&w=3840&q=100)
Govt to operationalise Rs 1-trillion innovation fund in next 3 months
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had, on February 1, allocated Rs 20,000 crore to the Department of Science and Technology (DST) as a corpus to promote private sector–driven innovation. The Rs 1-trillion fund was first announced in the July 2023 Budget.
While the ANRM fund primarily supports academic research, universities, and public research labs, the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund under it will be dedicated exclusively to private sector R&D. The DST plans to set up a Deep Tech Fund under this scheme, aimed at building strategic autonomy in critical sectors such as clean energy, electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced materials.
'This fund is not just for start-ups—it is also for corporates and industries, provided they undertake cutting-edge R&D projects. Once operational, the industry is expected to deliver innovative products and help India achieve strategic autonomy in the mobility transition,' said Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, DST, at the Battery Summit organised by World Resources Institute (WRI) India on Wednesday.
DST's budget has grown from ₹2,777 crore in 2014 to ₹28,509 crore in FY26, and gross expenditure on R&D has risen from ₹60,196 crore to ₹1,27,380 crore over the same period.
Investment in battery R&D is crucial, as it drives innovation in energy storage, improving battery performance, safety, and cost-efficiency. Research is essential for meeting rising energy demands, transitioning to sustainable transportation, and achieving energy independence. India currently lacks significant reserves of key battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, making the country reliant on imports and exposing it to price volatility and geopolitical risks.
Meanwhile, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), a government body, will set up an advanced battery lab in the next few months as part of its expansion plan, an ARAI official said. However, he expressed scepticism about its capacity to meet India's full testing needs.
ARAI is reportedly planning to invest Rs 100 crore to develop advanced testing labs and infrastructure across the country in 2025. Several of its facilities at the new Mobility Research Centre in Takwe are in the final stages of completion and are expected to be operational this year. ARAI established its first Centre of Excellence for Green Mobility in Chakan, Pune, in 2020.
At the Battery Summit, WRI India released a report titled Development of Data Frameworks for Battery Circularity in India, which stressed the urgent need for a unified data framework to improve transparency and collaboration across the battery ecosystem.
A battery data framework facilitates the collection and assessment of key data across the battery life cycle using its digital record. This enables seamless, secure, and transparent data exchange among multiple stakeholders in the EV ecosystem.
Such a framework benefits supply-chain stakeholders by providing access to data on due diligence, carbon footprint, and material composition. This enables battery manufacturers and automotive OEMs to compare suppliers, enhance sourcing decisions, and mitigate risks associated with raw material sourcing, processing, and trading.
Similarly, access to reliable and comparable data on a battery's carbon footprint can help consumers make informed purchase decisions. Further, information on battery composition and state of health (SoH) is particularly valuable in ensuring efficient battery recycling and reuse.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
14 minutes ago
- Hans India
BISP 8171 Web Portal – Check Eligibility for Ehsaas Rs. 25000
The Government of Pakistan has taken significant steps to support low-income families through welfare programs like the Ehsaas Program and Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). One of the most important initiatives under this is the 8171 Ehsaas Program 25000 BISP relief, which aims to provide financial aid of Rs. 25,000 to deserving families. To make the process transparent and accessible, the BISP 8171 Web Portal has been introduced by StarryRead. This online platform allows beneficiaries to easily access important information, get the latest updates on BISP, and check their eligibility through their CNIC. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about using the BISP 8171 Web Portal, checking eligibility, applying for the Rs. 25,000 financial assistance, and staying updated with the latest news. What is the 8171 Ehsaas Program 25000 BISP? The 8171 Ehsaas Program 25000 BISP is a government assistance scheme launched to help underprivileged citizens, especially during times of crisis such as natural disasters, inflation, or unemployment. Through this program, eligible families receive a one-time cash grant of Rs. 25,000 to support their basic needs. It is managed under the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), which is one of the largest social safety net programs in Pakistan. This program ensures that aid reaches the right families based on a comprehensive eligibility assessment. Purpose of the BISP 8171 Web Portal The BISP 8171 Web Portal was launched to provide a digital solution for: Checking eligibility for financial aid Tracking application status Accessing information about new registration or disbursement Avoiding physical visits to BISP offices or centers This portal is especially helpful for people living in remote areas who may not have easy access to government offices. How to Check Eligibility on the BISP 8171 Web Portal Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the BISP 8171 Web Portal to check your eligibility for the Ehsaas Rs. 25000 program: Step 1: Visit the BISP 8171 Web Portal Open your browser and go to Step 2: Enter Your CNIC Number You will see a field asking for your 13-digit CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) number. Type in your CNIC correctly. Step 3: Enter Captcha Code A security code (captcha) will be displayed. Enter it in the relevant field. Step 4: Submit and Check Eligibility Click on the 'Find' or 'Submit' button. The system will display your eligibility status, payment information (if approved), and any further steps required. Who is Eligible for 8171 Ehsaas Program 25000 BISP? Not everyone automatically qualifies. Here are the common criteria: Belonging to a low-income household Monthly income under a specified threshold Must not own significant land or property No government employment Valid CNIC Registered in the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) database If you're unsure about your NSER status, you can visit the nearest BISP center or use the BISP portal to confirm your registration. How to Apply for the 8171 Ehsaas Rs. 25000 Program If you're not already registered, follow these steps to apply: 1. SMS Registration via 8171 Send your CNIC number to 8171 via SMS. You will receive a reply indicating whether you're eligible, under review, or not registered. 