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Showing posts with the label Digital India

NAAC’s New AI-Driven Accreditation System Set to Transform Indian Higher Education from August 2025

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Introduction: A New Era of Academic Accreditation Begins In a landmark reform for Indian higher education, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is all set to roll out a revamped accreditation system in August 2025 . This new model replaces physical inspections with AI-powered evaluations and digital verification , ensuring a transparent, efficient, and scalable approach to assessing academic institutions. The changes are designed to support the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) and expand accreditation coverage to over 90% of higher education institutions (HEIs) across India in the next five years. From Manual to Machine: NAAC Leverages Artificial Intelligence The current accreditation framework, which relied heavily on peer team visits , has long been criticized for complications, potential biases, and credibility concerns. The new AI-driven model removes this dependency, especially at the basic level of accreditation, by focusing on: Machine...

Supreme Court Extends Protection from Arrest to Raushan Sinha in Case Linked to Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks

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Background of the Controversy The Supreme Court of India has extended interim protection from arrest to petitioner Raushan Sinha , who is facing criminal proceedings stemming from a social media post he made in reference to a controversial statement by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi . The matter is rooted in remarks Gandhi made in the Lok Sabha on July 1, 2024 , where he reportedly said: “Those who call themselves Hindus are 24 hours engaged in violence, hatred, and lies.” Following this speech, Raushan Sinha shared a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account featuring an image of Rahul Gandhi and a caption stating: “Those who are Hindus are violent - Rahul Gandhi.” This post led to an FIR (No. 1619/2025) registered on July 2, 2024 , at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad , under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 , specifically Sections 352, 353(2), 353(1)(c), and 336(4). Supreme Court’s Orders and Protection from Arrest On July 24, 2025 , a benc...

AI in the Red Zone: How Gadchiroli Police Are Transforming Naxal-Affected Villages with Tech Skilling

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Introduction: From Conflict to Code Once known primarily for its challenges—poverty, limited access to education, and persistent Naxal insurgency— Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra is now scripting a different story. At the heart of this transformation is a police-led initiative that’s empowering tribal youth through cutting-edge technology training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), software, and web development . The Gadchiroli Police Skilling Institute , under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Neelotpal , is becoming a model of grassroots tech empowerment , bridging the digital divide in one of India’s most underserved regions. Police-Led Tech Education: A Certified Mission The initiative took shape after the Gadchiroli Police Office received certification from the Maharashtra Government's Skill Development Department . With formal recognition, the Gadchiroli Police Skilling Institute began offering structured training in: Software Development Web Developm...

Top 10 Game-Changing Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025: Driving Innovation, Impact & Identity

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  A wave of transformative entrepreneurship is reshaping the landscape of business in India and beyond. From AI-led branding to eco-conscious pest solutions, these ten visionary leaders are not just running successful ventures—they're rewriting the rules of innovation and purpose-driven enterprise. Here’s a closer look at the game changers who are turning bold ideas into lasting impact. 1. Godwin Pinto – Redefining B2B Branding with AI-Powered Websites Founder, Troika Tech (Mumbai) Godwin Pinto is leading a digital revolution in India’s B2B space through AI-integrated WordPress websites. Troika Tech builds smart, interactive platforms that go beyond traditional design—generating leads, collecting inquiries, tracking users, and personalizing customer journeys. With Indian SMBs still largely dependent on outdated sales strategies, Pinto’s intelligent web tech offers a 24/7 digital sales team, helping businesses modernize rapidly and scale efficiently. 2. Rajendra Singh Tanwar ...

ECI Meets Political Parties to Review Special Intensive Revision Drive in Bihar

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India Mobile Congress 2025 Gathers Momentum with Startup and Developer-Focused Initiatives

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  Bengaluru Roadshow Highlights Strategic Vision for IMC 2025 As the countdown begins for India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 , the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have intensified engagement with innovators and tech leaders. A significant milestone in this journey was marked by a Bengaluru roadshow —a prelude to Asia’s largest digital technology forum, which is set to be held in October 2025 . The event, organised alongside TiE Bangalore’s Matrix Global Summit 2025 , spotlighted Bengaluru’s role as a pivotal launchpad in India's digital ecosystem. The summit focused on deep-tech advancements , including Generative AI , blockchain, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. Empowering Innovation: ASPIRE, Startup World Cup, and API Hackathon IMC 2025 is designed around a strong innovation framework, with flagship programs like: ASPIRE Programme : A strategic initiative to connect over 500 startups with global v...

