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  • MeitY talks with many ministries to find source datasets

    MeitY talks with many ministries to find source datasets

    The upcoming IndiaAI Datasets platform will allow access to sensitive and crucial data on a case-by-case basis to the companies or developers, depending on the conditions and purpose for which that data will be utilised.

    The datasets platform, which is in the works, will house anonymous and non-personal data for developers and companies looking to train their AI models. The companies, however, will have to register themselves and make a request to access certain dataset on the platform.

    Most datasets, however, will be open for use, officials said.

    “The way the datasets platform has been designed is that every government department, which is publishing the data, will have the right to decide what they want to keep in an open domain, what they want to keep in a licensing domain or restricted domain, and what they want to keep in prohibited domain,” Abhishek Singh, additional secretary at the ministry of electronics and IT said, at Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Conclave on Thursday.

    “In some cases the departments may think of making it available to everyone. But if there is some sensitive data, that might be made available to only a few people with certain conditions. We are not saying either open or closed, but we are making it pertinent with the data owners to decide what kind of access they will give and to whom,” Singh said, adding that the first version of the platform will be launched within next 10 days.

    The dataset platform, which is being built at a cost of around Rs 200 crore, is one of the seven pillars of the Rs 10,000 crore IndiaAI mission.

    MeitY is currently consulting different ministries to source datasets, which can be made available on the platform. The same is crucial given that the government has also started the process to create India-origin foundational models, for which it has already received 67 proposals.

    “We are trying to get datasets from all sources – whether it’s the department of commerce or DPIIT, ministry of finance, trade data, export-import data, productivity, yield. Very granular data is available, but right now it is all in silos,” Singh said.

    The developers, through the datasets platform can access sector-specific data or India-specific general data crucial for training large language models.

    “We are getting very deep into sectoral data,” Singh said, adding that data generated on e-sanjeevani, which is the government’s telemedicine portal, can be used to build a health model. The government plans to use voice samples of doctor-patient consultation that can be used by firms building health models.

    MeitY is also in talks with Prasar Bharati as it has content in different languages, which could be valuable for voice-enabled services. Financial Express

  • Goa mandates the usage of internet apps for telecom infrastructure

    Goa mandates the usage of internet apps for telecom infrastructure

    Goa Government has informed all Telecom / ISPs to make online applications through “Gatishakti Sanchar Portal” of the Department of Telecom, towards utilization of Electricity Department infrastructure for installation of Internet / Telecom /Television / Communication cables.

    “Gatishakti Sanchar Portal” of Department of Telecom, Government of India for online application towards utilization of Electricity Department infrastructure for installation of Internet / Telecom / Television / Communication cables is opened for application from February 15, 2025. The Gatishakti Sanchar Portal can be accessed at gatishaktisanchar.gov.in” the order states

    As per provisions of the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, all such applications are to be processed online. All Facility Providers are therefore requested to apply on this portal (including those that have previously submitted applications in hard copy) for utilization of Electricity Department infrastructure across the State of Goa for installation of cables.

    The Electricity Department will process these applications and provide approval on merit basis after payment of the requisite fees.

    It is to also inform that the Electricity Department has appointed 2 Nodal Officers for North and South Goa for better coordination of the Facility Providers with Electricity Department.

    It is also directed that all Facility Providers shall ensure that all safety measures are undertaken, aesthetics maintained and cables installed in the manner causing no inconvenience for the working of the Electricity Department line staff. All old / unused cables may be immediately removed along with all accessories. The cables may be laid in underground ducts wherever such ducts are available. Goemkarponn

  • China claims Taiwan of “selling out” its semiconductor sector to US

    China claims Taiwan of “selling out” its semiconductor sector to US

    Taiwan is home to some of the most important companies in the global technology industry. However, its political status remains contentious, with China actively seeking to influence and ultimately annex the country. This effort is driven by a well-oiled propaganda machine that speculates about Taipei’s diplomatic and business activities.

    China has accused Taiwan of trying to sell off its thriving semiconductor industry to the United States, claiming that Taipei is essentially handing over control of TSMC to Washington as a “souvenir.” In exchange, Taiwan would supposedly secure political support from the new US administration against Beijing’s influence.

    Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, recently suggested that TSMC could soon become the United States Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. However, she provided no evidence to support this claim and accused Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party of seeking assistance from “external forces” to achieve full independence from Beijing.

    Chinese authorities further alleged that Taiwan is using its semiconductor industry as leverage to gain explicit political backing from Washington. Fenglian also speculated that TSMC has been in discussions with Intel to acquire a stake in the company. However, neither TSMC nor Intel have confirmed these claims, and the Taiwanese government stated that it has no information about any new overseas investments planned by TSMC.

    “This sort of shameless selling out of Taiwan is in actuality pandering to the United States,” Fenglian said.

    TSMC is one of the few companies capable of transforming microchip designs into physical silicon products, providing large-scale manufacturing capabilities. Some of the world’s biggest technology firms, including US giants like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD, rely on the Taiwanese foundry to produce the chips that power smartphones, computer CPUs, and GPUs for consumers and enterprises alike.

    In response to Beijing’s accusations, Taipei authorities have issued an official statement refuting the claims. They emphasized that TSMC is a vital pillar of Taiwan’s economy and dismissed suggestions that the US is acting as an unwavering political ally. Instead, they described Washington as an increasingly adversarial entity due to shifting policies under the Trump administration.

    Taiwan is now actively working to address the challenges posed by these new policies, with government officials seeking collaboration with industry leaders to maintain the country’s dominance in the global tech sector.

    Despite Trump’s aggressive stance on business, politics, and diplomacy, Taiwan’s geopolitical situation remains deeply complex. While Washington has historically supported Taipei – offering both political backing and military aid to counter China’s influence – the evolving US-Taiwan relationship is far from straightforward and will likely continue to be a delicate balancing act in the years ahead. TechSpot

  • HP beats Q1 revenue forecasts due to robust demand for PCs and AI systems

    HP beats Q1 revenue forecasts due to robust demand for PCs and AI systems

    HP Inc beat first-quarter revenue estimates, driven by strength in its personal systems segment and growing demand for artificial intelligence-capable systems.

    The company also said it would lay off an additional 1,000 to 2,000 employees as part of its previously announced restructuring plan. The move is expected to generate savings of about $0.3 billion in fiscal 2025.

    Shares of the company, however, dipped more than 3% in extended trading after it projected second-quarter adjusted profit per share between 75 cents and 85 cents, lower than analysts’ consensus estimate of 86 cents.

    PC market growth is expected to accelerate this year as the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline in October pushes hundreds of millions of PC users to refresh their devices.

    Demand is also expected to surge as companies launch AI-capable PCs equipped with advanced and powerful processors designed for AI tasks.

    However, worries around margins are creeping up, after U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would impose an additional 10% duty on Chinese goods on March 4 on top of the 10% tariff that he levied on February 4 on imports from China.

    HP has been diversifying its supply chain, and by October-end expects more than 90% of HP products sold in North America to be built outside of China, CEO Enrique Lores said in an interview.

    The PC market grew for a fifth consecutive quarter in the fourth quarter, with total shipments of desktops, notebooks and workstations rising 5% to 67.9 million units, Canalys data showed in January.

    HP reported revenue of $13.5 billion for the first quarter ended January 31, above the average analyst estimate of $13.36 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

    Net revenue for HP’s Personal Systems segment, home to its desktop and notebook PCs, rose 5% to $9.2 billion. Its commercial PS net revenue grew 10%. Reuters

  • In Kalimpong, BSNL launches the long-awaited robust network

    In Kalimpong, BSNL launches the long-awaited robust network

    Kalimpong residents now have access to a stable and reliable BSNL media network, resolving long-standing connectivity issues that have plagued the district for years. The new network was officially launched during the 2025 Telecom Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting, marking a significant improvement for thousands of users who had suffered frequent service breakdowns.

    For years, Kalimpong’s connectivity depended on an outdated optical fibre cable (OFC) network along NH-31A via Sikkim. This 144-kilometre stretch, with 70 kilometres running through Sikkim, was highly vulnerable to landslides and road damage, leading to repeated disruptions. As a result, 1,277 Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) customers—the highest in any district in West Bengal—were frequently left without service.

