Archive: December 30, 2025

Mahindra Susten Commissions 560 MWp Solar Power Projects in CY 2025, Reinforcing Leadership in Utility-Scale Renewable Energy

Chandigarh, Dec 30: Mahindra Susten, a leading renewable energy IPP (Independent Power Producer), today announced that the Company had successfully commissioned 560 MWp of solar capacity in CY 2025. These large utility-scale solar power projects mark the first batch of assets developed and commissioned by the Company following the sale of 1.54GWp of assets in 2024 to Sustainable Energy Infra Trust, an InvIT Co-sponsored by Mahindra Susten as part of its efficient capital light business model.

The portfolio addition comprises two strategically located projects—a 280 MWp solar plant in Gujarat and a 280 MWp facility in Rajasthan, both selling power under a 25-year long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (RUVNL), respectively.

Project overview

Together, the Gujarat and Rajasthan projects span close to 2,000 acres and are designed to deliver reliable utility-scale power to the state grids. Across both sites, Mahindra Susten has deployed the latest-generation N-Type TOPCon bifacial modules, integrated with high-efficiency inverters, dry-cleaning solutions and optimized balance-of-system configurations to maximise energy yield over the asset life. Power is evacuated through 220 kV substations, thereby ensuring high grid availability and enabling seamless integration with high voltage state grids.

The combined 560 MWp portfolio is expected to generate close to 1,000 million units (MUs) of clean electricity annually, using approximately 12,400 tons of steel, 2,600 km of cabling and around 1 million solar modules. Execution of these projects involved a peak workforce of about 1,000 people and was completed with 2.9 million safe man-hours, underscoring Mahindra Susten’s strong focus on safety, quality and disciplined project management.

Avinash Rao, MD & CEO of Mahindra Susten said, “Commissioning 560 MWp across Gujarat and Rajasthan in 2025 marks yet another major milestone for Mahindra Susten. It reflects our strong execution capabilities and commitment to delivering large-scale renewable assets safely and to the highest standards of quality. Building on 15 years of expertise, we are deepening our presence across utility-scale solar and wind, storage, hybrid, and group-captive projects, reinforcing our pledge to support our nation’s clean energy goals and create lasting value for communities and stakeholders.”

Building momentum: 2026 and beyond

Beyond the 560 MWp commissioned in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Mahindra Susten continues to expand its renewable energy footprint with several large-scale projects currently under development and execution in states such as Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan and Karnataka.

The current project pipeline reflects Mahindra Susten’s diversified approach—spanning utility-scale PPAs, hybrid wind-solar renewable energy solutions, and Group-captive open access projects—positioning the company well to capitalize on India’s evolving energy landscape and supporting utility and industry demand for clean power.

Susten’s engineering and execution pedigree

With more than 15 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, Mahindra Susten has built a strong track record as an early mover and pioneer in utility-scale RE project engineering and construction. The successful commissioning of these projects reinforces the company’s capabilities in delivering large and complex assets with stringent quality and safety standards. The projects also reflect the Mahindra Group’s commitment to sustainable growth and responsible infrastructure development.

Social impact

Mahindra Susten is also committed to responsible land use and community engagement in and around its project sites. The company works with local stakeholders to design and implement programmes focused on skill development, livelihood enhancement, education and health, in line with the Mahindra Group’s Rise philosophy and ESG priorities. Through initiatives such as Gyandeep, Mahindra Susten’s school redevelopment program, the company has reached 2,248 beneficiaries, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are tangibly shared with neighbouring communities and contribute to long-term social development

Shakti On Roof Showcased Its Integrated Rooftop Solar Ecosystem at Maha Solar Expo 2025 in Pune

Pune, Dec 30: Shakti On Roof, the integrated rooftop solar solutions brand from Shakti Energy Solutions Ltd. (SESL), directly engaged with end consumers in Pune for the first time at Maha Solar Expo 2025, which was held from 26th to 28th December at the Auto Cluster Exhibition and Research Centre , Pune.

