Technology

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) Smartphone photography continues to evolve as users increasingly look for a balance between premium design, intelligent imaging, and practical everyday usability, especially in the mid-range segment where expectations are rising rapidly.

Building on the strong legacy of the realme Number Series and carrying forward the innovation introduced with the realme 16 Pro Series, realme has announced that the realme 16 5G will launch in India on April 2. The upcoming device aims to bring advanced imaging and design-led innovation to a wider audience.

In line with this shift, the realme 16 5G places a strong emphasis on portrait photography, positioning itself as a best camera phone for photography in its segment through a combination of hardware, AI-led enhancements & Phone with Premium look.

At the core of the device is a dual 50MP camera system, featuring a 50MP front camera and a Sony IMX 852-powered 50MP rear camera phone (f/1.8, autofocus). This setup ensures consistent, high-quality output across both front and rear cameras, whether for selfies, group shots, or everyday photography making this the best camera phone in the segment.

A key highlight of the realme 16 5G is its segment-first rear selfie mirror, enabling users to capture sharper, more detailed rear-camera selfies with ease. This is supported by “Say Hi” gesture-based capture and an integrated ring flash, ensuring hands-free shooting and balanced, studio-like lighting in different conditions.

On the imaging front, the device is powered by LumaColor IMAGE technology, designed to deliver natural skin tones, balanced highlights and shadows, and enhanced depth. By combining AI color algorithms, RAW HDR processing, and facial enhancement techniques, the system ensures realistic, true-to-life portraits.

Further enhancing the experience is Vibe Master Mode, offering presets such as Lively, Festival, and Ceremony, enabling users to easily customize the mood and visual style of their photos.

The device also integrates AI-driven editing tools for seamless content creation. AI Edit Genie allows users to modify hairstyles, outfits, and backgrounds through simple commands, while AI Instant Clip converts photos and videos into ready-to-share short-form content, making it ideal for a youth lifestyle smartphone audience.

Beyond imaging, the realme 16 5G is a lightweight design phone focused on design and endurance with an ultra-slim Air-inspired design paired with a massive 7000mAh battery. This combination positions it as a premium design smartphone that delivers long-lasting performance without compromising on form factor.

Together, these features position the realme 16 5G as a well-rounded imaging and design powerhouse, reflecting how premium-inspired features are becoming increasingly accessible in the mid-range smartphone segment.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) Amid ongoing scrutiny over its agreement with the Uttar Pradesh government, Puch AI co-founder Siddharth Bhatia on Tuesday issued a detailed clarification, stating that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the state does not involve any public funds and is designed to attract investment rather than use taxpayer money.

In a post on social media platform X, Bhatia said the partnership is structured as a public-private initiative and will be executed in phases with support from external investors.

“The company has not received any funding, GPUs or other support from the government, and that citizens will instead benefit through free access to AI services in local languages via its platform,” he stated.

The clarification comes at a time when the Uttar Pradesh government has also emphasised that the MoU is non-binding and only a preliminary step.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier said such agreements do not guarantee final project approval and are subject to detailed evaluation.

Responding to reports about the company’s financials, Bhatia said claims that Puch AI has a revenue of Rs 42.9 lakh are incorrect and stem from confusion with another firm.

He clarified that Puch AI’s financial details are not public but described the startup as “well-funded” and not bootstrapped.

On its technology, Bhatia said the company does not have its own foundational AI model and does not see it as necessary at this stage.

“Instead, it has built infrastructure using open-source models tailored for Indian users, focusing on accessibility through platforms like WhatsApp and voice-based interactions,” Bhatia stated.

“The company’s mission is to make AI accessible to millions of Indians who are currently unable to use tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini due to language and usability barriers,” he said.

Bhatia also addressed criticism that the platform is merely a “wrapper,” saying it does not rely on APIs from companies like OpenAI or Anthropic, and has built its infrastructure independently. However, he acknowledged that definitions of such terms can vary.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday said that India’s largest pregnancy cohort study of 12,000 women under the GARBH‑INi initiative aims to develop indigenous, AI‑driven solutions to prevent preterm births.

Singh at an event here, said the study supports creation of AI-based pregnancy dating models tailored for Indian populations, identification of microbiome-based predictors of preterm birth, rapid diagnostic tools, and genetic markers for early risk assessment.

