Tag: Technology

AI Attempts To Compromise Electoral Process Will Be Met With Strong Measures

Deepfake, AI Attempts To Compromise Electoral Process Will Be Met With Strong Measures: CEC

By LokMarg

New Delhi [India], January 24 (ANI): Emphasizing that technology has been leveraged to bring in transparency and efficiency in all aspects of elections, Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar on the occasion of the 14th National Voters Day, said that misinformation, deep fakes and the use of Artificial Intelligence are being used increasingly to undercut the “faith and trust” of the people in the electoral process.

He further said that any attempts to compromise this fundamental tenet through false narratives will be met with swift and robust measures to uphold the integrity of our elections.

The Chief Election Commissioner extended warm greetings to all voters on the momentous occasion of the 14th National Voters’ Day and said that any attempts to compromise this fundamental tenet through false narratives will be met with swift and robust measures to uphold the integrity of our elections

“While technology has made possible many enabling features to enrich the electoral process, it has also posed various challenges to the democratic exercise. We, however, stand firm in our resolve to maintain a level playing field and foster an informed electorate. Any attempts to compromise this fundamental tenet through false narratives will be met with swift and robust measures to uphold the integrity of our elections,” he said.

He further urged first-time voters to exercise their franchise with full enthusiasm adding that the youth will make a resounding and emphatic statement by voting and motivating their peers to do the same.

“Over 60 democratic countries will have elections this year to elect their respective governments. India shall be the focus of all, as the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy conducts 18th Lok Sabha elections and elections to around eight state legislative assemblies during 2024. This day is an occasion to celebrate voters, youngsters in particular, as central to this great democracy of ours,” Rajiv Kumar said on Wednesday.

Kumar said that India will be having the World’s largest peacetime logistical exercise of movement of man and materials, to enable over 96 crore voters to exercise their franchise over 12 lakh polling stations through our 1.5 crore plus election officials.

The Chief Election Commissioner thanked and appreciated their polling teams who traverse the harshest of terrains to deliver democracy to the last mile.

“Our focus has been to make the electoral experience pleasant, all-inclusive and inducement-free. Our electoral roll serves as a vibrant and diverse mosaic, reflecting the rich diversity of our democracy,” Rajiv Kumar said.

Recalling a few lines from Tiruvalluvar’s, Kural, “It is compassion, the most gracious of virtues, which moves the world”. Reflecting this sentiment, it is the Commission’s resolve to make our elections inclusive and accessible. We have over 81 lakh persons with disability voters, over 1.8 crore 80 plus voters, 2.5 lakh 100 plus voters and over 48,000 third-gender voters registered with us. Optional Home voting facility is also available for 80 plus and PwD voters to vote from the comfort of their homes, he added.

Rajiv Kumar further said that in 2023 the Commission has successfully conducted elections in 9 states, where more than 16 crore voters gave voice to their cherished democratic right and voted in an atmosphere of fairness, confidence and joy.

“Elections were held peacefully, with no major incidents of violence and near zero repolls. In 126 villages of Bastar, polling stations were set-up for the first time in independent India, where voters came to polling stations without any fear and anxiety. Women voters participated enthusiastically, even surpassing male voters in many constituencies across these 9 states. The Commission’s efforts have meant 100 per cent registration of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in the festival of democracy,” he added.

The Chief Election Commissioner further said that political parties are the pivot of our vibrant democracy and urged them for their continued support and assured them of our fullest cooperation.

“The Commission bases its engagement with political parties on three pillars – full disclosure, complete involvement and assured responsiveness. Going into General Elections 2024, we appeal to them for their continued support and assure them of our fullest cooperation. Fostering an ethical and respectful political discourse plays a critical role in shaping the democratic process and in influencing our young voters. It is imperative that political parties engage in discussions that inspire rather than divide, and promote ideas instead of personal attacks. Political Parties, our biggest stakeholders must become our best partners in ensuring an ethical journey,” he added.

