**SBL Energy Ltd to Implement AI-Powered SCOUT CCTV Analytics for Enhanced Safety**
SBL Energy Ltd, a private explosives and defence products manufacturer based in Katol tehsil of Nagpur district, announced on Friday plans to deploy SCOUT, an AI-powered CCTV analytics solution. The initiative aims to minimise risks and foster a proactive safety culture within the company, according to a report by news agency PTI.
This announcement follows a recent blast earlier this month at a private explosives factory in Bazargaon, Nagpur district, which tragically left one person dead and 14 injured.
Shubham Choudhari, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of SBL Energy, highlighted that while the company strictly adheres to Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) guidelines, conducts Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) analyses, and undergoes third-party safety audits, certain risks persist—particularly concerning worker compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“To bridge this gap, we are planning to implement SCOUT, an AI-powered CCTV analytics solution that converts existing cameras into intelligent safety monitors, without needing new hardware,” Choudhari said.
SCOUT enables real-time detection of various safety violations, including missing personal protective equipment (PPE), unsafe use of mobile phones, unauthorised access, blocked emergency exits, forklift movements in walkways, and early signs of fire or gas leaks. The system also features a central dashboard for incident tracking, compliance reporting, and multi-location visibility, allowing management to monitor safety effectively across sites.
“SCOUT helps ensure both statutory compliance and active monitoring of worker SOPs, creating a safety culture that goes beyond regulations,” Choudhari added.
—
**UPSC Introduces AI-Enabled Facial Authentication for Secure Candidate Verification**
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairman, Ajay Kumar, announced on Friday the successful completion of a pilot program testing an Artificial Intelligence-enabled facial authentication technology designed for quick and secure candidate verification.
Developed in partnership with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), this initiative aims to strengthen the integrity of the examination process and enhance the entry experience for candidates at examination centres, Kumar told PTI.
Going forward, UPSC plans to implement facial recognition technology across all its examinations, including the prestigious civil services exams, which select officers for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other government posts.
Kumar noted that logistical factors such as Wi-Fi availability and training for personnel involved in facial recognition are key considerations. The commission is currently developing the necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support this rollout.
*(With PTI inputs)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/nagpur-explosives-firm-adopts-ai-safety-tech-after-blast-23594833