Startup develops drone to clean solar plant in 30 minutes
Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth
(PDKV), Akola, developed a drone that can clean a 1-megawatt solar energy project in just 30 minutes using clean water, significantly improving efficiency.
Developed under the guidance of Dr SR Kalbande, director of PDKV-RIF and dean of agricultural engineering, in collaboration with Indian Drone Research and Development Pvt Ltd, the drone offers a faster, automated, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional manual cleaning.
PDKV's 600-KW solar project faces challenges in rooftop panel cleaning, which affects efficiency due to the accumulated dust on it. "This drone not only reduces cost and water usage but also increases energy production through clean panels," said Ashish Bhaskar Hande, managing director and CEO.
"Our goal is to strengthen India's clean energy mission with the help of indigenous and sustainable technology."
Dr Kalbande added, "By providing technical guidance to the startup and helping them every time, our objective is to create a startup ecosystem in our region."
This idea promotes national campaigns such as Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and the spread of green technology. The project, supported by vice-chancellor Dr Sharad Gadakh, was successfully demonstrated at the College of Agricultural Engineering, in the presence of faculty and students.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Metro installing energy efficient lifts, escalators
1 2 3 4 Kanpur: The Kanpur Metro Rail Project's Corridor-1 (IIT to Naubasta) was extended from IIT Kanpur to Kanpur Central in two phases. Now, preparations are in full swing for the third phase to further extend services up to Naubasta. As part of this phase, installation work of lifts and escalators is progressing swiftly at seven stations between Kanpur Central and Naubasta, namely Jhakarkati, Transport Nagar, Baradevi, Kidwai Nagar, Basant Vihar, Baudh Nagar, and Naubasta. Among these, Jhakarkati and Transport Nagar are underground stations, while the remaining five--Baradevi, Kidwai Nagar, Basant Vihar, Baudh Nagar, and Naubasta--are elevated. Notably, all lifts and escalators being installed at these stations are being manufactured in India under the 'Make in India' initiative. As part of the balance section of Corridor-1 (Kanpur Central to Naubasta), a total of 23 escalators and 26 lifts are being installed to facilitate passenger movement from station entry points to the concourse level and from the concourse to the platform level. The installation work is already underway. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Signs That A Heart Attack Is Imminent Learn It Wise Undo Each underground station will have 3 lifts and 4 escalators, while each elevated station will be equipped with 4 lifts and 3 escalators. So far, 11 out of the planned 23 escalators and 10 out of the 26 lifts were installed across all seven stations. Load testing is also being conducted alongside the installation of these systems. All lifts and escalators being used in the Kanpur Metro project were manufactured in Chennai, India under the 'Make in India' initiative. A key feature of these systems is their eco-friendliness. The lifts use regenerative braking technology that helps conserve energy. The smart escalators are designed to automatically pause when not in use for a certain period, further supporting energy conservation. From a safety standpoint, each escalator is equipped with three emergency stop buttons for quick shutdown in case of emergencies. These escalators also provide automatic announcements advising passengers to hold the handrail for their safety. Managing director of Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (UPMRC), Sushil Kumar, said, "Kanpur Metro team is fully committed to extending passenger services from Kanpur Central to Naubasta. To optimise time, system installations are being carried out in parallel with civil construction at all stations. All lifts and escalators installed are being manufactured domestically under the 'Make in India' initiative. Our entire team and contracting agencies are working with strong determination and meticulous planning to achieve our goal."
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
Naidu lays out roadmap before Rajnath for defence sector investments in A.P.
