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Assam hit by 5.8 magnitude earthquake, proves efficacy of the Android Earthquake Alert System as phones displayed alerts even before tremors felt

Raju Das
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Assam hit by 5.8 magnitude earthquake, proves efficacy of the Android Earthquake Alert System as phones displayed alerts even before tremors felt

The northeastern region of the country was hit by an earthquake at 4:41 PM today, 14th September 2025. The epicentre of the earthquake was near Udalguri town in Assam, the district headquarters of Udalguri district bordering Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

The magnitude of the earthquake has been reported as 5.8 on the Richter scale by the National Centre of Seismology. However, the USGS has recorded the magnitude as 5.9, which is actually twice the magnitude of 5.8 as it is a logarithmic scale.

The tremors lasted for a long duration, spreading panic among people in the affected areas. There are no reports of casualties or damage to property so far.

Notably, as soon as the earthquake hit and everything started shaking, mobile phones instantly displayed an earthquake alert. The alert called ‘Android Earthquake Alerts System’ was displayed on the mobile devices with an alarm tone. In some cases, the tremors were felt after the alert was received.

The Android Earthquake Alerts System is Google’s built-in feature on Android phones that detects earthquakes and warns users seconds before the shaking begins. It works by combining smartphone sensors with seismological data. Here’s how it functions step by step:

This system uses the accelerometer present in the Android phones to detect earthquake in real time, and display an alert. As per Google, when an Android phone “detects the initial, faster-moving P-wave of an earthquake, it sends a signal to our earthquake detection server, along with a coarse location of where the shaking occurred.”

P waves travel faster than other seismic waves and therefore they are the first to arrive in case of an earthquake. The censor in ordinary Android smartphones now can detect this P waves, which is used to send the alert people.

However, a single phone detecting vibration isn’t enough, as it could just be someone dropping it. When many nearby phones detect similar shaking at the same time, Google’s servers treat it as a likely earthquake.

The system then quickly analyses data from many phones and estimate its location and magnitude. The system works in lightning speed, resulting in issuing alert almost immediately when an earthquake is detected.

This makes the system the world’s largest earthquake detection network, since millions of Android phones act as mini-seismometers.

Today the system’s efficacy was tested and proved in real time in Assam’s Udalguri, as it sent alerts to phones located in the affected zone with amazing speed and accuracy, as the earthquake and the alert started almost at the same time.

The big black scree of the alert asked people to Drop, Cover and Hold for safety, and had an option to silence the alarm sound. The alert even included an estimate of the magnitude, saying it was 5.7, very close to actual magnitude.

The alert included additional screens, which included a map of the epicentre of the earthquake, and several safety tips. It warned that aftershocks are common after earthquakes.

Notably, while people living near the epicentre received the above alert message, people in the periphery of the zone received a different alert, saying ‘Earthquake Nearby’.

People on social media posted screenshots, wondering how the system even worked as the alert came before the tremors in places some distance away from the epicentre.

‘Being a celebrity does not mean you get special facilities’: Gujarat High Court rejects TMC MP Yusuf Pathan’s plea in Vadodara government land encroachment case – Read full details here

OpIndia Staff
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‘Being a celebrity does not mean you get special facilities’: Gujarat High Court rejects TMC MP Yusuf Pathan’s plea in Vadodara government land encroachment case – Read full details here

The Gujarat High Court has dismissed a petition filed by former Indian cricketer and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Yusuf Pathan in a long-standing land dispute case. Justice Mauna Bhatt, while pronouncing the verdict, declared Pathan an “encroacher” on government land and said his occupation was nothing short of illegal possession. 

A copy of the order is available with OpIndia. The verdict was delivered on 21st August, but the order was uploaded to the court’s website only on 2nd September.

The matter relates to a piece of government-owned land in Vadodara, which, according to authorities, Pathan occupied without proper approval. Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) had earlier issued him a notice asking him to vacate the land. 

Instead of complying, Pathan approached the High Court, challenging both the municipal notice and a related order of the state government. After prolonged hearings, the court made it clear that Pathan’s possession of the land cannot be justified under the law.

Pathan’s arguments in court

Represented by advocate Yatin Oza, Pathan argued that the municipal corporation is an independent body under the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, and has full authority to lease property without requiring the state government’s approval. He pointed to the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which grants autonomy to local bodies, and said state interference was unconstitutional.

Pathan’s lawyer also contended that since the corporation itself had referred the proposal to the state government, Pathan did not object at the time because everything appeared positive. He further cited Supreme Court judgments to argue that even if the state government’s nod was denied, the corporation’s powers remained intact.