At Hall No. 3, Stall No. 17, Shakti On Roof showcased its complete rooftop solar ecosystem like high-efficiency solar panels, AI-enabled inverters, and Seasonal Tracking structures and more which are offered under one trusted brand.

Shakti On Roof’s superior quality solutions are designed under the philosophy of ‘Make in Bharat, Made for Bharat.’ Built specifically for Indian weather conditions, these rooftop systems deliver better power generation, higher durability, and superior performance, even in extreme climatic environments. Equipped with an advanced monitoring system, customers are empowered to track energy generation in real time, enabling transparency, efficiency, and smart energy management.

Building on the trusted legacy of Shakti Pumps (India) Limited, Shakti Energy Solutions is rapidly emerging as a preferred brand in the solar sector by offering a complete rooftop solution—Solar Modules, Inverters, and Module Mounting Structures—under one roof, ensuring seamless compatibility, long-term reliability, and simplified adoption.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ramkrishna Sataluri, CEO, Shakti Energy Solutions said, “A standout highlight of Shakti On Roof’s offering is our AI-powered inverter, engineered specifically for Indian grid conditions and diverse climatic environments. When combined with seasonal energy tracking and ZAM-coated, aesthetic, and space-saving module mounting structures, Shakti On Roof delivers a next-generation rooftop solar solution for Indian homes—focused on higher efficiency, long-term durability, and consistent performance across seasons,”

Along with its dedicated Channel Partners at the Mahasolar Expo , Shakti On roof will directly engage with households to help them understand the value of integrated rooftop solar systems, enabling reduced electricity costs and accelerating the transition to clean energy.

V-green Signs Strategic Agreement With Hpcl To Develop Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure At Hpcl Retail Outlets

New Delhi, Dec 30: V-GREEN and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) announced collaboration partnership towards jointly setting up EVCS at HPCL fuel stations in different markets. V-GREEN will leverage HPCL’s fuel station network to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, thereby enhancing EV users’ experience, accelerating the electrification of transportation in India, and establishing a solid foundation for the long-term development of VinFast and HP e-Charge brands in this market. 

HPCL is one of India’s largest state-owned oil and gas corporations, operating over 24,400 Retail Outlets nationwide and running over 5,300 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations under HP e-Charge brand. 

The agreement holds strategic significance as India accelerates its transition toward green transportation. HPCL’s existing Retail Outlet footprint provides a strong platform for accelerated EV charging infrastructure deployment and seamless nationwide expansion. 

V-GREEN Global Charging Station Development Company, Vietnam was founded by VinFast founder, Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, with the goal of investing in and developing charging infrastructure systems to provide support for VinFast’s rapid global expansion, with India as one of its key markets. In Vietnam, V-GREEN has established its pioneering position and capabilities by operating approximately 150,000 charging ports nationwide and continuously partnering with multiple collaborators to expand its network. 

The cooperation with HPCL represents the next step in the collective efforts of V-GREEN, VinFast and their partners in India to build a comprehensive EV ecosystem encompassing manufacturing, charging infrastructure, after-sales services, and battery recycling. This is regarded as an important foundation for realizing the goal of widespread electric vehicle adoption and promoting sustainable transportation in the world’s third largest automotive market. 

The Woollen Care Habits Many of Us Get Wrong

Chandigarh, Dec 30: Winter wardrobes are built around cosy sweaters, scarves and blankets, yet many woollens don’t retain their softness or shape beyond a few seasons. The reason often lies not in how frequently these garments are worn, but in everyday care habits shaped by long-held beliefs around washing, drying and storage. If this sounds familiar, you may be unknowingly following one of the many wool care myths that quietly take a toll on winter wear, said Mr Sandeep Naik, Global Head- R&D for Personal Care and Home Care, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd

When Care Becomes the Culprit

Wool is a natural fibre with unique properties like being breathable, resilient and temperature-regulating, but it behaves very differently from cotton or synthetic fabrics. Wool is prone to damage from heat, friction and chemical-heavy cleaners. Repeated exposure to these stressors can gradually weaken the fibre structure, leading to shrinkage, stiffness and loss of shape over time. Woollens don’t need to be washed after every use because the fibres naturally resist odours and dirt. After wearing, simply let them air out to keep them fresh and maintain their shape.

