Ola Electric Announces The Expansion of its 4680 Bharat Cell Into India’s New Energy Platform at प्रारंभ 2026

● Announces expansion of 4680 Bharat Cell platform beyond mobility and residential energy storage - Opens up sale of 4680 Bharat Cells and 1.5kWh 4680 Bharat Cell battery packs to businesses and startups

●Opens purchase of Ola शक्ति - India’s first residential BESS which is fully designed, engineered, and manufactured domestically,  powered by Ola’s indigenous 4680 Bharat Cells

● Begins delivery of the Roadster X+ (9.1kWh) powered by the 4680 Bharat Cell with range of up to 500 km

● Scaled-up deliveries of S1 Pro+ 5.2kWh powered by 4680 Bharat Cell PAN India

 Ola Electric today announced the expansion of its 4680 Bharat Cell platform at प्रारंभ 2026. With the 4680 Bharat Cell platform, businesses and startups can now directly purchase the 4680 Bharat Cells, or the 1.5kWh 4680 Bharat Cell battery pack for application across automotive, humanoids, drones, and portable medical equipment. With this announcement, the company will enable startups and businesses to innovate and scale rapidly with new energy storage solutions designed, engineered, and manufactured in India.

 The company also announced that its residential Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) solution, Ola शक्ति is now available for purchase with deliveries for शक्ति6kW/9.1kWh starting end of January 2026, and शक्ति 3kW/5.2kWh starting mid-February 2026. Furthermore, the company has also begun deliveries of its flagship motorcycle, Roadster X+ 9.1kWh powered by the 4680 Bharat Cell, offering a range of up to 500 km on single charge. In addition to this, the company has scaled up deliveries PAN India of the S1 Pro+ 5.2kWh.

At the core of these products is the 4680 Bharat Cell, company’s in-house energy platform which now powers its two-wheeler portfolio as well as Ola Shakti - one cell, one platform, one portfolio built for India. Ola शक्ति represents a fundamental shift in how Indians will access, control, and consume energy, as a portable, on-demand resource designed for modern Indian households, farms, and businesses.

Spokesperson, Ola Electric said, “The 4680 Bharat Cell is at the core of our in-house energy and mobility ecosystem, and we are now scaling this platform well beyond consumer vehicles and residential energy. By opening up the 4680 Bharat Cell platform to businesses and startups, we are enabling a wide range of applications, from humanoids and drones to electric vehicles and portable medical machines. Businesses can either purchase the 4680 Bharat Cell directly or leverage our

1.5kWh 4680 Bharat Cell battery pack to rapidly build and scale their products. With one cell and one scalable platform powering mobility, energy, and advanced technologies, we are building a future-ready energy backbone designed, engineered, and manufactured in India.”

Ola शक्ति is now available to purchase in two configurations: 3kW/5.2kWh priced at ₹1,49,999; and 6kW/9.1kWh priced at ₹2,49,999. The system can power air conditioners, refrigerators, induction cookers, farm pumps, and communication equipment, with fast charging times, and backup capacity of up to 1.5 hours on full load. The product is available for purchase on the Ola Electric website as well as Ola Electric stores, with deliveries for शक्ति 9.kWh starting end of January 2026, and शक्ति 5.2kWh starting mid-February 2026.

Priced at ₹1,89,999, the Roadster X+ 9.1kWh features an 11kW motor paired with a 9.1kWh battery with 4680 Bharat Cell, delivering an impressive range of up to 500 km on a single charge and a top speed of 125 kmph, and achieves 0-40 kmph in just 2.7 seconds.

Priced at ₹1,90,338, the S1 Pro+ 5.2kWh features a 13kW motor paired with 5.2kWh battery with 4680 Bharat Cell. The S1 Pro+ delivers an IDC range of up to 320km, a top speed of 130 kmph, and can hit 0-40 kmph in just 2.1 seconds.

