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<keyword id="22293284" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Minister-for-Road-Transport-and-Highways" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways">Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways</keyword>, <keyword id="19897455" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nitin-Gadkari" source="keywords" medley.seotitle="nitin-gadkari" medley.uid="86559631" medley.msid="86559631" medley.seopath="magazines/panache/panache-people-101/nitin-gadkari" medley.containers="panache-people-101" medley.title="Nitin Gadkari">Nitin Gadkari</keyword>, said that the govt has implemented a scheme to provide <keyword id="20322976" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cashless-treatment" source="keywords">cashless treatment</keyword> to victims of road accidents. The minister informed the Parliament on Thursday that the <keyword id="19946335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Transport-Ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Transport Ministry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Transport Ministry">Transport Ministry</keyword> has developed a scheme and begun implementing it on a pilot basis in Chandigarh and Assam. This initiative aims to provide cashless treatment to victims of road accidents. The minister explained that the scheme covers treatment for individuals involved in road accidents caused by motor vehicles, regardless of the type of road. The ministry is implementing this program in collaboration with the <keyword id="19904188" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Health-Authority" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="National Health Authority" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="National Health Authority">National Health Authority</keyword> (NHA). "Under this scheme, the eligible victims are administered <keyword id="22628782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-benefits-packages" source="keywords">Health Benefits Packages</keyword> relating to trauma and polytrauma care at empanelled hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), up to a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh for a maximum period of 7 days from the date of the accident," said the minister in a written reply in the <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword>. The scheme is being administered under the aegis of the <keyword id="22628783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="motor-vehicle-accident-fund" source="keywords">Motor Vehicle Accident Fund</keyword>, established under section 164B of the <keyword id="19916485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Motor-Vehicles-Act" source="keywords">Motor Vehicles Act</keyword>, 1988. The sources of income and the utilization of funds are detailed in the Central Motor Vehicles (Motor Vehicle Accident Fund) Rules, 2022. The NHA, under the Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare, is responsible for the program's implementation in coordination with local police, empanelled hospitals, State Health Agencies, the National Informatics Centre, and the General Insurance Council. Minister Gadkari stated that, in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act, of 1988, the pilot program for cashless treatment extends support to victims of road accidents caused by motor vehicles, regardless of where the accident occurs. The scheme will help in reducing deaths in road accidents and will help in providing better treatment to <keyword id="20292205" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="road-accident-victims" source="keywords">road accident victims</keyword>.

Road accident victims to get free cashless treatment: Nitin Gadkari

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

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 <keyword id="108827" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="siam" source="Orion">SIAM</keyword> 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 beli<keyword id="186291" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ev" source="Orion">ev</keyword>e this scheme will not only enhance the growth of the EV ecosystem but also strengthen <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'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. <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 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

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, <keyword id="2518729" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-road-transport" source="Orion">Union Road Transport</keyword> and Highways Minister <keyword id="26680" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="nitin-gadkari" source="Orion">Nitin Gadkari</keyword> on Thursday said dealers of automobiles should also open <keyword id="14986732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vehicle-scrapping-facilities" source="Orion">vehicle scrapping facilities</keyword>. Addressing the fifth <keyword id="11938231" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-retail-conclave" source="Orion">Auto Retail Conclave</keyword>, Gadkari said the government is encouraging a circular economy, and accordingly the government will give permission to dealers to start vehicle scrapping facilities. He also noted that India is encouraging use of alternate fuel and biofuel and pointed out that the government is working to make India the largest manufacturer of green hydrogen. The minister pointed out that India is the fastest growing major economy in the world and <keyword id="128764" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="auto-dealers" source="Orion">auto dealers</keyword> will play an important role in making India a USD 5 trillion economy. India is the fourth largest manufacturer of passenger vehicles and the sixth largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles, he said. Gadkari said his dream is to make India the top automobile hub in the world In August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the National Vehicle Scrappage Policy and had said that it will help phase out unfit and polluting vehicles and also promote a circular economy.

