Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

NCA-F Hosts Workshop on AI Standards for Telecommunications & ICTs

BIMSTEC Nations and Global Experts Convene to Shape Ethical, Inclusive AI Standards

India Aims to Lead in both AI Standardization and Manufacturing, affirms Member (F), DCC ,Sh Manish Sinha

Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC: “Regional collaboration on AI standards is not optional—it is essential for ensuring that emerging technologies serve our collective development goals”

Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU, stresses that standards are key enablers of trust, innovation, and sustainability

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

A four-day workshop on “AI Standards for Increasing the Efficiency of Telecommunications & ICTs: Shaping the Future Responsibly” was inaugurated today at the National Communications Academy–Finance (NCA-F) in New Delhi. Organized jointly by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area Office & Innovation Centre and the NCA-F, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, the event brings together participants from BIMSTEC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka & India— and Maldives; alongside international experts, regulators, industry associations, startups, and academia to collaborate on building trustworthy and globally harmonized AI standards for telecommunications and ICT.

 

The inaugural session featured keynote addresses by eminent dignitaries, including Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), DCC, DoT; Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU; Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General, BIMSTEC, and Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F. The session set the tone for a forward-looking discussion on AI’s role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure & Bridging the Standardization Gap.  

   

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), DCC, DoT, welcomed the participants and praised the collaborative efforts between NCA-F and the ITU Area Office, recognizing it as a model of institutional partnership. He acknowledged the significance of guests staying on campus, which fosters closer interaction and deeper engagement, enhancing the quality of participation throughout the workshop. He also emphasized the critical importance of consensus within the ITU framework for developing AI standards that are both inclusive and globally harmonized, ensuring that these technologies benefit all nations. He also spoke about India’s commitment to economic inclusivity, particularly through initiatives like Digital Bharat Nidhi.

Furthermore, Shri Manish Sinha highlighted India’s dual focus on advancing AI standardization while also strengthening its manufacturing sector. He underscored the Telecommunication Engineering Centre’s (TEC) pivotal role in promoting ethical AI development through fairness assessments and rating mechanisms and acknowledged the valuable contributions of TSDSI in creating technical standards that ensure AI systems are secure, interoperable, and globally aligned.

He urged all participants to engage actively in shaping practical AI standards, build strong cross-border partnerships, and envision future-ready, ethical AI applications that can accelerate sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the workshop would serve as a launchpad for regional cooperation and innovation in AI-driven telecom and ICT solutions.

Shri Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, through a recorded message, reinforced the importance of multilateral collaboration: “Regional collaboration on AI standards is not optional—it is essential for ensuring that emerging technologies serve our collective development goals,” he said. “By investing in standards today, we secure a future where AI can drive growth across all our member nations in a responsible and interoperable way.”

Ms. Atsuko Okuda, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, ITU, thanked BIMSTEC, NCA-F, the department of telecom, & the Government of India for hosting the workshop, emphasizing that AI has moved from research to everyday life, with a projected $15 Trillion contribution to the global economy by 2030. She highlighted the workshop’s aim to develop inclusive, interoperable, and responsible AI standards, and stressed that standards are key enablers of trust, innovation, and sustainability.

Ms. Madhavi Das, Director General, NCA-F, in her Welcome Address emphasized, “AI is a transformational force—but without strong, inclusive standards, it risks leaving many behind.” She highlighted NCA-F’s collaboration with the ITU Local Area Office to bridge the standardisation gap through stakeholder workshops, adding, “Standardization is not just a technical process; it is a commitment to safety, ethics, and equitable access in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

The Director General, NCA-F, also stressed the importance of participative engagement and ethically grounded contributions from all member states to ensure equity in AI standardization. Reflecting India’s ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. She warmly welcomed participants and underscored the value of mutual respect and knowledge-sharing.

Over the four days, the workshop will feature simulation exercises, expert panels, country presentations, hands-on sessions on drafting and negotiating technical contributions, and field visits.

About NCA-F

NCA–Finance (NCA-F), part of Department of Telecommunication’s National Communication Academy,  is an UTKRISHT-graded premier Central Training Institute, recognized by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). It provides induction and in-service training to officers of the Indian Posts & Telecom Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) and other officials across DoT and DoP. NCA-F’s core training areas include telecom policy, spectrum management, revenue assurance, USOF projects, financial regulations, and digital inclusion. It also emphasizes leadership and soft skills development, and regularly hosts national and international workshops in collaboration with institutions like ITU, WHO, TRAI, RBI Staff College, LBSNAA, and IIT Bombay.

