Category: Communications

  • Bhuvnesh Kumar appointed CEO of UIDAI

    Bhuvnesh Kumar appointed CEO of UIDAI

    Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), an official release said on Wednesday.

    Kumar also continues to be an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

    He takes over from Amit Agrawal who has been appointed as the new pharma secretary.

    “Bhuvnesh Kumar assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Wednesday,” an official release said.

    Kumar is an IAS officer of the 1995 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.

    “A graduate and gold medalist from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, he held several important positions both at the Centre and in his cadre state,” the release said.

    Earlier, he also served as the Joint Secretary in MeitY.

    In Uttar Pradesh, he served as the Principal Secretary in the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries.

    Previously, he was the Secretary Finance, Secretary MSME, Secretary Technical Education and Divisional Commissioner Department of Land Revenue in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. PTI

  • Reliance Jio sets the ball rolling for a Rs 40,000 crore IPO

    Reliance Jio sets the ball rolling for a Rs 40,000 crore IPO

    Billionaire Mukesh Ambani is understood to have started the process for the initial public offer of Reliance Industries’ telecom arm, Reliance Jio Infocomm, and sources estimated the size of the offer in the range of ₹35,000-40,000 crore.

    The public offer will consist of an offer for sale component and a fresh issue with a pre-IPO placement, sources said. They added that the Reliance group was aiming for the issue to hit the market in the second half of the year and if it goes through as per schedule, it will be the largest IPO in India.

    Pre-IPO placement
    Preliminary talks have already started for a pre-IPO placement, the sources added. While the size of the issue will be large, there would be ample appetite for it, bankers said, adding that there should not be any difficulty getting subscriptions.

    The amount of the pre-IPO placement will depend on the size of the fresh issue, investment bankers said. The split between OFS and the fresh issue is still being decided.

    There was no response to emails sent to RIL for clarification on the proposed issuance.

    The OFS component is likely to be significant as it would provide the opportunity for a partial or full exit for many of the investors in it. RJio is housed under Jio Platforms, in which foreign investors own about 33 per cent stake. RIL had sold stakes in it to a range of funds such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, KKR, Mubadala, and Silver Lake to raise close to $18 billion in 2020.

    Valuation estimate
    While various brokerages have estimated the valuation of RJio at around $100 billion, sources said that it is likely to be higher at around $120 billion as Jio Platforms is central to RIL’s investments in next-generation technologies, including retail.

    Recently Jio Platforms announced its partnership with global technology giant Nvidia to collaborate on developing AI language models, with Ambani looking to disrupt the AI space with innovative solutions.

    The tech push as well as the focus on AI is expected to give it a competitive edge over startups. RJio has also obtained regulatory approval to launch satellite internet services.

    RIL has spent close to $3 billion over the last 5 years in acquisitions for its telecom, internet and digital businesses.

    Reliance Jio is the largest telecom operator in the country with 460 million wireless subscribers at the end of October. Despite losing subscribers since it raised tariffs in June last year, it has maintained its lead. The hike in tariffs resulted in a big spike in its profitability in the September quarter and was seen as a part of its strategy to monetise its 5G services ahead of its listing. The Hindu BusinessLine

  • Manish Singhal appointed ASSOCHAM’s Secretary General

    Manish Singhal appointed ASSOCHAM’s Secretary General

    Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex business chamber, has a new Secretary General in Manish Singhal.

    Singhal, an industry leader with over 35 years of experience in Chamber and Corporate India, had earlier worked as Deputy Secretary General of The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

    He had also worked with various Indian transnational companies, including Tata Motors, Eicher (Volvo), Tata Auto Comp Systems, Moser Baer India and BEML to name a few.

    Singhal succeeds Deepak Sood, who recently after a five-year stint stepped down to pursue other interests.

    “We welcome Manish on board and look forward to him furthering ASSOCHAM’s impact. He has a proven track record in policy advocacy and international business, which will help the Chamber scale greater heights”, said Sanjay Nayar, President of ASSOCHAM. The Hindu BusinessLine

  • The DPDP rules clearance from home ministry marks a significant milestone

    The DPDP rules clearance from home ministry marks a significant milestone

    The long-awaited implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act is one step closer to reality, as inter-ministerial consultations on the draft rules concluded on Tuesday with the home ministry’s approval.

