It Ministry

Govt exploring the possibility of setting up dedicated space parks

Move may be key to achieving Centre's goal of $11 billion space-related export by 2033

Govt to set up data & AI labs; onboards 8 projects for safe AI: Prasada

The government plans to set up data and AI labs in tier 2 and tier 3 cities across the country and has invited proposals from all 36 states as well as Union Territories for the same, Parliament was informed on Friday. Minister of state for electronics and IT Jitin Prasada in a written reply to Rajya Sabha said that besides proposals expected from states and UTs, IndiaAI in collaboration with NIELIT also plans to establish 27 data labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country. "All the 36 states and Union Territories (UTs) have been requested to submit their nominated list of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)/Polytechnics located in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities for the setting up of data labs. Additionally, IndiaAI in collaboration with NIELIT plans to establish 27 data labs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country," Prasada said. The data and AI labs are part of the skilling initiative of the government under IndiaAI mission. The minister said that a model IndiaAI Data

House panel pulls up IT ministry for failing to use semiconductor funds

A parliamentary panel has pulled up the Ministry of Electronics and IT for surrendering more than half the funds allocated for semiconductor and display manufacturing projects in 2023-24, according to a report tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Standing Committee on Communications and IT in the fourth report on demand for grants observed gradual decrease in allocation of funds from Budget Estimate (BE) 2021-22 to BE 2024-25 for Digital India Programme as well as underutilisation by the ministry over the years. The report said under Modified Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India, during FY24, of the total allocation of Rs 1,503.36 crore the actual expenses as on March 31, 2024 indicates that the ministry could spend only Rs 681.11 crore, "surrendering a staggering 55 per cent of the allotted fund". "Surrendering of funds beyond 50 per cent allocated reflects improper planning by the ministry. The committee may be apprised of t

Meity invites proposals for developing trusted AI ecosystem, tools

The IT ministry has invited proposals from entities for the development of technology tools to create a trusted AI ecosystem, including the detection of deepfakes, as per information published on Meity's website. As part of IndiaAI mission, the Safe and Trusted AI pillar envisages the development of indigenous tools and frameworks and self-assessment checklists for innovators, among others, to put in place adequate guardrails to advance the responsible adoption of AI. "To spearhead this movement, IndiaAI is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from individuals and organisations that want to lead AI development projects to foster accountability, mitigate AI harms and promote fairness in AI practices," the note for proposal said. Miety has invited proposals for watermarking and labelling tools to authenticate AI-generated content, ensuring it is traceable, secure, and free of harmful materials. The proposal calls for the need to establish AI frameworks that align with global ...

Centre grants one year extension for select IT hardware import system

Govt to monitor local manufacturing under PLI before imposing any import curbs

India's electronics ambition faces hurdles, but there is a plan of action

What India needs is to replicate the Apple Inc model and get global giants to build scale in the country by focusing on not only the domestic market but also exports

Make AI in India, work for India is vision for nation's AI revolution: Min

Union Minister Jitin Prasada on Monday asserted the vision to develop artificial intelligence (AI) in India, for India, and all, and said the country is poised for an AI revolution. Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, in a keynote address at the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2024, said India is not only the largest democracy, but also a vibrant digital economy setting new benchmarks for innovation and inclusivity. He said discussions today should not only focus on addressing the challenges of internet governance but also on exploring transformative solutions. "Artificial intelligence is a cornerstone of these transformative solutions. Our vision is to make AI in India and make AI work for India, as well as AI for all. Today, India is placed for a transformative AI revolution," he said. The minister quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "If earlier, human civilisations were based around rivers and oceans, then later around highwaystoday's ...

IT Ministry seeks Cabinet nod for Rs 40,000 cr electronics package in Dec

The financial package would include subsidies for capital expenditure and production-linked incentives to encourage job creation and develop an ecosystem for electronic component manufacturing

Need to make laws more strict to curb vulgarity on social media: Vaishnaw

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said there is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms. Speaking in Lok Sabha, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said the Parliamentary Standing Committee should take up the issue and also called for a consensus to frame more strict laws in this regard. Earlier, there were editorial checks and it was decided whether something was right or wrong, but those checks have ended. Today, social media is a platform for the freedom of press but it is uncontrolled and there is vulgar content, the minister said during the Question Hour. There is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms, Vaishnaw said amid din in the House. He was responding to questions by BJP member Arun Govil about existing mechanisms to check the illegal telecast of vulgar and sex-related content through social media platforms and whether the government proposes to mak

Stricter laws needed for curbing vulgarity on social media: Vaishnaw

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said there is a need to make existing laws more stringent to curb vulgar content on social media platforms. In the Lok Sabha, the Information and Broadcasting Minister said the Parliamentary Standing Committee should take up the issue and also called for a consensus to frame more strict laws in this regard. Earlier, there were editorial checks and it was decided whether something was right or wrong but those checks have ended. Today, social media is a platform for freedom of press but it is uncontrolled and there is vulgar content, the minister said during the Question Hour. There is a need to make existing laws more stringent laws to curb vulgar content on social media platforms, Vaishnaw said amid din in the House. He was responding to questions by BJP member Arun Govil about existing mechanisms to check telecast of vulgar and sex-related content through social media platforms illegally and whether the government proposes to make the .

