Gwalior, May 17 (IANS) Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, said on Saturday that India is at the forefront of the rapidly advancing global telecom revolution under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He asserted that in the days to come, India will play a leading role in tailoring rules for 6G technology. The minister made this assertion during an interaction with media persons in his home district in Gwalior on Saturday. The minister was briefing the press about India’s achievements in telecommunication on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on May 17. Lauding the reach of 5G in the country, he noted that the rollout of 5G in the country has been one of the fastest in the world, and will be able to reach 82 per cent of the population in 22 months. “The rollout of 5G technology has taken place, and in just 22 months, the information revolution has reached 82 per cent of the population of 99 per cent of districts in the country. India will take the lead in shaping the upcoming 6G technology regulations,” Scindia added. He also stated that new services are being introduced in the postal system. The Minister informed that India Post is one of the largest logistics and distribution networks in the world, having 1.64 lakh post offices and 2.5 lakh postal workers. “In 2008, I designed the logo for the Department of Posts, with the slogan ‘Postal Service is Public Service.’ Every postal worker operates with this spirit. India will continue to lead the telecom revolution,” said Scindia.May 17 is observed as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day to raise global awareness of social changes brought about by the internet and new technologies and reduce the digital divide. Meanwhile, responding to India endorsing the boycott of Turkiye for its support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Scindia said, “This is the will of the people. The nation comes first.” “The boycott is an emotional decision taken by the people of the nation. Citizens have made this decision voluntarily. The nation comes first, and no citizen will compromise when it comes to national interest and security,” he asserted. –IANS pd/dan

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) Senior government officials have underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionising governance paradigms, reiterating AI’s growing relevance in enabling data-driven policymaking, augmenting service delivery mechanisms, and optimising administrative efficiency, IT Ministry said on Saturday.In a concerted effort to accelerate the adoption of AI in public administration, the Directorate of Information Technology (DIT) in Tripura, in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the IT Ministry, organised a sensitisation and capacity building workshop on “AI for Good Governance: Driving Transparency, Efficiency & Impact” at Pragna Bhawan, Agartala.The workshop, conducted as a key component of NeGD’s Capacity Building initiative, aimed to enhance the understanding and adoption of AI in governance among senior officials in the state.Kiran Gitte, Secretary, Information Technology, state government, emphasised the state’s unwavering focus on cultivating an innovation-centric governance framework that is citizen-focused and future-ready.Jitendra Kumar Sinha, Chief Secretary, state government, highlighted the state’s notable digital governance initiatives, including eOffice, eCabinet, and the Beneficiary Management System.He discussed the strategic imperative of mainstreaming emerging technologies like AI into governance structures to foster transparency, accountability, and enhanced service quality.Sinha also highlighted the importance of institutionalising capacity building and advocating for the ethical, inclusive, and responsible deployment of AI across public sector systems.The workshop featured four high-impact technical sessions delivered by domain experts from NeGD and IndiaAI, according to a MeitY statement.“This initiative marks a significant milestone in Tripura’s digital governance journey and affirms the government’s resolve to integrate AI-driven approaches for public service transformation,” it added.The workshop forms part of MeitY’s broader IndiaAI Mission. The Capacity Building (CB) scheme of NeGD is designed to empower state governments with domain expertise, practical exposure, and best practices in AI governance.Aligned with this national vision, the programme is poised to catalyse the development of a resilient, inclusive, and ethically sound AI ecosystem tailored to Tripura’s governance aspirations.—IANSna/

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) VerSe Innovation, the parent company of content platform Dailyhunt and short-video app Josh, is set to lay off approximately 350 employees this month as part of a broader restructuring effort.The move is aimed at streamlining operations, boosting efficiency, and driving profitability as the company accelerates its focus on artificial intelligence (AI).In a statement on Saturday, a company spokesperson said that VerSe Innovation is undergoing a “strategic transformation to build a more agile, focused, and future-ready organisation.”“The restructuring is part of a broader, well-thought-out plan that includes investing heavily in AI, aligning the company’s structure with long-term goals, and focusing resources on high-growth areas,” the spokesperson added.As part of the overhaul, VerSe is automating many manual processes to improve operational efficiency and keep pace with global digital trends.“The company will streamline its workforce by approximately 350 roles this month,” the spokesperson said, adding that talent will be cross-leveraged across business units to ensure better utilisation of resources.The company emphasised that these measures are designed to pave the way for profitability by the end of FY25.In FY24, VerSe made significant progress on this front, slashing its EBITDA loss by 51 per cent — from Rs 1,448 crore in FY23 to Rs 710 crore.It attributed this reduction to strategic cost management, including cutting down on service and marketing expenses. Total revenue for FY24 stood at Rs 1,261 crore.Looking ahead, VerSe is optimistic about its growth trajectory. It projects over 75 per cent revenue growth in FY25, far outpacing the estimated 10-15 per cent growth expected in India’s digital advertising sector.This bullish outlook is backed by investments in new AI-led tools and platforms, including its AdTech initiative NexVerse.ai, the subscription-based Dailyhunt Premium (launched in partnership with Magzter), and VerSe Collab, which supports influencer campaign management.–IANSpk/na

