September 2026

Elma Aveiro, sister of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Brand Director of CR7, visited the Kozhikode showroom of Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers to inaugurate the ‘Sparkle Diamond Fest’. Elma Aveiro received a warm welcome from the people of Kozhikode during her visit to the showroom. 812 Km. Run Unique World Record and Guinness Record holder for World Peace boCHE (Chairman, Boby Chemmanur International Group), Sam Sibin, (Managing Director), Anna Boby (Director), Anil C.P. (G.M-Marketing.) were attended the function.   Elma Aveiro inaugurating the Sparkle Diamond Fest.boCHE, Sam Sibin, Anna Body, Anil C.P. were also seen At the event, boCHE selected the lucky winner of an Instagram contest to win a gold biscuit. Customers also have an opportunity to win a Kia Seltos car as bumper prize through lucky draw. As part of the Sparkle Diamond Fest, customers can avail up to 50% discount on making charges for diamond ornaments. The Kozhikode showroom also showcases an extensive collection of the latest lightweight jewellery designs, offering a wide range of contemporary choices.   boCHE is a passionate sports lover and shared a special bond with football legend Diego Maradona. He brought the legendary footballer to Kerala for the first time on October 2012 to inaugurate the Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers Kannur.   boCHE (Dr. Boby Chemmanur) Dr. Boby Chemmanur, popularly known as boCHE, is the Chairman and Managing Director of Boby Chemmanur International Group. boCHE has achieved the 812-km Run Unique World Record and a Guinness World Record for world peace. He is well known as a businessman, sportsman, social worker, motivator and entertainer. He is the patron of the Federation of Indian Blood Donors Organization. boCHE has fan clubs with millions of members in many countries.boCHE was the soul mate of the football legend, Diego Maradona.boCHE conducted the ‘YaachakaYatra’ to raise 34 crore rupees as blood money to cancel the death sentence of innocent Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode, who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.He collected the money by travelling through the districts of Kerala and begging the public for donations. With a 163-year legacy, Boby Chemmanur International Group has a presence across India, the USA and the UAE.   BobyChemmanur International Group consists of: Boby Chemmanur International Jewellers boCHE Gold Loan (Chemmanur Credits and Investments Limited  (NBFC))  Boby Oxygen resorts boCHE Tours & Travels Phygicart.com, the E-Commerce platform  boCHE the butcher, the integrated meat store  boCHE Appliances boCHE Shakesbierre boCHE Club boCHE Island, the floating resort boCHE Pub boCHE Tea boCHE Brahmi Tea Caravan Tourism   boCHE 1000 acre  boCHE lens Ciinfos boCHE  First Kiss- Baby Wear boCHE Food Express boCHE Garment factory  boCHE Hills boCHE homes boCHE insurance    boCHE Gold & Diamonds is the new venture of the BobyChemmanur International Group. First time in India, boCHE introduced Mobile Jewellery called Parakkum Jewellery, Rolls Royce taxi and Helicopter taxi.    Boby Chemmanur International Group employs over 41000 individuals across its various business verticals. Along with its marketing team, and more than 500000 affiliates and sales officers, the group spreads across various business fields.His smart work, vision and dedication made the brand well known internationally to more than 250 million people.    boCHE, is followed by millions of people through different social media platforms. He has received over 200 awards and recognitions for his outstanding performance in various fields. The crowning glory in his sports life came when he completed running 812 kilometres on the road to spread the message “Give blood save life” with a Unique World Record.  He has donated an amount to the needy during the marathon.   Among the several awards he has been given, the Mother Teresa Award is the one that he considers the most prestigious. Guinness World Record for world peace, Glory of India Award (London), Best Humanitarian Award, Kerala State Business Excellence Award. The Glory of India Award, Global Keraleeyan Award, Mahatma Puraskar and Indo British Business Excellence Award are a few of the many awards he has received from around the world.   boCHE spends a major portion of his profit and time to do charity and social service. boCHE Fans Charitable Trust started Life Vision Charity Homes to take care of destitute people from the streets and provide them food, medicine and shelter during their lifetime. He is doing charity without accepting any amount as a donation from anyone.boCHE Fans Charitable Trust with innumerable philanthropists from all over the world coordinates the charity activities of boCHE. boCHE always wishes to live free and young by spreading his motto “Conquer the world with love“

