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Airbus to double sourcing from India to $2 billion over next couple of years

Speaking at the same event, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu reiterated the government’s ambition to design and manufacture commercial aircraft in India, and said that Airbus has a role to play in that endeavour.

European aerospace giant Airbus expects its component and services sourcing from India to nearly double to $2 billion annually over the next couple of years as the company’s engagement with the country is “gaining a new momentum” at a time when the aerospace and defence industry is taking off in India, Airbus India and South Asia President & Managing Director Rémi Maillard said Thursday. Airbus currently sources components and services worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) from India.

India is the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and also among the fastest-growing major aviation markets globally. With Indian airlines having over 1,200 commercial aircraft on order—a bulk of those with Airbus—the country is slated to emerge as a global aviation hotspot over the coming years. The country is also pushing the allied sectors of domestic aerospace and defence manufacturing.

“In the next couple of years we will further grow our sourcing footprint and touch the $2-billion mark, Airbus direct employment numbers will cross 5,000, we will set up a second pilot training centre in a JV (joint venture) with Air India, we will invest in setting up a 5,000-seater Airbus Campus in Bengaluru, we will deliver the first Make in India aircraft from the private sector—the C295 (and) we will deliver the first Make in India helicopter from the private sector—the H125—both programmes in partnership with Tata,” Maillard said at the inauguration of Airbus’s new India and South Asia headquarters.

Airbus currently sources components and services from dozens of Indian suppliers and service providers. It currently employs around 3,500 people in India, where it also operates an engineering centre. Airbus has also tied up with the Tata group to set up final assembly lines (FALs) for the C-295 military aircraft and the H-125 helicopters in India.

Speaking at the same event, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu reiterated the government’s ambition to design and manufacture commercial aircraft in India, and said that Airbus has a role to play in that endeavour.

“We are actively pursuing the dream (of designing and manufacturing commercial aircraft in India), and we feel that Airbus has a very big role to play. They have already been doing their bit over the years, expanding their footprint in manufacturing the important components that go into manufacturing aircraft,” Naidu said.

Last month, Naidu had said that the government plans to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to devise and build a roadmap for development and manufacturing of an indigenous commercial aircraft in India, and is looking to involve multiple stakeholders including large planemakers like Airbus and Boeing.

“We are actively pursuing the dream (of designing and manufacturing commercial aircraft in India), and we feel that Airbus has a very big role to play. They have already been doing their bit over the years, expanding their footprint in manufacturing the important components that go into manufacturing aircraft,” Naidu said.

Last month, Naidu had said that the government plans to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to devise and build a roadmap for development and manufacturing of an indigenous commercial aircraft in India, and is looking to involve multiple stakeholders including large planemakers like Airbus and Boeing.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

OpenAI appoints Aaron Ronnie Chatterji as first chief economist, an Indian-American

OpenAI has appointed renowned economist Aaron Chatterji as its first Chief Economist, who is an Indian-American. He aims to ensure that the economic advantages of AI are widespread and that the transition to AI-driven systems is smooth. Here is everything you need to know.

In Short

He aims to ensure that the transition to AI-driven systems is smooth

OpenAI has appointed renowned economist Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji as its first chief economist

He is an Indian-American, who will be looking at how AI can reshape industries

OpenAI has appointed Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji, a business and public policy professor from Duke University, as its first-ever Chief Economist. This move comes as the company aims to explore the economic implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on global markets, job creation, and growth across industries. Chatterji brings vast experience from both academia and government, having served under the Obama and Biden administrations.

Chatterji’s role will involve leading research into how AI is reshaping the economy, particularly focusing on its impact on employment and long-term productivity. With his experience, he is expected to guide both businesses and policymakers in navigating the opportunities and challenges posed by AI technology.

Prior to joining OpenAI, Chatterji played a key role in the Biden administration as the CHIPS coordinator, managing the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act. His background includes serving as Chief Economist for the US Department of Commerce and contributing to economic strategy on President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers. Given his strong expertise in innovation and economic development, his appointment is seen as critical to OpenAI’s ambitions.

OpenAI’s hiring of Chatterji comes at a time when the company is ramping up efforts to understand how AI can drive sustainable growth across multiple sectors. As AI continues to evolve, concerns about its effect on jobs and industry shifts are growing. A study co-authored by OpenAI suggested that up to 80 per cent of U.S. workers might see AI affect at least 10 per cent of their job tasks, and a significant portion could face more disruptive impacts. Chatterji’s work will be essential in addressing these issues and helping businesses adapt.

