19 September,2025 06:03 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
The system also integrates a central dashboard for incident tracking, compliance reporting, and multi-location visibility for management. Representational Pic
SBL Energy Ltd, a private explosives and defence products manufacturer located in Katol tehsil of Nagpur district, announced on Friday its plans to implement SCOUT, an AI-powered CCTV analytics solution, aimed at minimising risks and fostering a proactive safety culture, news agency PTI reported.
The announcement comes in the wake of a recent blast at a private explosives factory in Bazargaon, Nagpur district, earlier this month, which left one person dead and 14 injured.
Shubham Choudhari, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of SBL Energy, stated that while the company strictly adheres to PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) guidelines, conducts HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) analyses, and undergoes third-party safety audits, certain risks still persist, particularly related to worker compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
According to the news agency PTI, Choudhari stated, "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."
SCOUT enables real-time detection of safety violations, including missing personal protective equipment (PPE), unsafe use of mobile phones, unauthorised access, blocked emergency exits, forklift movement in walkways, and early signs of fire or gas leaks.
Alerts are instantly triggered via alarms, hooters, SMS, and email, enabling swift corrective action. The system also integrates a central dashboard for incident tracking, compliance reporting, and multi-location visibility for management.
"SCOUT helps ensure both statutory compliance and active monitoring of worker SOPs, creating a safety culture that goes beyond regulations," Choudhari added.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairman, Ajay Kumar, on Friday announced that a pilot program has been successfully conducted to test an Artificial Intelligence-enabled facial authentication technology for quick and secure candidate verification.
This initiative, developed in partnership with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), aims to strengthen the integrity of the examination process and enhance the entry experience for candidates at examination centres, Kumar stated.
"The UPSC plans to use facial recognition of candidates from all its examinations, including the civil services exams, going forward," Kumar told PTI on Friday.
The commission conducts various recruitment examinations for government jobs, including the civil services exam to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), among others.
Kumar noted that logistics, such as Wi-Fi availability and training for personnel involved in facial recognition, are key considerations. Necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs) are currently being developed in this regard.
(With PTI inputs)