Such models and solutions can improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country and tackle preterm births, one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality as well morbidity in adulthood, he added.

The programme has enrolled about 12,000 pregnant women, one of South Asia’s largest pregnancy cohorts and built a repository of over 1.6 million well‑characterised biospecimens and over one million ultrasound images to support research.

The minister noted that India carries a significant share of the global burden of preterm births, making it essential to develop solutions suited to Indian conditions.

The programme marks a comprehensive, data-driven approach integrating clinical epidemiology, multi-omics biomarkers, and artificial intelligence for personalised predictions, he said.

The initiative has also established a national biorepository and the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data-sharing platform, enabling wider access for the research community and contributing to global scientific publications.

On the occasion, key partnerships and technology transfer initiatives were formalised, including transfer of microbiome-based biotherapeutics technology. Initiatives such as GARBH-INi are part of a larger national mission linking science with long-term nation-building, he noted.

India’s bioeconomy grew from nearly $10 billion in 2014 to about $195 billion, the minister said, adding the country is now being recognised globally for its strengths in preventive and primary healthcare, supported by indigenous innovations.

Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, said that the next phase of the programme should focus on effectively utilising the tools, predictive models and platforms developed so far.

—IANS

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Bengaluru, March 23 (IANS) Industry leaders and global experts on Monday expressed concern over the ongoing geopolitical tensions, saying they hope the conflict does not escalate further and is resolved soon, as its impact is already being felt on the economy and common people.

Speaking at the Indiaspora AI Summit here, Kris Gopalakrishnan, former CEO of Infosys, said the ongoing tensions are not just affecting the technology sector but are having a wider impact on everyday life.

“Shortages of LPG have already started affecting small businesses such as roadside food stalls and local restaurants, many of which are being forced to shift back to traditional cooking methods,” he noted.

He warned that if the situation continues, rising oil prices could push inflation higher, affecting the broader economy.

Gopalakrishnan also highlighted concerns around India’s large diaspora in the Middle East, saying any disruption there could impact remittances, which form a significant part of India’s inflows.

“Travel routes through the region are also facing disruptions, adding to the challenges,” he added.

At the same event, Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director of Indiaspora, said that geopolitics has become a major area of concern globally and is a key focus of discussions at the summit.

He added that the organisation aims to connect the global Indian diaspora with leaders in India to collaborate on long-term goals, including India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Joshipura said the summit is also focusing heavily on artificial intelligence and its real-world applications across sectors, along with how global Indian communities can contribute to positive change.

Meanwhile, Indo-American economist Gita Gopinath pointed out that the global economy is at a sensitive stage due to the ongoing conflict and other challenges.

She said uncertainty around oil prices remains high and could impact global growth. According to her, if oil prices remain elevated, it could slow down economic growth worldwide, including in India.

--IANS

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Bhopal, March 21 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday said that to make the administrative system more effective and ensure development within the state, it would shortly begin implementing the ‘AI Mission’ within the governance system.​

The implementation will be carried out in multiple phases. In the current financial year 2026-27, initiatives will focus on strengthening foundational infrastructure. ​

During 2027-28, successful AI use cases will be scaled up and implemented across various government departments.​

From 2028 onwards, AI technology will be developed as a permanent institutional capability within the governance framework. ​

The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in streamlining service delivery and expanding economic opportunities, according to the government’s statement.​

“The state government is committed to extending the benefits of AI technology to all segments of society by making it both accessible and affordable. It will facilitate the delivery of faster, smarter, and personalised services to citizens, particularly farmers, rural communities, the youth, and marginalised sections of society,” the government said.

​It further stated that the AI system will enable early identification of potential risks in critical sectors such as agriculture, health, nutrition, and disaster management. ​

To enhance administrative efficiency, officials will be provided with AI-powered tools for drafting, data analysis, decision support, and data management.​

“The application of AI will not be confined merely to pilot projects but will be extensively integrated into the state’s flagship schemes. For instance, its implementation in platforms such as E-Seva and Sampada 2.0 will ensure real-time tracking, making government services more accessible to citizens,” it added.​

The government also said it will establish a robust AI ecosystem within the state by fostering partnerships with startups, educational institutions, and industry. ​

By conducting AI skilling programmes for youth and government officials, human resources will be prepared to meet future technological demands.​

This announcement follows the Madhya Pradesh Regional AI Impact Conference, jointly organised by the IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the state government, held in Bhopal earlier this January.​

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) Approximately 36 lakh borrowers are estimated to benefit from the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0), the government said on Saturday.

