Karnataka to unveil ‘electric vehicle and energy storage policy’

Agencies
August 23, 2017

Bengaluru, Aug 23: The Karnataka government today said it will come out with an "Electric vehicle and energy storage policy" soon with an intention to make the state the electric vehicle capital of the country.

"We will soon be coming out with an electric vehicle and energy storage policy. Today in many countries electric vehicles have come, it is going to be the future, but because of the battery cost they have become costlier," Karnataka Industries Minister R V Deshpande told reporters here.

He said, "we will be the first state to bring this policy to attract investments into this new sunrise sector. Discussions are going on, we will bring it soon."

Pointing out various initiatives undertaken by the Industries and Commerce Department to boost investments in the state, the Minister said Karnataka had maintained first place under 'Investment Intention' according to Central government's Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, with an intention of investments of Rs 1,40,683 crore.

He said in the last four years 1,823 projects have been approved by the state level single window clearance committee and state high level clearance committee with an investment of Rs 3.34 lakh crore, generating employment to 8.98 lakh persons.

He also pointed out that Karnataka government was laying emphasis on labour intensive sectors like toy manufacturing, mobile phones, tablets, electronic components and assemblies, and also to create more employment in manufacturing sector.

Deshpande also called on the private sector to join hands with the government to promote job creating ventures and more investments.

He also listed out that recently investment proposals have been received from companies such as Oracle India, TVS Motors, MRPL (Ethanol Plant), IKEA, SAP Labs, Wipro Aerospace, Molex India, HNI Autotech, ACE Bright Pharma among others.

Noting that 'Invest Karnataka', a non-profit company is incorporated to promote industries in Karnataka with 5 industry representatives and two government officials in the Board, Deshpande said Deepak Sood had been appointed as CEO to this company by deputation from CII.

The Minister highlighted the department's initiatives which include establishment of machine tool park and Japanese industrial township at Vasanthnarsapura, efforts to establish polymer design and development research laboratory on cost-sharing basis with government of India among others.

Also, coastal cashew tech centre in Kumta, marine export facility centre at Tadadi, six exclusive women industrial parks were the others.

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News Network
November 22,2025

Udupi, Nov 22: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has officially confirmed Narendra Modi’s visit to Udupi on November 28 and shared his detailed schedule with the Karnataka chief secretary.

According to the itinerary, the Prime Minister will land at Mangaluru International Airport from Delhi at 11:05 am and depart for Udupi by helicopter at 11:10 am. He is expected to arrive at the Adi Udupi helipad at 11:35 am.

The earlier plan for a roadshow has been cancelled. Instead, PM Modi will proceed directly to Sri Krishna Math at 12 pm, where he will have darshan of Sri Krishna and address participants of the Laksha Kanta Geetha Gayana event.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to depart from the Adi Udupi helipad at 1:35 pm, returning to Mangaluru Airport before leaving for Goa at 2 pm.

The state administration has been directed to make all necessary arrangements for the visit.

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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