Science & Technology – Page 2

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: AIR : India’s First Radio Station, the Akashvani Mysore Station is 90

Akashvani Mysore Station is celebrating its 90th anniversary, turning a new page in its several decades long history, continuing to serve a stream of connoisseurs, who still long to hear the mellifluous voice broadcast on the radio (Air Mysuru 100.6 FM).

For the uninformed, it was Akashvani Mysore Station that gave the name ‘Akashvani’ to All India Radio (AIR), the broadcasting facility of the country. Even amid the changing scenario, marked by key challenges with the advent of commercialisation, globalisation and multimedia, Akashvani has etched a firm place in the heart of the listeners.

With a variety of programmes entertaining the young and old alike, not ignoring its commitment to the society, Akashvani has been catering to the legion of listeners, moving ahead with a confidence of remaining the popular broadcasting media.

Genesis of Radio Station

To trace its origin, M.V. Gopalaswamy, a Professor of Psychology in Maharaja’s College here, started the Radio Station at his home in Yadavagiri, in the city on Sept. 10, 1935. Notably, it was the country’s first Radio Station, which began with the airing of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu’s poetry. A vocal concert by renowned composer Mysore Vasudevacharya, a direct disciple of Saint Thyagaraja, was the first music programme to be broadcast on this Radio Station.

The Radio Station was later shifted to the present building of Mysore Medical College & Research Institute (MMC&RI) on Irwin Road in the city. It was later handed over to Mysore Municipality (which later became Mysuru City Corporation) and was subsequently managed by the princely Mysore State headed by the Maharaja.

Wave of novelty

In the later years, N. Kasturi, as the first Assistant Director of the Station, took the Station to new heights, making it a talk of the town with its innovative programmes. The Central Government took over Akashvani in the later years and Prof. B.N. Murthy, as the Station Head, gave a touch of creativity, while his successor Dr. M.M. Natesh infused novelty to the events.

After the formation of Karnataka State, the Radio Station was shifted to Bengaluru on Nov. 2, 1955, before relocating to Mysuru on Nov. 14, 1974.

Several programmes aired on Akashvani Mysuru, were the result of successful experiments and have bagged several national awards. It has succeeded in maintaining its own distinct quality, amid the growing influence of mass media, with the motto Bahujana Hitaaya, Bahujana Sukhaya. Be it literature, music, plays, education, health, cinema, sports, agriculture and several other programmes, Akashvani has been endearing the listeners.

Programme list

The programmes like Coffee Thindi, Belli Beragu, Veeneya Bedagu Nadada Sobagu, Arivina Shikhara, Laya Sambhrama, Haadu Helida Kathe, Thorana Horana, Kannada Bharati, Doctor Samaya, Mahila Ranga, Yuva Ranga, Bala Jagat, Rasaprashne, Ranga Banuli, Chilipili, Chatpat Churumuri, Udyoga Varthe, Krishi Ranga, Mahila Ranga, Kelugara Korike – Nimma Mechchina Chitrageethegalu, Natakagalu, Chalanachitra Dhwani Vahini, Mishra Madhurya, Game Show, Katheyallide Uththara, Kelugarondige Anisike, Kaadina Rochaka Kathegalu, Sangeetha Sambhrama, Trin Trin Cycle Savari, Maathina Lahari, Nammoora Hesaru, Kadambari Vichara, Heegide Nam Jodi, Haadiyalli Kanda Mukha, Keli Giligale, Makkala Mantapa, Nenapinangala Sandhya Raga, Vaidyarondige Bheti (health programme), direct Phone-in and Varthegalu (news), command dedicated listeners, along with cricket and Dasara commentaries.

Besides, by producing quality programmes, Akashvani is striving for the welfare of the society too.

A household brand

Like the eponymous brands of Mysore like Mysore Dasara, Mysore Mallige, Mysore Sandalwood, Mysore Pak and Mysore Silk, Mysore Akashvani is also a household brand. It has been functioning out from the heritage building in Yadavagiri on KRS Road in the city, broadcasting a variety of non-stop programmes from 5.55 am to 11 pm.

