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Startups in the country are “lost in the maze of existing regulations and controls that are applied to them sometimes even retrospectively”, Anand Mahindra, chairman Mahindra Group, said and called for increased ease of doing business for new enterprises. Delivering the 4th Annual Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture on ‘The role of industry in building a resilient and resurgent India’, Mahindra highlighted the importance of the government and industry working in a collaborative manner to achieve scale, innovation, and global reach.

Bharat Shakti', a synergised demonstration of indigenous defence capabilities in the form of a tri-services live fire and manoeuvre exercise, in Rajasthan's Pokhran on March 12. Modi will also visit Gujarat on Tuesday to launch multiple development projects, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement on Sunday. The 'Bharat Shakti' will have on display an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms as a demonstration of the prowess of the country, premised on the nation's self-reliance initiative, the statement said. The exercise will simulate realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying integrated operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains, it added.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday said «we are not afraid of political challenges» and lashed out at the BJP for adopting unfair and undemocratic means to weaken the democratic process of the state. Addressing a public gathering in Solan after dedicating Rs 186 crore developmental projects to the people in the constituency, Sukhu said, «We are not afraid of political challenges. We will face every challenge with determination and will realise the vision of self-reliant Himachal by 2032.» He said that some well-known elements were using hard-earned money of the taxpayers and evil force to topple a democratically elected government, a statement issued here said. While the Himachal Pradesh government's focus was entirely on taking the state forward on the path of sustainable growth, the BJP centered itself in adopting unfair and undemocratic means to weaken the government, he added.

Also read | PM Modi schedule today: Several airport projects across states to foundation stone in UP | 7 points The GMR group stated that with the expansion, "Delhi Airport now stands among elite global hubs, boasting a 100 MPPA capacity. The integration of Arrival and Departure terminals is not just architectural; it's a transformative journey, resonating with India's ambition and connecting the nation to the world." Also read | ‘Doosri mitti ka insaan..’, says PM Modi as he inaugurates 15 airport projects, including New Delhi's Terminal 1 "Through this project, we have reimagined a seamless journey facilitated by facial recognition, self-service kiosks, and automated baggage systems.

Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport to the nation, the GMR-led DIAL has prepared to operationalize the revamped Terminal 1, the GMR group said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated 15 airport projects, including 12 new terminal buildings of almost worth Rs 10,000 crore in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh, marking the event to be the single biggest infra addition that will see a mix of new airports, expanded terminals, laying of foundation stones for upcoming airports and other related facilities. The project launched by PM Modi includes 12 new terminal buildings of Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Delhi, Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti and Adampur Airports, along with laying of the foundation stone for new terminal buildings of Kadapa, Hubballi and Belagavi airports on Sunday.

DD News, Priya Kumar. Manoj Kumar said that this initiative of DD News and Khadi India will also send a message to those who do not want to wear Khadi, while addressing the program. While praising DD News for its innovations in the media landscape, he said that the journey of Khadi has to be taken further under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prasar Bharati and Khadi Village and Industries Commission (KVIC), celebrated a momentous occasion on Saturday as they came together to strengthen the spirit of 'Khadi for Nation and Khadi for Fashion' at the Prasar Bharati Secretariat in New Delhi. The event was attended by Manoj Kumar, Chairman KVIC, Gaurav Dwivedi, Chief Executive Officer Prasar Bharati, Priya Kumar, Director General, Doordarshan News (DD News), among other distinguished guests, and saw the launch of a new Khadi wardrobe for the news anchors of the Hindi news channel DD News and the English news channel DD India. India's Public Service Broadcaster, Prasar Bharati and Khadi India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in September 2023, under which the anchors of DD News and DD India will now actively contribute to carrying forward India's rich heritage and modernity by wearing clothes made of Khadi.

Kazakhstan with its hackers penetrating the telecom sector of the region’s biggest country. Kazakhstan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert.kz), has recently alleged that a group of Chinese hackers had access to the infrastructure of Kazakhstani telecommunication operators for two years, according to persons familiar with the development. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defence and the country’s national airline may have been one of the targets. At least one Chinese hacker group had full access to the critical infrastructure of Kazakhstani telecommunication operators in the past two years. The Kazakh Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry Ministry said in a statement on 20 February 2024 that it has, together with the National Security Committee, (KNB), begun analyzing the leaked information to learn more.

Nirmala Sitharaman said the government is creating an environment that will allow the country’s intellectual property rights (IPRs) ecosystem to flourish. At the same time, the need to protect the IPRs of innovators has to be balanced with the imperative of using them for the benefit of all, she said, listing the steps taken by the government to bolster research and development (R&D). “We are trying to make them (IPR laws) work as a facilitator, a booster, and not as a barrier to the process of R&D,” Sitharaman said on Saturday, asserting that India’s IP regime remains compliant with the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) framework of the World Trade Organization.

Amul is known for its wide range of products — and for its witty ads featuring the iconic Amul Girl. Last week, it came up with another smashing one that got us chortling — 'Chaicrosoft!' with the tagline 'Gatesway to taste!' It showed an Amul-ised Bill Gates and by-now celebrity roadside tea-seller from Nagpur, Sunil Patil, a.k.a. Dolly Chaiwala. Gates crossed paths with Dolly during his recent visit to India to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani. Passing through Nagpur, he was taken to the best-known chai cart on Ravindra Nath Tagore Marg. With his signature style of brewing and vending tea from his mobile unit, his funky glasses, chains and accessories — not to mention his style-bhai enthusiasm for his craft — Dolly has some 1.5 mn followers on Instagram. He must have added at least a few thousands more to his kitty after Bill from Washington state shared the by-now famous video of his visit to Dolly Ki Tapri last week. Dolly's chai is reportedly a concoction of tea leaves, milk, cardamom, and crushed ginger. Nothing too special about that — except the stylish way he serves it. He pours the milk into the saucepan with a flourish and then shuffles cups before handing them to customers. His fashion sense and antics seem to be inspired by Turkish meat artist superstar Salt Bae (born Nusret Gokce), whose technique for preparing, seasoning and serving meat in his restaurants across the world wowed the likes of Maradona and Devid Beckham. And it clearly works for Dolly.

Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday launched 52 short textbooks in Indian non-scheduled languages, including tribal languages, for early childhood care and education, to provide young learners access to education in their mother tongue. «The 52 primers in Indian non-scheduled languages is going to be a transformational step for young learners, specially for early childhood care and education, providing them access to education in their mother tongue/local language. It will initiate an inspirational journey for young minds, paving the way for deeper understanding, lifelong learning, more familiarity and rooted beds in indigenous culture and greater success in academics and beyond,» he said. The primers — short books for introducing a subject to students — have been prepared by the NCERT in collaboration with the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru.

policy are all being given a certain push as research and development are happening in very big scale in India now because the environment is being made conducive for that purpose, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday. «So, we are trying to make them (IPR laws) as a facilitator, booster, and not certainly a barrier in the process of R&D. We've taken quite a few steps and I singularly thank the prime minister for this particular policy, which after a lot of consultation has come up in 2016,» she said. The law is a balance of protection for those who innovate, and the commercial propositions with which patents can be of use for the society, she said at the book launch event of Justice Prathiba M Singh on Patent Law. Sharing details of the law, Sitharaman said, eight different items which have something to do with intellectual property have all been brought together under one umbrella.

Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday hailed Nivetti Systems for the indigenously developed 2.4 tbps router. He termed it a momentous achievement for the country. «I came to Bengaluru for a very special purpose. First indigenously developed 2.4 tbps router. It's not a very small thing. It's really a momentous achievement for our country,» Vaishnaw, who holds the Electronics, Communication, Information Technology and Railways portfolios, said at the launch here. «This is indeed a very big milestone that we have achieved,» he noted.

Melinda Pavek, Consul General at US Consulate General in Kolkata visited IIM Shillong to discuss prospective academic collaborations. Drawing upon her diverse background in both diplomatic and corporate spheres, Consul General Pavek shared her journey of her current position, highlighting key roles such as Counselor for Science, Innovation, and Development at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and Deputy Chief of Mission in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Her extensive experience, ranging from public service as a Foreign Service Officer to corporate roles at Johnson & Johnson, provided valuable insights into the intricacies of international relations. Prof D P Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong mentioned about various initiatives of IIM Shillong and highlighted the International Collaborations with the B Schools of US resulting in mutual exchange programme, joint research initiatives, and faculty collaborations between IIM Shillong and B Schools of US.

Navam Capital has announced the first close of Navam Venture Fund I with commitments totalling Rs 50 crore from family offices, corporates and ultra-high net worth individuals. “With a target fund size of Rs 250 crore, the fund aims to invest in intellectual property-rich ventures translating science and engineering breakthroughs into differentiated products and services,” Navam Capital said.

There is demand for 40,000-50,000 employees across job roles in 2024, a 25-30% increase over last year, says staffing company Randstad. The sector is expected to see more than 800,000 to 1 million job openings over the next five years. «The demand for talent in the sector has reached an all-time high to build infrastructure, industrial parks, testing systems and R&D (research and development),» said Yeshab Giri, chief commercial officer, operational talent solutions, Randstad India.

graphic processing units (GPUs) that are deemed essential for the creation of artificial intelligence-based applications and models is a “good starting point” as it strives to stay apace with global leaders in the rapidly evolving area of AI innovation, top investors and technologists said. The Rs 10,372-crore Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission, announced on Thursday, will operate on a public-private partnership model. It will extend GPUs as a digital public infrastructure that can offer AI-as-a-service.

AstraZeneca is in the process of 15 new launches in India including novel products and new indications of existing assets in two years, said Sanjeev Panchal, managing director of AstraZeneca Pharma India. «We would be doing 15 new launches starting 2023 until 2025,» he told ET. The products would be in the therapeutic segments of oncology; cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CVRM) diseases; respiratory and immunology; and rare diseases. Some of the new products would be biologics or monoclonal antibodies, Panchal said. To expand access to its innovative therapies, AstraZeneca is working on strategies such as public-private partnerships (PPPs) for screening and early diagnosis, entering licensing deals with India pharmaceutical companies to enhance reach, and following a country-wise or tiered pricing approach in India linked to economic indicators, ensuring the prices of the drugs are relatively lower than advanced countries, he said.

NEW DELHI : New Delhi: Big Tech firms such as Google, Microsoft and Nvidia are expected to lead India's efforts to develop a centralized computing infrastructure, which the India AI Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet on Thursday, envisions. For these firms, creating artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure will entail strategic investments in India’s developing technology ecosystem, industry experts and stakeholders said.

Smartphone maker Xiaomi said that following its continuous spend in innovation capabilities, it aims to enhance artificial intelligence (AI)-driven consumer experience, as a part of its premiumisation strategy. «We have been continuing to invest in our innovation capabilities. But now, as we plan out the next evolution of Xiaomi in India, we focus on premiumisation, and smartphone AIoT. India is becoming aspirational,» Muralikrishnan B, president, Xiaomi India told ETTelecom. Further, the top executive said that the country's increasing disposable income and GDP growth offers an exciting opportunity to the company, and the smartphone major is betting big on premiumisation.

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