- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics made headlines –
but not just for outstanding performances or vibrant displays. A cyberattack on
the latest Winter Olympics resulted in a 12-hour
disruption, leaving attendees from across the globe unable to retrieve or print purchased
tickets during the momentous event 1]. The outage demonstrates
how disruptive cyberattacks can be – often much worse than a slew of frustrated
guests, especially when involving more critical infrastructure.
In 2014, the Indian government
established the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre
(NCIIPC) to regulate and protect the nation’s Critical Information
Infrastructures (CIIs). CIIs are defined by the Information
Technology Act of 2000 as vital computer resources that, if incapacitated
or destroyed, will leave a debilitating impact on national security, economy,
public health or safety across both public and private sectors [2].
Although many CIIs are primarily owned and operated by the private
sector, such as banks and commercial facilities, the role of government is
equally important when evaluating how best to protect organizations and industries
from attack. Here are three key areas governments should focus on when
implementing a cybersecurity strategy –
· Take charge with national recommendations
– Securing our critical
infrastructure requires coordinated efforts from various government agencies as
well as the private sector. However, governments should take the lead and issue
standards and best practices on the most effective approach.
For example, last year, the Singapore
Cyber Security Agency held Exercise
Cyber Star with 11 designated Critical Information
Infrastructures (CII) to put the country’s cyber incident management and
emergency response plans to test. This was done through a series of simulated
cybersecurity incidents, planning sessions and workshops [3] and served as a good
platform for the organizations and agencies to assess their cyber-readiness and
knowledge-share on best practices. Assessing the current state of readiness is
the first step to implementing an effective cybersecurity plan.
· Be aware of weak lines between OT and
IT – Operational Technology (OT) is a system that monitors and controls
physical devices and processes, such as how much electricity is generated
through transmission lines. Traditionally, these functions were run on man-operated
equipment. With the growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, many OT systems
are now equipped with IP addresses to enable remote access streamline control operations.
This transition means that OT and IT networks are increasingly connected and security
standards must be kept up-to-date to ensure proper barriers between the
networks.
Successful measures include improved
access control and encryption, which helps prevent hackers from gaining access
to IT networks and enables quick control of OT that could result in disruptions
or ransom of essential services like electricity, water and public transport.
· Stay adaptable as IT landscapes evolve
– A recent
study found that 92% of businesses leaders in India
believe that organizations need to adopt a digital-first mindset to drive
growth [4].
As such, we will soon start to witness private and public sector organizations moving
toward digitalised business models that rely on the latest advanced technology
trends. From the growth of IoT to moving into public clouds and artificial
intelligence, IT operations and security must adapt to keep pace with the
newest advancements, all while mitigating risks.
While attacks on critical
infrastructure can have dire consequences, they are akin to attacks that have already
hit other industries and can be managed with existing best practices. New or
improved technologies can also help enhance the protection of critical
infrastructure assets. Voice and video analytics platforms powered by machine
learning, for instance, provide a number of capabilities, including crowd
control, gauging expected motions and identifying objects and individuals
whether stationary or in motion.
Critical infrastructure protection is essential to the security of India.
While daily operations among the private and public sectors continue to differ,
a collective effort is required to securely build India’s digital economy and
achieve the Smart Cities Mission by 2020. Information sharing and collaboration
between the public and private sectors are equally vital to securing the nation’s
critical infrastructure.
[1] Hackers Targeted the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony to ‘Embarrass’ South Korea, TIME, 13 February 2018
[2] Guidelines
for Protection of Critical Information Structure, National Critical Information
Infrastructure Protection Centre, 16 January 2015
[3] 11
critical information infrastructure sectors tested for first time in national
cybersecurity exercise, Channel NewsAsia, 18 July 2017
[4] 92%
Indian leaders at the forefront of advocating ‘Digital Organizations’ for
business growth – reveals Microsoft Asia Digital Transformation Study,
Microsoft News Center India, 28 March 2017
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, recently organised a Workshop on “Cultivating Tomorrow: Advancing Digital Agriculture through IoT and AI.”
