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The <keyword id="20163832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="society-of-indian-automobile" source="keywords">Society of Indian Automobile</keyword> Manufacturers (<keyword id="108827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="siam" source="Orion">SIAM</keyword>) and big auto players have hailed the Cabinet decision of PM e-DRIVE schemes aimed at promoting electric mobility across the country. The Rs 10,900 crore scheme will support 2,479,000 electric 2-wheelers, 316,000 electric 3-wheelers and 14,028 electric buses, along with 88,500 <keyword id="186291" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ev" source="Orion">EV</keyword> charging sites. Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd &amp; Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, expressed strong support for the government's forward-thinking initiative. Chandra said, "This forward-thinking initiative reflects the Government's unwavering support for <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s transition to electric mobility, fostering innovation and investment within the sector. We believe this scheme will not only enhance the growth of the EV ecosystem but also strengthen India's leadership in the global movement towards environmental sustainability." Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO &amp; MD, Mahindra Group also commended government's efforts, specifically highlighting the comprehensive nature of the PM e-DRIVE scheme. Shah said, "We applause the government for launching the PM e-drive scheme. With continued focused support on 2Ws, 3Ws, e-buses and thoughtful addition of e-ambulances, the scheme will drive higher EV penetration in the country." M&amp;M noted that schemes like <keyword id="21028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fame" source="Orion">FAME</keyword> and <keyword id="48070" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="emps" source="Orion">EMPS</keyword> have already driven penetration of electric three-wheelers in India. "Investments laid out for fast charging infrastructure for all segments will help in increasing consumer confidence for faster adoption of EVs. FAME and EMPS have helped in 20 per cent e-3W penetration in the country. With PM e-drive, we foresee India becoming the first country to achieve 100 per cent electrification in this segment by 2030", he added. The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, cleared the 'PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM e-DRIVE) Scheme,' with a total outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years. It includes Rs 3,679 crore in subsidies and demand incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles. It is expected to support the deployment of 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses, providing a significant push to India's EV ecosystem. A critical aspect of the scheme is the introduction of e-vouchers for EV buyers. At the time of purchase, an Aadhaar-authenticated e-voucher will be generated, which will enable buyers to avail of demand incentives. Additionally, the scheme allocates Rs 500 crore for the deployment of e-ambulances, marking a new initiative to integrate electric vehicles into essential public services. Another Rs 4,391 crore has been earmarked for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses, with a demand aggregation process led by CESL in nine major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Intercity and interstate e-buses will also be supported in consultation with states. Furthermore, Rs 500 crore has been set aside to incentivize the adoption of e-trucks, a critical move given that trucks are one of the largest contributors to air pollution. The scheme encourages those with a scrapping certificate from <keyword id="19897457" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-road-transport" source="keywords">Ministry of Road Transport</keyword> and Highways-approved (MoRTH) vehicle scrapping centres to participate in this transition. With an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore, the scheme will support the installation of 22,100 fast chargers for four-wheelers, 1,800 fast chargers for e-buses, and 48,400 fast chargers for two- and three-wheelers. These chargers will be installed in cities with high EV penetration and along selected highways, making long-distance EV travel more viable.

