Tata Power And Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd Expand Fast-Charging Footprint Across 10 locations In India

* Clock 70,000+ Charging Sessions

* 10 Tata Power x TATA.ev Mega Charger hubs across four states clock 70,000+ charging sessions and 85,000+ charging hours, strengthening intercity and intracity EV mobility

* 25 fast chargers and 56 charging guns add 2.7 MW of charging capacity, supporting 75 lakh+ green kilometres and helping avoid 6690 tonnes of CO₂ emissions

Tata Power, one of India's leading integrated power companies and the country's leading EV charging solutions provider, in partnership with Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TATA.ev), India’s largest 4-wheeler EV manufacturer has crossed a major milestone in India's EV charging infrastructure buildout — its 10 co-branded Tata Power x TATA.ev Mega Charger hubs have together clocked 70,000+ charging sessions and over 85,000 hours of charging, supporting 75 lakh+ electric kilometers and helping avoid 6690 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Strategically deployed across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the network comprises 25 fast chargers, 56 charging guns and 2.7 MW of cumulative capacity, with individual hubs ranging from 180 kW to 600 kW, enabling multiple EVs to charge simultaneously.

Four hubs line the Yamuna Expressway connecting Greater Noida and Agra, three sit on the Hyderabad–Vijayawada corridor (including 7 Midway Plaza – Suryapet, Hotel Vivera Narketpalle, and ILabs Hyderabad), one serves the Bengaluru – Tirupati route (Retreat Restro), and one anchors the Pune – Bengaluru corridor (Sai International, Sangli) – alongside two hubs supporting intra-city mobility in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

The flagship site – The Leela Mega Charger in Mumbai, near Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport – offers 16 charging guns (six 60 kW and two 120 kW fast chargers) and 600 kW of capacity, enough for 16 EVs to charge simultaneously. Positioned on a high-footfall corridor linking business, travel and logistics hubs, it's designed to serve private EV owners, taxis, ride-hailing fleets and other high-frequency users.

Beyond mobility, the network signals the emerging commercial potential of India's EV charging ecosystem. It forms part of Tata Power's larger charging ecosystem of 6,700+ public and captive charging points, 2.5 lakh+ home chargers and 1,200+ bus charging points across 690+ cities and towns – with the company targeting 10,000 public charging points and 7.5 lakh home chargers by 2030 as India accelerates its shift to green mobility.

The TATA.ev Mega Charging Hub is a flagship initiative by Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., aimed at accelerating EV adoption by building high-speed, reliable charging destinations with multiple charging bays and customer-friendly amenities across key highway corridors and urban EV hotspots. Many of these charging hubs are seamlessly accessible through the Tata Power EZ Charge app.

Locations:

 

Charging Station Name	Charger Capacity	No of Guns	State	Zone	Connects
TATA Power x TATA.EV 7 Midway Plaza – Suryapet	240 kw	4 guns	Telangana	South	Hyderabad Vijayawada
TATA Power x TATA.EV Hotel Vivera Narketpalle	120kw + 120kw	4 guns	Telangana	South
TATA Power x TATA.EV ILabs	360kw	6 guns	Telangana	South	Heart of Hyderabad
TATA Power x TATA.EV Retreat Restro	120 kw + 60kw	4 guns	Andhra Pradesh	South	Bengaluru Tirupati
TATA Power x TATA.EV Sai International Sangli	120 kw + 60kw	4 guns	Maharashtra	West	Pune Bengaluru
Tata Power x TATA.ev Yamuna Expressway LHS 107 KM Charging Station	120kw + 120kw + 60kw	6 guns	UP	North	Greater Noida & Agra
Tata Power x TATA.ev Yamuna Expressway LHS 35 KM Charging Station	120 kw + 60kw	4 guns	UP	North
Tata Power x TATA.ev Yamuna Expressway RHS 100 KM Charging Station	120kw + 120kw	4 guns	UP	North
Tata Power x TATA.ev Yamuna Expressway RHS 16 KM Charging Station	120 kw + 60kw	4 guns	UP	North
Tata Power x TATA.ev The Leela Mega Charger Hub	60kw (6 nos) + 120kw (2 nos)	16 guns	Maharashtra	West	Heart of Mumbai