State Bank of India (SBI), nation’s largest bank, today signed a Letter of Association with Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. to drive responsible plastic waste management across branches/offices of SBI. As part of the collaboration, Bisleri will carry out training and awareness sessions for SBI employees and housekeeping staff on responsible plastic waste management, collection of used plastic waste from SBI offices and sending for recycling.   Bisleri International Partners with State Bank of India to Drive Responsible Plastic Waste Management Under its ‘Bottles for Change’ Initiative   “Bottles for Change” is an initiative from Bisleri – India’s leading packaged water brand, through which the company engages institutions, housing societies, corporates, and communities to create awareness on responsible plastic waste management. This partnership between SBI and Bisleri is also aimed to support India’s transition towards a circular economy by fostering sustainable change through responsible plastic waste management and achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2070.   Speaking on the partnership, Shri. Ravi Ranjan, Managing Director (Risk, Compliance & SARG), State Bank of India, said, “Our collaboration with Bisleri under the “Bottles for Change” initiative is a step towards embedding sustainable practices into our everyday workplace culture. We believe that when employees are empowered to make responsible choices, that awareness extends well beyond our offices and into the communities that we serve and are a part of. Sustainable development and climate-conscious initiatives are important pillars in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, and partnerships such as this can help translate that larger vision into meaningful action on the ground.”   Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said, “Responsible plastic waste management begins with awareness and collective action. Our partnership with State Bank of India brings together the reach of one of India’s largest institutions and Bisleri’s experience through Bottles for Change to encourage responsible segregation, collection and recycling of used plastic. By engaging employees across SBI offices, we aim to build responsible practices at the workplace that can extend into homes and communities. We believe this collaboration can become a scalable model for corporate participation in advancing a circular economy for plastics.”   The partnership reinforces SBI’s commitment to responsible growth and environmental stewardship, while promoting sustainable practices across its operations and achieve its goal of Net Zero (Scope 1,2 &3) by 2055 – its Centenary Year. By encouraging responsible plastic waste management and recycling, SBI and Bisleri aim to foster greater awareness and contribute to a more resource-efficient and sustainable future for India.   About State Bank of India State Bank of India is the largest commercial Bank in terms of assets, deposits, branches, customers, and employees. It is the largest mortgage lenders in the country which has so far fulfilled the home buying dreams of over 30 lakh Indian families. The home loan portfolio of the Bank stood at Rs. 9.59 lakh crore mark as of June 30, 2026. The Bank has a deposit base of over Rs. 60 lakh crore with CASA ratio of 39.24% and advances of more than Rs. 50.47 lakh crore, as of June 30, 2026. Adjudged as the World’s Best Consumer Bank for two consecutive years – in 2025 & 2026, by Global Finance magazine, SBI commanded a market share of 28.1% and 18.7% in home loans and auto loans, respectively, at the end of FY26. SBI has the largest network of over 23,000 branches and 65,200 ATMs/ADWMs in India along with around 79,600 business correspondent outlets, as of June 30, 2026. The number of customers using internet banking stood at 12.6 crores, by the end of Q1 FY27 on June 30, 2026. With SBI’s digital strategy right on track, the Bank witnessed 27.1 lakh of new savings accounts being opened through the integrated digital and lifestyle platform YONO in the period between April 2026 to June 2026. YONO, which now has 10.5 crore registered users, also witnessed over 5 crore New YONO registrations as of June 30, 2026 – revamped Yono 2.0 since its launch in December 2025. In terms of digital lending, the Bank disbursed pre-approved personal loans worth Rs. 1,314 crores through YONO during April-June, 2026. As on June 30, 2026, SBI has 27 million followers on Facebook, 4.3 million followers on Instagram, 4.7 million followers on X and 20.9 million subscribers on YouTube. State Bank of India is the most followed Bank globally on Facebook, Instagram & X.   About Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. With a legacy of over 50 years, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. has grown to become one of the largest premium beverage businesses in India. Being the makers of the country’s largest-selling packaged drinking water, Bisleri follows a stringent process of 90 quality tests and a 10-stage purification. It remains true to its core value of providing consumers with pure, safe and healthy water.   