Latest news with #PawanGoenka
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
To fuel $44-billion space push, Centre finalises Space Bill to boost private sector, give IN-SPACe statutory powers
A new draft of the Space Activities Bill, which seeks to facilitate greater participation of private industry in space sector, and grant statutory powers to IN-SPACe, which acts as a sort of a regulator for private space companies, has been finalised, and ready for circulation to the stakeholder ministries, an official told The Indian Express. This bill had earlier been prepared in 2017 and shared in public domain for comments and suggestions. But it could never be finalised and introduced in Parliament. In subsequent years, the government created INSPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) in 2020 and formulated the Indian Space Policy 2023 with the same intent and purpose. But the need for a legislative framework has remained, particularly with the proliferation of private space companies indulging in a variety of space activities in the last few years. The need to regulate space activities becomes necessary also because of the fact that the Indian government has to adhere to the provisions of the various international treaties it has acceded to on the use of outer space. Under these treaties, the Indian government is responsible for the consequences of all space activities being carried out from its jurisdiction. 'The bill is now almost ready and will soon be circulated to the stakeholder ministries for consultations,' Pawan Goenka, chairperson of INSPACe, told The Indian Express. 'It will provide legal backing to the authorisation and regulation processes in the space industry. As of now, authorisations to private players are provided on a case-to-case basis, as per the policies brought out by the agency. But INSPACe itself lacks statutory authority. The bill will grant it that,' Goenka said. The new draft incorporates the suggestions made earlier, and accounts for the substantively changed situation in terms of participation of private industry in space sector. The 2017 draft had provisions of a three-year imprisonment and a fine of over Rs one crore for offences such as carrying out a space activity without a license, furnishing false information, or polluting the outer space. It also had a provision saying any intellectual property right created in the outer space would belong to the government. Those provisions have been amended in line with the suggestions and recommendations received from the industry. Private industry has been asking for a legal framework that will enable the sector to grow at a rapid pace. One of their specific demands has been to include a provision that allows them to access easy insurance for their high value systems. Currently, the cost of insuring space assets and space activities is very high, making them unaffordable for upcoming start-ups. 'The provision for insurance will indeed be a part of the draft bill,' Goenka said. The bill is seen as an important step towards achieving the goal of a 44 billion dollar space market in India by the year 2033, at least one fourth of which, 11 billion dollars is supposed to be generated from exports. In 2022, India's space market was estimated to be worth 8.4 billion dollars. 'After the internal consultation with the stakeholder ministries, the draft bill will be sent for a wider consultation to different ministries and then shared with the general public. Once we get all the inputs — depending on what the inputs are, not everything has to be included but these are things that have to be accounted for — we will create the final draft. The final draft will go to the minister in-charge, which is the PM in this case. Once it is approved, it will go to the cabinet and then the parliament,' Goenka said. He said at least three state governments had come up with their own space policies. This is the first step towards setting up manufacturing hubs in these states. 'States will do the manufacturing, it will not be the central government. What we are doing is incentivising the states to set up manufacturing parks specific to space. So far three have come up,' Goenka said. The states that have come up with a policy include Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Karnataka. IN-SPACe is also in talks with Maharashtra and possibly another state to set up such manufacturing hubs. 'We will not do more than four to five hubs right now because there isn't enough room for more. Let the activities grow and then we will do more,' he said. He added that the space manufacturing hub in Tamil Nadu will focus on launch vehicles, Gujarat on satellites and other payloads, while the hub in Karnataka is likely to be more general as most of the space activities take place in Bengaluru. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
ETAutoTech Summit 2025 set to shape the future of sustainable mobility and automotive innovation