Meaningful 90^th anniversary celebrations

The 90th anniversary of Akashvani Mysore Station was meaningfully celebrated on Sept. 10, with Pavithra, the great granddaughter of Akashvani Founder M.V. Gopalaswamy and Rajaram, the grandson of N. Kasturi, planting the sapling to mark the milestone in the history of the Radio Station, at its premises in Yadavagiri.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Director of Akashvani Mysore, S.S. Umesh, recalled the history of the Station, saying that it was on Sept. 10, 1935 that the Station made its start and was later managed by Mysore Kingdom and was subsequently taken over by the Central Government. The Station has provided a platform for various litterateurs including Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, by airing a series of programmes. The programmes have still retained their popularity.

Assistant Director Abdul Rasheed, T.B. Vidyashankar, Programme Executive B. Shanthakumar and others were present.

As part of 90th anniversary, day-long special programmes were aired on Akashvani Mysore.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: SPACE: ‘Bangalore Space Expo 2024 (BSE 2024)’ Concludes on a High Note – September 18-20, 2024

It was three days of treat for the afficiandos of space technology as the eighth edition of three-day Bangalore Space Expo 2024 (BSE 2024) was held from September 18 to September 20.

What is of significance is that with the push from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has privatised space launches and is targeting a fivefold increase in its share of the global launch market, which some expect to be worth $47.3 billion by 2032. This increased private sector participation would help to generate employment, enable modern technology absorption and make the sector self-reliant. It is expected to integrate Indian companies into global value chains. With this, companies will be able to set-up their manufacturing facilities within the country duly encouraging ‘Make In India (MII)’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives of the Government.

In this background, the BSX 2024 which was held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) gave visitors an opportunity to see cutting-edge innovations, exciting space technologies and future of India’s space.

Nothing could be more apt than what Dr S. Somanath, Secretary of Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission said, “Times have changed. We are capable of building the best equipment. The best devices and the best rockets in India.”

With over 100,000 visitors attending the three-day BSX 2024, the event saw participation by over 250 delegates, space companies from over 250 and pavilions of over ten countries, shows the interest in space technology and increased private funding, technological advancements, and public sector interest. There’s a renewed push to explore beyond. Declining launch costs and rising public interest are propelling this industry to new heights, offering a galaxy of opportunities for investors.

India’s space sector has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. India’s advances in space programs have been highly remarkable, with vigorous and determined efforts by ISRO. Taking the vision of the Government of India in enhancing private sector participation in the space sector, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in association with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been organising the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024 (BSX), a Biennial International Exhibition and Conference since 2008.

From the humble beginnings of transporting rocket parts on bullock carts to the proud achievement of launching a record number of satellites in a single mission, India has proven itself as a trailblazer in space exploration. Until recently, India’s space sector could broadly but in no way exclusively be divided into two major domains: commercial and research. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), which made India the fourth nation to reach Mars, and the Chandrayan-3 Mission to soft launch on the south pole of the lunar surface, are purely research initiatives for space exploration. On the other hand, launching foreign satellites for communication, navigation, and resource survey/management are commercial space activities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), formed on August 15, 1969, is the country’s official space agency. While pursuing space science research and planetary exploration, ISRO has led and defined the nation’s space industry and economy with 124 spacecraft missions, 432 foreign satellite launches, 98 launch missions, and much more. The Bengaluru-headquartered organisation is gearing up for Gaganyaan, India’s first manned mission to space. Several Non-Government Entities (NGEs) aid ISRO as vendors and/or suppliers.

A report by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey estimates the size of the global space industry to be $630 Billion in 2023. It is expected to grow 9% per annum and reach $1.8 Trillion by 2035. The private sector plays a defining role in driving innovation and access through large-scale investments, while non-space private sector partnerships with space players continue to expand.