The Over-Washing Trap

Woollens don’t need washing after every wear as wool naturally resists odours due to its unique chemical structure. Over-washing makes fibres rough and less elastic. Most wool garments can go up to 5 or more wears, depending on activity and environment. Most woollens are best hand-washed in cold water (20°C – 30°C or below) for better control, or washed on a gentle/wool machine cycle. Always check care labels first, they specify safe temperatures and whether machine washing is suitable. Wash only when necessary to preserve softness, shape and longevity.

Machine Washing Isn’t the Enemy

Another persistent myth is that wool should never be machine washed. While hand washing is gentle, damage is more often caused by excessive agitation and high temperatures than by machines themselves. Wool fibres have microscopic scales that can interlock under heat and friction, leading to shrinkage. Many people are unsure whether woollens can be safely washed in front-load or top-load machines. The key is choosing the right cycle, use the wool or gentle cycle in front-load machines, and the delicate, low-agitation cycle in top-load machines. Always wash in cold water (20°C – 30°C), place woollens in mesh bags and remove them immediately after the cycle to prevent stretching and maintain shape.

Why Detergent Choice Matters

Regular detergents are formulated for tougher, everyday fabrics and can be harsh on wool’s protein-based fibres. Repeated use of strong detergents can weaken fibres, reduce softness and shorten a garment’s lifespan. Mild, wool-specific detergents having pH-neutral, no-soda formula help preserve fibre integrity by cleaning effectively without stripping away essential oils. Detergents like Godrej Ezee have such formulations to gently clean delicate winter wear that prevents damage while keeping fabrics soft and fresh.

Dry Cleaning and Storage: The Silent Damage

Many people assume dry cleaning is the safest option for woollens, but experts warn that frequent exposure to harsh chemicals can reduce softness and durability over time. Damage often occurs outside washing—hanging heavy knits, storing them in plastic covers, or packing them away unwashed at season’s end can cause stretching, odours, yellowing and pest damage. Woollens are best stored folded, either in vacuum bags for space-saving protection or in breathable cotton or wool bags, layered with tissue paper and natural repellents like neem or lavender to prevent moth damage.

Modern lifestyles further intensify these issues. Shorter winters, busy routines and convenience-driven habits often result in frequent wash–wear cycles in a short span, increasing fibre stress. In most cases, wool damage does not occur in a single wash, but through small, everyday habits repeated over time. Understanding how wool behaves differently from regular clothing is key to keeping winter wear soft, well-shaped and long-lasting across seasons.

Air India Expands Partnership With Airbaltic To Enter Into Codeshare Agreement

Chandigarh, Dec 30:  Air India today announced a new, unilateral codeshare partnership with airBaltic, the flag carrier of Latvia, thus making the Baltic region more conveniently accessible for Air India customers. This builds on the interline partnership between the two carriers established in June 2025.

Under the codeshare, Air India has begun adding its ‘AI’ designator code on airBaltic-operated flights between the Latvian capital city of Riga and Air India’s European gateways at Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Milan Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, and London Gatwick. This enables Air India customers to travel between India and Riga via any of these European points with a single Air India ticket including flight connections to Riga bearing the ‘AI’ designator code.

Air India’s interline partnership with airBaltic also enables travellers to fly to Tallinn in Estonia and Vilnius in Lithuania via select Air India gateways in Europe, thus covering the Baltic region.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “This expanded partnership with airBaltic reflects Air India’s commitment to providing seamless global connectivity to our customers across the world. Latvia and the wider Baltic region are growing travel markets, but getting there for our customers was previously not as convenient as it now becomes with airBaltic on board with us.”

