Latest news with #Motiwala
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Scholar from Bastar represents state at US solar conference
Raipur: Bastar's Saurabh Motiwala, a renewable energy professional and a PhD research scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, represented Chhattisgarh at the 'SOLAR 2025' conference in the USA. The 54th annual national solar conference of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) was held at the University of Colorado Boulder on August 4-6. Motiwala's PhD research focuses on the "Techno-economic Evaluation of Utility-scale Solar PV + BESS Project in Gujarat." His work develops technical, economic, and policy frameworks for integrating large-scale solar energy and battery storage. Experts at the conference praised his research, calling it relevant for both Chhattisgarh and other developing regions, he said. He also shared his experience of organising Chhattisgarh's first certified 'green wedding' and building the state's 5-star rated green home at the event. His other achievements include leading awareness campaigns on green energy and sustainable development through workshops and training programmes. The 'SOLAR 2025' conference brought together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss renewable energy technologies and policy. Speaking at the event, he shared, "Ensuring universal access to renewable energy is not just a technological challenge, it is a vital step towards social and economic equity." he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Bastar scholar represents Chhattisgarh at US solar conference
Saurabh Motiwala RAIPUR: Saurabh Motiwala, a renewable energy professional and a PhD research scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, represented Chhattisgarh at the 'SOLAR 2025' conference in the USA. The 54th annual national solar conference of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) was held at the University of Colorado Boulder from August 4-6, 2025. Motiwala's PhD research focuses on the "Techno-economic Evaluation of Utility-scale Solar PV + BESS Project in Gujarat." His work develops technical, economic, and policy frameworks for integrating large-scale solar energy and battery storage. Experts at the conference praised his research, calling it relevant for both Chhattisgarh and other developing regions, he said. He also shared his experience of organising Chhattisgarh's first certified 'green wedding' and building the state's 5-star rated green home at the event. His other achievements include leading awareness campaigns on green energy and sustainable development through workshops and training programmes. The 'SOLAR 2025' conference brought together scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss renewable energy technologies and policy. Speaking at the event, he said, "Ensuring universal access to renewable energy is not just a technological challenge, it is a vital step towards social and economic equity."
Hindustan Times
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘Happy tears today': Chhattisgarh doctor moved by handmade wedding gift from young cancer survivor
A paediatric surgeon from Chhattisgarh was left overwhelmed with emotion after receiving an unexpected and deeply touching gift from one of his former cancer patients. Dr Tanmay Motiwala shared the heart-warming story on X, formerly known as Twitter, recounting how a young survivor named Khushi, who couldn't attend his wedding, sent him a surprise package filled with handmade gifts. A doctor was moved to tears after receiving heartfelt handmade gifts from a former patient who had shared a deep bond with him during cancer treatment.(X/@Least_ordinary) 'My heart is full. Had happy tears today. I received a package from Khushi. A surprise that touched me deeply,' Dr Motiwala wrote in his post. 'I had invited her to my wedding, but she couldn't make it. Instead, she sent me a set of beautiful handmade gifts. Yes, Khushi is my patient but more than that, she's a dear friend. A brave cancer survivor. A child who has taught me more about life than most ever could.' Check out the post here: A cherished bond Alongside the message, Dr Motiwala also shared photographs of the gifts and explained the personal significance behind one of them. Recalling a humorous hospital memory, he wrote, 'I said while taking rounds and teaching her how to spell her name — 'D O N K E Y = P A R I'. She replied, 'D O N K E Y = TANMAY.' We both burst out laughing.' This innocent joke became an affectionate nickname she later used on the gift. Khushi's journey In an earlier thread from 2022, Dr Motiwala had narrated Khushi's journey as a cancer patient. 'She was a quiet and resistant five-year-old with a chest wall tumour,' he shared. 'I sat there for an hour trying to talk to her, joke around, show cartoons on my phone, tickle her. Nothing worked. This kid was stubborn.' However, with time, their bond grew. 'Her chemo started and we started talking. Over time she would hold my finger while I took evening rounds. She would use my earphones and listen to songs while I worked,' he recalled. Beyond medicine Reflecting on what Khushi meant to him, Dr Motiwala wrote, 'She taught me the art to fight in life and never to let that smile down, come whatever. She also taught me that the doctor-patient bond goes much beyond tests, surgeries and bills.' Social media reacts The post quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of emotion online. 'This story melted my heart,' one user commented. 'Doctors like you restore faith in humanity,' another added. 'Such stories need to be heard more,' wrote a third. Others called it 'pure', 'moving', and 'a reminder of the beauty in kindness'.
