India can be a robotics hub in the near future

23 Feb 2024 CW Team

The market growth of industrial robots is projected to be worth over $ 66 billion, at a CAGR of 15.1 per cent, by 2027. In 2020, according to the International Federation of Robots (IFR), the automotive industry was the largest (around 28 per cent) user of robots worldwide. Construction robots are a relatively new phenomenon but as painting and coating operations are highly repetitive, they are well-suited for robotic automation. Painting robots can paint a room in a fraction of the time (nearly 30 times faster than manual painting with more consistent results) that it takes a person and they are not bothered by toxic fumes. Also, they ensure accurate regulation of pressure and flow, which is important to give consistent high-quality results. The machines can work continuously with no breaks, except for periodic maintenance. Understanding its potential, Ayushmoy Roy and Srinivas K Pai co-founded Pace Robotics, a construction robotics startup.

The journey began in 2020 when Roy developed a prototype for a painting robot. An expert in robotics with a master’s degree from Pennsylvania University, during conversations with contractors he realised the huge interest for such a product as skilled labour shortage was a critical pain point...

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Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..