Mumbai, May 17 (IANS) Galaxy Surfactants Limited has reported a 2.1 per cent decline in…

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is slated to chair a high-level stakeholder consultation on Monday on ‘Viksit Krishi’ and review key agricultural and rural development schemes in Nagpur, it was announced on Saturday.Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will also attend the meeting, according to a Ministry of Agriculture statement.During the visit, the Union Minister will inaugurate the National Soil Spectral Library (NSSL) – a pioneering initiative in digital agriculture, developed collaboratively by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur; the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal; and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.This initiative is part of the Network Programme on Precision Agriculture, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.The minister will also launch an AI-based Smart Trap for Pink Bollworm, a major pest affecting cotton crops.This technology, developed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Cotton Research, Nagpur, leverages advanced machine learning algorithms for precision pest control. Progressive farmers from the region will also be felicitated during the event in recognition of their innovative contributions to agriculture.According to the ministry, the establishment of the National Soil Spectral Library marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards digital agriculture. The library will facilitate a contactless, rapid, and cost-effective method of soil analysis, replacing the conventional wet chemistry-based testing.The soil spectral data, representing diverse agro-climatic zones of India, will be formally dedicated to the nation by the Union Minister.Chouhan will be accompanied by Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat; Deputy Director Generals; Assistant Director General; Directors of Maharashtra-based ICAR institutes; Vice Chancellors of State Agricultural Universities (SAUs); and other senior dignitaries.–IANSna/

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) The government on Saturday said it is developing a digital platform to enable the electronic submission of documents in trade remedy investigations.The platform is expected to go live soon, offering enhanced transparency, efficiency, and ease of access for all stakeholders.Since 1995, India has initiated over 1,200 trade remedy investigations. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has played a central role in this process by conducting investigations swiftly, often concluding within a year, to ensure timely relief for affected industries.Recent interventions have protected domestic sectors including solar energy and advanced materials, such as solar cells and copper wire rods, from unfairly priced imports and subsidised goods.The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) commemorated its 8th Foundation Day here, celebrating seven years of dedicated service in protecting Indian industry from unfair trade practices and sudden surges in imports.On this occasion, the Director General of DGTR applauded the commitment and tireless efforts of the organisation’s officers and staff in upholding the integrity of India’s trade remedy ecosystem.“Through safeguard duties and quantitative restrictions, DGTR has also responded to sudden import surges, for products such as palm oil and metallurgical coke, helping stabilise markets and preserve industrial competitiveness. Its proactive approach has been particularly crucial for manufacturing sectors vulnerable to volatile global trade dynamics,” according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.To further support equitable access, DGTR launched a dedicated Helpdesk in 2019, aimed at assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative has helped smaller businesses navigate the trade remedy processes and help these industries file applications by addressing technical and data-related challenges.In addition, DGTR, through its Trade Defence Wing, has effectively contested the imposition of trade remedy measures by foreign trade remedy authorities.These efforts have resulted in either reduced duties or complete relief from such measures on Indian exports, thereby protecting India’s international trade interests, said the ministry.“As DGTR enters its eighth year, it remains steadfast in its mission to uphold fair trade, support the domestic industry against unfair trade practices, and respond proactively to the evolving challenges of global commerce,” the ministry added.—IANSna/

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) India is prepared to highlight its progress in the power and energy sector at the upcoming BRICS ‘Energy Ministers’ Meeting’, which will take place in Brazil on May 19, the Ministry of Power said on Saturday.Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, has embarked on an official visit to represent India at the high-level gathering.The meeting is being held under the theme ‘Empowering Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Global Governance.’It will bring together Energy Ministers from BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — to discuss key issues such as energy security, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, according to the ministry.India plans to use this platform to showcase its achievements over the past decade.These include a 90 per cent increase in power generation capacity, major strides in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and biofuels, along with significant innovations in sustainable energy practices.During the discussions, India will also reaffirm its commitment to making energy more accessible and affordable while pushing forward a clean energy transition.This international outreach comes at a time when India has set ambitious targets on the nuclear energy front as well.During an earlier meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Power last month, the minister had announced that the government is aiming to scale up nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047 as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.India currently operates 25 nuclear reactors with a total installed capacity of 8,880 MW.Eight more reactors with 6,600 MW are under construction, and an additional 10 reactors (7,000 MW) are at the pre-project stage.The push for nuclear power is aligned with India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, with nuclear energy expected to play a key role in reducing fossil fuel dependence and ensuring energy security.The minister had also emphasised that nuclear energy can be harnessed beyond electricity generation — for hydrogen production, desalination, process steam, and space heating.–IANSpk/na