Automobile industry hails PM e-DRIVE scheme to promote EVs

Union Minister of <keyword id="19994242" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-transport" source="keywords">Road Transport</keyword> and Highways, <keyword id="19897455" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nitin-Gadkari" source="keywords">Nitin Gadkari</keyword>, asked states to pitch for reducing GST on flex-engine cars. Gadkari stated that the government needs the support of the states to promote <keyword id="23007559" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flex-engine-vehicles" source="keywords">flex engine vehicles</keyword> by reducing GST up to 12 per cent on <keyword id="23007560" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="flex-engines" source="keywords">flex engines</keyword>, cars, and scooters. "We will try to convince all the finance ministers. Yesterday I had the opportunity to discuss with the finance minister of Maharashtra and I told him, you please go to the meeting and put up this proposal for reducing GST up to 12 per cent on flex engines, cars, and scooters," he said. Addressing IFGE's India Bio-Energy and Tech Expo in New Delhi, the Union Minister added that factors such as economic viability, proven technology, availability of raw material, and marketability of the finished product are in favour of the development of these engines. Gadkari said that developing flex-fuel engines is the target of the government, and we have the "proven technology" to make it possible. "I feel that now the flex fuel is very, very important. Already the managing director of Tata, Suzuki and Toyota, they have decided to start flex engine car in the country," the Union Minister stated. Gadkari added, "So the flex engine is the ultimate target. As far as the market is concerned, there is huge potential. Everywhere, as far as a comparison between fossil fuel and <keyword id="20228373" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="biofuel" source="keywords">biofuel</keyword>, in the Indian scenario, the cost of biofuel is less and there is no pollution. So that is the important reason that it is going to be advantageous to the common man also," the Minister stated. Going further, Gadkari said that vehicle companies such as Bajaj, TVS, and Hero, along with two or three other companies, have their models ready with flex engines to run on 100 per cent <keyword id="20069651" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ethanol" source="keywords">ethanol</keyword>. He said, "Many of the generator manufacturers are working to change the diesel generators into ethanol. One of the companies is also they are taking an interest in converting 5 lakhs of telecommunication towers there and 250 crore litre consumption of diesel. Now they are also changing into ethanol." He further stated that the raw material is already available in India, there is a need to think about ways to increase the production of biomass, which can be useful for making biofuel. (ANI) "I feel that this is the time for the country that we have got very good potential. We need to create positivity and confidence in the minds of the stakeholders. Now things are open. The market is going to increase. Availability of ethanol, again, I am very much thankful to Hardeep Puri ji, our Minister group is there. We already have a clear policy now," Gadkari said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/realme-13-plus-5g-vs-iqoo-z9s-pro-battle-of-the-under-25000-smartphones/slidelist/112924868.cms">Realme 13 Plus 5G vs iQOO Z9s Pro – Battle of the under ₹25,000 smartphones</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/baazar-style-retail-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112920678.cms">Baazar Style Retail IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-launching-in-india-in-september-2024/slidelist/112917920.cms">Upcoming cars launching in India in September 2024</a>

Gadkari asked states to pitch for reducing GST on flex engine vehicles

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 15 (ANI): <keyword id="19906966" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ashok-Leyland" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ashok Leyland" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Ashok Leyland">Ashok Leyland</keyword> has announced that the company has secured the single largest fully built bus order from the <keyword id="20577309" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharashtra-State-Road-Transport-Corporation" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation" meta.hostid="265" meta.entityid="Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation">Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation</keyword> (<keyword id="20276774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MSRTC" source="keywords">MSRTC</keyword>) for 2,104 units of Viking passenger buses. According to a press release, the total consideration for this order is approximately Rs 981.45 Crores. The execution period for this contract spans from August 2024 to August 2025. MSRTC operates a fleet of over 15,000 buses. With this substantial order, Ashok Leyland buses will now dominate its fleet. These modern, fully built buses will comply with the latest Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) standards and feature AIS 153 compliant bodies. The order, awarded by the domestic entity MSRTC, is for the supply of BSVI OBD II Diesel Fuel Type Fully Built Passenger Buses. MSRTC, one of India's largest state transport undertakings, operates a fleet of over 15,000 buses. With this substantial order, Ashok Leyland buses will now dominate its fleet. These modern, fully built buses will comply with the latest Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) standards and feature AIS 153 compliant bodies. They will also be equipped with the proven iGEN6 BS VI OBD II technology, boasting a 197 HP H-Series Engine and Rear Air Suspension, among other advanced features. The buses will be manufactured at Ashok Leyland's exclusive bus body plants using state-of-the-art technology, ensuring enhanced safety, improved comfort, and a lower total cost of ownership for MSRTC. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland, expressed his excitement about the continued partnership with MSRTC. He stated, "We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). This new order underscores our dedication to producing highly efficient and technologically advanced products, driving the growth of public transportation in the country." He added, "Our deep understanding of our customers and our ability to quickly respond to their needs is what sets us apart." Echoing this sentiment, Sanjeev Kumar, President of Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&amp;HCV) at Ashok Leyland, remarked, "We are thrilled to have received this order from MSRTC. The order win emphasizes the confidence and trust our customers have in our products. Specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, our buses stand as a testament to the reliability, durability, and robustness of our products." He added, " We are proud to offer MSRTC and the people of Maharashtra a modern fleet that ensures superior comfort and the highest standards of safety. This order reflects the trust that our customers place on Ashok Leyland." As one of the top five largest bus manufacturers globally, Ashok Leyland's recent order further consolidates its position in both the Indian and global bus markets.