Bisleri International has a strong presence with 128 operational plants and a robust distribution network of over 6,000 Distributors and 7,500 Distribution Trucks across India and UAE market. It offers a range of beverages that are produced for all occasions. Whether it is the promise of goodness, trust, and purity with Bisleri packaged drinking water, or a daily dose of health offered through Vedica Himalayan Spring Water. Besides, Bisleri International has ventured into fun-filled refreshments with a diverse range of carbonated drinks available in multiple flavours, such as Bisleri Limonata, Bisleri Pop and Bisleri Soda. These Bisleri products are also available on the e-commerce platform – Bisleri@Doorstep. This D2C platform reassures customers that they will receive a safe and uninterrupted supply of their most trusted brand at their doorstep.   The core values of Bisleri International lie in yielding growth and embedding sustainability by being responsible in all aspects of the business. The organization has unveiled Sustainability 2.0 with Bisleri Greener Promise that focuses on creating greener future for all through implementing initiatives under the program of recycling, water conservation and sustainability. For more information on Bisleri International, our people, brands, and OSR initiatives, visit

Indian shoppers will be able to discover and experience a curated selection of best of British food and drink through ‘Great Food From Great Britain’, a month-long retail campaign running across Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Bengaluru this September.   Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India launching the month long UK Retail Campaign at Food Square, Mumbai   Led by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), the campaign will be activated at participating Food Square and Food Stories stores through dedicated displays, product sampling and in-store experiences. It will introduce consumers to the quality, provenance and breadth of British products, while offering practical inspiration for enjoying them across everyday meals and special occasions.   Throughout September, the campaign will feature live cooking demonstrations, workshops, product storytelling and tastings designed to bring food traditions and products from the UK to life. Shoppers will be encouraged to explore new products, pairings and serving ideas across occasions including breakfast and brunch, tea-time, gifting, entertaining, picnics and contemporary at-home dining.   Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India with Chef Sushil Multani, Culinary Director, Food Square in a live cooking demo   Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, said, “British food and drink has a strong story to tell Indian consumers – from its quality and provenance to its diversity and versatility. ‘Great Food From Great Britain’ brings that story directly into Indian retail, giving shoppers from Mumbai, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Bengaluru the opportunity to discover and experience renowned products from across the UK. With the UK-India Free Trade Agreement now in effect, this campaign is an early testament to the breadth of new possibilities and commercial opportunities unlocked in the food and drink sector for our two countries.”   Mayank Gupta, Co-founder & Managing Director, Food Square, said, “Food Square has always been about bringing the world to the Indian table. With nearly 1,000 UK products on our shelves, the Great Food From Great Britain campaign felt like a natural extension of that, giving people a taste of British food culture, not just its products. From stocking iconic brands like Mackays and Colman’s to bangers and mash and sticky toffee pudding on our thematic café menu, we’re making British food feel accessible, exciting and easy to enjoy.” The campaign is designed for food-curious consumers and occasion-led shoppers seeking premium and international products, as well as fresh inspiration for entertaining and social occasions. By combining product discovery with sampling and culinary experiences, the initiative aims to make British food and drink engaging, relevant and accessible to Indian consumers. The UK-India trade deal which came into effect on 15 July this year has also made access to several food and drink products cheaper, quicker and easier, bringing sweeping benefits for consumers across both countries.   Great Food From Great Britain brings together British products like cheese, biscuits, cookies, jams, teas, coffees, chocolates and more in a coordinated multi-city retail platform. The campaign supports greater awareness and trial of food and drink from the UK while helping consumers discover new ways to enjoy British flavours at home and on special occasions.