Mumbai, May 17 (IANS) The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) to enhance opportunities for clean energy startups in India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on Saturday.Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said the collaboration will help startups scale technologies that support India’s long-term net-zero goals.“India’s climate leadership depended on a strong entrepreneurial base. The partnership would open significant opportunities for clean energy startups to scale technologies that support the country’s long-term net-zero objectives,” he stated.Under the two-year partnership, both organisations aim to boost innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in the clean energy and manufacturing sectors.The initiative will support early-stage climate-tech startups by helping them access funding, mentorship, pilot projects, and market connections. There is also a provision to extend the partnership beyond the initial term.As part of the MoU, GEAPP will launch the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE) — a platform that will offer up to $500,000 in rewards for impactful clean energy solutions.Investment support will be provided through partners such as Spectrum Impact and Avana Capital.DPIIT will help link the programme with the Startup India network and ensure its reach through various government schemes.Sanjiv said India’s leadership in climate action depends on building a strong entrepreneurial base and added that this partnership is a step in that direction.Saurabh Kumar, Vice President – India at GEAPP, called the MoU a key milestone to drive systemic change.He said the combined strengths of GEAPP’s global experience, DPIIT’s institutional backing, and Startup India’s network would create new avenues for clean energy innovation in the country.The agreement was signed by Dr Sumeet Jarangal and Saurabh Kumar in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.–IANSpk/rvt/

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) The Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) has empowered 1,85,408 women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and 31,005 DPIIT-recognised startups, while redefining public procurement through transparency, efficiency and inclusion, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, said on Saturday.In the last financial year (FY25), the GeM order volume reached 72,36,651 with total order value of Rs 543,019 crore.Established in 2016, GeM provides government buyers with an end-to-end digital platform to carry out public procurement at cost-effective rates.“Wishing @GeM_India on its 8th Incorporation Day. The platform has redefined public procurement through transparency, efficiency, and inclusion,” Goyal said in a post on X social media platform. “More than just a marketplace, GeM is a movement — enabling empowerment with: 1,85,408 women-led MSMEs and 31,005 DPIIT-recognised startups,” he further informed.According to Goyal, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, “GeM is giving every enterprise a chance to grow and serve India”.GeM has successfully facilitated the insurance of more than 1.3 crore individuals covering health, life and personal accident insurance policies during the financial year 2024-25.The insurance service provided comes apart from GeM facilitating the hiring of one million people during FY25.GeM aims to bridge the gap between innovators and government buyers, enabling faster scale, market validation, and meaningful contribution to India’s global innovation standing.The government has also stressed upon key reforms in the public procurement system through the GeM, including robust anti-cartel safeguards and expert-led interventions to further improve efficiency, transparency and growth. Goyal recently chaired a meeting with key GeM officials and stakeholders, emphasised on empowering both buyers and sellers on the platform.“Outlined a forward-looking roadmap focused on enhancing procurement, accelerating state-wise expansion, facilitating flexible payments and inclusive credit access, aimed at empowering both buyers and sellers on the platform,” said the minister on X social media platform.Goyal further stated that they discussed implementation of key reforms including robust anti-cartel safeguards, a more user-friendly interface, and expert-led interventions to further improve efficiency, transparency and growth in the public procurement ecosystem.—IANSna/

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) is fueling the Indian startup ecosystem, and has invested Rs 27 crore to empower 28 startups to date, Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, said on Saturday.HPCL’s ‘Udgam’ initiative has raised Rs 35 crore so far to support startups in the field of clean and green energy.“India’s energy future is being shaped by innovation. HPCL’s ‘Udgam’ initiative is empowering startups working on green hydrogen and ethanol, smart LPG cylinders and emission control, IoT solutions and cashless technologies and waste-to-energy and carbon capture,” Puri posted on X social media platform.“Rs 35 crore fund raised. Rs 27 crore invested. 28 startups supported. HPCL is helping build a clean, self-sufficient energy economy,” the minister further stated.“Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Startup India initiative, which continues to fuel innovation across the country,” he added.Towards this goal, Oil India Limited is also supporting 15 startups related to various fields like design of hydrogen fuel cell-based e-bus and design of wireless robot for oil well inspection and multi-functional oil and gas operations with a startup fund of Rs 50 crore, the Union Minister informed.“By giving them wings, Oil India Limited is helping them to turn their dreams into reality. Opening new doors of jobs,” Puri added in a separate X post.Meanwhile, HPCL reported a standalone net profit of Rs 3,355 crore in for the January-March quarter of financial year 2024-25, which represents an 18 per cent increase over the corresponding figure for the same quarter of 2023-24.The government-owned oil refining and marketing major’s total income during the fourth quarter came in at Rs 1.19 lakh crore. The company plans to increase the capacity of its Vizag oil refinery in southern India by as much as 20 per cent to meet growing local fuel demand.—IANSna/