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PM Expresses Concerns Over Cybersecurity, Misinformation, and Deepfakes

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of tackling challenges like cybersecurity, disinformation, and deep fakes in the emerging age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during his address at the AI Action Summit in Paris on Tuesday. He urged the global community to contribute to this effort, stating, “We must create quality data sets that are free from biases. Technology should be democratized, resulting in people-centric applications. It’s imperative to address concerns surrounding cybersecurity, disinformation, and deep fakes, while also ensuring that technology is embedded in local ecosystems for maximum effectiveness.”Mr. Modi, who co-chaired the summit with French President Emmanuel Macron, recognized that AI has the potential to improve numerous aspects of life, including health, education, and agriculture, enabling progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. “To facilitate this transformation, we must pool our resources and talents, and develop open-source systems that foster trust and transparency,” he remarked.

Addressing the fear of job losses due to AI advancements, he noted that history has demonstrated that technology does not eliminate jobs but rather transforms them, leading to new opportunities. “We need to invest in skilling and reskilling our workforce for an AI-driven future,” he stated.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significant energy demands of AI, advocating for green energy to support its growth. “India and France have collaborated on initiatives like the International Solar Alliance to utilize solar energy effectively. Advancing our partnership in AI is a natural evolution from sustainability to innovation, guiding us toward a smarter and more responsible future.”

Moreover, Mr. Modi emphasized that sustainable AI entails more than just clean energy; it also requires efficiency in AI models, particularly regarding size, data needs, and resource requirements. “Remarkably, the human brain can compose poetry and design spacecraft using less energy than a typical light bulb,” he observed.

He acknowledged that AI is transforming politics, economics, security, and society, noting its unique role in shaping humanity’s narrative this century. “AI is evolving at an unmatched pace and is being adopted even more rapidly, creating deep interdependencies across borders. Thus, global cooperation is essential to establish governance and standards that reflect our shared values, manage risks, and build trust,” he added.

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However, Mr. Modi stressed that governance is not solely about mitigating risks; it also encompasses promoting innovation for global benefit. “We must engage in thoughtful discussions about innovation and governance,” he encouraged the assembled world leaders.

He pointed out that governance should ensure access for everyone, particularly in the Global South, where resources such as computational power, talent, data, and financial support are often lacking. “In India, we’ve successfully developed a Digital Public Infrastructure that serves over 1.4 billion people at minimal cost, anchored by an open and accessible network,” he shared. This infrastructure includes regulations and diverse applications aimed at modernizing the economy and transforming lives.

“We’ve harnessed the power of data through our Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture and have made digital commerce accessible to everyone. This vision underpins India’s National AI Mission,” he remarked.

Highlighting India’s leadership in AI adoption and data privacy solutions, the Prime Minister affirmed that the country is committed to developing AI applications for the greater public good. “With one of the world’s largest AI talent pools, we are creating a Large Language Model that reflects our diversity. Additionally, we have a unique public-private partnership model for resource pooling, making computational power available to start-ups and researchers at affordable rates. India is prepared to share its experiences and expertise to ensure that AI benefits humanity as a whole,” he concluded.

“We must remember that while some fear machines surpassing human intelligence, the key to our collective future and destiny lies solely in our hands. That sense of responsibility should guide us,” he stated.

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Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

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Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

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Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

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Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

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Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

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He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.

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India’s First Port-Based E-Methanol Plant Comes Up at Kandla

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Gandhidham: India has taken a major step towards green shipping with the foundation stone laid for the country’s first port-based e-methanol production facility at Kandla in Gujarat.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) on Saturday.

The Rs.2,300-crore project is a joint initiative of the Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. The plant will produce 150 tonnes of e-methanol every day using renewable power, water and biogenic carbon dioxide.

E-methanol is considered a cleaner alternative fuel for the shipping sector. The facility will supply green fuel to ships operating on the Asia-Europe trade route.

The project will be developed in two phases. The first phase will have a production capacity of 50 tonnes per day and involve an investment of Rs.1,200 crore. It is expected to be completed by January 2027.

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The second phase will add another 100 tonnes per day at an estimated cost of Rs.1,100 crore. It is targeted for completion by March 2027.

The Deendayal Port Authority will hold a 76 per cent share in the project, while Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd will have a 24 per cent stake. DPA will provide Rs.567.32 crore as equity, along with 75 acres of land, desalinated water and renewable energy support.

The project is expected to create more than 3,500 direct and indirect jobs. It will also support activities such as transportation, storage and supply of green fuel around Kandla.

Speaking at the event, Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat’s coastline would play an important role in supplying green energy to the world. He described Kandla as a future gateway for India’s green energy exports.

Sarbananda Sonowal said the project marked another step in India’s growing maritime ambitions. He said Kandla could develop into a major green-fuel hub on the Singapore–Rotterdam shipping route.

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Himanta Biswa Sarma said Assam would contribute to India’s clean energy transition through its natural resources and industrial strength. He described the project as an example of cooperation between Assam and Gujarat.

The facility is expected to support India’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. It is also linked to the government’s focus on energy self-reliance and the Make in India initiative.

The government is also working to strengthen India’s maritime sector. It has set a target of adding 100 new ships to the country’s merchant fleet over the next five years.

Several other maritime projects are also being developed in Gujarat, including a Rs.1,520-crore shipbuilding project at Vadinar and a proposed shipbuilding and repair cluster at Kuchhadi in Porbandar.

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Kutch MP Vinod Chavda, Gandhidham MLA Maltiben Kishor Maheshwari, Assam government representatives, officials of Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd and DPA Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh were among those present at the foundation stone ceremony.

 

 

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