Union (Mauritius) Holdings Ltd., owned and promoted by Dr. Azad Moopen and family, has acquired 46.09 lakh equity shares of Aster DM Quality Care Limited, representing approximately ~0.57% of the company’s paid-up equity share capital, from TPG-backed Centella Mauritius Holdings Limited. With the recent purchase of additional stake, the Moopen family now has increased shareholding in Aster DM Quality Care Ltd. to ~24.58%.   Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Executive Chairman, Aster DM Quality Care Ltd.   The shares were acquired on September 2, 2026, at a price of Rs. 760 per share, for an aggregate consideration of approximately Rs. 350.34 crore.   The acquisition further strengthens the promoter family’s ownership interest in Dr. Moopen-led Aster DM Quality Care and underscores the Moopen family’s commitment to the company’s long-term growth. It also reflects the family’s confidence in the potential of the larger, integrated healthcare platform, Aster DM Quality Care Ltd., and its ability to deliver sustainable long-term value for shareholders.   About Aster DM Quality Care Aster DM Quality Care Limited is one of India’s leading integrated healthcare providers, formed through the merger of Aster DM Healthcare Limited and Quality Care India Limited. The merged entity will bring together four leading healthcare brands – Aster DM, CARE Hospitals, Evercare and KIMSHEALTH, creating a scaled and diversified healthcare platform with a network of 39 hospitals across 28 cities and over 10,890 beds. With a strong presence across South and Central India, the merged entity will deliver comprehensive healthcare services spanning primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary care, supported by centers of excellence across key specialties including oncology, cardiac sciences, neurosciences, gastro sciences, orthopaedics, nephrology, organ transplantation, mother and child care, and critical care.

Medical expenses can arise even when hospitalisation is not needed. Doctor consultations, prescribed medicines, diagnostic tests, and routine check-ups can create recurring costs throughout the year. These expenses can be easy to overlook when choosing health insurance, yet they may affect your healthcare budget.   Understanding outpatient benefits can help you assess what your policy provides beyond hospital treatment. Outpatient Department (OPD) refers to medical care received without hospitalisation. An OPD cover in health insurance can help cover eligible outpatient expenses.   OPD Cover in Health Insurance: Understanding What Your Policy Covers   Let’s understand its benefits, coverage, and claims process before choosing a suitable plan.   What is an OPD Cover in Health Insurance? OPD care refers to medical treatment received without being admitted to a hospital. OPD cover in health insurance is a benefit that can help pay eligible expenses incurred during visits to doctors, clinics, or other healthcare providers.   For instance, a consultation for viral fever, a prescribed diagnostic test, or medicines may qualify under an eligible OPD benefit. Some insurers include this feature within their health plans, while others offer it as an add-on. The coverage limit, exclusions, waiting periods, and claim conditions depend on the policy.   What are the Benefits and Features of OPD Cover? Regular outpatient expenses can add up over time, making this benefit relevant for specific healthcare needs. No 24-hour Hospitalisation Requirement Eligible outpatient expenses can be claimed without requiring an overnight hospital stay. This makes the benefit relevant for minor treatments, consultations, and investigations that do not involve hospital admission.   Pharmacy and Diagnostic Support Some plans cover prescribed medicines and diagnostic tests under their outpatient benefits. Depending on the policy, this may include blood tests, X-rays, scans, and other eligible investigations, subject to applicable limits.   Support for Preventive Healthcare Coverage for eligible consultations and health check-ups can support regular healthcare visits. OPD cover in health insurance may make routine appointments easier to manage by providing financial support for eligible outpatient expenses.   Benefits May Be Available From Day One Certain plans provide eligible outpatient benefits from the beginning of the policy. However, waiting periods and other eligibility conditions vary between insurers, so the policy wording should be checked carefully.   Cashless and Reimbursement Options Eligible expenses may be settled through cashless facilities at network providers or through reimbursement. The availability of either option depends on the insurer, healthcare provider, and policy terms.   