Air India operates non-stop flights from Delhi to Amsterdam (7x weekly), Paris (14x weekly), Frankfurt (12x weekly), Copenhagen (4x weekly), Milan (6x weekly), Vienna (4x weekly), Zurich (4x weekly); from Mumbai to Frankfurt (5x weekly); from Amritsar and Ahmedabad to London Gatwick (3x weekly on both routes).

Since its privatization in 2022, Air India has significantly expanded its global alliance network. Today, the airline maintains 24 codeshare partnerships and nearly 100 interline agreements with leading carriers worldwide, providing seamless access for Air India customers to over 800 destinations globally.

The codeshare flights are available for bookings through the two airlines’ respective booking channels and travel agents worldwide.

Tata Power Renewables Demonstrates EPC Execution Excellence with Delivery of Largest 1 GW DCR-Compliant Solar Project for SJVN

Chandigarh, Dec 30: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (‘TPREL’), a leading player in India’s renewable energy sector and a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited (‘Tata Power’), has successfully commissioned SJVN Limited’s landmark 1 GW (1,000 MW AC / 1,400 MWp DC) DCR-compliant solar power project. This milestone marks the largest solar project commissioned by TPREL to date and one of the most expansive renewable energy developments in India, underscoring the company’s execution excellence.

All 2.4 million modules used in the project have been manufactured at Tata Power’s TP Solar Limited. Solar cell and modules manufacturing facility in Tirunelveli, reinforcing the company’s strong commitment to domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and advancing India’s self-reliance in clean energy technologies.

Spanning the Bandarwala and Karnisar Bhatiyan sites in Bikaner, Rajasthan, the project reflects the extensive scale of the development and is designed to deliver clean, reliable power across multiple states. The capacity has been allocated to key state utilities—500 MW to Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited (RUVITL), 300 MW to Jammu & Kashmir Power Limited (JKPL), and 200 MW to Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL)—ensuring power supply to Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. In its first year of operation, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,454.84 million units of green electricity and offset nearly 1.74 million tonnes of CO₂, supporting rising energy demand while significantly advancing India’s clean energy transition and national decarbonisation goals.

The project’s capacity is allocated to serve key state utilities, including 500 MW for Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited (RUVITL), 300 MW for Jammu & Kashmir Power Limited (JKPL), and 200 MW for Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL). In its first year of operation, the project is expected to generate approximately 2,454.84 million units of green electricity and offset nearly 1.74 million tonnes of CO₂, making a significant contribution to national decarbonisation goals.

The project stands out for its robust engineering and innovative execution, having been delivered in one of India’s most challenging environments, with temperatures soaring to 50°C in peak summers and dropping to as low as 3°C in winters, compounded by difficult terrain and restricted vehicle movement. Despite these constraints, TPREL ensured timely and safe completion through the deployment of advanced DCR-compliant cells and mono bifacial DCR modules, precision ramming techniques, and high-performance inverters engineered to operate efficiently under extreme heat.

Beyond its technical achievements, the project has generated meaningful socio-economic impact in the region. Over 300 locally sourced workers were trained and engaged across project activities, while more than 25 local vendors were developed, creating sustained livelihood opportunities and supporting regional economic growth.

With the commissioning of this milestone project, TPREL further reinforces its position as a trusted EPC and renewable energy partner for large-scale, multi-state solar developments. The company remains a key enabler of India’s clean energy transition, supporting the nation’s goals of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.

With the commissioning of this project, TPREL’s total renewable utility-scale capacity has reached 11.6 GW, including 4.9 GW executed as third-party EPC.

Currently, 5.8 GW of Tata Power own capacity is operational, comprising 4.7 GW of solar and 1.1 GW of wind energy. Additionally, 5.8 GW is under various stages of implementation, evenly split between 3 GW of solar and 2.8 GW of wind projects. These ongoing projects are expected to be completed in phases over the next 3 to 24 months in a staggered manner.