Kumar further expressed confidence in giving India’s approximately 96 crore electors and all stakeholders the best possible electoral experience, truly befitting the largest democracy in the world.

Concluding his address he appealed to each and every one of you, to take part in the ensuing festival of democracy with full vigour and enthusiasm.

The Election Commission of India was established on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a Republic, and that is why we celebrate National Voters Day on January 25. (ANI)

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Annamalai after "joker" jibe by DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran

I Urge Youths To Explore AI Tools: Modi

By LokMarg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation in the year’s last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode before the country heads into the high-octane election year, pointed out how innovative technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), has brought about convenience in different sectors of society.

Recalling the Kashi-Tamil Sangmam event in Uttar Pradesh, where the indigenous AI-powered Bhashini app ensured proper translation of his words from Hindi to Tamil with ease, he said that the people who participated in the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam were elated by this experiment.

“A few days ago, there was an experiment in Kashi that I would certainly like to share with Mann Ki Baat listeners. You must be aware that thousands of people have reached Kashi from Tamil Nadu to take part in Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. There, for the first time, I used ‘Bhashini’ the Artificial intelligence (AI) tool to communicate with them from a public platform. I was addressing in Hindi from the Dais but thanks to the AI tool Bhashini, the people of Tamil Nadu who were present there were listening to my address in Tamil, translated in real-time,” PM Modi said at the 108th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday.

The PM further said that technology is a new beginning and expressed hope that it will help his voice reach the masses more easily.

“That day is not far, when a speech would be delivered in any language, but the audience would be able to listen to the same speech in their language in real time. The same feature would also be available in movies in the future. In which the audience in a theatre hall would get to listen to real-time translations with the help of AI.

He added that such technology would bring ease of functioning in different sectors, including the judiciary and education, once it was implemented there.

“A huge transformation will take place in our schools, hospitals and courts when this technology is extensively used,” he said.

The Prime Minister further urged the young generation to explore AI tools related to real-time translation in a bigger way and also make them 100 per cent full proof.

Earlier on December 17, a real-time Artificial Intelligence-based translation tool was used during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi.

This was done through ‘Bhashini’ for those in the audience who understood Tamil. ‘Bhashini’ is an AI-led language translation system that enables people to speak in their own language while talking to speakers of other Indian languages.

Meanwhile, BJP National President JP Nadda, along with Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, heard PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat programme in Lucknow.

The 107rd edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ was aired on November 26, when PM Modi asked the citizens not to organise weddings abroad and urged people of the country to hold wedding celebrations in the country.

The popular programme on All India Radio, Prime Minister Mann Ki Baat, was started on October 3, 2014 and is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month at 11 am. The 30-minute programme completed its 100 episodes on April 30, 2023.

The Mann Ki Baat programme is a platform where the Prime Minister communicates directly with the people of the country. Through this programme, the Prime Minister informs and inspires the people of the country on various topics.

Mann ki Baat has impacted all sections of society, who have been inspired to contribute towards fulfilling the great goals he has set for the nation. (ANI)

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Central Pollution Control Board

IIT Kanpur Ready For Cloud Seeding Over Delhi

By LokMarg

As thick smog shrouded the entire national capital region and its neighbouring cities after the air quality continued to remain in the ‘severe’ category, IIT Kanpur, which has been working on cloud seeding technology, said it has its own aircraft for the purpose and is fitted with flares that are needed to form such artificial rains.

Manindra Aggarwal, Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Kanpur and leader of the project, stated that IIT Kanpur has its own aircraft which is currently fitted with flares for cloud seeding.

“And it was also approved by DGCA. Through this, we can do cloud seeding anywhere. As far as the Delhi government is concerned, we have received some phone calls from the Delhi government,” Aggarwal said.

Also, he said they have been working with the Confederation of Indian Industry for the past two months on how and when they should go about it.