 

About Ola Electric Mobility Limited

Ola Electric Mobility Limited is one of India's leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. It specializes in the vertical integration of technology and manufacturing for EVs and their components, including battery cells. The Ola Futurefactory in Tamil Nadu, where EVs and critical components are produced, is playing a significant role in establishing a robust EV hub in India. It is supported by Ola's Bengaluru-based Battery Innovation Centre (BIC), dedicated to advancing cell and battery technology. Ola's R&D efforts span India, the UK, and the US, focusing on innovative EV products and core components. Ola maintains a direct-to-customer distribution network of thousands of stores across India and a robust online presence, making Ola Electric one of the largest company-owned networks of automotive experience centres in the country.

Mahindra Premieres XUV 7XO with 5 Pioneering Tech Disruptions Starting at ₹ 13.66 Lakh

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., India’s leading SUV manufacturer,today launched the new XUV 7XO, the company’s latest trendsetter. Starting at a price of ₹13.66 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV 7XO raises the benchmarks set by the gamechanger XUV 700, which has had over 300000 customers since its launch in 2021. The XUV 7XO delivers an experience that rewrites the rules of high-end SUVs by elevating sophistication and technology like never before.

Mahindra has consistently worked towards democratising technology, and the XUV 7XO further exemplifies this commitment by offering advanced features starting from the base variant. The AX variant, featuring Coast-to-Coast 31.24 cm Triple HD screens, Intelligent ADRENOX, Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Alexa Built-in with ChatGPT, Cruise Control, Push Button Start/Stop, and 75 safety features—all as standard—makes cutting-edge technology and premium features more accessible than ever.

Key Highlights:

 Expressive Design: Full-width grille with jewel-like talon accents, Bi-LED projector headlamps with DRLs, diamond-inspired Clear Lens LED taillamps, R19 diamond cut alloy wheels and super-premium high-gloss piano-black finish exude a ‘tough-premium’ character

•Experiential Tech: Coast-to-Coast 31.24cm Triple HD screens, 16 speaker Harman Kardon Audio system with India’s first Dolby Vision & Atmos, 540-degree camera with digital video recording, ADAS Level 2 with Dynamic Visualisation, Frameless Electrochromic IRVM and Memory ORVM with Auto Tilt for reverse, Approach Unlock & Walk Away Lock

Smoother in every move: Global debut of the revolutionary DAVINCI damping technology; Front McPherson Strut & Multi-link Rear Independent suspension with Frequency Selective Damping & Stabilizer Bar offering superlative ride and handling

•Exquisite Luxury: 6-Way Powered Co-driver seat with 4-way Boss Mode, Front Seat and Rear Ventilated Seats, BYOD, High Density Seat Foam with First-in-segment Plush Pads

•Authentic SUV Legacy: Best-in-Segment 2L mStallion TGDi gasoline engine and

2.2L mHawk turbo-diesel engine options, first-in-segment All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in Diesel

R Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “XUV 7XO is our next step in delivering a truly premium, technology-forward SUV—smoother in ride, sharper in response, and smarter in experience. We are introducing DAVINCI suspension system —our new valve-based damping technology—for the first time worldwide, delivering a distinctly more plush and settled ride. ADRENOX+, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P, marks the first introduction of this chipset in an ICE vehicle in India, enabling exceptional computing speed and responsiveness. Inside, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system, engineered for exceptional spectral balance, is paired with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision—introduced for the first time in India. Backed by mStallion/mHawk powertrains and upgraded ADAS, the XUV 7XO offers a drive that feels confident, refined and engaging.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “We wanted the XUV 7XO to feel instantly recognisable, iconic yet unmistakably new. Its exterior design exudes the trademark Mahindra authentic-SUV character of athletic presence and sophisticated refinement, with an imposing all-new grille featuring a piano black finish and jewel like talon accents, as well as Bi-LED projector headlamps with DRLs. The cabin feels immersive and serene, pairing plush, premium finishes with a futuristic coast-to-coast display and an audio-visual experience that cocoons occupants in luxury. To put it simply, the XUV 7XO has been designed to reshape aspirations and set new standards for sophistication, safety, performance and capability. It takes the SUV experience and raises it to the power of X.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “The XUV700 created a new benchmark for India’s SUV market and its momentum has not slowed since. With the XUV 7XO, we are taking that benchmark to new heights. The segment is evolving fast, expectations are rising and India’s appetite for advanced, high-performance SUVs has never been stronger. The XUV 7XO reflects our commitment to stay ahead of the curve by delivering a product that sets new standards in design, technology and capability. In short, the XUV 7XO is built to be a trendsetter for the future of SUVs and will further solidify our position as a leader in the SUV segment.”