2. Visit the Nearest Ehsaas or BISP Center If required, visit a local Ehsaas registration center to submit biometric data and verify your documents. 3. Wait for Confirmation After registration, you will receive an SMS or notification once your application is processed. For a full step-by-step guide, you can read our detailed post on how to apply for the 8171 Ehsaas Program 25000 BISP. What to Do If You're Declared Ineligible? If the BISP portal shows that you're not eligible, don't lose hope. You can: Update your family information via NSER or NADRA Re-apply after correcting the data Visit your local BISP or Ehsaas center for manual verification File a grievance or complaint via the helpline Sometimes, ineligibility is caused by incorrect data entries or missing documents. Always make sure your information is up to date. Benefits of Using the BISP 8171 Web Portal Saves time and travel cost Available 24/7 from anywhere in Pakistan Keeps your data confidential Gives real-time updates Reduces crowd at physical offices For full access and details, you can always visit the BISP 8171 Web Portal for accurate and updated information. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: Is there any fee to check status on the BISP 8171 portal? No, it's completely free. The portal is designed to serve all citizens at no cost. Q2: Can I register someone else in my family? Yes, but you'll need their CNIC and in some cases, biometric verification may be required. Q3: What is the official code for Ehsaas program SMS? The official code is 8171. Do not trust messages from any other number. Q4: How often can I receive the Rs. 25000 payment? The Rs. 25,000 is usually a one-time payment given in special cases like floods, inflation relief, or emergencies. Final Words The 8171 Ehsaas Program 25000 BISP is a valuable lifeline for millions of families across Pakistan. The BISP 8171 Web Portal makes it easier than ever to check your eligibility, register, and access financial aid without the hassle of long lines or paperwork. If you or your family are experiencing financial hardship, don't miss this opportunity. Make sure your information is updated and apply today through the BISP 8171 Web Portal via StarryRead
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Karnataka announces Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission, VC fund for startups
The Karnataka government on Wednesday launched a Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission with a vision to build a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035. Chief minister Siddaramaiah said a Quantum Technology Task Force will guide policy, while dedicated quantum parks, manufacturing zones, and Q-City will foster innovation in the state will also launch a Quantum Venture Capital Fund to back over 100 startups and help generate 100 patents to create two lakh jobs in the said with a vision to be the 'Quantum Capital of Asia,' Karnataka's roadmap is built on the five pillars of talent development, research and development (R&D) pilots, infrastructure, industry support, and global partnerships. He was speaking during the two-day Quantum India Bengaluru 2025 summit, co-organised by the Department of Science & Technology and its Quantum roadmap, Karnataka also announced the establishment of India's first Quantum Hardware Park, four innovation zones, and a dedicated fabrication facility to boost domestic manufacturing of quantum components.'By 2035, we aim to create 10,000 high-skilled jobs and establish Karnataka as the Quantum Capital of Asia,' the CM emphasised. To foster a holistic ecosystem, the state government will also introduce quantum skilling programmes in 20 colleges and 150 PhD state government aims to develop 1,000-qubit quantum processors and pilot applications in healthcare, cybersecurity, and defence, with active applications in governance. The state's science and technology minister, NS Boseraju, said a quantum chip fabrication capability will be operational by the initiative comes at a time when 2025 is being observed globally as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. CM Siddarmaiah stressed that quantum tech will not only drive economic growth but also improve governance, secure communication, smarter agriculture, and early disease added that the state government has already demonstrated its commitment to this technology by establishing a Quantum Research Park at IISc, Bengaluru. This facility has supported over 55 R&D projects and 13 startups while training more than 1,000 quantum experts annually. "To sustain this momentum, our government has sanctioned an additional grant of Rs 48 crore," he added.
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Mastek not looking at any staff reduction; attrition has reduced workforce: CEO
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills Mid-tier IT company Mastek is not targeting any reduction in its workforce due to ongoing shifts in the tech world, a top official said on company has seen a reduction in the overall staffing to 4,800 from 5,500 a year-ago due to attrition and has not replaced many of the roles, its chief executive Umang Nahata told said the attrition was "largely" voluntary, hinting that there may have been some cases where it may be involuntary in nature."We have seen a reduction in the overall employees and we have not replaced the talent with hiring. However, we do not have any plans of reducing workforce by 2% or 5%," he comments come days after sector leader TCS stunned all by an announcement to reduce the number of jobs by 2% or 12,000 people, which has led to concerns about the future of tech jobs amid increased adoption of artificial intelligence and ahead, the company is aiming for a mid to high double-digit revenue growth on the back of healthy performance in the UK and North American markets, he said, adding that the effort is to increase the revenue per said almost the entire work force is trained in AI-related skills now, and almost entire work can be classified as "digital" in the April-June period, it has signed deals of $16 million revenue potential, which are 100 per cent AI-related deals, he said, adding that the effort of the company is to target the AI segment in a novel worries over returns on investment from AI deployment and difficulties selecting the right platforms, it is concentrating on offering AI adoption services which will be outcome-based to the mid-tier clients who may not typically engage with big system integrators or company may look at tuck-in acquisitions of companies having complementarities going ahead, Nahata said, acknowledging that zeroing in on the right target is very difficult given the changing nature of company celebrated 30 years of listing on the bourses on Thursday, with the management ringing the bell at the country's largest stock exchange, NSE When asked about the corrections in the company stock, which has declined substantially since December, Nahata said the issues are with perception and not performance, and even the multiples the share is trading at is low when compared with Mastek share closed 2.10% down at Rs 2,415.95 apiece on the BSE on Thursday, as against a 0.36% correction on the benchmark.