Auto dealers should also open vehicle scrapping facilities: Nitin Gadkari

The <keyword id="499463" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Ministry-of-Road-Transport-and-Highways" source="Orion">Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways</keyword> (<keyword id="375113" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="morth" source="Orion">MoRTH</keyword>) is all set to roll out a new ₹7,270 crore <keyword id="12179033" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="State-Support-Programme" source="Orion">State Support Programme</keyword> for Strengthening <keyword id="87280" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Road-Safety" source="Orion">Road Safety</keyword> to help realise the vision of 'Zero road fatalities on Indian roads.' The centrally-sponsored six-year programme will be implemented in 14 states that are now contributing to 85 per cent of the total road fatalities in the country. While MoRTH will lend a budgetary support of Rs 3,635 crore, an amount of Rs 1,818 crore will be secured as loan each from the World Bank and the <keyword id="50190" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Asian-Development-Bank" source="Orion">Asian Development Bank</keyword>. Of the total cost, Rs 6,725 crore will be disbursed to the 14 states based on their performance while MoRTH will use Rs 545 crore for capacity building activities. The scheme will incentivise state governments to drive road safety interventions at the grassroots level with the main objective of curbing road accidents and achieving a reduction in fatalities, the MoRTH said in a concept note circulated to the target states. The target states under the scheme are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Telangana, West Bengal, Odisha, Haryana and Assam. "This is an output and outcome-driven scheme wherein the performance of the states will be assessed on 11 mandatory and three elective indicators (road safety interventions). The grants will be distributed to the states based on the Key Performance Indicators," top official sources told PTI. The preliminary project report prepared by MoRTH says the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act (2019) was brought in as an important intervention to achieve the fatality reduction target. "To leverage the strengthened law, it is necessary to have focused interventions in the related areas of road safety like road engineering, enforcement, road safety advocacy and media campaigns and efficient emergency response systems. The states need to be supported to act on result-oriented strategies. Hence the new scheme," the sources said. India reported about 1.51 lakh road deaths in 4.49 lakh accidents in the year 2019. Of the total deaths, the 14 identified states accounted for 1,27,379. The number of fatalities remained consistent over the last five years. In 2020, 1.32 lakh road deaths were recorded across the country, with the Covid-19-induced lockdown resulting in the reduction in number. The new scheme targets to reduce the fatality rate by 30 per cent by March 2027. Cyclists, two and three-wheeler riders and pedestrians have been identified as 'vulnerable road users' who comprised about 54 per cent of road traffic deaths in India. Under the new scheme, performance-based indicators have been proposed with the aim of reducing the impact of road accidents on these vulnerable users. An Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD) will be rolled out in all states by 2022-23 and applied for identifying and rectifying all black spots on state highways and major district roads. Road safety audit will be made mandatory on state highways and urban roads by the end of the scheme period. From 2022-23, MoRTH will launch a 'Challenge Round' every year to provide incentives to states on additional road safety interventions and also to promote competition among states. "The grant of Rs 7,270 crore will only meet partial fund requirement for the scheme. States are expected to make their own budgetary allocations and also implement projects in Public-Private Partnership mode," MoRTH told the states. Independent Verification Agencies will scrutinise the states' achievements, based on which the Central grant will be released. Some of the other major interventions mooted under the scheme are: Installation of speed management devices on urban roads in cities with a population of over four lakh, state highways and national highways for increased enforcement, a unique number for reporting accidents, development of dedicated lanes for two-wheelers on state highways and urban roads and identification of priority corridors. State Education Boards will be required to introduce a chapter on road safety for classes 6-9 in 2022-23 and up to class-12 the next year on. Deployment of Advance Traffic Management System, campaigns on vehicle safety and driver training, establishment of a Command and Control (Data) Centre for ambulances, establishment of automated vehicle fitness centres are some of the other initiatives planned under the scheme. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/highlights-of-prime-minister-narendra-modis-speech-at-the-unga-today/articleshow/86510462.cms">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes his points on China, Afghanistan and Pakistan at the United Nations General Assembly</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/freshworks-ceo-girish-mathrubootham-shares-someone-said-i-will-be-nothing-but-a-rickshaw-puller/articleshow/86507840.cms">WATCH: "Someone said I am good enough to be a rickshaw puller," shares Freshworks CEO Girish Mathrubootham in a candid chat</a>

Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to roll out ₹7,270 crore support programme for 14 states

<keyword id="195740" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="hero-electric" source="Orion">Hero Electric</keyword> led the EV two-wheeler segment, selling 8,952 vehicles for the entire month, followed by <keyword id="6077703" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="okinawa-autotech" source="Orion">Okinawa Autotech</keyword> at 8,094 vehicles, the latest VAHAN data has revealed. Ather Energy sold just 1,279 EV two-wheelers for the full month of July from selling 3,829 vehicles in June -- a massive drop in numbers -- followed by <keyword id="4393078" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ola-electric" source="Orion">Ola Electric</keyword> which sold 3,852 vehicles from 5,891 vehicles in June. Ampere Vehicles Pvt Ltd, which sold 6,542 vehicles in June, saw a minor drop at 6,312 vehicles last month. The drop in EV two-wheeler sales, according to industry experts, is due to the fear among consumers regarding the safety of EV two-wheelers in light of several battery fire and explosion incidents in the recent past. <keyword id="2518729" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-road-transport" source="Orion">Union Road Transport</keyword> and Highways Minister <keyword id="26680" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="nitin-gadkari" source="Orion">Nitin Gadkari</keyword> last month told Parliament that all those EV two-wheelers companies have been served show-cause notices whose vehicles caught fire owing to battery issues. The Ministry constituted a committee of experts to suggest safety standards for batteries, battery components, and related systems. Based on the information of fire incidents available, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a show-cause notice to the CEOs and MDs of the electric two-wheeler manufacturers concerned, to explain the reasons as to why the relevant sections of the <keyword id="6377804" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="motor-vehicles-act" source="Orion">Motor Vehicles Act</keyword> should not be invoked against them. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which comes under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, said this week that it issued notices to four to five EV two-wheeler makers in the light of several complaints raised by the consumers over battery explosions and fire incidents. The CCPA received several complaints from the EV two-wheeler buyers. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has also been informed. A DRDO probe had revealed defects in battery cells as well as battery design in nearly all EV fires. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/indian-currency-gains-23-paise-to-end-at-79-02-against-us-dollar/articleshow/93276845.cms">Indian currency gains 23 paise to end at 79.02 against US dollar</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/indias-second-t20i-against-west-indies-to-start-at-10pm-ist-due-to-delay-in-significant-luggage-arrival/articleshow/93276571.cms">India's second T20I against West Indies to start at 10pm IST due to delay in significant luggage arrival</a>

