Technology

Jaipur, April 10 (IANS) In a significant step towards strengthening welfare outreach for defence families, two students of Class 12 in Jaipur launched an AI‑enabled platform to simplify access to welfare schemes for ex‑servicemen, widows, and families of martyrs in the presence of state minister Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore.​

Developed by Kanishk Rungta and Krishaa Rungta, the platform is designed to assist ex‑servicemen, widows, dependents, and families of martyrs in identifying relevant government schemes and accessing application links through a simple, user‑friendly interface.​

Based on user inputs, the app directs beneficiaries to schemes and benefits they may be eligible for. ​

Within a short span of its launch, the platform has received an encouraging response, with over 2,000 families already accessing and benefiting from its services.​

Appreciating the initiative, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore said the platform addresses a genuine need and highlights the role of technology in public service. ​

He described VeerSahara, the digital platform developed by students, as an innovative and practical solution for the military welfare ecosystem, with the potential to have a broader societal impact.​

“This is a highly commendable initiative by young students who have applied technology with sensitivity and purpose. VeerSahara is uniquely designed, very user‑friendly, and responds to a real need of the hour. It can play an important role in helping defence families access information and benefits with greater ease, dignity, and transparency,” he said. ​

The Minister further noted that such a model could be adapted for broader governance use.​

Referring to its intuitive interface and guided access, he suggested that a similar approach be explored for the Industries and Commerce Department of the Rajasthan Government to help citizens, entrepreneurs, and businesses easily navigate government schemes and policies.​

Sharing their motivation, Kanishk Rungta said the idea stemmed from the challenges beneficiaries face in navigating complex systems. ​

“VeerSahara is our effort to simplify access to welfare support and make it more understandable,” he said.​

Krishaa Rungta added, “This platform is not just about technology; it is about making access more respectful and accessible for families who have contributed so much to the nation.”​

By reducing complexity, improving awareness, and minimising dependence on intermediaries, VeerSahara aims to make welfare access seamless for defence families, showcasing the power of youth‑led innovation for social good.​

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) disbursed Rs 775.26 crore in FY26, marking a growth of 27 per cent over the previous financial year (FY25), an official statement said on Friday.

The PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment achieved the landmark performance during the financial year 2025–26, recording its highest-ever disbursement since inception.

The Corporation also significantly expanded its outreach, covering 59,002 beneficiaries, a 41.32 per cent increase over FY 2024–25.

Of these, 39,804 were women beneficiaries, reflecting a growth of 48 per cent and reaffirming NSFDC’s focus on inclusive and gender-responsive development.

Under the VISVAS Yojana (Interest Subvention Scheme), NSFDC disbursed Rs 26.09 crore, benefiting 98,748 individuals, registering a remarkable growth of over 334 per cent compared to the previous fiscal.

Similarly, under the SEED Scheme, Rs 11.18 crore was disbursed to 1,450 Self Help Groups across four states, reflecting a 76 per cent increase in disbursement.

Under the National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Castes (NFSC), Rs 215.39 crore was disbursed, supporting 4,219 scholars in pursuing higher education.

Moreover, NSFDC continues to play a pivotal role in promoting the economic empowerment of Scheduled Castes by providing concessional loans for self-employment and education, as well as supporting skill development and entrepreneurship.

With an authorised share capital of Rs 1,800 crore and paid-up capital of Rs 1,515 crore, the Corporation has achieved cumulative disbursement of Rs 9,567.14 crore, benefiting over 16.96 lakh Scheduled Caste individuals (as on March 31, 2026).

NSFDC undertook several key initiatives in FY26 to enhance efficiency and outreach.

A new website compliant with GIGW 3.0 guidelines and Digital Brand Identity Manual norms has been developed and is ready for launch.

The Corporation has also developed a Loan Accounting and Management System (LAMS), integrated with the PM-SURAJ Portal, to enable end-to-end digitisation and improved transparency in loan management.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) Artificial Intelligence (AI) could help companies globally increase revenue from general trade sales channels by 15 to 20 per cent, a new report has said.

The report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) said AI-powered firms use cases in sales planning, execution, and operations including AI-powered sales companion and 24/7 digital sales agent to boost sales.

AI can integrate structured data such as billing records and loyalty data with unstructured inputs including store images, handwritten notes and sales conversations, the report said.

Analysis of these inputs can help organisations generate insights and recommendations to support sales planning, store-level execution and operational decision-making.

AI analyses location data, footfall patterns, and store profiles to identify high-potential micro-markets, prioritise the right outlets, and tailor product mix and trade decisions for each individual store, the report said.

A smartphone-based AI-powered sales assistant can help sales staff plan their daily routes. It will pull up summaries of past retailer conversations, and recommend what to pitch at each store.

An AI-led 24/7 digital sales agent can engage retailers around the clock — capturing orders through voice calls in local languages, resolving queries, and sending payment reminders, which helps salespeople to focus on higher-value interactions, the firm said.

