News for 'Information Technology Ministry'

2.5 lakh panchayats to have broadband: Pitroda

2.5 lakh panchayats to have broadband: Pitroda

Rediff.com7 Jan 2011

The connectivity will not only improve delivery of government schemes but will also empower people, he said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in New Delhi.

PSBs to Explore AI Collaboration

PSBs to Explore AI Collaboration

Rediff.com20 Jul 2023

'There is a need for an innovation sandbox where the PSBs can collaborate and then they can do their own innovation on top of it.'

Parliamentary committee summons Twitter on June 18

Parliamentary committee summons Twitter on June 18

Rediff.com15 Jun 2021

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Technology has called on Twitter to appear before the panel in Parliament Complex on June 18 at 4 pm and give representation on how to prevent misuse of social media and online news.

Govt to aid citizens in filing deepfake FIR against social media cos

Govt to aid citizens in filing deepfake FIR against social media cos

Rediff.com24 Nov 2023

The government will assist citizens in filing FIR against social media platforms for violation of IT rules in case they are aggrieved from objectionable content like deep fakes.

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Sitharaman on how India will remain an engine of growth despite Trump's tariff

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The resilience of the economy and strength of domestic demand will continue to make India an engine of growth amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape as a result of US tariffs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in London on Tuesday.

Home ministry may stall FDI plans of 6 Chinese firms

Home ministry may stall FDI plans of 6 Chinese firms

Rediff.com29 Jun 2020

The ministry of home affairs has received more than 20 proposals for foreign direct investment (FDI), including from China and Hong Kong, requiring security clearance between April and May. 'We are vetting some of these proposals which have come from various sectors. One of the applications is from a well known start-up,' an official said. 'We await inputs from Research and Analysis Wing, intelligence agencies, external affairs ministry, and embassies.'

Coming Soon: 'Trusted Fact Checkers'

Coming Soon: 'Trusted Fact Checkers'

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

The government wants a collaborative model with a public-private partnership to fact-check social media content.

Budget may go vocal for higher local procurement

Budget may go vocal for higher local procurement

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

To boost domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative and reduce dependency on imports, the government is expected to announce in the Budget an increase in the minimum local content requirement for public procurement, with certain sectors being granted exceptions. Currently, firms producing goods, services, or works with at least 50 per cent local content are classified as Class-I local suppliers and are preferred the most in government procurement.

Sitharaman holds meet for 'time-bound' completion of Budget schemes

Sitharaman holds meet for 'time-bound' completion of Budget schemes

Rediff.com5 Jul 2023

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday met top officials of the finance and corporate affairs ministries to review the implementation of various announcements of the Union Budget FY24. "The finance minister underlined the importance of continuous assessment of progress to ensure that various announcements are implemented in a time-bound manner," the finance ministry said in a tweet. Sitharaman also discussed in detail various issues on the digital competition laws with Rajeev Chandrashekhar, the minister of state for entrepreneurship, skill development, electronics and technology.

Can SC's new measures put a curb on child marriage?

Can SC's new measures put a curb on child marriage?

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Under the title of "legal enforcement", states and Union Territories were directed to appoint officers solely responsible for discharging the functions of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers at the district level.

Delhi minister loses portfolio after LG recalls files

Delhi minister loses portfolio after LG recalls files

Rediff.com9 Dec 2023

Kailash Gahlot was divested of the Law and Justice portfolio in the Aam Aadmi Party government on Friday, a day after Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recalled files related to judicial infrastructure and administration in New Delhi as they remained pending with him for months, officials said.

Paytm appears poised for rebound

Paytm appears poised for rebound

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

While Paytm (One97 Communications) is not completely past regulatory hurdles, its share price has gained in the last month or two. The Paytm handle migration is complete along with FDI clearance necessary for the Payment Aggregator (PA) license. UPI consumer data indicates stable market share, and expansion in partner networks in financial distribution. All this implies Paytm could be set to meet guidance of turning Adjusted Ebitda breakeven by Q4FY25 (ex of UPI-incentives).

Needed Quickly! Semiconductor Experts

Needed Quickly! Semiconductor Experts

Rediff.com1 May 2024

Semiconductor makers need thousands of engineers and technicians, and though India has one of the largest pool of engineers in the world, they do not have experience in the semiconductor manufacturing space.

IT ministry asks for 271% hike in planned Budget outlay

IT ministry asks for 271% hike in planned Budget outlay

Rediff.com24 Feb 2016

For 2015-16, the planned outlay for the department was Rs 2,568 crore.