Hero Electric sells close to 9K EV 2-wheelers in July, tops segment

The Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (<keyword id="6355142" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="drdo" source="Orion">DRDO</keyword>) that was tasked with investigating into EV fire incidents by the <keyword id="2518729" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-road-transport" source="Orion">Union Road Transport</keyword> and Highways <keyword id="48413" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ministry" source="Orion">Ministry</keyword>, has found serious defects in the batteries, including designs of the battery packs and modules. According to sources in the know of the matter, these defects occur because the electric two-wheeler manufacturers like <keyword id="6077703" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="okinawa-autotech" source="Orion">Okinawa Autotech</keyword>, Pure EV, Jitendra Electric Vehicles, <keyword id="4393078" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ola-electric" source="Orion">Ola Electric</keyword> and <keyword id="12512499" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="boom-motors" source="Orion">Boom Motors</keyword> may have used "lower-grade materials to cut costs". The Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES) at the DRDO has submitted its fact-finding report to the Ministry, as first reported by Business Standard. According to the sources, the ministry has now summoned representatives of these EV manufacturers, asking them to submit an explanation on the DRDO report findings. Earlier this month, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), which comes under the <keyword id="2876140" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-consumer-affairs-ministry" source="Orion">Union Consumer Affairs Ministry</keyword>, sent notices to Pure EV and Boom Motors after their e-scooters exploded in April. The consumer watchdog is also examining more cases of e-scooter fires and will serve similar notices to other EV makers too. Pure EV and Boom Motors along with Ola Electric, Jitendra EV, and Okinawa Autotech, recalled faulty batches after the EV fire incidents were reported. The preliminary findings from the government-constituted probe committee on EV fires have already identified issues with battery cells or design in nearly all of the electric two-wheeler fire incidents in the country. The committee was constituted in the wake of EV fires and battery blasts in e-scooters. The experts found defects in battery cells as well as battery design in nearly all EV fires. The government is now working on new quality-centric guidelines for EVs that will be unveiled soon. At least 12 electric two-wheelers have exploded till now and several EV makers have recalled the faulty batches amid the growing pressure from the government. Update: Ola Electric has issued a statement saying it has not received any communication from the government in this matter. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/how-cyrus-poonawalla-became-one-of-the-worlds-richest-billionaires/articleshow/91763784.cms">The success story of Cyrus Poonawalla: The vaccine king who is one of the world’s richest billionaires</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/instagram-rolls-out-a-new-logo-typography-and-more-in-visual-refresh/articleshow/91761902.cms">Instagram rolls out a new logo, typography and more in visual refresh</a>

DRDO examines EV fire incidents, finds serious battery defects

The government on Tuesday announced further extension till September 30 for validity of <keyword id="9373085" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="motor-vehicle-documents">motor vehicle documents</keyword>, including driving license and vehicle fitness, in view of COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier, the Centre through an advisory on March 30 announced extension of the validity of fitness, permit (all types), driving license, registration or any other concerned document till June 30. "Given the current circumstances to avoid hardships being faced by <keyword id="6434094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Transporters">transporters</keyword> and citizens, state governments are further advised that these documents be considered valid till September 30, 2020 for enforcement purpose," Road Transport and <keyword id="8120463" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="highway-minister-nitin-gadkari">Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari</keyword> said. He said the government had earlier on March 30 extended the validity of documents till June 30, 2020. "Taking into consideration the grim situation still continuing due to conditions for prevention of spread of COVID-19 across the country, it is advised that ...the validity of Fitness, Permit (all types), Learner's License, Driving License, Registration or any other concerned document whose extension of validity could not or not likely be granted due to lock-down and which has expired since Feb 1, 2020 or will expire till September 30, 2020, the same may be treated to be valid till September 30, 2020," as per the notification from <keyword id="6602555" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-ministry-of-road-transport">the Ministry of Road Transport</keyword> and Highways issued today. In order to facilitate citizens during the period and conditions for prevention for COVID–19, the ministry had also issued a gazette notification on May 21, relaxing the fees validity and /or additional fee under <keyword id="9373810" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-central-motor-vehicles-rules">the Central Motor Vehicles Rules</keyword>, 1989, till July 31, 2020. Now the state/UTs have also been requested to consider provisions available under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 or other such provisions available under other Acts, for considering relaxation in requirement of permit, or fees or taxes for renewal / penalty for permits etc to provide relief during these extra ordinary circumstances of COVID-19, as per the notification. "... considering the situation for prevention of COVID-19 still continues, and as per the requests received, Shri Gadkari directed his Ministry to issue advise for extension of this period till 30th Sept for treating the documents valid for enforcement purposes," the ministry said in a statement. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/data-of-coronavirus-patients-state-wise-in-india/articleshow/74669748.cms">Coronavirus cases in India state wise</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/topic/coronavirus">Coronavirus News and Updates</a>