    The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) is now set to release the draft rules for public consultation, setting the stage for their eventual notification and phased implementation.

    The clearance marks a significant milestone, as the DPDP Act, passed over 16 months ago, has remained inoperative pending finalisation of its rules. The delay has left key provisions – ensuring data privacy, enforcing data minimisation and purpose limitations, and imposing penalties for violations – unrealised.

    The final rules will address critical aspects of the Act, including user consent mechanisms, data handling procedures, and compliance timelines. According to officials, the transition period for companies to adapt to the new regulatory framework is expected to range from 18 to 24 months. This is more or less in line with global practices, which allow 12 to 30 months for similar overhauls.

    “Given the sensitivity of personal data, it was essential to ensure all government departments and stakeholders were aligned with the draft rules,” said an official. Some ministries had earlier cited challenges in setting up mechanisms for seeking user consent and requested additional time to transition to the new system. Private entities, too, have sought an adequate adjustment period to comply with the rules.

    Once implemented, the Act will empower consumers with greater control over their data. Companies handling user data will be required to disclose the information they possess, enabling users to request its deletion or specify usage preferences. Additionally, consumers will have the right to demand details on the purpose of data collection, permissible uses, and the timeline for its deletion.

    The rules will also detail specific provisions, such as consent management for minors and exemptions for certain entities or contexts. Moreover, the government plans to establish the Data Protection Board, an adjudicatory body to address disputes between data principals (users) and fiduciaries (data handlers).

    Entities found guilty of data breaches could face penalties of up to Rs 250 crore per incident, underscoring the government’s intent to enforce stringent compliance.

    The release of the draft rules for public consultation is expected shortly, whereby stakeholders will be able to provide feedback and suggestions. Following this, the rules will be notified and implemented in phases, marking the beginning of a robust framework to safeguard digital personal data. Financial Express

  • Power outage at NICSI data centre disrupts key govt websites

    Power outage at NICSI data centre disrupts key govt websites

    Government websites, including that of the Department of Economic Affairs, Commerce Ministry, and Department of Telecom, were restored after a brief disruption caused by a power outage at a data centre of National Informatics Centre Services Inc (NICSI).

    Sources aware of the disruption said the websites went down because of a power outage at the NICSI data centre at Shastri Park and the issue is being resolved.

    “The power outage at Shastri Park data centre of NICSI led to disruption in the functioning of some government websites. The sites are being restored and will be up and running shortly,” a source said.

    National Informatics Centre Services Inc currently hosts and manages most of the government websites.

    Later in the day, websites were found functional during a random check.

    An email query sent to the Ministry of Electronics and IT elicited no immediate reply. PTI

  • Google picks up 550,000 sq ft office space in Gurugram

    Google picks up 550,000 sq ft office space in Gurugram

    Google has made a significant move in India by leasing reportedly approx. 550,000 square feet of office space from managed workspace provider Table Space at a commercial complex in Gurugram. This marks one of the largest commercial space deals in the region in recent years, underlining Google’s commitment to strengthening its presence in India, a key global market.

    The new office is expected to accommodate thousands of employees, with a focus on engineering, sales, and customer support functions. Strategically located near New Delhi, Gurugram has become a hub for multinational corporations and startups, offering robust infrastructure and connectivity, making it an ideal location for Google’s expansion.

    This development aligns with Google’s broader strategy in India, where it has been actively investing in digital transformation and infrastructure. Recently, the company announced plans to build its global fintech operations hub in Hyderabad, showcasing its commitment to supporting India’s growing digital economy.

    Furthermore, Google’s $10 billion “Google for India Digitization Fund,” launched in 2020, has been driving significant advancements in areas such as AI, internet access, and local business empowerment.

    The Gurugram office is expected to serve as a key base for Google’s operations, supporting its mission to innovate and scale services tailored to India’s unique needs. The tech giant has been focusing on partnerships, such as its collaboration with Reliance Jio for affordable smartphones and internet services, aiming to bridge India’s digital divide.