Ashok Leyland bags single largest order of 2,104 fully built buses from Maharashtra government

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Uber and Lyft drivers in Florida saw gas shortages and obstructed roads before and after Milton.</li><li>Five drivers said these impediments prevented them from helping people and earning valuable income.</li></ul>Sergey, a Lyft driver in St. Petersburg, Florida, helped families load their suitcases into the trunk of his car before driving them to a nearby hurricane shelter on October 9. Many of his passengers were anxious about <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/family-weathered-hurricane-milton-at-disney-hotel-2024-10">Hurricane Milton's arrival</a> and racing to evacuate in the hours before it hit.Sergey completed 12 rides on October 9, according to screenshots shared with BI. He said several of his passengers faced flooding and destruction from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-helene-milton-tampa-florida-desantis-clean-disaster-dangerous-2024-10">Hurricane Helene</a> two weeks prior and were scrambling to return to their routines. Many brought their pets with them. Some didn't know if their homes would be standing the next day.After making landfall in Florida, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-milton-landfall-florida-housing-market-insurance-fema-2024-10">Hurricane Milton</a> caused at least 14 deaths and left millions without power. In the days preceding the storm, some Uber and Lyft drivers went from transporting beachgoers to helping residents flee their communities — before eventually fleeing themselves. But after Milton passed, five drivers told BI that inaccessible roads, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-milton-evacuation-empty-gas-station-full-hotels-gridlock-traffic-2024-10">a lack of gas</a>, and a suspended ride-hailing app prevented them from helping people and earning valuable income."I drove for several hours right after the storm, and there was not a single gas station open anywhere in St. Petersburg," said Sergey, 54, who asked to use his first name for fear of professional repercussions.From his 12 rides, Sergey made $129 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-uber-lyft-drivers-make-per-ride-2023-10">before expenses</a> and received one tip. His home is without power, and driving is his only source of income. However, his car only has three miles of gas left, and each day without earnings is stressful, he said.Many of his rides over the last few days were headaches — one paid $5.36 for a 16-minute ride, which he said compares to the amount he'd expect to make for a similar journey, while another was elongated because of closed exits. He rejected a 113.5-mile ride from Clearwater to Orlando because the estimated payout was $84.31 with a bonus, far less than what's standard, he said. Some rides he accepted had no people waiting at the destination.<div type="image" title="Destruction outside an apartment complex in St Petersburg, Florida after Hurricane Milton." height="1080" width="1444" msid="114169712" hostid="261" sizebytes="90492"></div>During Hurricane Milton, Uber suspended service for several hours in three Florida cities that were in the storm's direct path: Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay, a spokesperson told BI. They added that service has been restored in these metro areas but remains suspended along the most heavily impacted barrier islands.Additionally, the spokesperson told Business Insider the company worked closely with state officials in Florida over the past few weeks to assess the situation posed by the hurricanes and partnered with the Florida Division of Emergency Management to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mypanhandle.com/weather/hurricane-helene/uber-offers-free-rides-to-shelters-for-floridians/">provide</a> some people with free transportation to shelters.Lyft did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment or questions regarding whether the app also suspended service during the storm.<h2 id="928e9756-39a3-4d0c-ae87-72a989030640">The evacuation process was "stressful"</h2>Drivers across the state recalled panicked passengers, fallen trees blocking roads, and lengthy gas station lines on October 10 and 11.Trent T., 50, drives independently for his own transportation company and for Uber and Lyft in South Florida. He said the tornadoes from Milton were "absolutely insane," and one of his clients' homes was destroyed. He asked to use partial anonymity for fear of professional repercussions.On October 8, Trent said he went to six gas stations before he could find one with inventory and fill up his tank. On the day of the storm, Trent drove passengers fleeing the Tampa Bay area to hotels, noticing that many stores were out of essentials like water. He said hotels in South Florida were mobbed, and he offered his house to anyone evacuating, though no one accepted.Blaine, an Uber driver based in the Tampa area, left his home after learning he was in an evacuation zone. Hotels quickly booked up across the state, but he said he secured a room in Ocala — about a two-hour drive from Tampa.However, there was a mixup with the hotel regarding the night he booked, and his reservation was void. He drove to a hotel in Savannah, Georgia, to seek shelter. The typical five-and-a-half-hour drive from Tampa took eight hours due to traffic, he said."That was stressful," the 57-year-old told BI.<h2 id="f85e7843-407a-45c1-933d-6fe7144dfaae">Drivers are eager to return to their ride-hailing gigs for necessary income</h2>Trent said he can go a few days without consistent rides and their fares but feels for drivers who live paycheck to paycheck. He said the storm could be disastrous for some drivers relying on tourism this time of year, which isn't as high as the city's peak season but still draws crowds looking for warm weather in the fall."If you were in Tampa for instance, and your rent is due this week, and now all of a sudden the storm is coming, you're five days without work," Trent said.It's why some drivers are looking to get back on the road as soon as possible.Yvonne, a part-time <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/driving-uber-lyft-women-drivers-how-make-money-gig-economy-2023-12">Uber and Lyft driver</a> in the Tampa Bay area, uses the extra income from driving to help support her two grandchildren. When the hurricane approached, she said she decided not to leave her home because it wasn't in an evacuation zone. However, the roof of her patio suffered significant damage and she lost power.She hasn't driven for Uber or Lyft since the hurricane hit. Yvonne said the roads aren't conducive to driving because many are flooded or scattered with trees or power lines. However, if the conditions change, she plans to return to her ride-hailing gig by this weekend to start earning money again.Charles P., 44, who drives part-time around Titusville — a city about 40 miles east of Orlando — said there wasn't too much damage on the roads, but he stopped driving for a few days to avoid potentially damaging his vehicle. He's seen a drop in demand and worries that tourism may decline. When he drove on Thursday, he said getting rides was very slow."I usually try to do a certain amount of money per day, but I'm probably down about half of what I normally do in three days," Charles said. "I do foresee, as things get cleaned up, that our income will probably continue to rise or get back to normal."Are you an Uber or Lyft driver in a hurricane-impacted area who's willing to share your story? Reach out to these reporters at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:jzinkula@businessinsider.com">jzinkula@businessinsider.com</a> and <a target="_blank" href="mailto:nsheidlower@businessinsider.com">nsheidlower@businessinsider.com</a>.