 

From Family Celebrations To Weekend Adventures: Sony Gadgets For Every Occasion

Some of the best moments are found in the everyday, whether it is gathering with family for a special occasion, settling in for a movie after a long week, taking music along on a weekend outing, or capturing spontaneous moments during a short getaway. As the way we enjoy entertainment and create memories continues to evolve, the right technology can make these experiences more immersive, convenient, and enjoyable.

From premium personal audio and powerful portable speakers to creator-friendly cameras and immersive home entertainment, Sony offers devices designed to fit different moments and lifestyles. Whether you are looking to elevate a family movie night, take your favourite music on the road, or document your next adventure, here are some Sony gadgets worth considering for the occasions that matter.

BRAVIA 7 II: There is something special about getting everyone together for a movie night, especially when a favourite film or series becomes the centrepiece of an evening at home. The Sony BRAVIA 7 II is designed to bring a more cinematic feel to these shared viewing experiences, combining vibrant visuals with detailed picture quality that can make everything from blockbuster films to live sports more engaging.

Powered by Sony's True RGB LED technology, the BRAVIA 7 II features RGB Backlight Master Drive Pro™, RGB Triluminos Max™, and the Cognitive Processor XR™ to deliver vibrant colours, enhanced contrast, and lifelike detail. The television also features a 4K 120Hz refresh rate, XR Motion Clarity, and support for Dolby Vision®, Dolby Atmos®, and IMAX Enhanced, while Google TV brings a wide range of entertainment together in one place.

Price: 2,10,890 onwards

Sony WF-1000XM6: Whether it is listening to music during a commute, catching up on podcasts while travelling, or simply enjoying some quiet time at home, personal audio can make everyday moments feel more immersive. The Sony WF-1000XM6 brings the latest generation of Sony's 1000X true wireless experience into a compact design, combining advanced noise cancellation with high-quality sound for listening wherever the day takes you.

The WF-1000XM6 features Sony's HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e, Integrated Processor V2, Multi Noise Sensor technology, and an 8.4mm driver unit. It supports LDAC, LC3 and DSEE Extreme, along with Ambient Sound Mode and multipoint connectivity. The earbuds offer up to 8 hours of continuous music playback with noise cancelling enabled, or up to 12 hours with it switched off, and are IPX4 water resistant, making them well suited to everyday listening and travel.

Price: INR 35,990

Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION: For occasions when music, movies, or simply some uninterrupted personal time call for a more refined listening experience, the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION offers a premium take on the company's flagship headphone experience. The collection is built around a luxury design and premium comfort, making it suited to everything from long journeys to relaxed evenings at home.

The WH-1000XX features a bespoke driver and audio co-created with mastering engineers, along with 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema for a more immersive movie experience. Its advanced noise cancellation system is supported by AI-based beamforming, while the Integrated Processor V3 helps optimise sound and call quality. Multipoint connectivity, next generation LE Audio, and up to 24 hours of battery life add to its versatility for travel, work, and entertainment.

Price: INR 69,990

Sony ULT FIELD 5: Weekend plans often become more enjoyable when there is a playlist to go with them, whether it is a road trip, an outdoor gathering, or simply an evening spent with friends. The Sony ULT FIELD 5 is built for these occasions, combining powerful sound with portability and features designed to make music a bigger part of the experience.

The speaker features a dedicated ULT button that delivers enhanced bass, along with 360° Party Light to add a visual element to music sessions. Its IP67 water, dust, and shock resistance makes it suitable for outdoor use, while the built-in battery offers up to 25 hours of playback. Quick charging can provide up to 2 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, and the speaker can also function as a power bank for compatible devices.