    While details about the timeline for the Gurugram office’s launch remain undisclosed, the move highlights Google’s confidence in India’s potential as a technological and economic powerhouse. This investment further solidifies the country’s status as a pivotal player in Google’s global growth strategy. VAR India

  • Data center UPS market size reach US$ 11.0 billion by 2032

    Data center UPS market size reach US$ 11.0 billion by 2032

    The global data center UPS market size reached US$ 6.5 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, the market to reach US$ 11.0 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.02% during 2023-2032, according to Research and Markets.

    The escalating demand for continuous power supply on the global level, rapid digitalization and the rising dependence on technology for conducting business operations, and considerable rise in cloud computing represent some of the key factors driving the market.

    A data center UPS or uninterruptible power supply refers to a crucial element in data center infrastructure that is specifically designed to provide an alternate power supply to data center equipment in case of a power outage or disruption. These systems ensure seamless operation and protect the data center from suffering any loss or damage. Capacity is one of the key characteristics of data center UPS systems that is determined by kilovolt-amperes (kVA) or megavolt-amperes (MVA) rating, along with its runtime, which defines the duration of backup power provision. The primary function of data center UPS is to provide power backup to critical data center equipment, thereby eliminating data loss, equipment damage, and operational downtime.

    These UPS systems are also responsible for regulating voltage and frequency to ensure the power supplied to equipment is steady and dependable. In addition to this, remote monitoring and management capabilities are also available in many product variants, which provide data center operators with a centralized means of monitoring and managing the UPS performance.

    The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, market share by key players, player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

    Some of the companies covered include ABB Ltd., Cyber Power Systems Inc., Delta Electronics Inc., Eaton Corporation plc, General Electric Company, Kohler Uninterruptible Power (Ireland) Limited, Legrand, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, RPS Spa (Riello Elettronica S.p.A.), Schneider Electric SE, Solaredge Technologies Inc., Toshiba Corporation and Vertiv Group Corporation, etc. Kindly note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.

    Data Center UPS Market Trends:
    The market is primarily driven by the escalating demand for continuous power supply on the global level. This can be attributed to the rapid digitalization and the rising dependence on technology for conducting business operations, resulting in a higher demand for 24/7 availability of the data centers. In line with this, a considerable rise in cloud computing is leading to the growing number of data centers, which, in turn, has augmented the demand for UPS systems. Moreover, the rising need for eco-friendly solutions for reducing power consumption and achieving energy efficiency is propelling the demand for UPS systems that use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.

    The market is further fueled by the growing awareness regarding downtime costs and protection against power outages. Apart from this, the growing adoption of modular UPS systems that are easily expandable is also creating lucrative growth opportunities in the market. Additionally, the emerging trend of edge computing is propelling the demand for more compact UPS systems that can be deployed in remote locations, which, in turn, is providing an impetus to the market. Some of the other factors contributing to the market include rapid urbanization, inflating disposable income levels, rising penetration of the internet, emergence of 5G, and extensive research and development (R&D) activities conducted by key players. Research and Markets

  • Air India launches onboard Wi-Fi on domestic flights

    Air India launches onboard Wi-Fi on domestic flights

    Private carrier Air India on Wednesday (January 1, 2025) rolled out Wi-Fi internet connectivity services on board domestic and international flights on its widebody Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 fleet as well as on select Airbus A321neo aircraft.

    This makes Air India the first airline to offer such services on flights within India, the airline said.

    Accessible on Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones with iOS or Android operating systems, the in-flight Wi-Fi will also allow guests to connect multiple devices simultaneously when above 10,000 feet, it said.

    The deployment of Wi-Fi on domestic routes follows an ongoing pilot programme on international services operated by the Airbus A350, select Airbus A321 neo and Boeing B787-9 aircraft serving international destinations including New York, London, Paris and Singapore. As with the domestic offer, Wi-Fi is complimentary for an introductory period, Air India said.

    Air India said it will progressively roll out the service on other aircraft in its fleet over time. PTI

  • Vietnam establishes a legal framework for telecom and cloud computing

    Vietnam establishes a legal framework for telecom and cloud computing

    Decree 163, detailing the implementation of the Telecommunications Law, establishes a comprehensive legal framework for three new telecommunications services: data center services, cloud computing, and basic telecommunications services over the Internet.