In addition to Chatterji, OpenAI has made other prominent appointments recently, including Chris Lehane, a former White House lawyer, as Vice President of Global Affairs, and Paul Nakasone, a retired four-star US Army general, to boost its leadership team.

source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)

Work on 10 more nuclear reactors underway in country, parliamentary panel told

According to sources, the new nuclear reactors coming up in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana are of 700 MW capacity and will start operating in the next few years.

At least 10 nuclear reactors are being installed in the country while two reactors in Gujarat’s Kakrapar have started generating power commercially, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology was informed on Monday.

According to sources, the new nuclear reactors coming up in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana are of 700 MW capacity and will start operating in the next few years.

The details of the new nuclear reactors were provided to the members of the Standing Committee of Parliament on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change during a meeting here.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who is a member of the committee as well as its former chairman, said members of the panel were informed during the meeting that the Kakrapar-3 and Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactors in Gujarat have been fully synchronised with the grid and are generating power commercially.

This is a major accomplishment since these are indigenously designed 700-megawatt reactors that were approved in 2007. Construction had begun in 2010. More such reactors are being installed at different locations,” he said in a post on X.

“Another example of how much continuity there is in our development – which is never acknowledged by ‘El Supremo’,” Ramesh said, stressing that it was during the Congress regime when the two nuclear reactors in Kakrapar were approved.

In another post on X, Ramesh said the standing committee was also informed that Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has turned around significantly and it has resulted in its becoming eligible for ‘Mini Ratna’ status which will raise its market value.

“This is good news,” he said.

“A public sector company set up in 1974 first stood condemned, and now it gets applauded. This shows how cavalierly public sector companies have been treated since 2014,” the Congress leader said.

He said CEL was at the cutting edge of solar energy systems in the 1980s and early 1990s. In 2017, the government of India decided to sell off CEL.

“CEL was then sold off to some company called Nandal Finance and Leasing. Serious questions were then raised about the bona fides of this company.

“Finally, in response to the controversy that had been generated in Parliament as well, the Union Government terminated the sale in September 2022,” Ramesh added.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BEACON of INDIA INC. : Ratan Tata family tree: From Jamsetji Tata to Maya Tata, know all the members here

Ratan Tata Family tree: Here’s a look at the family lineage of the Tatas.

Ratan Tata complete family Tree: Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai Wednesday night. He was admitted following age-related health issues and was undergoing treatment at the hospital. Tata, a beacon of India Inc, steered his group amid India’s economic liberalisation and, subsequently, guided its global expansion.

Conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, Tata was considered one of the greatest philanthropists in the country who touched lives of millions through his work in the field of healthcare, education, drinking water and many other areas.

Here’s a look at the family tree of the Tatas

Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group was born to Nusserwanji Ratan Tata and Jeevanbai Kavasji Tata, in 1939. apart from Jamsetji, Nusserwanji had four other children — Ratanbai, Maneckbai, Virbaiji, Jerbai.

Born into a family of Parsi priests, Jamsetji broke the tradition as he started his own trading firm in 1868 at a young age of 29. He started with a textile mill in central India in the 1870s. His vision later set the foundation for technical education in India and helped the nation to be counted among the industrialised nations.

Jamsetji married Hirabai Daboo and had three children — Sir Dorabji Tata, Dhunbai Tata and Sir Ratan Tata. 

Dorabji, the elder son of Jamsetji, was instrumental in translating his father’s vision into reality. It was under his leadership that the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust was created, propelling the Tata tradition of philanthropy. Jamsetji’s younger son, Ratan, was a philanthropist who created a trust to fund educational development, alleviate human sufferings and other public utility works.

Sir Ratan Tata married Navjbai Sett and adopted Naval H Tata. Naval married Sonoo Commisariat and had two sons — Ratan N Tata and Jimmy N Tata. But Naval and Soonoo divorced when Ratan N Tata was only 10 years old. Naval later married Simone Dunoyer and with her, had a son, Noel Tata. Noel is Ratan and Jimmy’s half brother.

While Ratan and Jimmy never married, Noel tied knot with Aloo Mistry, sister of late Cyrus Mistry, who served as Chairman of Tata Group. Noel and Aloo have three children — Leah Tata, Maya Tata and Neville Tata.