It urged automated back-end operations, with AI taking over billing, scheme settlement, financial reconciliation, and query resolution. This move frees up capacity across the organisation for more strategic work.

“AI allows companies to leapfrog stages of go-to-market maturity altogether. A business still relying on manual route plans and one-size-fits-all pitches can move directly to an AI-enabled model. For companies looking to transform their sales operations, the window to act is now,” said Parul Bajaj, India Leader – Marketing, Sales and Pricing Practice, BCG.

AI adoption can improve retail coverage, strengthen store-level conversion through more targeted sales conversations and help in higher-value product sales through personalised recommendations.

Organisations at earlier stages of go-to-market maturity can also move directly to AI-enabled operating models by replacing manual processes and basic digital tools with AI-powered recommendations and decision support.

—IANS

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Amaravati, April 9 (IANS) Marking World Quantum Day on April 14, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will formally launch India’s first indigenous Quantum computer testing facility at SRM University, Amaravati.​

He will also virtually inaugurate the Quantum facility centre at Medha Towers in Gannavaram near Vijayawada.​

The state government announced that Andhra Pradesh will be the first state to commission such a facility, with Amaravati Quantum Valley set to emerge as an international hub for Quantum computing.​

As per the schedule, the Chief Minister will witness a live quantum system initiation, with the processor cooling process triggered virtually on the Amaravati 1Q system, as the system is housed at Medha Towers. At the same time, the Amaravati 1S system will function as an open-access setup, fully visible to attendees during the demonstration.​

With the establishment of the Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF), India now has sovereign quantum infrastructure. Amaravati becomes the anchor node of a national quantum hardware network, positioning India to design, test, certify, and manufacture quantum systems for global use, a top official said.​

Technologies developed through AQRF include cryogenics, precision electronics, and quantum-grade fabrication, with strategic spillovers into defence, healthcare, and semiconductor manufacturing.​

Under the National Quantum Mission, Amaravati Quantum Valley will host an IBM 133-qubit Quantum computer and has engaged over 80 industry and academic partnerships, positioning it among the top five global quantum hubs.​

The launch of AQRF on World Quantum Day adds an indigenous hardware dimension to Amaravati Quantum Valley’s portfolio, complementing its existing quantum cloud, skilling, and innovation infrastructure.​

Giving details of the programme, PS Pradyumna, Secretary to the Chief Minister, stated that it is a dream come true for the people of Andhra Pradesh, with the initiative of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu making the country’s first indigenous Quantum Computing testing facility a reality on April 14.​

He said the Chief Minister insisted on bringing indigenous hardware component manufacturing ecosystems to Amaravati to promote Quantum technology. SRM University contributed to this direction and made it accessible to students.​

The secretary noted that people have enjoyed the benefits of computer technology for more than three decades, and now it is time to switch to Artificial Intelligence and Quantum technology. ​

He added that the Chief Minister stressed the need to update youngsters' skills to meet the requirements of emerging quantum technology. ​

Following his call, lakhs of students enrolled in skill training programmes. At the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai alone, 2.5 lakh students enrolled for training.​

--IANS

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Panaji, April 9 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday highlighted the pivotal role of tech-savvy, young legislators in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, emphasising the importance of research, innovation, and technology.

Inaugurating the first conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone VII in Goa, Birla said that people’s representatives must be adept at addressing citizens’ issues by harnessing the transformative power of science and technology.

He urged legislators to engage closely with the public, resolving their concerns with empathy and goodwill.

He stressed the importance of understanding legislative issues, rules, and procedures, noting that those who actively participate in thoughtful discussions on policies and laws often emerge as prominent leaders in their states.

Birla stressed that the more legislators familiarise themselves with legislative processes, the more effective their participation in the House will be.

In a post on X, the Speaker said, “I believe that the more young members know about legislative rules and procedures, the greater will be the increase in the meaningfulness, participation, and rational dialogue of legislative institutions.”

“By engaging in the best discussions on policies and laws, young legislators can create better policies in their respective states. This is the era of Artificial Intelligence and Technology, but human sensitivity must be given priority in policy-making. In this direction, there is great expectation from young legislators by the public,” he said.

Birla highlighted their pivotal role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

He emphasised that, as emerging leaders, they are entrusted with driving innovative policies, promoting inclusive development, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Their energy, vision, and commitment to public welfare, he added, can play a transformative role in building a prosperous, self-reliant, and equitable India, ensuring sustainable growth and social progress for generations to come.

Sharing insights on the evolving role of legislative institutions in nation-building, Birla emphasised the importance of healthy competition among state legislatures in promoting public welfare and good governance.

He noted that parliamentary democracy is globally recognized as the best system of governance and highlighted that the steady increase in voter turnout in every election since 1952 reflects India’s enduring success as a vibrant democracy.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairperson Ram Shinde, Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, and Goa Speaker Ganesh Gaonkar also spoke on the occasion.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Thursday called upon the private sector to step up participation in research and development (R&D), stressing that stronger industry engagement is key to building a robust innovation ecosystem in India.

