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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BMC recovers ₹13 crore with AI detection of irregularities in desilting
MUMBAI: Having Artificial Intelligence (AI) monitor vast swathes of photographic footage/evidence of pre-monsoon desilting, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified multiple instances of violations that have saved the civic body over ₹13 crore. When the AI system detected violations indicating a possible irregularity in desilting, the BMC did not pay the contractor for the tainted trip. Pre-monsoon drain cleaning work (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) Considering this foray into using AI as successful, particularly as monitoring desilting requires wading through legions of footage, additional municipal commissioner Abhijeet Bangar said the civic body will be investing more and bringing on board an agency for better AI detection for the next pre-monsoon desilting exercise. 'The most common violation the AI system flagged was when photos and videos of desilting were not uploaded, which made it an open and shut case,' said Bangar. 'Another slight the system caught is when the time difference between an empty van and a van filled with silt was too little to be believable.' The AI detection system also recognised desilting footage that was filmed from an old pre-recorded video from a different phone at the site to have correct GPS markers. This was spotted from the shadowing seen in the footage. In these cases, the BMC automatically deducted the payment for the desilting trip to the contractor, without seeking an explanation. Bangar said this was done to increase compliance from the contractors and ensure the job was carried out properly. In one instance in the T ward, the AI system flagged 90 desilting trips for a 200-meter stretch of a nallah, where far fewer trips were needed. The BMC issued notices to the contractor in this matter before taking action. AI also helped officials identify vehicles allegedly having adulterated debris with silt in the M West ward in May 2025. This resulted in BMC cancelling the contract and blacklisting the implicated contractor for three years. As the BMC spent a whopping ₹238 crore in 2025-26 on desilting across all nallahs -- minor, major and the Mithi, Bangar reasoned it makes sense to invest in AI so that the exercise would be foolproof. 'For instance, AI can be trained to identify if there is a lot of dust in the process of desilting in the videos uploaded to flag debris being mixed. For this, it needs to be trained repeatedly and refined. An agency will help us perfect this,' he said. Sources in the BMC also suggest that the stringent requirements of footage and AI checks have resulted in a backlog in the desilting target, particularly in the minor nallahs, with contractors shrinking the work due to the increased checks. Instead of being worried, officials said this would help identify how much desilting is required for the city next year to function in heavy rains.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
EWS quota sparks concern in pvt medical colleges
MUMBAI: Students applying to private medical colleges for undergraduate admission are concerned at the introduction of reservations for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) within the open category – a first. They say the introduction of the quota without a corresponding increase in the total seat intake would reduce the number of seats open to all in the general category. (Photo by Satish Bate/Hindustan Times) (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO) While the move aligns with constitutional mandates and has already been implemented in government and aided institutions, there was no formal announcement for private medical colleges. Instead, the new quota – 10% of the seats in the open category – came to light when students and their parents noticed its mention in the admission brochure released by the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) cell. They say the introduction of the quota without a corresponding increase in the total seat intake would reduce the number of seats open to all in the general category. According to the brochure released on Wednesday, the reservation applies to all private unaided medical colleges (excluding minority institutions) under the state quota. 'In government / government aided / corporation / private unaided institutions (excluding minority institutions), 10% of the available seats under state quota shall be reserved for candidates belonging to EWS category,' the brochure states under the constitutional reservation annexure. Parent groups argue that this clause, if enforced without increasing seat capacity, will shrink the already limited pool of general merit seats. 'This is the first time EWS quota is being applied to private medical colleges. Without increasing the seat intake, it will affect open-category students,' said Brijesh Sutaria, a parent representative. Sutaria pointed out that admissions to private medical colleges fall under state regulatory bodies, and any increase in seat capacity must be approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC). 'Unless the state approaches NMC and gets a one-time seat hike, general category students will suffer a setback,' he said. Another parent, Sudha Shenoy, cited the 2019 Supreme Court order, which mandated that the EWS quota be implemented only after increasing 25% of the total seat intake. 'The government did increase seats in government colleges following that order, but no such step has been taken for private institutions. If private colleges are not allowed to raise intake, this implementation will only reduce open seats,' she said. Sutaria also highlighted that EWS students already receive financial support under state schemes – 50% fee reimbursement for boys and 100% for girls – making the impact on open seats even more disproportionate. In a separate development, the CET cell has also revised the eligibility criteria for NRI quota admissions. From this year, only candidates who are NRIs themselves or whose parents or legal guardians are NRIs will be eligible. This replaces the earlier, more relaxed rule, where any NRI family member could act as a sponsor.
