Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Railways, and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw marked a major milestone in India’s AI journey with the launch of several key initiatives under the IndiaAI Mission during its anniversary celebration in New Delhi.
The newly introduced initiatives include AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform, the AI Compute Portal, the AI Competency Framework for Public Sector Officials, iGOT-AI Mission Karmayogi, the IndiaAI Startups Global Acceleration Program with Station F, the IndiaAI Application Development Initiative and IndiaAI FutureSkills all aimed at strengthening AI-driven research,
innovation, and skill development.
The IndiaAI Mission, approved in March 2024, is a landmark initiative dedicated to fortifying India’s AI ecosystem through strategic programs and partnerships spanning both public and private sectors. With a vision to democratize AI access, enhance data quality, cultivate indigenous AI capabilities, and ensure ethical AI practices,
IndiaAI Compute
IndiaAI Datasets Platform
IndiaAI Application Development Initiatives
IndiaAI FutureSkills
IndiaAI Innovation Center
IndiaAI Startup Financing
Safe & Trusted AI
Launch of AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform
To provide a unified portal for seamless access to datasets, tools and AI models, Hon’ble Union Minister has launched AIKosha: IndiaAI Datasets Platform.
Coal India Limited (CIL) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H), on 7 March, for establishing a Centre of Clean Coal Energy and Net Zero (CLEANZ) at Hyderabad.
The joint initiative between CIL and IITH aims to develop clean coal technologies and diversification in coal utilization.
Both the entities will synergize their efforts in developing cutting edge technology readiness level (TRL) for sustainable utilization of Indian coal. This is in line with the country’s Net Zero commitments. The Coal Ministry is also keen in developing research capabilities in coal sector and advised to take up research projects relevant to India’s coal and energy sectors.
To facilitate Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs), Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, has notified a scheme for CSMs under modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme for Conversion of their existing sugarcane-based feedstock ethanol plants into multi-feedstock based plants to use grains like Maize and Damaged Food Grains (DFG).
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with. Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation worth $ 248 million for procurement of 1000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions.
The deal also includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) from M/s RoE to M/s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai, for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under ToT to boost the "Make in India' initiative in Defence Sector.
T-72 is the mainstay of tank fleet of the Indian Army which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP Engine will enhance the battle field mobility and offensive capability of Indian Army.
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, has officially launched a new Credit Assessment Model for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative, announced as part of the Union Budget 2024-25, aims to enhance the credit evaluation process for MSMEs by leveraging digital data.
The launch took place during a post-budget interaction in Visakhapatnam, where the Finance Minister engaged with industry leaders, tax professionals, and other stakeholders. The newly introduced model will enable public sector banks (PSBs) to develop in-house capabilities for assessing MSME creditworthiness, reducing reliance on external evaluations.
Key Features of the Model:
The credit assessment model will utilize various digital authentication and verification mechanisms, including:
PAN and Name Authentication via NSDL
Mobile and Email Verification through OTP authentication
GST Data Retrieval via API-based service providers
Bank Statement Analysis using account aggregator frameworks.
ITR Upload and Verification for financial transparency
Commercial and Consumer Bureau Checks Using APIs
Fraud Detection and Risk Assessment through Hunter checks and CICs
Benefits to MSMEs:
The implementation of this digital credit assessment model is expected to streamline the credit application process for MSMEs, providing multiple advantages:
Convenience: Online submission of loan applications from any location
Reduced Documentation: Minimal paperwork and fewer branch visits
Faster Approvals: Instant in-principle sanctions through digital processing
Seamless Credit Processing: End-to-end straight-through process (STP) for efficiency
Shorter Turnaround Time (TAT): Swift decision-making based on transactional behavior and credit history
No Physical Collateral: Loans under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) will not require physical collateral
This model marks a significant shift from traditional credit assessments based solely on asset valuation and turnover.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, ILS, as the Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice. She will assume the role for an initial period of two years from the date she takes charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Dr. Rana, who previously served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Legal Affairs, brings extensive experience in legal administration and policymaking. Her appointment is expected to strengthen the department’s role in providing legal advice to the government and overseeing key legislative matters.