In a landmark effort to engage and promote private entities in the space sector, the Government launched the Indian Space Policy 2023. There are 189 DPIIT-recognised space technology startups in India, and the space startups have garnered investment worth $124.7 Million during March-December 2023. The policy enables NGEs to engage end-to-end in all domains of the space sector, making startups a lucrative investment option for investors. Alphabet Inc. became one of the first to capitalise on the lucrative potential with an investment of $36 Million in a Bengaluru-based satellite imaging startup called Pixxel. As the space sector flourishes with emerging startups, established NGEs like Dhruva Space, SatSure, Skyroot, and more are also expanding the remit of their operations and research under the policy.

India’s space economy, valued at $8.4 Billion in 2023, currently accounts for 2-3% of the global space economy. But it is estimated to grow to $44 Billion by 2033. The private sector can play a critical role in realising this and BSX 2024 provided the appropriate platform to boost India’s space development.

To facilitate participation from the private sector, the Department of Space (DoS) established the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). Though funded by the DoS, IN-SPACe is an autonomous, single-window, nodal agency for all space sector activities of NGEs. It serves as an authorisation and clearance agency for space launches, provides infrastructure support for launch pads, monitors and facilitates the procurement and trade of satellites, enables the use of DoS facilities, and more. IN-SPACe also offers technical expertise and assistance to NGEs and handholds them through the process by sharing technologies, best practices, and products.

Meanwhile, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), serving as the commercial arm of ISRO under DoS, helps NGEs commercialise their space technologies and platforms. It facilitates manufacturing, leasing, procuring, and trading space components, technologies, and other assets for global markets. It also facilitates space services offered by ISRO and now private companies and consortiums to international and global agencies.

In a more recent and direct reform, an amendment to the FDI policy allows up to 100% foreign direct investment in manufacturing and procuring satellite systems. The satellite sub-sector of the space industry has been distinguished into three different segments with defined foreign investment ceilings. Launch vehicles and their associated products/services can have up to 49% FDI. Activities like operation, data products, and ground and user segments can receive up to 74% FDI. And up to a 100% FDI for the manufacture of satellite components, sub-systems, and ground and user segments of the same.

India’s space sector has always promoted domestic manufacturing and innovation. These principles have held the nation’s space economy in good stead, with the NSIL reporting an annual turnover of INR 28.42 Crore in FY 22-23 alone. The space economy is on a sharp upward trajectory with the influx of space-tech startups and other NGEs. The IN-SPACe has already signed 51 MoUs with NGEs to actualise and support the manufacture of launch vehicles and satellites. Other notable successes include the commercial launches of LVM3 & PSLV and the successful launch of Aditya-L1 aboard PSLV C57 to observe the Sun, cementing India’s place in the global space industry for research and commerce.

The space industry has a crucial role in implementing innovative solutions in several sectors, such as telecommunication, healthcare, agriculture, defence, and others. India’s space sector is at a pivotal juncture. With a rich history of innovation — even at a cost less than Hollywood movies — a booming private sector and a supportive regulatory environment, the nation is poised for a significant leap forward.

By harnessing the collective potential of ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, and its thriving startup ecosystem, India can not only become a major player in the global space economy but also unlock transformative applications for its citizens and the world. The final frontier beckons and India appears well-equipped to answer its call. The space startup ecosystem has flourished, with 189 startups in 2023, receiving $124.7 million in funding. With favorable policy changes, including the Space Policy 2023 and upcoming legislation, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the space sector, offering new avenues for investments and technological advancements.

As a leader in the space technology domain, India understands the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation and collaboration. The Bengaluru Space Expo 2024 served as a premier platform for industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to come together, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in space technology.

source/content: raksha-anirveda.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: SPACE INNOVATION: Bengaluru Start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Unveils Groundbreaking Low Earth Orbit Satellite

Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based start-up, has unveiled an ultra low earth orbit satellite capable of operating at 200 km altitude, thanks to its in-house developed propulsion systems.

This breakthrough aims to significantly enhance satellite performance and could revolutionize satellite applications.

