Is India ready for the AI revolution? The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, from generative AI tools to sophisticated machine learning algorithms, are transforming industries across the nation. From fintech's burgeoning use of AI-powered fraud detection to the agricultural sector's embrace of precision farming technologies, the impact is undeniable. This week saw a major breakthrough in indigenous 5G technology development, signaling India's growing prowess in the global tech landscape. But alongside this progress comes the crucial discussion surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of AI deployment. How will India navigate these challenges and harness the transformative power of technology for inclusive growth? Explore the latest developments in Indian tech, from the rise of digital payments to the burgeoning startup ecosystem, and discover how innovation is shaping the nation's future. Stay informed with Abtak.com – your gateway to understanding the tech revolution reshaping India.
Bhubaneswar: In partnership with Meta, the Government of Odisha today launched 'Ama Sathi', a unified WhatsApp chatbot that will make 120 citizen services accessible to more than 45 million people across the State. Unveiled in the presence of Chief Secretary Odisha Manoj Ahuja, the initiative marks a major step towards building convenient, last-mile access to essential public services. Through this chatbot, citizens will be able to access critical Government Services like obtaining Birth and Income Certificates, applying for Driving and Fertilizer Licenses, and accessing incentives such as the National Family Benefits Scheme, all through a single WhatsApp number. Available in both Odia and English, the chatbot is accessible via a single WhatsApp number 9437292000 and comes with voice capabilities. It is designed to be a one-stop digital assistant, offering citizens easy access to a wide range of essential public services. Through this chatbot, people can conveniently raise and track public grievances, access housing and urban development resources, and interact with general administration services. The chatbot also provides services related to education, agriculture, and horticulture, ensuring farmers and students alike can get timely information and support. Citizens in the State of Odisha can also connect with police services for assistance, check land records and revenue details. Along with this, a dynamic Dashboard of the Odisha Right to Public Services Act's Central Monitoring System (CMS) was also launched today by the Chief Secretary Odisha. The launching programme took place at Lok Seva Bhavan in presence of Chief Secretary Ahuja, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary to Odisha Govt Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary GA&PG Department Surendra Kumar, Director General Gopabandhu Academy of Administration G. Mathivathanan, Additional Chief Secretary of Industries & I&PR Department Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary E & IT Department Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary H&UD and C&T Department Usha Padhee and Former Information Commissioner and Mentor CYSD Jagadananda and other senior officers of State Government, Odisha. The Ama Sathi Unified WhatsApp BOT has been developed by the Centre for Modernizing Government Initiative (CMGI) in collaboration with Meta India. The Unified WhatsApp Chatbot integrates over 120 Citizen Services into a single WhatsApp number, enabling citizens to access critical services like essential certificates including Residence and Income Certificates, Licenses viz. Driving License, Fertilizer License etc. and Incentive Schemes viz. Inter-caste marriage benefits, National Family Benefit Scheme, and more. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary, Odisa Shri Ahuja, said "The Government of Odisha is committed to delivering seamless public services, ensuring that every citizen experiences convenience and efficiency at the last mile. This commitment is underscored by our investment in technology and training, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and enhance overall accessibility. Today, with the launch of Ama Sathi in partnership with Meta, Odisha takes a transformative step in making governance truly citizen-centric. For too long, accessing public services has been fragmented and cumbersome. This unified WhatsApp platform will simplify processes, remove barriers, and empower every citizen, from urban centers to the remotest corners of the state, to access essential services with ease and efficiency. Initiatives like this reflect Odisha's vision of leveraging technology for transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance, ensuring that public service delivery is not just a function, but a seamless experience for all". Development Commissioner Anu Garg spoke about the Government's commitment to ensuring timely public service delivery and bringing governance to the doorsteps of the common man, thus empowering the citizens. She further added that accountability in service delivery will be ensured through the ORTPSA Central Monitoring System (CMS) Dashboard and was confident that people would avail services with ease through the Unified WhatsApp BOT. Additional Chief Secretary GA & PG Department Surendra Kumar highlighted the need for governance reforms to ensure hassle-free service delivery. He emphasized on prioritising simplification of processes and the positive role of technology in making services more accessible. He added, "By bringing these diverse services onto a single WhatsApp platform, the Odisha Government aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen convenience across the state. In the coming days, CMGI will undertake massive awareness campaigns to enhance citizen outreach. Information on ORTPSA as well as the Ama Sathi Whatsapp Chatbot will be disseminated through Bus Branding, Hoardings, TV & Radio and Information Boards throughout the State for creating awareness among citizens." Executive Director CMGI Vineet Bharadwaj said, "Ease of access to public services is still a challenge in Odisha. Currently, there are four modes of accessing any public service in Odisha - visiting the concerned office (offline mode), accessing the web portal of the concerned department/office, accessing the specific mobile app of that particular service, or through assisted service (by visiting a Common Service Center). Recognizing the need for a more