Held at the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, this event aimed to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies in agriculture.
Participation was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, ITU Academia, and individuals from countries that are members of the ITU, as well as members of international, regional, and national organisations in hybrid mode. The event drew around 200 delegates, including international participants, who shared their experiences in the emerging field of Agriculture 4.0.
In light of the challenges posed by a growing world population and climate change to traditional farming practices, the workshop underscored the importance of leveraging technology for sustainable food production. It delved into the application of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and other cutting-edge technologies across the agricultural value chain, from production to consumption, including post-harvest management and marketing.
The discussions focused on how these technologies can empower farmers with real-time data, predictive analytics, and actionable insights to optimise their operations and enhance productivity.
A highlight of the workshop was the release of the Technical Report on “Revolutionising Agriculture: The Digital Transformation of Farming.” This report serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders in the agricultural sector, providing guidance on harnessing the power of technology to drive sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in food production. Overall, the event emphasised the critical role of digital innovations in shaping the future of agriculture and fostering global food security.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in India is pioneering the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance farmers’ productivity and well-being. Championing the India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0’s network approach, the Ministry has achieved significant milestones.
According to Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India has leveraged AI to tackle various challenges in the agricultural sector, aiming to support farmers.
Key initiatives include the implementation of ‘Kisan e-Mitra,’ an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist farmers with inquiries regarding the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which supports multiple languages and is expanding to cover other government programmes.
The National Pest Surveillance System employs AI and Machine Learning to detect crop issues caused by climate change, enabling timely interventions for healthier crops. Furthermore, AI-based analytics are utilised for crop health assessment using field photographs, along with crop health monitoring through the integration of Satellite, weather, and soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crops.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed, paving the way for collaborative efforts between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI, and a foundation to establish India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture transformation. This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in leveraging AI to revolutionise digital agriculture, ensuring a prosperous and food-secure future for India.
Following the workshop, the 9th meeting of the ITU/FAO Focus Group on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for Digital Agriculture” (FG-AI4A) will take place on March 19, 2024, at the same venue.
The Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things for Digital Agriculture (FG-AI4A) has extensively explored the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. These technologies offer promising avenues for data management, model enhancement, and effective communication, thereby optimising agricultural production processes.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a significant stride towards fostering digital innovation within in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has joined hands with a Delhi-based company in a strategic agreement. Under this collaboration, TDB has approved a Conditional Grant of ₹1.22 crores (approximately US$162,000) to support its groundbreaking project titled “Digital Financial Solutions for Last Mile FMCG Value Chains in Emerging Markets”.
The initiative has been facilitated through the ‘INDIA-ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL R&D AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FUND (I4F)’. Spearheaded by a company from Israel, the project sets out to revolutionise last-mile FMCG value chains in emerging markets through the implementation of cutting-edge digital finance solutions.
This partnership underscores the robust technological cooperation between India and Israel, highlighting their joint commitment to driving innovation in industrial research and development.
At its core, the project focuses on developing an integrated digital finance platform tailored specifically for last-mile FMCG value chains. Leveraging the Delhi company’s expertise in human-centred design, the project places a strong emphasis on enhancing user experience and ensuring alignment with diverse consumer needs. With a prestigious client portfolio that includes industry giants, the company brings invaluable insight and innovation to the project.
Upon completion, the platform is poised to seamlessly embed financial services across FMCG value chains, with particular attention to enhancing last-mile distribution networks. Drawing from the Delhi company’s extensive experience in managing branchless banking networks and B2B commerce platforms, the project aims to empower businesses and consumers alike, driving financial inclusion and fostering sustainable economic growth in emerging markets.
Speaking on the significance of this partnership, the Secretary of the Technology Development Board, stressed its pivotal role in addressing real-world challenges through innovation-driven solutions. As the inaugural agreement signed under the Bilateral India-Israel call, the initiative lays the groundwork for future collaborations.
Moreover, it signifies a commitment to transformative agreements that will drive progress and innovation in the near future. This partnership stands as evidence of technological advancement and cooperation between India and Israel, poised to deliver tangible benefits to both nations and beyond.