Flooded roads, worried passengers, and no income: Florida Uber and Lyft drivers share their experiences on the road before and after Hurricane Milton

<ul class="summary-list"><li>My family recently visited <keyword id="20054308" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ireland" source="keywords">Ireland</keyword> to celebrate my son's third birthday.</li><li>It's the perfect country to visit with a toddler.</li></ul>Many families dream of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-to-go-in-europe-travel-planner-favorite-destinations-2024-10">traveling around Europe</a> because it's a great continent for kids. I've been to every country in Europe (except Russia), and in my opinion, one of these countries provides the ideal destination for toddlers: Ireland. I recently went with my own 3-year-old, and we had an amazing time. As soon as our ferry docked in Dublin, my son seemed amazed. My partner and I organized the trip to celebrate his third birthday, and I shouldn't have been surprised he was enjoying himself, as nowhere is quite as magical as Ireland. <div type="image" title="Jennifer Sizeland's son running on a beach in Ireland." height="1536" width="2048" msid="114281848" hostid="261"></div><h2>The coast acts as a wonderful base for a family trip</h2>An <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-under-the-radar-places-in-ireland-2022-4">ideal way to see Ireland</a> as a family is to stay in a cottage or caravan near the coast, which can act as your base for exploring the surrounding areas by car, bike, or <keyword id="19919009" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="public-transport" source="keywords">public transport</keyword>. This was what we decided to do and was a great choice; Ireland's roads are quieter than much of the rest of Europe, as it is sparsely populated, aside from its main cities. Even though you should take the usual precautions, it felt safe and people are very welcoming, especially to children. If you want to learn about Ireland's tangible history without the kids getting bored, there are so many beautifully preserved castles and estates with sprawling gardens to get lost in. The famous <keyword id="23623420" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Blarney-Castle" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Blarney Castle" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Blarney Castle">Blarney Castle</keyword> (home of the Blarney stone) is especially intriguing with a rock close, a poison garden, and a waterfall all hidden around its vast grounds. My son enjoyed playing hide-and-seek among the vast avenues adorned with sculptures and giant plants. There is also the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, a huge parkland and tree collection dedicated to the former president. <div type="image" title="Jennifer Sizeland's son running in a marsh in Ireland, the sky is cloudy and blue." height="2213" width="2950" msid="114281854" hostid="261"></div><h2>Public transportation is great in Ireland, and wildlife is everywhere</h2>There are many ways to explore Ireland with its excellent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/taking-public-transportation-solo-backpacking-europe-2023-9">public transport system</a>, which includes buses, trams, ferries, boats, and trains that little ones will love riding. If you want to extend your overland trip, you can take ferries from the east and southern coasts of Ireland to France, England, Wales, and the Isle of Man to avoid the hassle of flying. You might even see a dolphin or a whale in the Irish Sea if you're lucky. Seals also haul out on the beaches and rocks along the coast, so it's fun to try to spot them. My son loved visiting the Seal Rescue Center in County Wexford, where we saw baby seals being nursed back to health. The abundance of countryside means that there is wildlife everywhere, including seabirds, deer, and otters. <h2>It's not hard to get food for even the pickiest eaters</h2>It also means that there are plenty of farms, so it's easy to find fresh local produce wherever you go. While my <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/your-kids-may-not-grow-out-of-picky-eaters-study-2020-5">toddler is a picky eater</a>, the basics in Ireland, like bread, butter, and meat, are all delicious, and he loved the sandwiches and stews. As sustainability is also important there, many towns and cities have zero-waste stores and discounts for people who bring their own coffee cups. Much like any parent with a young child, I'm trying to leave a better world for him, which was much easier to do in Ireland than most places I've visited. <h2>There's just something magical about the country</h2>While these are all reasons enough to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/long-flight-with-toddlers-snacks-entertainment-2024-2">visit Ireland with a toddler</a>, perhaps the best incentive is the mythology behind this emerald isle. From fairies to leprechauns, there is a tale to capture the imagination of every child. The books about mermaids were a particular hit with mine. Museums, visitor centers, and gift shops often sell storybooks, postcards, toys, and trinkets that bring these legends to life in a way that children can bring home with them. There are so many waterfalls, toadstools, coves, and fairy pools to discover all around the country that even as an adult, I believe the stories to be true. Correction: October 16, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated where the ferries depart from. They are available on the east and southern coasts, not the west coast.