Price: INR 24,990

Sony ZV-E10 II: Weekend getaways, family outings, food trails, and spontaneous plans often create moments worth capturing and sharing. The Sony ZV-E10 II is designed for creators who want greater flexibility when shooting photos and videos, combining an APS-C sensor, interchangeable lenses, and creator-focused features in a lightweight body.

The camera features a 26MP APS-C Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and Sony's BIONZ XR™ image processing engine, with 5.6K oversampling supporting 4K video recording at up to 60p. It also offers 759-point phase-detection autofocus for stills, 495-point phase-detection autofocus for movies, Creative Look and Cinematic Vlog settings, vertical shooting, and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity for easier sharing. The body weighs approximately 292g and uses Sony's high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery, making it practical to carry on trips and outings. The linked ZV-E10 II kit comes with the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II power zoom lens.

Price: INR 96,990

From bringing everyone together for a family movie night to taking music along on a weekend adventure, technology can add something special to the moments we already enjoy. A powerful television can turn shared viewing into a more immersive experience, while premium audio can make a commute, journey, or quiet evening more enjoyable. For those who love documenting their experiences, a capable camera can also turn spontaneous moments into memories that can be revisited and shared.

With products spanning home entertainment, personal audio, portable sound, and content creation, Sony offers options suited to different occasions and ways of enjoying everyday life. Whether the plan is a family celebration, a relaxed evening at home, or an adventure waiting to be captured, these devices are designed to complement the moments that make each occasion memorable.  

DFS Secretary Unveils Innovations To Advance Financial Inclusion At GFF 2026

* Transformation of ATMs into instant Rupay card and merchant UPI QR issuance points, reducing turnaround time from weeks to minutes

* Schemes covered under ‘Credit line on UPI’ include Kisan Credit Card and PM MUDRA Yojana

* Enabling direct cash deposits by members registered via eKYC, in a secured manner into beneficiary bank accounts through participating AePS Touchpoint operators

The Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, Shri Sanjay Lohiya, today launched multiple innovations at Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026 to advance financial inclusion in the country. The launch includes the introduction of Open-Source (Android) ATM for instant Rupay card and merchant UPI QR issuance, the enablement of ‘Credit Line on UPI’ for select government-backed credit schemes, and the introduction of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) Three-Party Cash Deposit. The announcement took place in the presence Shri Saurabh Vijay CEO of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Open Source (Android) ATM for RuPay card and Merchant QR issuance

The solution will enable customers to instantly receive personalised RuPay debit, credit and NCMC cards directly from an ATM through a simple self-service journey. The open-source (Android) ATM will also dispense merchant QR codes for UPI-based payment collections which will help merchants to easily deploy QRs and start accepting payments. Additionally, these ATMs will also provide banking services such as cheque deposits, account opening and loan applications.

GFF guests and attendees were able to experience first-hand the open-source ATMs placed across the GFF venue. The solution aims to expand the role of ATMs from just cash withdrawal and deposit machines to intelligent customer service and banking access points. Customers can receive their cards directly from the machine without waiting for courier delivery or making a branch visit, while merchants can obtain QR codes instantly for UPI-based payment collections.

Banks are also exploring the use of these ATMs as Digital Banking Units (DBUs), enabling them to extend banking services to semi-urban and rural areas where traditional branch infrastructure may be limited. Additionally, banks can deploy it at metro stations and transit hubs, at airports including instant access to lounges, and at educational campuses and corporate parks, enabling instant issuance of cards to travellers, students and employees. By enabling instant card issuance at the ATM, banks can improve customer acquisition and onboarding while eliminating the operational overhead associated with branch visits and physical card distribution.

Currently, nine banks, including banks like State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, UCO, Slice Small finance Bank and Airtel Payments Bank are engaging with NPCI and ATM OEMs such as Hitachi Payment Services, Perto India and Vortex Engineering to assess and explore the solution.

‘Credit Line on UPI’ for Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and PM MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)

Credit Line on UPI was enabled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in September 2023, allowing pre-sanctioned bank credit lines to be linked as a funding account on UPI. The initiative enables eligible beneficiaries of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and PM MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) to use their sanctioned credit limits for merchant payments through UPI, bringing digital access to formal credit for farmers and small businesses.