Adding a personal angle, Oza said Pathan was an international cricketer and now an MP, someone who had represented the country. He said Pathan was ready to pay the current market price for the land and that the corporation’s silence for 12 years implied that his occupation should be considered valid. Pathan also argued that the land in question lay right next to his bungalow, and the dispute was a matter of personal and family security.

The government also dismissed Pathan’s claim about security concerns

On the other hand, senior lawyer Maulik Nanavati, appearing for the municipal corporation and the state government, rejected Pathan’s arguments. He stressed that no individual has the right to occupy government or municipal land without proper approval. Since the land was to be given without a public auction, state government approval was mandatory, which is why the state had rejected the proposal in 2014.

He pointed out that despite this rejection, Pathan had fenced the plot and taken it over without any formal order in his favour. This, he said, was a clear case of encroachment. Nanavati also told the court that Pathan had not paid the corporation a single rupee in the last 12 years, and his current offer to pay market rates could not undo the illegality.

The government also dismissed Pathan’s claim about security concerns, saying he had never sought security from the state nor provided evidence of any threat. In fact, the lawyer argued, a public figure like a cricketer and MP was expected to follow the law even more strictly than ordinary citizens. If Pathan truly wanted the land, he could bid for it in a public auction like everyone else.

What the court said

After hearing both sides, Justice Mauna Bhatt ruled that since the state government had already rejected the proposal on 9th June, 2014, Pathan had no legal right over the land. His continued possession amounted to illegal encroachment. The court said that holding land unlawfully for a long time does not create ownership rights.

The judge also rejected Pathan’s claim that he was ready to pay the current market value, observing that allowing such a request would set a dangerous precedent of regularising illegal occupation. The court said that possession of land illegally for a long period of time does not give rise to title.

The judge also turned down Pathan’s contention that he was willing to pay the current market price, noting that giving such a plea would establish the dangerous precedent of legalising illegal occupation. 

The court also highlighted the fact that “Celebrities serve as social role models and their accountability is greater, not lesser. The celebrities, by virtue of their fame and public presence, wield substantial influence on public behaviour and social values. Granting leniency to such persons despite their non-abeyance of law gives a wrong message to society and undermines public confidence in the judicial system.”

The court did observe that the municipal corporation had been lax by not taking action against Pathan for years after its rejection by the state government. The judge, however, made it very clear that this lapse could not be used to bolster Pathan’s case. The petition was ultimately dismissed, and the court ordered the municipal corporation to take stringent action to demolish the encroachment. Though no penalty was levied on Pathan because of the delay by the corporation, the court reaffirmed that his takeover of the land was unlawful and could never be justified.

Background of the case

The row goes back to 2012. Pathan, who owns a bungalow in Vadodara, had sought to rent the plot-side land, Plot No. 90 of around 978 square meters, for 99 years. The Vadodara Municipal Commissioner had sanctioned his application, and the corporation’s standing committee also approved it in March 2012. Subsequently, in June 2012, the municipal corporation’s general body also approved the proposal.

Then, since the land was to be given without a public auction, the proposal was sent to the Gujarat government. The state government rejected the proposal, despite which it is alleged that Yusuf Pathan had taken possession of the land.

However, the VMC did not take any action for years. In 2024, the issue came up for discussion again. Due to this, there was a lot of protest, and politics also heated up. Considering the situation, the VMC issued a notice to Pathan and asked him to vacate the land. After that, Yusuf Pathan filed a petition in the High Court against the notice and the government’s order rejecting the proposal.

‘We want our country back’: Anti-immigration protests rock UK, several injured in violent clashes with police

OpIndia Staff
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‘We want our country back’: Anti-immigration protests rock UK, several injured in violent clashes with police

Massive anti-immigration protests organised in Britain on Saturday (13th September) turned violent after a group of protestors clashed with police officers, who were deployed to maintain law and order during the protests.

As per reports, 26 police officials sustained injuries during the clashes. 4 of them suffered serious injuries, including broken teeth, a concussion, a possible broken nose, and a spinal injury.

According to the Metropolitan Police, several police officers were punched, kicked and struck with bottles thrown by some violent protestors in the rally.

As a result, reinforcements wearing helmets and riot shields were deployed to assist police officers on duty. At least 24 offenders have reportedly been arrested, and several more have been identified for future action.

Over 1 lakh people participated in the “Unite the Kingdom” protest march, led by activist Tommy Robinson in London, against immigration.