 The XUV 7XO moves the game forward with its Unmissable Presence, Spirited Performance, Sci-Fi technology, World Class Safety and Sophistication and Comfort.

AIAMA EXPO 2025 inaugurated by Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, marks a new era for India’s agarbathi industry with BIS certification launch

The All India Agarbathi Manufacturers Association (AIAMA) inaugurated AIAMA EXPO 2025,  India’s largest international conference and exhibition for the agarbathi industry at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru.

The three-day event, themed ‘Traditionally Modern,’ was inaugurated by Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. She also unveiled the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Certification,  to establish a new quality benchmark to elevate India’s incense manufacturing to global standards.

Speaking at the inauguration, Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, said, “The Indian agarbathi industry is the essence of our culture, craftsmanship and sacred prayer. With the introduction of BIS certification, we are ensuring that Indian incense products meet the highest global quality standards. We aim to create awareness about the agarbathi industry, which has been falsely portrayed as harmful, while also calling for research-backed scientific evidence.”

The Expo brings together industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders for curated sessions on fragrance, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The inaugural day featured renowned mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik, who shared insights on the symbolism of fragrance in Indian tradition and spirituality. The upcoming sessions will include business coach Rajiv Talreja leading a discussion on scaling family-run enterprises and the ‘Nose Royale’ Perfume Creation Competition, celebrating craftsmanship and innovation in perfumery.

Mr. Ambica Ramanjaneyulu, President, AIAMA, and Managing Director, Ambica Group of Companies, said, “AIAMA EXPO 2025 marks a defining moment in our industry’s journey. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators under one roof to celebrate 75 years of legacy while embracing a future driven by quality, sustainability, and growth.”

Mr. Arjun Ranga, Chairman, AIAMA EXPO Committee 2025, and Managing Director, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, added, “The Expo showcased how the agarbathi industry is evolving by combining traditional artistry with modern business practices. This collaboration will not only empower manufacturers but also reinforce India’s position as the global hub for fragrance creation.”

Spread across 120,000 square feet, the Expo will have curated seminars that will cover various aspects of the agarbathi Industry including job creation, sourcing of raw materials, research on new fragrances, packaging developments, women empowerment, export opportunities and new-age marketing.

                                       

  

[:  

Bengaluru’s Heartfelt Tribute: India Sweet House Honors 24,000 Pourakarmikas with Sweet Boxes and Protective Caps This Dasara

India Sweet House, Bengaluru’s beloved sweets brand, brought the spirit of Dasara alive with a powerful tribute to the city’s unsung heroes—its Pourakarmikas. In a grand post-event initiative at Dr. Rajkumar Glass House, GBA Corporation Office, 24,000 sanitation workers were celebrated and gifted a box of traditional sweets along with a protective cap designed especially to shield them from the relentless sun during their daily work.

Dasara celebrates the victory of good over adversity, and this year India Sweet House chose to honor those who quietly fight a daily battle for cleanliness, health, and public dignity—working before dawn, in rain and shine, to keep Bengaluru beautiful. With the support of Sri Maheshwar Rao M, IAS, Commissioner, GBA, civic leaders, and community participants, the event became a citywide gesture of gratitude and solidarity.