India is recognised as a burgeoning powerhouse in the global technology and digital space, with a commitment to innovation and leadership that extends beyond its borders. As the world witnesses an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, India is keen to leverage its expertise and resources to collaborate internationally.
OpenGov Asia highlighted the Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology’s (JCST) recent meeting, emphasizing the efficacy of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) in boosting collaboration. Talks centred on advancing research in key areas such as Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS), health, clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and advanced materials.
Emphasising the significance of fostering connections among innovators and entrepreneurs from both nations, the meeting underscored the importance of leveraging collaborative efforts for mutual benefit. Dr Claire Giry, Director General for Research and Innovation at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to reinforce ties between researchers from India and France, with a specific focus on sustainable technologies, applied mathematics, health, and ocean research.
With a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, India’s endeavours in the tech and digital space aim not only to drive economic growth but also to empower communities worldwide, cementing its position as a beacon of technological leadership and cooperation on the international stage.
Through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives, India seeks to not only showcase its technological prowess but also to extend a helping hand internationally. By fostering innovation, promoting digital inclusion, and championing technological solutions to global challenges, India aims to demonstrate leadership in the tech arena while making meaningful contributions to the international community.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a concerted effort to revolutionise India’s skill ecosystem, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, unveiled a series of strategic partnerships aimed at leveraging cutting-edge technology.
These initiatives, announced in collaboration with industry leaders, academia, and government departments, are poised to enhance the nation’s workforce preparedness for the dynamic and technology-driven landscape of the 21st century.
Highlighting the urgency and importance of these initiatives, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised their role in preparing the population for 21st-century job markets, nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and driving economic growth. Through strategic collaborations with industry partners, academia, and government departments, the aim is to bridge the gap between industry requirements and skill development initiatives, ensuring that India’s young workforce remains competitive and adaptable to emerging technological trends.
Among the key announcements was the inauguration of two Centers of Excellence (CoE) in the media and electronics sector at the Skill Development Institute (SDI) in Bhubaneshwar. These CoEs, equipped with state-of-the-art technology infrastructure including workstations and digital cameras, are poised to deliver cutting-edge training programmes in courses such as Graphic Design, Social Media Management, and Digital Marketing. By aligning training programmes with industry demands, the CoEs aim to elevate the capabilities of India’s youth population, making them industry-ready and globally competitive.
Furthermore, the event witnessed the launch of Mock Test 2.0 by NIMI in 12 languages and the introduction of four new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. These courses, meticulously designed to address the evolving needs of the technology-driven market, are set to equip India’s youth with the requisite skills to excel in the digital era.
In addition to these initiatives, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed 19 MoUs with various government departments, industry players, and academic institutions. These collaborations aim to foster synergy and cooperation in skill development, laying the foundation for a robust and future-ready workforce.
The partnerships, spanning diverse sectors such as handicrafts, aviation services, and technology application, underscore the holistic approach towards skill development and innovation.
The government’s commitment to adapting to the evolving job landscape was further exemplified by the proactive introduction of new-age trades and the establishment of ITIs dedicated to emerging technologies. Initiatives such as the PM Mudra Yojana provide entrepreneurial support, empowering individuals to harness their skills and contribute to economic growth.
Moreover, the launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) reaffirms the ministry’s commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive skilling. The SIDH aims to offer personalised learning opportunities and enhance accessibility to skill development programmes, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to quality education and training.
The event also witnessed the release of the Skill Gap Assessment Report on Green Hydrogen, a collaborative effort between the Skill Council for Green Jobs and USAID. This comprehensive report aims to address the evolving demands of the green hydrogen industry by proposing tailored training programmes and practical recommendations to cultivate a skilled workforce.
The event, attended by Dr Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Chairman of NCVET and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), among others, marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards skill development and innovation.