These flagship credit schemes were established to strengthen financial inclusion among priority segments, by providing access to working capital and overdraft facilities. Collectively, they represent a significant credit ecosystem, with over 7.7 crore operative KCC accounts carrying sanctioned limits exceeding ₹10 lakh crore and more than 57 crore PMMY loans amounting to over ₹40 lakh crore.

The integration of these schemes with Credit Line on UPI has the potential to transform the credit landscape by making formal credit more accessible, convenient, and digitally enabled for these priority segments.

Eligible KCC account holders of State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, IDBI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and UCO Bank can now use their credit accounts as Credit Lines on UPI.

MUDRA beneficiaries of State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, IDBI Bank, and UCO Bank can also access these facilities through UPI. More banks are expected to extend these credit facilities on UPI in the coming months.

Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) Three-Party Cash Deposit

AePS Three-Party Cash Deposit is an interoperable assisted-banking service that enables a depositor, registered with Aadhaar Biometric Authentication based eKYC, to deposit cash directly into the bank account of family members or loved ones through participating AePS Touchpoint Operators (ATOs).

The service is designed to extend convenient cash deposit access beyond traditional bank branches by leveraging the established AePS ecosystem and its last-mile assisted banking network. Unlike conventional cash deposit options that may depend on a bank’s own branch, cash deposit machines or proprietary infrastructure, AePS Three-Party Cash Deposit is designed to facilitate deposits into beneficiary accounts through the AePS network.

The service will make cash deposits secure and reliable for both customers and beneficiaries. Aadhaar-based biometric authentication confirms the depositor’s presence for each transaction, while beneficiary validation provides an added layer of assurance. Before completing the deposit, the customer receives confirmation of the beneficiary’s name via SMS, helping ensure that the funds are credited to the intended account

For customers, this means reduced travel time, simpler financial support and business payments, an assisted option for customers who may not be digitally savvy, and greater confidence through beneficiary validation and transaction confirmation. By extending the service to deeper Bharat, Three-Party Cash Deposit aims to bring formal cash deposit facilities closer to rural, semi-urban and underserved customers and supports broader financial inclusion.

The list of banks currently enabled for this service are Airtel Payments Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Fino Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, IndiaPost Payments Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, Union Bank of India, YES Bank. More Banks are expected to get enabled soon on the service in the upcoming months.

Bacardi Launches BREEZER® Bold In India As Consumers Seek Bolder Flavor Experiences

* The new 8% ABV range brings three distinctive taste combinations, inspired by evolving consumer tastes and the changing ready-to-drink (RTD) landscape in India

Bacardi has launched BREEZER® Bold in India, expanding the BREEZER portfolio with a new range designed for consumers seeking more distinct taste experiences. Inspired by the Indian palate, BREEZER Bold brings a fresh expression of the brand to the ready-to-drink (RTD) category.

BREEZER Bold debuts with three variants and is available at 8% ABV. Inspired by the sweet-and-spicy flavor combinations found in Indian food, Guava Chilli combines the tropical sweetness and fragrance of guava with a bold chilli kick. Lime & Lager brings together crisp citrus and the piney bitter notes of hops. Grapefruit Yuzu pairs the juicy tartness of grapefruit with the distinctive floral and herbal character of yuzu.

“Understanding how consumer preferences are evolving is at the heart of how we build our brands at Bacardi,” said Goodies Narayanan, Marketing Director, India, Bacardi. “India is one of the world's most dynamic consumer markets, with consumers increasingly seeking new and adventurous taste experiences. BREEZER Bold reflects those evolving preferences through combinations inspired by local tastes while bringing something new to the category. As the leader in RTDs, we're excited to expand the BREEZER portfolio with a range that offers consumers more choice and new ways to explore flavor.”