I've traveled to 86 countries and Ireland is the best place I've visited to bring a toddler on vacation

Union Minister <keyword id="19897455" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nitin-Gadkari" source="keywords">Nitin Gadkari</keyword> has said that <keyword id="22181136" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="highway-agencies" source="keywords">highway agencies</keyword> should not charge tolls if <keyword id="20028505" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="roads" source="keywords">roads</keyword> are not in good condition. Gadkari was speaking at a global workshop on satellite-based tolling, set to be implemented over 5,000 km this financial year. "If you don't provide good quality service, you should not charge <keyword id="20071846" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="toll" source="keywords">toll</keyword>... We are in a hurry to start tolling to collect <keyword id="20085256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="user-fee" source="keywords">user fee</keyword>s and protect our interest," the road transport and highways minister said. "You should collect the user fee where you provide the best <keyword id="22190322" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="quality-road" source="keywords">quality road</keyword>. If you collect toll on roads with potholes, mud, then there will be a backlash from people," he added. State-owned <keyword id="20198815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NHAI" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NHAI" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="NHAI">NHAI</keyword> plans to implement (Global Navigation Satellite System) <keyword id="21980580" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GNSS-based-Electronic-Toll-Collection" source="keywords">GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection</keyword> (ETC) system within the existing <keyword id="22190323" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FASTag-ecosystem" source="keywords">FASTag ecosystem</keyword>, initially using a hybrid model where both (Radio Frequency Identification) RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously. NHAI proposes to roll this out on commercial vehicles initially then private vehicles, considering scalability and privacy concerns. The highway authority has also recommended driver behaviour analysis and back-end data analysis for fraud detection. "With GNSS, the payment modes might be converted from prepaid to postpaid. Banks and financial institutions might be able to provide faster credits based on travel plans," NHAI has recommended.

Highway agencies should not charge toll if roads are not in good condition: Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari

New Delhi, The <keyword id="6404450" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-road-transport-and-highways" source="Orion">Ministry of Road Transport and Highways</keyword> (MoRTH) is confident of achieving the highways construction target of 13,814 kilometres for the current fiscal, its secretary <keyword id="20078656" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="anurag-jain" source="keywords">Anurag Jain</keyword> said on Friday. Addressing a press conference, <keyword id="19950697" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jain" source="keywords">Jain</keyword> further said the total length of national highways in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> increased 60 per cent to 1,46,145 km till December 2023, from 91,287 km in 2014, since the <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> government came into power. "The pace of highway construction in 2023-24 so far has been better than last year, and we are confident of achieving the 13,814-km highway construction target during the current fiscal," he said. Up to December 31, 2023, the ministry has built 6,217 km of national highway, higher than last year's 5,774 km for the same period. According to him, the government is planning to award 10,000 km of national highway projects in 2023-24. Jain also said that the government has asked companies to prepare detailed project reports (DPR) for unawarded identified projects to increase the pace of awarding in 2023-24. He said the total length of four-lanes and above national highways (NHs) increased by 2.5 times to 46,179 km in December 2023 from 18,387 km in 2014. While the total length of high-speed corridors in 2014 was 353 km, which increased to 3,913 km in 2023, the total length of less than 2-lane national highways decreased from 30 per cent (2014) to 10 per cent of national highway network in 2023. Jain also said the road ministry has constructed 6,217 km of national highways up to December in 2023-24. He noted that expenditure on the ministry's highways construction expenditure is expected to increase by 9.4 times to Rs 3.17 lakh crore in 2023 from 2014. Jain said under the <keyword id="20078657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-scrapping-policy" source="keywords">Vehicle Scrapping Policy</keyword>, 44 registered vehicle scrapping facilities (RVSFs) are operational in India, while concession and motor vehicle tax was announced by 19 states/ Union Territories. As many as 49,770 vehicles were scrapped till date under the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, he added. Jain said state-owned NHAI has collected Rs 18,450 crore as toll till December in the current financial year.