Highlighting the uniqueness of this initiative, every Pourakarmika received not only the flavour and joy of India Sweet House’s signature sweets but also a thoughtful sun cap to enhance their well-being—a reflection of both heartfelt thanks and lasting care.

Commenting on the occasion, Sri Maheshwar Rao M, IAS, said, “Pourakarmikas embody the resilience and spirit of Bengaluru. Their hands keep our streets clean; it is our collective responsibility to ensure they are seen, appreciated, and cared for. India Sweet House has set a new benchmark for community partnership through this campaign.”

Expressing their emotions, founders Shwetha and Vishwanath from India Sweet House remarked, “We are humbled by the selflessness of Bengaluru’s sanitation workers. Sharing sweets is our tradition, and this year, by paying tribute to the people who uphold the wellbeing of our city, we have truly captured the essence of Dasara—gratitude, togetherness, and hope.”

The joyful atmosphere at the event garnered heartfelt smiles, camaraderie, and spontaneous applause—not only celebrating the recipients, but sparking important conversations across the city about dignity of labor, community empathy, and festive inclusion.

About India Sweet House:

Inspired to explore and bring alive India’s rich tapestry of traditional sweets and savouries, the India Sweet House journey began on Karma Farms, a 10 acre farm. Our time-honoured traditional treats are crafted in organic ghee, khova, and fresh milk. To us at India Sweet House, the soul of a sweet lies in the purity of its ingredients and the simplicity of its craft.  We proudly bring the traditional flavours of India to your home, crafting authentic sweets with care and heritage in every bite.

 

Namma Sarathi Trust Launches Women- and Trans Women-Driven ‘Pink Auto’ Fleet in Bengaluru .

 Namma Sarathi Trust (R) announced the launch of “Namma Sarathi” – a fleet of pink auto-rickshaws run by women and trans women drivers in Bengaluru. This pioneering initiative aims to transform public transport by creating sustainable livelihoods, ensuring safer mobility for passengers, and challenging long-standing stereotypes in the city’s transport sector.

With Bengaluru’s urban transport expanding rapidly, women’s participation as drivers in the para-transit space remains disproportionately low. The Namma Sarathi project seeks to change this by training, licensing, and supporting women and trans women to become professional auto-rickshaw drivers. The initiative will prepare 1,000 drivers by March 2026 and scale up to 10,000 by 2030, positioning women as a driving force in the city’s mobility ecosystem.

As part of its implementation, five training centres will be established across Bengaluru, offering a structured three-month program covering driving skills, traffic rules, vehicle maintenance, digital and financial literacy, customer service, and self-defense. In partnership with the RTO and financial institutions, the Trust will also facilitate driving license issuance and access to vehicle loans, while working with unions and aggregator platforms to ensure employment linkages.

“Namma Sarathi is not just about auto training, it is about community,” said the Namma Sarathi team. “By putting women and trans women in the driver’s seat, we are creating opportunities for dignity, financial independence, and a safer Bengaluru. Our vision is to normalize their presence on the city’s streets and set an example for other Indian cities.”

C. Sampath, President, Namma Sarathi Trust, said: “This is a historic moment for Bengaluru. For too long, women and trans women have been passengers but rarely drivers. With Namma Sarathi, we are shifting that narrative.”

Rudra Murthi, Vice President, added: “This initiative is about more than jobs—it is about visibility and representation. Every pink auto on the road will carry a story of courage and change.”

Kavri, General Secretary, remarked: “The program also focuses on equipping our drivers with financial literacy, digital know-how, and self-defense. We want to ensure their empowerment is holistic and lasting.”

Meenakshi, Joint Secretary, said: “Our dream is that when someone sees a woman or trans woman behind the wheel, it feels absolutely normal. That is when we know change has truly arrived.”

Dr Devika Raj, treasurer added: "Namma Sarathi represents more than just pink auto-rickshaws on Bengaluru's roads – it's a powerful movement that puts women and trans women in the driver's seat of both their economic futures and the city's transformation toward inclusive mobility.”

