Coimbatore), South Africa (Ballito) and Brazil. The company markets and sells products under 4 global brands across US, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia Pacific. Over the last 3 decades, the company’s products have been approved by almost all the safety agencies in the world making it one of its kind globally. With a comprehensive portfolio of occupational safety solutions and an established presence across India and international markets, KARAM has built a strong platform backed by high quality product innovation, state of the art manufacturing capabilities and deep customer relationships.

The investment will accelerate KARAM's inorganic growth and diversification strategy, with a focus on strategic acquisitions across complementary product categories, technologies and international markets. It will also strengthen KARAM's ability to invest in innovation, manufacturing capabilities and its global distribution network, while further solidifying corporate governance throughout the organisation.

"This investment marks an important chapter in KARAM's journey. It provides us with the strategic and financial flexibility to pursue meaningful acquisitions, enter new categories and markets, and accelerate our ambition of building KARAM into a global leader in the safety industry," said Mr. Hemant Sapra, Co-Founder and President (Global Sales and Marketing), KARAM Safety Private Limited. “We are very excited to have Motilal Oswal Alternates as a partner on our cap table. This association will further strengthen our global presence and escalate our position as market leaders in India too,” said Mr. Rajesh Nigam, Co-Founder and President (Technical), KARAM Safety Private Limited.

"India is emerging as a credible global hub for high-quality safety and industrial products, and KARAM is among the few homegrown brands that have built genuine depth in R&D, manufacturing and international distribution. The company operates in a category with strong structural tailwinds, rising workplace safety standards, growing regulatory enforcement and sustained industrial capex. We are impressed with the founders' relentless focus on innovation, global product quality and manufacturing excellence. We are delighted to partner with them as they scale KARAM into a diversified global safety solutions company, and we will work closely with the team on acquisitions, institutional capability building and governance," said Mr. Prakash Bagla, Managing Director (Manufacturing Sector), Motilal Oswal Alternates.

The partnership will enable KARAM to build greater scale, capabilities, and international reach as a diversified global safety solutions company.

EY acted as the sell-side investment banking advisor to KARAM Safety Private Limited.

About KARAM Safety Private Limited : KARAM Safety is a leading global occupational safety brand with a vast portfolio of over 3,800 certified products conforming to multiple national and international standards, and exports its safety solutions to over 140 nations. The company has a team of over 4,500 professionals who have been relentlessly developing, testing, and evaluating products, earning KARAM Safety a reputation as one of the finest global companies providing world-class personal protective equipment (PPE), fall protection solutions, and fixed-line systems. KARAM Safety is a responsible brand that values empowering people, uplifting society, and enriching the environment.

About Motilal Oswal Alternates: MO Alternate Investment Advisors Private Limited (“Motilal Oswal Alternates”) is a subsidiary of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Limited (MOFSL), a diversified financial services group with businesses in Securities, Asset Management, Housing Finance, Private Equity and Investment Banking. Motilal Oswal Alternates is managing an AUM of ~ INR 30,000 crore across private equity, real estate and private credit funds. Established in 2006, the private equity business manages ~ INR 18,000 crore across five funds and focuses on providing growth capital to mid-market companies across its preferred sectors of consumer, financial services, life sciences and niche manufacturing.  

Aarthi Scans And Labs Takes Affordable Diagnostics A Step Further With Free MRI Scans For Economically Disadvantaged Patients

Aarthi Scans and Labs, India’s largest integrated diagnostics provider, has announced an initiative to provide MRI scans at zero cost to genuinely deserving patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, reinforcing its commitment to making quality diagnostic healthcare accessible without financial constraints.

Under the initiative, eligible patients can avail themselves of a free MRI scan at select Aarthi Scans and Labs centres in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. The initiative is specifically aimed at individuals who require an MRI scan but are unable to afford the cost of the diagnostic investigation.

The free MRI facility will be extended to patients who meet the defined eligibility criteria, with preference given to individuals below the poverty line. Patients can avail the facility through any of the following:

A referral note from a government medical college hospital doctor, along with the government referral slip.

