CARGOCONNECT-OCTOBER2024 - Flipbook - Page 68
N EWS
DPIIT launches BHASKAR platform to boost
startup ecosystem
T
he Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT),
under the Ministry of Commerce
and Industry, launched the Bharat
Start-up Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) platform to
bolster India's start-up ecosystem.
This new initiative under the
Start-up India programme aims
to centralise resources, connect
stakeholders, and enhance collaboration among start-ups,
investors, and mentors.
BHASK A R
aligns with India’s
vision of becoming
a global innovation
leader, serving
as a one-stop
digital registry
for over 146,000
recognised startups. The platform will provide
personalised BHASKAR IDs for
easier networking and discovery
of opportunities, helping entrepreneurs access critical resources
and tools. It also promises faster
decision-making and scaling for
start-ups, while promoting India’s
global brand in innovation and
entrepreneurship.
Indian firms forge strategic MoU with UAE’s IRH
to strengthen critical mineral supply chain
I
ndian companies, including Khanij Bidesh India Ltd
(KABIL), Oil India Ltd (OIL),
and ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), have
signed a MoU with International
Resources Holdings RSC (IRH)
of the UAE. This strategic col-
laboration marks a signi昀椀cant
step toward bolstering the global
supply chain of critical minerals.
The agreement focuses on joint
project identi昀椀cation, thorough
due diligence, and the formulation
of risk management strategies,
coupled with the development
of a robust long-term off take
strategy.
The MoU emphasises leveraging the strengths, resources, and
networks of each party to achieve
operational excellence and secure
a stable supply of essential energy
minerals. This partnership is
also set to enhance coopera-
tion in identifying, acquiring,
and developing critical mineral
projects on a global scale.
CMD NALCO and Chairman
of KABIL expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating,
“This is a signi昀椀cant milestone
in our e昀昀orts to strengthen the
global critical mineral supply
chain and ensure a sustainable
future for the country, contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The alliance is poised to play
a crucial role in advancing India’s
energy security and aligning
with its broader self-reliance
initiatives.
Indian Railways to launch Super App to
streamline travel and cargo services
I
ndian Railways is gearing up
to launch a new Super App
aimed at transforming travel
and logistics services across the
country. Union Railways and
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
recently announced the forthcoming app, which is expected
to integrate multiple railway
services into a single digital
platform.
The app is set to streamline
various aspects of railway operations, including ticket booking,
real-time train tracking, and
cargo management. It will o昀昀er
a uni昀椀ed interface for users to
access all necessary services,
simplifying both travel and
logistics processes. Features are
68 | CARGOCONNECT OCTOBER 2024
anticipated to include live train
status updates, seat availability,
and a new digital payment system
to facilitate easy transactions.
A signi昀椀cant focus of the app
will be its cargo logistics capabilities. By digitising cargo booking
and tracking, Indian Railways
aims to enhance the efficiency
of its freight services, reduce
manual processing time, and
improve transparency in cargo
operations. This move is expected
to lower operational costs and
boost accuracy in cargo handling.
Honda Power Pack
Energy, Bhago
Mobility launch green
fleet management
service
Power Pack Energy
HBhagoonda
India has partnered with
Mobility to introduce
a green fleet management
service, enhancing EV last-mile
delivery solutions. The collaboration features Honda e:Swap’s
battery swap technology,
enabling continuous uptime for
EV fleets by quickly swapping
discharged batteries with
fully charged ones. EVs will
be deployed across strategic
hubs in Bangalore and Delhi,
offering 24/7 access within a
10 km radius of metro stations.
With a target of 10,000 vehicles
by 2028, Bhago Mobility aims
to revolutionise sustainable
transportation while reducing
its carbon footprint. The
initiative, launched on World EV
Day, also includes plans for a
solar-powered hub to support
eco-friendly fleet operations.
Swiggy and MSDE
launch ‘Swiggy Skills’
initiative to boost
skilling in logistics
has partnered with the
Sandwiggy
Ministry of Skill Development
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to
launch the ‘Swiggy Skills’ initiative, aligned with the Government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The programme aims to offer
skilling, employment, and training opportunities to Swiggy’s
delivery partners and restaurant
staff, benefiting around 2.4 lakh
individuals. Swiggy’s platform
will integrate with the Skill India
Digital Hub (SIDH), providing
access to courses, certifications,
and skill loans. This initiative
focuses on empowering workers
in logistics, retail, and quick
commerce sectors. Swiggy also
plans to recruit 3,000 employees
through internships and MSDE
training programmes. The
partnership emphasises the role
of logistics in India’s economic
transformation and workforce
development.
