LBS

India approves National Logistics Policy

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the National Logistics Policy. The Policy lays down an overarching interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral, multi-jurisdictional and comprehensive policy framework for the logistics sector. The policy complements the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. While PM GatiShakti National Master Plan is aimed at integrated infrastructure development, the National Logistics Policy is envisaged to bring efficiency in logistics services, and human resources through streamlining processes, regulatory framework, skill development, mainstreaming logistics in higher education and adoption of suitable technologies.

The vision is to develop a technologically enabled, integrated, cost-efficient, resilient, sustainable and trusted logistics ecosystem for accelerated and inclusive growth.

The Policy sets targets and includes a detailed action plan to achieve them. The targets are:

• to reduce cost of logistics in India to be comparable to global benchmarks by 2030,

• improve the Logistics Performance Index ranking, to be among top 25 countries by 2030, and

• create data driven decision support mechanism for an efficient logistics ecosystem.

This policy paves way for reduction in logistics cost in the country. Focus will be on enabling adequate development of warehouses with optimal spatial planning, promotion of standards, digitization and automation across the logistics value chain and better track and trace mechanisms.

The policy also clearly lays down an action agenda for immediate on ground implementation of various initiatives. In fact, to ensure that the benefits of this policy have maximum possible outreach, important initiatives under the policy including the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), the Ease of Logistics Services platform, e-handbook on Warehousing, training courses on PM GatiShakti and logistics on i-Got platform, were launched along with the launch of the National Logistics Policy. Thereby indicating the readiness for immediate on ground implementation. https://pib.gov.in/

Vodafone developing technology for autonomous vehicles

Vodafone and Topcon Positioning Group are developing a new mass-market precise positioning system that will locate Internet of Things (IoT) devices, machinery, and vehicles with a greater degree of accuracy than using only individual GNSS.

Both companies have agreed to advance customer trials and Vodafone is inviting select customers to join pilot activities in Germany, Spain, and the UK. The companies aim to test the service, called Vodafone GNSS Corrections, using a wide variety of devices connected to Vodafone’s global IoT network. www.vodafone.com

Automakers in China must have licence for mapping data in smart cars

China has said that automakers must apply for licences to collect geographic data using sensors on their intelligent vehicles, highlighting Beijing’s security concerns about the growing sophistication of smart cars’ mapping capabilities.

Automakers and developers of autonomous driving software should either apply for mapping licences or ask a licensed company to collect, store, transform and process geographic data, according to the statement published by the Ministry of Natural Resources. www.reuters.com

5G network without GNSS timing

Türk Telekom is using specialized GPS/GNSS-independent technology to provide critical time and frequency synchronization in its 5G network. The technology — developed by Türk Telekom engineers with Net Insight — is expected to significantly reduce synchronization investment costs and increase service continuity in 5G. The companies did not reveal the details of their technology. Türk Telekom became the first operator in the world to implement the “Time Synchronization Transmission Solution,” implemented in cooperation with Net Insight. www.turktelekom.com

Argo AI introduces new products and services

Argo AI has unveiled its comprehensive suite of products and services designed to enable businesses of any size to use autonomous vehicles to enhance ridesharing or goods delivery operations. The Argo product ecosystem is customizable based on a business’s needs, bringing together cutting-edge self-driving technology, vehicle and fleet management solutions, and robust data and analytics to achieve scalable autonomous operations. www.argo.ai

Nokia introduces new SaaS service

Nokia has introduced its latest Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), AVA Charging, to help communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises quickly commercialize new offerings for 5G and IoT use cases.

Using software consumed on demand through a subscription-based model, Nokia (Automation, Visualization, and Analytics) AVA Charging incorporates business intelligence derived from hundreds of customer engagements to enable fast monetization of 5G and IoT services. www.nokia.com

NVIDIA launches IGX Edge AI Computing Platform

NVIDIA has introduced the NVIDIA IGX platform for high-precision edge AI, bringing advanced security and proactive safety to sensitive industries such as manufacturing, logistics and healthcare. As the platform for safe, secure autonomous systems, IGX improves human-machine collaboration. www.nvidia.com