Hindustan Times
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Eyeing the Tesla Model Y? Here are all the colour options and costs explained
Tesla India has inaugurated its first experience centre showroom in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) Check Offers The Tesla Model Y is finally available in India as the debut offering from the American EV brand, and the all-electric crossover comes with both RWD and Long Range RWD variants. While the ex-showroom price tag for the two variants is ₹ 59.89 lakh and ₹ 67.89 lakh, the Model Y's final price will bear additional costs, depending on the buyer's colour of choice. If you are interested in purchasing the new EV, here is a concise breakdown of the Model Y's colour schemes and the extra charges for each option: Tesla offers the Model Y with a range of 6 exterior colour options regardless of the variant, and these include Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Diamond Black, Glacier Blue, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red. Out of the lot, Stealth Grey is offered as the base option and comes with no additional cost. Also Read : Tesla Model Y: 5 things you need to know before buying the new American EV Pearl White Multi-Coat and Diamond Black are both offered with an additional charge of ₹ 95,000. The Glacier Blue paint scheme can be had for ₹ 1.25 lakh. If you want your Model Y in Quicksilver or Ultra Red, you will have to cough up ₹ 1.85 lakh in extra costs. Tesla Model Y: More options The Model Y is offered with two interior themes, All Black or Black and White, and both can be had without extra charges. Additionally, Tesla offers the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package for ₹ 6 lakh. The company has noted that FSD features remain subject to regulatory approvals, and in its current form, the system requires active driver supervision. The Model Y will receive OTA updates as the FSD suite evolves over time. Also Watch: Tesla Model Y arrives in India! Here's what you need to know Tesla Model Y: Key highlights The Tesla Model Y is offered in India with two battery packs: the 60 kWh unit in the base model provides up to 500 km of WLTP-certified range, and the 75 kWh battery pack for the Long Range variant delivers up to 622 km of claimed range on a single charge. The Model Y is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor that makes 295 bhp. With this, the crossover can sprint from a standstill to 100 kmph in 5.9 seconds. It supports Tesla's Supercharging network, and a 15-minute charge is estimated to replenish between 238 km to 267 km of range, depending on the battery pack. The electric SUV brings a clean, aerodynamic design with flush-fitting handles, slim LEDs, and a fastback profile. Its feature-laden cabin offers a minimalistic dashboard layout with all controls embedded within a 15.4-inch central touchscreen. There is also an additional 8-inch display for the rear occupants, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a power-operated tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India. First Published Date: 18 Jul 2025, 13:00 pm IST
Hindustan Times
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Explainer: Will Tesla's launch in India make a major impact in the country's EV market? How will the dynamics change?
Tesla India has inaugurated its first experience centre showroom in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) Check Offers The most hyped electric car manufacturer in the world, Tesla, has finally launched its electric car officially in India. The US-based electric car manufacturer launched its Model Y crossover in India as the brand's first EV in the country. While Tesla's entry was initially thought to disrupt the Indian electric passenger vehicle market, now it seems unlikely, at least in the near term. However, if the automaker considers local manufacturing and starts selling electric cars at a more affordable price range, then it may become a disruption in the coming years. Launched at a pricing range between ₹ 59.89 lakh and ₹ 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tesla Model Y sits in the premium electric car segment in India, which still remains a niche in the country, despite fast growth pace witnessed in the last few years, owing to the rising population of millionaires and their appetite for high-end cars. No wonder Tesla's arrival of its flashy Model Y could further fuel these rich consumers' appetite. Between January and May 2025, India's luxury electric car sales have surged 66 per cent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, revealed industry data. The luxury electric cars now account for 11 per cent of total luxury car sales in India, which is seven per cent up from what was recorded in the same period last year. This growth is being spearheaded by Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. Tesla's official entry in India has created quite some excitement in the country, but unlikely to pose any significant disruption in the industry in short term. (Bloomberg) No disruption in the short term Tesla's entry into the Indian electric car market is unlikely to create any major disruption in the short term. The Indian passenger vehicle market, or even the electric car segment too is driven majorly by the sales of the affordable products that are positioned in the under ₹ 20 lakh category. When it comes to luxury cars, or luxury electric cars, they still contribute a little to the overall electric car sales in the country. Hence, car brands that have been selling luxury electric cars in the country, including OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW, are unlikely to face any immediate threat from Tesla. In a nutshell, despite the initial excitement, Tesla's car sales numbers in India are expected to remain modest in the near term, and one of the key reasons behind that is that premium pricing will make its vehicles unaffordable for more than 95 per cent of car buyers in India. Tesla has been known for bringing disruptive automotive technologies into the market, which may create challenges for the other auto OEMs in the Indian market in the long run. (Bloomberg) India-US trade deal could play a key role for Tesla The timing of Tesla's official car launch in India is an interesting factor in this whole story. The automaker launched its Model Y crossover in India at a time when the country is negotiating and inching closer to a trade deal with the US, where the EV manufacturer has its base. While Tesla is initially selling its cars in India as Completely Built Units (CBUs) models, it could get potential benefits from the India-US trade deal. If the governments of these two countries come to an agreement to reduce the import taxes, Tesla could see a major pricing advantage. In that case, the Tesla cars could see a price cut in the country, which will eventually boost their sales significantly in the Indian market. Tesla will initially sell only the Model Y crossover as a CBU model in India, while at a later stage, the OEM may bring more models and even start local manufacturing of its cars as well. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) (HT_PRINT) Tesla may bring massive disruption in the long term While there is no immediate disruption in the Indian electric car market due to Tesla's arrival, in the long term, the scenario may change drastically. Elon Musk's company could explore the possibility of setting up a local manufacturing plant in India within the next few years. This will help the brand to price its cars aggressively against competitors, eventually reaching more consumers. Local manufacturing will also help the brand to get the benefits of the government schemes, while it will also enable Tesla to enhance its presence in other markets in the region. With the local manufacturing strategy, we may see Tesla introducing its much-talked Model 2 in the country, which could be a game-changer for the brand and for the industry as well. Further, the entry of a brand in India, like Tesla, is expected to boost consumer awareness and expectations. This will enhance the consumer's interest in electric vehicles and will set new benchmarks in modern automotive technology. Tesla, which has been known for bringing a plethora of advanced technologies in its cars, may propel other auto OEMs and stakeholders in the industry to step up their efforts and investment in innovations in the electric vehicle comprehensive ecosystem. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 17 Jul 2025, 10:07 am IST
Hindustan Times
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Tesla opens first India showroom at Mumbai's BKC, cars to start at ₹59.89 lakh
Mumbai: On a rainy Tuesday, Tesla Inc. opened its first showroom in India at the upscale Bandra Kurla Complex, marking the American electric vehicle maker's long-anticipated launch in the world's third-largest automobile market. Mumbai, India - July 15, 2025: Tesla has inaugurated its first experience centre showroom in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) Tesla will begin its stint in its 50th global market by importing and selling two versions of its popular Model Y electric cars, which were on display at the swanky new 4,500-square-metre showroom in Mumbai's financial district. Several car enthusiasts and curious onlookers got a glimpse of the shiny new cars—coloured Ultra Red and Pearl White—with a starting price of nearly ₹60 lakh. The base price (excluding road tax and other fees) for the rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle with a range of 500 km would be ₹59.89 lakh (~$69,650), while the long-range variant (622 km) would start from ₹67.89 lakh (~$78,950). Model Y is priced at $46,630 (~ ₹40 lakh) in the US, highlighting India's high import tariffs and shipping costs. Despite the steep prices, Tesla officials said bookings for the cars have begun, and deliveries are expected to start from the December quarter for the RWD and the March quarter for the long-range variant. 'These cars can be purchased either through full payment or a vehicle loan with an interest rate of around 8.7%-11%. The actual interest rate is at the discretion of the bank,' said a Tesla official, requesting anonymity. The company plans to launch another showroom in Delhi soon. The EV giant has upgraded the features of the two variants to suit Indian roads following two years of testing, officials said. However, Tesla's popular self-driving features will not be available in India for now, as the Indian government yet to formulate a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles. 'The FSD (Full Self-Driving) will not be available. However, it will be there in the vehicle as a feature. It's a matter of government policy to allow full self-driving, and only then can it be incorporated. All that we will need to do is update the over-the-air software update,' said the Tesla official. Tesla's FSD relies heavily on cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors and GPS, which are likely to struggle with India's chaotic roads, which have inconsistent lane markings and dividers, plenty of potholes and other obstacles like pedestrians and animals, not to mention an overall poor adherence to traffic rules. However, Tesla officials said the cars have been tested for safety on city road conditions, have good suspension and have an active axle balance. Safety features in Model Y will include an advanced emergency brake system, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, officials added. Tesla is offering two different kinds of chargers in India. The first is the Supercharger, which will be available on the roads, while the wall connector can be installed at home. For 100% charging of Model Y, the wall connector will take about seven hours, while Superchargers will take about 15-20 minutes, officials said. In the first quarter after deliveries begin, the wall connector charger will be provided free with the vehicle booking. The company plans to install 16 Superchargers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, in areas such as BKC, Lower Parel, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. 'Tesla also has the world's most reliable and robust charging network with 7,000-plus Supercharging stations and over 70,000 Superchargers, with more than 10,000 Superchargers added in 2024,' said Isabel Fan, Tesla's director for South East Asia. Tesla is likely to manufacture the two variants in its China factory and import them to India. Its entry into the world's most populated country with a fast-growing consumer base comes at a time when global sales are plunging and the company is facing challenges in its two core markets, China and the US. However, while the Model Y is the world's top-selling electric car, few Indians will be able to afford one. The country's EV penetration remains under 5%, and luxury cars make up just 1% of total vehicle sales. India is currently negotiating a trade deal with the US, including a potential reduction in tariffs on automobiles — something Tesla founder Elon Musk has been seeking for years. Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who visited the new showroom on Tuesday, welcomed the entry of Tesla in India. 'This is not just the inauguration of an experience centre, but it is a statement that Tesla has arrived in the right city and the right state. Mumbai is not just the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital, but also the entrepreneurial capital. I experienced my first Tesla ride back in 2015 in the US, and knew then that India needed this. We are glad to see it finally here. Maharashtra has emerged as a strong EV hub with progressive EV policies, robust charging infrastructure and the most comprehensive support for electric mobility,' he said. With inputs from agencies