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Samrat

(Release ID: 2127110) Visitor Counter : 19

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 5:43PM by PIB Hyderabad

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, announced today the resumption of the morning flight service between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, set to begin on June 1, 2025. This route will significantly enhance connectivity within Andhra Pradesh, linking Vijayawada, with the state’s financial hub, Visakhapatnam.

The newly revised flight schedule is designed to provide greater convenience for frequent flyers. The morning flight, operated by IndiGo Airlines, will depart from Vijayawada at 7:15 AM and reach Visakhapatnam by 8:25 AM. The return flight will depart Visakhapatnam at 8:45 AM and arrive in Vijayawada at 9:50 AM.

Speaking on the development, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, said “Regional connectivity is a cornerstone of our vision for inclusive growth and ease of travel. The reinstatement of this crucial flight link between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam will significantly benefit passengers, boost economic engagement between the two cities, and support the broader development goals of Andhra Pradesh.”

 

విజయవాడ – విశాఖపట్నం మధ్య ఉదయపు విమాన సర్వీసులను జూన్ 1వ తేదీ నుండి పున:ప్రారంభించనున్నట్లు వెల్ల‌డించిన‌ కేంద్ర పౌర విమానయాన శాఖ మంత్రి శ్రీ @RamMNK. ఈ మార్గం ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్‌ రాష్ట్ర ఆర్థిక రాజధాని విశాఖపట్నం నగరం నుంచి రాజధాని విజయవాడ ప్రాంతం మధ్య కనెక్టివిటీని పెంచుతుంది. pic.twitter.com/QUHehS6F5z

— PIB in Andhra Pradesh (@pibvijayawada) May 5, 2025

This initiative underscores the government’s focus on improving regional connectivity, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, as part of the broader vision to enhance transportation infrastructure across India.

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(Release ID: 2127085) Visitor Counter : 22

Source: Government of India

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of three workers and injuries to three others in an explosion at a propellant mixing unit of an explosives manufacturing plant in Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana

Issues notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, Telangana, calling for a detailed report within two weeks

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 6:03PM by PIB Delhi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that three workers died and three others were injured in an explosion that occurred at a propellant mixing unit of an explosives manufacturing plant at Katepalli village in Yadadri Bhongir district of Telangana. Reportedly, the incident happened on 29th April, 2025.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of the human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana and the Director General of Police, Telangana, calling for a detailed report in the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the health status of the injured persons.

According to the media report, carried on 29th April, 2025, the explosion caused the complete collapse of the mixing unit structure of the plant. Reportedly, the company has been manufacturing explosives for both commercial and leading organisations, including DRDO.

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NSK

 

(Release ID: 2127107) Visitor Counter : 21

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The finale of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival took place today, with thousands of Hongkongers and tourists heading to the island to experience its unique traditions first-hand. 

 

Highlights included a colourful Grand Parade, and – later in the evening – the finals of the Bun Scrambling Competition.

 

Afternoon crowds were captivated by the parade, which set off from Pak Tai Temple Playground. It featured children, many dressed as deities, being carried aloft on steel frames, in addition to traditional lion dances. 

 

The festival culminated with the finals of the annual Bun Scrambling Competition, with 12 competitors scaling a bamboo tower and attempting to snatch buns attached to it.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

《Taiwan – Australia Economic Ties Field of Opportunity》
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs Wu were pleased to join the annual dinner of Australian Business Summit Council (ABSC), and they appreciated the invitation by its President, Dr. Frank Alafaci.
D.G. Wu received an honorary token at the ceremony to officially launch #EKONOMOS (Issue 6, 2025), in the article D.G. Wu contributed, he highlighted:
1. Taiwan will strengthen national defence

