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CII Calls for Technological Boost to Enhance Export Competitiveness

Industry body CII on Thursday said that steps such as increasing investments in the latest technologies for tracking and handling cargo, training workforce, and timely completion of critical infrastructure projects would help enhance the competitiveness of India's exports. Besides, it also said that there is a need for digital transformation of India's logistics networks as well.


Speaking at CII’s conference on Resilient Export Logistics for Trade and connectivity here, chairman of the CII national committee on EXIM Sanjay Budhia said that the digital transformation of India's logistics networks is a necessity. “Leveraging technologies for end-to-end supply chain visibility and tracking and tracing the cargo can dramatically streamline domestic processes and increase transparency and trust among global trade partners,” he said.

� �Budhia, who is also managing director of Patton Group, said that logistics forms the cornerstone of India’s international trade, playing a vital role in diversifying both the country’s exports and the products manufactured within it. “The growth of e-commerce has further emphasised the critical role of logistics in driving economic development,” he said.


Budhia further said that the government has actively worked to facilitate trade, lower logistics costs, and bolster global competitiveness for businesses. “Initiatives such as the Sagarmala programme, aimed at reducing both inventory and direct handling costs, is a major initiative by the government. We need significant investments in the latest technologies for tracking and handling cargo, and in addition, training our workforce," he said.



“We must prioritise the completion of critical infrastructure projects, such as dedicated freight corridors, which are essential for reducing bottlenecks and improving turnaround times. These recommendations assume significance as the government has set an ambitious export target of $ trillion by 2030,” he added.�

Traffic Restrictions for VP Dhankar's Visit; Drone Ban in Place

Hyderabad: In view of the visit of Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar to the city on Friday, the police have imposed traffic restrictions on the roads from Begumpet airport, Raj Bhavan and Hitex.

Ultraviolette Launches the Electrifying F77 MACH 2 at an Introductory Price of ₹ 2.99 lakh; Announces India’s first Dynamic Regen & Traction Control, with a range of 323 km

Bangalore: Ultraviolette,�an innovator in future-ready Electric Vehicle Platforms and Battery Technology, today launched the F77 Mach 2 - an advanced performance and intelligent electric motorcycle. Starting at ₹ 2,99,000, the F77 Mach 2 marks a pivotal moment in accelerating electric vehicle adoption, driven by Ultraviolette's visionary Carbon Farewell Fund initiative.�

Building on the success of the F77, the F77 Mach 2 is the latest addition to Ultraviolette’s performance electric motorcycle line-up that brings forth ground-breaking advancements in technology and performance, poised to redefine the riding experience for performance-minded enthusiasts. �

�With an industry-leading and unparalleled�323 km IDC Range, made possible by the largest and most advanced 10.3 kWh battery pack in the industry, the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 redefines the very essence of performance.�

�The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 delivers an impressive�30 kW�(40.2 hp)�coupled with a staggering�100 Nm�of peak torque, setting new standards in electric motorcycle performance. Accelerating from 0 to 60 km/hr in a mere 2.8 seconds and achieving a�top speed of 155 km/hr, making it India's fastest electric motorcycle.��

�Ultraviolette has also introduced a ground-breaking�3-level Traction Control System�in the F77 Mach 2, revolutionizing electric motorcycle safety and performance. This pioneering technology sets a new standard, ensuring optimal traction and stability across diverse riding conditions.��

�Moreover, the motorcycle is equipped with�10 levels of Regenerative Braking, offering enhanced convenience. Regenerative braking harnesses the kinetic energy of the vehicle during deceleration or braking, converting it into electrical energy. This energy is then stored in the vehicle's battery for future use, effectively extending its range and optimizing energy efficiency.�

�The Ultraviolette F77 MACH 2 is further equipped with�Dynamic Stability Control�(UV DSC). The cutting-edge feature seamlessly modulates Regenerative Braking levels with ABS to ensure complete control and stability, during mild, active, or panic braking.��

�The�Hill Hold�feature on the F77 MACH 2 ensures unwavering stability, effortlessly keeping the motorcycle in position without the need for constant brake application.��

�Adding to the allure of the Ultraviolette F77 MACH 2 is the�Delta Watch, a standout feature that provides a heightened sense of security. This innovative technology serves as a vigilant guardian, promptly alerting riders of any encroachment attempts on their motorcycle. With the Delta Watch, riders can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they have an extra layer of protection against unwanted intrusions.�

�Speaking on the launch of the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2,�Narayan Subramaniam, CEO� & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette�said,�"The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 represents a significant leap forward in our mission to superior and futuristic mobility solutions. The advancements in Mach 2 are a result of the data we’ve collected from our vehicles as well as interactions with our customers over the last year and a half. At Ultraviolette, our aim is to deliver an uncompromising experience to our�customers and set new benchmarks in the realm of electric mobility. With an improved IDC range of 323 km, which is considerably more than what we offered with our maiden product, the F77 Mach 2 is an evocative and compelling proposition that offers riders the freedom to do much more with their motorcycles.”  �

�Ultraviolette has introduced�two new optional packages�for the F77 Mach 2, aimed at magnifying the riding experience –��

�The�Performance Pack,�bundled into the introductory price for the first 1,000 customers, focuses on optimizing performance and safety with features such as 10-levels of Regenerative Braking with Dynamic Regen and advanced 4-level Traction Control. Riders will now have the freedom and flexibility to switch to different regenerative braking levels on the fly, enhancing their riding experience with unprecedented control.�

�VIOLETTE A.I.�is designed to offer riders advanced connectivity features acting as a smart tech co-pilot during the ride and, when the bike is parked. Some of the key features of this pack include Movement, Fall and Towing Alerts, Remote Lockdown, Crash Alert, Daily Ride Stats, and an Anti-Collision Warning System.��

�Expressing his thoughts on the launch of the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2,�Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette�stated,�"The F77 Mach 2 brings the best of Ultraviolette’s innovation in design, performance and technology, all at an accessible price point, making the transition to electric two wheelers much faster and easier. With the integration of advanced technology and enhancements in range and performance, Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 is all set to deliver an exceptional experience to the riders and enthusiasts. Drawing upon extensive data collected from real-world usage, the F77 Mach 2 incorporates state-of-the-art features, including the revolutionary VIOLETTE A.I. system. This advanced AI technology, combined with significant improvements in range and performance, sets the F77 Mach 2 apart as a game-changer in the electric motorcycle industry."�

�Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 and the F77 Mach 2 Recon will be available in nine different personalities, covered across the Shadow, Airstrike and Laser personas. Within each persona, customers have the option to choose from three distinct themes, best suited to individual preferences.��

�F77 MACH 2 AIRSTRIKE�

●��������Stellar White�

●��������Supersonic Silver�

●��������Lightning Blue�

�

F77 MACH 2 LASER��

●��������Plasma Red�

●��������Turbo Red�

●��������Afterburner Yellow�

�

F77 MACH 2 SHADOW�

●��������Stealth Grey�

●��������Asteroid Grey�

●��������Cosmic Grey�

�

�The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 is being offered at ₹ 2,99,000 for the first 1,000 customers. The higher-range F77 Mach 2 Recon is available at a special introductory price of ₹ 3,99,000.�

�The Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 will be available across India in 15 cities in a phase-wise manner, with deliveries starting in May 2024.��

�As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, Ultraviolette recently announced a global-first 8 years / 800,000 km battery and drivetrain warranty for the F77, now also available for the F77�Mach�2 Recon. Comprising of three distinct warranty packages - UV Care, UV Care+, and UV Care Max with each one offering an unparalleled extension in kilometre coverage, Ultraviolette continues to set new benchmarks in customer service and satisfaction.�

ECI Orders Transfer: Sneha Mehra New South Zone DCP

Hyderabad: On the instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), Sneha Mehra has been posted as south zone deputy commissioner of police (DCP) in place of P. Sai Chaitanya, who on Wednesday was transferred and asked to report to the DGP office.