As the global automotive industry embraces AI, machine learning, and green mobility, ETAuto is bringing back its flagship event — ETAutoTech Summit 2025 . Themed 'Driving Sustainable Pathways for Future Mobility', the sixth edition of the annual summit will take place on June 18–19, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru, Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center. The two-day event will bring together technocrats, policymakers, and global experts to discuss the latest technology trends that are redefining the automotive future — from electrification and connected vehicles to software-defined mobility and sustainable manufacturing. This year's summit will delve into a wide array of topics: Hydrogen, Ethanol, and Ammonia as alternative fuelsNew CAFE norms and emissions complianceApproaches to achieving net-zero goalsAdvancements in infotainment, battery, and display technologiesConnected tech, telematics, ADAS, and autonomous drivingSafety and cybersecurity for software-defined vehicles (SDVs)Evolving powertrain strategies and ER&D localisationThe role of AI, generative AI, and simulation tech in product development Industry Titans in Attendance The much-awaited event will also see the attendance of prominent dignitaries such as Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space & Chairman, ISRO; Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe; Dr. Andy Palmer, Global Auto Industry Veteran & Chairman, InoBat Auto; and Frank Stephenson, renowned automotive designer, among others, who will share their valuable insights into the evolving automotive landscape. Other key industry voices include: Rajendra Petkar, President & CTO, Tata MotorsDr. N. Saravanan, CTO, Ashok LeylandManu Saale, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz R&D IndiaR. Velusamy, President, Automotive Tech & Product Development, M&MMahesh Babu, CEO, Switch MobilityModerated by Arun Malhotra, Industry Expert and Avik Chattopadhyay, Auto Industry Expert and Founder, The Indian School for Design of Automobiles Tech Showcase: 50+ Exhibitors and Cutting-Edge Innovations The summit will also feature a technology exhibition with 50+ exhibitor booths, showcasing next-gen solutions–from electric drivetrains to autonomous vehicle tech. Participants will gain deep insights and firsthand exposure to transformative innovations, breakthrough technologies and emerging trends that are shaping the industry. So, join us for this trend-defining event that aims to drive dialogue, collaboration, and action towards a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient mobility future. Don't miss out — register now at:
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
MoUs inked to build Centre of Excellence for Space Technologies, Space Manufacturing Park
Bengaluru: In a strategic development, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, have signed MoUs to accelerate the state's rise as India's foremost commercial-space launch-pad. The MoUs signed include one for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Space Technologies in Bengaluru and the other for setting up of a public-private space manufacturing park that will anchor next-generation satellite and launch-vehicle production. The MoUs were signed by Dr Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to Government (Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science and Technology), Government of Karnataka; and Lochan Sehra, IAS, Joint Secretary, IN-SPACe, in the presence of Dr Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, and Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe. The MoUs will establish the framework for Government of Karnataka and IN-SPACe to collaborate and partner for the setting up of the Centre of Excellence for Space Technologies and the Space Manufacturing Park. Karnataka has a mature ecosystem across the space sector value chain comprising of Government, private and MSME players, including ISRO headquarters, space related public sector undertakings such as DRDO labs and facilities, HAL, BEL, BHEL, NAL, and academic and research institutions. The MoUs will enable and support the state's NewSpace ecosystem towards the national vision as per the Indian Space Policy, 2023 and promote innovation in the sector. IN-SPACe, on the other hand, has been spearheading India's space ambitions by enabling ease of doing business with the active participation of government as well as non-governmental entities. As the global space ambitions soar high, IN-SPACe is acting as a nodal agency to shape India's growing space economy. This signing of MoUs with the Karnataka government aligns with the goal to give impetus to regional ambitions that club with the holistic national projections. The Chief Secretary to Government of Karnataka, Dr Shalini Rajneesh said, 'The MoUs with IN-SPACe mark a new chapter in Karnataka's space journey creating a seamless talent and value chain with the regulatory support required to compete globally.' Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe said, 'State of Karnataka has emerged as a hub for new age space start-ups and enterprises. The MoUs will bolster this ecosystem and support the state and country's efforts in succeeding in the NewSpace era. We look forward to working shoulder-to-shoulder with the state to see more satellites, engines and deep-space technologies developed and manufactured in the state.' As the global space sector moves from agency-driven programmes to agile public-private partnerships, today's signing cements Karnataka's role as India's launch-pad for breakthrough NewSpace technologies propelled by government vision, private ingenuity and an unrivalled talent pool. IN-SPACe, being the regulator of space in India, is driving core R&D and innovation to propel India's growth. This MoU is another in line of IN-SPACe's long-term vision to make India a space-forward economy, with the active participation of the states.
New Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Karnataka, IN-SPACe ink pact to boost space sector
BENGALURU: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, have signed two MoUs to strengthen the state's position as a leading commercial space hub. The MoUs signed signed on Wednesday includes, establishing a Centre of Excellence for Space Technologies in Bengaluru and setting up of a public-private space manufacturing park to anchor next-generation satellite and launch-vehicle production. The MoUs were signed by Ekroop Caur, Secretary to Government (Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology) and Lochan Sehra, Joint Secretary, IN-SPACe, in the presence of Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary to Karnataka, and Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe. Karnataka which is already home to space-related entities is expected to further strengthen its space ecosystem through these initiatives, aligning with the Indian Space Policy 2023, a press release from INSPACE stated. 'The MoUs mark a new chapter in Karnataka's space journey, creating a seamless talent and value chain,' said Shalini Rajneesh. Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe highlighted Karnataka's potential as a hub for NewSpace enterprises. 'We look forward to working closely with the state to see more satellites, engines, and deep-space technologies being developed and manufactured,' he said.
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Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Karnataka, In-SPACe sign MoUs to boost NewSpace with R&D manufacturing
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the Karnataka government on Wednesday announced the signing of MoUs to accelerate the state's emergence as India's leading commercial space launchpad. Signed by the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology on behalf of the state government, the MoUs include the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Space Technologies in Bengaluru and the development of a public-private Space Manufacturing Park to anchor next-generation satellite and launch vehicle production. The agreements set the framework for collaboration between the Karnataka government and IN-SPACe in establishing the Centre of Excellence and the manufacturing park, according to a release. Karnataka already boasts a mature ecosystem across the space sector value chaincomprising government agencies, private players, MSMEs, ISRO headquarters, DRDO labs, and public-sector undertakings such as HAL, BEL, BHEL, and NAL, along with leading academic and research institutions. The MoUs aim to support the state's NewSpace ecosystem in alignment with the national vision outlined in the Indian Space Policy, 2023, and foster innovation in the sector. IN-SPACe has been driving India's space ambitions by enabling ease of business and encouraging participation from both government and non-government entities. As global space activity surges, IN-SPACe is playing a key role in shaping India's space economy. The MoUs signed with Karnataka reflect a strategic move to align regional aspirations with national goals, the release noted. The agreements were signed by Dr Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary to the Government (Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology), Government of Karnataka; and Lochan Sehra, IAS, Joint Secretary, IN-SPACe, in the presence of Dr Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, and Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe. "The MoUs with IN-SPACe mark a new chapter in Karnataka's space journey, creating a seamless talent and value chain with the regulatory support needed to compete globally," said Shalini Rajneesh. As the global space sector shifts from agency-led missions to agile public-private partnerships, the signing reinforces Karnataka's role as India's launchpad for breakthrough NewSpace technologies, driven by visionary governance, private enterprise, and a deep talent pool, the release added. As India's space regulator, IN-SPACe is focused on R&D and innovation to drive national growth. These MoUs align with its long-term vision to transform India into a space-forward economy with active state participation. Dr Pawan Goenka said, "Karnataka has emerged as a hub for next-gen space start-ups and enterprises. These MoUs will further strengthen the ecosystem and support both state and national ambitions in the NewSpace era." He added, "We look forward to working closely with the state to see more satellites, propulsion systems, and deep-space technologies developed and manufactured in Karnataka.