“CII office is very active and is coordinating with both the Delhi Government and Central Government,” the IIT Kanpur professor said, without divulging any details on when they are planning for actual cloud seeding in the national capital region.

Further, asked whether cloud seeding was a permanent solution, he explained it is alike natural rains and helps in settling down suspended dust and particulate matters present in the environment. He suggested action should be instead taken on the actual sources of pollution.

“When it rains through cloud Seeding, the dust particles get washed away with the water, thereby making the environment free from pollution, but unless we take action on the sources of pollution, pollution will occur again. Therefore, control of pollution through cloud seeding is temporary which lasts for one week to two weeks,” the professor said.

He also contended that Delhi being a large city, would not be easy to cloud seed in its entirety.

“Delhi/NCR has an area of more than 1000 square kilometres. So to ensure rain there, cloud seeding will be required over a large area. Now it depends on which area the clouds are found, it is not necessary that there should be clouds over Delhi NCR. So wherever there will be clouds, we will have to work accordingly, and we have no control over it,” added the professor.

On the cost of cloud seeding, the IIT Kanpur professor, without getting into specifics, said it is definitely a bit expensive but will go a long way in helping reduce pollution for some time.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai called a meeting of all concerned departments on Monday in view of the increasing pollution. The Delhi government on Monday decided to reintroduce the odd-even rule from November 13 to 20 in view of the concerns of deterioration in air quality. A decision on further extending the odd-even rule would be taken later.

The odd-even scheme of the Delhi government is a traffic rationing measure under which vehicles with registration numbers ending with an odd digit will be allowed on roads on odd dates and those with an even digit on even dates.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Sunday decided to invoke Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality. The Air Quality Commission said that Stage IV will be implemented in addition to the restrictions placed under Stage I to III.

According to the 8-point action plan, there will be a ban on entry of truck traffic into Delhi (except for trucks carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services and all LNG/ CNG/ electric trucks). Also, a ban will be imposed on the plying of Delhi-registered diesel-operated Medium Goods Vehicles (MGVs) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) in Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services. GRAP Stage-IV restrictions also include NCR and the Delhi government may take a decision on discontinuing physical classes even for classes VI-IX, and class XI and conduct lessons in an online mode.

The air pollution crisis is an annual affair in Delhi. Air pollution levels can be high during the winter months for a number of reasons, including dust and vehicular pollution, dry-cold weather, stubble burning, burning crop residues after the harvest season, and commuting.

Cold air is denser and moves slower than warm air, so it traps pollution and doesn’t whisk it away. This means that air pollution in winter remains in place for much longer than during the summer.

According to doctors, for any healthy person, a recommended AQI should be less than 50, but these days the AQI has spiked beyond 400, which could prove fatal for people. (ANI)

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Tactical Combat Robots

Tactical Combat Robots Set To Revolutionize Army Ops

By LokMarg

The future of warfare is increasingly becoming automated as the military adopts cutting-edge technology to enhance its capabilities.

Unmanned combat systems are at the forefront of this technological revolution and Xena 5.0, a Tactical Combat Robot, is paving the way for a new era in military operations.

Xena 5.0 represents a remarkable leap in unmanned combat technology. This robotic marvel is designed as a tactical combat vehicle equipped with an array of cameras and is remotely operated.

What sets it apart is its versatility; it can be fitted with various armaments, including a 5.56 Light Machine Gun (LMG) and a Grenade Launcher, all controlled remotely. This robotic powerhouse is not just a weapon but also a tool for surveillance, capable of achieving speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour.

One of the key advantages of Xena 5.0 is its applicability across a wide range of military scenarios. It’s not limited to combat but can also be deployed for rescue missions. Moreover, it can transport arms, ammunition, and critical supplies to forward areas, reducing the risk to soldiers in volatile regions during wartime or counter-insurgency operations.