    Key provisions of Decree 163
    Issued by the government, Decree 163 includes seven chapters and 86 articles, applying to Vietnamese and foreign organizations and individuals involved in telecommunications activities in Vietnam.

    Effective from December 24, 2024, the decree’s provisions regarding data center services, cloud computing, and basic telecommunications services on the Internet will take effect on January 1, 2025.

    According to the Telecommunications Authority under the Ministry of Information and Communications, the decree operationalizes the policies of the Telecommunications Law, creating favorable conditions for market growth, competition, and the development of advanced, modern, and synchronized telecommunications infrastructure.

    The decree also facilitates accurate and complete registration of subscriber information, allowing online registration to align with digital transformation trends.

    Decree 163 establishes specific guidelines for three newly recognized services: Data center services; Cloud computing services; Basic telecommunications services on the Internet.

    These services aim to drive digital infrastructure development and the digital economy while ensuring public safety and cybersecurity.

    The decree defines the rights and obligations of foreign entities providing these services under a “light management” principle, balancing regulatory oversight with market flexibility.

    It also requires service providers to maintain user data provided during contract agreements and mandates secure use of these services by government agencies.

    Updates to mobile subscriber management
    In line with digital transformation, Decree 163 introduces several changes to mobile subscriber management:

    Telecom companies can implement online registration using applications.

    Subscriber data must match the National Population Database.

    Registration for the second or subsequent SIM cards requires one-time password (OTP) verification.

    Video calls may be used for identity verification during registration.

    Enhancing market regulation

    To ensure fair competition, the decree outlines criteria for identifying dominant telecommunications companies and their obligations.

    It also includes provisions for managing prepaid mobile cards, mobile accounts, and the resale of telecom services.

    Regulations aim to minimize risks, prevent abuse, and ensure lawful use of mobile payment systems.

    The decree emphasizes the development of telecommunications services and infrastructure while maintaining public order and information security.

    It supports business innovation and enhances competition while managing emerging technologies responsibly. Vietnam Net

  • White House urges FCC to act after Chinese hack targets US telecoms

    White House urges FCC to act after Chinese hack targets US telecoms

    The White House is urging the Federal Communications Commission to crack down on US telecom providers after at least nine were breached in a massive Chinese hacking and spying campaign that targeted senior government officials.

    Voluntary compliance with cybersecurity practices are inadequate to protect against hacking from foreign actors, the White House’s deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, Anne Neuberger, said on a Friday call.

    The Biden administration official urged the FCC to impose regulations that would make it harder, riskier and costlier for hackers to access Americans’ data in response to the Salt Typhoon hack that affected an unknown number of Americans.

    “We know that voluntary cybersecurity practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” Neuberger said.

    The commission is expected to hold a vote on the proposal by Jan. 15, a week before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The FCC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    Federal authorities first acknowledged the hack in October. After an investigating they revealed weeks later that “a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign” by the Chinese government had taken place.

    The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, pushed telecommunications companies to beef up their security and directed Americans to use encrypted communications in response as they worked to determine the scope of the beach.

    Previously, the White House said that at least eight companies were impacted. A ninth company, which the White House did not name, has been identified. Verizon, AT&T and Lumen are among the companies previously named.

    The U.S. government does not know how many people were impacted, Neuberger said. But it is their understanding that “a large number” of individuals in the Washington, D.C. area and Virginia were geolocated, with the aim of identifying who the phones belonged to for “follow on espionage and intelligence collection of communications, of texts and phone calls.”

    ‘We will never know’ scope and scale of Salt Typhoon phone hack
    Fewer than 100 individuals are estimated to have been targeted with further spying, she said.

    Chinese hackers were careful about their techniques, she added. “They erased logs. In many cases, companies were not keeping adequate logs,” she said. “So there are details that likely … we will never know regarding the scope and scale of this.”

    Australia and the UK already have stricter requirements in place, Neuberger said, that may have led to the hacks discovery and containment faster.

    The U.S. says it believes the Chinese had the capability to geolocate millions of individuals and record phone calls at will because of the broad access they had into networks. The Chinese government has previously denied it was involved in the hack. USA Today