Luminous Power Technologies Launches First Lithium-Ion Battery Assembly Line in Himachal Pradesh

Luminous Power Technologies, India’s leading consumer energy fulfillment company, has inaugurated its first lithium-ion battery assembly line at Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. This new assembly line marks an important milestone in Luminous’ long-term journey of strengthening advanced energy storage capabilities and reinforces the organisation’s commitment to adopting the latest next-generation energy solutions.

The newly inaugurated Lithium-ion assembly line has a production capacity of 500 MWh and integrates advanced robotic automation with precision-led manufacturing processes to ensure high standards of quality, safety, and performance across lithium-ion battery packs.

Inauguration of LiB Assembly Line

Rajiv Ganju, Sr. Vice President, Manufacturing & Global Supply Chain, Luminous Power Technologies, said, “At Luminous, manufacturing is a core pillar of our brand promise to deliver reliable, high-quality energy solutions at scale. The inauguration of this advanced lithium-ion battery assembly line strengthens our integrated manufacturing and global supply chain capabilities, while reinforcing our focus on precision, localisation, and future-ready operations. This facility reflects how we are building resilient, technology-led manufacturing ecosystems to support India’s evolving energy needs.”

The new assembly line can manufacture standalone lithium-ion battery packs, stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and automotive battery packs for e-rickshaw applications. The facility supports a capacity range from 1.2 KWh to 16 KWh for single battery packs, with system-level scalability up to 1 MWh, enabling diverse use cases across residential, commercial & industrial, and electric mobility segments. The assembly line also features end-to-end digital traceability of every battery pack, fully aligned with the latest Battery Aadhaar requirements, enabling complete lifecycle tracking and strengthening regulatory compliance, transparency, and consumer confidence.

Luminous LiB Assembly Line at Baddi Himachal Pradesh

Ganesh Moorthi, Chief Technology Officer, Luminous Power Technologies, said, “The new lithium-ion battery assembly line marks the beginning of a long-term journey for Luminous as we continue to strengthen our capabilities in next-generation energy technologies. Designed to support standalone battery packs, stationary BESS, and e-rickshaw applications, the facility integrates advanced automation with multiple first-of-its-kind quality evaluation technologies. Combined with end-to-end digital tracking aligned with the latest Battery Aadhaar requirements, this assembly line enables us to deliver lithium-ion solutions that meet high standards of safety, reliability, and performance while remaining scalable for future needs.”

Beyond manufacturing excellence, the Lithium-ion assembly line contributes meaningfully to Luminous’ sustainability objectives. The new Assembly line will play a critical enabling role by supporting renewable energy storage, reducing carbon emissions through EV and grid applications, improving manufacturing efficiency through automation, and supporting circular economy practices through recycling and reuse of battery components.

The new assembly line is expected to generate employment, contributing to local economic development in the region. The operationalization of the lithium-ion battery assembly line is an important step towards strengthening the brand position as a full-stack consumer energy fulfillment company, supporting India’s transition towards cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready energy systems.

About Luminous Power Technologies

Luminous Power Technologies is a leading provider of energy solutions, dedicated to advancing India’s clean energy shift with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. As the demand for reliable, clean, and efficient power increases, especially among residential consumers, Luminous, as a consumer energy fulfillment company, meets the changing energy needs of millions of households and businesses worldwide.

With a legacy spanning over 38 years, Luminous has built a robust presence in the energy and residential solar space. Its wide portfolio of innovative products, including inverters, batteries, and best-in-class solar solutions, is designed to provide the end-to-end energy management ecosystem with reliability, safety, and efficiency. The company operates seven state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, supported by an expansive network of over 28 sales offices and 100,000 channel partners across India. Today, Luminous powers over 100 million Indian homes and is expanding its reach globally, with a presence in more than 40 international markets.

Wipro Shuts Down Baddi Unit Amid Labor Unrest, 80 Workers Left Jobless

Wipro has permanently shut down one of its manufacturing units in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, leading to the layoff of 80 employees. The closure was announced on May 24, 2025, following months of labour unrest and a workers’ strike that began in December 2024. Many employees were reportedly caught off guard, learning about the shutdown only when they arrived for their shifts and were stopped at the factory gates.

