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  • World Bank grants a loan of ₹4,500cr to upgrade Telangana’s public healthcare facilities

    World Bank grants a loan of ₹4,500cr to upgrade Telangana’s public healthcare facilities

    Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy told the Assembly that the World Bank has sanctioned ₹4,500 crore loan at a low interest rate to Telangana for improvement of the public healthcare infrastructure and medical facilities.

    He stated this during the motion thanking Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s address, when MIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi requested the government to include new treatment regimes such as immunotherapy for cancer patients as an injection that costs ₹2.4 lakh.

    On allowing fruit merchants to open their shops at the Gaddi Annaram market till the Ibrahimpatnam market was opened, the Chief Minister instructed the authorities of the Agricultural Marketing Department to give temporary permission to open shops despite the court’s stay order, provided Owaisi takes the responsibility of sending the merchants to Ibrahimpatnam once that facility was ready for operations.

    “We may not get the opportunity every time and becoming the Chief Minister of Telangana is very difficult proposition. Now that I have been given the opportunity by people, I want to do everything possible for their welfare and development as we don’t know whether the opportunity would come again,” the Chief Minister said highlighting the resolve to end the drug menace and traffic issues in the city.

    He suggested that private schools, which collect heavy amount per student as tuition fee every year, should have psychology teachers too to observe any drastic change in the behaviour among the students as it could be linked to drugs too. If it was addressed at initial levels, the problem could be nipped in the bud. It was the responsibility of school and college managements to see to it that no contraband, particularly drugs, entered their premises.

    On the issue raised by K. Sambasiva Rao (CPI) about Kothagudem airport, the Chief Minister said the State Government had sent proposals to the Centre for airports in Warangal, Jakranpally, Adilabad, Ramagundam and Kothagudem and the first was approved for now.

    He assured the House that they will continue to pursue for the remaining four airports too, as investors asked for infrastructure in Tier two and Tier three cities.

    The CM instructed the Finance Department to release funds for payment of honorarium to ‘imams and muezzins’ before Ramzan. He also told the authorities to convene a meeting with Mr. Owaisi to resolve the issues related to the city. Later, the House adopted the motion. The Hindu

  • Millions of Americans will suffer severely if Medicaid is cut

    Millions of Americans will suffer severely if Medicaid is cut

    Cuts to Medicaid could have significant consequences for millions of Americans, including those who rely on the program for healthcare and the hospitals that serve them.

    Jennifer McGuigan Babcock, senior vice president for Medicaid policy at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), and Gabe Scott, a partner at K&L Gates Health Care Group, spoke with Managed Healthcare Executive about what these cuts could mean for the healthcare system.

    Republican proposals made regarding these cuts have sent mixed signals about the seriousness of Medicaid cuts, leaving many unsure about what will happen next.

    Babcock noted that some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the impact on their communities, while others continue to push for reductions in federal Medicaid funding.

    “There are certainly folks on both sides of the aisle that really, very much want to protect the Medicaid program,” Babcock said. “But, if Congress winds up with a reconciliation package that needs to cut that much from Energy and Commerce jurisdiction, it will wind up cutting a lot of that from the Medicaid program, unfortunately.”

    Reflecting on Medicaid’s history, there’s been more than one time it’s garnered political attention—most notably during the 2017 effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

    This repeal included an effort to replace the Medicaid expansion that was part of the ACA during that time.

    “The importance of Medicaid played a really big role in discouraging members of Congress from repealing the Affordable Care Act,” Babcock recalled.

    She noted that with around 80 million people currently covered by Medicaid, any changes to the program will have serious political and social consequences.

    She also pointed out that many of the districts with the highest Medicaid enrollment are Republican, which could influence how lawmakers approach the issue.

    Hospitals and healthcare providers would also feel the effects of these cuts, especially nonprofit and rural hospitals that rely on Medicaid funding to stay open, according to Scott.

    He explained that losing this funding would be a major loss for many hospitals, putting them at risk of financial collapse.

    As of February, there were 748 hospitals at risk of closure—almost one in every state, Scott said, referring to a Becker’s study released at the time that highlights the potential impact on access to care.

    Beyond the immediate risk of closures, Medicaid cuts could also damage hospitals’ financial stability, he said.

    Many rely on Medicaid reimbursements to cover the cost of care for uninsured or low-income patients.