Government extends validity of motor vehicle documents till September 30

Union minister <keyword id="26680" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nitin-gadkari">Nitin Gadkari</keyword> on Wednesday urged industry players to cash in on the huge potential that 22 upcoming express <keyword id="6381514" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="highways">highways</keyword> hold in the areas of alternative fuel, electric highway and charging stations. The Road Transport, Highways and MSME Minister said that projects specially about Rs 1 lakh crore Delhi-Mumbai express highway can offer instant right of way to players interested in setting up LNG stations, electric charging stations or petrol pumps. Addressing a conference on 'Future Fuels for <keyword id="34991" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="transportation">Transportation</keyword>' by FICCI, the minister said plans were afoot to set up 2,000 petrol pumps, including LNG. "We are building 22 new express highways including Delhi-Mumbai Express Highway. Work on seven out of 22 projects have started and these have huge potential for the industry. If players want to come forward, we can offer right of way especially on Delhi-Mumbai Express Highway which we plan to complete within three <keyword id="6466901" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="years">years</keyword>," the minister said. Gadkari said plans are on for an electric highway stretch on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the land acquisition for over Rs 1 lakh crore expressway project has been completed.
 He said he will be visiting Sweden next month to see E-Highways and welcomed players for investments to convert highways into e-highways.
 He also said: "The RBI has assured us that they will allow us to take infrastructure loans for 30 years. So if a bankable project is for 30 years, the loan amount will be raised within 13-18 years. There will be two years moratorium period after completion of project. When after three years, toll collection starts then we will open an escrow account. Specific amount will be deposited in this escrow account."
 The minister said at present NHAI has 480 such secure, bankable projects and five more banks are willing to give loans like the SBI gave. 
 "Depending upon traffic, we will keep depositing money in the escrow account," he said.
 He said NHAI 's annual income for the current fiscal will be Rs 40,000 crore and it will reach Rs 1 lakh crore in coming years. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/exclusive-tcs-ceo-shares-his-hopes-and-fears-from-the-budget-2020/articleshow/73753459.cms?src=hp_ts">Exclusive: TCS CEO shares his hopes and fears from the budget 2020</a>

India's road transport and highway minister Gadkari urges industry to cash in on new expressway projects

<ul><li>The Ministry of Roads Transport and Highways gave the Modi government much bragging rights in the first term.</li><li>He has been vested the responsibility once again and this signals a continuity in the government's approach to infrastructure.</li><li>Gadkari was also in charge of shipping and inland waterways between 2014 and 2019. </li></ul> Narendra Modi's thumping win in 2019 general elections depended a lot on the successes of Nitin Gadkari, the member of Parliament from Nagpur, a city home to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is the ideological parent for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has retained charge of Road, Transport &amp; Highways ministry and will also now look at micro,medium and small enterprises. As the minister for roads and highways, Gadkari was instrumental in an explosion in construction and operation of bridges, flyovers and expressways in Narendra Mod's first term as Prime Minister. He also played a significant role in the implementation of the rural roads project, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He also had Shipping &amp; Inland Waterways Ministry, which has now been given to Mansukh Lal Mandaviya, who is a minister of state with independent charge. Mandaviya will also look at Fertiliser Ministry. All of this gave the Modi government much bragging rights while seeking votes in the 2019 election. "Investors like continuity upto a point because it means certainty. However, I think the broad consensus in the business community, not only we would like to see continuity, we also want to see more progress on reforms," a long-time India watcher and political analyst, Alastair Newton, Co-founder &amp; Director, Alavan Business Advisory, told Business Insider on May 24. Gadkari will be crucial in implementing the BJP's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/bjp-manifesto-released-for-2019-lok-sabha-elections/articleshow/68774925.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">promise of infrastructure projects worth $1.4 trillion in its manifesto</a>. This includes the vow to double the road network between cities. The government has already promised to spend $109 billion on the Bharatmala project, a pan-India centrally-funded scheme for roads and highways, by 2022 . While his first Lok Sabha stint came in 2014, Gadkari had joined politics as a student activist for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidya Parishad (ABVP) in 1976. He went on to become the president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha when he was just 24 years old and also became the secretary of the BJP in Nagpur city. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/narendra-modi-led-bjp-manifestos-infrastructure-promise/articleshow/68795743.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Nearly half of Narendra Modi's $1.4 trillion ‘new’ infrastructure promise may be already approved projects</a>

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