TELECOM SECRETARY
India considers measures to boost local production of 100 critical inputs to cut import reliance, government official says
India is taking steps to encourage the local manufacturing of 100 key items that are currently imported. This initiative aims to decrease dependence on foreign suppliers, especially from China, to enhance domestic production capabilities. The government has identified these crucial items from a broader import list valued at $51 billion, which includes various sectors. By reducing reliance on imports, India hopes to strengthen its economy and mitigate supply chain risks.
US courting Reliance's refining muscle to keep oil flowing, not curb Russian crude, analyst says
Marco Rubio's recent visit to Jamnagar emphasizes strengthening energy ties between the US and Reliance Industries. With a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day, Jamnagar plays a crucial role in global diesel exports. The US seeks to stabilize energy flows while urging India to diversify away from Russian oil. Reliance is also positioned to process Venezuelan crude, enhancing Washington's interests in the region.
Marco Rubio tours Jamnagar as Washington courts Reliance's refining muscle
Rubio arrived in Jamnagar a day after calling India a crude-refining "superpower" and urging more processing of Venezuelan crude there. The day also included a visit to Reliance's Vantara animal-rescue centre and giga factories being developed by the conglomerate.
From Rome to Washington, why governments are pulling DeepSeek off official systems
At least eight governments, now including the US, have restricted the Chinese AI company's products. Most cite the same concern – user data stored in China, where the law gives the state wide powers to access it.
Cockroach Janata Party's protest puts Delhi on high alert, with 25,000 personnel, Metro curbs and internet restrictions
Delhi is currently experiencing heightened security measures in anticipation of a protest planned at Jantar Mantar. Approximately 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been mobilized to maintain law and order. Restrictions have been placed on entry and exit at 45 metro stations, impacting commuter access. Additional checks are being conducted at railway stations and city borders to deter large gatherings.
Govt likely to finalise critical minerals stockpiling policy in a month
Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra indicated that a policy on stockpiling critical minerals will be announced soon. This initiative is designed to support strategic sectors like defence, advanced electronics, and aerospace. The government plans to establish four dedicated critical minerals processing parks across various states to enhance value addition. A comprehensive list of over 30 critical minerals has been released for essential industry needs.
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India Mobile Congress turns 10, and the 2026 Edition lands in Delhi this October
India Mobile Congress 2026 is on from October 7 to 10 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The Department of Telecommunications runs it with COAI. This is the tenth edition. "Scale Without Boundaries" is the theme, and the organisers are working with a footfall estimate north of 150,000 over the four days.
Orbital Shift: India's space sector undergoing biggest transformation; pvt firms handle rockets, ISRO focus on more ambitious missions
India's space sector is undergoing significant changes as private companies engage in rocket production and management. The Indian Space Research Organisation is shifting its focus towards more ambitious missions and projects. This transition follows the introduction of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which emphasizes private sector participation. Concerns have been raised by ISRO employees regarding the agency's future and potential loss of capabilities.
PLI scheme attracts Rs 2.40 lakh crore investments across 14 sectors, enhancing manufacturing capacity: Report
The ASSOCHAM report indicates that the Production Linked Incentive Scheme has attracted significant investment across various sectors. It emphasizes the need for better implementation, compliance, and incentive disbursement processes.
GFGNL flouts norms, say domestic firms; BSNL flags restrictive conditions
The Gujarat Fibre Grid Network Limited is facing backlash over its stringent turnover requirements in the tender process. Domestic companies are voicing concerns that these limitations stifle competition. A Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited representative has cautioned against such an exclusionary clause, highlighting that these high financial benchmarks may contravene the Centre's guidelines and state policies.
JFK, LaGuardia, Newark airports face ground stops amid FAA outage disrupting flights across US Northeast
A Federal Aviation Administration equipment outage caused widespread flight disruptions across the Northeast. Major airports including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark experienced significant delays and diversions. This outage stemmed from a circuit failure at a Philadelphia radar facility. A damaged fiber-optic backup system further compounded the operational issues. Airport operations gradually resumed after telecommunication lines were repaired.
Microsoft in ‘action cycle’ on data centres, says India president Puneet Chandok
Microsoft on Monday announced the launch of its fourth cloud region in India — India South Central in Hyderabad — which the company is positioning as a strategic hub for Asia and the Global South. Its other India cloud regions are in Pune, Chennai and Mumbai.
Govt asks Microsoft to set up data centres closer to power generation sites
Speaking at the launch of Microsoft's fourth India cloud region in Hyderabad, Krishnan said it was easier and more economical to build data centres near power sources than near coastal cable landing hubs such as Chennai.
Can India build its own Big Four? The battle moves to the rulebook
India is moving to reshape its accounting sector as ICAI prepares Chartered Accountants Act changes aimed at enabling larger domestic firms. Proposed reforms could ease mergers, allow capital infusion, expand multidisciplinary professional services and reshape networking rules, while government procurement changes may widen opportunities. The push seeks globally competitive Indian professional-services firms to challenge the Big Four at global scale.