Wipro cited economic unsustainability as the primary reason for shutting down the facility, pointing to continued operational disruptions and financial losses. Despite discussions between the company and the workers’ union, no resolution was reached, with one major sticking point being Wipro’s refusal to withdraw police cases filed against certain protesting employees.

The company has stated that it will provide statutory compensation and support to the affected workers, but the abrupt nature of the layoffs has triggered protests in the area. The workers’ union has filed a formal complaint with the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and the state Labour Department.

While this closure is a significant blow to the local workforce, another Wipro facility in Baddi remains operational.

Apart from Wipro’s recent shutdown of its Baddi manufacturing unit, there have been other notable closures in India’s manufacturing sector. Nissan India was rumored to be considering shutting down its manufacturing operations in India, but the company issued an official statement denying these speculations and reaffirming its commitment to the Indian market.

Maruti Suzuki, MG, and Toyota temporarily shut down their plants due to rising COVID-19 cases, though these closures were not permanent.

While Wipro’s closure wals driven by labour unrest and financial losses, other shutdowns have been influenced by market conditions, global strategies, or temporary disruptions.

India's 1st Multi-purpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project Inaugurated in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh

SJVN sets milestone with Inauguration of First Multi-purpose Green Hydrogen Pilot Project of the Nation

SJVN begins Centralized Operations of 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station and 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station.

SJVN Limited, an Indian public sector undertaking involved in hydroelectric power generation and transmission, has achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of India's first Multi-purpose (Combined Heat & Power) Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at SJVN’s 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh.

The green hydrogen produced from the project will be utilized for High Velocity Oxygen Fuel (HVOF) Coating Facility of NJHPS for meeting its combustion fuel requirements. In addition, it will also generate electricity through its fuel cell of 25 kW capacity.

The first Multi-purpose (Combined Heat & Power) Green Hydrogen Generation Plant of the nation has been inaugurated by Chairperson and Managing Director, Smt. Geeta Kapur on April 24, 2024.

1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS)

Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS)

Speaking about the project, the Chairperson said, “Aligned with National Green Hydrogen Mission of Government of India, SJVN's Green Hydrogen Pilot Project is poised to accelerate the development of green hydrogen production infrastructure in the power sector, thus establishing green hydrogen as a clean energy source.”

The state-of-the-art Green Hydrogen Pilot Project is set to produce 14 kilograms of Green Hydrogen daily during 8 hours of operation. The hydrogen produced will be stored at a pressure of 30 bars, in six storage tanks, with a total storage capacity of 12 m3. The project will produce hydrogen using alkaline electrolyzer of 20 Nm3/hour capacity, which would be powered by renewable energy supplied from 1.31 MW Solar Power Plant of SJVN in Wadhal, Shimla.

Besides generating power, the green hydrogen will also be used for High Velocity Oxygen Fuel Coating of turbine underwater parts.

During her visit, the SJVN Chairperson also inaugurated first-of-its-kind Centralized Operation of the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) and 412 MW Rampur Hydro Power Station (Rampur HPS), by remotely operating Unit-2 of Rampur HPS from NJHPS Control Room at Jhakri, Himachal Pradesh. Rampur HPS is being successfully operated on Tandem Operating System with NJHPS.

Smt. Kapur commended the dedicated efforts of the teams at NJHPS, Rampur HPS and at Electrical Design Team at SJVN Corporate Headquarters for this achievement. She urged the employees to continue working diligently to realize the aim of being able to operate the entire Rampur HPS from NJHPS at the earliest.

The Green Hydrogen Pilot Project aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission of the Government of India, accelerating the development of green hydrogen production infrastructure in the power sector and establishing green hydrogen as a clean energy source. Kudos to SJVN for this pioneering initiative. 