The protestors carried banners and placards with slogans like ‘Stop the Boats’, ‘Send Them Home’ and ‘We Want Our Country Back’ 

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said, “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence”.

A counter-protest called “March Against Fascism” was also organised by Stand Up To Racism, in which around 5,000 people participated.

Who is Tommy Robison and why Brits are protesting against immigration

Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a renowned activist in the UK. He founded the nationalist and anti-Islam group called the English Defence League in 2009.

He has been quite vocal about issues like pedophile Grooming gangs and other challenges resulting from immigration, for which he has been in and out of jail several times.

The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest in Britain was held against the rising problem of immigration, which is altering the country’s demography gardually.

The rising immigrant population in the UK, particularly the Pakistani Muslim population, has given rise to a serious law and order situation in the country. The protestors demanded the expulsion of illegal immigrants from the country.

The protests received the support of French politician Eric Zemmour, who said, “We are both subject to the same process of the great replacement of our European people by peoples coming from the south and of Muslim culture, you and we are being colonised by our former colonies”.

Business tycoon Elon Musk also extended his support to the British people in their protest. Speaking to Robinson via video chat, called for the “dissolution of Parliament” and an urgent change of regime in the UK.

He told the protestors that they cannot wait for another four years till the election for the government to change. “My appeal is to British common sense, which is to look carefully around you and say, ‘If this continues, what world will you be living in?’ This is a message to the reasonable centre, the people who ordinarily wouldn’t get involved in politics, who just want to live their lives. They don’t want that; they’re quiet, they just go about their business. My message is to them: if this continues, that violence is going to come to you, you will have no choice,” Musk said.

The United Kingdom has been rocked by several cases of Pakistani grooming gangs that targeted young British girls, even those who were underage, inflicting physical abuse, rape and torture for decades. The government, authorities and media have also been accused of attempting to underplay the severity of these offenses to avoid being branded as racists.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick launches new attack on India for not buying ‘one bushel of corn,’ says ‘accept it or you are going to have a tough time’

OpIndia Staff
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U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick launches new attack on India for not buying ‘one bushel of corn,’ says ‘accept it or you are going to have a tough time’

While U.S. president Donald Trump has appeared to have softened his stand towards India, his attacks continue to attack the country over trade issues and Russian oil. In latest such comments, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick targeted India for not opening its market for American agricultural products.

Lutnick said that despite having 1.4 billion people, India does not buy even a bushel of corn from U.S.A., adding that the country will have to either buy American corn or face high tariffs. He made the comments with an interview with Axios in its inaugural show “The Axios Show.”

The Commerce Secretary made the comments responding to a question asking whether Trum administration is mismanaging or pissing away valuable allies like India, Canada and Brazil. Repeating the baseless claims of trade deficit, Lutnick said that relationship with these countries is one way, “they sell to us, and take advantage of us. They block us from their economy, and they sell to us, and while we are wide open for them come in”.

When the interviewer, Axios co-founder Mike Allen, said that U.S. is paying a big price by this approach, Lutnick said, “How are we paying a big price? We can’t. India brags that they have 1.4 billion people, then why wouldn’t they buy one bushel of corn from us? Doesn’t that rub you the wrong way. That they sell everything to us, and they won’t buy our corn. They put tariffs on everything. So the president says, bring down your tariffs, treat us the way we treat you. Now we have to right years of wrong, so we want the tariffs go the other way, until we fix this.”

One bushel of corn is 56 pounds of corn, approximately 25.40 kgs.

He further said, “That’s the President’s model, you either accept it or you are going to have a tough time doing business with the world’s greatest consumer.” 

Notably, India’s refusal to open the India’s market for American farm and dairy products is a main issue blocking a trade deal between the countries. Now, the commerce secretary has openly acknowledged that apart from Russian oil and alleged high tariffs, not importing American farm produce is also a reason for Trump’s tariff assault on India.

Kerala: Siddique Kappan among 11 booked for organising unlawful assembly against the arrest of Maoist sympathiser Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek in a UAPA case

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala: Siddique Kappan among 11 booked for organising unlawful assembly against the arrest of Maoist sympathiser Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek in a UAPA case

Terror accused ‘journalist’ Siddique Kappan was booked, along with 10 others, by the Ernakulum Central Police in connection with an unlawful assembly and use of loudspeakers without permission on Saturday evening (14th September). Two of the accused were arrested by the police and later released on station bail.

