Latest news with #IITMadras
India Today
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- India Today
IIT Madras-incubated Plugzmart unveils first multi-network EV charging platform
Smart EV charger manufacturer Plugzmart, incubated at IIT Madras, has launched a first-of-its-kind EV charging platform that allows a single charger to connect to multiple Charging Management Systems (CMS) at the same 'Relay', the indigenously-developed platform offers real-time connectivity across different networks, removing the current limitation of one charger being tied to a single app or innovation enables Electric Vehicle (EV) users to access chargers through multiple service providers, improving convenience and network The Chennai-based firm has built an intelligent middleware that enables this multi-CMS connectivity without affecting reliability or innovation aims to resolve one of India's biggest EV adoption hurdles: limited charger visibility and UTILISATION AND FUTURE-READY INFRASTRUCTUREExplaining the significance of this development, Raghavendar TS, Director of Software Business Unit at Plugzmart, said, 'One of the biggest roadblocks for EV adoption is the limited availability of chargers visible on public platforms."He further said, "Our solution maximises the visibility of each installed charger by allowing it to appear on multiple networks. This boosts charger utilisation, increases ROI for charger owners, and gives EV users more options -- encouraging widespread EV adoption across cities and rural areas.'He added, 'With this breakthrough, Plugzmart positions itself as a key enabler of open, interoperable, and future-ready EV infrastructure.'BUILT FOR COMPATIBILITY, FLEXIBILITY AND SCALEThe Relay platform supports integration with Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)-compliant chargers and works without requiring hardware features a unified dashboard that allows charging point operators (CPOs) to monitor all connected CMS platforms and intelligently route sessions based on user dynamic routing system ensures uninterrupted access, accurate billing and smooth fleet operations, even if one CMS experiences downtime. Relay also prevents vendor lock-in, offering CPOs the flexibility to switch or expand their CMS connections at any India's EV infrastructure expected to grow rapidly, Plugzmart's Relay aims to set new benchmarks in charging accessibility and operational benefits of this platform include:Multi-network compatibility: Enables chargers to operate across different service providers to increase reachMaximised revenue: Boosts usage and income by serving various customer groups simultaneouslyDynamic session management: Smart routing ensures seamless performance across CMS platformsVendor flexibility: Avoids lock-in by letting CPOs switch or add CMS providers as neededFast integration: Easy to deploy with existing infrastructure due to OCPP supportWith India's EV charging demand rising fast, Plugzmart's Relay platform sets the stage for a more open and efficient charging ecosystem.- Ends
India Today
8 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
IIT Hyderabad Director BS Murty elected President of Indian Institute of Metals
Professor B S Murty, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), has been elected as the new President of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM). He will officially take charge on August 1, 2025. The announcement was made during the institute's 79th Annual General Meeting in Kolkata, where outgoing President Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director of JSW Group, handed over the Indian Institute of Metals, founded in 1946 with 42 members, has since grown into a premier professional body representing over 10,000 metallurgical and materials engineering experts across academia, research, and more than four decades of experience in teaching, research, and innovation, Professor Murty is regarded as one of India's most distinguished metallurgists. His pioneering work spans diverse areas such as non-equilibrium materials processing, high-entropy alloys, and advanced material development. Outlining his vision for IIM at the AGM, Prof. Murty said his focus will be on nurturing the science, design, engineering, and technology of minerals, metals, materials, and manufacturing. He emphasised the importance of creating platforms for young professionals, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening ties with academia, industry, and research institutions both in India and abroad. 'Carrying forward IIM's rich legacy while fostering innovation and inclusivity will be my key priorities,' he Murty's academic journey began with a diploma in metallurgy in 1983, followed by a BE from VRCE Nagpur in 1986, and postgraduate studies at IISc Bangalore, where he earned his ME in 1988 and PhD in 1992. He served at IIT Kharagpur for 12 years and later as a professor at IIT Madras for 15 years before assuming the role of Director at IIT Hyderabad in 2019. Currently in his second term, he will continue leading IITH until his leadership at IITH, Professor Murty also serves as an Institute Professor at IIT Madras and holds adjunct faculty positions at Toronto Metropolitan University, University of British Columbia, and Swinburne University in Australia.A prolific researcher, he has authored over 500 scientific papers, written four books, supervised 56 PhD scholars, and completed nearly 75 sponsored research projects worth approximately ?200 crore. He has also filed more than 15 patents. His contributions have earned him several prestigious honors, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, the National Metallurgist Award, the Distinguished Alumnus Awards from IISc and VNIT, the INAE Outstanding Teacher Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from IIT Madras, and an Honorary Doctorate from Deakin University.- EndsMust Watch
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
IIT Madras-incubated Plugzmart develops platform connecting EV chargers to multiple networks
IIT Madras-incubated Smart EV Charger company Plugzmart has developed an indigenous EV charging platform that is designed to connect chargers with multiple Charging Management System (CMS) networks. According to the startup, 'Relay' is a first-of-its-kind platform that allows a single EV charger to connect to multiple CMS simultaneously. This means a charger is no longer restricted to a single app or network, giving it the freedom to be accessed by multiple platforms, all in real time. 'Relay' enables higher charging utilisation for fleet operations by connecting with multiple CMS platforms, including those specifically built for fleet management. 'If one network experiences downtime, others continue to operate, ensuring uninterrupted charging availability and smoother fleet operations,' the startup said. Currently, most EV chargers are locked to one CMS, meaning, customers of only that one EV brand could utilise the charger. Plugzmart's solution breaks this limitation by introducing an intelligent middleware that enables multiple CMS connections for a single charger. Raghavendar T.S., Director of Software Business Unit, Plugzmart, said, 'One of the biggest roadblocks for EV adoption is the limited availability of chargers visible on public platforms. Our solution maximises the visibility of each installed charger by allowing it to appear on multiple networks. This boosts charger utilisation and increases ROI for charger owners.' Plugzmart is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of Electric Vehicle chargers and SAAS provider of electric charging infrastructure. Incubated at IIT Madras in 2019, Plugzmart has built its own IoT-enabled smart EV charging management system to integrate and communicate efficiently with chargers. Their portfolio of 18 products includes chargers for two, three, and four-wheelers.