India’s Growth Trajectory to Outpace G7: PHDCCI Report Highlights Economic Momentum, Demographic Strength, and Strategic Global Role

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On MSME Day, Entrepreneurs Voice Critical Needs: Technology, Funding, and Skilled Workforce at the Forefront

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MSME Day 2025: Spotlight on India’s Growth Backbone June 27 marks International MSME Day , declared by the United Nations General Assembly to raise global awareness about the contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India, home to over 64 million MSMEs , celebrates this day amidst renewed calls from entrepreneurs for more structured and targeted government support. MSMEs Demand Stronger Tech & Supply Chain Infrastructure According to Vasu Naren , Chairman & MD of Sona Machinery , sectors like food processing face major hurdles due to poor supply chains and limited digital infrastructure. He emphasized the need for smart trade infrastructure , real-time electronic platforms, and improved last-mile logistics. He also urged the government to support MSMEs in global trade promotion through funded digital outreach and regular participation in international trade fairs. IT-Based MSMEs Struggl...

India's Data Consumption Set to Double by 2030, Driven by Massive 5G Expansion: Ericsson Mobility Report

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India Leads Global Mobile Data Usage Per User India is poised to retain its global leadership in mobile data consumption per user, with data usage per smartphone projected to rise from 32 GB/month in 2024 to 62 GB/month by 2030 , according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report . This growth highlights India’s digital trajectory as the world’s most data-hungry mobile market. The current data consumption per user is already the highest globally. The expected doubling over the next six years underscores a transformative demand for high-speed connectivity, video streaming, gaming, and AI-powered applications in both urban and rural regions. 5G Subscriptions to Triple by 2030 India's 5G subscriber base , which stood at 290 million in December 2024 (around 24% of total mobile subscribers), is projected to surge to 980 million by 2030 —representing 75% of all mobile subscriptions in the country. This dramatic shift will see a corresponding decline in 4G subscriptions, from the ...

FASTag-Based Annual Pass to Revolutionize Highway Travel from August 15: Major Relief for Private Vehicle Owners

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🚦 Big Shift in Tolling Policy: Annual FASTag Scheme Announced Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari , on Wednesday announced a landmark development in India’s digital highway infrastructure — the launch of a FASTag-based annual toll pass . This scheme is aimed at easing financial burdens and travel inefficiencies for non-commercial private vehicle owners by offering unlimited access across 200 toll plazas for ₹3,000 per year , effective August 15, 2025 . Currently, frequent highway commuters pay an estimated ₹10,000 per year on tolls. The new system will reduce this to an average ₹15 per trip , offering a potential annual savings of ₹7,000 for regular users. 🛣️ Scope of the Scheme: Where and to Whom It Applies Applicable only on National Highways Not valid for state roads Available exclusively for private vehicles — including cars, jeeps, and vans Valid for 200 toll transactions annually , where one trip equals one toll crossing Activa...

Top 10 Innovative Indian Brands and Experts to Watch in 2025

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Netflix’s India Impact: Over $2 Billion in Economic Growth, Says Co-CEO Ted Sarandos at WAVES 2025

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Netflix’s Post-COVID Investment in India Surpasses $2 Billion  Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, revealed during the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 that the streaming giant's investments in India have resulted in over $2 billion in economic impact since the COVID-19 pandemic . This impact includes jobs created, skills developed, and production infrastructure supported by Netflix across the country. He made the announcement during a conversation with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan on Day 3 of the summit, held at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai . Netflix’s Reach Across India: 100+ Cities, 25,000+ Creatives  Sarandos shared that Netflix has filmed across over 100 towns and cities in 23 Indian states , collaborating with over 25,000 local artists, technicians, and crew members . This extensive outreach not only fuels regional storytelling but also empowers local economies and creative ecosystems. The Future of Storytelling: “Connection Over Predi...

Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Swiggy, Zepto Over App Inaccessibility for Visually Impaired Users

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Landmark plea raises concerns on digital inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities Background of the Case On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued notices to food delivery giants Swiggy and Zepto , along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) , in a significant case concerning digital accessibility for visually impaired users . The petition, filed by the NGO Mission Accessibility , alleges that these companies' mobile applications are not designed to be accessible to persons with visual impairments, thereby violating multiple legal and constitutional provisions. The case was heard by Justice Sachin Datta , who directed all respondents to file their replies within four weeks . The matter will next be taken up on May 28, 2025 . Key Allegations by the Petitioner The petition, filed through advocates Sarah and Taha Bin Tasneem , with advocate Rahul Bajaj appearing for the petitioner, outlines specific issues related to the user interface...

How India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Saved ₹3.5 Lakh Crore and Transformed Welfare Delivery

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What is Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)? Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) is a government initiative in India aimed at reforming the system of welfare delivery by transferring subsidies and financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries. It was formally launched in January 2013 and significantly expanded post-2014 under the Modi government as a key pillar of the Digital India mission . The DBT system utilizes the JAM trinity — Jan Dhan accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile phones — to ensure direct, traceable, and efficient delivery of public welfare funds, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Key Findings: ₹3.48 Lakh Crore in Savings A recent report by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation , as cited by the Ministry of Finance , has revealed that DBT has led to cumulative savings of ₹3.48 lakh crore from 2009 to 2024 . These savings are primarily attributed to plugging leakages in subsidy delivery, eliminating ghost beneficiaries , and reducing administrative overheads ...