    Scott warned that losing this funding could lower hospitals’ credit ratings, making it even harder for them to operate.

    As policymakers continue to debate Medicaid’s future, both experts stress the importance of the potential effects these cuts can have on healthcare services, patient outcomes, funding and hospital stability. Managed Healthcare Executive

  • By 2025, global spending on edge computing will reach $261B

    By 2025, global spending on edge computing will reach $261B

    The International Data Corporation (IDC) released its latest forecast for Worldwide Edge Computing Spending Guide, featuring a new enterprise industry taxonomy. The newly added structure now includes 27 industries, providing a more detailed and nuanced segmentation by region and country across key manufacturing sectors such as automotive, industrial, consumer packaged goods, life sciences, high-tech and electronics, and aerospace. According to IDC, global spending on edge computing solutions accounts for nearly $261 Billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%, reaching $380 Billion by 2028.

    “Most industries benefit from the ability to process data closer to the source, leading to faster decision-making, improved security, and cost savings. Retail, industrial manufacturing, utilities, high-tech and electronics, healthcare, and life sciences are among the industries that require a particular understanding of their processes and investment behavior,” said Alexandra Rotaru, data & analytics manager at IDC’s Data & Analytics Group. A granular view into these industries will support technology vendors better tailoring their solutions to meet the specific needs and challenges of each industry. This targeted approach enables the delivery of more relevant and effective solutions, ultimately driving growth and innovation in the edge computing landscape.”

    IDC segments edge spending for more than 1000 named enterprise use cases related to six enterprise domains: AI, IoT, AR, VR, Drones, and Robotics, unlocking significant opportunities across various industries. Augmented Reality, followed by Artificial Intelligence, are the fastest growing segments over the forecast period, driving increased investments in key sectors.

    In 2025, Retail & Services sector accounts for the largest share of investments in edge solutions, representing nearly 28% of total global spending. In this sector, use cases such as video analytics, dynamic real-time carrier performance and optimized operations account for the biggest spending. The Manufacturing & Resources sector follows as the second largest, collectively making up a quarter of worldwide spending. Additionally, financial services are projected to experience the fastest growth in spending over the next five years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 15%, driven by spending related to Augmented Fraud Analysis and Investigation use case in the AI domain.

    The Edge Spending Guide also forecasts infrastructure investments made by Service Providers to deliver services to enterprises in the form of multi-access edge computing (MEC), content delivery networks, and virtual network functions, and are forecasted to reach almost $100 billion by 2028.

    “Edge computing is poised to redefine how businesses leverage real-time data, and its future hinges on tailored, industry-specific solutions that address unique operational demands,” said Dave McCarthy, research vice president, Cloud and Edge Services at IDC. “We’re seeing service providers double down on investments—building out low-latency networks, enhancing AI-driven edge analytics, and forging partnerships to deliver scalable, secure infrastructure. These efforts are critical to realizing the full potential of edge computing, enabling everything from smarter manufacturing floors to responsive healthcare systems, and ultimately driving a new wave of innovation across verticals.”

    Regarding technology spending, Hardware is the most significant investment at the beginning of the forecast, driven by the rapidly deploying AI accelerated processors. This evolution is fueled by the increasing demand for real-time data processing and the proliferation of intelligent end points that increasingly require edge-based compute, storage and network capabilities such as those supporting agentic AI capabilities. However, aggregate Services segments (includes Provisioned and Professional Services) are estimated to surpass the hardware share by 2028, posting a five-year CAGR of more than 18%. Within Provisioned Services, infrastructure as a service (IaaS) remains the fastest-growing category driven by the need for scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions that can handle the growing computational demands of AI workloads. IDC

  • Hospitals enrolled in PMJAY are told by UP CM to pay within 30 days

    Hospitals enrolled in PMJAY are told by UP CM to pay within 30 days

    Ayushman Bharat is the Indian government’s flagship health scheme, designed to achieve universal health coverage by ensuring access to quality healthcare services, especially for the poor and vulnerable. This scheme is also known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). One of the key highlights of the scheme is its inclusion of all individuals aged 70 and above, regardless of their economic status. Currently, Ayushman Bharat provides ₹5 lakh in insurance coverage per family to the poorest 40% of the population. Now the biggest update coming is about the payment timeline for the hospitals.