    Further 48 lease circuits and over 54,000 mobile users, including government offices, banks, and private institutions relying on BSNL, faced constant interruptions. An alternative route via Lava-Gorubathan to Siliguri had been abandoned in 2012 due to road widening, further compounding the problem.

    Recognising the urgent need for a solution, Member of Parliament Raju Bista raised the issue in the previous BSNL TAC meeting. He reviewed supporting documents and collaborated with the Telecom Ministry and BSNL leadership to address the problem. Following discussions with Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and coordination with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, a plan to strengthen connectivity was finalized.

    On October 5, 2024, BSNL secured a 10G bandwidth lease from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited at an annual cost of Rs. 34 lakhs. The installation was completed by October 21, 2024, followed by a six-month trial period to assess reliability. With successful testing, the upgraded network is now fully operational, offering seamless connectivity to the district.

    MP Raju Bista emphasised that the initiative aligns with the broader Digital India vision led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed gratitude to Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, DoT, BSNL, and local stakeholders for their cooperation in making this critical upgrade possible.

    “Our region has many challenges, from connectivity issues to other developmental gaps. I assure the people that each of these concerns will be addressed systematically. As your elected representative, I am committed to working towards the comprehensive development of our constituency and ensuring our rights as guaranteed by the Constitution,” Bista said.

    With the new BSNL network in place, Kalimpong is set to experience uninterrupted connectivity, benefiting individuals, businesses, and institutions. This upgrade brings the district closer to the digital transformation envisioned for the country, ensuring better access to essential services and communication infrastructure. India Today NE

  • Dish TV CEO urges govt to cut licensing fee from 8% to 3% of AGR

    Dish TV CEO urges govt to cut licensing fee from 8% to 3% of AGR

    The government should immediately implement sectoral regulator TRAI’s recommendation to reduce the licensing fee from the current 8 per cent to 3 per cent of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), said Dish TV CEO Manoj Dobhal.

    He urged the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) to act swiftly as it can drive long-term sustainability and growth of the DTH industry, which is currently struggling.

    “Implementing TRAI’s recommendations will unlock greater investment, foster innovation, and improve consumer access to quality services. A forward-looking regulatory approach is crucial for ensuring a competitive and thriving Pay TV ecosystem. We urge the MIB to expedite these much-needed reforms to support the industry’s evolution in an increasingly digital landscape,” Dobhal told PTI.

    On February 21, TRAI, to ease the financial burden on DTH operators, recommended a reduction in the authorisation fee from the current eight per cent to just three per cent of AGR.

    The current licensing structure is placing the DTH industry in a precarious position, threatening the survival of service providers and the broader Pay TV ecosystem, he said.

    Without immediate intervention, DTH players will continue to struggle under an unsustainable cost structure, limiting investment and hindering industry growth, Dobhal added.

    “The DTH industry is at a pivotal moment, where decisive policy action can drive long-term sustainability and growth,” he said.

    When asked about the announcement of leading telecom services provider Bharti Airtel of merger talks with Tata Group for its loss-making Direct-To-Home (DTH) business, Dobhal said this is because the industry needs regulatory support.

    “Tata Play and Airtel exploring the merger, even if there is no confirmation from any of them, the fact that the news is around establishes that the DTH industry needed the regulatory help in ensuring level playing field that would have saved lot of expenses and the same could be put in creating better offerings and a broader digital horizon,” he said.

    Airtel is holding discussions with the salt-to-software conglomerate for the merger of Bharti Telemedia, which offers cable and satellite TV services, with Tata Play, according to a regulatory filing from Sunil Bharti Mittal-led firm. PTI

  • Paramount Global misses Q4 revenue estimates as cable TV struggles

    Paramount Global misses Q4 revenue estimates as cable TV struggles

    Paramount Global missed quarterly revenue estimates on Friday as weakness in the media giant’s studio and cable businesses outweighed strong subscriber growth at its streaming service after the return of NFL.

    Its shares dropped 3.7% in early trading even as third-quarter profit surpassed Wall Street expectations thanks to cost controls and the streaming subscriber gains.