user-friendly and accessible mode for public service delivery, we believe that WhatsApp will enable citizens to avail the desired services on one single platform through a single number, enabling swift and convenient access to services. We aim to deliver all public services through WhatsApp by March 2026, enabling citizens to access them through text and voice." Arun Srinivas, Managing Director and Country Head, India, Meta said, "We are proud to partner with the Government of Odisha to launch Ama Sathi, bringing the power of WhatsApp to make public services more accessible and convenient for millions of citizens. By enabling real-time interaction with government services, WhatsApp reduces friction, simplifies processes, and ensures that essential services are available to people anytime, directly within their WhatsApp chat. This initiative demonstrates how technology can drive citizen-centric governance and positively impact the daily lives of people across the State. We thank the Government of Odisha for their proactive initiative towards Citizen Centric Governance making it the second State in the country to partner with Meta for launching 'Ama Sathi', WhatsApp chatbot for citizen services." Ravi Garg, Director, Business Messaging, Meta in India, said "The ease and simplicity of WhatsApp make it a preferred choice for people to get things done from connecting with friends and family to booking tickets, paying bills and accessing public services. We are thrilled to partner with the Government of Odisha and bring the power and reach of WhatsApp to millions of people in the State, giving them easy access to citizen services at their fingertips." The Ama Sathi Whatsapp Chatbot has been developed in collaboration with Meta and presently provides access to more than 120 citizen services. The chatbot will expand to more than 500 services over the coming months, further simplifying citizen access to Government services across departments. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Addl. Secretary, GA & PG Department Debabrata Mallick. The launching programme was coordinated by Under Secretary to the Chief Secretary Ansuman Rath and Project Coordinator CMGI Pinaki Mohanty.
IMPHAL, Nov 17: The NPP on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led Government in Manipur, even as violence continued to rock the state as offices of the Congress and the saffron party were ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam where an unidentified body was found earlier in the day, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A BJP MLA's ancestral house was vandalised in Imphal Valley while a building owned by Ashab Uddin, the Independent legislator of Jiribam, was ransacked, officials said. The incidents occurred a day after irate mobs set fire to the residences of ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Dec 18 (Maxim News): The Cyberabad Police, in collaboration with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), launched a significant awareness initiative under the project P.R.O.T.E.C.T. (Preventing Risks Online Through Education, Collaboration, and Training) on December 17, 2024, at the Cyberabad CP Office Main Conference Hall. Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp Cyberabad CP Avinash Mohanty said & quot; Cybercrime has become one of the fastest-growing challenges in our society today, and it is a privilege for all of us to gather here to discuss solutions. Every year, cyber c ...Read More >
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined WhatsApp $25.4 million for antitrust violations linked to its controversial 2021 privacy policy. It ruled that WhatsApp's mandatory data-sharing with Meta for advertising purposes abused its dominant market position, forcing users to accept expanded data collection without opt-out options. The CCI also prohibited WhatsApp from sharing user data with Meta units for non-service-related purposes for five years. This mandatory data-sharing, the CCI noted, created barriers for competitors and harmed the display advertising market. With over 450 mi ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The Telangana government will introduce a facial recognition-based attendance system at the State Secretariat starting December 12. A total of 60 devices will be installed on each floor near every lift and at the entrance of each department housed in the building. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari issued official orders mandating the new system's implementation. According to the directive, the system will apply to all officers and staff working across various departments within the Secret ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], January 21 (ANI): The Centre is expected to continue its fiscal consolidation efforts in FY26, with a fiscal deficit target of 4.5 per cent of GDP, according to a report by Emkay Research. For FY25, the report noted that the fiscal deficit is estimated to track close to 4.7 per cent, while states are likely to record a fiscal deficit of 3.2 per cent of GDP. It said "we do not see the Centre deviating from its consolidation path in FY26, and is likely to target 4.5 per cent GFD/GDP. States, on the other hand, are likely to now hug the 3 per cent of GDP target (+/-0.2 per ce ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that his ministry's resolve is to increase the Kharif crop production while reducing the production cost. He added that the synergy between the agricultural research and the farmers will be increased. The Minister was speaking to reporters here after a meeting with the State agricultural ministers. "Today, I held a meeting with the Agriculture ministers of all the states...Agriculture is important for the country, whether it is a question of livelihood, employment, contribution to the economy or ...Read More >
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia and Canada on Monday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that aims to strengthen economic ties between the two G20 members, three years after negotiations began. The agreement will take effect in 2026 and was signed in Jakarta by trade ministers of both countries. Indonesia's trade minister, Budi Santoso, said Indonesia appreciated Canada's support for its plan to prioritise its critical minerals sector, which was vital for its sustainable growth. "Together, we advance sustainable critical mineral management, supporting Indonesia's net ...Read More >