The accused had reportedly gathered at Ernakulum Vanchi Square, close to the High Court Junction, to organise a ‘Comrade Rejaz Solidarity Gathering’ condemning the arrest of Maoist sympathiser Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek. Rejaz is facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for condemning Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian Armed Forces against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. They reportedly obtained permission from the Kochi Corporation to hold the event, but did not secure mandatory police approval for the use of loudspeakers.

Apart from Kappan, others booked in the case are Neeharika Pradaush, Pramod Puzhangara, Ambika, C P Rasheed, Sajid Khalid, Baburaj Bhagavathy, VM Faisal, Mrudhula Bhavani, Dr Hari, and Shaneer. The FIR was registered under Sections 189(2), 190, and 285 of the BNS and Sections 118(e) and 117(e) of the Kerala Police Act. It reportedly states that the accused unlawfully assembled and raised “slogans for the release of comrade Rejaz and fight against the fascist UAPA”. The unlawful assembly was led by the 11 accused, and 30 others were present. The FIR further mentions that the accused did not disperse, and two of them argued with a sub-inspector.

“They had no valid sanction to use loudspeakers and had gathered illegally, causing obstruction to both pedestrians and traffic in the area. Hence, they were taken into custody,” said the assistant commissioner with Ernakulam Central subdivision, Sibi Tom. “When the police reached the spot, most participants dispersed. However, two individuals refused to leave and even pushed the sub-inspector on duty, obstructing official work,” she added.

BJP’s Ernakulam district committee has also lodged a complaint with the police regarding the event. The committee said that Kappan’s participation in the event violated the bail conditions set by the Supreme Court. Kappan, who is accused of planning to incite riots over the Hathras case, has links with the PFI. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2022.

Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek condemned India’s Operation Sindoor and action against Naxalites

Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek was arrested in Nagpur in May this year after he posted against Operation Sindoor on Instagram and also criticised the government’s action against Naxalites. He was also reportedly brandishing firearms in the video.
Sydeek was booked under sections 149 (preparing to wage war against the government of India), 192 (giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the BNS, along with relevant provisions of the UAPA. During the arrest, police seized three books related to banned Maoist ideology, including one focused on GN Saibaba, who was once accused of being a Naxal.

Sushila Karki assumes charge as Nepal’s Interim PM, declares victims of GenZ protests as martyrs, announces probe into arson and vandalism calling them criminal acts

OpIndia Staff
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Sushila Karki assumes charge as Nepal’s Interim PM, declares victims of GenZ protests as martyrs, announces probe into arson and vandalism calling them criminal acts

Sushila Karki formally took charge as Nepal’s prime minister on Sunday, two days after she was sworn in as the head of the interim government by President Ramchandra Paudel. Before assuming charge, she visited the Martyrs’ Memorial at Lainchaur.

The new PM has occupied the Home Minister’s office in Singha Durbar, as the Prime Minister’s office building in the palace compound was set on fire by the Gen Z protestors. One of the first decisions taken by the new government is to provide relief to victims of last week’s protests, and to declare them as martyrs.

Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal said that the government has declared those killed in the Gen Z movement as martyrs. The families of the martyrs will receive Rs1 million from the government.

Moreover, the government has also directed hospitals to provide free medical treatment to the injured, and treatment has already begun under the new decision. PM Karki on Saturday visited various hospitals in Kathmandu and met the injured protesters receiving treatment. 

Significantly, PM Sushila Karki said that the arson and vandalism that took place during the Gen Z protest last week were criminal acts against the country. She added that these criminal acts must be investigated and the truth made public, and those responsible must be brought to justice.

The PM said that the government would investigate the vandalism targeting Singha Durbar, Parliament building, Supreme Court, business complexes, and private property.

She said, “I have never seen such a transformation in just about 27 hours of protests. To meet this group’s demands, we must all work with determination. I did not come here out of desire; I took on this responsibility after you all urged me to step in.” PM Karki further added, “Looking at what happened in the name of protests, it seems as if it was executed in a planned way, raising questions of a conspiracy.”

Sushila Karki has started consultations with close aides and leaders from the Gen Z movement to appoint her cabinet ministers. Although she can appoint up to 25 ministers, reports suggest that she will keep it limited to 15. Notably, the interim government will be in power for just six months, as the president has said that the elections must be held by 5 March 2026.

Gen Z members are also holding consultations to suggest names from their side, and most of the discussions are taking place on Discord. Notably, Sushila Karki was also selected by the protestors on the social media platform through a voting. If consensus on names is received, the new ministers will be sworn in by Sunday evening.