'Banned anti-India YouTube channels spread nuclear fear, monetise fake news'

'Banned anti-India YouTube channels spread nuclear fear, monetise fake news'

Rediff.com21 Aug 2022

The government started the crackdown against such YouTube channels for the first time in December last year using its emergency powers under the Information Technology Rules, 2021.

Delhi's Fuel Ban On 15-year-old Vehicles Finds No Backers

Delhi's Fuel Ban On 15-year-old Vehicles Finds No Backers

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Delhi government has announced that vehicles older than 15 years will be denied fuel at petrol pumps starting April 1.

Records of 320,000 patients on AYUSH Jharkhand hacked

Records of 320,000 patients on AYUSH Jharkhand hacked

Rediff.com5 Sep 2023

CloudSEK in its report also warned that the leaked data could enable account takeovers.

Army commanders to meet in Sikkim forward area on Thursday

Army commanders to meet in Sikkim forward area on Thursday

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The commanders' conclave in a forward area in Sikkim, which is close to the Line of Actual Control, comes amid the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh.

Govt urged to remove fake messages on social media linking COVID-19 to 5G

Govt urged to remove fake messages on social media linking COVID-19 to 5G

Rediff.com18 May 2021

Telecom industry body COAI has approached the information technology ministry for removal of fake and misleading messages from social media platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter linking spread of COVID-19 to 5G technology. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), whose members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, said the claims linking 5G with coronavirus are baseless as 5G networks have not yet been installed in the country and even 5G trials are yet to be started by the telecom operators. In a letter dated May 15 to MeitY additional secretary Rajendra Kumar, COAI director general S P Kochhar said: "To safeguard the national interest, we request your good office to kindly instruct all the social media platforms such as Facebook, Watsapp, Twitter, etc, to remove all such posts and misleading campaigns from their platforms on an urgent basis." People have been sharing audio and video messages on social media platforms in which 5G towers are being blamed for rise in casualties across the country even though none of the companies have installed 5G technology anywhere in India.

Why Deepfakes Are A MENACE

Why Deepfakes Are A MENACE

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

'With free software on the Internet and apps, creating a deepfake video can take 3 to 5 minutes. Anyone can make these videos.'

'IAF's Job Is To Keep India Secure'

'IAF's Job Is To Keep India Secure'

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

'Today's situation is unacceptable. It has the potential to affect the IAF's operational capability.'

AI to light the path at India Mobile Congress

AI to light the path at India Mobile Congress

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The government is expected to outline a policy framework for artificial intelligence (AI) at the annual India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, beginning Tuesday, officials said. Apart from industry participation, the four-day event will feature booths from over 15 ministries showcasing how AI is being integrated into their departments.

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

More than 90% taxpayers may switch to new regime: CBDT chief

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Budget announcement of zero tax for earnings upto Rs 12 lakh per annum and the rejig of tax slabs across the board should prompt more than 90 per cent of individual taxpayers to embrace the new tax regime as compared to the about 75 per cent as of now, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said. Agrawal also highlighted the government's focus on "non-intrusive" tax administration through enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and simplified tax processes for common taxpayers. He emphasized the benefits of the new tax regime (NTR), which offers simple calculations and allows taxpayers to file their ITR without professional help. The CBDT chief stated that the Budget provisions related to income tax payment benefit all income earners, not just those earning Rs 12 lakh per annum, creating a positive sentiment in the economy and propelling growth. The department is also harnessing technology, including AI and data analytics, to widen and deepen the tax base, resulting in increased compliance and tax revenue. Agrawal further highlighted the positive impact of data availability and simplified tax processes on compliance rates, citing examples of taxpayers filing revised returns and paying taxes after being prompted by the department's data analysis.

Did WhatsApp access mic when smartphone was not in use? Govt to probe

Did WhatsApp access mic when smartphone was not in use? Govt to probe

Rediff.com10 May 2023

The government will investigate a claim that WhatsApp accessed the microphone of smartphone users while the phone was not in use, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Wednesday.

FACE's ambitious goal: Uniting 75% fintech players

FACE's ambitious goal: Uniting 75% fintech players

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE), the only self-regulatory organisation for financial technology/fintech (SRO-FT) companies, is aiming to secure membership from at least 75 per cent of players across all key fintech categories within the next three years, according to a senior executive. The total number of members in the organisation has increased to 110, up from around 60 when it received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an SRO-FT in August.

Police have 'strong evidence' that Shehzad attacked Saif Ali Khan

Police have 'strong evidence' that Shehzad attacked Saif Ali Khan

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Mumbai police, who are probing the incident of attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, on Tuesday said they have 'ample and strong evidence' against the Bangladeshi national arrested in the case.