Bazel International Board Recommends Bonus Issue Expands Authorised Share Capital

New Delhi, Dec 30:  The Board of Directors of Bazel International Limited, at its meeting held on December 26, 2025, has approved and recommended the issuance of bonus equity shares in the ratio of 1:1, subject to shareholder approval, signalling a calibrated capital-structure move aligned with the company’s balance-sheet position and long-term strategy.

Under the proposal, shareholders will receive one fully paid-up equity share of ₹10 each for every one existing equity share held as on the record date, which will be announced later. The bonus issue will be implemented out of the company’s free reserves and securities premium account, as available on September 30, 2025.

Post-bonus, the paid-up equity share capital of the Company is expected to increase from ₹3.85 crore to approximately ₹7.71 crore, with the number of outstanding equity shares will increase from 38.55 lakh to about 77.10 lakh equity shares. The bonus issue will be implemented by capitalisation of reserves in accordance with applicable law.

Commenting on the decision, Pankaj Dawar, Managing Director, said: “The Board’s recommendation of a bonus issue reflects confidence in the Company’s capital position and reserves. It is intended to reward long-term shareholders while aligning the equity base with the Company’s evolving scale and strategic direction.”

The Board has approved convening an Extraordinary General Meeting (EOGM) on January 30, 2026, to seek shareholder approval for the bonus issue and related matters. January 2, 2026, has been fixed as the cut-off date for determining shareholders eligible to receive the EGM notice and exercise voting rights.

The company stated that the proposed actions are in accordance with applicable provisions of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, and relevant SEBI master circulars.

Advaiya Launches RFQ & Quote Comparer for Business Central on Microsoft AppSource

New Delhi, Dec 30: Advaiya today announced the launch of its RFQ & Quote Comparer app for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central on Microsoft AppSource. The new solution is designed to help procurement teams manage vendor requests for quotation and compare responses with greater clarity, speed, and confidence, all within a single, connected system.

The RFQ & Quote Comparer app brings the entire procurement journey, from raising purchase requirements and sharing RFQs with vendors to receiving and evaluating quotations, into one streamlined experience. By organizing all procurement data in one place, the app enables teams to quickly identify the most suitable vendor options and make informed purchasing decisions without the delays and inefficiencies caused by manual processes or fragmented tools.

In traditional procurement setups, teams often juggle multiple documents, track vendor responses across emails and spreadsheets, and manually compare quotations. This not only slows down decision-making but also increases the risk of errors and missed opportunities. RFQ & Quote Comparer addresses these challenges by offering a centralized view of vendor outreach and side-by-side quotation comparisons, reducing complexity and helping teams move faster with greater transparency and accuracy.

Built natively for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, the app allows users to create purchase requisitions and seamlessly convert approved requests into RFQs, purchase quotes, or purchase orders. Procurement teams can initiate and manage RFQs directly from familiar Business Central screens, send RFQs to multiple vendors simultaneously, and receive all vendor responses in one consolidated view. Automated comparison capabilities highlight the most competitive vendor options based on key factors such as pricing, delivery timelines, and discounts, significantly reducing manual effort and improving consistency.

Kirti Sethiya, Associate Principal at Advaiya Solutions said, “With the launch of the RFQ & Quote Comparer app at Microsoft Marketplace, our goal is to empower operations and procurement teams with a smarter, more seamless way to manage vendor interactions and purchasing decisions. Organizations today need clarity and speed, and this solution eliminates the friction of manual processes by bringing everything from requisitions to vendor comparisons all into one unified Business Central experience. By simplifying evaluation and improving visibility, RFQ quote comparer App will support teams to make faster, more confident decisions.

By automating repetitive steps and eliminating spreadsheet-based comparisons, RFQ & Quote Comparer enhances productivity, improves data accuracy, and supports faster, more confident procurement decisions. The structured and transparent evaluation process also strengthens vendor collaboration and helps organizations maintain standardized procedures that support compliance and governance requirements.