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and The Federal Bank Limited (FBL) on Thursday announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide financial support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This partnership aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by offering various financial services, including project finance,
machinery and equipment finance, working capital support, and loans against property.
Under this agreement, both institutions will also explore joint financing options to extend credit facilities to MSMEs.
The collaboration is expected to help businesses access funds more efficiently, enabling their growth and development.
The collaboration is expected to help businesses access funds more efficiently, enabling their growth and development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 4 reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the MSME sector, calling it the backbone of India’s manufacturing and industrial growth.
PhonePe launched its ‘insuring HEROES’ campaign ahead of the International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day is observed every year on March 8.
As part of the initiative, the company is offering exclusive discounts of up to 30 percent, specifically for women, on select term life and health insurance plans.
It is available on the PhonePe platform until March 9, 2025. Women can avail these exclusive offers on the PhonePe app to ensure their overall economic well-being and enjoy long-term stability.
Discounts include up to 15 per cent off on health insurance plans, and up to 30 per cent off on term life insurance plans.
Through this initiative, PhonePe aims to assist women with greater financial security, facilitating their access to the right insurance solutions tailored to their unique needs.
To avail these offers on the PhonePe app: users must first select the ‘insuring HEROES’ banner within the insurance section of the PhonePe app.
HDFC Bank has launched Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra) to provide support and services to Indian Air Force (IAF) pensioners, veterans and their families.
In this regard, the Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the IAF acting through the office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Accounts & Air Veterans and CSC Academy.
The Bank said in a statement that 25 centres have been proposed across the Air Force units, including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Gurgaon, Pune, Secunderabad, Guwahati, Jodhpur, and Chandigarh.
The bank, in association with CSC Academy (promoted by Common Service Centre E-Governance Limited), will provide skill development and training across financial products and services,
empowering defence service veterans and next of kin to be financially independent.
The bank said defence servicemen/ex-servicemen and their families will be able to avail of more than 500 G2C (Government to Citizen) and B2C (Business to Customer) services, including Aadhaar service, NPS, PAN Card, passport, bill collection, etc.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025 in New Delhi.
The summit themed Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions was Organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Union Minister Yadav noted that in 2020, India successfully reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 7.93%, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to combating climate change. He also outlined India’s long-term vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (developed nation) by 2047, with a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
The Uttarakhand Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the implementation of the Central Government's Unified Pension Scheme for officers and employees in the state. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting.
The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) has been introduced as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) by the Central Government for the CentralGovernment employees covered under NPS so that they may receive an assured payout after their retirement. The Unified Pension Scheme will be operational from April 1, 2025.
The Uttarakhand cabinet approved the new Excise Policy 2025. A statement from the government said that the state's new Excise Policy 2025 has decided to close liquor licenses near religious places, considering their importance.
Furthermore, keeping public sensitivities paramount, more control will be exercised over the sale of liquor.
Sub-shops and the metro liquor sales system have been abolished.
In the new Excise Policy, if a shop charges more than MRP, the license can be canceled. MRP will also apply to departmental stores, which will protect consumers' interests.
Excise revenue has increased significantly in the state in the last two years.
Sahitya Akademi, India’s premier literary institution working under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, will be organizing its annual Festival of Letters at Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi from 7th March 2025 to 12th March 2025. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Government of India, will inaugurate the festival.
This is Asia’s Largest Literature Festival with about 700 writers from different parts of the country representing more than 50 languages participating in the festival that spans over 100 sessions. The theme of the festival will be Indian Literary Traditions and a National Seminar on the topic featuring eminent thinkers and,
writers will be organized during the last three days of the festival.
The festival will feature Young Writers, Women Writers, Dalit Writers, Writers from North East, Tribal writers and poets, LGBTQ writers and poets along with many eminent writers, translators, publishers, poets and distinguished personalities from different walks of life and,
Festival of Letters continue its status as India’s Most Inclusive Literature Festival since 1985.
A daylong programme for children, Spin A Tale, will be organized on the final day of the festival. Throughout the festival, there will be presentations, readings and discussions by eminent authors, poets, translators, publishers and critics on a wide range of subjects.
