IT MINISTER ASHWINI VAISHNAW
Vaishnaw stresses need for India to make own semiconductor machinery, components
In Bengaluru, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the critical imperative for India to produce its own semiconductor machinery. The commitment from the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aimed at cultivating a thriving semiconductor ecosystem. During his visit to Ethereal Machines, which specializes in cutting-edge machinery, Vaishnaw pointed out that achieving self-reliance in this sector is vital for national progress and resonates with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
Credit guarantee fund for small units extended by five years
The Union Cabinet has approved a five-year extension for the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units and the Stand-Up India scheme. An allocation of ₹5,000 crore will support micro units, while ₹4,111 crore funds will assist Stand-Up India initiatives. The Cabinet also approved an 8.5 km extension of the Noida-Greater Noida Metro corridor to improve connectivity. Eligible borrowers can access loans for new enterprises to promote economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Cabinet approves extending credit guarantee fund for micro units, and Stand up India scheme; Aqua Line metro rail corridors extension gets nod
The Union Cabinet has extended the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units and Stand-Up India schemes by five years until 2031, approving a corpus of Rs 5,000 crore and Rs 4,111 crore, respectively. The extensions are expected to facilitate Rs 12.6 lakh crore in Mudra loans and support at least 2.5 lakh additional women, SC and ST entrepreneurs.
Cabinet extends Stand-Up India Scheme till 2031, approves Rs 4,111 crore corpus to support 2.5 lakh more entrepreneurs
The Union Cabinet has extended the Stand-Up India Scheme to support women and marginalized entrepreneurs. This extension will last for five years, ultimately reaching till March 31, 2031. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to an additional 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs during this period. Eligible entrepreneurs can avail loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore with significant loan coverage.
Passengers climbing through train windows, some travelling in toilets, others waiting 12 hours in queues: Railway stations witness unprecedented Diwali-Chhath chaos
Railway stations across Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are witnessing massive crowds as passengers head home for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Videos show commuters attempting to enter packed trains through doors and windows, while some wait up to 12 hours to board services. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says 18,000 special trains have been added this festive season, alongside holding areas and AI-enabled cameras to manage crowds.
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1,000 extra trains between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai to ease waiting lists, Railway ministry plans four parallel tracks on 7 major corridors
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indian Railways plans to expand seven major corridors to four parallel tracks, enabling more than 1,000 additional regular trains after completion. The routes include connections between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The Railways has also deployed 18,000 special trains and 700 AI cameras for the festive rush.
Government clears Rs 7,503 crore investments under ECMS in sixth tranche
The latest group of 12 applicants includes manufacturers of up- stream materials such as anode and cathode materials. Together, these companies plan to produce goods worth 182,243 crore at faci- lities across 10 states and employ more than 9,500 workers.
Vaishnaw puts onus on social media platforms to curb online harm, stops short of safe-harbour clarity
Vaishnaw said social media companies could no longer remain passive intermediaries as the digital ecosystem evolved and must take responsibility for the harmful consequences of content circulated through their platforms, including cyber fraud and so-called digital arrest scams.
Want only serious players, no place for frivolous applicants in Semicon 2.0: Vaishnaw to industry
On Friday, the government launched the web application portal for Semicon 2.0, which will initially receive applications related to three of the programme's six pillars: machines and materials, fabs, and packaging. Guidelines have so far been issued only for these three pillars, and the portal is now inviting applications for them. Other three areas pertain to design, R&D and talent.
IT Minister Ashwini Vaishanaw emphasises social media's role in child safety, algorithmic transparency
Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has stated that social media platforms must prioritise children's safety and accountability. He highlighted the courts and police as the current recourse for citizens facing online harms. The Supreme Court declared internet access a fundamental right for children, establishing the need for a national database against abusive content. Vaishnaw reinforced the importance of giving citizens a voice on these platforms for addressing grievances.
India focused on becoming AI application capital of the world: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India is on a mission to become the global hub for artificial intelligence applications while also enhancing its semiconductor industry. With the launch of the Semicon 2.0 Web Application Portal, only well-prepared semiconductor enterprises will have their applications considered. The government is actively working on a strategy to produce indigenous graphics processing unit chips, alongside other crucial electronic components such as battery cells and copper foils.
India focused on becoming AI application capital of the world: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India is striving to become the artificial intelligence application capital while also focusing on semiconductor manufacturing. The government plans to launch the Semicon 2.0 Web Application Portal to attract serious players in the industry. Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of complete applications for participation.
Ashwini Vaishnaw launches Semicon 2.0 portal, says 50% of units approved under ECMS are SMES, MSMEs
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched the Semicon 2.0 Web Application Portal. The initiative aims to strengthen India's semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem while enabling the acceptance of applications under specific pillars. Fifty percent of the approved units under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme belong to SMEs or MSMEs. India is progressing from assembly to the manufacturing of critical electronic components and materials.
15,000 trains, 100+ special train pairs and a Vande Bharat: Indian Railways has a big Diwali & Chhath Puja gift for Bihar passengers
Indian Railways will operate 15,000 trains to and from Bihar to manage the festive rush during Diwali and Chhath, compared with around 12,000 services under normal operations. More than 100 pairs of special trains have also been arranged on routes connecting Bihar with Delhi, Punjab, Mumbai, Pune and other destinations. The Railways has also discussed new train services and infrastructure projects in the state.