These tech-driven partnerships and initiatives mark a significant step towards building a skilled and future-ready workforce, contributing to India’s economic growth and global competitiveness. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, India is poised to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital era.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced the establishment of 10 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a significant stride in fostering innovation and skill development among students. The announcement came during his address at the inauguration ceremony of the Net Zero Emission Project at NIMS Medicity in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Atal Innovation Mission aims to nurture the innovation potential of one million children in India through the establishment of Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools nationwide. This initiative aims to ignite curiosity, spark creativity, and cultivate essential skills like design thinking, computational proficiency, adaptive learning, and physical computing among young minds.
ATL serves as a dynamic workspace where young minds can bring their ideas to life through hands-on, do-it-yourself projects, fostering innovation skills among students. Equipped with tools and resources, students explore STEM concepts -Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math – by engaging with educational kits, electronics, robotics, microcontroller boards, sensors, 3D printers, and computers. Additionally, ATLs provide essential facilities such as meeting rooms and video conferencing capabilities.
To cultivate inventiveness, ATLs organise a variety of activities including regional and national competitions, exhibitions, workshops focused on problem-solving, product design, and fabrication, as well as lecture series. These activities occur periodically, offering students opportunities to showcase their creativity and refine their innovation skills in a collaborative environment.
During his speech, Minister Chandrasekhar underscored the transformative potential of initiatives like Digital India and Skill India, stressing their role in shaping the future careers of Indian youth. He highlighted how these initiatives not only cater to the present needs but also open up vast opportunities for the future workforce. He emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the youth are poised to benefit from India’s digital advancements.
Reflecting on the past, the Minister highlighted the considerable shift in opportunities available to young Indians today compared to a decade ago. He noted how the landscape has evolved, enabling talent from diverse backgrounds to succeed in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Minister Chandrasekhar attributed this change to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, who has spearheaded transformative reforms to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all.
Interacting with students, Minister Chandrasekhar stressed the importance of innovative and experiential learning, particularly through initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs. These labs provide students with a platform to explore creativity, problem-solving, and innovation beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Minister Chandrasekhar highlighted their role in nurturing lifelong learning and preparing students for future challenges.
Furthermore, Minister Chandrasekhar lauded India’s progress in electronics manufacturing, citing it as a testament to the nation’s capabilities. Despite initial scepticism, India has emerged as a major player in electronics production and semiconductor development, showcasing its prowess in technological innovation.
Recently, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) joined forces to introduce Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs) aimed at democratising future technologies and empowering youth across India to innovate. These labs, an advanced version of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to students, enabling them to engage with cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented & Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Internet of Things.
With a focus on fostering curiosity and creativity, FTLs will offer engaging workshops and project-based learning experiences, equipping students with digital skills essential for success in today’s technology-driven world.
Minister Chandrasekhar’s announcement builds upon his earlier efforts in establishing ATLs, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and innovation among young minds through experiential learning initiatives like the Atal Tinkering Mission.
AIM aims to ensure equal opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to learn and innovate, contributing to India’s digital transformation and global competitiveness in the technology landscape.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have teamed up to release a comprehensive guide aimed at bolstering cloud security measures for organisations. Titled “Top Ten Cloud Security Mitigation Strategies,” this initiative aims to equip cloud customers with essential practices to enhance the security of their data as they migrate to cloud environments.
In an era where digital transformation is accelerating, the migration of data and operations to cloud platforms has become commonplace. However, this transition brings with it a myriad of security concerns, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of cyberattacks targeting cloud infrastructure. Recognising the critical need to address these challenges, the NSA and CISA have collaborated to compile a set of ten cybersecurity information sheets (CSIs), each focusing on a different aspect of cloud security.
One of the primary themes emphasised in the report is the importance of upholding the cloud-shared responsibility model. This model delineates the responsibilities between cloud service providers and their customers regarding security measures. By understanding and adhering to this model, organisations can ensure that they are taking appropriate steps to safeguard their data within the cloud environment.
Another key area highlighted in the report is the implementation of secure identity and access management practices. Proper management of user identities and access controls is essential for preventing unauthorised access to sensitive data stored in the cloud. Through robust authentication mechanisms and access policies, organisations can fortify their defences against potential security breaches.