Dr. Akkshye Tulsyan, Honorary Consul of Namibia and mentor  of Namma Sarathi Trust, added that the initiative is as much about societal transformation as it is about mobility. “This program combines empowerment with impact. By 2030, we envision 10,000 women and trans women drivers leading the way in Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaw network. When women are behind the wheel, the entire city moves forward.”

The Namma Sarathi team also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tulsyan, acknowledging his early guidance and motivation. “Dr. Tulsyan’s faith in our vision gave us the courage to begin. His support has been instrumental in shaping Namma Sarathi into a movement, not just a project.”

Through this project, Namma Sarathi expects to create new income streams for women—ranging between ₹15,000–₹25,000 per month—while providing the public with a reliable and safer transport option. More importantly, it will establish a replicable model of women-led mobility that can be scaled across India.

About Namma Sarathi Trust

Namma Sarathi Trust (R) is a Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation committed to advancing gender equality, inclusive mobility, and women’s empowerment. Founded with the mission of transforming public transport, the Trust provides women and trans women with training, licensing, and support to participate fully in the auto-rickshaw sector—an often male‐dominated space. Programs include driver education (skills, traffic rules, vehicle maintenance), financial and digital literacy, self-defense training, and assistance in obtaining licenses and vehicle financing. By enabling safe, dignified livelihoods, Namma Sarathi seeks to create systemic change: building visibility, agency, and opportunity for women and trans women, and offering a replicable model for inclusive, women-led mobility in Indian cities.

 

Alliance University & IISc Bengaluru to Host National Workshop on Hydrogen Fuel Technologies and Future Trends

Alliance University, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and under the aegis of The Combustion Institute – Indian Section (CIIS), is set to host a two-day National Workshop and Panel Discussion on Hydrogen Fuel Technologies and Future Trends on September 19–20, 2025.

 The two-day workshop will bring together industry experts, academic researchers, policymakers, and students to explore the evolving role of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Special focus will be on its applications in Internal Combustion (IC) Engines, Gas Turbine Engines, and emerging propulsion systems, with in-depth discussions on hydrogen integration, safety protocols, and the role of AI/ML in hydrogen engine design.

 The inaugural session will feature Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, as the Chief Guest; Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR, as Guest of Honour; and Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Chairman, CIIS and Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, who will deliver the inaugural keynote on “India’s Hydrogen Policy and Future Trends.” Mr. Abhay G. Chebbi, Pro Chancellor, Alliance University, will deliver the welcome address.

 This workshop is one of India’s most focused and multidisciplinary forums on hydrogen technologies and will spotlight technological advancements, sector-specific challenges, and collaborative opportunities across academia, government, and industry. Sessions will include topics such as hydrogen utilization in transportation, aerospace, energy production, and safety systems, along with its role in rockets and rotating detonation engines.

 The workshop will also feature speakers and participants from IIT Bombay, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), CSIR, and leading academic institutions. More than 100 delegates including researchers, doctoral students, industry professionals, and policy leaders are expected to attend.

 In a press conference announcing the workshop, the following remarks were shared: Mr Pradip Kumar Pandey, Secretary, The Combustion Institute Indian Section (CIIS), said:. At present, green hydrogen costs nearly twice as much as grey or brown hydrogen. However, as we continue to invest in research and development, the cost will gradually come down. The goal is to make green hydrogen as affordable as conventional alternatives. Currently, the global cost of clean hydrogen is around ten US dollars per kilogram. The international target is to reduce that to just one dollar per kilogram.

 This can only be achieved through collaboration between researchers, policymakers, institutions, and industry.

He added, Alliance University has adopted a village where we are implementing hydrogen-based solutions. They are also working to raise funds from both industry and government sources to build this into a model project. Eventually, as they develop safer storage methods, clean hydrogen can also be used in transportation and other sectors, making clean energy more accessible and cost effective.”

