In September 2022, who presided over the inauguration of India’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
The inauguration of India’s first lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, in September 2022 was presided over by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology.
The Minister launched the pre-production run of the facility, which was set up by the Chennai-based Munoth Industries Limited with an initial outlay of ₹165 crore. This is a crucial step towards realizing the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision, as India currently imports nearly all its requirements for lithium-ion cells.
The plant's initial installed capacity of 270 MWh can produce 20,000 cells daily, which are primarily used in consumer electronics like power banks. It is strategically located in one of the Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) in Tirupati, positioning the region as a major hub for high-tech electronic manufacturing in the country.