Express Tribune
28-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
'Gas price hike will hit exports'
Listen to article Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala and Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani have strongly opposed the proposed gas tariff hike for industrial processes, calling it illogical and damaging for Pakistan's already struggling industrial sector. The proposal is expected to be discussed in the upcoming meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). In a joint statement, Motiwala and Bilwani said the hike is unjustified in light of current global and domestic energy trends. They noted that Brent crude prices have declined and that the SNGPL system is already facing a surplus of imported RLNG, with 300 to 400mmcfd going unutilised due to high prices and excessive taxes. They argued that the government should focus on improving supply management instead of further burdening industry. They emphasised that although only 80 to 100 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) use process gas, more than 8,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) rely on it. A tariff increase would cripple these SMEs, which form the backbone of Pakistan's manufacturing sector. Instead, they recommended a 20% reduction in gas tariffs to help SMEs stay afloat amid rising input costs and harsh budgetary taxes. The leaders highlighted that OGRA's recent decision on May 20, 2025, reduced SSGC's gas tariff by Rs103.95 per MMBtu to Rs1,658.56, reflecting falling global fuel prices. They questioned how a hike for industrial users could be justified when regulatory bodies themselves recognised falling costs. OGRA also set a revised tariff of Rs1,895.25 per MMBtu for SNGPL, which remains below the proposed rate. Petitioners during OGRA's hearings also flagged inflated RLNG diversion costs and unrealistic Brent crude pricing assumptions that distort true gas pricing. Motiwala and Bilwani warned that raising gas tariffs would worsen inflation, increase unemployment, and discourage local and foreign investment. Industry, already hit by electricity costs, currency instability, and shrinking demand, cannot absorb further shocks. They called on the ECC to immediately withdraw the proposal and conduct a transparent review of gas pricing, aligning it with OGRA's findings and global trends. "Burdening industry to offset inefficiencies elsewhere is unacceptable," they said. "Support for industry is essential for true economic recovery."
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministries oppose gas price increase
ISLAMABAD: The gas price increase has been opposed in its current form by several line ministries, citing concerns that it will disproportionately impact the industrial sector, lead to higher electricity prices, and result in cross-subsidization of the fertiliser industry at the expense of other industries. The concerns raised by ministries representing various sectors have also been made part of the summary which came under consideration of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet. The Power Division stated that the proposed hike in gas rates for the power sector—from Rs 1,050/mmBtu to Rs 1,313/mmBtu—will increase electricity generation costs for thermal plants using domestic gas by approximately Rs 10 billion in FY 2025–26. This increase is expected to result in higher Fuel Cost Adjustments (FCA), ultimately passed on to consumers, raising electricity tariffs by around Rs 0.10 per unit. Pakistan now gas-surplus amid demand collapse, says Motiwala The Power Division further noted that rising generation costs could make electricity less affordable for all consumer categories. This may reduce the overall sales of Discos, with a knock-on effect on capacity payments in the power sector. Additionally, the price hike would reduce the merit order ranking of gas-based power plants, pushing them below imported fuel plants such as those using coal. This shift could result in an estimated foreign exchange exposure of around $140 million due to increased coal imports. The Division cautioned that such a change in the energy mix must be carefully considered due to its implications for energy affordability, the balance of payments, and broader macroeconomic stability. In a scenario where imported fuel-based plants replace gas plants, the Sui gas companies could face estimated revenue losses of Rs 39 billion, depending on global fuel price trends. The Power Division also addressed a reported Rs 41 billion revenue shortfall claimed by SNGPL, attributed to RLNG diversion. However, it emphasized that the cost of RLNG diversion is already covered under Gas Supply Agreements (GSAs) with government power plants and reimbursed through CPPA-G via NPD payments. Therefore, it recommended that only genuinely unrecovered amounts, if any, be allowed in SNGPL's accounts. The Ministry of Industries and Production (MoI&P) expressed concern that increasing gas prices for the general industry—from Rs 2,150 to Rs 2,350/mmBtu—will escalate the cost of doing business, hinder industrial growth, and damage export competitiveness. The Ministry warned this would further disadvantage Pakistani industries compared to regional competitors. MoI&P highlighted that the new National Tariff Policy 2025–30 aims to reduce Customs duties on finished goods and decrease input costs for locally manufactured products. These objectives would be undermined if the cost of industrial inputs like gas continues to rise. The Ministry recommended that the Petroleum Division reconsider its decision and refrain from increasing gas prices for the general industry. The Finance Ministry also raised objections, noting that while gas prices for the fertiliser sector have been kept unchanged, the process industry will face a Rs 200/mmBtu increase. It argued this effectively results in the process industry cross-subsidising the fertiliser sector. The Petroleum Division was urged to consider full cost recovery from the fertiliser sector to alleviate the subsidy burden on the rest of the industry. Furthermore, the Finance Ministry criticized the current practice of recovering Unaccounted-for Gas (UFG) losses through consumer pricing, which it said discourages utilities from improving operational efficiency. It recommended that the Petroleum Division brief the ECC on planned UFG reduction measures and their financial implications. The ministry also requested the Petroleum Division to inform the ECC whether lifting the moratorium on new gas connections could help address surplus RLNG issues and the curtailment of indigenous gas production. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