A Bengaluru-based space-sector start-up has set a new milestone by unveiling an ultra low earth orbit satellite capable of operating at an altitude of 200 km. This remarkable feat was achieved through advanced propulsion systems developed in-house.

The satellite, known as Project 200, was showcased by Bellatrix Aerospace. It was officially unveiled by Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) Chairman Pawan Kumar Goenka.

Traditionally, Low Earth Orbit satellites are deployed at altitudes around 450 km to avoid atmospheric drag. Placing satellites in lower orbits typically results in them falling back to Earth more quickly. However, Bellatrix Aerospace’s co-founder and CEO, Rohan Ganapathy, stated that their cutting-edge propulsion technology enables satellites to maintain 200 km orbits for years, rather than deorbiting in a few days.

Ganapathy highlighted that operating at 200 km significantly boosts satellite performance, improving communication latency and image resolution while reducing costs compared to 450 km altitude satellites. This innovation promises to be a game changer, delivering new capabilities previously unachievable by satellites, according to Bellatrix’s co-founder and COO, Yashas Karanam.

Bellatrix Aerospace has also pioneered the use of water-fueled plasma thrusters and high-performing green propulsion alternatives, marking a pivotal step towards reimagining future space operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)

source/content: devidiscourse.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AVIATION/ DEFENCE : Bengaluru company Flying Wedge unveils indigenous bomber UAV

The Bengaluru-based company said the UAV would address India’s need for an advanced unmanned combat aircraft and boost efforts toward self-reliance in a segment critical to modern warfare.

Defence and aerospace company Flying Wedge on Friday unveiled its bomber UAV – FWD-200B – which it said would advance India’s unmanned air combat prowess with cost-efficiency and indigenous capabilities.

The Bengaluru-based company said the UAV would address India’s need for an advanced unmanned combat aircraft and boost efforts toward self-reliance in a segment critical to modern warfare. Flying Wedge had, in 2023, secured a DGCA type certification for its indigenous UAV technology.

FWD-200B is a MALE (medium altitude, long endurance) UAV with a fuel capacity of 100 kg. It comes with optical surveillance payloads and is integrated with missile-like weapons for precision air strikes. The UAV has a maximum speed of 370 kmph (200 knots), an endurance capacity of 12 to 20 hours, and a ground control station range of 200 km. At six metres long, with an eight-metre wingspan, the aircraft can carry a maximum take-off weight of 498 kg and has an operational altitude of 9,000 ft above mean sea level.

After unveiling a full-scale model of the UAV, Suhas Tejaskanda, founder of Flying Wedge, said plans were on to fly the aircraft during May. The company is engaging with the Army Design Bureau (ADB) – which leads the Indian Army’s Make in India initiative – to pursue possibilities of induction into the Armed Forces.

Flying Wedge, through the ADB, is taking the certification process forward with the Indian Army. The ADB’s Regional Technology Node is set to coordinate these efforts based on an evaluation of the aircraft across parameters.

“By June, we’ll be observing the flight dynamics and the behaviour of the aircraft and probably, over the next three months, we should be able to get the aircraft to CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification),” Tejaskanda told reporters.

Tejaskanda said the company was also aiming to sell the aircraft to countries in Africa and South-East Asia that are, at present, buying highly-priced UAVs like the Predators from the US. He said the cost involved in the production of an FWD-200B was about Rs 25 crore.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: SPACE TECHNOLOGY: Indian space startup Pixxel bags NASA contract to support Earth science research

Indian space startup Pixxel has bagged a NASA contract to support Earth science research using the hyperspectral technology.

The Bengaluru-based company has become part of NASA’s $476-million commercial smallsat data acquisition programme — a first for an Indian startup after the space sector was opened to private companies in 2020.

Co-founder and CEO Awais Ahmed called the award a “monumental achievement for Pixxel”.

He said the contract, valid till November 2028, “validates that hyperspectral imaging will be integral to the future of space-based Earth observation and enable us to truly build a health monitor for the planet”.