Neville is married to Manasi Kirloskar and together they have two children – Jamset Tata and Tiana Tata.

Again, Jeevanbai Kavasji Tata’s brother Dadabhai Kavasji Tata (adopted son of Kavasji Maneckji Tata) had a son with his wife Bhikhibai. Dadabhai’s son Ratanji Dadabhai Tata married a French woman Suzanne Briere. They had five children — Syla Petit, Jehangir Ratanji Dababhai Tata, Rodabeh Tata, Darab Tata and Jimmy Tata. 

Jehangir or JRD Tata, who went on to become Tata Chairman, pioneered civil aviation on the subcontinent in 1932 by launching the airline which is now known as Air India.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: GANDHI IN EGYPT: Cairo to host international caricature exhibition celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, October 01- 07th 2024

The Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture, part of the Embassy of India in Cairo, is set to host a “Caricature Exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi” in collaboration with the Fayoum Caricature Museum and the Egypt Cartoon Platform. This event, scheduled for October 1, 2024, aims to honour Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary while promoting his message of “Swachhta Hi Seva” (Cleanliness is Service).

The exhibition will feature an impressive collection of 40 caricatures of Gandhi created by artists from 12 different countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Romania, Indonesia, Colombia, Cyprus, Poland, Cuba, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Egypt.

Artist Fawzy Morsy is overseeing the coordination of this exhibition, which showcases the work of several talented Egyptian caricature artists, such as Ahmed Alawi, Farouk Moussa, Adham Lotfy, and many others who have crafted unique interpretations of Gandhi.

The exhibition will be inaugurated by the Indian Ambassador to Cairo, Ajit Gupte, at the MACIC premises in Zamalek, beginning at 5:00 PM on 1 October, and will last a week.

source/content: dailynewsegypt.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: REGIONAL – ASIA : India emerges as Asia’s 3rd most powerful nation, Hardeep Puri credits PM Modi’s leadership

The Sydney-based Lowy Institute has placed India as the third most powerful nation in its Asia Power Index 2024, just behind China and Japan.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed India’s ascent into the select league and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for propelling the nation to global superpower status.

Puri, lauding the country’s rising prominence, said, “India’s rise is no accident. This is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi’s aggressive diplomatic strategy and his bold ambitions to reshape India’s place in the world. Without his leadership, India would still be languishing behind, but today, we see a nation on the verge of superpower status.”

The latest Asia Power Index, released by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, said that India, being seen as a potential superpower for a long time, has finally started flexing its muscles on the regional stage.

“India’s power in Asia is growing while that of China is plateauing despite its continued economic and military growth,” the report said.

The Lowy Institute report notes India’s significant gains in Economic Capability, Diplomatic Activity, and Future Resources, signalling a demographic dividend that could fuel its continued rise.

Hardeep Puri said, “It’s PM Modi’s tireless effort on the world stage that has put India back on the map. He has taken India’s nonalignment policy and transformed it into a powerful tool for gaining leverage in global diplomacy.”

He further stated, “While countries like China are ageing and facing a slowdown India, under PM Modi, has the resources and the leadership to take the throne as the new kingmaker of Asia.”

“Those who question Modi’s impact on India’s rise need only look at the facts. India’s trajectory is up, and the world can no longer ignore it,” he added.

The senior BJP leader also took a shot at previous Congress governments and said, “The country was left rudderless by the previous government’s indecisive and directionless approach. They said the Indian economy will be third largest by 2043 and PM Modi is guaranteeing it will be so in his third term itself. The IMF has, in fact, recently forecast that India will be the third largest economy by 2027. Under their leadership, India would never have made it to the top three on any power index.”

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: INNOVATION for VISUALLY IMPAIRED : ### Umang Sharma, an 11th Grader, Creates Affordable Keyboard for the visually impaired using AI

Umang Sharma, a junior student of Class 11 at Princeton Day School, has developed an affordable keyboard for the visually impaired using artificial intelligence (AI). His interest in AI, robotics, and engineering, coupled with his passion for coding, led him to improve Braille technology with the help of experts. His success in creating this innovative keyboard is a result of his deep interest in computer building and technology.

Globally, around 284 million people are visually impaired, 39 million of whom are completely blind. A staggering 70% are unemployed, and 90% are illiterate, which significantly limits their opportunities. Umang’s journey began when he discovered that Braille keyboards cost over $7,000, a price he found to be unaffordable for many. Realizing the need for a cheaper alternative, he conducted research but found no better options.