What is Covered Under OPD Health Insurance Plans? The scope of OPD cover in health insurance can vary by policy. Here are the common outpatient expenses you may find covered. OPD Expense What it May Cover What to Check Doctor consultations General physician and specialist consultation fees Consultation limits and eligible providers Diagnostic tests Blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds and scans Prescription requirements and sub-limits Pharmacy expenses Medicines prescribed by a qualified doctor Prescription and original bill requirements Minor procedures Eligible procedures such as dressing, stitches or nebulisation Specific inclusions and exclusions Teleconsultations Video or audio consultations with doctors Usage limits and availability Preventive check-ups Eligible routine health check-ups Separate limits and eligibility conditions What may not be Covered Under OPD Insurance? Policies can have exclusions that affect claim eligibility. Non-prescribed medicines, expenses above the permitted OPD limit and excluded treatments may not qualify for reimbursement.   Cosmetic procedures and other expenses outside the policy’s medical coverage may also be excluded. Always review the policy wording to understand what OPD cover in health insurance actually includes before incurring an expense.   Which Documents are Required for OPD Reimbursement Claims? Having the right documents can help support your reimbursement request. The following records are commonly required when submitting an OPD claim. Document Why it May be Required Original consultation receipt or prescription Verifies the consultation and medical advice provided Original pharmacy bills Establishes the medicines purchased and related expenses Diagnostic reports Supports claims for eligible tests and investigations Payment receipts Confirms that the expense was paid by the insured person Health insurance or electronic health card Helps verify the insured person’s policy details Additional documents requested by the insurer Supports claim assessment where further verification is needed   Why is OPD Cover in Health Insurance Worth it? OPD cover in health insurance can be useful when routine medical expenses form a regular part of your healthcare spending.   Helps Manage Frequent Medical Expenses Eligible consultations, prescribed medicines and diagnostic tests can create recurring costs. An OPD benefit can help cover these expenses according to the policy’s terms and limits.   Provides Support Without Hospitalisation The benefit can cover eligible medical care that does not require hospital admission. This makes it relevant for routine consultations, minor treatments and other outpatient healthcare needs.   Makes Preventive Healthcare Easier to Access Coverage for eligible consultations and health check-ups can support regular healthcare visits. It may make routine medical appointments easier to manage within an annual healthcare budget.   Covers More Than Doctor Consultations Depending on the policy, OPD cover in health insurance can extend to prescribed medicines, diagnostic tests, minor procedures and teleconsultations. This gives the benefit wider practical use for outpatient care.   Offers Cashless Convenience Cashless OPD facilities can reduce the need to pay eligible expenses upfront at participating network providers. This can make routine healthcare payments and claims more convenient.   Complements Hospitalisation Cover Hospitalisation insurance focuses on eligible expenses related to hospital treatment, while OPD cover in health insurance addresses eligible outpatient costs. Having both benefits can provide broader financial support for different healthcare needs.   Supports People With Regular Healthcare Needs People who frequently consult doctors, take prescribed medicines or undergo diagnostic tests may find OPD benefits useful. Its value depends on the premium, OPD limit, exclusions, waiting periods and claim conditions.   Choose OPD Cover that Matches Your Healthcare Needs Outpatient expenses can form a regular part of healthcare spending, making OPD cover in health insurance a useful benefit for eligible consultations, medicines, diagnostics and other services. Its suitability depends on your

We all have that one teacher or perhaps a few we remember long after leaving school. The teacher who encouraged us, believed in us, challenged us, or simply saw something in us before we saw it ourselves.   Shree Niketan Schools’ #CallYourTeacher campaign invites people to call the teachers who shaped their lives and share the memories that still stay with them   We often think about them. We speak about them. But how often do we actually speak to them?   This Teachers’ Day, Shree Niketan Schools is encouraging people to change that with a simple call.   Through the #CallYourTeacher campaign, the school group is inviting everyone to pick up their phone, call a teacher who made a difference in their life, and tell them how they helped shape the person they became.   The idea is deliberately simple. People are encouraged to record themselves making the call, share what the conversation meant to them, and invite others to do the same. The call could be to a teacher who shaped their career, inspired a passion, gave them confidence, or made them believe in themselves at a crucial moment.   Participants can share their call and their experience on social media using #CallYourTeacher and tag @ShreeNiketanSchools, encouraging others to reconnect with the teachers who helped make them who they are.   