Author: Neel Achary

BULLET Microdrama Partners with Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles for ‘Apna Superstar’, Celebrating the Spirit of Aspirational India

Mumbai, September 10, 2026: BULLET Microdrama has partnered with Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles for Apna Superstar, starring Naman Arora and Nishi Saxena, marking the launch of its another branded microdrama. Centred on ambition, resilience, and the desire to build a better future, the collaboration uses the emerging microdrama format to bring to life a culturally rooted narrative that reflects the dreams and determination of aspirational India.

As storytelling and consumption habits continue to evolve, BULLET is using the microdrama format to tell stories that are fast paced, emotionally engaging and culturally rooted. With Apna Superstar, the platform extends this approach to branded storytelling, building on its earlier work with JK Cement. Now, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles has backed BULLET’s vision, trusting the platform to weave its philosophy of aspiration and progress naturally into the narrative.

Speaking about the collaboration, Azim Lalani, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, BULLET Microdrama, said, “Apna Superstar is an important milestone for BULLET as our first branded microdrama. The format gives us the opportunity to tell emotionally rich stories in a way that reflects how audiences are consuming entertainment today. What made this collaboration particularly exciting was Tata motors commercial vehicles’s willingness to embrace that evolution and trust BULLET to translate the brand’s ethos into the narrative authentically. That gave us the freedom to create a story rooted in the realities while ensuring the brand had a meaningful role within Sonu’s world.”

Built on the belief that storytelling is evolving as fast as the audiences consuming it, BULLET Microdrama has embraced microdrama as a format that is quick, culturally rooted and unafraid to go straight to the emotional core of a story. Apna Superstar reflects that evolution, speaking to the lives, struggles, and ambitions of audiences today.

At the centre of Apna Superstar is Sonu, a young man honouring his late father’s memory while chasing the dream of building something of his own, a journey of resilience that Tata Azura became part of as a quiet enabler of his progress.

Trailer Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/Db29fAzMYT0/

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Munaf Merchant, Head – AVOD & Partnerships, BULLET Microdrama, said, “As microdrama continues to find a wider audience, we’re seeing more brands wanting to be part of stories that carry real emotional weight, rather than just appearing alongside them. With Apna Superstar, the idea was to build a story that reflects everyday ambition, and to bring a brand into that world in a way that feels seamless. This aligns closely with BULLET’s focus on meaningful, high-value content that resonates with audiences. We’re grateful to Tata motors commercial vehicles for their trust and support in bringing this vision to life.”

Tabassum Modi, Chief Content Officer and Head, Havas Play India, who played a key role in bringing this partnerhsip to life, said, “Microdrama is emerging as one of the most consumed storytelling formats in the country today, and brands that recognize this shift early are positioned to build a far deeper connect with audiences. At Havas Play, we conceptualized a deeply resonant narrative designed to truly humanize the brand. By facilitating this collaboration, we are proud to bring together Tata motors commercial vehicles and BULLET Microdrama, a visionary brand and an innovative platform that share a clear conviction in the format’s immense potential.”

Apna Superstar, starring Naman Arora and Nishi Saxena, is now streaming on BULLET Microdrama.

India’s coal demand set to grow 4.2 pc in 2026 amid rising energy needs

NEW DELHI, Sep 10: India’s coal consumption is expected to grow by around 4.2 per cent in 2026, driven by rising electricity demand and continued expansion in economic and industrial activity, according to a report.

The report said global coal demand is also expected to increase in 2026, with emerging economies in Asia likely to remain among the key contributors to overall consumption.

In India, growing power requirements from households, industries and businesses are expected to support higher coal use. Coal continues to remain an important part of the country’s electricity generation mix, particularly as demand for reliable and uninterrupted power increases.

The projected rise in consumption comes at a time when India is also rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity. The growing use of solar, wind and other clean energy sources is gradually changing the country’s power mix, while conventional sources continue to meet a significant share of current electricity needs.

The report’s outlook highlights the challenge of balancing rising energy demand with the transition towards cleaner sources. For India, ensuring adequate and affordable power supplies while accelerating renewable energy development will remain important for sustaining economic growth.

The expected increase in coal consumption also reflects the broader growth in India’s energy needs as businesses, industries and households continue to require more electricity.