 Mr Abhay G Chebbi, Pro Chancellor, Alliance University, remarked: “Our country possesses an enormous level of potential when it comes to clean energy innovation and sustainability. However, it is primarily technology, not policy, that presents the biggest hurdle. While the policy framework is steadily evolving in the right direction, we must focus our efforts on accelerating indigenous technological development and adoption.

 Bridging the gap between research and real-world application is critical. We need stronger collaborations between academia, industry, and government to overcome technical challenges and translate our scientific strengths into scalable and impactful solutions. India has the talent and ambition. Now we must invest in the tools and platforms that will help us lead the global clean energy transition.”

 Dr Priestly B Shan, Vice Chancellor, Alliance University, remarked: “One of the key opportunities in India’s hydrogen transition is its potential to create large scale employment. The National Green Hydrogen Mission estimates six lakh new jobs by 2030. Through workshops like this, we aim to build awareness and develop the skilled workforce needed to meet that demand.

 We are also recommending the creation of hydrogen hubs that integrate local skill development, making employment an integral part of the hydrogen ecosystem. As adoption scales, hydrogen will transform energy systems, infrastructure, and supply chains. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning will play a key role in research and optimization.

 The two-day workshop promises to be a significant platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in the field of hydrogen fuel technologies. By bringing together leading minds from academia, industry, and government, the event aims to shape a national agenda for sustainable energy innovation and position India as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.

 

 

 

HortiConnect India 2025: India’s First Global Horticulture Expo to Debut in Bengaluru .

India will host its first truly global horticulture exhibition and conference, HortiConnect India 2025, from September 25–27 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The three-day event will bring together over 125 exhibitors, 10,000 participants, global delegations, and leading experts.

Supported by the Government of Karnataka, the event is organised with the National Horticulture Board, South India Floriculture Association, Indian Greenhouse Manufacturer Association, and others. The Netherlands joins as Partner Country, alongside delegations from Turkey, Spain, Israel, Sri Lanka, and more.

The theme, “Connecting Indian Horticulture Globally,” aims to link growers, entrepreneurs, and agribusinesses with markets and technologies worldwide. With India’s horticulture production projected at 362 million tonnes in 2025 and exports already near USD 1.8 billion, the expo comes at a strategic time.

Mr. Rajeeb Kumar Roy, Director, HortiConnect and MD, Agriplast Tech India, said: 

“HortiConnect India 2025 is a platform to bring Indian growers ‘shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. It is by the farmers, for the farmers.” Founding Directors include Mr. S.K. Gutgutia, Mr. Shrikant Bollapally, Mr. Rajendra Kumar, Mr. Rafi, and Mr. Bhavin, Mr Rounak.

Highlights include technology showcases in smart irrigation, AI, robotics, hydroponics, vertical farming, and post-harvest solutions. Farmers will benefit from training workshops on Good Agricultural Practices, while start-ups gain exposure through innovation pavilions and investor sessions. The 3-day long event will have inhouse conference, buyer-seller meetings, floral fashion show, and farm visits will add unique experiences.

Mr. Shrikant Bollapally, Director, HortiConnect India, said, “Our vision is to create opportunities for every participant—where technology meets tradition, policy meets practice, and innovation meets investment.”

The expo will also focus on women in horticulture, climate-smart farming, biodegradable materials, and carbon credit opportunities. Demonstrations of smart greenhouses, sensor-driven irrigation, and vertical farming will showcase sustainable solutions. The HortiTech Innovation Awards will honor pathbreaking technologies and models.

Keynote speakers include experts from ICAR-IIHR, UHS Bagalkot, and global specialists from the Netherlands, Colombia, and the USA. Policymakers from the Ministry of Agriculture and state horticulture departments will also participate.

Sponsors include Punjab National Bank, Aster Healthcare, and Royal Orchid Central Bangalore. 

Registration is free at the official website, with premium passes offering access to farm tours, exclusive buyer meetings, and conference sessions.HortiConnect India 2025 will be a milestone for India’s horticulture sector—bringing farmers, industry, researchers, and policymakers together to shape a globally competitive future.