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
IIT Hyderabad Director appointed as President of Indian Institute of Metals
Professor B S Murty, Director of Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) has been elected president of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM). He will assume office on August 1, 2025. His appointment was announced at the IIM's 79th Annual General Meeting held on July 26 in Kolkata, where outgoing President Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and MD of JSW Group, formally handed over the role. Professor B S Murty, according to an IIT Hyderabad statement, is a renowned metallurgist. The Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) was established in 1946 with 42 founding members, has grown as a professional body representing metallurgical and materials engineering professionals across academia, industry, and research and has reached a membership of over 10,000, the statement added. Prof. B S Murty brings with him a wealth of experience spanning four decades in metallurgical education, research, and innovation. A distinguished academic and researcher, Prof Murty has made contributions in areas including non-equilibrium materials processing, high entropy alloys, and advanced materials development. Prof Murty outlined his vision at AGM and said 'I emphasized the importance of carrying forward the rich legacy of the organisation while actively advancing its vision and mission. My primary focus will be on promoting the Science, Design, Engineering, and Technology associated with Minerals, Metals, Materials, and Manufacturing. I aim to actively engage young professionals and create vibrant platforms for the exchange of ideas, dissemination of technological innovations, and collaborative efforts. Strengthening ties between IIM and stakeholders from Industry, Academia, Research institutions, and Professional bodies—both in India and globally—will be a key priority. As a step forward, we have already inducted several talented young professionals from Academic, Industrial, and Research backgrounds into the IIM Council.' Prof B S Murty's started his academic journey with a Diploma in Metallurgy (1983) and obtained his BE (1986) from VRCE Nagpur, ME (1988) and PhD (1992) from IISc, Bangalore. After serving at IIT Kharagpur for 12 years between 1992 and 2004), he has been a Professor at IIT Madras for 15 years (2004-2019) before taking up the Director's position at IIT Hyderabad in August 2019. He is now on a second term as Director of IITH until 2030. He is an Institute Professor at IIT Madras and an Adjunct Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, University of British Columbia, Canada and Swinburne University, Australia. Prof Murty has authored 500+ journal publications, 4 books, supervised 56 PhDs, completed about 75 Sponsored research projects (around Rs. 200 Cr) and filed 15+ patents. He is a recipient of numerous awards including Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Distinguished Alumnus Award of IISc and VNIT, National Metallurgist Award, Honorary Doctorate from Deakin University, INAE Outstanding Teacher award, Lifetime Achievement Award of IIT Madras and EMSI.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Two days to go: No clarity over US tariffs, trade pact talks on
With two days remaining for the August 1 deadline when the US' higher tariffs come into force, there is no clarity on the likely tariff on India even as the two countries are engaged in intense trade negotiations. "We are engaged in talks but only the US knows what the tariffs will be," an official told ET. "Their team is coming here on August 25 for the next round of talks." Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science healthcare Leadership Finance Operations Management Data Analytics CXO Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Others Healthcare Cybersecurity others Product Management Public Policy Data Science Project Management MCA Degree PGDM Digital Marketing Management MBA Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details US President Donald Trump on Monday said most trading partners that have not negotiated separate trade deals would soon face tariffs of 15-20% on their exports to the US, well above the baseline 10% tariff he imposed in April. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo "I would say it'll be somewhere in the 15-20% range," he said. "Probably one of those two numbers." Live Events Trump said his administration will notify some 200 countries soon of their new "world tariff" rate. On April 2, Trump had announced high reciprocal tariffs on most countries. Their implementation was suspended for 90 days till July 9, and later until August 1. As part of its trade deal talks with Washington, New Delhi has not yielded its position on the US demand for duty concessions on agricultural and dairy products, officials said. US trade secretary Howard Lutnick Tuesday said in an interview to American media: "We have put the deals on the table and now it is up to president Trump whether he wants to accept (them) or not". US trade representative Jamieson Greer said Monday more talks were required for any kind of a deal with India. India has, so far, not given any duty concessions in the dairy sector to any of its trading partners in a free trade agreement (FTA). India and the US concluded the fifth round of talks for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in Washington last week. They aim to conclude talks for the first tranche of the deal by October-November this year. The US move to raise baseline tariffs to 20% from 10% means that countries with a trade deal with the US could face tariffs in the 10-20% range while those that do not have a trade pact may be hit with even higher rates, experts said. "Trump's claim that the global baseline tariff will soon be 15-20% is misleading," a Delhi-based expert on trade issues said on condition of anonymity. "The reality is that over half the global trade still operates at zero or low Most Favoured Nation tariffs. This effectively weaponises tariffs as a permanent fixture of US trade policy-no longer as a negotiating tool, but as a default position." As per the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the measures announced by the US could lead to an overall contraction of around 1% in global merchandise trade volumes this year. Despite these new measures, the vast majority of global trade still flows under the WTO 's MFN terms, but its share currently stands at 74%, down from around 80% at the beginning of the year. "With August 1 deadline for finalising new deals nearing, the White House may aim to secure one more big pact-this time with India," think tank GTRI said in its report.