Tata Steel Advances Sustainable Steelmaking with India’s First‑of‑its‑kind Coke Oven Gas Injection Project at Meramandal

Bengaluru, Sep 10: Tata Steel Meramandali commissioned its groundbreaking Coke Oven Gas Injection Project at Blast Furnace 1 – a first-of-its–kind initiative in the Indian steel industry. The initiative underscores Tata Steel‘s unwavering commitment to its Net Zero by 2045 target and highlights the Company’s leadership in deploying breakthrough technologies for low-carbon iron and steel production.

Subodh Pandey, Vice President – Technology, R&D, NMB and Graphene, Tata Steel, said:

 “This initiative of maximising the utilisation of process gases to reduce dependence on external fossil fuels reinforces Tata Steel’s leadership in sustainable manufacturing. We remain focused on demonstrating and scaling low carbon technologies, thereby accelerating our journey towards Net Zero by 2045.”

Sudhir Kumar Mehta, Vice President – Operations, Tata Steel Meramandali, said: 

“This project is a good example of how our teams continuously look for ways to improve efficiency while reducing the environmental impact. By finding a productive use for coke oven gas within the blast furnace process, we are making our operations leaner and cleaner.” 

In an integrated steel plant, COG – a hydrogen and hydrocarbon-rich byproduct gas – is typically used for power generation, heating, or simply flared.  With support from technology partner M/s Paul Wurth-SMS and equipment supplier M/s Kobelco, Tata Steel has successfully implemented the COG injection in the blast furnace through tuyeres, substituting fossil fuel as a reductant, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

Apart from reducing fossil fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, it also provides a unique opportunity to operate the blast furnace with a three-fuel system, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency. Additionally, the initiative strengthens Tata Steel’s leadership in green steel production through the safe and stable operation of advanced injection technologies. Tata Steel has been a pioneer in the adoption of low-carbon blast furnace technologies, successfully demonstrating coal bed methane, hydrogen, and biochar injection in the blast furnace.

From Kulfi to Ube: Indian Consumers Are Ready for More

As Indian consumers look beyond familiar favourites, stonefield, The Ice Cream Taste Company, brings taste-led innovation to IICE 2026

Chennai, Sept 10: Indian ice cream consumption is entering a more adventurous phase. Consumers are increasingly looking for new flavours, regional nostalgia, global inspirations, premium experiences and formats that offer something worth discovering.

Consumer research conducted by stonefield in partnership with various research firms reflects this changing dynamic. While the category continues to expand, consumption is becoming more occasion-led, with younger consumers showing greater openness towards experimentation and new taste experiences.

Five taste trends shaping the next scoop

1. Nostalgia is being reinvented
Familiar Indian tastes are returning in contemporary expressions — from Kulfi and mithai to regional beverages and desserts. stonefield is developing Desi ice cream concepts that give these familiar tastes a creative new twist.

2. Global flavours are entering the Indian ice cream palette
Ube, Russian Honey Cake, Tiramisu and other global inspirations are creating new opportunities for brands looking beyond conventional flavours.

3. Mango is becoming a story, not just a flavour
Consumers are showing greater interest in provenance, variety and authenticity. stonefield’s Aamrut brings Indian mango varieties such as Alphonso, Totapuri, Dussehri and Banganapalli into contemporary ice cream experiences.

4. Premiumisation is increasingly about sensory experience
Creaminess, richer mouthfeel, indulgent inclusions and layered textures are creating new premium cues. stonefield’s DairyONE range of concentrated dairy boosters is designed to enhance the mouthfeel and creaminess of ice creams and frozen desserts.

5. The format is becoming part of the experience
From Kulfi Pops and rolled Kulfi to bars, sandwiches, cups and sorbets, new formats are giving consumers new ways to experience familiar and emerging flavours.

These shifts are creating an opportunity for brands to move beyond simply adding flavours to their portfolios and instead build distinctive taste experiences around evolving consumer needs.

“Flavour is becoming one of the strongest reasons for consumers to choose a product.” According to Sandeep Devgan, CEO, stonefield: “The consumer today is far more curious about taste. They may want the comfort of a Kulfi one day and the excitement of Ube or a global dessert the next. Our opportunity is to help brands turn that curiosity into products that are distinctive, relevant and commercially viable. Flavour is no longer just an ingredient in the product — it is becoming one of the strongest reasons for consumers to choose it.”

From flavour to taste partnership

stonefield combines consumer insights, flavour technology, application expertise and customised product development to help manufacturers move from an initial idea to a finished product.

