Category: Transport

** Anti-drone technology developed, transferred to industries: DRDO chief

DRDO has developed counter-drone technology and transferred it to industries, which have taken orders from the armed forces and security forces of the country, a senior official of the organisation said on Thursday.

“DRDO has developed anti-drone technology. It has all the necessary elements required to counter drones, whether it is detection, tracking or surveillance and even a process called software and hardware,” Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief G Satheesh Reddy said.

** PM Modi to launch Indian Space Association on Monday

He will also interact with representatives of the space industry on this occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Indian Space Association (ISpA), an industry body aspiring to be the voice of the Indian space sector, on October 11, the PMO said on Saturday. He will also interact with representatives of the space industry on this occasion.

** After 68 years, Tatas win back Air India with ₹18,000-crore bid

It will take ‘considerable effort’ to rebuild the debt-laden airline, says Ratan Tata.

After 68 years, Air India is all set to return to the Tata fold. Tata Sons subsidiary Talace Pvt Ltd emerged as the winning bidder for the debt-laden national carrier after quoting an enterprise value of ₹18,000 crore. The government will take a hit of ₹28,844 crore.

The Tatas will own 100% stake in Air India, as also 100% in its international low-cost arm Air India Express and 50% in the ground handling joint venture, Air India SATS. Apart from 141 planes and access to a network of 173 destinations including 55 international ones, Tatas will also have the ownership of iconic brands like Air India, Indian Airlines and the Maharajah.

** Motorcycle nationals: Hyderabad’s Shetty trumps quality field in premier class

 Hyderabad’s Rahil Shetty (Gusto Racing) and local ace KY Ahamed (TVS Racing) scored resounding victories in the two premier Pro stock category races on an action-packed day in the third round of the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2021, at the MMRT, here on Saturday.

The 23-year old Shetty marked his comeback after a season’s absence with a superb win in the Prostock 301-400cc category ahead of veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power Racing), the championship leader in this category, and TVS Racing’s Deepak Ravikumar.

Ahamed registered his first win of the season in this category as he finished in front of team-mates Deepak Ravikumar and defending champion Jagan Kumar for a podium sweep for TVS Racing, according to a release issued by the organisers on Saturday.

** Madhavan lends voice for new sci-docu ‘India’s Space Odyssey’

Actor R. Madhavan lends his voice for the upcoming science documentary titled ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ that captures the landmark endeavours achieved during India’s space programme which helps understand the tough circumstances under which ISRO succeeded, a victory considered impossible by some around the world.

** COVID vaccine delivery through drones has started in Northeast, says Health Minister

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday launched an initiative to facilitate COVID-19 vaccine delivery to tough and hard-to-reach terrains of the Northeast through drones.

The ICMR’s Drone Response and Outreach in North East (i-Drone), a delivery model to make sure that life-saving COVID vaccines reach everyone, is in line with the government’s commitment to ‘Antyodaya’ in health – making healthcare accessible to the last citizen of the country, officials said.

“This is for the first time that a “Make in India’ drone has been used in South Asia to transport COVID-19 vaccine over an aerial distance of 15 km in 12-15 mins from the Bishnupur district hospital to Loktak lake, Karang island in Manipur for administration at the PHC

** Indian Industry to produce two more entire rockets — GSLV-Mk III and SSLV: Dept of Space

SSLV is a three-stage all solid vehicle and has a capability to launch up to 500 kg satellite mass into 500 km low earth orbit (LEO) and 300 kg to Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

** Two spacetech startups get access to ISRO facilities, expertise to test rocket systems

The Department of Space (DoS) has entered into a Framework MoU with aerospace startup Agnikul Cosmos for access to ISRO facilities and expertise towards the development and testing of subsystems/systems of space launch vehicles.

The MoU will enable the company to undertake multiple tests and access facilities at various ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) centres for testing and qualification of its single piece 3D printed Semi Cryo engine and other systems.

** TVS acquires 80 per cent stake in Swiss e-bike company

Chennai-based TVS Motor Company has acquired 80% stake in Swiss electric bicycle and personal mobility company EGO Movement for around $18 million. 

This is also TVS’ second major acquisition in Europe after taking over Norton Motorcycles in July 2020.