A letter from an NGO confirming that the patient requires the scan.

A referral by an Aarthi Scans and Labs employee, where the employee can establish that the individual genuinely requires the scan and cannot afford even the organisation’s affordable pricing.

The initiative will be available at select centres in Kilpauk, Chennai; Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru; Kondapur, Hyderabad; and Sion, Mumbai, subject to fulfilment of the eligibility criteria and submission of the requisite documentation.

Dr. Prasannaa Vignesh, Executive Director & Radiologist, Aarthi Scans and Labs, said, “At Aarthi Scans and Labs, our core vision has always been to make quality diagnostics affordable and accessible to everyone, irrespective of their financial status. This initiative is an extension of that value. While we work to keep diagnostics affordable for all, we also recognise that there are patients who cannot afford even that. For those who genuinely need an MRI, we want to remove that barrier altogether and provide the scan free of cost.”

About Aarthi Scans and Labs

Founded in 1988 by Mr. V Govindarajan, Aarthi Scans and Labs is India's largest integrated diagnostics provider. With over 78 MRI scanners, 79 CT scanners, and 20 processing labs, Aarthi serves more than 8000 patients daily across cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata and Bangalore. Renowned for its affordable pricing, quality imaging, and ethics, Aarthi Scans is pioneering a new model of healthcare—where cost never comes at the cost of care.  

Turkish Airlines To Become Liverpool FC’s Main Club Partner From The 2027/28 Season

Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, has announced that it will become Liverpool Football Club’s Main Club Partner from 1 June 2027 with the airline’s logo appearing on the front of the men’s, women’s and academy shirts from the start of the 2027/28 season.

The announcement marks the next chapter in Liverpool FC’s commercial history and will represent the first change to the Club’s Main Club Partner in 17 years.

From June 2027, Turkish Airlines will become Liverpool FC’s Main Club Partner, bringing together two organisations with a shared international reach and a commitment to connecting people around the world. LFC’s supporter base spans every continent, while Turkish Airlines connects people, cultures and destinations around the world through its extensive international flight network, flying to more countries than any other airline from its Istanbul hub.

The new partnership will also mark a significant moment in the history of the LFC shirt. The front of the shirt is one of the most recognisable positions in world sport and one that the Club has historically reserved for long-term and meaningful partnerships.

Turkish Airlines will become part of that history from the 2027/28 season, as Liverpool FC enters a new chapter both on and off the pitch.

Turkish Airlines CEO Ahmet Olmuştur said: “Liverpool Football Club is one of the world’s most recognised and respected football clubs, with an exceptional heritage and a truly global community of supporters. We are very pleased that Turkish Airlines will become the Club’s Main Club Partner and that our name will take its place on one of the most iconic shirts in world sport.

As the airline that flies to more countries than any other, connecting people, cultures and continents is at the heart of who we are. This partnership brings together two global brands united by their international reach, commitment to excellence and ability to inspire millions of people around the world.

The agreement also marks an important new chapter in Turkish Airlines’ long-standing support for global sport. We believe in the unique power of sport to transcend borders and bring communities together. As we begin this new chapter, we look forward to moving forward together with Liverpool FC and its supporters around the world.”

Liverpool FC Chief Commercial Officer Ben Latty said “This is a milestone announcement for Liverpool FC and we are delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines as our Main Club Partner from June 2027. The front of the Liverpool shirt holds a special place in the history of our club. Turkish Airlines is a globally recognised organisation with an extensive international network, and we look forward to beginning our partnership and building a strong relationship together, with already strong foundations built from those special memories back in 2005.

This announcement also provides an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution Standard Chartered has made to Liverpool FC over the past 17 years. They have been an important part of our journey through an exceptional period in the club’s history, and we are delighted that Standard Chartered will remain part of the Liverpool FC family as a Global Partner from 2027. As we prepare for this transition, we look forward to this new season and welcoming Turkish Airlines as our Main Club Partner from June 2027.”