As per the contract, Pixxel will provide NASA and its US government and academic partners with hyperspectral Earth observation data. This will help empower the administration’s Earth science research and application activities.

Pixxel hyperspectral can capture data across hundreds of narrow wavelengths. Its datasets can also unravel granular insights on climate change, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource management, among others.

Building on this momentum, Pixxel is also making significant strides toward launching six satellites shortly. Fireflies — its 5-metre resolution hyperspectral satellites — will be the highest-resolution hyperspectral satellites ever launched.

These satellites will capture data across over 250 spectral bands, offering more comprehensive coverage with a 40 km swath width and a 24-hour revisit frequency anywhere on the planet.

In addition, Pixxel also plans to expand its constellation to 24 satellites to make hyperspectral data commercially. This will make it more broadly available and accessible to stakeholders across industries and governments.

Pixxel has a constellation of the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites that are designed for 24-hour revisits anywhere on Earth.

The satellites can help detect, monitor, and predict critical global phenomena across agriculture, oil and gas, mining, environment, and other sectors in up to 50 times richer detail.

Pixxel has also launched its in-house Earth Observation Studio, Aurora, to make satellite imagery analysis easily accessible.

The company has also raised over $70 million from Google, Lightspeed, Radical Ventures, Relativity’s Jordan Noone, Seraphim Capital, Ryan Johnson, Blume Ventures, Sparta LLC, Accenture, and others.

source/content: ianslive.in (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: I.T. BREAKTHROUGH: IISc scientists achieve breakthrough in AI hardware

They were also able to do this at a fraction of the time and energy that traditional computers would need.

Loads of computing power is needed to train Language Models (LLMs) which are an integral part of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms such as ChatGPT, Midjourney and DALL-E are all trained on LLMs. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a brain-inspired analogue computing platform capable of storing and processing data in an astonishing 16,500 conductance states within a molecular film. This breakthrough can bring complex AI tasks to personal devices.

Generally in digital computers data storage and processing are limited to just two states. “Neuromorphic computing has had its fair share of unsolved challenges for over a decade. With this discovery, we have almost nailed the perfect system a rare feat,” said Sreetosh Goswami, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), IISc, who led the research team.

The newly developed platform can perform complex tasks on personal devices like laptops and smartphones. “These developments are currently restricted to resource-heavy data centres, due to a lack of energy-efficient hardware. With silicon electronics nearing saturation, designing brain-inspired accelerators that can work alongside silicon chips to deliver faster, more efficient AI is also becoming crucial,” read the IISc release. The platform developed drastically cuts down both, time and energy involved, making calculations a lot faster and easier.

“This project brought together the precision of electrical engineering with the creativity of chemistry, letting us control molecular kinetics very precisely inside an electronic circuit powered by nanosecond voltage pulses,” explained Sreebrata Goswami, Visiting Professor at CeNSE.

Tapping into these tiny molecular changes, allowed the team to create a highly precise and efficient neuromorphic accelerator, which can store and process data within the same location, similar to the human brain. Such accelerators can seamlessly be integrated with silicon circuits to boost their performance and energy efficiency.

The team also turned this scientific discovery into a technological feat. They were able to recreate NASA’s iconic ‘Pillars of Creation’ image from the James Webb Space Telescope data – created by a supercomputer using just a tabletop computer. They were also able to do this at a fraction of the time and energy that traditional computers would need.

The researchers believe that this breakthrough could be one of India’s biggest leaps in AI hardware, putting the country on the map of global innovation. Navakanta Bhat, Professor at CeNSE said, “In the context of the India Semiconductor Mission, this development could revolutionise industrial, consumer and strategic applications. The national importance of such research cannot be overstated.”

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: AI IMPLEMENTED: Bengaluru introduces AI traffic management systems across 41 junctions: Report

Bengaluru has implemented an AI-driven Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) at 41 junctions, reducing the need for manual traffic management.

