Andhra Deputy CM Pawan applauds student's eco-friendly e-bike innovation
After interacting with the budding innovator, he, along with Siddu, took out the e-cycle for a test ride. He commended Siddu's creativity, including his 'Grocery Guru' WhatsApp service, and awarded him `1 lakh to encourage further innovation.
Siddu, from Jadavari Kothavalasa village, built the bicycle to commute to college. The eco-friendly vehicle runs 80 km on a 3-hour charge and has gained attention on social media for its affordability and practicality.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 days ago
- First Post
Japanese engine for Australian frigates and Indian jets: A new era of Indo-Pacific defence ties
Japan's rise as a major arms exporter could give India the boost it needs to finally develop a homegrown fighter jet engine read more As Japan makes headway in maritime defence exports, India has been exploring potential aerospace collaborations with Tokyo, particularly in advanced jet engine technology. During a defence ministers' meeting in Delhi in May this year, India proposed a partnership with Japan on aero engine development, in what observers view as an effort to secure a high-performance powerplant for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. There is a lot of speculation about the chatter focussing on Japan's IHI XF9 engine, developed for its own next-generation fighter aircraft by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) and IHI Corporation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The XF9 prototype reportedly delivers 11 tonnes of thrust without afterburner and 15 tonnes with afterburner, with design provisions for scalability up to 20 tons (ATLA, 2018). Its adaptability and modular architecture are seen as advantageous for the AMCA's operational requirements, which include sustained supercruise, agility and low observability. India's AMCA programme, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aims to field a fifth-generation stealth fighter capable of competing with regional rivals such as China's J-20. While prototypes are expected to fly initially with US-supplied General Electric F414 engines, these are considered an interim measure, with India seeking a more powerful propulsion system in the 110–130 kN thrust range for production models. Collaboration on the XF9 or a derivative could merge Japan's materials science and manufacturing expertise with India's expanding aerospace base, potentially overcoming long-standing indigenous engine development challenges, a report said. Strategic and political hurdles Any transfer of XF9 technology would require navigating Japan's still-cautious approach to defence exports. Although Tokyo has relaxed restrictions in recent years, most notably allowing Patriot missile shipments to the US for onward transfer to Ukraine. Nevertheless, Japan's growing comfort with complex multinational defence projects, evidenced by its participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the United Kingdom and Italy, suggests that political will for such ventures may be strengthening. If Tokyo and Canberra can successfully manage the frigate programme, it would bolster confidence in Japan's capacity to deliver sophisticated systems abroad, potentially paving the way for more ambitious collaborations with partners such as India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lessons from engine supply disruptions India's interest in diversifying its defence partnerships with Japan is partly informed by difficulties with Western suppliers. India signed a significant agreement with the United States in June 2023 to co-produce the more powerful GE F414 engine domestically for the Tejas Mk2, including an estimated 80 per cent technology transfer. While seen as a positive step, give the current geopolitical situation, India needs to actively pursue alternative suppliers as a hedge against potential bottlenecks. Options under consideration reportedly include France's Safran M88, already in service with the Indian Air Force's Rafales and Russia's Klimov RD-93MA, a modernised version of the MiG-series engine, another report said. Australia deal kindles hope for Japan Japan's ability to win and execute complex international defence contracts, as demonstrated in the naval sector, offers a useful indicator of its potential to deliver similarly sophisticated aerospace systems in partnership with India. The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' (MHI) $6.5 billion frigate deal with Australia could mark a turning point in the regional defence perspective, particularly as nations look to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on a limited number of Western suppliers, Financial Times reported. From export restrictions to a breakthrough For decades after the Second World War, Japan maintained a self-imposed ban on almost all arms exports, effectively confining its technologically advanced industrial base to serving only its Self-Defence Forces. This policy shift began in 2014, when Tokyo eased restrictions, yet major international contracts remained elusive. The most notable setback came in 2016, when Japan lost out to France on a $35 billion Australian submarine contract. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The tide appeared to turn with the announcement earlier this year that MHI had been chosen as Australia's preferred supplier for a new class of frigates. The upgraded Mogami-class frigate design met Australia's operational needs, including a smaller crew complement of 90 compared to competing European designs requiring around 120 personnel, longer cruising ranges and increased weapons capacity. Moreover, MHI was able to guarantee delivery of the first vessel by 2029, plugging a capability gap as the Royal Australian Navy retires its Anzac-class ships. While the upfront cost was higher, Australian officials reportedly calculated that the Japanese design would be more economical over its lifetime due to lower operating and personnel expenses and a longer hull life, The Financial Times said in a report. The deal, if finalised as planned next year, would be Japan's first international sale of a complete lethal defence platform since 1945 and could serve as a model for future exports of warships, missile systems and radar technologies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Constraints on Japan's defence expansion Despite the milestone, Japan faces challenges in scaling up its defence production. Industry leaders have warned of capacity and labour shortages, particularly as Tokyo plans to increase defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2027. Kawasaki Heavy Industries' chair Yoshinori Kanehana noted that red-hot demand had already strained production lines, with annual CH-47 Chinook helicopter orders nearly tripling from 2017 to 2024. He stressed that while the sector needed to expand capacity, recruiting and training specialised workers remained a significant hurdle, The Financial Times said. MHI's contract also involves producing the first three frigates in Japan, with the remaining eight to be built in Australia in partnership with Austal. Corey Wallace, an associate professor at Kanagawa University, cautioned that Japan's limited experience in managing overseas defence maintenance, services and supply chains could complicate the execution of such projects. Jennifer Parker of the Australian National University similarly told Financial Times that any delays could strain bilateral ties, though successful delivery could firmly establish Japan as a credible alternative supplier in the global arms market. Convergence of strategic interests The convergence of Japan's push to expand its defence exports, its proven industrial base and India's urgent need for diversified and advanced propulsion systems presents a window of opportunity for both countries. For India, securing Japanese engine technology could reduce dependence on Western suppliers, mitigate the risk of supply disruptions and accelerate the realisation of indigenous aerospace capabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Japan, a successful collaboration would demonstrate its readiness to supply cutting-edge systems beyond its immediate alliance network, reinforcing its position in the global defence market.