Its portfolio spans brown, Indian ethnic, fruit, nut and chocolate flavours, along with advanced solutions for creaminess and mouthfeel in frozen desserts and ice creams, as well as emerging applications such as protein products and new-age dairy formats.

At IICE 2026, stonefield will bring this approach to life through its Ice Cream Studio, showcasing a curated selection of new taste concepts and possibilities for the evolving ice cream category.

With India’s ice cream market estimated at around ₹24,350 crore in 2025, continued growth is being driven by wider penetration, premiumisation and product innovation.

For stonefield, the question is no longer simply “Which flavour should we launch?” but “What new experience can we create for the consumer?”

stonefield — The Ice Cream Taste Company

Indian Ice Cream Expo 2026
Stall F10/11 | 10–12 September 2026 | Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai

PETRONAS Lubricants India and Tata Motors Collaborate to Pilot a Scalable Used-Oil Recycling Model

Bengaluru, 10 September 2026: PETRONAS Lubricants India, part of the PETRONAS group and a trusted name in advanced automotive and industrial lubricant technology, and Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the responsible collection and recycling of used automotive lubricants. The two companies will pilot a structured and scalable model simultaneously across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The collaboration brings together the complementary strengths of two industry leaders to address a critical sustainability challenge. It also supports compliance with India’s evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and advances the country’s circular economy ambitions.

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

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

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

What Happens After the Idea: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Innovators Step Inside the World of Design and R&D

Sep 10, 2026: Every innovation starts with something simple: noticing that something could work better.

For the young innovators of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026, the next question is harder: how do you turn that observation into something real?

During an immersive Innovation Bootcamp, the Top 40 stepped inside Samsung’s innovation ecosystem across Gurugram, Delhi, Noida and Bengaluru to see how ideas are understood, designed, engineered, tested and refined.

Their journey took them through Samsung’s Head Office in Gurugram, Samsung Design Delhi, Samsung R&D Institute India-Noida (SRI-Noida) and Samsung R&D Institute India-Bengaluru (SRI-B) — bringing them closer to the people, processes and technologies behind some of Samsung’s innovations.

Addressing the young innovators, JB Park, President and CEO, Samsung South West Asia, spoke about where the next generation of ideas could come from.

“Great ideas can come from anywhere. They can come from a small town, a classroom, a college or from a young person simply looking at a problem in their own community.”

That idea is reflected in this year’s cohort. More than half of the participants come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, bringing with them problems and perspectives shaped by communities across India. 

Start With People

At Samsung Design Delhi, the young innovators saw that innovation doesn’t begin with technology. It begins with people.

Inside spaces including Rang and the Colour, Material and Finish (CMF) Lab, they explored how designers think about the way people see, touch and experience products — and how choices around colour, material, texture and form can shape that experience.

It was a lesson in looking beyond the solution itself.

Before asking what can be built, understand who you are building it for. 

Make It Work

At SRI-Noida, the focus shifted from design to engineering.

The innovators explored areas including PCB design, sensory equipment and AI applications, getting a closer look at what happens when an idea has to work beyond a sketch or a prototype.

Ideas are tested. Assumptions are challenged. Problems emerge. Designs change.

That process of iteration is what turns a promising idea into something that can work reliably in the real world.

At SRI-B, the view widened further. The young innovators explored research across AI, multimedia and camera technologies, advanced communications, IoT and services — technologies that are helping shape the next generation of connected experiences.

Taken together, the visits traced an innovation journey: understand a need, design around people, engineer a solution, test it and keep making it better. 

Learning From Each Other

The Bootcamp was also about the people in the room.

Young innovators from different parts of India arrived with different problems to solve — but discovered that many of the questions they were asking were the same.

How do you know if an idea will work? What happens when it doesn’t? How do you make it better?

“A big thank you to Samsung Solve for Tomorrow for this opportunity and for supporting young innovators like us throughout the journey. Now, it’s time to refine, build, learn,” said Priyanka Yadav from Gurugram, Haryana.

“One of my favourite memories from the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Bootcamp was meeting passionate young innovators from every corner of India, each working to solve a different problem, but all driven by the same belief — innovation should improve lives. I am grateful for the friendships, conversations and inspiration,” said Vidit Bhayana from Delhi.

Conducted in collaboration with FITT-IIT Delhi, the Innovation Bootcamp provided the teams with mentoring and prototyping support as they continued developing solutions across AI Living for India, Health and Education, Environmental Sustainability, and Sport & Tech. 

