National

India is Building an Affordable AI Ecosystem, Says Government

Published

11 months ago

March 6, 2025

For the first time, the government is actively cultivating an Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem that ensures affordable access to computing power, GPUs, and research opportunities. Unlike before, AI in India is now accessible to a broader audience, moving beyond the reach of affluent individuals and international tech giants.

Through proactive policies, the Ministry of Electronics & IT announced on Thursday that it is equipping students, startups, and innovators with top-tier AI infrastructure, promoting a truly equitable landscape. Initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and the establishment of Centres of Excellence for AI are fortifying the nation’s AI ecosystem, paving the way for innovation and self-sufficiency in this vital field.

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These initiatives align with the vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, where India aims to become a global AI leader, harnessing advanced technology for economic advancement, governance, and societal development. India is swiftly enhancing its AI computing and semiconductor infrastructure to bolster its burgeoning digital economy. Following the approval of the IndiaAI Mission in 2024, the government has allocated ₹10,300 crore over five years to enhance AI capabilities.

A significant focus of this mission is the establishment of a comprehensive high-end computing facility outfitted with 18,693 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), ranking it among the most extensive AI computing infrastructures in the world. This capacity is nearly nine times that of the open-source AI model DeepSeek and approximately two-thirds of what ChatGPT utilizes.

The mission’s initial phase has already made 10,000 GPUs available, with more to be added shortly. This will pave the way for the development of indigenous AI solutions that cater to Indian languages and contexts. India is also leading the charge with the launch of an open GPU marketplace, granting startups, researchers, and students access to high-performance computing. Unlike in many nations where AI infrastructure is dominated by large corporations, this initiative opens doors for smaller players to innovate.

The government has selected 10 companies to supply the GPUs, establishing a robust and varied supply chain. To further bolster domestic capabilities, India plans to develop its own GPU within the next three to five years, reducing dependence on imported technologies.

A new common compute facility will soon be operational, enabling researchers and startups to access GPU power at the highly subsidized rate of ₹100 per hour, compared to the global cost of ₹2.5 to ₹3 per hour. India is also advancing in semiconductor manufacturing with five plants currently under construction. These initiatives will not only foster AI innovation but also strengthen India’s position within the global electronics industry.

Acknowledging the crucial role of data in AI development, the Modi government has launched the IndiaAI Dataset Platform, providing seamless access to high-quality, non-personal datasets. This platform is set to house the largest collection of anonymized data, empowering Indian startups and researchers to create sophisticated AI applications. By ensuring access to diverse and abundant datasets, this initiative aims to propel AI-driven solutions across critical sectors, facilitating enhanced innovation and accuracy.

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National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.