At the heart of #CallYourTeacher is a belief that education goes far beyond textbooks and classrooms. The values, encouragement and sense of identity that teachers help instil can stay with a child for a lifetime. And sometimes, the people who shaped us simply deserve to know the difference they made.   About Shree Niketan Schools Indian Roots; Global Outlook is at the heart of Shree Niketan Schools’ educational philosophy. The school believes that children with a strong foundation in their cultural heritage can reach unprecedented heights in a global future.   At Shree Niketan, India’s rich legacy of values, traditions and knowledge is brought into the context of a rapidly globalising world. Respect, prayer, festivals, family and the celebration of India’s diversity are viewed not merely as cultural practices, but as opportunities to nurture empathy, leadership, collaboration and a strong sense of identity.   With a vision to nurture students who are deeply connected to their Indian roots while being intellectually and emotionally equipped to thrive on the world stage, Shree Niketan Schools continues to build an education that prepares children for both where they come from and where the world is going.   Today, Shree Niketan Schools is a growing community of 700+ staff members and 12,000+ children across five campuses, with a presence in Thiruvallur, Tambaram East, Tambaram West and Nolambur.   For more information: Shree Niketan Schools – Call Your Teacher   Instagram: @ShreeNiketanSchools   Campaign Assets Video 1: Watch Video 1 Video 2: Watch Video 2

ONLY India introduces its Autumn 2026 Denim Campaign featuring Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana, bringing together the brand’s signature denim aesthetic with one of India’s most inspiring sporting icons.   ONLY X Smriti Mandhana   For ONLY, denim has always been more than a wardrobe essential. It is a language of confidence, individuality and self-expression for young women. Smriti Mandhana embodies the spirit of the ONLY girl effortlessly. As one of India’s most celebrated athletes and role models, she represents a generation that is ambitious, self-assured and unafraid to define their own path. Her natural approach to style extends far beyond the game, making her a true reflection of the ONLY attitude.   The ONLY Fit campaign puts denim in the spotlight, exploring a range of jeans and statement jackets designed to be styled, switched up and worn on repeat. From everyday comfort to standout moments, each piece is made to move seamlessly, reflecting ONLY’s belief that great denim is timeless and always open to interpretation.   Speaking about the collaboration, Sumit Dhingra, CEO & Country Director, BESTSELLER India, said, “Smriti Mandhana is one of the standout icons of her generation, not just for what she has accomplished, but for how she has gotten there: on her own terms, in her own time, always staying true to herself. That quiet confidence and authenticity is exactly what ONLY represents. With this collaboration, we want to inspire young women across India to pursue their ambitions boldly and carry their individuality with pride.”   Speaking about the collaboration, Smriti Mandhana said, “What drew me to ONLY is the ease and energy the brand brings to style. That instantly resonated with me. Denim has always been a go-to in my wardrobe because it fits naturally into my day and gives me the choice to experiment with my look depending on the moment. Partnering with ONLY felt like a natural fit because we share the similar philosophy; trusting your instincts, keeping it effortless and always being open to switching things up.”   The ONLY Autumn 2026 Denim Collection is now available across ONLY app, stores and online.   About ONLY Founded in Denmark in 1995 as part of the BESTSELLER group, ONLY has evolved from a denim-focused label into a global fashion brand known for its trend-led, accessible style. With a strong foundation in denim and a progressive, style-first approach, the brand today offers a versatile portfolio of modern wardrobe essentials and statement pieces that enable self-expression for the next generation of women. Over the years, ONLY has built deep expertise across retail, wholesale, and the evolving online market, with a presence across 70 countries and a growing online presence in India through www.only.in and leading e-commerce platforms.   About BESTSELLER India BESTSELLER India is part of BESTSELLER, an international, family-owned fashion company founded in Denmark in 1975. With a portfolio of more than 20 brands, BESTSELLER designs fashion and accessories for women, men, teenagers and children, built on the promise of great style, quality and value.   In India, its portfolio includes JACK&JONES, VERO MODA, ONLY, SELECTED, JACK&JONES JUNIOR and VERO MODA GIRL, complemented by its own digital platforms and leading online marketplaces. Globally, BESTSELLER’s products are available in more than 90 countries through branded stores, multi-brand and department stores, and digital channels.