The launch comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking greater variety and new drinking experiences, while RTDs continue to attract interest through convenience and versatility across occasions. These shifts are reflected in the 2026 Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, which highlighted growing consumer interest in flavor discovery and experimentation. BREEZER Bold reflects those evolving preferences through combinations inspired by local tastes while bringing a fresh expression to the category.

BREEZER Bold will be available in select retail outlets across Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Daman from 14 September onwards, with further rollout across India planned in the coming months.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 164 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 8,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.  

IFAT India 2026 Opens In Mumbai As Government, Industry Focus On Water Security, Sanitation And Circular Resource Management

The 13th edition brings together government representatives, municipal leaders, industry experts and technology providers to address India’s water, wastewater, waste management and recycling priorities

The 13th edition of IFAT India, the country’s largest trade fair for water, sewage, solid waste management and recycling solutions, opened today at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO), Mumbai.

The opening brought together Smt. Agnimitra Paul, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal, Smt. Isha Kalia, IAS Joint Secretary & Mission Director (NULM & PM SVANidhi), Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs and senior representatives from state governments, municipal bodies, diplomatic missions, professional associations, international networks and the environmental technology industry.

Across the three-day event, IFAT India 2026 provides a platform for discussions, technology showcases and industry–government engagement around water security, wastewater management, sanitation, municipal solid waste, recycling and circular resource management. The programme is designed to help public- and private-sector decision-makers assess solutions, compare approaches and build partnerships for projects across the water and waste value chains.

Bhupinder Singh, President IMEA, Messe München GmbH, and CEO, Messe Muenchen India, said, “India’s environmental infrastructure needs solutions that can perform reliably at scale. IFAT India connects public authorities, industry and technology providers to evaluate these solutions, exchange implementation experience and build partnerships for projects across the water and waste sectors.”
Opening dialogue puts implementation at the centre

The inauguration was followed by a fireside conversation moderated by •Prabal Bhardwaj, Partner – Health, Human & Social Services (HHSS) Government & Public Services (G&PS), KPMG in India with Smt. Agnimitra Paul. The discussion placed urban infrastructure delivery at the centre of the opening day agenda, connecting policy priorities with the practical requirements of cities, utilities and project teams.

Smt. Agnimitra Paul, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal, said, “IFAT India has given us an excellent opportunity to explore new technologies and understand best practices in solid waste and wastewater management from India and around the world. We are keen to identify solutions that can be effectively implemented in West Bengal and strengthen the way our cities manage these critical areas.”

Smt. Isha Kalia, IAS Joint Secretary & Mission Director (NULM & PM SVANidhi) Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, said, “With technologies and innovations across water, wastewater, pumps, networks and sludge management under one roof, there is a lot to understand and explore at IFAT India. As the sector evolves rapidly, all stakeholders need to stay aware of new developments and adapt the right solutions to local needs.”

Senior public-sector and institutional participation

The inauguration ceremony brought together senior government officials, municipal leaders, diplomats and representatives of leading national and international sector organisations. Key participants included:

· Shri S. Suresh Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration & Urban Development Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh

· Dr. T. K. Sreedevi, IAS, Secretary, Municipal Administration, and Director General, National Institute of Urban Management

· Dr. Vipin Sharma, IAS, Additional Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Government of Maharashtra

· Shri T. Anand, IAS, Managing Director, Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Government of Tamil Nadu

· Shri Radhabinod Sharma, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation, Government of Maharashtra

· Shri Mayank Mittal, IAS, Joint Managing Director, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Government of Telangana

· Smt. Shwetali Abhijit Thakare, Chairman, Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority

· Dr. Jairaj Phatak, IAS (Retd.), Director General, All India Institute of Local Self-Government

· Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, IFAT Advisory NAC Committee; Advisor, National Institute of Urban Affairs; and former Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga

· Mr. Dalbir Singh, Chief Engineer, Delhi Jal Board

· Smt. Utkarsha Kavadi, Senior Executive Director, All India Institute of Local Self-Government

Diplomatic and international representatives at the opening included Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai; Nabil Taouati, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in India; Monica Ommundsen Nagelgaard, Consul General of Norway; Dong-wan Yoo, Consul General of the Republic of Korea; Christoph Rendtorff, Deputy Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai; Kerstin Peckl, Deputy Trade Commissioner, Republic of Austria in India; and Dr. Lena Robra, Head of Academic Engagement at Swissnex, Consulate General of Switzerland.

