A three-day 'AI Champions for Digital Governance' programme has commenced in New Delhi, hosted by ITDC, SCOPE, and LBSNAA. The initiative aims to train senior leadership and operational teams in applying artificial intelligence within public sector organisations, aligning with the IndiaAI Mission. Experts highlighted AI's role in improving efficiency, productivity, and public service delivery, while also emphasising responsible adoption and data quality. The programme seeks to build an AI-ready nation and contribute to India's vision of future-ready governance systems.
A three-day 'AI Champions for Digital Governance' programme has commenced in New Delhi, hosted by ITDC, SCOPE, and LBSNAA. The initiative aims to train senior leadership and operational teams in applying artificial intelligence within public sector organisations, aligning with the IndiaAI Mission. Experts highlighted AI's role in improving efficiency, productivity, and public service delivery, while also emphasising responsible adoption and data quality. The programme seeks to build an AI-ready nation and contribute to India's vision of future-ready governance systems.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 11 years of the Digital India initiative, highlighting its role in redefining governance, empowering citizens, and accelerating all-round development. He emphasised its impact on digital payments, direct benefit transfers, and expanding digital public infrastructure, making technology a powerful instrument for 'Ease of Living' across India, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The Azadpur Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) has introduced an online payment system for gate pass fees, aiming to reduce congestion, enhance transparency, and streamline operations at Asia's largest wholesale fruits and vegetables market. This digital initiative is expected to benefit traders, drivers, and other stakeholders by speeding up vehicle entry and minimising cash transactions.
The Azadpur Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) has introduced an online payment system for gate pass fees, aiming to reduce congestion, enhance transparency, and streamline operations at Asia's largest wholesale fruits and vegetables market. This digital initiative is expected to benefit traders, drivers, and other stakeholders by speeding up vehicle entry and minimising cash transactions.
Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the transformative role of satellite communications in expanding seamless connectivity across India, especially in remote areas. He noted that India's space economy is projected to grow significantly, driven by satcom technology that will bridge the digital divide, provide resilient infrastructure during disasters, and support strategic sectors.
Trai Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted the transformative role of satellite communications in expanding seamless connectivity across India, especially in remote areas. He noted that India's space economy is projected to grow significantly, driven by satcom technology that will bridge the digital divide, provide resilient infrastructure during disasters, and support strategic sectors.
A three-day conference, "Dharma in the Digital Age 2026," is taking place at the University of Houston, bringing together scholars and scientists to discuss how ancient Dharmic principles can address contemporary ethical, technological, and societal challenges, including AI, digital governance, and sustainability.
A new digital political phenomenon, the 'E20 Janta Party', is gaining traction on Instagram, mobilising Gen Z against the government's mandatory 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) and demanding Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's resignation.
The CEO of the National Health Authority, Sunil Kumar Barnwal, highlighted BRICS nations' shared aspiration for connected, patient-centric, and resilient healthcare systems through digital health infrastructure and responsible AI. Discussions at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting focused on overcoming challenges like limited interoperability and workforce constraints, with countries like Brazil and Indonesia sharing successful digital health initiatives.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has launched a new digital platform in partnership with World Tennis Number, creating a unified ecosystem for Indian tennis. This platform will streamline registrations, tournament entries, and provide access to rankings, aiming to modernise the sport's administration and player experience.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the State Cooperative Bank on successfully migrating its core banking system to the 'Finacle 10.2.25' platform. This upgrade aims to provide faster, more transparent, and secure financial services, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency across its 262 branches.
IIT Madras is hosting the 3rd Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Symposium 2026 in partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and RISC-V International. The symposium aims to unite stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to advance India's semiconductor innovation, focusing on indigenous processor technologies, secure computing, hardware innovation, and AI, aligning with the government's vision for India as a global semiconductor hub.
Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran highlights the challenges of digital access, data governance, interoperability, and cyber security in India's digital public infrastructure (DPI), despite its world-class scale.
The government plans to expand its central bank digital currency (CBDC)-based food subsidy programme to Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu by June, following its implementation on a pilot basis in Gujarat and Puducherry, official sources said.
Parliament was informed that UPI has onboarded 55.49 crore users by June 2026, with transactions reaching 24,162 crore in volume and Rs 314 lakh crore in value in FY 2025-26. The platform, operated by NPCI, is expanding internationally through NIPL, facilitating cross-border payments and assisting other nations in building similar systems. Significant efforts are also underway by the Government, RBI, and NPCI to enhance the security and transparency of UPI transactions, including risk-based limits, security frameworks, and public awareness campaigns against cyber-crime.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that human-led artificial intelligence will be the defining force in India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Speaking at the 29th National Conference on e-Governance, he emphasised that technology must strengthen governance without replacing human accountability, advocating for responsible AI deployment with citizens at the centre. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration on e-Governance 2026, outlining a roadmap for AI-enabled, data-driven, and secure digital governance.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health, visited Mumbai to understand India's digital public infrastructure, including UPI and AI, in improving financial health for salaried individuals. She interacted with healthcare professionals and SalarySe leaders, praising India's advancements in financial inclusion and technology's role in empowering individuals.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has opened applications for its Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) roster, a crucial step under the newly adopted National Sports Governance Act. This initiative aims to induct retired players into the federation's General Body, ensuring greater representation and direct involvement in governance. The process outlines specific eligibility criteria across various tiers of sporting achievement and allows direct applications, bypassing state association endorsements.