Karnataka has unveiled a 10-year roadmap to scale its installed power capacity from over 39 GW currently to 66 GW by 2030, with the future expansion set to remain overwhelmingly focused on clean energy, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Government of Karnataka, Shri Gaurav Gupta, said at the Bharat Electricity Indian Utility Week 2026 summit.    Shri Gaurav Gupta, ACS (Energy) along with Smt. Divya Prabhu GRJ, MD, KREDL inaugurates the Karnataka Pavilion at Bharat Electricity Summit 2026   Addressing the Focus State Session for Karnataka during Bharat Electricity and Indian Utility Week 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, Shri Gupta said the State was preparing its power sector to meet rapidly rising electricity demand while strengthening grid infrastructure, energy storage and renewable energy capacity – an effort that will contribute directly to India’s national clean energy targets.   Shri Gaurav Gupta, ACS (Energy) along with Smt. Divya Prabhu GRJ, MD, KREDL and other dignitaries at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, New Delhi   Karnataka currently has more than 39 GW of installed power capacity, with two-thirds of its power mix coming from clean hydro and renewable sources. The State has been able to meet a significant share of its daily electricity demand through green power.   “Over the next decade, Karnataka will continue to expand its power capacity while ensuring that this growth remains overwhelmingly green,” Gaurav Gupta said.   The State’s electricity demand is expected to double over the coming decade, driven by rapid industrial expansion, widespread electric vehicle adoption and the development of large data centres in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru. To manage this growth, Karnataka has emerged as an early State to implement a CEA and KERC-approved Resource Adequacy Plan.   Gaurav Gupta said the State’s clean-energy transition would be backed by investments in grid resilience and energy storage. Karnataka is advancing the 2,000 MW Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project and deploying large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems at critical KPTCL substations to provide greater flexibility to the power grid.   The State is also expanding the Pavagada Solar Park, scaling up wind capacity and promoting the solarisation of agricultural feeders through PM-KUSUM Component-C and the Chief Minister Saura Krishi Yojana (CM-SKY).   On transmission infrastructure, Gaurav Gupta said KPTCL was operating with ultra-low transmission losses of under 3 per cent and was undertaking the construction of thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines and super-grid substations.   Gaurav Gupta highlighted Karnataka’s long-standing leadership in India’s energy sector, noting that the State established Asia’s first major hydroelectric power station at Shivanasamudram in 1902, while Bengaluru became the first city in South Asia to be electrified in 1905.   Karnataka is ensuring there is no curtailment of transmission and no delay in payments to power generators, providing greater certainty to investors, Gaurav Gupta said.    He said the State is encouraging greater private participation in energy storage and transmission and expects to attract Rs. 2–3 crore in private investment in the power sector over the next four to five years.   Gaurav Gupta said Karnataka was also responding to feedback from investors, including on land-related regulations and project procedures. As part of this exercise, the State is simplifying rules and processes and moving them online to provide investors with a clear and seamless pathway for setting up projects.   “This kind of transparent and streamlined system will make it easier for more investors to participate in Karnataka’s power sector,” he added.   As India moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, Karnataka is positioning itself to lead in the next phase of the country’s clean-energy transition, with opportunities for global partnerships in battery storage, green hydrogen and smart-grid automation, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd Managing Director Divya Prabhu said.    Digitalisation will be key to the future growth of renewable energy, Divya Prabhu said.   She said the electricity system and power generation are moving towards a more predictable and efficient architecture, supported by better forecasting and prediction systems. These advances are being made possible through digitally intelligent power systems.   She highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the energy sector, including optimising power procurement, using digital twins to simulate and assess power networks, and enabling predictive maintenance and management of assets.   Divya Prabhu also said the digitalisation of renewable energy projects is a major milestone for Karnataka. The State has mapped renewable energy projects and developed a single-window digital platform that provides investors with comprehensive information on projects, making it easier for them to explore and invest in the sector.   “Karnataka is working towards creating a digitally enabled renewable energy ecosystem that is more transparent, predictable and investor-friendly,” she said.   Bharat Electricity Indian Utility Week 2026 is Organised by The Energy & Climate Initiatives Society (ENCIS), the three-day event convenes more than 15,000 professionals, over 250 exhibitors, and 150 global thought leaders from 40 countries. Major sponsors and participating organisations include Adani, NTPC, Coal India, NLC, Tata Power, ReNew, EDF, Schneider Electric, Toshiba JSW, Kirloskar Brothers, and others. Delegations from the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Australia, UAE, Singapore and more have gathered in New Delhi to advance India’s clean energy and technology ambitions.   Guided by the theme ‘Shaping Energy Sovereignty • Building Climate Resilience • Powering Viksit Bharat,’ Bharat Electricity, POWERGEN India & Indian Utility Week 2026 is more than a showcase, it is a catalyst for next-generation energy solutions, manufacturing, and global collaboration.