Amit Shah launches high-decibel poll campaign in Odisha, exhorts party workers to 'overthrow' Naveen Patnaik govt

Sonepur: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday gave a call to the party leaders and workers in Odisha to oust the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in the state for achieving faster prosperity and addressing some critical challenges like poverty, economic empowerment of farmers and weaker sections of the society.

Addressing a massive public rally here at Sonepur in Western Odisha, Shah said Odisha is now being ruled by a group of “corrupt officers” who have launched a reign of terror in the state.

“Odisha is now being ruled by a person who does have regard for the language of the land, its culture and rich history. The state is now being ruled by a bunch of ‘Bhayankar Bhrastachari’ (highly corrupt) bureaucrats,” Shah said.

His observation was seen as a clear criticism of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s inability to speak Odia and his over-reliance on a group of top officials who are allegedly managing BJD’s party affairs, violating code of conduct for civil servants.

He called upon voters to elect more than 20 Lok Sabha members from the state and give an absolute majority to the BJP in the 147-member Odisha Legislative Assembly.

In 2019, the BJP had won 8 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats.

The home minister’s broadsides against the Odisha CM and the BJD were seen as clear departures from the BJP’s “cool approach” towards the BJD. Though the BJD is the principal political opponent of the BJP, the latter had bought peace with the regional party, ostensibly to get its support for crucial passing bills in Rajya Sabha.

Shah blamed Odisha’s lack of prosperity to the inefficiency of the 24 years of Naveen Patnaik government.

“Odisha is rich in mineral resources. It also has a huge water resource. However, the state continues to languish in abject poverty and lakhs of people are migrating to Gujarat, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad in search of job. Farmers are also not getting due remuneration for their crops,” he said.

The BJP leader observed that the 24 years of the BJD rule in Odisha were just “lost years.”

“When I started reviewing the progress of various states under the Narendra Modi government, I found provinces having BJP governments have made significant strides in development. However, I found Odisha stands at the same place when Naveen Babu started his reign here,” he said.

He criticized the “rebranding” of the rice given under the public distribution system (PDS) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana by the Naveen Patnaik government.

He also censured the BJD government for non-implementation of the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

“Odisha government fears that once the Ayushman Bharat Yojana is implemented here, the Modi government’s popularity in the state will rise further,” he said.

The home minister criticised the Congress and its president Mallikarjuna Kharge for their critical comments on abrogation of Article 370 and Ram Temple issue.

Claiming that construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya and lifting 80 crore people from poverty line reflected the BJP’s resolve to walk its talk.

After the public rally, Shah huddled up with the party's senior leaders in Bhubaneswar in the evening where he discussed the party’s strategies for the forthcoming Lok Sabha and assembly polls.

Photograph:�Union home minister Amit Shah addressing a party meeting at Odisha's Sonepur on Thursday afternoon

All arrangements completed for Lok Sabha polls in Kerala on Friday

Thiruvananthapuram: All preparations have been made for the smooth conduct of the polls in Kerala on Friday.Voting for all the 20 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections will begin today at 7 am. Polling will continue till 6 pm.

There are 2,77,49,159 voters in the state this time. Of these, 1,43,33,499 are women.Of the total voters, 5,34,394 are first-time voters in the age group of 18-19 years. There are also 2,64,232 differently-abled voters and 367 transgender voters in the state.

The Chief Electoral Officer appealed to all voters, irrespective of age and gender, to exercise their right to vote and participate in the festival of democracy.A total of 194 candidates are in the fray in 20 constituencies in the state.

All arrangements have been made to ensure smooth polling at the polling booths and to ensure that the voting machines are safely transported to strong rooms after the polling.

A total of 1,01,176 polling personnel have been deployed for the polling process at 25,231 booths set up at 13,272 centres in the state. The polling process will be controlled by four officials, including the presiding officer, at a booth.