UN Women has issued a stark warning that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is placing women at a higher risk of discrimination and digital violence, citing studies that reveal significant gender bias in AI systems and large language models.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has introduced a comprehensive new code of conduct for its board members, significantly tightening rules on conflict of interest, disclosures, recusals, and non-permitted investments, moving from broad ethical guidelines to a more prescriptive, compliance-driven regime.
'I thought this generation was no good, will not be able to do much with all this social media etc. But then, they surprised us.'
The government's e-marketplace platform, GeM, is significantly enhancing public procurement through the integration of AI, advanced analytics, and digital monitoring systems. This strategic adoption has led to substantial savings for the exchequer and improved transparency, while also playing a crucial role in health sector procurement.
A 72-year-old retired nurse in Nagpur was cheated of Rs 90.65 lakh by cyber criminals who kept her under 'digital arrest' for several weeks, police said.
An Indian Parliamentary panel has summoned major social media platforms like Meta, Google, X, and Snapchat, along with MeitY and Home Affairs officials, to discuss the regulation of digital platforms. The meeting, scheduled for August 3, will focus on user privacy, public order, and the platforms' role in recent protests.
HCLTech, India's third-largest IT services company, announced plans to establish a global technology centre and an AI-optimised data centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, with a total investment of approximately Rs 15,000 crore, marking its entry into the AI infrastructure business.
Gurugram Police have arrested a man from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, for his alleged involvement in an Rs 8.30 lakh cyber fraud. The accused provided his bank account, which was used to receive the cheated amount from a victim who was subjected to a "digital arrest" by fraudsters impersonating government officials. The investigation is ongoing to trace other individuals involved.
Gurugram Police have arrested a man from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, for his alleged involvement in an Rs 8.30 lakh cyber fraud. The accused provided his bank account, which was used to receive the cheated amount from a victim who was subjected to a "digital arrest" by fraudsters impersonating government officials. The investigation is ongoing to trace other individuals involved.
Andhra Pradesh and Punjab National Bank (PNB) have signed an MoU to establish the PNB Quantum Finance Hub at Amaravati Quantum Valley. This initiative aims to foster innovation and adopt next-generation technologies like AI and Quantum Computing in the banking sector, focusing on cybersecurity, fraud detection, and customer experience.
Maharashtra Cyber Police have identified over 500 social media profiles involved in a coordinated cross-border disinformation campaign during a recent nationwide protest. The campaign used AI-generated and deepfake content to manipulate public perception and provoke unrest, with technical analysis pointing to elements operating from Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries. Legal action has been initiated, and the public is urged to verify information from credible sources.
N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Consumer Products (TCPL), stated that India continues to experience credible economic growth, driven by strong demographic fundamentals and accelerating digital public infrastructure, despite a fragmented global landscape.
A digital profiling exercise by the Delhi government has revealed significant infrastructure deficiencies in government schools, including shortages of drinking water taps, lack of facilities for children with special needs, and structurally unsafe buildings.
Delhi Police are investigating chat messages allegedly exchanged among participants of the recent violent 'Sansad Chalo' march. These messages reportedly discuss strategies to maintain communication during potential internet shutdowns and express a willingness to sacrifice lives for the cause. Investigators are verifying the authenticity of these chats and other digital evidence as part of their probe into the clashes that injured police personnel and protesters.
Delhi Police sources indicate they will await official communication before withdrawing cases against NEET paper leak protesters, despite the Centre's assurance. While 15 FIRs are registered, the police confirm that the broader conspiracy investigation into the July 20 violence will continue, examining evidence and identifying those involved.
RBI says polymer notes have a significantly longer lifespan, potentially reducing printing costs and replacement frequency.
The Indian government has summoned Meta's global head of public policy after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post, addressing youth and promising action against paper leaks, was temporarily removed. Meta attributed the removal to a 'glitch' in its automated content filters, an explanation the government deems insufficient, demanding further discussions.
The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.
India's government has implemented stringent new regulations under the Telecommunications Act 2023, mandating that all communication infrastructure providers, including those utilising cloud-based networks, must store telecommunication data exclusively within the country, a move expected to significantly impact domestic data centre demand.
A prominent Pakistani Islamic scholar, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, has issued a fatwa declaring cryptocurrency trading "haram" under Islamic law. This ruling, which covers various digital assets including Bitcoin and stablecoins, states that they do not meet the Islamic definition of wealth, potentially impacting crypto adoption despite the government's efforts to regulate and promote the sector.
The CBI has conducted searches across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Delhi-NCR in connection with an alleged Rs 661 crore fraud involving the siphoning of government funds from Haryana government departments and the Chandigarh administration. The probe targets public servants, bank officials, and a private consultancy, with a chargesheet already filed against some accused.