, improve economic security, enhance partnerships with democratic countries, and stablise the cross-strait leadership. Those “Four Pillars of Peace” are our action plan to maintain status quo. We adopt “Integrated Diplomacy” as our foreign policy, which encompasses Value Diplomacy, Alliance Diplomacy, and Economic Diplomacy.
2. Taiwan, from its status of the world’s 22nd-largest economy and 16th-largest exporter, will due develop the Five Trusted Industry Sectors – namely, semiconductors, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, Artificial Intelligence (Al), and military. In the meanwhile, Taiwan will seek to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050., via investments on green energy and recycling technologies.
3. Taiwan and Australia share a mutually complementary trade structure, with bilateral trade reaching US$23.4 billion in 2023. Australia is Taiwan’s 8th largest trading partner and biggest source of coal and iron ore imports. As Australia has had the experience of falling victim to China’s economic coercion, the challenges of risks followed by geopolitical instability makes Taiwan a valuable partner to Australia.
4. Taiwan’s membership application to CPTPP deserves careful consideration and support. Taiwan is an indispensable partner in global supply chains and remains committed to collaborating with Australia and its partners to safeguard democracy, shared values, and the rules-based international order in the region. Taiwan is ready to pursue FTA negotiations with Australia. We urge Australia’s further support for Taiwan’s bid.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 1:57PM by PIB Delhi

In line with India’s commitment towards regional cooperation, INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives, for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise planned from 04 to 10 May 25. This deployment is a testament to the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives. It aligns with India’s “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, emphasising collaborative efforts to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.

This HADR exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). It will focus on actions like Disaster Response Coordination, Search and Rescue Operations, Medical Assistance, Logistical Support, Joint Drills, Training Sessions, and Community Engagement following a major natural disaster.   

Through such collaborative efforts, India and the Maldives continue strengthening their partnership and ensuring readiness to respond effectively to natural disasters and other humanitarian challenges.

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VM/SKS                                               

(Release ID: 2126999) Visitor Counter : 80

Source: Government of India

Forests Are Our Lungs, Forests Regulate Climate, Buffer Disasters, and Support the Marginalised, Says VP

Source: Government of India

 “Phulera Ka Panchayati Raj” :  A Digital Hit with a Self-Reliant Heart

Final Episode of the Three Part Series “Alhua Vikas” Highlights Local Taxes Fuel Local Progress

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 1:13PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s  “Alhua Vikas”, the third and final film of the three-part extension series “Phulera Ka Panchayati Raj”, is enthusing digital audiences widely and sensitising them about the issues that affect gram panchayats across India. The third and final episode was released earlier on the occasion of the  National Panchayati Raj Day (24^th April, 2025) and has since then received  a phenomenal response on Youtube with over 6M+ views so far. 

“Alhua Vikas” highlights the critical importance of generating  Own Sources of Revenue (OSR) by Rural Local Bodies that helps in strengthening the self-reliance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across rural India. This film promotes citizen awareness on timely payment of local taxes, highlighting how such contributions enable improved service delivery and sustained village development. The film features renowned actors including Neena Gupta, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Durgesh Kumar, and others from the original “Panchayat” cast, and has received significant public attention with  emphasizes on the message “जमा करके कर, बनाईये अपनी पंचायत को आत्मनिर्भर” to encourage citizens to pay local taxes promptly, thereby supporting development works in their villages. The release of the film that coincided with the conferring of awards on the Panchayats by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the National Panchayati  Raj Day to recognize the outstanding contributions in the areas of self-reliance in mobilization of Own Sources of Revenue (OSR), reaffirms the resolve of the Ministry towards making the rural local bodies financially self-reliant and “Atmanirbhar”. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj aims to make OSR a household term and encourage capable citizens to pay relevant taxes. These contributions are essential for making Panchayati Raj Institutions financially sustainable and self-sufficient entities of grassroots governance in rural India.

Watch the Three Part Series “Phulera Ka Panchayati Raj” Showcasing Key Themes of Grassroots Governance in Rural India : Links Given Below :-

Sl. No.	Title of sketch / film	Premiered on	Theme	YouTube link
1.	Asli Pradhan Kaun?	4th March, 2025	“Asli Pradhan Kaun?” draws attention to the issue of proxy representation and advocates for strengthening the leadership of elected women representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVxadWl5Cjk&t=102s
2.	Phulera Mein Chori	12th March, 2025	“Phulera Mein Chori” highlights the impact of the SVAMITVA Scheme and digital governance tools such as Meri Panchayat App, showcasing how rural communities are gaining access to transparent, efficient services.	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d56hvDYu5yA&t=162s
3.	Alhua Vikas	24th April, 2025	“Alhua Vikas” promotes the idea of enhancing Own Sources of Revenue (OSR) through citizen participation, enabling Panchayats to become financially self-reliant and development-ready.	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRW8Nu9Wivs

 

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Aditi Agrawal

(Release ID: 2126985) Visitor Counter : 72

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 1:11PM by PIB Delhi

Jammu, May 4, 2025 – In a landmark achievement for Indian student innovation, Japteg Singh Bamrah, a Class 12 student from Dalhousie Public School, has won the prestigious HonorsGradU 2025 Scholarship, securing the coveted “Build a Better Future” Award for his groundbreaking invention—the Solar Mech Engine.

