Tata Motors flags off electric buses for workforce transportation in Pantnagar; reiterates its commitment towards carbon neutrality

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today flagged-off a fleet of electric buses dedicated for workforce transportation at its Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand. These indigenously built, zero-emission buses are equipped with latest features, and powered by advanced battery systems. TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Limited (TSCMSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, will facilitate this workforce commute with a modern fleet of Tata Ultra 9m electric buses.

Designed to provide a safe, comfortable and convenient commute, this e-bus service will reduce carbon footprint by providing clean and green transport to over 5,000 people and save ~1,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Electricity generated from a 16MW solar energy plant will charge the e-bus fleet, making the entire operation green from end-to-end.

Announcing the launch, Mr. Vishal Badshah, Vice President and Head – Operations, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The introduction of electric buses for workforce commuting marks a significant step forward towards fulfilling Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles’ aspiration of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. We are committed to making all our manufacturing facilities green by integrating sustainability across their entire value chain – from sourcing to development and engineering to operations. 

I am delighted to launch this initiative in Pantnagar first as it adds to and acknowledges the successes of the facility’s myriad of sustainability initiatives. This plant is already a certified Zero Waste to Landfill facility and has also received water-positive certification by CII-GBC. The launch of a zero emission, e-fleet service creates another major milestone in the sustainability journey of the plant.”

Powered by a full-electric drivetrain, Tata Ultra EV 9m electric bus is equipped with smart features including regenerative braking system and Intelligent Transport Systems. This deployment builds upon Tata Motors’ remarkable success in India’s electric mass mobility segment, where the company has already deployed over 3,100 electric buses across 10 cities. These buses have cumulatively covered more than 24 crore kilometres with an uptime of over 95%, demonstrating reliability and efficiency of Tata Motors’ electric mass mobility solutions.

 

Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Rooftop Solar Power Plant in GSITI Hyderabad

Further Strengthening Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a cleaner and greener India, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) in Hyderabad today. This event, held at the M. S. Krishnan Auditorium, represents a significant step forward in the institute’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy.

The new solar power plant is a significant step towards reducing GSITI’s carbon footprint while promoting renewable energy use within government institutions. It is expected to generate a substantial portion of the institute’s energy needs, contributing to India’s larger goal of increasing renewable energy’s share in the overall energy mix.

Inaugurating the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at GSITI, Hyderabad, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy lauded the institute for its commitment to sustainable energy, stating, ‘This is a significant step towards environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India has emerged as a global leader in climate action, with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana empowering households to harness solar energy. The 150-kilowatt rooftop solar plant at GSITI will meet 75% of the institute’s energy needs, saving Rs 30 lakh annually, and set a new standard for renewable energy use in public institutions.’

Shri S. D. Patbhaje, Additional Director General of the Geological Survey of India (Southern Region), addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of this project for sustainable development. Shri Eatala Rajender, Member of Parliament for Malkajgiri, also highlighted the critical role of renewable energy in national progress.

The event also featured a sapling plantation and the unveiling of an inaugural plaque for the solar plant, symbolizing GSITI’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Following the ceremony, the dignitaries toured the solar facility to learn about its technical features and benefits.

This solar power plant stands as a model for future government initiatives in renewable energy, showcasing GSITI’s role in supporting India’s sustainable energy future and advancing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a global leader in clean energy.

Hon’ble Finance Minister has approved the upgradation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Hon’ble Finance Minister has approved the upgradation of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to 14th #Maharatna CPSE. The proposal has earlier been recommended by Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) headed by Finance Secretary and Apex Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary.  HAL is a Department of Defence Production (DoDP) CPSE with an annual turn over of Rs. 28162 crore and net profit of Rs. 7595 crore for FY 2023-24.


Himachal Pradesh Police is organising the 11th HP Police Half Marathon

The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex.

Taking this drive forward, Himachal Pradesh Police is organising the 11th HP Police Half Marathon on 29th Sept, 2024.

Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates Invest India’s Singapore Office

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal today inaugurated Invest India’s new office in Singapore. Today’s office inauguration comes after India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced setting up of an Invest India office in Singapore during his visit to the country on September 4th and 5th, 2024. The Singapore Office is Invest India’s first overseas office. This significant move reinforces India’s commitment to deepening investment partnerships and making it easier for global investors to engage with India. The Singapore office will serve as a dedicated point of contact for companies from the region looking to invest in India, fostering collaboration across sectors.