Mohan Chaudhary, a spokesperson from Club First Robotics, the organization behind Xena 5.0, shared insights into this groundbreaking development. “This is a mini robot, which has a capacity of 500 kg. We have designed this robot to support our soldiers in various ways, including surveillance in challenging terrains like deserts and coastal areas, where supply lines may be disrupted. Instead of risking human lives, we can send this robot from a distance of up to 2 kilometers.”

Robotic vehicles like Xena 5.0 are poised to play a pivotal role in modern warfare. They offer the military the ability to operate in hostile environments without endangering soldiers’ lives.

The adoption of such advanced technologies underscores the ongoing transformation of armed forces worldwide. As they increasingly integrate robotic systems into their operations, the future of warfare is set to be shaped by automation, minimizing risk to human personnel while maximizing efficiency and effectiveness on the battlefield. (ANI)

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Sri Lankan President

Lankan Prez Seeks India’s Help In Policy Reforms Among Other Issues

By LokMarg

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has sought India’s help in policy reforms, utilisation of digital technology, capacity building, good governance, and institution building to address the recent economic challenges faced by the country and to put it on the path of high economic growth.

The help was sought during a discussion with an Indian delegation led by the Director General of the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Bharat Lal, mentions a statement from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
The Indian delegation called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on April 1, 2023, during its two-day visit to the neighbouring country at the invitation of the Sri Lankan Government. Director General NCGG was accompanied by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagley, Dr A P Singh, Associate Professor of NCGG and other senior diplomats of the Mission.

During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe shared his vision for Sri Lanka, a strategy to address the recent economic challenges and put the country on the path of high economic growth.

The discussion centred around policy reforms, good governance, digitalisation, capacity building and training, institution building, and assured public service delivery, reads the statement.

Sri Lankan President, the statement pointed out, admired the way India managed socio-economic development and ensured high economic growth.

During the discussion, President Wickremesinghe urged NCGG to help in establishing a University of Governance and Public Policy in Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, the Director General, NCGG underscored how Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon assuming the role of Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 amid a slew of crises and negative economic growth, was able to put the state on the path of high economic growth and sustained prosperity through his vision, strategy, and progressive policies.

Consequently, Gujarat has experienced double-digit economic growth over the past two decades. Thereafter, since 2014, as Prime Minister, he has introduced a new culture of citizen-centric policies and good governance, and as a result, India is witnessing high economic growth, assured public service delivery and fast improving quality of life of its citizens.

To reinforce Prime Minister’s vision for good governance, which focuses on transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, India is massively using digital technology and monitoring mechanisms for time-bound implementation.

In line with the Prime Minister’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ NCGG in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, is dedicated to promoting collaboration and learning among civil servants of India and neighbouring countries.

During the discussion, the statement says, Lankan President requested that the NCGG extend the necessary help to Sri Lanka based on India’s experience of digital governance and participatory policymaking to ensure faster socio-economic development and high economic growth.

“The discussions centred on the NCGG’s support for Sri Lanka in policy reforms, utilization of digital technology, capacity building, good governance, and institution building. They believed that this would aid Sri Lanka in strengthening its institutions and that the country is eager to learn and utilize India’s successful governance model to achieve high economic growth,” reads the statement.

The Indian delegation met several senior civil servants of Sri Lanka, said the statement, adding “Everyone is keen to know how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new governance model to eradicate poverty, ensure high-quality services, assured public service delivery, environmental protection, inclusion and equity, transparency and accountability, and high economic growth.”

Sri Lanka is keen to learn policy-driven governance model of India and the massive use of digital technology in the planning, execution, and monitoring of various programmes and projects.

During a series of meetings set up by the President’s office, top civil servants expressed their appreciation for the sustained assistance that India has provided to Sri Lanka during its recent unprecedented economic crisis.

Bharat Lal spoke about the Prime Minister’s mantra of ‘neighbourhood first’ and highlighted the special relationship India – Sri Lanka have. He also stressed the critical role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision, as well as his emphasis on good governance, in ensuring efficient, effective, and technology-driven public service delivery.