Japteg Singh Bamrah and his Mentor, Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, demonstrating the Solar Mech Engine project executed under the Jigyasa Hackathon initiative.

Mentored by Dr. Nasir Ul Rasheed, Senior Scientist at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, under the Jigyasa Hackathon initiative, Japteg emerged as one of five global winners out of thousands of entries from around the world. He has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship for his undergraduate education in the United States, along with an additional $5,000 grant for further development and scaling of his innovation. Notably, his project was recognized as the top technology among this year’s winners.

Organized by Honors Graduation, a U.S.-based non-profit supporting student-led sustainability and innovation projects, the HonorsGradU Scholarship is highly competitive, offering only five awards annually across the globe. Japteg is the first and only student from India since the program’s inception in 2012 to top the list, marking a moment of pride for the nation.

During the National Startup Festival held on February 22–23, 2025, at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, Japteg presented his Solar Mech Engine to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Vice President of CSIR, who graced the event as Chief Guest. The festival highlighted India’s growing support for grassroots innovation under the “Start-Up India, Stand-Up India” campaign, originally launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2015 and spearheaded by Dr. Singh.

The Solar Mech Engine, which earlier won the CSIR Jigyasa Hackathon 2024, is a standalone solar thermal system that operates on Concentrated Heat and Power (CHP) technology. It utilizes the principles of cyclic air expansion and contraction due to temperature differences to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. A key feature is its low-resistance generator, which employs electromagnetic induction for direct mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion. Its unique selling proposition lies in its ability to function as a reversible heat pump, making it a highly efficient and sustainable energy solution.

CSIR-IIIM’s incubation and mentoring of Japteg’s project underscores its commitment to empowering young innovators and transforming their ideas into practical, scalable technologies.

In recognition of his innovation and academic excellence, Japteg has received offers from over ten top universities across the USA, Australia, and Canada, with additional scholarships amounting to $16,000 annually for his undergraduate studies.

With a total grant of $31,000, Japteg Singh Bamrah plans to refine his Solar Mech Engine further and pursue his higher education at a leading global university. His journey from a school innovator to a global sustainability advocate stands as a testament to the power of mentorship, vision, and grassroots innovation in building a better future.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2126984) Visitor Counter : 66

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 12:16PM by PIB Delhi

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) announced the selection of seven e-Nodes for support under its “Mission for Advancement of High-impact Areas on Electric Vehicles” (MAHA-EV). The current program launched under the umbrella of ANRF’s national mission, aims to address the critical challenges and drive innovation in India’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

ANRF MAHA-EV call for proposal focussed on three strategically defined Technological Verticals (TV) are Tropical EV Battery and Battery Cells (TV-I), Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD)- (TV-II) and EV Charging Infrastructure (TV-III).

The each selected electric mobility nodes (e-nodes) will execute the project in consortia mode involving academic institutions/R&D laboratories with the mandatory industry participation, in order to contribute to and establish the R&D in the EV sector of the country.

The seven e-Nodes are selected under the ANRF’s MAHA-EV mission are:  Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials Hyderabad, National Institute of Technology Surathkal, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, CSIR- Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, Pilani and Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, respectively.

The call noticed wide enthusiasm among all stakeholders and 227 proposals were received in consortia mode from academic institutions, R&D laboratories and the industrial section.

The selectedseven e-Nodes, twoof whichwill focus on Tropical EV batteries and Cell technologies (TV-I) three of which will work on Power electronics machines and drives (TV-II) and the remainingtwo  e-Nodes will focus on Charging Infrastructure under TV-III.

The MAHA-EV Mission leads to catalyze India’s leadership in next-generation electric mobility solutions, aligned with the goals of sustainability, innovation, and self-reliance.

Click here to see the list of institutions as given in Annexure-I (Attached):-

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2126962) Visitor Counter : 48