Latest news with #FAME
Mint
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
Icat to launch portal to streamline applications for vehicle testing by March
New Delhi: India's International Centre for Automotive Technology (Icat), a key vehicle testing body, is preparing to launch a new online portal by March 2026 to streamline applications for vehicle testing and government subsidy schemes, two people aware of the development said. The upcoming portal - Icat Online Certification System (Iocs) 2.0 - will consolidate manufacturer and product information, expanding on the original 2010 portal's function to include testing for initiatives such as the ₹10,900-crore PM E-drive scheme. The mandatory testing under Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) will also be managed through the new system. "The original portal was created in 2010 with the intention to cater to CMVR testing. The new portal is likely to cater to the additional testing related to government schemes such as PM E-drive and PLI-Auto," the first of the two persons cited earlier said, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity. Also read: Ola Electric says it has enough service centres. Govt isn't buying that Queries sent to Icat, an autonomous testing agency under the aegis of the ministry of heavy industries, did not elicit a response till press time. PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-drive) scheme, with a financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore, came into effect on 1 October 2024 and will remain in force until 31 March 2026. Its main aim is to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, establish charging infrastructure and build a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem in the country. PLI-Auto scheme - launched in 2021 with a corpus of ₹25,938 crore - refers to the production-linked incentive scheme for automobiles and auto components, which incentivises manufacturers for sales of zero-emission vehicles. Under these clean mobility schemes, the government has mandated automakers to seek certification regarding the usage of domestically-manufactured components in final products, a criteria also known as localisation. There were plans to develop this new portal right before the Covid-19 pandemic, but they were delayed, the second person said. In a bid to encourage green mobility and cut carbon emissions, the Union government started incentivising electric vehicles a decade ago with the FAME Scheme. FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (and Hybrid) vehicles. In a further push, it also unveiled the PLI-Auto scheme. Also read: India plans to offer grants, ease regulatory norms for rare earth processing amid China supply woes After two iterations of the FAME scheme, the government is currently running the PM E-drive scheme to increase the adoption and manufacturing of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, trucks and ambulances. Under this flagship scheme, the government allocated ₹780 crore for the upgradation of four vehicle testing agencies. A key focus of these agencies was to certify products for benefits under the PM E-drive and PLI-Auto schemes. These four testing agencies—Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Icat, National Automotive Test Tracks (Natrax), and Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC)—are responsible for localisation clearances related to electric vehicles under the PLI-Auto scheme and the PM E-drive scheme, as per guidelines of both the schemes Icat can also test and certify vehicles for the conditions mentioned in Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, which is mandatory for manufacturers to sell a particular vehicle. Icat has issued 138 certificates under the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS) and 7 certificates to Champion OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) under the PLI-Auto scheme till September 2024, the FY25 annual report for the ministry of heavy industries said. EMPS was an interim scheme between the FAME and PM E-drive scheme. It ran from April to September 2024, and has since been subsumed under the PM E-drive scheme. But the industry has faced concerns related to non-uniform timelines followed by testing agencies for approvals. Also read: Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant gets cargo rail link "Newer technologies, such as electric vehicle powertrains, have increasingly gained momentum in the country. This has led to an increase in the number of manufacturers seeking necessary approvals from testing agencies. While agencies do commendable work, the timelines with which they work can be non-uniform. Some approvals take a few days, while others take months. It becomes difficult to launch new products in case of such timelines," said Pawan Kakkar, managing director, YC Electric Vehicles, which manufactures about 50,000 e-rickshaw units in a year. Testing of vehicles assumes significance due to the localisation component under India's clean mobility schemes. Both the PM E-drive and PLI-Auto schemes have stringent mandates for using domestically-manufactured goods and raw material to make final products. Under the PLI-Auto scheme, manufacturers have to show 50% domestic value addition (DVA) to be eligible for incentives. Similarly, under the PM E-drive scheme, manufacturers have to ensure that they only import components mentioned in the phased manufacturing programme (PMP). All other components have to be sourced domestically. Under the second iteration of the FAME scheme, which ran from FY19 to FY24, the government penalised manufacturers who claimed the demand incentive despite violating the PMP. These companies—Hero Electric Vehicles Pvt Ltd, Benling India Energy and Technology Pvt Ltd and Okinawa Autotech International Pvt Ltd—received the assent of testing agencies, and were able to claim incentives. Only under a second inspection were PMP violations found. The government's Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) searched the premises of these companies, as per a 2 December press statement by the corporate affairs ministry.