    A content line-up that included the National Football League (NFL), the second season of crime drama series “Tulsa King” and horror film “A Quiet Place: Day One” helped the Paramount+ streaming service add 3.5 million subscribers in the third quarter.

    That was better than Visible Alpha estimates for 2.46 million additions, and marked a sharp turnaround from the 2.8 million subscribers the service lost in the previous quarter.

    Revenue at Paramount’s TV media business, which includes CBS and MTV, fell 6% due to lower spending from advertisers and a drop in subscribers.

    Customers have been shunning cable TV for streaming platforms, eroding a lucrative profit engine for media companies and pressuring them to seek options for their legacy businesses.

    Paramount’s total third-quarter revenue of $6.73 billion missed expectations of $6.95 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Its filmed entertainment business revenue dropped 34%.

    The studio unit had just one major theatrical release this quarter – the animated film “Transformers One” – which raked in revenue of $127 million from the global box office.

    Streaming shines
    Paramount’s streaming business posted an adjusted operating income of $49 million for the quarter, while analysts expected a loss of $160.1 million.”We feel good about our position and our ability to remain a standalone” streaming service, said Co-CEO Chris McCarthy in a post-earnings call. “You can count on us to be opportunistic, looking at partnerships.”

    It was the second straight quarterly profit for the streaming unit as the business also benefited from a price hike for Paramount+ in August and a 6% decline in costs.

    The company has been cutting costs ahead of its planned merger with Skydance Media. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, Paramount said.

    Total costs fell nearly 2% in the September quarter, helping Paramount report an adjusted profit of 49 cents per share, compared with estimates for 24 cents. Reuters

  • With a historic victory, Afghanistan eliminates England the prestigious Champions Trophy

    With a historic victory, Afghanistan eliminates England the prestigious Champions Trophy

    Ibrahim Zadran’s majestic 177 and pacer Azmatullah Omarzai’s fifer trumped Joe Root’s masterful hundred, as the brave Afghanistan registered a thrilling 8-run win to knock a largely-insipid England out of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday. England are winless after two matches and in their last league match in Group B they will face South Africa, who already have three points along with Australia. Afghanistan now have two points and will have to beat the Aussies in their final group match to entertain the hopes of reaching the last eight. For a long time, England’s chase merely rattled along as the dismissal of Phil Salt and Jamie Smith jolted them early. They were 30 for two then, and eventually ended up at 317 all out with a ball to spare as pacer Omarzai (5/58) struck at crucial junctures.

    But Root (120, 111b, 11×4, 1×6) brought stability to England’s innings through two alliances, adding 68 runs with Ben Duckett (38), who was dropped on 29, for the third wicket and then an 83-run stand with skipper Jos Buttler for the fifth wicket.

    They were not really blazing partnerships but kept England afloat, keeping them in the vicinity of the asking rate.

    But the jettisoning of Duckett and Buttler prematurely curtailed those blossoming joint ventures, as Root had to shoulder the burden all by himself.

    Root’s was a clever innings, as he hardly hit any ball in anger but still managed a strike-rate close to 100, and at times above 100.

    But there those little flourishes which are so central to a Root innings such as a reverse sweep four off wrist spinner Noor Ahmad or a scooped six behind wicketkeeper off Fazalhaq Farooqi.

    He brought up his 17th ODI hundred with a single off Rashid Khan, and looked to stay on. But a rather tired ramp off pacer Omarzai ended in the gloves of keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

    But England had another willing soldier in Jamie Overton (32, 28b), who added precious 54 runs for the seventh wicket, but a feeble heave off Omarzai ended his stint.

    It also marked the end of England’s journey in this tournament.

    Earlier, Zadran’s remarkable innings helped Afghanistan pile 325 for seven.

    Zadran, whose daddy hundred came off 146 balls (12×4, 6×6), had solid support from skipper Hashmathullah Shahidi (40, 67b, 3×4), with whom he raised 103 runs for the fourth wicket, and Azmatullah Omarzai (41, 31b) with whom he milked 72 runs for the fifth wicket.

    Later, he plundered 111 runs for the sixth wicket with Mohammed Nabi (40, 24b) to put England through the wringer.