Confident of achieving 13,814-km highway construction target this fiscal: Road secy

New Delhi: India's Consumer Price Index (<keyword id="20468215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CPI" source="keywords">CPI</keyword>) <keyword id="19895000" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="inflation" source="keywords">inflation</keyword> dropped to 3.54 per cent in July 2024, its lowest in nearly five years, largely driven by a decline in <keyword id="20028256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vegetable" source="keywords">vegetable</keyword> <keyword id="19900607" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="prices" source="keywords">prices</keyword>. However, despite this positive development, the <keyword id="19934368" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="State Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="State Bank of India">State Bank of India</keyword> (<keyword id="19898108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="SBI" source="keywords">SBI</keyword>) has cautioned that the path forward may be challenging, according to the SBI research report. The dramatic reduction in vegetable inflation, which plummeted from 29.3 per cent in June to a mere 6.8 per cent in July, played a crucial role in achieving this multi-year low. The weighted contribution of vegetables to the overall CPI also shrank from 1.77 per cent in June to 0.55 per cent in July, underscoring their impact on the headline inflation figure. Additionally, the prices of fruits and fuel showed signs of moderation, contributing further to easing inflationary pressures. However, this broad-based relief was tempered by a slight uptick in core CPI inflation, which excludes food and fuel prices. The SBI's latest report highlights that the once-dominant "Follow the Fed" mantra appears to be waning, with an increasing number of central banks prioritizing domestic economic conditions over synchronizing with U.S. rate decisions, signaling a shift in global <keyword id="20104157" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monetary-policy" source="keywords">monetary policy</keyword> dynamics. This decline in CPI marks the first time in half a decade that CPI inflation has dipped below the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4 per cent, a feat largely attributed to a steep fall in vegetable prices. Core CPI rose from 3.12 per cent in June to 3.30 per cent in July, driven primarily by an increase in mobile tariffs. Notably, the transport and communication segment saw inflation rise sharply from 0.97 per cent in June to 2.48 per cent in July, indicating sector-specific pressures. The moderation in food inflation, which stood at 5.06 per cent year-on-year in July, was significantly influenced by a higher base effect. Despite this, concerns persist over the uneven distribution of monsoon rainfall, particularly in key foodgrain-producing states experiencing deficient precipitation. With La Nina conditions gaining strength, the possibility of excessive rainfall in August and September looms large, raising fears of crop damage that could reignite food price inflation. Looking ahead, inflationary pressures may persist, potentially exceeding the RBI's forecast of 4.5 per cent for FY25. The domestic growth momentum remains robust, with GDP expected to surpass 7 per cent in Q1 FY25. However, geopolitical uncertainties continue to pose risks to the growth outlook. The RBI, maintaining a tight liquidity stance to control inflation, has deferred potential rate cuts to December 2024 or February 2025. State-wise analysis reveals that the majority of states recorded CPI inflation rates below the national average, with only six out of 22 states experiencing higher-than-average inflation. Despite this, significant rural-urban inflation differentials were observed, with most states seeing higher inflation in rural areas compared to urban counterparts. Only four states reported higher urban inflation. Historically, when the U.S. Federal Reserve adjusts its interest rates, global capital flows are impacted, prompting central banks in emerging markets to follow suit. However, while the Fed's recent rate hike cycle (2022-2023) saw a synchronized global response, the current rate-cutting phase is proving to be less coordinated. Central banks in countries like China, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, and the European Central Bank have already begun reducing rates, while the Fed is expected to initiate cuts in September 2024. India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 4.2 per cent in June 2024, down from a revised 6.2 per cent in May. The mining sector led the growth with a 10.3 per cent increase, followed by electricity at 8.6 per cent and manufacturing at 2.6 per cent. For the April-June 2024 period, industrial growth stood at 5.2 per cent, compared to 4.7 per cent in the same period the previous year. As India navigates the delicate balance between growth and inflation, the coming months will be critical in shaping the country's economic trajectory, especially with potential global shifts in monetary policy and the evolving monsoon season.