India Gazette
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Gazette
DGT and Shell India jointly launch Green Skills-focused EV training program to empower youth
New Delhi [India], June 13 (ANI): The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Shell India, launched a Green Skills and Electric Vehicles (EV) training program aimed at equipping students and faculty with future-ready capabilities in green energy and e-mobility. This initiative will be implemented by Edunet Foundation, training partner of Shell, across select Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka on 12th June 2025, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Under the DGT-Shell India collaboration, green skill training will be delivered through a structured multi-tier model across select NSTIs and ITIs. In the first phase, the program includes a 240-hour advanced EV Technician course at 4 NSTIs, a 90-hour job-oriented EV skills course at 12 ITIs equipped with Shell-supported labs, and a 50-hour foundational green skills module at additional ITIs without physical labs. The curriculum, jointly developed by Shell, Edunet Foundation, and DGT, covers EV systems, diagnostics, battery technology, digital tools, and safety protocols. The initiative also includes Training of Trainers (ToT) for over 250 instructors, certification co-branded by Shell and DGT, and structured placement support to enhance industry readiness. A key highlight of the initiative is the establishment of specialised EV skill labs within select ITIs and NSTIs. These labs are designed to offer hands-on training and expert-led sessions aligned with industry standards. Beyond lab-based learning, the program also provides placement support and co-branded certifications to successful participants, enhancing their employability in the green energy and EV sectors. The Government of India has been actively advancing Green Energy and Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in line with its net-zero ambitions. Flagship initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme have played a pivotal role in accelerating EV uptake, enhancing infrastructure, and offering targeted incentives. Complementing these national efforts, states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have introduced their own EV policies to fast-track the transition to electric mobility, foster local ecosystems, and generate green jobs. These developments underscore the growing demand for a skilled workforce in the green energy and EV sectors. As the apex national body for vocational training, DGT will play a crucial role in this initiative by mobilizing students and trainers and supporting the institutional ecosystem to ensure alignment with national education and skill development standards. Speaking on the importance of this initiative, Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE and Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary said, 'Our collaboration with Shell India reflects the government's deeper commitment to aligning skilling with sustainability. Green energy, electric mobility, and the broader climate transition are not just environmental imperatives--they represent a generational opportunity for India to lead through innovation, talent, and enterprise. This initiative is part of our larger vision to create a workforce that is not only job-ready, but climate-ready. We are equipping young Indians with the skills to shape--and not just participate in--the global green economy.' Director General, Directorate General of Training (DGT), MSDE, Trishaljit Sethi, stated, 'This partnership with Shell India is a focused step in bringing cutting-edge training infrastructure and industry-relevant curriculum into our ITIs and NSTIs. By integrating electric vehicle technologies into vocational training, we are ensuring that our students gain hands-on experience that is aligned with real-world demand. With joint certification, trainer upskilling, and placement support built into the program, this initiative will significantly strengthen the employability of our youth in the green mobility sector.' Speaking on the partnership, Chairperson, Shell Group of Companies in India & Senior Vice President, Shell Lubricants, Asia-Pacific, Mansi Madan Tripathy said, 'At Shell, we aim to support local communities by enabling future employment opportunities. Equipping youth with green energy skills is an important step towards building a lower-carbon future. Through our collaboration with DGT and Edunet Foundation, we are providing students with practical and future-ready expertise in green energy and electric mobility. This initiative empowers young people to thrive in an evolving energy landscape and contribute towards India's net-zero ambitions'. This collaboration between DGT and Shell India is a robust move in preparing India's youth for careers in the future green economy. By offering a comprehensive curriculum, specialized labs, and industry support, the initiative will equip students with hands-on skills and certifications, enhancing their employability and positioning them to lead in a sustainable, innovation-driven future. (ANI)
