National

The AI Race Will Be Won by Those Who Make Technology Accessible to All: Amitabh Kant

Published

1 year ago

February 28, 2025

Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized on Friday that the competition in artificial intelligence will be won not by those creating expensive models, but by those who democratize technology through open-source and cost-effective options. He highlighted the necessity for collaboration among the government, businesses, startups, and citizens to foster inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven digital growth in India.

Amitabh Kant made these remarks during the launch of the third edition of the ‘State of India’s Digital Economy (SIDE) 2025’ report. He pointed out that the government needs to enhance digital infrastructure, businesses should keep advancing their innovations, and individuals must increasingly adopt digital skills. Kant stated that the future of India’s economy is heavily reliant on digital technology, and the SIDE 2025 report demonstrates the significant progress India has achieved in this regard.

The report introduces a new framework for measuring digitalization, tailored for developing countries like India. This Connect-Harness-Innovate-Protect-Sustain (CHIPS) framework provides a broader definition of digitalization, taking into account various dimensions of the digital economy. According to the report, India ranks 11th in AI research and 16th in AI infrastructure, indicating a need for increased investment to remain competitive on a global scale.

While progress has been made in inclusion, for instance, with UPI narrowing gender and urban-rural gaps, significant geographical disparities in access to digital services remain. The ICRIER-Prosus Centre for Internet and Digital Economy (IPCIDE) presented the third edition of the ‘State of India’s Digital Economy (SIDE) 2025’ report during its annual conference.

The report reveals that India boasts the second-largest mobile and internet user base in the world, and few nations experience data traffic per smartphone as high as India does. Additionally, India leads globally in the volume of digital transactions and exports of ICT services. However, despite rapid growth in mobile broadband adoption and some of the highest mobile data usage rates globally, the fixed broadband infrastructure is still underdeveloped, which could hinder long-term digital resilience.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.

National

Man Killed by Wife’s Lover in Andhra Pradesh, Son Raises Alarm

Published

1 week ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh: A 45-year-old man was killed by his wife’s lover in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh. The incident happened on Monday night in a forest area near Chowdepalli.

The victim, Gandhi from Tamil Nadu, had come with his five-year-old son to search for his wife. Police said the wife was in a relationship with another man named Narasimhulu.

Narasimhulu allegedly took Gandhi and the child into the forest. He and his aides then attacked Gandhi with a stone and killed him in front of the boy.

The frightened child hid in nearby bushes. After the attackers left, he stayed beside his father’s body the whole night.

At sunrise, the boy walked to a nearby village and informed locals. The police were alerted and started an investigation.

Police have taken the accused and his two aides into custody. The child has been placed in a care centre.

National

Woman Delivers Baby Girl on Train in Andhra Pradesh

Published

1 week ago

April 8, 2026

Namma Kudla

Andhra Pradesh : A pregnant woman gave birth to a baby girl on a moving train in Andhra Pradesh. The incident ended safely with the help of railway staff.

The woman was eight months pregnant. She boarded the train with her family, believing she still had one month left for delivery. She was travelling from Chennai to Dhanbad on Train No. 13352.

After the train crossed Annavaram station, she began to feel labour pain. Her family members became worried and immediately informed the ticket examiner.

Railway staff member G. Jyothi responded quickly and helped the woman. Understanding the emergency, the train was given a special halt at Elamanchili station. An ambulance was also arranged.

The woman delivered a healthy baby girl on the train. After the delivery, both the mother and the newborn were shifted to Elamanchili Government Hospital in a 108 ambulance.

Officials confirmed that both the mother and baby are safe and healthy. The train was halted at the station for about 40 minutes to manage the situation.

Railway staff ensured privacy by asking male passengers to leave the coach. Their timely action helped ensure a safe delivery.

This incident highlights the importance of quick response and human support during emergencies.