Linked with AgriTech Startups, Science Museum Inaugurated in Himachal's Chambal

The Minister says, Himachal with rich biodiversity is most suitable for promotion of Agri-tech Start-ups and promised DBT hand-holding of young innovators to take a plunge in ongoing start-up boom in the country

Ministry of Science and Technology taken an initiative to install 75 science museums in different Aspirational districts of the country to infuse scientific temper among the school children: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister for Science and Technology and MoS PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh today inaugurated a Science Museum at Aspirational District of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh in presence of State Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur and other dignitaries.

Linking it to Start-Ups, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the state-of-art institution in this hilly region will inspire young children to discover their potentials and use their innovative skills to find a source of livelihood in later life.

The "DBT-NIPGR-Pandit Jaiwant Ram Upmanyu Science Museum" set up by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research, an autonomous institute of Department of Biotechnology, at Government Boys Senior Secondary School (GBSSS), Chamba will help infuse scientific temper among the school children. 

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Himachal being a Himalayan State with rich biodiversity is most suitable for promotion of Agri-tech Start-ups and the Department of Biotechnology is willing to hand-hold the young innovators to take a plunge in the ongoing start-up boom in the country. He said, the geography and climatic conditions in Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh favour the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants and these can be developed into Agri-tech and aromatic enterprises. The Minister offered Chief Minister Jairam Thakur all help to study and implement CSIR supported Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, which can be replicated in a big way in Himachal.

The minister pointed out that only recently Prime Minister Modi has reviewed the progress of Aspirational Districts and remarked, “The success of Aspirational Districts on various parameters - be it health, nutrition, education or exports - is heartening. Glad to see the lives of lakhs get transformed due to Aspirational Districts program.

The Minister was happy to note that Chamba has been ranked second in Health and Nutrition in March 2019, ranked among best districts in basic infrastructure in November 2020 and overall second in October 2021 in the country among the 117 districts identified across the country by NITI Aayog. He added that Aspirational District concept is based on objective parameters and it is scientifically designed with evaluation based on certain essential indices. 

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates Science Museum at Aspirational District of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh, links it with StartUps; State Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur graces the inaugural even.

The Minister says, Himachal with rich biodiversity is most suitable for promotion of Agri-tech Start-ups and promised DBT hand-holding of young innovators to take a plunge in ongoing start-up boom in the country.

Ministry of Science and Technology taken an initiative to install 75 science museums in different Aspirational districts of the country to infuse scientific temper among the school children: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister for Science and Technology and MoS PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Saturday, inaugurated a Science Museum at Aspirational District of Chamba in Himachal Pradesh in presence of State Chief Minister Shri Jairam Thakur and other dignitaries.

Linking it to Start-Ups, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the state-of-art institution in this hilly region will inspire young children to discover their potentials and use their innovative skills to find a source of livelihood in later life.

Last year in September, Dr. Singh had announced that Government will be setting up Science Museums across the country to promote scientific temper, particularly among children and the younger generation. 

The "DBT-NIPGR-Pandit Jaiwant Ram Upmanyu Science Museum" set up by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research, an autonomous institute of Department of Biotechnology, at Government Boys Senior Secondary School (GBSSS), Chamba will help infuse scientific temper among the school children. 

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Himachal being a Himalayan State with rich biodiversity is most suitable for promotion of Agri-tech Start-ups and the Department of Biotechnology is willing to hand-hold the young innovators to take a plunge in the ongoing start-up boom in the country. He said, the geography and climatic conditions in Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh favour the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants and these can be developed into Agri-tech and aromatic enterprises.

The Minister offered Chief Minister Jairam Thakur all help to study and implement CSIR supported Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, which can be replicated in a big way in Himachal. 

Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that only recently Prime Minister Modi has reviewed the progress of Aspirational Districts and remarked, “The success of Aspirational Districts on various parameters - be it health, nutrition, education or exports - is heartening. Glad to see the lives of lakhs get transformed due to Aspirational Districts program.”

The Minister was happy to note that Chamba has been ranked second in Health and Nutrition in March 2019, ranked among best districts in basic infrastructure in November 2020 and overall second in October 2021 in the country among the 117 districts identified across the country by NITI Aayog. He added that Aspirational District concept is based on objective parameters and it is scientifically designed with evaluation based on certain essential indices.