Pakistani lies become Congress agenda: PM Modi slams Congress for repeating Pakistani claims on Operation Sindoor, asks people to be cautious of the party

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistani lies become Congress agenda: PM Modi slams Congress for repeating Pakistani claims on Operation Sindoor, asks people to be cautious of the party

PM Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly criticised the Congress party, accusing it of aligning with forces that go against India’s interests. While addressing a massive public meeting in Mangaldoi, Darrang district of Assam, the PM said that Pakistan’s lies becomes Congress agenda, giving the example of how Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders repeated the claims of Pakistan on Operation Sindoor.

PM Modi was in Assam as part of his visit to the Northeast after visiting Manipur and Mizoram. He laid foundation stone for several mega projects, including a medical college, a GNM School and a B.Sc. Nursing College, Guwahati Ring Road Project, and the Kuruwa–Narengi Bridge over Brahmaputra river.

Addressing the event, PM Modi said, “For the sake of politics, Congress has always associated itself with ideologies that are against the country. This was clearly visible during Operation Sindoor. When our forces destroyed terrorist leaders across Pakistan, the Congress stood with the Pakistani army instead of supporting the Indian Army. Instead of backing our soldiers, Congress repeated Pakistan’s lies and promoted the agenda of those who shelter terrorists. That is why people must always remain cautious of the Congress party.”

PM Modi went on to say that Congress has now become a “protector of invaders and anti-nationals.” According to him, vote-bank politics is Congress’s top priority, even above the nation’s interest. He accused the party of supporting infiltrators and wanting them to permanently settle in India.

Referring to the past, Modi said that when Congress was in power, it encouraged infiltration and even tried to bring these groups into the political fold to influence decisions about India’s future. He also said that during the Congress rule, encroachments were carried out on farmers’ lands and even on religious sites.

“Encroachments on farmers’ land and on places of worship were carried out under the previous Congress governments. Since the formation of the BJP-led NDA government, we have begun to correct those wrongs and remove illegal claims,” Modi told the gathering, stressing that the BJP was committed to protecting the people’s rights and the nation’s security.

Ayodhya to witness ‘green fireworks’ this Diwali, state government to set a new Guinness Book World Record by lighting 26 lakh diyas along Saryu River

OpIndia Staff
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Ayodhya to witness ‘green fireworks’ this Diwali, state government to set a new Guinness Book World Record by lighting 26 lakh diyas along Saryu River

Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is set to witness a majestic show of green fireworks this coming Diwali. A splendid Deepotsav will be organised in the city of Lord Ram, in which over 26 lakh (2.6 million) diyas or earthen lamps will be lit at the Ram Ki Paidi and other Saryu ghats of Ayodhya. This is expected to set a new Guinness Book of World record.

According to state government officials, eco-friendly, pollution-free fireworks will be among the highlights of the Deepotsav on October 19th. Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said that preparations have already commenced to make Deepotsav 2025 both divine and grand. “This time, with over 26 lakh diyas and international-level pollution-free fireworks, we will showcase the cultural grandeur of Ayodhya, giving every devotee an unforgettable experience,” Singh said.

“Amid devotional performances, a special highlight will be a pollution-free green fireworks show—a fusion of faith and innovation. Lasting about 10 minutes, an international-standard display will blend music, laser effects and modern choreography, as colourful fireworks soar into the sky and reflect brilliantly on the waters of the Saryu, leaving spectators spellbound,” he added.

Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, said that Deepotsav 2025 will celebrate an amalgamation of tradition and innovation. The intention behind including eco-friendly fireworks is to give out a message of sustainability to all the devotees while also showcasing Ayodhya’s heritage at an international level.

The Deepotsav is being organised in Ayodhya since the Yogi government came to power in the state in 2017. During last year’s Deepotsav in Ayodhya, 25,12,585 (2.51 million) diyas were lit along the banks of the Saryu river, setting a Guinness World Record. The total number of diyas lit across Ayodhya was more than 35 lakhs.

Uttar Pradesh: CSIR Startup Conclave Lucknow 2025 to showcase innovation and entrepreneurship

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: CSIR Startup Conclave Lucknow 2025 to showcase innovation and entrepreneurship

On 14th and 15th September, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is hosting the CSIR Startup Conclave Lucknow-2025 at KN Kaul Block, CSIR-NBRI. The two-day event will bring together scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and young entrepreneurs to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and drive technology-based growth. NBRI, CDRI, IITR and CIMAP labs have come together to organise the conclave.