There are 437 booths controlled only by women, 31 booths controlled by youth below 30 years of age and six booths controlled by differently-abled employees in the state. There are also 316 ethnic polling booths and 131 theme-based booths.

Ramps and wheelchairs have been set up at the booths for differently-abled voters. Voting machines in Braille script have also been provided for the visually impaired.There will be a special queue facility at the booths for differently-abled voters and senior citizens. In addition, a sign language facility and travel facility for differently-abled voters have also been arranged.

A total of 30,238 electronic voting machines (EVMs) are being used in the state in the Lok Sabha elections this year. In case of operational failure of any machines, the reserve machines will be delivered through the respective sector officers instead.

The voting machines have been brought to the polling booths after completing the preliminary testing, three phases of randomization and mock polling. The polling will begin at 6 am on Friday after a mock poll is conducted again in the presence of representatives of political parties at the polling booths to ensure the safety of the machines.

As many as 66,303 security personnel have been deployed at polling booths, distribution centres and strong rooms to ensure a smooth voting process.

The Rapid Action Force has also been deployed at all police stations for security. Special security measures have also been taken in Maoist-affected areas involving central forces to ensure that voters cast their votes fearlessly.

To ensure free and transparent polling, the Chief Electoral Officer said that a webcasting system has been put in place for real-time monitoring in all booths in eight districts of the state and 75 percent of booths in the remaining six districts.

The real-time monitoring system has been implemented in all booths in Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

Cameras have also been installed outside the booths to control crowding at polling stations with multiple booths.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer, the webcasting facility has been introduced to ensure a transparent election by preventing booth capturing, money distribution and bogus voting. Webcasting has also been arranged in the affected booths. In the office of the Chief Electoral Officer and the control rooms set up under the ROs of 20 Lok Sabha constituencies,

A similar monitoring system has been set up in strong rooms and counting centres.

Four Intermediate Students Riding on a single bike died in road Accident in Warangal

Warangal: Four Intermediate students travelling on a two-wheeler died when a speeding private travels bus collided with their vehicles late on Wednesday at Yellanda in Wardhannapet mandal of Warangal district, police said on Thursday.

Sons and a daughter rise on J&K’s political horizon

Srinagar: Former chief minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti launched�her�campaign�for the�Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency where she is pitted against former minister and senior National Conference leader Mian Altaf Ahmad among many other candidates a couple of weeks ago.

While she holds�roadshows and addresses rallies, making an aggressive bid for her party, in Anantnag and elsewhere her effort is being supplemented by her daughter Iltija Mufti who has been in-charge of her social media since 2019. Ms. Iltija’s ‘X’ profile mentions her as a�‘Kashmiri’ and ‘Media Advisor’ to her mother, the assignment she took over last summer to formally take a plunge in active politics.

Apart from being seen with her mother during her election campaign trails, she visits places and homes in Anantnag and also in Srinagar wherefrom PDP has fielded its youth leader�Waheed�Ur Rehman�Para to seek votes for the PDP. At the same time, she continues to be active on social media platforms to make her mother’s political voice more popular and reach out to as many netizens particularly the young as possible with her own opinions.

36-year-old Iltija while addressing an election rally in a remote village of Anantnag on Wednesday, she�assured “our tribal communities” that Mehbooba Mufti “will fight for their rights and identity”. Worth to mention�here, the PDP leader’s main rival in the constituency Mian Altaf is a popular Gujjar leader, the ethnic background which may eventually help him to turn tables on his rivals, at least, in more than half a dozen predominantly-Gujjar Assembly segments of the constituency.

Nevertheless, this has not discouraged Ms Iltija from visiting Gujjar families in the constituency to seek their support for her mother. She appears to be equally conscious of the importance of the vote of the Kashmiri-speaking population of Anantnag.