The scheme aims to provide guarantee cover to banks/FIs through National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) against expected losses on the financial assistance extended by them to Non-Banking Financial Company-Microfinance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs) and MFIs for on lending to small borrowers.

The scheme aims to provide credit guarantee support through NCGTC to strengthen lending to MFIs, facilitates increased credit flow of up to Rs 20,000 crore to the NBFC- MFIs.

According to the salient features of the scheme, existing or new small borrowers within the regulatory definition of micro finance as prescribed by the RBI from time to time.

Guarantee coverage means 80 per cent of amount in default for small, 75 per cent for medium and 70 per cent for large NBFC-MFIs/ MFIs.

The scheme will facilitate increased credit flow to the MFI sector.

Microfinance plays a key role in financial inclusion by delivering credit to people at the bottom of the economic pyramid.

“NBFC-MFIs and MFIs are the key participants in the microfinance lending business. In view of ongoing financial stress in the microfinance sector, there has been a slowdown in lending by banks to MFIs due to which smaller MFIs are struggling to get loans,” said the official statement.

The scheme aims to encourage lending institutions to provide funding to NBFC-MFIs or MFIs for on lending to small borrowers within the regulatory definition of micro finance as prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India.

The scheme is valid till June 30, 2026 or loans till Rs 20,000 crores are guaranteed, whichever is earlier, the statement added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) The Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select beneficiaries to set up integrated sintered NdFeB Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) manufacturing facilities under the Rs 7,280-crore scheme, it was announced on Friday.

The manufacturing facilities will have a total capacity of 6,000 Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet, according to the statement.

The scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet in November, 2025 with a financial outlay of Rs 7,280 crore, offers each selected beneficiary an allocation of 600–1,200 MTPA (in multiples of 100 MTPA).

Further, it provides a capital subsidy of Rs 750 crore plus sales‑linked incentives of Rs 6,450 crore, with limited assured supply of NdPr oxide from IREL (India) Ltd. for the three lowest bidders.

In this bidding process, prospective applicants can submit their bids to establish integrated sintered NdFeB REPM manufacturing facilities in India and can be eligible for availing capital subsidy as well as sales-linked incentives under the Scheme.

The bidding will be conducted online through a transparent Least Cost System (LCS) comprising two-stages (Technical Bid and Financial Bid) through Central Public Procurement (CPP) Portal, said the statement.

The tender documents are available from March 20, 2026. Pre-bid conference shall be held on April 7, 2026 and the bid due date is May 28, 2026 and the technical bids shall be opened on May 29, 2026, it added.

The first-of-its-kind scheme aims to establish a total capacity of 6,000 Metric Tonnes per Annum (MTPA) of integrated Rare Earth Permanent Magnet manufacturing facilities in India, thereby enhancing self-reliance and positioning India as a key player in the global REPM market, the statement noted.

Rare Earth Permanent Magnets are among the most powerful magnets in the world and are widely used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, high-end electronics, aerospace and defence systems.

By building a complete value chain from NdPr oxide to finished magnets in India, the scheme is expected to significantly reduce import dependence in this sector.

—IANS

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New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Net direct tax collections went up 7.19 per cent (on-year) to Rs 22.80 lakh crore (up to March 17), according to the latest provisional data released by the Income Tax Department on Wednesday.

It includes net corporate tax of Rs 10.91 lakh crore, non-corporate tax of Rs 11.32 lakh crore and securities transaction tax (STT) of Rs 55,717 crore, the data showed.

STT collections increased to nearly Rs 55,717 crore from Rs 53,095 crore a year ago, while other taxes dropped to nearly Rs 365 crore from about Rs 3,400 crore.

Notably, advance tax collections went up 6.42 per cent to Rs 11.13 lakh crore. Refunds issued during the period stood at Rs 4.35 lakh crore.