    Timely payment to the hospitals
    CM Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure timely payments to hospitals, stating that all pending dues must be cleared within a month. The scheme, which benefits individuals aged 70 and above, has been widely successful across the country. However, reports suggest that some hospitals are denying treatment due to delays in receiving payments for the services they provide. There was also reluctance from doctors to admit patients due to pending payments.

    CM Yogi Adityanath has said the government that no pending dues should be kept for any hospital registered under Ayushman Bharat Yojana or Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan.

    Eligible and ineligible recipients of the scheme
    All Indian citizens aged 70 and above can register under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and avail its benefits upon successful enrollment. However, individuals with a monthly income exceeding ₹10,000 are not eligible for the scheme. Additionally, those who own a two-wheeler or a car do not qualify.

    Eligibility criteria also vary from state to state. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, individuals who own five acres of land are not eligible for Ayushman Bharat Yojana benefits.

    Parliamentary standing committee’s proposal
    A major boost could be on the way for beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme, as the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has proposed doubling the coverage limit to ₹10 lakh per family. To widen its reach further, the committee has also suggested lowering the age criteria to 60 years. The committee also raised concerns about the underutilization of funds allocated for the Ayushman Bharat scheme, highlighting the need for better implementation to ensure benefits reach those in need.

    Ayushman Bharat Scheme Budget
    Reports suggest that the Ayushman Bharat scheme’s budget for FY24 was initially set at ₹7,200 crore, but later reduced to ₹6,800 crore, with actual spending reaching ₹6,670 crore.

    For FY25, the allocation was increased from ₹7,300 crore to ₹7,605 crore, yet as of January 9, only ₹5,034.03 crore had been utilized, raising concerns about fund underutilization and implementation efficiency. News24

  • Brian Lara pulls Yuvraj Singh & Tino Best as they engage in a fierce argument in the IML T20 finals

    Brian Lara pulls Yuvraj Singh & Tino Best as they engage in a fierce argument in the IML T20 finals

    The International Masters League 2025 concluded on Sunday, with Sachin Tendulkar-led India Masters lifting the title by beating West Indies Masters by six wickets in the all-important final in Raipur. Tempers flared during the contest as Yuvraj Singh clashed with Tino Best in the middle, and the duo were seen exchanging words.

    Things got pretty intense, and West Indies Masters captain Brian Lara had to intervene to separate the two. Even Ambati Rayudu was seen urging Tino Best to maintain his calm in the middle.

    It all started after Tino Best completed his over and wanted to go off the field due to a possible injury concern. However, Yuvraj Singh flagged the issue with the umpire, and Billy Bowden probably asked Best to come back to the middle.

    This did not impress the West Indies speedster, and he charged towards Yuvraj Singh. Tino Best got in Yuvraj’s face, and the latter did not back down. The duo exchanged some words, showing no signs of backing down.

    Former England pacer Darren Gough, who was on commentary, said, “He (Tino Best) is someone who doesn’t back down. He is someone who likes to have a chat. Two players who don’t back down. That’s when you get an issue.”

    Soon after, Yuvraj Singh took the strike and hit a massive six. Immediately after, he was seen pointing his bat at Tino Best. This scene reminded everyone of the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, where Yuvraj hit 6 sixes in Stuart Broad’s over. These six maximums came after Yuvraj’s heated verbal exchange with Andrew Flintoff.

    However, soon after, Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best patched up during the second strategic time-out. The southpaw Yuvraj was seen playfully patting Tino Best’s back.

    India Masters beat West Indies Masters by six wickets
    India Masters did not have to break a sweat in brushing aside the challenge of West Indies Masters in the summit clash. Ambati Rayudu played a 74-run knock as India chased down 149 with six wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare.

    Earlier, Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Smith played knocks of 57 and 45, respectively, as West Indies Masters posted 148/7 in the allotted twenty overs. For India Masters, Vinay Kumar returned with three wickets, while Shahbaz Nadeem took two scalps.

    In the final, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar brought out a vintage uppercut, scoring 25 runs off 18 balls, including two fours and one six.

    Earlier, India Masters had defeated Australia Masters in the semi-final. Hindustan Times

  • Jio will provide some telecom plan with free IPL cricket viewing

    Jio will provide some telecom plan with free IPL cricket viewing

    Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom firm by users, said on Monday certain tariff plans will continue to give subscribers free streaming access to Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket matches, among the country’s most-watched sporting events.