Dr Jitendra Singh told the gathering thay aligning with the vision of Prime Minister to make Science & Technology reach every nook and corner of the country, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India has taken an initiative to install 75 science museums in different Aspirational districts of the country. He said, the purpose of these science museums is not only to apprise the scientific journey and achievements of India in the last 75 years of Independent India but also to infuse scientific temper among the school children

Dr Singh once again underlined that this initiative will lead to science-based, rational and progressive thinking among the students so that they are encouraged to take science as a career and spread scientific vision in the society, besides giving shape to critical thinking in the form of lucrative start-up Ventures. 

"The establishment of these science museums should not only cherish the rich scientific heritage of our country but also emerge as crucibles of innovation and invoke curiosity and enthusiasm in the students and the youth" , said Dr Jitendra Singh. He said, the establishment of science museums in the aspirational districts will also effectively contribute to the “Jan Bhagidari” and Samgra Shiksha Abhiyan of Government of India.

In his address, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur profusely thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr Jitendra Singh for granting Science Museum to the Aspirational District of Chamba and said it will go a long way in inculcating scientific spirit and approach among the students of this district and also the adjoining areas. 

Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Mr. Thakur said, "In the last 8 years, several developmental projects were sanctioned for Himachal Pradesh to make it at par with other developed states of the country. He particularly mentioned about Shri Modi laying the foundation stone of the Medical Device Park at Nalagarh, at a cost of about Rs 350 crore on 5th October, 2022, which will significantly enhance employment opportunities in the region."

Earlier in the month of May, North India’s 1st Biotech Park/Incubator was launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh in Jammu & Kashmir region. The Biotech Park would act as hub for incubation of new ideas and will support the agri-entrepreneurs, startups, progressive farmers, scientists & scholars not only from J&K, but from neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal's Shoolini University Declared 3rd in India in Filing Patents

Ten-year-old Shoolini University has added another feather to its cap with having ranked third in the country, and first in Himachal Pradesh, in filing patents by academic institutes and universities across India. 

As per the annual report recently released by the Office of Intellectual Rights, India, the first in the list of patent filers are the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). However, the patents filed by all the 23 IITs in the country have been merged to declare the group of institutions as the top patent filer.

The rankings were declared on Thursday by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trade Marks and Geographical Indicators under the Union ministry of Commerce and Industry's Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

While the report did not disclose the exact number of patents filed by different institutions, it mentioned the number of patents filed from each state. According to it, a total of 193 patents were filed from Himachal Pradesh during April 2018 and March 2019 while Shoolini University alone has the record of filing 185 of these patents during the period. Despite a number of institutions, including centrally funded institutions, in Himachal Pradesh, almost all patents have been filed by Shoolini University researchers who have taken the state to be among the top patent filing states of the country.

The University has so far filed 425 patents since its inception.

Congratulating the faculty and students for the prestigious rankings, Vice Chancellor Prof P K Khosla said the rankings reflect the emphasis laid on research in the University. He said the University was already rubbing shoulders with the world's top universities in various parameters of research and innovation.

He said the university started paying focus on research in late 2014 and its researchers could file only 33 patents for the first year. It picked up pace and has filed a total of 425 patents till date. The next step after the formal filing of patents is the publication of the patent and so far 211 of these patents have been published.

Prof Khosla said that 30 of its design patents have been granted besides a trademark. He also informed that six copyrights have been granted to the University.

The Vice Chancellor said that the covid pandemic has slowed down the research work but stressed that efforts are being made to expedite pending projects.

The University has filed the maximum number of patents in Biotechnology followed by those in engineering, basic sciences and pharmaceuticals.

About Shoolini University:

Set up in 2009, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences is a research-driven private university with full-recognition from the UGC. A leading university of India, it is recognised for its focus on innovation, quality placements, and world-class faculty. Nestled in the lower Himalayas, the university has received accreditation from NAAC and it is ranked by the NIRF.

For further information, please visit: https://shooliniuniversity.com/