In a determined bid to establish Andhra Pradesh as a national leader in defence and aerospace manufacturing, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has put forward a proposal to the Union Government, aiming to attract major strategic investments to the State. A delegation of senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Members of Parliament met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Thursday and submitted the Chief Minister's proposals, which outline a multi-pronged roadmap for defence development in the region. The delegation, led by MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu and joined by MPs Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and Daggumalla Prasada Rao, conveyed Mr. Naidu's vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a robust defence production hub. They submitted two detailed communications from the Chief Minister — both dated May 19 — laying out plans for setting up defence corridors, reviving existing infrastructure, and partnering with the Centre on high-impact manufacturing projects. At the core of the proposal is the establishment of four major defence and aerospace manufacturing clusters strategically located across the State. These include a missile and ammunition production zone in Jaggaiahpet–Donakonda, an aircraft and defence electronics hub in Lepakshi–Madakasira, a naval equipment and weapons testing complex in Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli, and a drone and robotics manufacturing unit in Kurnool–Orvakal region. Together, these clusters would cover over 23,000 acres and serve as the backbone of the State's defence industrial ecosystem. In addition to these hubs, the proposal seeks Central support for a ₹2,400 crore BEL Strategic Complex at Palasamudram and calls for the revival of the aluminium alloy plant of Utkal Alumina and Defence Ltd. (UADNL) in Nellore, which has a capacity of 60,000 TPA. Other projects outlined include land allocation for HAL's expansion plans, establishing an MRO and assembly facility for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program at Lepakshi–Madakasira, and setting up an Air Force Station at Donakonda to support nearby UAV and missile test ranges. Naval SEZ The letter also proposes a Naval SEZ and training centre in Visakhapatnam to support the Eastern Naval Command and allied operations. A DRDO Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence at IIT Tirupati has been suggested to strengthen R&D and innovation in collaboration with academia. To coordinate and oversee the scale of these initiatives, the proposal recommends engaging NITI Aayog, defence industry veterans, and scientific experts, including former DRDO Chairman G. Satheesh Reddy, to guide Andhra Pradesh's transition into a nationally significant defence manufacturing State. In his communication, Mr. Naidu emphasised that these proposals are aligned with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and are aimed at strengthening India's self-reliance in defence technologies. He highlighted the dual goals of enhancing national security and creating large-scale employment and industrial growth in Andhra Pradesh. He also requested the Defence Ministry's recognition and support for the projects, stating that the proposed hubs will help the State emerge as a key contributor to India's defence and aerospace sector. The outreach marks a renewed and strategic push by Mr. Naidu to attract the country's largest defence investments and position Andhra Pradesh as a future-ready hub for innovation, manufacturing, and strategic capability.
India.com
7 hours ago
- India.com
Meet T-14 Armata Tanks: Russia Offers Worlds Most-Advanced Deadly Battle Tanks To India With Local Twist
photoDetails english 2936967 As India continues to assert its role as a rising global power, the need for a modern, technologically advanced, and battle-ready military has never been more urgent. The Indian Army, with its legacy of strength and resilience, is now looking to upgrade its aging tank fleet to counter new-age threats — from high-altitude stand-offs to drone warfare. In this context, Russia's proposal to co-develop and locally produce a customized variant of the T-14 Armata, one of the world's most advanced main battle tanks, presents a powerful opportunity. This initiative is not just about acquiring firepower — it's about self-reliance, strategic independence, and enhancing India's indigenous defense capabilities under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Updated:Jul 25, 2025, 08:57 PM IST Next-Gen Technology 1 / 9 The T-14 Armata stands out for its fully digital architecture and battlefield automation. Designed to integrate Artificial Intelligence for real-time monitoring and autonomous threat response, it marks a leap forward in combat efficiency. Its systems are geared to detect, track, and engage threats swiftly, making it highly suitable for future warfare scenarios involving smart munitions and drone swarms. Unmanned Turret 2 / 9 One of the most revolutionary features of the T-14 is its unmanned turret, a first in Russian tank design. The three-member crew is housed in an armored capsule located in the tank's hull, isolated from ammunition and turret operations. This configuration drastically increases survivability in hostile environments and represents a significant advancement over India's current armored platforms. Cold-Weather 3 / 9 Weighing 55 tons and capable of operating in temperatures as low as –50°C, the T-14 is built for the harshest climates — making it particularly suited for India's strategic frontiers in Ladakh, Siachen, and Arunachal Pradesh. This capability is critical for India, given its ongoing challenges in these regions and the need to maintain an edge over adversaries like China. Firepower For Battlefield 4 / 9 The T-14 is equipped with a 125mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun that can fire both conventional rounds and laser-guided missiles, enabling it to strike enemy tanks, bunkers, and drones with pinpoint accuracy. This level of versatility ensures the tank can adapt to a wide range of operational needs — from offensive strikes to defensive posturing. Strategic Fit 5 / 9 Russia envisions the T-14 as a strong candidate for India's Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, which aims to replace the outdated T-72 tanks. With limited induction of India's indigenous Arjun tank, the T-14 could offer a viable high-tech alternative. The tank's integration of surveillance and reconnaissance tools would enhance India's preparedness against threats like kamikaze drones and precision-guided munitions. Local Production 6 / 9 The proposed joint venture with Indian defense firms — possibly involving DRDO's Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) — would allow for significant technology transfer. India already assembles T-90 tanks domestically, and a localized T-14 variant could be fitted with the indigenous DATRAN-1500HP engine, paving the way for long-term self-sufficiency in armored systems. Challenges 7 / 9 Despite its promise, the T-14 deal faces hurdles. Western pressure — especially amid tensions around Russia — poses diplomatic challenges. The U.S. has previously threatened tariffs over India's energy ties with Moscow. Additionally, India still depends on Russia for 80%+ of T-90 components. Competing offers from France, the U.S., Germany, and Italy for India's FRCV project also complicate the procurement process. 8 / 9 9 / 9