The overall development of the country is not possible without the development of agriculture and farmers. The nation's economy can be strengthened by the development of agriculture, fishery production, and livestock, President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday. Gracing the convocation ceremony of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology at Bhubaneswar, she said agriculture is facing new challenges such as natural disasters, adverse effects of climate change, decreasing per capita farm ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 18 (PTI) The Rashtrapati Nilayam, one of the two presidential retreats, in Telangana's Secunderabad will host a 15-day flower and horticulture festival, 'Udyan Utsav', from December 29. People could make themselves aware about the innovation and technological development in agriculture and horticulture by visiting thematic stalls and participating in the workshops, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. The Udyan Utsav, organised in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management ...Read More >
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed further recovery of an outstanding tax demand from news portal NewsClick, directing the company's banker not to release any more money to the tax department based on a 2023 notice, and allowing the portal to use its two bank accounts for daily operations. The order was passed by a bench headed by justice BV Nagarathna on an application moved by PPK Newsclick Studio Limited, which alleged that ICICI Bank was not allowing the company to use its accounts despite a top court order to this effect passed on August 9. The tax department had raised the demand again ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): The GSEC in Hyderabad will be the first of its kind in the APAC region after Tokyo and only the fifth globally, with similar facilities in Dublin, Munich, and Malaga, according to a statement. This GSEC is a specialised international cybersecurity hub designed to play a crucial role in developing advanced security and online safety products tailored for the Indian context. The centre will focus on cutting-edge research, AI-driven security solutions, and creating a collaborative platform for leading experts and researchers in cybersecurity. It also aims to ...Read More >
Heavy rains across Tamil Nadu have led to school closures in several districts, including Chennai, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting moderate rains and light thunderstorms in parts of the state. Rainfall figures show significant precipitation in multiple areas. Meanwhile, Northern India braces for a cold wave beginning December 9, with the IMD forecasting plunging temperatures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.Schools acros ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 17 (PTI) Agri-solutions provider Coromandel International and Mahindra and Mahindra's farm equipment sector business vertical, Krish-e, on Tuesday announced a partnership to extend Coromandel's drone spraying services, Gromor Drive. Currently operational in seven key states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, Gromor Drive's operations are supported by RPTO-trained pilots, according to a joint statement. Coromandel's drone services are positioned in the market through the support of its subsidiary, Dhaksha Unmanned Sy ...Read More >
Bihar's infrastructure has seen a 15-fold increase in data consumption over the past five years. Road density is now the third highest in India, electricity generation has increased tenfold, and IT parks and data centers are being developed. Numerous bridges and expanded rail lines are improving connectivity and boosting trade.Bihar has seen a 15-fold jump in data consumption in the last five years as the state goes big on developing infrastructure, investing in connectivity and building rail and ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: In his budget for 2025-26, Finance Minister K N Balagopal emphasised on technology, research, jobs, and education, positioning the state as a knowledge powerhouse. Here are key allocations and initiatives that could fuel the state's knowledge economy vision. Technology & AI * Rs 10 crore for establishing a world-class GPU cluster in Thiruvananthapuram to develop AI and AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) industries. Unlike a CPU (Central Processing Unit), optimised for sequential tasks, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) excels at parallel processing, maki ...Read More >
The new circle rates in Gurugram have come into effect from December 1 Gurugram: People eyeing a home in Gurugram will now have to pay more as the district administration has hiked the circle rates by 10% to 30%, driven mainly by demand. Luxury residential areas like Golf Course Road are likely to see a 30% hike in circle rates. According to reports, the new circle rates have come into effect from December 1 and will be applicable at least till March 31 next year. The price hike, however, has irked the residents, who alleged that the administration should also "improve basic amenities". Gu ...Read More >
New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday announced a significant update in its approach to conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students for the year 2025. The UGC has invited public feedback on the revised methodology aiming to refine the examination process for a better and more efficient testing environment for candidates. Since its inception in 1956 under the UGC Act, UGC has been pivotal in setting and maintaining the standards for higher education, coordinating with universities, and providing fina ...Read More >
Kolkata: BJP on Saturday criticised urban development minister Firhad Hakim over a video where the Kolkata mayor is purportedly heard making a comment on minorities. Hakim had made the comment while addressing an educational conference recently. Hakim said BJP was using his quote out of context and he was only referring to the gulf between the educated and the uneducated. "As education spreads, the gulf will be bridged and there will be one identity," said Hakim. Saying that he would never play ...Read More >