She posted several pictures showing her mingling with the female voters of Anantnag and Srinagar. She said, “No matter which part of Kashmir I visit I am always touched by the kindness and affection of women”. She added, “Today while addressing people at Larnoo, Kokernag, I was pleasantly surprised to see a grandmother leaning from her window to listen to me. Perhaps it’s time politics in Kashmir gives women greater representation and participation”.

However, Ms. Mufti who became�fiercely “protective�on social media after the Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its special status and split up into two Union territories in August 2019�told this correspondent recently that though she is busy with�writing the biography of her mother which would shed light on her political journey and its significance in Kashmiri politics, she is planning to go abroad for pursuing studies further.

Meanwhile, National Conference vice president and former chief minister Omar Abdullah’s offspring – Zahir and Zamir- too are nowadays being seen actively involved in party meetings and other engagements. In Ramadan, the great grandsons of legendary Kashmiri leader Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah had joined their father in �serving the Kashmiri cuisine Wazwan to the guests including media persons at an Iftar party in Srinagar.

On Thursday, the brother-duo announced that they would be campaigning for their father Mr. Abdullah who is seeking election to Lok Sabha from Baramulla constituency. After the NC candidate for the Srinagar seat Aga Syed Ruhullah submitted nomination papers here, Zahir who was among those accompanying him said,�“In Sha Allah (God willing), we both will go and campaign.” He was responding to a query by a reporter if the brothers will campaign for their father.

However, his brother Zamir said while he has no intention of joining politics, yet he wants to remain connected with the people. “I have no plans yet. I am a lawyer. We have a connection with the people and that will stay forever,” he said.

A Kashmir watcher said that it is to be seen it is to be seen whether the political prowess� Ms. Iltija or Zamir Zahir�may have inherited will help their respective parties to reach out to the young Kashmiris who have grown up under the shadow of gun and are trying to adjust to a new situation. End it�

IndiGo enters the wide-body space with an order for 30 Firm Airbus A350-900 aircraft

IndiGo, India's most preferred airline, is further defining its long-term future by strengthening its fleet with the introduction of wide-body aircraft to its fleet. Since inception in 2006, IndiGo has been successfully building its position and is now defining its future further on the path of becoming a global aviation player.

�IndiGo agreed to place an order for 30 Firm A350-900 aircraft, which will enable IndiGo to spread its wings further and expand its network. From the various Indian metros, IndiGo will be able to connect to the world. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce’s Trent XWB engine. The mission capability of this aircraft coupled with the efficiency of the Trent XWB engine will offer IndiGo unprecedented optionality as it embarks on the next stage of its wonderful journey of addressing the rapidly evolving needs of the Indian customer and our nation.

�Currently, IndiGo operates over 350 aircraft. Last year, in June 2023, IndiGo placed the largest ever single aircraft order by any airline for 500 aircraft with Airbus. With that, the outstanding orderbook of A320 Family aircraft stands at almost 1,000 aircraft which are yet to be delivered well into the next decade. This IndiGo order-book comprises a mix of A320NEO, A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft.

�This new order will bring the strategic relationship between IndiGo and Airbus to an unprecedented level in terms of depth, breadth, and size. For the relationship between IndiGo and Rolls Royce, this marks the beginning of a new, long and fruitful relationship.

�The exact configuration of the aircraft will be decided at a later stage, and the deliveries are expected to start from 2027. In addition to the 30 Firm A350-900 order, IndiGo has Purchase Rights for an additional 70 Airbus A350 Family aircraft, at its discretion, for possible future needs under certain conditions.

�In calendar year 2023, IndiGo welcomed 100 million customers onboard its flights and as such, the airline is, quite literally, giving wings to our nation. IndiGo is amongst the fastest growing airlines in the world, and this order will allow it to strengthen its growth trajectory.

�Before the end of this decade, the Indian economy is expected to grow from being the world’s 5th largest today to being the 3rd largest. Specifically in aviation, the Indian government has stated its mission to ensure that by 2030 India comes into her own on the world stage of aviation leadership by building cutting-edge infrastructure and developing the country into a global aviation hub.