In addition, the report emphasises the critical importance of implementing secure key management practices, robust encryption mechanisms, and effective network segmentation strategies within cloud environments. These measures play a pivotal role in protecting data both when it is stored and when it is being transferred, thereby reducing the likelihood of data breaches and unauthorised interception.
Furthermore, the report highlights the significance of securing data throughout its entire lifecycle in the cloud. This includes implementing stringent security measures for data storage, processing, transmission, and disposal. By doing so, organisations can effectively protect their data against a wide range of evolving threats.
Another critical aspect covered in the report is the defence of continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) environments. As organisations increasingly adopt DevOps practices and automate their software development processes, securing CI/CD pipelines becomes paramount to prevent the introduction of vulnerabilities and malicious code into production environments.
Moreover, the report emphasises the enforcement of secure automated deployment practices through infrastructure as code (IaC). By treating infrastructure as code and automating deployment processes, organisations can ensure consistency, repeatability, and security in their cloud environments.
The complexities introduced by hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments are also addressed in the report. As organisations adopt hybrid and multi-cloud strategies to meet their diverse needs, they must navigate the unique security challenges posed by these environments effectively.
Additionally, the report highlights the risks associated with managed service providers (MSPs) in cloud environments. While MSPs offer valuable services and expertise, organisations must be vigilant in vetting and managing their relationships with MSPs to mitigate potential security risks.
The report stresses the importance of managing cloud logs for effective threat hunting. By aggregating and analysing logs generated by cloud services, organisations can proactively identify and respond to security incidents before they escalate.
The “Top Ten Cloud Security Mitigation Strategies” initiative by the NSA and CISA provides invaluable guidance to organisations seeking to enhance the security of their data in cloud environments. The NSA and CISA envision these strategies as foundational advice that every cloud customer should follow to mitigate the risks associated with cloud services. By implementing these strategies effectively, organisations anywhere can mitigate risks and bolster their defences against cyber threats in an increasingly digital landscape nowadays.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a move aimed at advancing digital connectivity and accessibility in rural India, the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The primary objective of this MoU is to integrate broadband services with over-the-top (OTT) platforms and e-commerce solutions, leveraging the BharatNet infrastructure facilitated by USOF. The collaboration, rooted in the vision of the national vision to foster digital innovation, brings together connectivity, content, and commerce to empower rural India.
The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders including Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom); Shri Niraj Verma, Administrator, USOF; Shri T Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC; Shri A K Jha, ADG, Platforms, Prasar Bharati; and Shri Sunil Kumar Verma, Joint Secretary, DoT, marks a significant milestone in advancing digital inclusivity.
USOF’s pivotal role in facilitating high-speed broadband and mobile connectivity across Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages sets the stage for the implementation of bundled services. Prasar Bharati’s vast content repository, encompassing linear channels, live TV, and on-demand content, will be made available to end consumers through its OTT platform, while USOF ensures the delivery of efficient broadband services to rural and remote areas.
ONDC’s expertise in digital infrastructure will play a crucial role in enabling e-commerce solutions, thereby expanding access to essential services such as education, healthcare, training, credit, insurance, and agriculture. This holistic approach aims to leverage technology for socio-economic development, ensuring that all segments of society can participate in the digital transformation.
The vision of the Digital India Programme is to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The Digital India programme is centred on three key vision areas: Digital Infrastructure as a core utility to Every Citizen, Governance & Services on Demand and Digital Empowerment of Citizens
India is committed to advancing technology, science, and digital learning by enhancing the skills and methodologies of its educators. Recognising the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the future generation, India has undertaken various initiatives to empower educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively integrate technology and innovative teaching methods into the classroom.
OpenGov Asia reported that the CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML) has collaborated with the Knowledge and Awareness Mapping Platform (KAMP) for an online teacher training programme focused on revolutionising science education through technology.
With over 150 educators from various schools across India participating, the programme, themed ‘Fostering Experiential Learning in Science Education, Beyond the Textbook’, emphasised innovative teaching methodologies and practical demonstrations to enhance educators’ understanding and implementation of scientific concepts.