MeitY Secretary urges Microsoft to locate future data centres closer to power generation hubs
MeitY Secretary S Krishnan urged Microsoft to build data centers near power generation sites. This move would significantly reduce electricity transportation costs and improve infrastructure economics. India's expanding data center and AI infrastructure can leverage the nation's robust electricity grid. The policy environment in India now facilitates easier data center construction and grid connectivity. Investments in this infrastructure will create construction jobs and foster higher-quality research and development roles.
Indian broadcasters seek immediate restoration of BARC ratings
Indian broadcasters have called for the immediate restoration of BARC television ratings, saying the prolonged suspension has affected advertiser confidence, revenue visibility and festive-season media planning.
24 companies propose Rs 5,500 crore investment for Asia's first telecom manufacturing zone in Gwalior: Jyotiraditya Scindia
Gwalior is set to establish Asia's first dedicated Telecom Manufacturing Zone. This ambitious project will attract approximately ₹5,500 crore in investment. Over 18,000 direct employment opportunities are expected to be generated. The zone will house 24-25 telecom manufacturing units and related components. This initiative aims to transform Gwalior into a major telecom manufacturing hub.
Delhi traders plan cash payments push to avoid fee on UPI payments
Traders will now encourage cash payments to avoid new UPI transaction fees. A 0.4 percent charge applies to UPI transactions exceeding two thousand rupees. This new fee impacts merchants operating on already tight profit margins. Small merchants earning under one lakh rupees monthly remain exempt from this charge. The government aims to balance digital payment adoption with merchant costs.
PM Modi meets Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed on sidelines of BRICS Summit in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in New Delhi. Ethiopia joined BRICS in January 2024, gaining market access and export opportunities. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit focusing on cooperation and sustainability. BRICS members collectively represent a significant portion of the global population and economy. Recent defense talks explored expanding bilateral collaboration between India and Ethiopia.
Trump administration to lend $100 million to Africell, countering Huawei in Africa
The United States will lend nearly one hundred million dollars to Africell. This loan aims to counter China's Huawei expansion in Africa. Africell will invest in new mobile network technology from American suppliers. This initiative supports Washington's campaign for trusted communications infrastructure.
CBI files additional chargesheet against former executives of Reliance ADAG, escalating the ongoing investigation
The CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet in the Reliance Commercial Finance scam case. Three ex-executives from Reliance ADA Group were named in the new charges. Fourteen more entities, including eight companies, were also included in the filing. Six bank officials from three different banks are also accused in this case. The accused face charges of criminal conspiracy, misappropriation, and cheating.
Government to pilot disaster communication network in October
Field trials for India's Public Protection and Disaster Relief network will begin in October. This network aims to ensure communication continuity for government agencies during disasters. The operational model for this critical communication system will be finalized this month. Satellite communication integration is also being discussed for enhanced disaster response capabilities. This advanced network will support voice, live images, videos, and text for public safety.
SC sets aside order allowing Dayanidhi Maran's plea to summon telecom secretary as court witness
The Supreme Court recently nullified a directive from the Madras High Court regarding DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran's legal situation. This decision permits Maran to summon the Union Telecom Secretary as a defense witness, overturning the earlier high court order that required the secretary’s testimony. The core of this case pertains to allegations of illicit telephone exchanges established during Maran's tenure as minister.
Telecom department starts process to disband Digital Communication Commission
The Department of Telecom has begun the process of dissolving the Digital Communication Commission, formerly the Telecom Commission, after seeking Cabinet approval. The apex inter-ministerial body, formed in 1989, handled key policy and financial decisions including spectrum pricing and TRAI recommendations. Vacant posts will not be filled, officials said.
Power ministry recommends former power, telecom, oil secretaries' names for CERC chair
The list also includes names of recently retired secretaries including ex-oil secretary Tarun Kapoor, ex-tourism secretary Yogendra Tripathi and former environment secretary R P Gupta, they said.
Telecom M&A guidelines in a week: Telecom Secretary
The long-awaited merger and acquisition guidelines for the telecom sector are likely to be released in a week, a senior government official said today.
Department finalising policy initiatives to attract FDI, says telecom secretary M.F. Farooqui
Telecom Secretary M.F. Farooqui says Telecom Department Finalising Policy Initiatives to Attract FDI.
DoT seeks 3G spectrum in place of EVDO airwave from Defence Ministry
Telecom Secretary M F Farooqui has written to Defence Secretary R K Mathur seeking 15 Mhz of 3G spectrum, the source said.
Cabinet, Revenue, Defence, Telecom secretaries in race to become next CAG
Four senior government officials are in the running to succeed Vinod Rai, the current CAG, who retires in May this year.
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