India, UK launch clean air initiative in Bengaluru

Question: Recently, a two-year UK-India joint initiative- Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA) was launched in which city of India?
(a) Delhi
(b) Bengaluru
(c) Mumbai
(d) Chennai
Answer: (b)
Related facts:

  • A two-year UK-India joint initiative- Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA) was launched in Bengaluru (Karnataka) on 31 July, 2019.
  • It was launched by British Deputy High Commissioner Dominic McAllister.
  • It would provide a unique air quality measurement system by integrating satellite and sensor data and support India’s transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs).

The initiative – Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA)
Features

  • It will identify innovations having potential to improve air quality and contribute to a more detailed localised map of the air quality of Bengaluru through the unique combination of satellite and sensor data, including both on-the-ground and mobile data.
  • It will identify relevant challenges around EV-charging infrastructure, grid management and integrating renewable energy to ensure a sufficient, reliable and clean source of power.
  • It will also facilitate opportunities for Indian and UK innovators to collaborate in developing long-lasting relationships to address these challenges.

Co-operative Bodies in Programme

  • The programme is led by Innovate UK — part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) — and is funded by the Newton Fund with matched resources from various key partners in Karnataka and India, like Indian Institute of Science, Enzen, Project Lithium, Confederation of Indian Industries, C40 Cities and Clean Air Platform.
  • Other partners include Citizens for Sustainability, World Resources Institute, Indian Institute for Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), Shakti Foundation, Shell Technology Centre, Global Business Inroads and India Smart Grid Forum.
  • A current UK partner, Earthsense is working in collaboration with the UK Catapults.

Links:
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/aug/01/india-uk-initiative-to-launch-unique-air-quality-measurement-system-2012486.html
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/india-uk-launch-clean-air-initiative-in-bengaluru-119073101299_1.html