The Indian delegation emphasized the positive impact of digital technology in promoting transparency, equity, inclusion, and accountability.

Among India’s moves shared with Sri Lanka for economic growth was the automation of processes which has eliminated the need for physical interactions between individuals and officers, effectively reducing opportunities for corrupt practices, the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) which is a prime example of how process automation can bring speed and scale to development schemes.

By directly transferring cash benefits to beneficiaries’ Jan Dhan Yojana bank accounts, it was informed, the program eliminated the role of middlemen and, consequently, opportunities for corrupt practices.

The DBT was powered by the ‘JAM Trinity’ of Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile. The unique digital ID, Aadhaar, provided to each citizen streamlined the identification of genuine beneficiaries and eliminated ghost beneficiaries.

Digitalization has made a significant difference in the implementation of various developmental programs and the provision of public services, as evidenced by the recent growth in both direct and indirect taxes.

The DG also provided an example of the robust e-monitoring system of the Jal Jeevan Mission on the dashboard, which uses sensor-based IoT devices.

The NCGG was set up in 2014 by the Government of India as an apex-level autonomous institution to focus on good governance, policy reforms, training, and capacity building of civil servants of the country as well as of other developing countries. NCGG also works as a think tank. It has taken up capacity building of civil servants of several developing countries in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (ANI)

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India Requires Drone Pilots Thakur

India Requires 1L Drone Pilots By Next Year: Thakur

By LokMarg

Highlighting the country’s progress in the technological space, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said that India will become the hub of drone technology and will require at least 1 lakh drone pilots by next year.

Addressing the gathering after flagging off the ‘Drone Yatra 2.0’ in Chennai, the Union Minister said, technology is truly transforming the world at a rapid rate and it has never been more relevant than now as its applications are solving some of the most pressing problems on the planet.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thakur said, “PM once remarked that ‘India has a billion solutions to a million problems.’ As a country of a billion plus people, India is increasingly leveraging technology to stay ahead of the curve.”

Detailing the advancements in drone technology in India, he said that during the Beating Retreat, the entire nation was mesmerised by the spectacular display of 1000 ‘Made in India’ drones by Indian start-up ‘Botlab Dynamics’ led by IIT alumni. As a part of the SWAMITVA scheme (Survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village areas), the survey of the land and houses is being prepared through drones in the villages, he added.

Drones are increasingly being used to sprinkle pesticides and nano fertilizers in the fields in rural villages.

“During COVID, drones were used to deliver medicines and vaccines in remote areas. Drones are used in Indian cricket. Drones are used for sprinkling pesticides in remote areas. 100 kisan drones placed across India,” the Minister said.

He said that recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had granted conditional exemption to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the deployment of drones for live aerial cinematography of the India Cricket Season in 2021.

He remarked that as part of the “Kisan Drone Yatra”, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi 100 Kisan Drones were sent to villages across the country to spray pesticides. He quoted PM Modi’s remark that “Kisan Drone is now the beginning of a new age revolution in this direction.”

Thakur reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting the use of technology in the agriculture sector in order to increase farm production.

He said today, Drone technology is essential for various fields from defence to agriculture and health to entertainment. India is also moving towards creating a strong drone manufacturing ecosystem in the country through schemes like Production Linked Incentive (PLI), he added

The Union Minister said that the Modi government strives to boost the demand for cutting-edge drone technology and services in a three-pronged approach. An effective policy that is the new Drone Rules, 2021; providing incentives in the form of PLI for Drones and Drone Components; and creating indigenous demand wherein 12 Ministries of the Central government have been given the task to take it forward, he said.

Stating that India will require at least 1 lakh pilots in 2023, he said that each pilot will earn at least Rs 50,000-80,000 a month.

While noting that currently there are over 200 drone start-ups operating in the country, the minister said that this number will increase to generate lakhs of new job opportunities for the youth.