IT Ministry finalising voluntary code of conduct, ethics for AI companies

IT Ministry is crafting a voluntary code of conduct and ethics for work around Artificial Intelligence (AI), and talks are on with companies and stakeholders for the same, according to a source. The code would take into account aspects like how to look at data, the nuances of data being used, and labelling among other aspects. The source said that the work on voluntary code of conduct and ethics for AI firms is currently on. Amid an AI gold rush of sorts among companies, nations across the globe are stressing the importance of responsible practices related to Artificial Intelligence. Last week, UNESCO in collaboration with the IT Ministry held a stakeholder consultation on safety and ethics in Artificial Intelligence, as India aims to craft a policy that envisions 'AI for All'. This initiative came at a crucial moment as India embarked on its ambitious 'IndiaAI Mission' backed by over Rs 10,000 crore in funding. Central to the mission is the safe and trusted AI pillar, which ...

Unesco, IT ministry host stakeholder consultation on safety, ethics in AI

UNESCO in collaboration with IT Ministry held a stakeholder consultation on safety and ethics in Artificial Intelligence, an official release said on Saturday adding that India aims to craft a policy that envisions 'AI for All'. The event marks the launch of a series of five consultations under the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM), an initiative by UNESCO and Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) aimed at crafting an India-specific AI policy report. The report's objective is to identify strengths and growth opportunities within India's AI ecosystem, while providing actionable insights for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI across various sectors, the release said. "India aims to craft an AI policy that envisions 'AI for All' aligning with global ethical standards to promote the responsible and ethical adoption of AI across various sectors," the release said. The UNESCO South Asia Regional Office, in collaboration with MeitY and Ikigai Law as the implementing partn

Meity to meet IT hardware companies next week to discuss import rules

The Ministry of Electronics and IT is planning to meet IT hardware company to work on import rules for tablet, personal computers, etc, next week, according to official sources. The government has extended the existing approval system for import of certain IT hardware products, including laptops and tablets, for three months from September 30 to December 31. "Meity will call IT hardware companies next week to share the plan it has for import of IT hardwares," a Meity official told PTI. IT hardware imports stood at USD 8.4 billion in 2023-24 against the authorisation of about USD 9.5 billion. Most of these imports were from China. On August 3, 2023, the government first imposed import restrictions on laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers. After the industry flagged concerns over the curbs, the government in October last year rolled out an import management/authorisation of these products. The system is aimed at monitoring .

Makers of electronic goods and telecom gear oppose draft recycling rules

Meity officials support the view of associations representing manufacturers

The fab game: Meity timeline for commercial chip production in the works

Micron's Sanand unit could be the first to bring out 'made-in-India' chips by Aug 15 next year

Meity may not change value addition target for mobiles under PLI scheme

A majority of global vendors of mobile phones and electronics are located in China. Most of them are Chinese companies

IT policy set to roll in by year-end with focus on GCC, jobs, research

New framework likely to keep a short-term target of 3 to 5 years

Electronics 5th largest export commodity; growing 23% annually: Meity

Electronics has become the country's fifth largest export commodity, growing by 23 per cent annually, a senior official in the Ministry of Electronics and IT said on Friday. Electronics manufacturing in India has crossed USD 100 billion market in March 2024, which was USD 49 billion in 2017, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and IT, said at the launch of indigenously-built Tyronne AMD servers by Netweb Technologies. "The electronics exports are rapidly growing at rate of 23 per cent annually. Last year we did USD 30 billion of exports from India. "Surprisingly for many, it has become 5th largest commodity being exported from India," Kumar said. He also expressed confidence that the country's net revenue from electronic exports will become positive in coming years with start of local semiconductor production. Kumar said the country's trillion dollar digital economy has a component of USD 400 billion from electronics manufacturing and the rest comes

Andhra IT Minister Lokesh scouts talent to facilitate investments to state

At a time when Andhra Pradesh is vigourously wooing investments to develop the state, its IT, Electronics and Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday called for passionate individuals to join the state's Economic Development Board to facilitate these deals. The IT Minister is calling for two associate vice presidents, five general managers and half a dozen managers to facilitate investments in multiple sectors. We invite the best talent to join us at the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) in this journey to develop AP (Andhra Pradesh) as India's premier investor-friendly destination, Lokesh said in a post on social media platform X. The 13 executives will be entrusted with work for investment promotion, export promotion and project facilitation in sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics and products, defence and aerospace, life sciences, green hydrogen and derivatives and several others. According to Lokesh, the state is on the cusp of ...

Meity plans to deploy experts for streamlining internal govt data use

The said 'data expert' may be a single person or multiple people, depending on the requirements of a particular ministry