India Gazette
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Gazette
Government launches skill training programs in green energy and electric vehicles
New Delhi [India], June 13 (ANI): The government's Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Shell India have launched a Green Skills and Electric Vehicles (EV) training program aimed at equipping students and faculty with future-ready capabilities in green energy and e-mobility. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said in a release that the initiative will be implemented by Edunet Foundation, Shell's training partner, across select Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka on June 12, 2025. The release added under the DGT-Shell India collaboration, green skill training will be delivered through a structured multi-tier model across select NSTIs and ITIs. In the first phase, the program includes a 240-hour advanced EV Technician course at 4 NSTIs, a 90-hour job-oriented EV skills course at 12 ITIs equipped with Shell-supported labs, and a 50-hour foundational green skills module at additional ITIs without physical labs. Shell, Edunet Foundation, and DGT jointly developed the curriculum, which covers EV systems, diagnostics, battery technology, digital tools, and safety protocols. The initiative also includes Training of Trainers (ToT) for over 250 instructors, certification co-branded by Shell and DGT, and structured placement support to enhance industry readiness. A key highlight of the initiative is the establishment of specialised EV skill labs within select ITIs and NSTIs. These labs are designed to offer hands-on training and expert-led sessions aligned with industry standards. Beyond lab-based learning, the program also provides placement support and co-branded certifications to successful participants, enhancing their employability in the green energy and EV sectors. The Government of India has been actively advancing Green Energy and Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in line with its net-zero ambitions. Flagship initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme have played a pivotal role in accelerating EV uptake, enhancing infrastructure, and offering targeted incentives. Complementing these national efforts, states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have introduced their own EV policies to fast-track the transition to electric mobility, foster local ecosystems, and generate green jobs. These developments underscore the growing demand for a skilled workforce in the green energy and EV sectors. As the apex national body for vocational training, DGT will play a crucial role in this initiative by mobilising students and trainers and supporting the institutional ecosystem to ensure alignment with national education and skill development standards.(ANI)
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
85 if not 100: e-bus plan in limbo, UT ready to settle for less
1 2 Chandigarh: Facing the imminent phasing out of 100 diesel buses and struggling to get 100 e-buses as their replacements for more than a year, the Chandigarh administration will now send a fresh proposal for procuring 85 new e-buses to the central govt. A UT official said the Transport Department would again prepare a detailed proposal and submit it to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Recently, the officers of the Transport Department also went to Delhi and held a meeting regarding the purchase of buses. "Under the current circumstances, the administration will float fresh tenders on its own. The terms and conditions will be the same as those set by the central govt. The tender will be floated after approval from the competent authority. From the start of the tendering process to the delivery of buses, it will take at least six months," said a UT official. The urgency for procuring the buses stems from the fact that out of the 358 diesel buses, 100 will complete their 15-year service limit by November this year, and these will have to be phased out. The CTU is the mainstay of the public transport system in the tricity, with Mohali having no tricity bus service available and Panchkula having a very limited local bus service. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Clean Warehouses = Safe Workplaces SearchMore Learn More Undo If these 100 buses are taken off the road, there would be a consequent reduction in bus services within the tricity. The process to replace these 100 diesel buses with e-buses started a couple of years ago. "The buses were being purchased under a central govt scheme, and even the tendering process was completed last year. But since then, litigation plagued the execution of the tender. Even if the tender materialises now, we are still unlikely to get the 100 buses before November," said the official. The new 100 e-buses were to be ultra-low entry (ULE) vehicles of 12m length. The existing e-buses with CTU are 9m long and of low entry. The 100 buses were being availed under the 'PM e-Bus Sewa' scheme. Earlier, e-buses were availed under phase II of the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) India Scheme of the central govt. In the tendering process for the new e-buses, which concluded in March 2024, the lowest bid was Rs 61.8 per km. MSID:: 121784767 413 | Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Frost Fire Summer Theatre to present 'The Last Five Years'