In a post on social media platform X, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, called it a significant step under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Startup India’ mission. He said that the conclave is not just an event but a celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship. He added that at the conclave, farmers would connect with science, young entrepreneurs would be empowered to realise their dreams, and agricultural research would contribute to social prosperity.

He highlighted UP’s resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttar Pradesh’ and said that the conclave would contribute towards making the state a national hub for biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The event would provide new ideas, fresh energy, and expansion to the innovation ecosystem, he said.

Focus on bridging research and industry

The conclave comes at a time when start-ups are being seen as the backbone of India’s innovation ecosystem. Organisers of the event in a post on social media highlighted that while CSIR institutes such as NBRI, CDRI, IITR, and CIMAP possess rich expertise in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, health care, agriculture, aroma, medicinal plants, and applied environmental sciences, there is often a gap between laboratory research and industry-scale applications. The conclave is expected to address this gap through structured interventions for commercialisation and scaling.

Key activities planned

There will be panel discussions on health care, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sciences during the conclave. Furthermore, handholding sessions are being organised for technology transfer with industry. A dedicated technology showcase will display CSIR-developed innovations. In the start-up pitch sessions, innovators and entrepreneurs will present their ideas before potential investors.

Further activities include B2B and B2G meetings between start-ups, industry leaders, and government agencies. There will be workshops and awareness sessions designed to strengthen the start-up ecosystem.

In a post on X, Union MoS (Ind. Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, said, “A golden opportunity for innovators, StartUp entrepreneurs, researchers and Industry leaders to come together on one of the largest platforms dedicated to technology-driven entrepreneurship. Over 50 CSIR-incubated StartUps will showcase innovations in biotechnology, healthcare, agriculture, aroma, and environmental technology.”

Target audience and objectives

The aim of the conclave is to encourage start-ups in sectors including biotech, pharma, aroma, agriculture, and environment. Furthermore, it will help to connect young entrepreneurs, researchers, students, policymakers, and state and central government departments. The conclave will help in building collaboration platforms between CSIR labs, start-ups, and industry, showcasing technologies, driving sustainable growth through partnerships, supporting young innovators, and creating stronger linkages for incubation and funding.

What is CSIR?

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) was established in 1942. It is India’s premier national R&D organisation functioning under the Ministry of Science and Technology. CSIR has vast infrastructure that includes 37 labs and 39 outreach centres. Around 3,400 scientists work for the organisation. CSIR is at the forefront of research in several sectors including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environment, aeronautics, and IT. The organisation is recognised globally for its scientific output and patents. It plays a crucial role in encouraging innovators, driving entrepreneurship, and delivering technological solutions for national development.

Union govt reopens application window for PLI Scheme for ACs and LED lights due to industry appetite to invest more

OpIndia Staff
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Union govt reopens application window for PLI Scheme for ACs and LED lights due to industry appetite to invest more

The Union Government is reopening the application window for the PLI Scheme for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights). A press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said that this is being reopened based on the appetite of the industry to invest more under the Scheme. The ministry said that this is an outcome of the growing market and confidence generated due to manufacturing of key components of ACs and LED Lights in India under the PLIWG Scheme.

The application window is being opened on the same terms & conditions stipulated in PLIWG Scheme notified on 16.04.2021 and PLIWG Scheme Guidelines issued on 04.06.2021, as amended from time to time.

The application window for the Scheme shall remain open for the period from 15th September, 2025 to 14th October, 2025 (including both dates) on the PLIWG on-line portal. The ministry said that no application will be accepted after the closure of the application window.

In order to avoid any discrimination, both new applicants as well as existing beneficiaries of PLIWG who propose to invest more by way of switching over to higher target segment or their group companies applying under different target segment would be eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling the eligibility conditions.

So far, 83 applicants with committed investment of Rs 10,406 crore have been selected as beneficiaries under the PLI scheme. The investments will lead to manufacturing of components of Air Conditioners and LED Lights across the complete value chain, including components which are not manufactured in India presently with sufficient quantity.

The Union Cabinet had given approval for the PLI Scheme for White Goods for manufacture of components and sub-assemblies of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED Lights on 07.04.2021 in pursuance of the clarion call of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ to bring manufacturing at the centre stage and emphasise its significance in driving India’s growth and creating jobs.

The Scheme is to be implemented over a seven-year period, from FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29 and has an outlay of ₹ 6,238 crore.

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