    The plan is applicable to users recharging their accounts with 299 rupees ($3.44) or more and will enable them to watch matches on Reliance-Disney’s newly merged JioHotstar streaming platform, the Reliance Group-owned firm said.

    IPL, a money spinner and among the country’s most-streamed content, is scheduled to be held between March 22 and May 25.

    The move comes a month after Reuters reported that the Reliance-Disney JV will no longer offer completely free streaming for IPL cricket matches, as was the case in 2023 and 2024 in the old JioCinema platform, and will adopt a hybrid model where subscription kicks in after content consumption reaches a threshold.

    The new plan also includes a 50-day trial of Reliance Jio’s, opens new tab, broadband internet services, to help boost home internet dominance with high-speed sports streaming.

    Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s pricing strategy for the IPL and other cricketing events are closely watched – media rights for those have cost the merged group, India’s biggest entertainment giant, nearly $10 billion in recent years.

    The JV runs more than 100 TV channels and streaming apps in India’s $28-billion media and entertainment market. Reuters

  • IISc Bengaluru and Infibeam Avenues unite to create deepfake identifying technology

    IISc Bengaluru and Infibeam Avenues unite to create deepfake identifying technology

    Infibeam Avenues Ltd on Monday announced signing of a strategic MoU for Research and Development (R&D) with the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc) Bengaluru for researching and developing advanced real-time deepfake detection systems designed to enhance digital security for government entities, corporations and organiations, effectively combating the rising threat of AI-generated deception.

    Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Infibeam Avenues Ltd’s AI business unit, Phronetic.AI, and the IISc team will develop anti-deepfake technology specifically tailored for real-time video communication, stated an official release. The partnership will focus on selecting the most effective detection models for various scenarios, ensuring that real-time deepfake detection operates efficiently and cost-effectively at scale.

    “Digital communications and a digital India will thrive only as long as there is trust. This partnership is a pivotal step in restoring trust in digital communications. Together, we will equip users with the necessary tools to differentiate between truth and fabrication in an increasingly complex digital landscape, thereby mitigating fraud risks and enhancing digital trust,” stated Rajesh Kumar SA, CEO of Phronetic.AI.

    Despite the availability of various deepfake detection tools in the market, only a limited number possess the capability for real-time operation. In a pioneering effort, Infibeam’s Phronetic.AI team has developed an advanced video AI agent that can detect deepfakes in real-time through a novel interventional technique. This agent actively engages in live video conversations, alerting users when the other participant is identified as a deepfake. Infibeam has already filed a patent for its innovative real-time deepfake detection algorithm.

    Recognising the increasing sophistication of deepfakes and the necessity for detection algorithms to evolve continuously to address this growing threat, the company has collaborated with Vision and AI Lab (VAL) of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where it aims to improve these algorithms further, ensuring robust defences against the challenges posed by increasingly realistic deepfake technology.“

    As Generative AI continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the rise of deepfakes poses a significant challenge. Without proactive measures, the spread of AI-generated misinformation could become a major concern. Addressing this requires ongoing efforts from AI researchers to monitor emerging generative models and develop robust techniques to detect deepfakes effectively.” stated Professor Venkatesh Babu, Professor and Chair of the Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) IISc.

    Additionally, the research will prioritise the development of a user-friendly interface, enabling easy access for non-experts to verify the authenticity of live visuals and audio. This scalable detection system will be adaptable across various sectors, including banking, healthcare, insurance, finance, fintech, HR recruitment, government organisations, police, armed forces and personal communications, addressing the diverse needs of industries particularly vulnerable to deepfake technology. This research initiative aims to offer Real-Time Deepfake detection AI Agent that enhances public confidence and protects the reputations of its users whether it’s a government institution, organisations or a corporation. The Hindu Business Line

  • Indian carriers face minimal risk from Starlink’s satellite broadband

    Indian carriers face minimal risk from Starlink’s satellite broadband

    Starlink’s satellite broadband services are unlikely to pose a major threat to Indian telecom giants Jio and Bharti Airtel, as their home broadband plans offer better pricing, higher speeds, and unlimited data, according to JM Financial report.

    Instead, Starlink’s service is expected to complement telcos’ existing networks, helping to expand high-speed internet access to remote and rural areas.

    Globally, satellite internet plans from Starlink and other satcom companies range between USD 10-USD 500 per month, with additional one-time hardware costs of USD 250-USD 380.