Effective policies, incentives to industry, and ‘ease of doing business’ is providing the much-needed impetus to the drone sector which shows its huge potential in India, Thakur said.

“Aligned to PM Modi’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ I am confident that the growing innovation and cutting-edge drone technology ecosystem will ensure a self-reliant and self-sustainable New India in the Amrit Kaal,” he added. (ANI)

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Taiwan India business

Taiwan Delegation’s India Visit A Fresh Boost To Business Ties

By LokMarg

Taiwan-India business ties got a fresh boost after a delegation from the self-governed island visited a number of Indian states earlier this month which led to the signing of three Taiwan-India memorandums of understanding aimed at fostering electronics manufacturing and green technologies, according to the Taiwan-based English-language website Common Wealth Magazine.

Several high-level business delegations from Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association (TEEMA) and Taiwan India Business Association (TIBA) visited India to explore the untapped business potential between the two sides.
Writing for the Common Wealth Magazine, Taipei-based attorney Arpita Dutta said the three important items on the agenda of the delegation visit were: “visiting India based-Taiwanese businesses, visiting potential Indian business partners, and organizing a rigorous discussion with the state governments including the IT ministers of several states.”

According to Dutta, key takeaways from the delegation’s visit included, the recognition of the fact that India has an abundant talent pool and that wise use of Indian talent will maximize business growth.

The role of product localization in penetrating the 1.4 billion Indian market and the appropriate supply chain for streamlining business management, were also noted. Another theme that came across was the need to break the monotonous thinking of India-Taiwan cultural barriers.

Arpita Dutta, in the Common Wealth Magazine article, contended that this delegation visit was an essential step since it aimed to understand the gaps and opportunities to advocate the sustainability of Taiwanese business in a new jurisdiction.

She said intense and engaging talks with the “Indian government and Taiwanese companies surely will open doors to more collaboration in the foreseeable future.”

“The policies ‘Made in India’ and ‘Production Incentive Evolution’ along with several other subsidies can complement Taiwan’s ‘New Southbound Policy,’ and Taiwan-India collaboration will turn the aspiration of an Indian manufacturing hub into reality,” she added.

Dutta, who herself was part of the visit to prominent Indian entities, said the delegate saw their utmost collaborative lookout from a broad perspective, which clearly showed how India-Taiwan hardware and software collaboration will create a new dimension in the IT industry.

“The insights from this trip might provide sufficient confidence to Taiwanese companies that are under certain stereotypical impressions about India,” she added. (ANI)

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Revolutionising Financial Services: 75 Digital Banking Units In 75 Districts

By LokMarg

Over the last few years, India has turned a corner and placed a renewed emphasis on ensuring that the new era requires a new mechanism. This novel mechanism shares immense benefits of technology for humanity as was seen with the hugely successful Digital India campaign.

In what has become a huge catalyst towards promoting as many transactions that can take place through digital means, the Digital India campaign has empowered the common citizen with the widespread use of technology on that front.
Technology-based digital platforms have gained popularity among various sections of society including the educated semi-urban and rural classes equally in the last decade. Though the shift to these online platforms was a foregone conclusion, the fact that the same would happen so swiftly took everyone by surprise.

Notwithstanding the presence of private Indian non-banking financial players like PhonePe or PayTM as well as international giants like GPay, the most successful and user-friendly interface among all of them has been that of BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) launched by the Government of India.

Continuing on this trend of promoting ease of living within the nation, the Government of India has been able to add new services to it. Adding a new dimension to the push towards digital finances, an even more advanced, effective, transparent, and reliable way has been found through which 75 digital banking units have been launched in 75 districts of the country.

As of now, 11 public sector banks as well as 12 private banks would be participating in this initiative. In the last half a decade particularly, banks have been able to reach out to a record number of poor through which financial inclusion has received a huge shot in the arm.