The Work After the Idea

For the Top 40, seeing Samsung’s design and R&D ecosystem first-hand offered something that is difficult to learn from a classroom alone.

Innovation is rarely a straight line.

An idea is questioned. A prototype is tested. Something fails. You learn why. You change it. Then you try again.

The most important part of an idea may not be the moment you have it.

It may be everything you do next.

For these young innovators, that work has already begun.

Enviro Infra Engineers’ Subsidiary Suyog Urja Receives INR 224.19 Crore LOI from Tata Power Renewable Energy for Wind EPC Project

India, Sept 10: Enviro Infra Engineers Limited (EIEL), a leading EPC company in water and wastewater treatment, through its subsidiary Suyog Urja Limited, has received a Letter of Intent (LOI) from Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) for the execution of EPC turnkey works for the development of a 180 MW NTPC Wind Power Project at Parli, Maharashtra. The LOI has a contract value of ₹224.19 crore and is to be executed by 31st March 2027.

The scope of work encompasses Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) foundation works, Balance of Plant (BoP) works and 33 kV transmission line works. The WTG foundation package includes civil foundation works for 58 WTGs, along with associated reinforcement steel and geotechnical requirements.

Under the BoP scope, Suyog Urja will undertake the development of an approximately 39-acre storage yard, coordination and management of Right of Way (ROW) for material movement, and construction of access roads, pathways and crane pads, along with other associated civil and infrastructure works.

The LOI also covers the construction and commissioning of the 33 kV transmission line, including route survey and design, supply and erection of poles/towers, conductors, insulators and associated hardware, as well as ROW-related activities and installation of STATCOM/harmonic filter systems.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Sanjay Jain, Chairman, Enviro Infra Engineers Limited, said, “The contract win marks an important milestone in strengthening our presence in the wind EPC segment and further validates the capabilities we have added through Suyog Urja. The 180 MW project reinforces our ability to participate in large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects and complements our growing presence across solar, wind and energy storage. We remain focused on building a diversified renewable energy platform backed by strong execution capabilities, technical expertise and disciplined project delivery. As India’s renewable energy capacity continues to expand, we see significant opportunities to contribute to the country’s clean energy transition through reliable, high-quality infrastructure.”

The LOI further strengthens Enviro Infra Engineers’ growing renewable energy portfolio and reinforces its strategy of building diversified, integrated capabilities across the clean energy infrastructure ecosystem.

Algorand Foundation Names William Herkelrath Chief Executive Officer

Herkelrath joins as Algorand deepens its focus on institutional adoption and post-quantum resilience

DOVER, DELAWARE, Sept 10 – Algorand Foundation U.S. Inc (“Algorand“) announced the appointment of William Herkelrath as Chief Executive Officer. Herkelrath succeeds Staci Warden, who is stepping down after nearly five years leading Algorand.

Herkelrath brings two decades of experience across AI, enterprise software, institutional finance, and blockchain infrastructure, most recently as co-founder of K3 Labs, an AI-first automation platform for building and running AI agent-managed workflows, and previously in leadership roles at Chainlink and Curv.

“I joined Algorand because they are a leader in decentralized post-quantum cryptography. With both AI and quantum threats on the horizon, Algorand has a unique opportunity to become a trusted partner in bringing verifiable and trusted security to a wide variety of institutions as they roll out the next generation of digital assets and cybersecurity infrastructure,” said Herkelrath. 

“Leading the Algorand Foundation has been one of the great privileges of my career. Together with its ecosystem entrepreneurs, the Algorand Foundation has proven the case for what a public blockchain can do for real-world finance, and I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished. William brings the vision and experience to lead Algorand through its next chapter, and I am excited for him and the team to carry that work forward,” said Warden.

This news comes at a pivotal moment for Algorand. Google’s Quantum AI paper cited the network more than 30 times as a key innovator in the space. Post-quantum accounts are already live today, built on a strong track record of pioneering the use of Verifiable Random Function (VRF) and backed by a large ephemeral validator set.

Alongside the leadership transition, Algorand also announced changes to its Board of Directors. Herkelrath and Alex Fowler, Chief Strategy Officer at Nexus Laboratories, are joining the board, and Rebecca Rettig and Michael Mosier are departing.

Herkelrath officially became Algorand’s Chief Executive Officer on August 31.  He will work alongside the existing leadership team as Algorand continues its focus on institutional adoption and post-quantum resilience.