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Economic Times
Eaton Technologies picks up 1.50 lakh sq ft in Pune through 10-year lease pact
Agencies Representative Image Eaton Technologies, the Indian arm of global intelligent power management company Eaton Corporation, has picked up over 150,000 sq ft office space in an information technology park in Pune's Baner area through a long-term lease spanning 10 years. The deal involves an estimated rental outflow of over Rs 250 crore over the entire term and Eaton also holds the option to lease an additional 47,000 sq ft within the same complex. The company is planning to set up its Global Capability Center (GCC) here. The deal is part of a growing wave of large office space commitments by multinational corporations in India, reinforcing the country's status as a key hub for GCCs. Strong talent availability, competitive costs and modern infrastructure continue to draw global firms expanding their operational footprint here. The space, comprising office space across three floors at Aditya Shagun Infinity IT Park, has been leased from Astrope Properties at a starting monthly rent of Rs 1.65 crore, or Rs 110 per sq ft, with an annual escalation of 4.5%. The lease, registered on August 3, carries a five-year lock-in period and provides 150 four-wheeler and 150 two-wheeler parking slots. The company has paid a security deposit of Rs 9.9 crore at the time of registration, showed documents accessed through realty data analytics firm CRE Matrix. The lease commences on July 15, with rent kicking in across three phases including 120 days from commencement for phase 1, December 1 for phase 2, and January 15 for phase 3. Fit-out rent has been fixed at Rs 2,400 per sq ft per month of chargeable area, while common area maintenance (CAM) charges are set at Rs 14.75 per sq ft per experts say this transaction adds to Pune's position as a preferred location for GCCs in sectors such as technology, engineering, and financial to real estate consultants, the western corridor of Pune, covering Baner, Balewadi, and Hinjewadi, has witnessed a surge in large, pre-committed office deals over the last 18 email queries to Eaton Technologies and Astrope Properties remained unanswered until the time of going to press. India's commercial office market has witnessed a landmark year in fiscal year 2025, with office leasing hitting record levels. According to rating agency ICRA, the momentum is expected to sustain in 2026, driven by sustained demand from key sectors such as GCCs, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) institutions, flexible workspace operators, and domestic Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPM) firms. The net absorption of commercial office space across the top six cities, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), and Pune, reached a record high of 65 million sq ft in FY2025, a growth of 14% year-on-year. This surge in demand surpassed the 58 million sq ft of supply for the year, indicating a strong pace of growth.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business Standard
Karnataka best for entrepreneurs to start, grow big: CM Siddaramaiah
Pitching Bengaluru as the tech capital of India that is making leaps in new-age technology like quantum science and artificial intelligence, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday invited industry leaders for the 28th Bengaluru Tech Summit to be organised here from November 18 to 20. "We are the best place for entrepreneurs to start and grow big," he added. Siddaramaiah was addressing nearly 100 industry leaders at a breakfast meeting called by the Department of Electronics, IT & BT, Karnataka government, to promote the summit. "In Artificial Intelligence, Bengaluru ranks 5th among the world's top AI cities. It hosts nearly 50 per cent of India's AI talent, making it the second-largest AI talent hub globally," pointed out the CM. He promised that Karnataka's new IT policy will focus on creating infrastructure for AI. According to him, from the Mysuru kings to the first IT policy in 1997 and the Global Capability Centre Policy in 2024, Karnataka has always planned ahead. "In quantum technology, for instance, Karnataka launched India's first state-level Quantum Technology Roadmap. We aim to make Karnataka Asia's top Quantum Innovation Hub by 2035, with a USD 20 billion quantum economy," he said. "We are planning Quantum Hardware Parks, Innovation Zones, and a global Quantum Conclave in Bengaluru," Siddaramaiah said. He also said Karnataka is India's largest software-exporting state, contributing 44 per cent of the nation's software exports. "The IT and ITeS sector accounts for 26 per cent of our state's economy. We host over 875 Global Capability Centres (GCC), which is 30 per cent of India's total. Our goal is to add 500 more GCCs by 2029, creating 3,50,000 jobs and USD 50 billion in economic output. We are also building tech clusters beyond Bengaluru to ensure growth across the state," he added. The CM took pride in the fact that Karnataka is now home to over 18,300 startups and more than 45 unicorns. He also promised industry leaders that Karnataka will take this a notch further. "We are building QWIN City, an integrated ecosystem for wellness, innovation, and new-age industries. This will be a magnet for global scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors, offering dedicated R&D clusters, and wellness infrastructure that makes it a destination to live, work, and innovate," he added. He also talked about the upcoming Health City, a world-class healthcare and life sciences hub. "It will bring together medical research, biotech innovation, med-tech manufacturing, and super-speciality hospitals to serve both India and the world," he added. Chief Minister also said Karnataka's vision is to make it the place where the world comes to solve its biggest challenges. "Whether it is curing diseases, developing sustainable energy solutions, or building the computers of the future, we will provide the talent, infrastructure, and policy support to make it happen. I invite industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to come work with us," said the CM.