Jun. 10—GRAND FORKS — Frost Fire Summer Theatre will open its 2025 season with the musical "The Last Five Years" on Friday, June 13, with performances to be staged here and in Walhalla, North Dakota. The musical is the first of two productions the theater company is presenting this summer. The other is "FAME, the Musical," which opens July 8 for several performances at the Empire Arts Center, with a preview set for July 2 in Walhalla. The company is based at Frost Fire Park, seven miles west of Walhalla. In Grand Forks, "The Last Five Years" will be presented June 19-22 and 26-29 at the Empire Arts Center, 415 DeMers Ave. Curtain times are 7 p.m. on Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. For tickets, $25 plus fees, go to or call (701) 746-5500. In Walhalla, shows will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 15, at the Walla Theater, 909 Central Ave. For tickets, $20 each, visit or call (701) 549-3600. Misti Koop and Michael Marcotte, both well-known local actors, musicians and Frost Fire alums, are the sole cast members in "The Last Five Years." Gina Uhlir, of Grand Forks, also a Frost Fire alumna, is the director. The musical, written by Jason Robert Brown, will feature a live, string ensemble — Tamara Bertram, Victor Chukwu, Garett Peterson, David Hysjulien and Adrian Luevano — and pianist Yen Loh; the stage manager and lighting director is Autumn Horton; and sound director is Spencer Black, all of Grand Forks. The emotionally powerful and intimate musical tells the story of a five-year relationship between Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress, and Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist. It uniquely unfolds as Wellerstein's story is told in chronological order (starting just after the couple have first met) and Hiatt's story is told in reverse chronological order (beginning the show at the end of the marriage). The characters do not directly interact except for a wedding song in the middle as their timelines intersect. The 90-minute production, with no intermission, "emphasizes precise eye contact and physical placement to help the audience follow the characters' differing timelines while being in the same space," according to the event announcement. According to Uhlir, "This story showcases the unraveling of a relationship with all the joys, missteps and emotions present along that path. We hope that in this story, you find threads of your own: a beginning, an ending or maybe just a memory of feeling deeply." In announcing the upcoming performances, Koop wrote, "I can't wait to share this beautiful piece with all of you! I am getting to stretch my vocal and acting chops again! It's an incredible feeling!" As someone who, for years, has been dedicated to providing rich theatrical experiences, Koop said about the Frost Fire productions and all of live theater, "In today's world where everything is a screen-touch away, it is a privilege to go to the theater and feel. No screens, no AirPods, no white noise ... just the live story being told in front of you." A production of "The Last Five Years" opened in 2001 at the Northlight Theatre in Chicago and was produced off-Broadway in 2002. It has had numerous productions in the U.S. and internationally, and a subsequent Broadway production. A film adaptation, starring Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick, was released in 2014. Because the show has some mature language, it is recommended for audience members 16 years and older. The Frost Fire Summer Theatre company has been unable to present productions since the roof of its amphitheater at Frost Fire Park collapsed due to heavy snow in April 2023. Since then, performances have been staged at other locations, including the Grafton High School auditorium in Grafton, North Dakota, where the company presented the musical "Oklahoma!" The amphitheater must be completely rebuilt to meet requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, according to Koop, the Frost Fire Theatre manager. Soil and topography work is completed and architectural designs are ready. The organization has received grant funding, financial gifts and donations to support the effort and is "working daily to match our Destination Grant of $1.75 million (from the North Dakota Department of Commerce) to start construction," she said. "We've secured over $700,000 in gifts and pledges" and several requests are pending. The Frost Fire Summer Theatre company welcomes donations to continue the project. For more information, or to make a donation, contact Koop at (701) 330-8626 or email mistikoop@ .