A significant challenge faced by the visually impaired is the lack of access to technology, which contributes to high unemployment and illiteracy rates. Umang identified this as a vicious cycle, where the inability to afford technology like Braille keyboards prevents visually impaired individuals from securing jobs, yet employment is necessary to purchase such tools.

Current market solutions for Braille keyboards include audio keyboards built into operating systems, physical Braille devices, and one-time-use stickers for standard keyboards. After analyzing these options, Umang identified key issues, such as high cost, usability, and durability. He designed prototypes, consulted Braille experts, and made improvements to address these shortcomings.

The result is an affordable, user-friendly keyboard for the visually impaired, priced at just $10, and nearly free if donated keyboards are used. The keyboard utilizes 3D-printed keys that are durable and can be easily attached to any keyboard.

Umang presented his project at two workshops held at the National Blind Association, Delhi, and the Silver Lining Blind School, where visually impaired youths from underprivileged backgrounds tested the keyboard. The feedback confirmed the effectiveness of the design, particularly for blind students and young children learning Braille. The keyboard helped improve their typing speed and key recognition, proving to be a faster alternative compared to conventional keyboards that require pressing each key to find the right one.

The National Blind Association, Delhi, praised Umang’s efforts, and the Silver Lining Blind School expressed gratitude for his dedication and hard work in serving the visually impaired. Umang has donated over 20 keyboards and is working on providing more units, benefiting over 250 students.

Following this success, Umang plans to distribute his innovative Braille keyboards to blind schools globally and has founded a non-profit organization called “Zedable” to support his mission.

source/content: pressnote.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: AVIATION MANUFACTURER: HAL, SAFHAL sign contract to develop engine for multi-role helicopters

The name Aravalli, derived from the Indian mountain range, symbolises the aspirations of the country to achieve self-reliance in critical engine technologies.

Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday signed a contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines for the joint design, development and production of a new engine called Aravalli for the future 13-tonne Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) and its deck-based version, the state-run aircraft maker announced. 

SAFHAL is a joint venture between French firm Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL. 

“The partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sector,” said HAL chief CB Ananthakrishnan, who retires on Saturday. The collaboration will not only ensure the operational capabilities of IMRH and 12.5-tonne DBMRH (deck-based MRH) platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies, he said. 

The helicopters could go into production with the new engine by 2031, Hindustan Times has learnt. 

They will be capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions, including transporting troops, conducting assault operations, air maintenance and anti-submarine warfare. 

“The engines will be designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments in which these helicopters will get deployed. Future extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, and VVIP transport is also planned, followed by MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) activities,” HAL said in a statement. 

IMRH is expected to compete with Russian Mi-17 choppers in both Indian and foreign markets. The platform could have a huge market as nearly 40 air forces across the world operate Mi-17-type helicopters. 

The name Aravalli, derived from the Indian mountain range, symbolises the aspirations of the country to achieve self-reliance in critical engine technologies, HAL said. 

“We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalising on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL as well as the strategic relationship between India and France,” Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cedric Goubet said. 

The combined expertise and resources of the two firms will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programmes, while contributing to the growth of India’s aerospace and defence sectors, he added. 

Under the contract, SAFHAL will work with its parent companies on cutting-edge engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. “This collaboration involves state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest global standards,” the HAL statement added. 

HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines already have multiple partnerships, including the Shakti engine and its variants that power the Dhruv advanced light helicopter, its armed version Rudra, the Prachand light combat helicopter (LCH), and the light utility helicopter (LUH). 

In February 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility at Tumakuru in Karnataka. The new HAL factory, spread across 615 acres, will produce IMRH and DBMRH. HAL plans to produce more than 1,000 helicopters in the 3-15 tonne class, with a total business of more than Rs.4 lakh crore over 20 years, according to official projections.

HAL is set for a change of the guard at a time when it is at a critical juncture—it is grappling with a delay in the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) programme, working towards finalising a deal for joint production of jet engines in the country, awaiting orders worth tens of thousands of crores for new fighter planes and helicopters, and taking steps to boost exports. 

DK Sunil, director (engineering and R&D), HAL, is widely seen as the frontrunner for the top job after Ananthakrishnan’s retirement.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)