�With IndiGo’s current fleet, the almost 1000 A320 Family aircraft yet to be delivered, and today’s order for wide-body aircraft, IndiGo is not only well positioned to expand and densify its unparalleled network but equally importantly, IndiGo will play its part to fulfill the Indian Government’s stated mission.

�This milestone was celebrated on April 25th in Gurgaon at InterGlobe’s Corporate Headquarters by Mr. Pieter Elbers, IndiGo’s CEO, Mr. Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus’ Executive Vice President of Commercial Aircraft and Mr. Ewen McDonald, Rolls Royce’s Chief Customer Officer - Civil Aerospace, and in the presence of Dr. V. Sumantran, Chairman of the Board of IndiGo and Mr. Christian Scherer, Airbus’ CEO of Commercial Aircraft.

�Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said,�“Today’s historic moment marks a new chapter for IndiGo and will further shape the future of the airline and for Indian aviation at the same time. For IndiGo, after successfully pioneering the Indian skies with an unprecedented journey, its fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft will allow IndiGo to embark on its next phase of becoming one of the leading global aviation players. At IndiGo, we take pride in being India’s preferred airline and for offering connectivity to our customers, in and with India. This reaffirms IndiGo’s belief in, and commitment to, the growth of India, and in our strategic partnership with Airbus.”

�IndiGo will host a conference call on Tuesday April 30th, an invitation for which will be sent through regular channels.

�

Congress not probing scams under BRS regime, says Amit Shah

Hyderabad: Union Minister of Home and Cooperation Amit Shah on Thursday alleged that the Congress was not investigating scams that took place during BRS regime.

BMW i5 electric sedan launched at Rs 1.20 crore

BMW unveils the i5 M60 xDrive, a high-performance electric sedan featuring advanced design, cutting-edge technology, and impressive range for luxury car enthusiasts

Long term measures needed to curb vegetable price volatility

Chennai: Being the most volatile component, vegetable prices in FY24 did not follow a seasonal pattern of surging in summers and withering in winters when fresh stocks arrived in the market. Technologies such as cold storage that can prolong the shelf life of vegetables are needed to curb the volatility.

This March, vegetable inflation printed at 28.3 per cent, down from 30.2 per cent in February but way higher than the 8.4 per cent deflation seen a year earlier. FY24 saw huge volatility, from a low of -7.9 per cent in May 2023 to a high of 37.4 per cent in July 2023. Vegetables were responsible for about 30 per cent of food inflation in FY24, much higher than their 15.5 per cent share in the food index. While surging prices of tomatoes and onions made headlines in FY24, the price rise was not limited to these vegetables. Garlic and ginger saw triple-digit inflation of 117.8 per cent and 110 per cent, according to Crisil.

Vegetable inflation in India remains the most volatile component of food inflation.� Due to disturbances like warmer weather, uneven rains, and pest attacks, the vegetable price index not only missed its typical seasonal winter decline but also outran the seasonal uptick last year. As climate risks mount, there is a need to mitigate its impact on vegetable production and prices.

Remedial measures, such as creating buffer stocks and even imports, are ineffective solutions, given the perishable nature of vegetables. Short-term solutions, such as restricting hoarding and curbing exports only bring temporary relief.

Technologies such as cold storage can prolong the shelf life of vegetables, but India comes up short on such infrastructure. It is crucial to adopt measures such as improving cold storage facilities, promoting the use of hybrid weather-resistant seeds, and reducing post-harvest losses, said Crisil.

CBDT extends due date for filing Form 10A/ Form 10AB up to June 30

Hyderabad: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the due date for filing Form 10A/ Form 10AB under the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the ‘Act’) up to June 30, 2024.

JioCinema Premium Plan to redefine subscription market

JioCinema introduces affordable plans offering ad-free, high-quality entertainment with exclusive series, blockbuster movies, and early TV premieres across genres and languages