'Come forward': Ashwini Vaishnaw challenges Congress to debate on SIR in Parliament
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has invited Congress to discuss the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He emphasized that the procedure for SIR has been consistently implemented since 1947. Vaishnaw questioned Congress's reversal on topics such as Electronic Voting Machines and ballot papers. He also raised concerns about the integrity of voter lists and citizenship. This discussion follows a padyatra led by Vaishnaw and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.
Railway platform ticket sales suspended at six stations across Delhi and Ghaziabad; check the full list
Railway news: Northern Railway is implementing crowd-management measures at major railway stations in Delhi-NCR during the festive season. Platform ticket sales have been suspended at six key railway stations until November 14 to manage crowds. Special trains are being operated to accommodate the anticipated travel rush for Diwali and Chhath festivals. Enhanced passenger facilities, including holding areas, aim to improve the travel experience during this busy period.
'Come to Parliament': Ashwini Vaishnaw challanges Opposition to debate in 'appropriate forum'
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw urged opposition leader Rahul Gandhi to debate on political issues in Parliament. He emphasized that discussions should occur in the legislative forum rather than on social media platforms. Vaishnaw criticized the Congress party for undermining democracy and for previously introducing electronic voting machines. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also questioned Congress's understanding of democracy and its history of toppling governments.
Cabinet clears Rs 3,788 crore to strengthen 850 fast-track courts for rape, POCSO cases
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of 850 Fast Track Special Courts for quick disposal of cases. The scheme aims to cover additional districts with high numbers of pending rape and POCSO cases. Each court will have a dedicated judicial officer, a special public prosecutor, and support staff. Financial assistance will be provided to states and Union Territories to cover operational costs.
Cabinet approves ₹2,814-crore scheme to promote critical mineral processing
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹2,814-crore capital expenditure support scheme to promote critical mineral processing and strengthen India’s critical mineral ecosystem. The scheme will be implemented over five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
Cabinet approves ₹14,500-crore scheme to add 92 GWh energy storage capacity
The Union Cabinet has approved a significant ₹14,500-crore scheme aimed at developing new energy storage capacity. This funding will support the establishment of 92 GWh of grid-scale energy storage across India. Additionally, 850 fast-track courts will be set up to expedite cases involving child abuse and rape. The government has also created a pathway for the enrollment of 25% of Agniveers in the armed forces.
UP woman enters Railways, operates first Vande Bharat between Varanasi-Prayagraj, receives PM Modi's swearing-in invite, now joins Varanasi to Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper team
UP woman electronics engineer Shrini Srivastava joined Indian Railways as an assistant loco pilot in April 2017. She got very famours in 2024 after operating the Vande Bharat between Varanasi and Prayagraj and receiving an invitation to PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. She is now part of the Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper operating crew.
PM approves Southern bullet train corridor linking Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati and Chennai: Vaishnaw
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Southern Bullet Train Corridor which will connect Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Amaravati, and Chennai. This high-speed rail project aims to reduce travel time significantly between these economic hubs. The Bengaluru-Chennai journey will take just 73 minutes, while Bengaluru-Hyderabad will take about two hours and 10 minutes.
Vaishnaw visits BEML facility building India’s first bullet train for Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor
Bharat Bullet Train is being developed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor, emphasizing indigenous technology. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed various production processes at BEML's Aditya manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The train will offer advanced passenger amenities and adhere to stringent safety standards during its operation. It is designed to accommodate about 557 passengers, including special provisions for persons with disabilities.
India to export Vande Bharat trains in 3-4 years: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India will commence the export of Vande Bharat trains in three to four years. The Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been recently launched to enhance overnight travel comfort. It features advanced design improvements aimed at passenger convenience and aims to reduce travel time significantly. Fares for the sleeper service are competitive compared to international train services.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flags off Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper: Check route, stoppages and timings
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on November 1. The train service will operate six days a week, excluding Mondays, connecting major stations along its route. Passengers will benefit from an overnight travel option between Bengaluru and Mumbai. This launch follows the introduction of a similar service between Varanasi and New Delhi.
Bullet train to Northeast: PM Modi approves Delhi-Guwahati bullet train corridor expansion, extending proposed route to Assam via Varanasi, Patna and Siliguri; CM Himanta thanks Centre
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the extension of the Northern bullet train corridor from Siliguri to Guwahati, saying Delhi-Guwahati travel could take under eight hours. PM Narendra Modi has approved the Northern corridor, which will connect major cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal before reaching Assam.
'Bullet train will cut Delhi-Varanasi journey to 3.5 hrs': Ashwini Vaishnaw reveals mega plan to slash travel times to Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Patna
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared proposed travel times for the Northern Corridor of India's bullet train network, including a journey between Delhi and Varanasi in 3 hours 33 minutes. He also highlighted the role of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in improving overnight connectivity and outlined plans to develop Kashi railway station into a major transport hub.
Government open to media suggestions on Digital Personal Data Protection Act, promises to uphold press freedom
The Government of India is willing to consider suggestions from news organisations about the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that journalistic freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution and will not be affected. Concerns have been raised about the Act's provisions potentially infringing on press freedom and the Right to Information Act. The Digital News Publishers Association argues for exemptions for journalism activities within the DPDP Act.
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