    In contrast, Indian telecom companies offer home broadband plans starting at just USD 5-USD 7 per month, with premium plans providing 1 Gbps speed and access to streaming services for around USD 47 per month. Additionally, Starlink’s plans come with data caps, whereas Jio and Bharti provide unlimited data.

    Given India’s price-sensitive market, Starlink’s higher costs and speed limitations make it less competitive for urban users. This reinforces its role in serving rural and underserved regions rather than competing directly with Jio and Bharti’s Fiber and AirFiber broadband services.

    While the current agreement primarily focuses on distribution, there is potential for future collaboration between Jio, Bharti, and Starlink in direct-to-cell satellite services. Globally, Starlink has partnered with telecom companies like T-Mobile (US), Rogers (Canada), Optus (Australia), and KDDI (Japan) to provide satellite connectivity.

    Despite this, industry experts believe direct-to-cell satellite broadband is unlikely to disrupt India’s wireless market due to several factors. Firstly, the technology still faces technical challenges, such as difficulties in maintaining reliable smartphone connectivity due to power and antenna limitations.

    Secondly, Starlink depends on telecom providers for access to 4G/LTE spectrum, making it reliant on existing networks. Lastly, satellite internet generally delivers slower and less reliable performance compared to fiber or traditional wireless services.

    While selling Starlink’s equipment may generate some revenue for Jio and Bharti, it is not expected to significantly impact their overall earnings. Both companies already have their own satellite broadband ventures–Bharti with Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio with SES (Orbit Connect India)–which are further along in securing regulatory approvals in India.

    Additionally, Starlink’s large satellite network, with over 6,400 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, gives it a capacity advantage. However, rather than competing with Indian telcos, this scale positions Starlink as a useful partner for expanding connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.

    Jio and Bharti have announced agreements with SpaceX to distribute Starlink’s broadband services in India. As part of these agreements, the telecom firms will sell Starlink’s equipment through their retail outlets, with Jio additionally providing installation and activation support. They will also offer Starlink’s services to businesses, schools, and health centers in rural areas.

    However, these agreements are subject to regulatory approval, as SpaceX is yet to receive authorization to sell Starlink services in India. ThePrint

  • MIB is urged by a parliamentary commission to speed the broadcasting bill schedule

    MIB is urged by a parliamentary commission to speed the broadcasting bill schedule

    A parliamentary panel has urged the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to set a clear deadline for introducing the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill in Parliament. The bill, which was shelved last year following concerns over its potential impact on independent content creators, is once again under discussion.

    The recommendation comes from the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. It coincides with the government’s upcoming World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), set to take place in Mumbai from May 1-4, where content creators will be in the spotlight.

    In its sixth report tabled in the Lok Sabha, the committee emphasized the need for urgency, stating that over three months had passed since the last extension for public and stakeholder consultations. It has called on the MIB to finalize the process and present the bill in Parliament without further delay.

    The demand for regulatory clarity has gained momentum, particularly after the Supreme Court recently urged the government to take action on OTT content regulation. The comment came during proceedings involving YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on the comedy show India’s Got Latent.

    The MIB informed the committee on January 17 that consultations with stakeholders—extended until October 15, 2024—would be followed by a new draft, which would then undergo inter-ministerial review before being sent to the Cabinet for approval.

    The initial draft of the Broadcasting Bill was made public on November 10, 2023, with feedback invited until December 9, later extended to January 15, 2024. A revised version was selectively circulated in July 2024, proposing OTT-like regulatory requirements for all news content creators, even those unaffiliated with traditional media. However, backlash from stakeholders led to its withdrawal in August, with the government committing to a fresh draft after further consultations.

    The committee has now pressed for a structured timeline to ensure the bill’s introduction in Parliament at the earliest. Made-in-Media

  • Probe into video service providers by the Turkish Competition Board

    Probe into video service providers by the Turkish Competition Board

    The Turkish Competition Board said on Sunday it has opened an investigation into subscription-based, on-demand video service providers, including Netflix, Disney and Amazon.

    The decision was taken after a preliminary inquiry into whether the service providers violated competition law, it said in a statement.

    The investigation will look into whether service providers Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, BluTV, Exxen and Gain violated an article of the competition law through exclusive agreements and other restrictive agreements and practices. Reuters