MNRE Holds Fifth Roadshow For Bharat Renewable Energy Summit And Expo In Bengaluru On September 8, 2026


* Karnataka Energy Minister K J George invited global investors, developers, and manufacturers to collaborate with the state to accelerate clean energy expansion.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) held its fifth roadshow for the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 on Tuesday in Bengaluru. Karnataka Energy Minister K J George invited global investors, developers, and manufacturers to collaborate with the state to accelerate clean energy expansion.

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.

“With the national ambition of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based capacity by 2030, Karnataka is fully committed to this transformative journey. Karnataka continues to be a major innovator and investment destination, with opportunities for solar-wind hybrid projects, rooftop solar, electric mobility, renewable energy manufacturing and BESS. Karnataka is open to clean energy investments and partnerships. The Bharat RE Summit & Expo provides an excellent platform to showcase Karnataka’s capabilities and investment opportunities to the world. I invite investors, innovators, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to come to Karnataka, innovate, invest and partner with Karnataka and build a greener, cleaner and more energy-secure India,” he said.

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.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Karnataka Retailers Warn Against Growing Illicit Trade and Market Distortion in India's Online Retail Ecosystem

Photo Caption
: L-R:- Sri Ravindranath Treasurer, Sri B N Muralikrishna. President, Sri Srinivas G. Secretary, Sri C Govindappa, Joint Controller of Legal metrology and Sri Munirama,Vice President.

* Retailers Emphasise Robust Enforcement and Fair Market Practices to Protect Consumers and Safeguard Millions of Small Retailers

Karnataka State Retail Traders Welfare & Development Association (R)* organised a seminar on *“Confronting Illicit Trade in Modern Markets”* at Regenta Place, Bengaluru today, where retailers, trader associations and policymakers came together to deliberate on two rapidly growing threats impacting India’s retail ecosystem — the alarming rise of illicit trade and the increasing prevalence of unfair market practices. Participants expressed serious concern over the growing circulation of counterfeit products, illegal distribution channels and non-compliant goods across markets, while also highlighting how predatory pricing, deep discounting and unchecked expansion of certain quick commerce and e-commerce models are creating severe imbalances for small retailers and traditional businesses.

The seminar highlighted that both illicit trade and unfair market practices are adversely affecting genuine businesses, government revenues, consumer trust and the livelihoods of lakhs of small traders across Karnataka.

The seminar was graced by *Shri. Vijayananda Kashappanavar, Hon'ble Minister for Small Scale Industries & Public Enterprises,* as the Chief Guest. *Shri. Rizwan Arshad, Hon'ble Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs; Shri. B.K. Shivaram, Retd ACP; and Shri. C. Govindappa, Joint Controller of Legal Metrology,* attended the seminar as Guests of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, B. N. Murali Krishna, President, Karnataka State Retail Traders Welfare & Development Association (R), said, "Illicit trade is no longer merely a commercial issue; it has become a serious threat to consumer safety, fair competition and the livelihoods of millions of honest retailers. Counterfeit and illegally sourced products not only expose consumers to substandard and unsafe goods but also undermine the credibility of legitimate businesses that operate within the law. The Association remains committed to working closely with the government, law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to strengthen enforcement, raise consumer awareness and build a transparent retail ecosystem where genuine businesses can thrive."

Retailers further highlighted that while quick commerce and e-commerce platforms are rapidly transforming the retail landscape and making products instantly accessible to consumers, the same ecosystem is also creating serious concerns around the rapid spread of illicit trade and counterfeit products. Participants stated that flash sales, unrealistic discounting, aggressive pricing strategies and the constant push for ultra-fast delivery have created an environment where consumers are often unable to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit products.

The participants pointed out that today almost everything — from food products, groceries and personal care items to skincare products, electronics and even premium mobile phones worth thousands of rupees — is being delivered within minutes through quick commerce and e-commerce platforms. However, this extreme accessibility and race for cheaper prices are also opening dangerous entry points for banned, illegal and counterfeit products to penetrate the market at an unprecedented scale.

