Anand Mahindra calls for India’s AI-driven HPM and laser defence push; invites startups to collaborate with iCreate Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group and Tech Mahindra, has emphasized the urgent need for India to prioritize the development of indigenous, AI-enabled High-Power Microwave (HPM) and laser technologies as part of its air defence strategy. Speaking on Friday, he argued that reactive imports are no longer viable in the face of evolving threats, urging the nation to invest in self-reliant solutions. Mahindra also extended an invitation to startups specializing in next-generation defence technologies to collaborate with iCreate, a deep-tech startup incubator based in Gujarat. Mahindra highlighted the shifting dynamics of modern warfare, noting that low-cost drone swarms and economic efficiency are increasingly shaping battlefield outcomes. He stated, “For India, this is very pertinent. Importing solutions reactively isn’t a strategy. Building indigenous, AI-enabled HPM and laser capability early is.” He further stressed the importance of fostering innovation through faster procurement processes, patient capital, and institutional support for deep-tech startups to scale. The industrialist pointed out that traditional military approaches, reliant on conventional firepower, are becoming obsolete. He explained that cheap kamikaze drones, which cost a fraction of the interceptors used to neutralize them, pose a significant threat. “The aggressor doesn’t need to win. He just needs to keep the math working in his favour,” Mahindra noted, underscoring the need for cost-effective and scalable defensive systems. Mahindra also addressed the limitations of laser-based counter-drone technologies, which, while precise, are ill-suited for engaging large-scale drone swarms.#gujarat #mahindra_group #anand_mahindra #tech_mahindra #i_create
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Warns of Fossil Fuel Risks, Urges Green Energy Transition Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday highlighted the economic and environmental challenges posed by India’s heavy reliance on fossil fuel imports, emphasizing the urgent need to transition toward alternative and indigenous energy sources. Speaking at an international AI conference on climate resilience, green innovation, and sustainable development in Nagpur, Gadkari noted that India spends nearly Rs22 lakh crore annually on importing fossil fuels, a burden that strains the economy while exacerbating pollution. He stressed that achieving the vision of an "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) requires a significant reduction in fossil fuel dependence. Gadkari, who described India as the fastest-growing economy in the world, argued that future growth must be rooted in "ethics, economy, ecology, and environment." He underscored that sustainable development cannot be achieved without protecting natural resources and adopting region-specific solutions. The minister also criticized the lack of coordination between universities, research organizations, and local communities, calling it the "biggest challenge" in addressing practical problems. He urged academic institutions to contribute directly to socioeconomic development and called for performance audits of educational institutions to assess their societal impact. Gadkari emphasized the potential of biofuels such as ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, and bio-CNG as cost-effective, pollution-free alternatives. He highlighted the opportunity to convert agricultural waste like rice straw into bio-CNG, which could mitigate pollution from stubble burning while generating economic value.#butibori #union_minister_nitin_gadkari #international_ai_conference #mahindra_group #atmanirbhar_bharat