No GST on UPI Transactions Above ₹2000: Ministry of Finance Clarifies

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💼 No GST on UPI Transactions Above ₹2000: Ministry of Finance Clarifies Government Responds to Misinformation The Ministry of Finance has officially debunked circulating claims about the imposition of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000 . In a public statement issued on Friday, the Ministry termed these reports as “completely false, misleading, and without any basis.” As of now, there is no proposal under consideration to levy GST on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions above any threshold, including the ₹2,000 mark. Understanding the GST and MDR Framework The confusion seems to have arisen due to a lack of clarity around the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) —a fee that was previously charged to merchants on digital transactions. To clarify: GST is levied only on MDR , not on the digital payment transaction itself. Since January 1, 2020 , as per a Gazette Notification dated December 30, 2019 , the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT...

Daakia.com Revolutionizes Parcel Booking in India through Strategic Partnerships

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Game-Changing Collaboration with India Post and Private Logistics Giants Daakia.com , the digital logistics arm of Mobisafar Services Private Limited , has announced a strategic partnership with India Post , along with top logistics companies like Delhivery , Xpressbees , and Ecom Express . This partnership aims to democratize courier and parcel booking across the nation by making it faster, more affordable, and accessible to every household — urban or rural. Vision: "Courier Booking as Easy as Mobile Recharge" At the heart of Daakia.com's mission lies a simple vision — to make sending parcels as easy and seamless as recharging your mobile . This new approach blends cutting-edge technology with an expansive offline reach to ensure even the remotest corners of India are well-served. According to a company spokesperson: "Our vision is to bring simplicity, speed, and savings to every Indian household when it comes to sending parcels." AI-Powered Plat...

Supreme Court Ruling on Bulk Ticket Booking: A Step Towards Transparency in Indian Railways

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Supreme Court Ruling on Bulk Ticket Booking: A Step Towards Transparency in Indian Railways The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark judgment addressing the bulk procurement of railway tickets, declaring it a "social crime" and reinforcing the importance of fairness and accessibility in the Indian Railways ticketing system. This decision has been widely welcomed, including by the Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF), Manoj Yadava , who emphasized its positive impact on curbing ticketing malpractices. Supreme Court’s Landmark Judgment On January 9, the Supreme Court ruled that unauthorized procurement and supply of railway tickets—whether through physical or online means—is a criminal offense under Section 143 of the Railways Act, 1989 . The judgment stemmed from Special Leave Petitions filed by the Ministry of Railways challenging decisions by the Kerala and Madras High Courts. Key takeaways from the judgment include: Hoarding Prevention: Ens...

Detailed Analysis of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025

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Detailed Analysis of the Digital Personal Data Protection  Rules, 2025 Introduction The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, received Presidential assent on August 11, 2023. The DPDP Rules, 2025, serve as an implementation framework, detailing provisions and procedures under the Act. These rules are pivotal in defining the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of stakeholders, including Data Fiduciaries, Data Principals, and Consent Managers. Key Highlights of the DPDP Rules, 2025 1. Short Title and Commencement The Rules, effective upon publication, have specific sections (Rules 3 to 15, 21, and 22) with later effective dates. This staggered rollout ensures stakeholders have adequate preparation time. 2. Notice by Data Fiduciaries Data Fiduciaries are mandated to provide Data Principals with clear, standalone notices detailing: The types of personal data collected. Specific purposes for data processing. Methods to withdraw consent and lodge complaints....

Union Budget 2024-25: Key Priorities Outlined by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

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Union Budget 2024-25: Key Priorities Outlined by  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman In the Union Budget 2024-25 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, nine critical priorities were identified to generate ample opportunities and drive economic growth. These priorities include productivity and resilience in agriculture, employment and skilling, and manufacturing and services. Nine Priorities for Economic Growth While presenting the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman emphasized sustained efforts across the following nine priorities: 1. Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture 2. Employment and Skilling 3. Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice 4. Manufacturing and Services 5. Urban Development 6. Energy Security 7. Infrastructure 8. Innovation, Research, and Development 9. Next Generation Reforms Focus on Key Areas The interim budget in February 2024 highlighted the government's focus on four key areas: the poor, women, youth, and farmers. Notabl...

FM Sitharaman to Present Historic Seventh Consecutive Union Budget in Paperless Format

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FM Sitharaman to Present Historic Seventh Consecutive  Union Budget in Paperless Format Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to make history by presenting her seventh consecutive Union Budget during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, starting July 22. This milestone will establish her as the first Finance Minister to present seven consecutive budgets, breaking the record of Morarji Desai, who presented six budgets from 1959 to 1964. Paperless Budget Presentation Continuing the trend of the past few years, Budget 2024 will be delivered in a paperless format. This move not only signifies a step towards modernization and digital governance but also aligns with environmental sustainability efforts. Stakeholder Consultations In preparation for the budget, the Finance Ministry has engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders across the economy. These deliberations, which began on June 20, included representatives from trade unions, the education and health sec...