VAISHNAW

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.

‘Scepticism to confidence’: Vaishnaw sets big Semiconductor target; launches Semicon 2.0 portal

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.

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.

Delhi-Lucknow bullet train journey in 2 hours 12 minutes compared to 6 hours 25 minutes by Vande Bharat: What the Northern Corridor proposes

Delhi and Lucknow could be connected by a bullet train in 2 hours and 12 minutes under the proposed Northern Corridor approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also shared estimated travel times for Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi as the planned network is set to extend from Delhi to Guwahati.

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.

'Copying China's manufacturing model may not pay off': Ashwini Vaishnaw hits back with ‘Cope harder’ remark, cites Rs 3 lakh crore PLI returns

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has hit back at criticism of India's mobile phone manufacturing strategy with a blunt “Cope harder” remark. Citing figures from the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, he said the government paid Rs 19,000 crore in incentives and collected Rs 25,000 crore in direct taxes, alongside Rs 3 lakh crore in GST. His response followed a Bloomberg Opinion video questioning India's iPhone manufacturing model, its dependence on imported components and the cost of government subsidies.