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, campaigning to invite global investors to the Global Investors Summit to be held in Bhopal in February 2025, addressed an interactive session with industrialists during a roadshow in London, UK, on Tuesday. Yadav praised the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the rapid industrial development seen across India. Inviting the industrialists to invest in Madhya Pradesh, he highlighted that the state possesses one of the largest land banks in the country. Madhya Pradesh has transparent and investor-friendly policies and is a leader in the mining and ...Read More >
Kochi: The High Court has directed the Kerala state government to convince the central government that the state deserves more assistance for the Wayanad landslide disaster. The division bench also expressed its readiness to mediate between the central and state governments in this regard. According to the latest figures, the state disaster relief fund holds around Rs 700 crore, but only Rs 61 crore is available for expenditure, as reported by the amicus curiae. Kerala: Court orders inclusion of abetment charges against police officers in Dalit youth suicide case The Kerala state government ...Read More >
Imphal, Dec 26: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has called for immediate peace and understanding between the two warring communities, the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups, amid the ongoing ethnic violence that has plagued the State since May last year. Speaking at the Good Governance Day event held at the BJP State Headquarters, Singh addressed the deep-seated issues fueling the unrest. "What is happening in Manipur today has many reasons. Those trying to divide the State are questioning the government's actions, but they are only hungry for power," he remarked. Highlighting the BJP's initiat ...Read More >
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 27 (ANI): The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj has witnessed an extraordinary surge in devotees, with over 6.019 million pilgrims taking the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers as of 12 pm on Monday, as per Uttar Pradesh government. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday took a holy dip at the Sangam Triveni in Prayagraj in the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela. Also Read | Uttarakhand Becomes First State To Implement Uniform Civil Code; CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Launches UCC Portal, Credits People for Implementatio ...Read More >
ABUJA, Nov 17: Nigeria on Sunday conferred its second-highest national award - the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger - on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp "Honoured to be conferred with the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger' Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the friendship of India and Nigeria," Modi said after receiving the award from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Click here to watch vid ...Read More >
Defying pollsters, exit polls, and predictions, the BJP scored a hat trick in Haryana, albeit with a narrow lead in the recent Assembly election. It formed a government on its own sans any ally, and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assumed office for a second consecutive term with relative ease. But the euphoria did not last long. In the first Assembly session convened after the new government took over, the opposition, led by the Congress and the electorally diminished Indian National Lok Dal, attacked the government on the issue of fertilizer shortages in the sowing season. The government d ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: Internet facilities will be provided to all villages of the State by March 2025, said Odisha Electronics and IT minister Mukesh Mahaling in the Assembly on Monday. As per reports, Odisha IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling today said in the Assembly that internet facility will be made available to all the villages of the State by March 2025. There are 12602 5G towers in the State as of now. A task force has been formed at the district level to resolve the internet problem. Steps are being taken to install these towers. IT Minister Mukesh Mahalinga has informed this to the House. It is ...Read More >
Aryan Meena, who lived in the Dausa district of Rajasthan state, was trapped in the narrow well for three days after falling into it while playing on Monday afternoon. The boy, wearing pants and a t-shirt, had to endure plummeting winter temperatures inside the well as well as hunger and thirst. Children and even adult people dying from falling into open borewells is not uncommon in rural India where they are dug to pump water for irrigation and drinking and left abandoned after they run dry. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is set to host the Northeast Trade and Investment Roadshow in Mumbai on Monday. The event will be addressed by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for MDoNER, along with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Maeghalya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, MDoNER, and Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, MDoNER, will also attend, alongwith senior representatives from various northeast states. The Roadshow will feature B2G meetings, offering a unique opportunity for potential investors to inte ...Read More >
The West Bengal Health Department on Monday (January 13, 2024) admitted to a lapse and said that they will take strict action against anyone found guilty in the administration of expired saline at Medinipur Medical College and Hospital. The government has roped in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to probe the "lapse" which led to one woman's death and three others remained critical. Five women were administered Ringer's Lactate (RL) on the Intravenous (IV) fluid which had allegedly expired. All of them fell critically ill and one of them died after delivering a baby. Three of the ...Read More >
West Bengal [India], February 5 (ANI): At the 8th edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025, Bhutanese Minister Younten Phuntsho emphasised the importance of the summit as a platform for strengthening the collaboration between India and Bhutan. Addressing the audience, he said, "For Bhutan, this summit is an opportunity to further deepen our (India-Bhutan) collaboration and identify strategic areas where our shared aspirations align. There are several key areas where we can forge even stronger partnership - first is tourism, we invite investors to explore opportunities in wellness tou ...Read More >