According to the retailers, illicit traders and unethical sellers are increasingly exploiting these rapidly expanding digital platforms to push counterfeit and non-compliant products into the market, taking advantage of weak monitoring mechanisms and the growing consumer obsession with deep discounts and instant availability. Retailers warned that consumers are gradually becoming more price-sensitive than quality-conscious, creating fertile ground for illicit trade to flourish unchecked across digital commerce channels.

The participants also stated that while the rapid rise of such platforms is adversely impacting consumers through the circulation of low-quality and potentially unsafe products, it is equally devastating for genuine offline retailers who spend years building trust, ensuring product authenticity and serving their local communities with accountability. Retailers emphasised that unfair market practices, uneven competition and aggressive pricing structures are making it increasingly difficult for traditional traders to survive despite working tirelessly for 14 to 18 hours every day to sustain their businesses, educate their children and support their families. Participants stressed that this is no longer merely a business issue, but a serious social and livelihood concern affecting millions of honest small retailers across the country.

During the seminar, participants highlighted that the rapid expansion of platform-driven retail models and the growing circulation of counterfeit and non-compliant products are creating serious challenges for traditional businesses. Retailers stated that while small traders operate with limited margins and high accountability, several large platforms continue to dominate markets through aggressive discounting and rapid expansion strategies. The participants also warned that illicit trade and counterfeit goods are harming genuine businesses, weakening consumer trust and adversely affecting the livelihoods of millions of small retailers across the country. While acknowledging the importance of technology and innovation, they stressed that growth in the retail sector must remain fair, transparent and inclusive.

The Association is a body of over 2 lakh micro, small and medium retailers from across Karnataka. It also represents the livelihoods of over 5 lakh poorest of the poor retailers and their families and is known for consistently raising issues concerning their lives and livelihoods.

The participants collectively called for stronger regulatory oversight, fair competition policies and a level playing field for small retailers. They also urged policymakers to ensure measures that ensure complete eradication of illicit and illegal products in the online retail ecosystem.

The seminar concluded with a collective appeal to the government, policymakers and industry stakeholders to protect the interests of small retailers and preserve India’s traditional entrepreneurial ecosystem, which continues to play a critical role in employment generation, local commerce and economic stability.

BigLilChefs At Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru: The City’s Young Foodies Get Ready To Battle It Out In The Kitchen

Bengaluru's young food enthusiasts will trade their dining tables for the kitchen counter this September as BigLilChefs brings children aged 7–18 together for a hands-on culinary competition at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru on 19 and 20 September 2026.

Far from a typical kids’ activity, BigLilChefs puts young participants in the chef’s seat. They will create, cook and plate their own dishes before presenting them to professional chefs from the mall’s in-house restaurants. Judging the event and guiding the young budding chefs would be Chef Altaf Patel, Head of Hospitality & Corporate at Geist Brewing co & Chef Balaji Balachander from Salt - Indian Restaurant Bar & Grill. The chefs will judge the dishes on taste, presentation, technique and creativity.

The competition features two age groups, each with its own culinary challenge. Little Chefs (7–12 years) will take on a creative no-fire cooking challenge, with dishes such as salads, chaats and sandwiches. Big Lil Jr. Chefs (13–18 years) will step up to induction cooking, putting their technique, timing and flavour skills to the test.

The excitement builds from the preliminary round to the Grand Finale, where the top performers will face a new challenge revealed on the day. The finalists will cook in front of a live mall audience, turning the competition into an exciting culinary showdown.

And it’s not just about winning. Every participant gets the chance to build confidence, experiment with food and experience what it feels like to present their own creation to a professional chef. All participants receive certificates, while the Top 3 winners in each age group will take home trophies and exciting prizes.

So, young chefs, it’s time to tie those imaginary chef’s hats, bring your biggest ideas and get ready to turn ingredients into something delicious!

Event: BigLilChefs
Venue: Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru
Date: 19 & 20 September 2026
Age Group: 7–18 years
Entry: Pre-registration only
Registrations: BookMyShow

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