    But Afghanistan’s start to a must-win game was way off the mark after they elected to bat first. Jofra Archer’s (3/64) pace and accuracy put them under considerable strife inside the first 10 overs on an absolute batting beauty.

    Rahmanullah Gurbaz dragged an Archer delivery back onto his stumps while attempting a drive, Sediquallah Atal was trapped in front and Rahmat Shah pulled one straight to Adil Rashid at square leg as the Afghans slumped to 37 for three inside the Power Play.

    Zadran began the repair work in the company of Shahidi and they were understandably circumspect.

    But once he reached 50 off 65 balls, Zadran opened up more and smoked Jamie Overton for a couple of fours to signal the shifting of gears.

    However, Shahidi was dismissed when he tried to reverse sweep leg-spinner Rashid, whose front-of-the-arm delivery crashed onto the stumps.

    But Zadran flourished in the company of Omarzai as England felt the heat of double-barrel firing.

    England also had to deal with a knee injury to pacer Mark Wood, as he bowled only eight overs even after spending some time away from the field during the Afghan innings.

    Zadran, who brought up his sixth ODI hundred off 106 balls, soon slipped into overdrive, smashing Overton for 6, 4, 4, in an over.

    The departure of Omarzai did not slow down the 23-year-old as he blasted Archer for 6, 4, 4, 4 to reach the 150-run mark for the second time in his career.

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    Along with a veteran batter Nabi, Zadran added quick runs for the sixth wicket at over 11 runs an over as England fell apart spectacularly in the final 10 overs, conceding 113 runs. Zadran eventually fell to Liam Livingstone in the final over. Sports NDTV

  • Global microscopy market to hit USD 13.3 bn

    Global microscopy market to hit USD 13.3 bn

    The global market is expected to grow from $9.7 billion in 2024 to $13.3 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029, according to BCC Research.

    This study analyzes the global microscopy market, focusing on microscope types, accessories, and applications. It looks at current trends, future growth prospects, and key drivers and challenges. The report includes company profiles, financials, product details, and insights on new technologies and patents.

    Interesting facts
    The microscopy market is evolving with the impact of AI, improving tasks such as sample preparation and image analysis without human errors. There is growing demand for digital and surgical microscopes, and in response major companies have been launching new products continuously.

    Factors contributing to the market’s growth include:

    1. Technological advances: Improvements and innovations in technology are making processes faster, more efficient and more powerful. These advances lead to new products, better solutions, and increased capabilities in various fields.
    2. Increasing R&D investments: More money is being spent on studying and creating new products or technologies. This helps improve existing solutions and discover new ones to meet future needs.
    3. Other sectors, including semiconductors, nanotechnology and education: Industries such as electronics (semiconductors), tiny-scale science (nanotechnology), and learning (education) use advanced technologies and research for growth and innovation.

    BCC Research

  • Trump issues an executive order to increase the transparency of medical expenses

    Trump issues an executive order to increase the transparency of medical expenses

    US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday aiming to improve price transparency on healthcare costs by directing federal agencies to strictly enforce a 2019 order he signed during his first term.

    The order directs the Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to within 90 days come up with a framework to enforce Trump’s 2019 executive order forcing health insurers and hospitals to disclose healthcare cost details.

    This includes requiring the disclosure of actual prices not estimates, update existing guidance or proposing new regulations that ensure price information is standardized, and updating or issuing enforcement policies that guarantee compliance.

    “You’re not allowed to even talk about it when you’re going to a hospital or see a doctor. And this allows you to go out and talk about it,” Trump told reporters as he signed the order. “It’s been unpopular in some circles because people make less money, but it’s great for the patient.”

    Trump’s initial 2019 order required hospitals to maintain a consumer-friendly display of pricing information for up to 300 shoppable services and a machine-readable file with negotiated rates for every single service a hospital provides.

    It required health plans to post their negotiated rates with providers, their out-of-network payments to providers, and the actual prices they or their pharmacy benefit manager pay for prescription drugs; and to maintain a consumer-facing internet tool making price information accessible.

    It was strongly opposed by hospital groups who unsuccessfully challenged it in court. They argue it forces them to disclose private negotiations with insurers, undermining competition and violating their First Amendment free speech rights, a claim rejected by the court. Reuters