CPI inflation drops to lowest in five years but road ahead could be bumpy: SBI Report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Some Fisker owners are struggling to keep their cars running after the EV startup went bankrupt.</li><li>BI spoke to five Fisker Ocean owners who said they've been experiencing problems for months.</li></ul>Fisker owners are facing a struggle to keep their cars alive <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-happened-henrik-fisker-automotive-startup-ocean-electric-vehicle-2024-6">after the company's demise</a>.Weeks after the once-promising EV startup <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-automotive-files-for-bankruptcy-2024-5">collapsed into bankruptcy</a>, some owners who paid as much as $70,000 for their electric cars now find themselves stuck with slowly falling-apart vehicles.Business Insider spoke to five Fisker Ocean owners, all of whom say they have issues with their vehicles that have proven difficult or impossible to fix thanks to the company's collapse.They said they felt abandoned by the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-founder-ceo-cuts-salary-1-dollar-cover-bankruptcy-costs-2024-7">ongoing bankruptcy proceedings</a>, and they had little information about what would happen to their cars in the future.Fisker did not respond to a request for comment on this story.<h2 id="30f6f3ec-5162-4c7e-80cc-237130a07630">'There are days where the only solace is it's not a Cybertruck'</h2>Steven Hammer, a Fisker owner from Colorado, said he spent months trying to source a glass panel for his Ocean's "SolarSky Roof," a roof-mounted solar panel the company said would allow drivers to supplement their battery.After he couldn't reach anyone from the company and with local dealers unable to install the replacement part, Hammer is now paying to transport his car to a Fisker-certified dealership in another state."There are days where the only solace is it's not a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-recalls-cybertrucks-due-to-wiper-issue-2024-6">Cybertruck</a>," Hammer told Business Insider. "I do sometimes look back and wish I'd seen some of the red flags."<div type="image" title="Henrik Fisker" height="714" width="1024" msid="112444058" hostid="261" sizebytes="74458"></div>Another Fisker owner, who asked to remain anonymous but whose identity is known to Business Insider, said he had to message current and former Fisker employees on Reddit and LinkedIn to acquire a new key fob after the company went bankrupt in June.After sending dozens of messages, he says he was eventually able to get a former employee to send him a new fob.<h2 id="a6a419e0-7cf6-4a13-a733-4fe42b2e6e64">'It's literally a lawn ornament now'</h2>Fisker has had some <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mkbhd-fisker-ocean-review-marques-brownlee-video-tiktok-2024-3">very public complaints</a> from customers about <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-ocean-owner-experience-customer-service-complaints-bugs-2024-3">bugs</a>, with YouTube reviewer Marques Brownlee <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mkbhd-fisker-ocean-review-marques-brownlee-video-tiktok-2024-3">branding it the worst car he had ever reviewed</a>.With Fisker <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-summer-layoffs-employees-job-cuts-2024-5">laying off most of its workforce</a> and winding down operations, it looks unlikely that many of those issues will be addressed."They never had enough customer service personnel, but it's gotten so much worse as they've gotten into more trouble. No question about that," said Hammer.Fisker's chief restructuring officer told the bankruptcy court the company had around 179 employees at the start of July but is looking to reduce its headcount to around 138, in comments reported by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/03/fisker-ocean-bankruptcy-sale-approval-assets/">Techcrunch</a>.Per court documents, Fisker has sold its remaining fleet of Fisker Oceans to New York-based rental firm <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-bankruptcy-selling-unsold-cars-discount-nyc-uber-drivers-2024-7">American Lease for $46 million</a> and plans to use some of that money to pay its remaining employees.One Fisker Ocean owner, who also wished to remain anonymous but whose identity has been verified by BI, got his vehicle in November 2023 and is still waiting to fix a battery problem that made it unusable in April."Currently, it's parked in my driveway," he said. The car can't be locked because the 12-volt battery and high-voltage battery have been disconnected. It's literally a lawn ornament right now."<div type="image" title="Marques Brownlee reviewed the Fisker Ocean for a second time." height="936" width="1248" msid="112444055" hostid="261" sizebytes="43608"></div>The owner said he is in contact with one of Fisker's few remaining service technicians and is waiting on new parts, but is doubtful he will ever get his car fixed."I have a car loan for five years for $70,000, so I am paying for a brand new vehicle that I cannot drive," he said.<h2 id="f809b76b-9fd4-4e6b-95a1-8d4ac134746a">Customers paying the price</h2>For some Fisker customers, the issues with their vehicles have left them borderline undriveable.One New York-based Fisker owner, who asked that his name not be included, told BI that he and his wife had been unable to fix their Ocean's AC after their local service center told them it was no longer working with Fisker, leaving their car unusable in New York's summer heat."If it breaks, then I don't know what we would do. It kind of sounds silly, but we wouldn't be too upset if someone came and just stole it," they said.Another Fisker owner, who also asked to be kept anonymous, began having problems with his brakes days after his $70,000 Ocean was delivered in November.He reported the issue to Fisker, who rented him a loaner vehicle from Hertz while he waited for the problem to be fixed.The issue was never resolved, however, and in June the owner received a letter from Hertz informing him that as Fisker had failed to pay the rental charge of the loaner vehicle, he was being charged nearly $5,000.<div type="image" title="Fisker Ocean" height="682" width="1024" msid="112444057" hostid="261" sizebytes="68896"></div>"I was so excited, super excited, when I first ordered the car…but now I think this is a $70,000 mistake I made," the owner, who is disputing the charge for the Hertz vehicle through his credit card provider, said."Fisker stopped responding two to three months ago…they stopped responding to any support or service request even before the bankruptcy," they added.The owner said that he was continuing to drive his Fisker short distances, despite it still having braking issues — but similar to the other Fisker owners BI spoke to, he thought it was only a matter of time before something else broke.<h2 id="735e9e8d-ebfe-48da-85ee-a31b07eac18e">Software struggles</h2>Part of the reason Fisker vehicles are difficult to fix is that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-owners-worry-about-vehicles-working-bankruptcy-2024-4">repairing the software-heavy cars</a> often requires access to a proprietary software tool developed by Fisker, known as FAST.Neil Miller, COO of American Lease, the rental company that has<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fisker-bankruptcy-selling-unsold-cars-discount-nyc-uber-drivers-2024-7"> purchased the remaining Fisker Oceans at a bargain price of around $14,000 each</a>, confirmed to BI that the company was in discussions with the Fisker Owners Association about potentially collaborating on issues including parts and software.He said that per the terms of its deal with Fisker, American Lease can only access the software on the cars it has purchased.A former Fisker employee, who asked to be kept anonymous for privacy reasons, also told BI that gaining access to Fisker software was crucial for retail owners to keep their cars working."What is needed to actually help keep customers keep their cars that they purchased on the road is to give them access to software," said the ex-employee, whose identity BI has verified."The problem [with the EV industry] is a lot of the software is privatized," he said. "The challenge is that the software is locked up by Fisker, as with every manufacturer."The former employee said that he hoped to get certified as a mobile technician to help Fisker owners fix their vehicles."It does nobody any good having these energy-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles parked as a paperweight in their driveway," he said.Do you work at Fisker or own an Ocean? Get in touch with this reporter via email at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:tcarter@businessinsider.com">tcarter@businessinsider.com</a>.