Speaking at the event, Minister Goyal emphasised, “Singapore is a key strategic partner for India, and this office marks a new chapter in our efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with Singapore and the broader ASEAN region. We plan to open more overseas Invest India offices in the coming months with an aim to provide global investors seamless access to India’s dynamic and growing economy.”

FSSAI sign MoU with Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in the area of food safety

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) signed an MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) of Brazil on the sidelines of Global Food Regulators Summit, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, yesterday. 

The MoU starts a new phase of cooperation aimed at improving food safety through joint projects and technical collaboration. It was signed by Mr. Carlos Henrique Baqueta Fávaro, Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Brazil and counter signed by Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI.

Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao said, “Signing this MoU demonstrates our dedication to food safety and signifies a major advancement in our ongoing efforts to enhance international collaboration in food safety.  We are eager to work with MAPA to achieve our common goals and enhance food safety in both countries.”

The representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil added “The signing of the MoU marks a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of food safety, allowing for technical cooperation and exchange of experience and knowledge with the aim of strengthening the institutional collaboration and pursuing joint initiatives.”

Both FSSAI and MAPA are committed to fostering a mutually beneficial and productive partnership.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah will attend the 54th Foundation Day celebrations of BPR&D

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah will attend the 54th Foundation Day celebrations of BPR&D as Chief Guest on Wednesday, 28th August, 2024 in New Delhi

On the occasion, the Home Minister will deliver the Dr. Anand Swaroop Gupta Memorial Lecture on “New Criminal Law – Citizen Centric Reforms.” Shri Amit Shah will also honour the recipients of the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and President’s Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) for the years 2023 and 2024. During the function, the Home Minister will also release a special edition of the Bureau’s publication “Indian Police Journal” on new criminal laws.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, BPR&D is committed to transform the Indian Police Forces into SMART forces to successfully meet the challenges of policing as well as internal security by equipping them with the necessary intellectual, physical and organizational resources.

Since its inception in the year 1970, BPR&D has been serving as the think tank of the Indian Police to foster excellence in policing in Research and Development. The focus of the institute is to develop policies and procedures for police and correctional services, explore ushering technologies for enhanced service delivery to the citizens, capacity building of law enforcement agencies, promote cooperation and coordination between states and central police organizations.

The inauguration ceremony will be attended by Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Director General of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Heads of central police organizations as well as senior officials of Home Ministry and other departments.

NVIDIA Launches NIM Microservices for Generative AI in Japan, Taiwan

NVIDIA Launches NIM Microservices for Generative AI in Japan, Taiwan

Nations around the world are pursuing sovereign AI to produce artificial intelligence using their own computing infrastructure, data, workforce and business networks to ensure AI systems align with local values, laws and interests.

In support of these efforts, NVIDIA announced the availability of four new NVIDIA NIM microservices that enable developers to more easily build and deploy high-performing generative AI applications.

The microservices support popular community models tailored to meet regional needs. They enhance user interactions through accurate understanding and improved responses based on local languages and cultural heritage.

In the Asia-Pacific region alone, generative AI software revenue is expected to reach $48 billion by 2030 — up from $5 billion this year, according to ABI Research.

Llama-3-Swallow-70B, trained on Japanese data, and Llama-3-Taiwan-70B, trained on Mandarin data, are regional language models that provide a deeper understanding of local laws, regulations and other customs.

Training a large language model (LLM) on regional languages enhances the effectiveness of its outputs by ensuring more accurate and nuanced communication, as it better understands and reflects cultural and linguistic subtleties.

Nations worldwide — from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Sweden to France, Italy and India — are investing in sovereign AI infrastructure.

The new NIM microservices allow businesses, government agencies and universities to host native LLMs in their own environments, enabling developers to build advanced copilots, chatbots and AI assistants.

INDIAN NAVY SIGNS MoU WITH BEML LTD.

In a major push towards indigenisation of critical Marine Engineering equipment of the Indian Navy. BEML Ltd., a ‘Schedule A’ company under the Ministry of Defence and one of India’s leading Defence and Heavy Engineering manufacturers has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy.

The MoU was concluded at the Naval Headquarters at New Delhi between Rear Admiral K Srinivas, ACOM(D&R), Indian Navy and Shri Ajit Kumar Srivastav, Director of Defence, BEML. This initiative is a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral cooperation for indigenous design, development, manufacture, testing and product support of critical Marine Engineering equipment and systems.

Aligned with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the partnership aims to strengthen self-reliance in defence production and reduce dependence on foreign OEMs.