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This initiative was further bolstered in 2021 with incentives for all stakeholders.

Karnataka is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in India. According to a recent report by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, the state has the highest number of public electric vehicle charging stations (PEVCS) in the country, most of them in Bengaluru.

As per the report, there are 5,765 PEVCS in the state, of which 4,462 are in Bengaluru Urban alone. Similar reports released by Vahaan and Yatra portals in 2023 and 2024, respectively, also showed Karnataka taking the lead in EV charging stations. 

Energy department officials said this achievement underscores the state’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy. “According to recent data, Karnataka has set a remarkable benchmark with its electric vehicle infrastructure, and Bengaluru city is leading the charge. Bangalore Urban District alone boasts 4,462 EV charging stations, representing over 85% of the state’s total. This highlights Bengaluru’s pivotal role in Karnataka’s impressive achievement, underscoring the city’s commitment to advancing sustainable transportation,” a release from the department said. Karnataka was also the first state to introduce an EV policy in 2017. This initiative was further bolstered in 2021 with incentives for all stakeholders. 

The energy department is working to develop model EV cities across Karnataka, a strategic move aimed at significantly boosting EV adoption and establishing a sustainable transportation framework for the future, officials said.

“Karnataka has set a new benchmark in the nation with 5,765 PEVCs as per BEE statistics. The initiatives and policies implemented by the state reflect a concerted effort to build a robust EV infrastructure and promote sustainable transportation,” Energy Minister KJ George said. 

The charging stations have been funded through a variety of sources. These include the Union government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, Bescom’s own investments, green cess funds from the state transport department, and public-private partnerships, said Bescom Managing Director Mahantesh Bilagi. 

To boost Karnataka’s EV ecosystem, the state government, in the February 2024 budget, proposed the establishment of nearly 2,500 new EV charging stations across the state under the public-private partnership model. The government plans to invest Rs 35 crore in setting up 100 charging centres in collaboration with power supply companies, the release said. 

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The airport has made a 95.6% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas emissions, attaining highest emission elimination by an Indian airport.

Kempegowda International Airport operated by Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has marked a significant milestone by becoming the first airport in Asia to receive Airports Council International’s (ACI) the highest Level five accreditation, officials said on Friday.

Bangalore Airport has made a remarkable 95.6 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, attaining the highest emission elimination by an Indian airport, achieved seven years ahead of the initial target of 2030, they said.

The accreditation comes into effect from May 5, 2024.

“BLR Airport has made significant strides in its decarbonisation journey and set new benchmarks by transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity and implementing initiatives focusing on sustainable mobility and green infrastructure.

“To offset its residual emissions, BLR Airport has procured Airports Council International (ACI) approved carbon units from verified carbon removal projects. Looking ahead towards 2030, BLR Airport has committed to offsetting residual emissions through in-house green landscape projects, further demonstrating its dedication to build a sustainable future,” BIAL said in a statement.

“We are delighted to be the first airport in Asia to attain ACI’s Level five accreditation and to lead the way with the highest emission elimination by an Indian airport. Achieving Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions seven years ahead of our target is a testament to BLR Airport’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. This accomplishment not only sets a new benchmark for us but also reinforces our dedication to creating a greener future for all,” Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO of BIAL said.

According to BIAL, looking forward, BLR Airport’s commitment transcends beyond Scope one and two emissions. Aligning with the stringent standards of the Airports Council International (ACI) carbon accreditation programme at Level five, the airport is steadfast in its goal to attain Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050, encompassing Scope three emissions.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

The investment signifies that the company is making to build semiconductor capabilities.

In its first acquisition in India in the silicon design space, IT consulting and services major Accenture announced the acquisition of Bengaluru-based Excelmax Technologies. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The acquisition enhances Accenture’s growing silicon design and engineering capabilities. Excelmax provides custom silicon solutions used in consumer devices, data centres, artificial intelligence (AI), and computational platforms that enable edge AI deployments, to clients in the automotive, telecommunications, and high-tech industries.

The acquisition will bring in 450 strong engineering team of Excelmax joining the global IT player’s team. This is the second acquisition in the semiconductor design space by Accenture. In 2022, Accenture announced the acquisition of XtremeEDA, an Ottawa, Canada-based silicon design services company.

Mahesh Zurale, global lead – Advanced Technology Centres Global Network, Accenture, said, “Accenture’s acquisition of Excelmax Technologies brings approximately 450 highly skilled silicon professionals to our Advanced Technology Centres in India. With the global demand for silicon solutions on the rise, India is becoming a hotbed for chip design. Growing our skilled talent in the country across physical and RTL design, verification, emulation, and firmware engineering will help us expand our capabilities in the silicon design space and accelerate innovation for our worldwide clients.”

Founded in 2019, Excelmax brings comprehensive semiconductor solutions from high-level design to detailed physical layout ready for manufacturing, and full turnkey execution. The company adds approximately 450 professionals to Accenture in key areas such as emulation, automotive, physical design, analog, logic design, and verification, expanding Accenture’s ability to help global clients accelerate edge computing innovation.

Growing capabilities inorganically has been Accenture’s strategy. In FY24 (YTD), it acquired 35 companies at a total cost of $5.2 billion. In the past, the company has acquired Indian and India footprint companies.

“With the rapid evolution of new technologies like generative AI and the growth of connected products, more intricate, specialized chips with enhanced performance and efficiency are required,” said Karthik Narain, group chief executive—Technology at Accenture. “Our acquisition of Excelmax enhances our expertise across every aspect of silicon design and development—from concept to production—so we can help our clients fuel innovation and drive growth.”

“Our focus has always been on developing the best talent to deliver tailor-made solutions for our global clients that help them build and maintain competitive advantage,” said Shekhar Patil, founder & CEO, Excelmax Technologies. “Joining Accenture enables us to remain at the forefront of innovation, providing new and exciting opportunities for both our clients and our people.”

The semiconductor market is experiencing a surge in demand for silicon design engineering, driven by the proliferation of data centres and the increasing use of AI and edge computing. This is further propelled by the growing consumer appetite for electronics, which is driving new investments in the chip design space.

The engineering design space, which would be a similar area as Accenture’s acquisition, has seen some of the largest M&A deals by global and Indian IT services players. Recently, Cognizant announced the acquisition of Belcan in a $1.3 billion transaction. Similarly, Infosys acquired Germany-based in-tech for $480 million.

source/content: business-standard.com (headline edited)