HC orders blocking of info on Delhi woman's 'forced conversion'

HC orders blocking of info on Delhi woman's 'forced conversion'

Rediff.com12 May 2023

It also issued notice to chairman of Sudarshan News, Suresh Chavhanke, Odisha Television Limited, Pittie Media LLP, Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited which is the owner of The Organiser, Voice of the Nation'.

WeDate among 43 more Chinese apps blocked by government

WeDate among 43 more Chinese apps blocked by government

Rediff.com24 Nov 2020

The government on Tuesday blocked access to 43 more Chinese mobile apps, including Alibaba Workbench, AliExpress, Alipay Cashier, CamCard and WeDate, for being prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and defence of the nation.

SC expands Patanjali misleading ads hearing to include FMCG companies

SC expands Patanjali misleading ads hearing to include FMCG companies

Rediff.com23 Apr 2024

Expanding the scope of its hearing in the Patanjali Ayurved case, the Supreme Court on Tuesday took a stern view of misleading advertisements by Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) firms and asked three Union ministries to inform it about the steps they have taken to curb the practice which takes 'public for a ride' and adversely affects their health.

DoT Sets 100 Days Agenda For New Telecom Rules

DoT Sets 100 Days Agenda For New Telecom Rules

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

'The idea is to frame the ToR quickly, so that Trai can begin its consultations with industry stakeholders.'

What's Micron's Role In India's Chip Race?

What's Micron's Role In India's Chip Race?

Rediff.com28 Sep 2023

The first leg of Micron's semiconductor play in Sanand is crucial for the company to sprint towards India's goal of joining the chip race.

Jaitley, Thakur back in Union Cabinet

Jaitley, Thakur back in Union Cabinet

Rediff.com30 Jan 2003

Divestment Minister Arun Shourie will now handle the key Communication and Information Technology ministries too.

Govt issues anti-tobacco rules for OTT platforms

Govt issues anti-tobacco rules for OTT platforms

Rediff.com31 May 2023

According to the notification, publishers of online curated content displaying tobacco products or their use will be required to display anti-tobacco health spots each of a minimum of 30 seconds at the beginning and middle of the programme.

Tharoor, BJP MP spar over Parl panel meeting on snooping

Tharoor, BJP MP spar over Parl panel meeting on snooping

Rediff.com30 Jul 2021

The demand for Tharoor's removal comes days after the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Technology was set to question government officials on the Pegasus spyware issue.

Apple seeks more time to comply with EU norm in older iPhones

Apple seeks more time to comply with EU norm in older iPhones

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

Apple Inc has requested the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) to give it 18 to 24 months' exemption to comply with the European Union (EU) regulation of putting an USB charging port in all its older smartphones, mainly iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, which are assembled, exported and also sold in the domestic market. Apple's stance is different from that of Samsung, which has been pushing for an immediate implementation of the EU regulation. All smartphones by the South Korean giant already comply with the EU rules.

BJP MP demands Tharoor's removal as head of Parl panel on IT

BJP MP demands Tharoor's removal as head of Parl panel on IT

Rediff.com28 Jul 2021

Dubey demanded the removal of Tharoor, alleging that he was using his position in a discriminatory manner.

MS outage: Airlines go manual, cash withdrawals hit, brokerages affected

MS outage: Airlines go manual, cash withdrawals hit, brokerages affected

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

Airports across the country witnessed chaotic scenes on Friday after dozens of flights were either delayed or cancelled after a widespread global computer outage that also hit operations like cash withdrawal at some banks, and impacted functioning of some brokerages. Globally, the Microsoft cloud outage led to US airlines cancelling flights, but the tech giant later reportedly said its cloud services outage in the Central US region has been resolved.

States can't administer new digital media rules, clarifies Centre

States can't administer new digital media rules, clarifies Centre

Rediff.com3 Mar 2021

The Centre has told all states and union territories that the power to administer the new rules on digital media publications has not been delegated to them, a day after the Union government overturned a Manipur district magistrate's order issued under the recently implemented guidelines.

STOP using private e-mail services: Govt tells ministries

STOP using private e-mail services: Govt tells ministries

Rediff.com25 Dec 2014

The government has asked all central and state departments and ministries to stop using private email services for official communication and instead use indigenous services provided by NIC, to prevent "misuse" or "leakage" of classified data.

LS panel cites Moitra for Hiranandani's Dubai status, national security, illegal gratification

LS panel cites Moitra for Hiranandani's Dubai status, national security, illegal gratification

Rediff.com9 Nov 2023

The Lok Sabha ethics committee has cited the threats India faces from State and non-State cyber actors to indict Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra for sharing her log-in credentials with businessman Darshan Hiranandani, noting that he has residency rights in Dubai and has close relatives who are foreign nationals.