The ceremony also saw participation from the All India Institute of Local Self-Government, ASSOCHAM National Water Council, Builders’ Association of India, German Water Partnership, German Recycling Technologies and Waste Management Partnership, GIZ India, International Solid Waste Association, International Water Association, Indian Water Works Association, Material Recycling Association of India, National Solid Waste Association of India, SWAN India Alliance, TERI Centre of Excellence on Water Reuse, KPMG in India and IFAT Worldwide.

A working marketplace for environmental infrastructure

Organised by Messe Muenchen India, IFAT India 2026 brings together more than 500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries across three exhibition halls. Six country pavilions represent China, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Norway and the Netherlands.

Across the exhibition floor, visitors can evaluate technologies and services for water and wastewater treatment, water reuse, sewerage and sanitation, collection and transport, sorting and recycling, waste-to-energy, resource recovery, air pollution control, environmental monitoring and digital operations.
Focused industry areas include the SWAN Digital Water Pavilion, IWA Pavilion, Urban Local Bodies Pavilion, Smarter SME Pavilion and Start-up Pavilion. Together, these formats connect established technology providers, emerging companies, utilities, municipal bodies and project stakeholders with a range of procurement and implementation needs.

Knowledge programme addresses finance, delivery and scale

The exhibition is supported by a multi-stage knowledge programme covering the policy, financing, technology and operating questions shaping environmental infrastructure in India:

· Blue Stage: water investment, treated wastewater reuse, utility transformation, blended finance, digitalisation, community participation and the shift from compliance-led action to systematic water stewardship.

· Orange Stage: urban sanitation, the Swachhata movement, municipal waste management, biogas, collection and recycling systems, RDF and waste-to-fuel applications, the climate economy and Indian Railways’ circularity and net-zero journey.

· Green Stage: organised recycling ecosystems, state- and city-led circular economy initiatives, technology and traceability in e-waste recovery, plastics, advanced recycling, finance for circular infrastructure, and the fashion and textile value chain.

· Speakers’ Corner: expert-led sessions on water and wastewater innovation, India–Netherlands collaboration, Zero Liquid Discharge, membrane technologies, industrial wastewater treatment, digital water management, resource recovery and the economic potential of sludge and waste-to-resource projects.

· Second Round Table of Chief Engineers’ Forum organised by AIILSG Mumbai with support from AMRUT 2.0 of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India: This will be held on Day 1 of the event and address practical delivery challenges in water supply, wastewater, sanitation and solid waste infrastructure, with attention to project execution, technology selection, adoption and long-term operational performance.

· National Conference organized by AIILSG Mumbai in partnership with UNICEF India: This will be held on Day 2 of the event and will focus on convergent planning for scaling up sanitation and waste management across rural and urban India.

The Young Professionals Group of the International Solid Waste Association is also hosting a special session on a proposed University Challenge. Being developed in association with Prof. Anupam Singh, the initiative aims to encourage participation from students and young professionals and connect research with industry priorities.

As IFAT India 2026 continues through 11 September, the trade fair will enable municipal authorities, utilities, industries, project developers and solution providers to move discussions from policy priorities to practical implementation. Through technology demonstrations, expert-led sessions and structured business interactions, the three-day platform aims to support informed technology selection, stronger partnerships and more effective delivery of India’s water, sanitation, waste management and circular resource projects. 

New Leadership Takes Charge At IPMMI Ravikiran As New Vice President

A new Managing Committee formally took charge at IPMMI following its AGM held on 5 September 2026, with Vivek Chinoy as President and Ravikiran as Vice President, supported by an exceptionally experienced team of industry leaders.

The new leadership will focus on strengthening member engagement, technology and knowledge initiatives, industry collaboration, skill development, and expanding the global visibility of India’s packaging machinery industry.