Before adjusting for refunds, gross direct tax collections stood at about Rs 27.15 lakh crore (as of March 17), a 4.86 per cent year-on-year increase.

Meanwhile, the Central government's net direct tax collections had touched Rs 18.37 lakh crore between April 1 and January 11 of the current financial year (2025-26). The figure represented an 8.82 per cent increase over the next direct tax collections in the same period of the previous year.

Net corporate tax collections till January 11 stood at Rs 8.63 lakh crore, which represents a robust 12.41 per cent over the same period of the previous year.

The lower increase reflects the tax concessions announced in the Budget for 205-26 for the middle class, which exempted all those earning an income of Rs 12 lakh a year from paying tax. This limit works out to Rs 12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers, due to the standard deduction of Rs 75,000.

The new structure was aimed to substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings and investment to boost economic growth.

The limits for Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) have also been raised for various sections, such as on interest for senior citizens to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000 and on rent to Rs 6 lakh annually from Rs 2.40 lakh.

—IANS

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New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Aadhaar has emerged as the world’s largest biometric identity system, with around 134 crore live users and over 17,000 crore authentication transactions completed so far, the Parliament was told on Wednesday.

Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada told the Lok Sabha, in a written reply to a question, that the Aadhaar ecosystem -- maintained by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) -- plays a key role in enabling identity verification for service delivery.

The UIDAI provides Aadhaar authentication services to authorised entities, allowing verification of an individual’s identity using one-time password (OTP), biometrics such as fingerprint, iris and face, or demographic details, he said.

He added that Aadhaar-based face authentication, used by authorised entities, is powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to enable accurate verification.

According to the minister, entities seeking to use Aadhaar authentication services must be onboarded as Authentication User Agencies (AUA) or KYC User Agencies (KUA) in line with provisions of the Aadhaar Act.

On data access and retention, Prasada said authentication logs are maintained for two years by AUAs and KUAs and can be accessed by Aadhaar holders or used for grievance redressal. These logs are subsequently archived for five years before being deleted.

He also said that the Aadhaar ecosystem has been designed with strong privacy safeguards, with demographic data encrypted both at rest and in transit, along with legal restrictions on its collection, storage and usage.

The minister also highlighted that the UIDAI follows a three-tier audit framework, including self-compliance audits, annual information security audits and governance, risk, compliance and privacy (GRCP) audits to ensure system integrity.

Further, detailed standard operating procedures mandate informed consent of users, restricted use of authentication for specific purposes, secure data storage, use of certified devices and prohibition on retention of biometric data by entities.

The government said Aadhaar data is stored and processed within India, with safeguards in place to prevent any breach of these provisions.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) India’s data centre capacity has expanded more than fourfold to over 1,500 MW in 2025 from 375 MW in 2020, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada told the Parliament on Wednesday.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the minister said the growth reflects the government’s focus on strengthening digital infrastructure and expanding access to technology.

“In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the government is democratising the development and usage of technology,” he said.

Prasada added that efforts are being made to facilitate the establishment of data centres across the country to improve the delivery of digital services.

According to the data shared, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai account for the largest share of operational data centre capacity at 790 MW, followed by Chennai (305 MW), Bengaluru (182 MW), Hyderabad (152 MW), and Delhi-NCR/Noida (76 MW). Other cities, including Pune and Kolkata, account for a smaller share.

Prasada also said that four submarine cable systems are currently under commissioning at various cable landing stations by telecom service providers. These include India Europe Xpress by Reliance Jio, SEA-ME-WE-6 and 2Africa by Bharti Airtel, and the Raman Cable by Sify Technologies, with landing stations primarily in Mumbai and Chennai.

In addition, three more submarine cable systems are under planning, including projects by Tata Communications, Reliance Jio, and Sify Technologies, for which applications have been submitted to the Department of Telecommunications.

The minister clarified that the government is not planning to establish new sub-sea gateways at present.

He further noted that the Reserve Bank of India has mandated that all payment system data must be stored within India, as part of efforts to ensure a safe and trusted digital ecosystem.

The government’s policies are aimed at building adequate data storage capacity within the country and strengthening cybersecurity, he added.

--IANS

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