Reforms in the banking sector along with this push for inclusion have been able to connect the poor with the banking system. More than the physical distance between such banks and their branches, the psychological distance between those in rural India particularly, these banks and their branches have been reduced as well.

A top priority has been given to ensure that banking services reach the most remote corners of the country which has further resulted in more than 99 percent of total Indian villages having some bank branch, banking outlet or banking correspond/mitra within a 5-km radius. To ease this further, the huge network of interconnected post offices in the country has become part of the mainstream of banking as well via the India Post Bank.

These banking services that have reached the common Indian through BHIM, RuPay, e-Rupi, and Jan Dhan have opened new doors of possibilities. Similarly, the digital banking unit will ensure that such banking services are free from paperwork and other hassles.

Banking will be easier than ever with convenience and security. In a village or a small town, sending money or taking loans would become much more convenient with the online presence being maintained through these digital banking units.’

These digital banking units, as part of the larger financial technology or the more commonly-known world of ‘FinTech’, would serve as a new extension towards a historic new era. Announced in the Union Budget earlier this year, such units would be specialized and fixed point units that would help those who do not have their own computers, laptops, or smartphones to avail of banking services digitally by visiting such units.

All such facilities would be provided with ample internet in these digital banking units. Opening a savings account, transferring cash, investing in a fixed deposit, applying for loans, applying for credit cards, checking account details, and stopping payment instructions for cheques issued would all be part of these digital banking units.

It is bound to promote digital financial literacy with an emphasis on educating customers (particularly from the rural setup) about cyber security, awareness, and security measures.

In a situation like the gloomy pandemic were distancing ourselves from one another has taken a form of its own, these digital banking units put forth an interesting aspect of contactless payment mechanisms along with no need for a personal internet network on the customer’s end either.

Therefore, for a large population, these units are bound to provide the first step towards going digital in a responsible and transparent manner as well. Interestingly, the 21st-century economy is progressing with a continuum and it becomes important that the help of partner banks, government entities, and corporate players is taken to ensure that nobody is left behind in terms of financial inclusion and literacy.

Over the last decade, the rapid pace at which India has progressed in the field of digital technology has been nothing short of magical.

The Indian population has taken to digital payments like fish takes to water, with a large amount of monetary transactions at toll plazas, shops, account transfers, restaurants, etc. taking place via mobile phones alone.

A large number of developing countries are aspiring to imitate the Indian success story when it comes to digital payments, and these newly-launched digital banking units in 75 districts are yet another chapter in the glorious book of this story. (ANI)

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Indian Startups Satellites: Jitendra

Indian Startups Will Soon Launch Satellites: Jitendra Singh

By LokMarg

Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Monday said the Indian startups would soon launch space satellites as well as satellite constellations and try their rockets.

Speaking at the India Space Conclave here on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Indian Space Association, ISpA, Jitendra Singh said the “revolutionary and out of box decision” of PM Modi to unlock the space sector for private industry in June 2020 changed the very nature of space ecosystem of the country.
The Minister also informed that five PSLVs are being domestically produced by L&T and HAL, while OneWeb is all set to launch their satellites through ISRO and NSIL.

Singh said space reforms have unleashed the innovative potentials of startups within a short span of time, “from a couple of space start-ups three-four years back, today we have 102 startups working in cutting-edge areas of space debris management, nano-satellite, launch vehicle, ground systems, research etc”.

With the integration of R&D, academia and industry with equal stake, it is safe to say that a Space Revolution led by ISRO along with the private sector and startups is on the horizon, the minister said.

Singh said, the strength and innovative potential of the country’s young and private industrial enterprise will take a lead in the global space technology disruption in times to come. He expressed hope that India’s young technology wizards shall breach new barriers in the field of space technology while they set out to address the limitless opportunities offered by the space domain.

The minister lauded the role of ISA for marvellously working in developing and forming global linkages for the growth of the Indian space industry in a short span of one year. He said members of ISA are continuously striving in undertaking policy advocacy and engaging in the reciprocation of knowledge and vision to make India a flag bearer in the sphere of space tech domain.