Fisker owners say they're hunting for parts and struggling to keep their cars on the road after the company's bankruptcy 

US-based consumer technology company <keyword id="43706" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="honeywell" source="Orion">Honeywell</keyword> on Monday said it has created innovative solutions to address safety concerns across the spectrum of EV manufacturing and use. The company said its lithium-ion battery safety sensors help play a crucial role in detecting potential battery fires, which can protect drivers. "With more than 10 million EVs sold around the world last year, we're seeing how pivotal they are in making the future of sustainable travel a reality," said <keyword id="17222020" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sarah-martin" source="Orion">Sarah Martin</keyword>, president of Honeywell Sensing &amp; Safety Technologies. <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s EV market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49 per cent from 2022 to 2030. Electric scooter use is also on the rise and more than half of India's three-wheeler vehicle registrations last year were electric, and electric two-wheelers are expected to grow by 27.3 per cent to $6.1 billion by 2030. In India, an additional 10 million direct jobs and 50 million allied jobs may be needed in this sector by 2030. "As a leader in EV and scooter battery safety, we aim to drive the electric mobility revolution in the country by augmenting safety standards, offering innovative ready-now solutions and helping our customers navigate the challenges of the rapidly-evolving electric vehicle market," said Ashish Modi, president, Honeywell India. Honeywell battery safety sensors, when integrated into EV and scooter battery packs, detect thermal runaway risks, enabling warning of passengers and allowing EV and scooter manufacturers to meet international battery fire safety standards. Through a strategic alliance with <keyword id="19320901" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="nexceris" source="Orion">Nexceris</keyword>, developer of lithium-ion gas detection solutions, Honeywell said it is developing sensors to detect earlier thermal runaway indicators in EV and scooter batteries. This early intervention can help avoid costly property damage or worse, injury to drivers. The company also offers electrical safety gear, portable and fixed gas detection technologies and <keyword id="1676024" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ppe" source="Orion">PPE</keyword> such as gloves, face shields and dielectric boots for high-risk areas like electrode mixing, coating, drying and cell finishing.

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