&w=3840&q=100)
Govt launches ₹2.3-cr startup scheme to boost rooftop solar installations
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on Saturday announced the launch of a Rs 2.3-crore startup innovation challenge with an aim to accelerate rooftop solar installation and renewable energy adoption in the country.
This innovation challenge aims to identify and support breakthrough solutions for India's rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy ecosystem, a ministry statement said.
It is being implemented under the aegis of MNRE with support from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), and in coordination with StartUp India, DPIIT.
According to the statement, the Innovative Projects Start-Up Challenge on Rooftop Solar (RTS) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Technologies was launched during the National Conference on Skill Development for the Renewable Energy Workforce.
The challenge seeks applications from innovators and startups in India, focusing on four key categories to boost renewable energy adoption -- affordability, resilience, inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
The challenge is open for a wide range of startups in green tech, IoT, AI, blockchain, construction, energy hardware, fintech, and waste management.
Applicants will compete for a total prize pool of Rs 2.3 crore, including Rs 1 crore for 1st prize, Rs 50 lakh for 2nd, Rs 30 lakh for 3rd, and 10 consolation prizes of Rs 5 lakh each.
Winners will also get incubation support, pilot implementation opportunities, and mentorship from domain experts and investors, facilitated by MNRE and NISE.
The deadline for submitting entries is August 20 and the winners will be announced on September 10. Applications can be submitted through the startup India's Website: https://www.startupindia.gov.in.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Spirits in a box: Why new liquor shops in Noida are in a container
Noida: Delta 1 got the city's first liquor shop operating out of a 40 by 12 feet prefabricated container in April after UP amended its excise policy earlier this year, taking a leaf out of Haryana and Punjab, to make business operations easier and plug revenue leaks. Under the new policy, introduced on Feb 13, licensees are allowed to set up prefabricated containers for shops on private or govt land, provided they met the guidelines under UP Excise Shops Number and Location (Amended) Rules, 1968. Clause 5.16 (17) of the new policy specifically permits such setups in urban and industrial authority zones, including Noida, Greater Noida, YEIDA and Mandi Samiti, against a rent fixed by local officials. District excise officer Subodh Kumar said the move aims to curb illegal, makeshift operations and bring them under a regulated, tax-paying framework. "Haryana has already implemented this model. We saw vendors in UP starting to do the same informally, which led to revenue loss. Legalising it helps the govt ensure proper tax collection," he said. In Gautam Budh Nagar alone, 16 out of the 501 new liquor licences issued this year opted for container setups — 12 in Noida and four in Greater Noida. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트, 지금 시작하세요 [자세히 보기] 임플란트 더 알아보기 Undo However, turning policy into practice has proven complicated. Zoning restrictions, reluctance from landlords, and rising rental prices have left many licensees struggling to find appropriate commercial space. "There's a shortage of commercial units in Noida, and landlords are often unwilling to rent to liquor vendors. Some demand exorbitant prices, others outright refuse," Kumar added. To ease implementation, the district magistrate wrote to Noida and Greater Noida authorities in May, urging them to identify suitable plots for prefabricated liquor outlets. But no formal response has been received, according to officials, although informal discussions are ongoing. A first-time licensee, who previously ran a shop in Lucknow's Hazratganj, said he was forced to rent land from a farmhouse owner at Rs 75,000 per month. "Every commercial unit I checked was within 50 metres of a residential building, which is against the rules. I applied to the Authority for permission to install a container, offering to pay rent. But when no reply came, I had no choice but to use a private plot," he said. Similar stories are emerging from Greater Noida. In Delta 1, another vendor found refuge on a commercial plot owned by a private builder near the metro station. "In April, when I was supposed to start operations, I couldn't find a space. Eventually, I set up the container on private land after reaching an agreement with the builder," he said. Despite the early hurdles, the move has long-term potential. Greater Noida Authority's additional CEO Prerna Singh said the matter will be taken up at the next board meeting. "We are looking at the policy's revenue potential. Prefabricated shops can be a regulated source of income for the Authority. We will explore incorporating these provisions into our bylaws." Excise officials stress that licensees are not just traders but partners in ensuring state revenue. "For every Rs 1 lakh in liquor sales, Rs 70,000 goes to the govt," said a vendor. "We want to comply — but the system has to work with us." While the policy offers greater flexibility to vendors and promises more revenue for the state, it has not been without friction on the ground. Earlier this week, Noida Authority dismantled a container-based liquor shop in Sector 129 following complaints from residents.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