ISpA is acting as a major contributor toward supplementing the Indian Government’s endeavours to make India acquire a leading position in the arena of commercialised space-based excursions. He said for this ISpA’s role as a commune to deliberate interactions between the key stakeholders becomes a vital and critical one.

The minister hoped that ISpA keeping the motto of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ high will usher in important technological advancements and investments in the country which will eventually create high-skill job opportunities while following the government’s approach to space reforms.

Dwelling on the strategic relevance of Space in view of recent global conflicts, Jitendra Singh said space, a dual-use technology domain, is emerging as an important multi-faceted enabler that provides unprecedented reach.

He added that many nations are today focusing on developing their military space capabilities to ensure its safe, secure, and friendly use along with deterrence capability to deny it to adversaries, when necessary.

Singh elaborated that India too has resolved to leverage the strengths of this emerging dimension of warfare, and in fact, the Indian government is undertaking strong and decisive steps towards ensuring Atmanirbharta in the space sector to ensure “our private industrial capability and capacity are effectively energised and channelized to develop cutting-edge solutions which would give India a decisive edge over our others in times to come”.

According to a release, the minister highlighted the constructive role played by ISpA in engaging with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, the Ministry of Defence and the three services to address their requirements and said that ISpA will play a much deeper role in supporting the capability and capacity-building initiatives of the government in times to come. (ANI)

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Chatbot Of IRCTC

Newly Launched Chatbot Of IRCTC Getting Remarkable Response

By LokMarg

The newly launched Chatbot of IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited) is getting remarkable response from the train passengers during the beta launch as over 1 billion people have used it, a senior IRCTC official said.

While talking to ANI, the official said that the new conversational and convenient feature to book railway tickets enables customers to interact with the system via voice, chat and click based system. Additionally, the system requires no passwords and works based on the One Time Password (OTP).
The official also told that the technology is powered by CoRover, a conversational AI Platform which is being used by more than 1 billion users.

“In our constant pursuit to enhance the user experience, leveraging new age technologies, we are today taking a giant leap. Now, passengers can book their train ticket in a conversational manner, leveraging our AI Virtual Assistant, AskDISHA 2.0, powered by CoRover, the Conversational AI platform, used by more than 1 billion users.”

The improved Virtual Assistant, AskDISHA 2.0 has many features like booking tickets, checking PNR status, cancelling tickets, changing boarding station, checking refund status and answering queries like Tatkal timings.

The official further informed that this is a landmark step towards enhancing the passenger experience.

“First time, the users can book ticket without knowing their IRCTC password, it will be possible just with an OTP. AskDISHA 2.0 has also proven to be a very effective instrument and the addition of voice booking and will make it even easier for travellers to plan their trips,” the official added.

The senior official also estimated that at least 25 percent of clients will be switching to this option in the future.

“It is expected that at least 25 per cent of clients will be switching to this option in the future and also attracting new users who want to book their tickets using the conversational tool rather than chatting. In August 2022, AskDISHA has got around 95 lakh queries, which includes booking request, cancellation and more. Also, it had 88% positive feedback with the AI Accuracy rate of 99 per cent,” the official told ANI.

The official further talked about the “Technological Revolution” in the Indian Railways under the current leadership and government.

“It is notable that the Indian Railways, under the leadership of the Minister for Railways and IT have been undergoing a massive technological revolution in pursuance of Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Digital India’, ‘Made in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’,” the official further said.

“Under the aegis of the present government, the Indian Railways, being one of the largest rail networks of the world have been achieving new milestones of transformation every day in various spheres for improving the travel experience of the passengers,” the official added.

The new avatar of IRCTC’s chatbot, AskDISHA 2.0, aims to help users get authentic, correct and instant answers to their queries. It will not just save time and enhance the user experience, but will also help them in doing end-to-end real-time transactions, the official said. (ANI)

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