Motorists in Bengaluru are set to see a reduction in traffic police manually managing intersections and adjusting signal lights due to a new technological upgrade. The city has introduced an advanced AI-powered Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS), which has been implemented at 41 junctions, automating traffic signal operations in real-time, the Deccan Herald reported.

This upgrade is part of Bengaluru’s broader initiative to fully automate its traffic control systems, reducing the need for human intervention and aiming for more efficient traffic management. Among the 41 junctions now equipped with the ATCS, seven have received entirely new signal systems, while 34 others have been modernized from older camera-based models, the report noted.

By the end of December, Bengaluru is expected to have 165 junctions operating with these state-of-the-art AI-driven signals. This expansion includes 136 upgraded junctions and 29 newly installed systems, focusing mainly on areas in the southern and western regions of the city, which are less affected by major construction projects, according to MN Anucheth, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), who spoke to the publication.

The new ATCS signals offer three operational modes: a manual override mode for emergency scenarios such as ambulance or VIP passage; a Vehicle Actuated Control (VAC) mode that utilizes computer vision technology to monitor and adjust traffic light timings based on real-time vehicle counts; and the ATCS mode, which coordinates signals across multiple intersections for improved traffic flow, the publication said.

Initial implementations of this system have been observed on KR Road, Rose Garden Road, and Hudson Circle, where the VAC mode is now operational. Key junctions now featuring the ATCS include NR Square Junction, Town Hall Junction, BMTC Junction on KH Road, Minerva Circle, and RV Teachers College.

As of September, Bengaluru has approximately 900 junctions managed manually by traffic personnel, with around 405 equipped with signal systems. By year-end, the city expects to surpass 500 signalized junctions, including the new ATCS installations and additional adaptive signals, the publication added.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: FIRST IN INDIA: Bengaluru’s electricity body first in India to allow payment for EV charging via WhatsApp

The new interface to EV Mithra app will provide a seamless charging experience for electric vehicle (EV) users, said the Managing Director of BESCOM.

The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) has introduced the ability to start and pay for EV charging sessions via Whatsapp.

BESCOM has also launched an innovative AI-based customer support bot called https://ev.bot powered by Pulse Energy, said a press statement from the company on Tuesday.

The new interface to EV Mithra app will provide a seamless charging experience for electric vehicle (EV) users, said Mahantesh Bilagi, Managing Director, BESCOM.

“As the nodal agency for developing EV charging infrastructure in Karnataka, BESCOM is committed to expanding our network and improving the management of charging stations. The new interface of the ‘EV Mithra’ app is a step in that direction, and it’s encouraging to see over 15,000 downloads already. We invite all EV users to take advantage of this enhanced experience,” said Bilagi.

The app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and is available in nine languages, including Kannada.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: LITHIUM RESOURCES: Indian minister reveals discovery of lithium resources in Karnataka state

AMD has established 1,600 tonnes (G3 stage) of Lithium resources in the Marlagalla area, Mandya district.

Jitendra Singh, India’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, said that lithium deposits have been found in the southwest state of Karnataka, a government press release mentioned.

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Thursday (Jul 25), the minister stated that the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), which is a constituent unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has found the presence of lithium resources in the Mandya and Yadgiri districts of the state.

Singh informed that AMD has established 1,600 tonnes (G3 stage) of lithium resources in the Marlagalla area, Mandya district.

The minister also said that preliminary surveys and limited subsurface exploration have been carried out in the Yadgiri district to know about the deposits.

Lithium is mostly used in rechargeable batteries for electric cars, laptops, digital cameras and cell phones. Certain non-rechargeable batteries for devices like toys, heart pacemakers and clocks also include lithium.

While highlighting the presence of lithium reserves, Singh said that AMD has also been exploring lithium in the potential geological domains in parts of Korba District in Chhattisgarh.

He added that, however, the major mica belts located in Rajasthan, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh and Pegmatite Belts in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka are the potential geological domains in the country for lithium resources.

Singh shared that a preliminary survey carried out recently by AMD in Himachal Pradesh has led to the identification of surface uranium occurrence in Masanbal, Hamirpur district.