KSRTC's Davanagere division records uptick in digital payments
Davanagere: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation ( KSRTC ) achieved notable success in digital payments, collecting Rs 10 crore in eight months through its Davanagere division. This achievement follows KSRTC's intensified promotion of UPI payments since Nov 2024. The organisation aims to collect Rs 1 crore daily through digital means, targeting 50% of all transactions. Passengers embraced the QR code payment system for bus fares, despite initial technical difficulties. The digital payment implementation resolved issues related to small change, enhancing the travel experience and reducing conflicts between passengers and conductors. The Davanagere division also introduced UPI payments via smart electronic ticket machines (ETMs) in Nov. Travellers now complete transactions using applications like PhonePe and Google Pay. Digital payments are more prevalent on long-distance routes with reliable network coverage. Inter-district and interstate services show higher digital transaction rates when compared to urban and rural routes. City passengers display less inclination towards UPI payments for smaller fares. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sanitize & Smooth Clothes Fast with Philips Steamer Philips Garment Steamers Shop Now Undo Premium service users typically book tickets online in advance. From Nov 2024 to June 15, 2025, the division collected Rs 11 crore via UPI across its three depots: Davanagere Depot-1, Davanagere Depot-2, and Harihar Depot. Monthly collections increased steadily: November (Rs 29.2 lakh), December 2024 (Rs 1 crore), January 2025 (Rs 1.3 crore), February (Rs 1.5 crore), March (Rs 1.6 crore), April (Rs 1.8 crore), May (Rs 1.9 crore), and June (Rs 1.9 crore). The division manages 404 buses with 490 ETMs, including backup units. Occasional technical issues led to payment deductions without ticket issuance, causing disputes. The refund system improved, with reimbursements now processed within 48 hours, reduced from one week previously. Passengers are showing a preference for digital payments, and if a ticket is not printed, the amount is credited to their account within 24 hours. We solved some technical issues, and we are expecting more digital payments in our division, said Kiran Kumar Basapur, KSRTC divisional controller, Davanagere.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
With World Bk support, Jhansi set to develop into dedicated peanut cluster
1 2 Lucknow: Under the UP AGREES project, supported by the World Bank, the state govt is in the process of developing Jhansi as a dedicated peanut cluster. This initiative includes all seven districts of Bundelkhand: Jhansi, Jalaun, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Banda, and Chitrakoot. The cluster-based model is expected to enhance exports and ensure better returns for farmers through improved pricing. Nationally, Gujarat leads peanut production with a 47% share, followed by Rajasthan (16%) and Tamil Nadu (10%). In UP, Bundelkhand is the primary peanut-producing region, with Jhansi at the forefront. Other key districts include Banda, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Lalitpur, Mainpuri, Hardoi, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Aligarh, Kasganj, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Badaun, Etah, Unnao, Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, and Shravasti. During 2013–2016, India's average yield was 1,542 kg per hectare, while UP's yield was only 809 kg per hectare—a shortfall of 733 kg. Tamil Nadu, by contrast, led with a productivity of 2,679 kg per hectare. "This gap highlighted UP's untapped potential. Through improved agricultural practices, adoption of high-yield varieties, and timely crop protection measures, UP has since raised its yield above the previous national average, currently reaching approximately 1,688 kg per hectare," a state govt spokesperson said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's The Average Price of Gutter Protection For 2500 Sq Ft House LeafFilter Gutter Protection Learn More Undo To ensure fair prices and incentivize farmers, the govt is also procuring peanuts at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), currently set at Rs 6,783 per quintal. Procurement is facilitated by NAFED in districts like Mainpuri, Hardoi, and Etawah, and by NCCF in Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Aligarh, Kasganj, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Badaun, Etah, Unnao, Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, and Shravasti. Given their nutritional value, economic potential, and adaptability, peanuts have become a key focus area in UP's agricultural strategy, strengthening farmer incomes and positioning the state for greater self-reliance and export readiness. According to the ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare's directorate of economics and statistics, during 2013–2016, Uttar Pradesh accounted for just 2% of India's total peanut cultivation area, contributing approximately 1 million tonnes to the national production of around 7.9 million tonnes. But in the last seven years UP's share in peanut cultivation has more than doubled to 4.7% of the national production. Most of this growth has occurred in Bundelkhand and adjoining districts.