Beyond domestic initiatives, India is also committed to sharing its expertise and collaborating internationally to foster digital inclusivity. In this vein, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) of India and the Information Technology Institute (ITI) of Egypt.
The agreement, formalised in Cairo, Egypt, aims to enhance workforce skills, promote employment opportunities, address skills gaps, and foster international cooperation in the Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology (IECT) domain.
The collaboration covers curriculum development, expert exchanges, mutual certification recognition, virtual lab sharing, and offering postgraduate diplomas to ITI Egypt interns, with Egyptian students also able to enrol in B.Tech and M.Tech programmes by NIELIT, fostering bilateral knowledge exchange in the digital domain.
Through such strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, India is poised to accelerate its digital transformation journey while extending support and expertise to partner nations, contributing to a more inclusive and digitally empowered global community.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
In a groundbreaking move toward advancing research and development in extra-terrestrial manufacturing, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has forged a collaboration with an Indian space start-up.
This collaboration signals a significant stride in orbital ‘Microgravity Research’, with the start-up slated to receive a Technology Development Fund from IIT Madras to showcase its miniature space laboratory, named the ‘AsteriX Lab’, in orbit.
As the pilot customer for the start-up’s in-orbit demonstration mission, the IIT Madras research centre, known as ‘Extra-Terrestrial Manufacturing’ (ExTeM-IITM), is poised to play a pivotal role. The AsteriX Lab, set to undergo space qualification during its demonstration, will focus on conducting biological experiments, particularly long-duration cell culture under Lower Earth Microgravity. The space demonstration is anticipated to occur by 2025.
Professor Sathyan Subbiah, Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras and Coordinator of ExTeM-IIT Madras, underscored the project’s significance, stating, “This demonstration lays the groundwork for biomanufacturing in space, potentially revolutionising cell culture and drug development processes, leading to enhanced pharmaceuticals and improved human health outcomes.”
ExTeM-IITM, a consortium of researchers at IIT Madras, is dedicated to developing technologies for space manufacturing, both for space applications and for terrestrial use.
Professor G.K. Suraishkumar, Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras and Co-Principal Investigator of Phase 02 of ExTeM, emphasised the satisfaction of contributing to the capability demonstration of biological experiments in space. He noted the potential for superior product development in space for use on Earth or during space flights, citing advancements in understanding microgravity’s effects on biological systems and innovations in drug development processes.
The Founder and CEO of the start-up highlighted the strategic alignment of expertise and resources in the partnership, expressing confidence that the joint effort would drive scientific advancements and open avenues for future endeavours in In-Space Manufacturing.
The IoE Research Centre on Extra Terrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM) at IIT Madras fills a crucial gap in space-related manufacturing research. While current technologies focus on manufacturing launch vehicles and satellites, future requirements demand technologies for producing products and assemblies in space for both space and terrestrial applications.
The collaboration embodies innovation and vision, poised to unlock the full potential of space technology and propel humanity into a new era of exploration and discovery.
IIT Madras has long been at the forefront of fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives. With a focus on commercialising cutting-edge research and facilitating the growth of start-ups, the institution is dedicated to translating academic excellence into real-world impact.
Through incubators, accelerators and technology transfer offices, IIT Madras provides aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, mentorship, and infrastructure to transform innovative ideas into viable commercial ventures. By nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, IIT Madras aims to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and contribute to societal development.
OpenGov Asia covered IIT Madras’ move to bolster India’s startup ecosystem through its ‘Investor Information and Analytics Platform’. This innovative platform, crafted by researchers at the Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing (CREST), serves as a comprehensive resource hub for startups, providing seamless access to networks of Venture Capitalists (VCs), investors, government schemes, and various other facets of the startup landscape.
Minister Chandrasekhar praised the platform’s role in illuminating the diverse startup innovation ecosystem and highlighted its value for researchers and policymakers alike. With features like “StartupGPT,” an AI-driven conversational interface, the platform aims to streamline information access for users, enhancing engagement and fostering growth in emerging sectors like semiconductors, microelectronics, AI, and HPC.