However, he categorically mentioned that the Atomic Energy Commission has not conducted any study to establish an atomic energy plant in the north Indian state.

Singh said that although several small modular reactor designs and technologies released by overseas vendors and nations are being examined to obtain technical specifics, no proposal to work with foreign vendors or nations is being considered at this time.

He further mentioned that the Indian and Russian governments have expressed interest in expanding the cooperation in the field of the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes including cooperation in the field of Small Modular Reactor.

(With inputs from agencies)

source/content: wionews.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: AVIATION HUB : Air India commences construction of mega MRO facility in Bengaluru

This will strengthen the Base and Line Maintenance facilities across the network to achieve self-reliance in fleet maintenance

Air India Group has announced the commencement of construction of a mega Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, at a groundbreaking ceremony in Bengaluru, reiterating its commitment to building a strong self-reliant aviation ecosystem for India.

The upcoming MRO facility, being built on a 35-acre land parcel at the Bangalore International Airport will become an important hub for Air India group airlines’ aircraft maintenance operations in the region, as the airline modernizes its fleet and expands its global operations.

Earlier this year, Air India had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to establish MRO facilities in Bengaluru. Air India has also signed an agreement with SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) to be its strategic partner for the development of this MRO facility.

Once completed, the MRO is expected to generate over 1,200 new job opportunities for skilled aviation engineers in India, and support over 200 SMEs in Karnataka through an enhanced supply chain. These new ventures are projected to create further employment opportunities, strengthening the MRO ecosystem in the state. The MRO will also support Air India’s plans to make Bengaluru as one of its key hubs, boosting direct connectivity to global destinations.

The upcoming MRO will feature a mega hangar to accommodate wide body and narrow body aircraft under a single roof for Base Maintenance. The facility’s capacity will be further expanded to include additional hangars for servicing more aircraft, including paint hangar. Equipped with latest aircraft maintenance technology, including overhead tele platforms, cranes, universal docking systems, and the largest vertical lift hangar doors in the country, this MRO facility will be setting a new standard in aviation maintenance at par with any MRO in the world.

The Bengaluru MRO facility, expansion of in-housed Line Maintenance (routine maintenance of aircraft in operation) facilities across the network, and the recently refurbished wide body aircraft hangar in Mumbai, will make Air India more self-reliant in the maintenance of its entire fleet from 2025.

The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development & Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka, Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), Chin Yau Seng, CEO, SIA Engineering Company, along with a senior leadership team of India leadership.

Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka, said, “It is heartening to see the quick turnaround that Air India has made in starting work for the MRO. This is not only a milestone for Indian aviation, which is growing at a rapid pace, but also for the state of Karnataka, which is taking a lead in the aviation sector with Bengaluru set to emerge as an important global aviation hub in the coming years.”

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, “India’s aviation sector is on a growth trajectory and Air India is playing a leading role in this. The Bengaluru MRO facility is coming up at an opportune time to help strengthen India’s aviation ecosystem, while enhancing our in-house capabilities to maintain our fleet. This is a step ahead in our mission to make Air India a world-class airline.”

Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), said, “As we work towards developing the Airport into a major aviation hub, this marks an important step towards strengthening the fleet maintenance capabilities and infrastructure offering. This development will not only enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth but also create valuable opportunities for local talent and businesses, reinforcing Bengaluru’s position as an important player in the aviation ecosystem.”

Air India also plans to build a new wide body hangar in Delhi to cater to Line Maintenance requirements. This will help develop a complete maintenance ecosystem at all major airports. Air India is also ensuring availability of trained type-rated personnel for maintenance function of different type of fleet by obtaining approval for CAR-147 for its training academy.

Besides, Air India plans to open a Basic Maintenance Training Organisation (BMTO) in 2025, in Bengaluru, to ensure continuous inflow of trained personnel for aircraft maintenance and engineering activities. This will create opportunities for engineering students to receive training to become type-rated engineer for certification.

source/content: traveltrendstoday.in (headline edited)