“IPMMI has the opportunity to become a stronger catalyst for the growth of our industry. With the collective experience and commitment of our Managing Committee, our focus will be to create meaningful value for members and take Indian packaging technology to a larger global stage,” said Vivek Chinoy, President, IPMMI.  

South India Doesn't Need To Catch Up On Protein, It's Already There

* A new consumer study finds that South India already leads the country in everyday dairy consumption, even as national data shows most urban Indians remain unaware of how much protein they actually need

New consumer research turns attention back to one of the country's most complete, accessible and affordable sources of protein: the dairy already sitting in most Indian kitchens. A glass of milk, a bowl of curd, a cube of paneer, each carries meaningful, easily absorbed protein, and few parts of the country lean on this everyday source as naturally as South India already does.

The bigger opportunity lies in awareness. Even as more Indians actively look to build protein into their daily diet, a nationwide survey of urban, high-income households found that nearly three in four respondents were protein deficient, and that ninety-three percent could not correctly state how much protein an adult needs each day, despite the Indian Council of Medical Research recommending 0.66 to 0.83 grams per kilogram of body weight for a healthy adult. The gap, in other words, is rarely about what is on the table. It is about recognising the protein that is already there.

South India already demonstrates what closing that gap can look like, and government data backs it up. According to the National Family Health Survey, while less than half of Indians nationally consume milk or curd daily, that figure rises well above the national average of 48.8 % across the south. Andhra Pradesh (77.1% men, 74.8% women) and Karnataka (76.2% men, 77.9% women) lead the numbers, with Telangana (68.9 % men, 71.3 % women) and Kerala (62.5 % men, 59.4 % women) following close behind, and Tamil Nadu rounding out a region where dairy already sits at the centre of daily meals rather than at its margins.

A consumer study, the India Lactograph, conducted among urban consumers aged 18 to 39 across South India, adds a sharper layer to this picture. The study found that curd is already near universal habits in the region, used regularly by 80.1% of respondents. Interestingly, the same study found a generational blind spot within these very habits: while a majority of South Indian parents say they give their children milk specifically for its protein value, adults are far less likely to make that same connection for themselves, with many more likely to reach for a packaged protein shake before considering the curd or paneer already on their table.

"South India has been getting its protein from dairy for generations. The India Lactograph report states that 80.1% of South Indian consumers eat curd regularly, and yet adults in the region are more likely to reach for a packaged protein shake than to recognise the nutrition already on their plate. The opportunity lies on educating the consumers about the benefits of dairy led- protein. Closing that awareness gap is something this region is exceptionally well-placed to lead.", said Gaurav Pande, Chief Executive Officer.

As National Nutrition Week turns the country's attention to its broader nutrition gaps, the data suggests that closing them will not require the same starting point in every market. In South India, the ingredients and the habits are already in place, quietly, in kitchens across the region. What remains is making sure people give themselves credit for them, a shift in awareness rather than diet, and one this region is better positioned to lead than any other.

About Creamline Dairy Products Limited:

Godrej Jersey, a leading private dairy player in Southern India, has been a trusted name in the dairy industry since 1986. With a presence across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Nagpur in Maharashtra, the company has consistently grown, offering high-quality dairy products under the name Jersey. With 8 composite dairy plants and a state-of-the-art milk powder plant in Ongole, Godrej Jersey has expanded its product portfolio from its roots as a milk business to a diverse range of innovative dairy products.

Over the years, Jersey became a household name, earning the trust of millions for its consistent quality. Following its recent association with the iconic Godrej brand, Jersey embarked on a journey to redefine its identity. The new visual design retains the legacy of the recognizable cow pattern, modified for a cleaner, modern, and more consumer-friendly presentation. This updated look reflects both Jersey’s rich heritage and the promise of quality and trust long associated with the Godrej brand. Godrej Jersey continues to uphold its legacy while embracing a fresh, contemporary identity, offering products that remain synonymous with purity, quality, and innovation.