The minister said the government has taken several enabling measures, including opening up sectors such as space and nuclear energy to private players and introducing mechanisms like the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund, but noted that industry must now respond with greater investment and collaboration.

Speaking at the release of two reports by NITI Aayog on easing R&D processes, Dr Singh said that reforms should focus not just on system design but on the actual experience of researchers.

Highlighting India’s growing scientific capabilities, he said the country has abundant talent that is increasingly recognised globally, but institutional and procedural bottlenecks continue to affect outcomes.

At the same time, the minister flagged limited private sector participation in research funding and execution, saying government support alone cannot sustain long-term innovation.

He cited initiatives such as ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ for research journals as steps to improve access to knowledge, and stressed that streamlining routine processes like approvals, funding flows and administrative clearances can significantly enhance research productivity.

Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, said the initiative to ease R&D processes is based on long-standing demands from the scientific community to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency.

The Principal Scientific Adviser Professor A.K. Sood said improving ease of doing R&D must remain an ongoing effort, pointing to issues such as low funding success rates, constraints in hiring and infrastructure, and the need for better coordination in implementation.

The reports by NITI Aayog, based on consultations with researchers, underline the need for greater flexibility, transparency and predictability in research systems to ensure continuity and confidence in scientific work.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Today’s Gen-Z have embraced adolescence through their style and it's deeply personal. They carry accessories around as a form of self-expression and identity.

For this cohort, what they carry becomes an extension of who they are, often sparking conversations and helping them connect with like-minded people. What Gen-Z wear is a reflection of how they feel, live and see themselves.

Trends such as Labubus, adorable little keepsakes such as cherry stems to bows, hearts etc. are now increasingly being used as bag charms. Often described as ‘emotional support charms’, they are all the rage right now.

While these accessories complete a look, tech accessories such as colourful phone cases, smart rings and funky wireless earphones are now a part of the morning routine for youngsters to kick start their day. For them, these accessories are extensions of their personalities just like clothes, hairstyles and jewellery. It’s no surprise then that the search for the best compact TWS is no longer just about sound, but also about design, portability, and how seamlessly it fits into everyday style.

Style for this generation is a culmination of a lot of elements. They use tech accessories to match their outfits, bling out their phone cases and trying to stand out as much as possible.

Gen Z is all about these unique, creative pieces that indicate that a tiny spark is all it takes. Tech accessories now play such an integral role in their appearance and can significantly impact opinions in their peer groups. Having a trendy earphone shows your style, that you are creative as well as confident.

Keeping in line with this growing trend, realme’s upcoming a unique and compact TWS in a budget can add that little extra that Gen Z is keen on for their overall look. This generation has blurred the boundaries between tech and fashion, tech is often a staple of their style nowadays. Many youngsters are now opting for lightweight earbuds that weigh only 4.5g per earbud for daily use that seamlessly fit into their routines without adding bulk.

Thus, unique pieces like the candy-box shaped realme Buds T500 Pro become the perfect addition to a Gen Z outfit, blending aesthetics with a touch of playfulness.

Designed to stand out, it has the potential to become a true conversation starter for this cohort, while also delivering on what users increasingly seek: the best compact TWS earbuds for daily use that look good, feel light, and fit effortlessly into their lifestyle.

The next time you spot someone at a cafe or on campus, take a closer look, the boldest part of their outfit might just be the tech they’re carrying.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) The domestic e-commerce market is expected to grow by more than 150 per cent within four years, driven by the addition of 150 million new digital shoppers and a doubling of per capita spending, according to a new report.

According to the joint report by Google and Deloitte, the online business market is undergoing a major transformation and projected to grow to $250 billion by 2030 from about $90 billion at present -- a 177 per cent jump.

The report also highlighted that a 220-million-strong Gen Z cohort is expected to account for 45 per cent of online spending, accelerating the shift towards AI-powered shopping experiences.

It pointed out '4I' key growth drivers -- Inspired, Intelligent, Instant and Immersive -- which are projected to contribute around $100 billion to the overall growth of the sector by 2030.

Roma Datta Chobey, Managing Director, Connected Consumer Commerce at Google India, said that Indian commerce is at a pivotal moment driven by evolving consumer expectations around storytelling, AI-led personalisation and instant fulfilment.

“At Google, we are committed to empowering this ecosystem through intelligence and trust, streamlining the journey from discovery to purchase,” she said.

Anand Ramanathan, Partner and Consumer Industry Leader, South Asia at Deloitte, said the sector is moving from mass marketing to an era of ‘algorithmic intimacy’, where demand is predicted and shaped in real time.

He added that Gen Z consumers are driving the rise of ‘generative commerce’, where AI curates or creates solutions based on consumer needs.

The report further stated that creators are likely to influence 30 per cent of total retail spending by 2030, with one in ten online purchases expected to be linked to creator storefronts, particularly in Tier 2 and smaller markets.

Moreover, live commerce is projected to grow into an $8 billion segment, while quick commerce is expected to expand into a $50 billion market with a user base of around 70 million.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence (AI) could drive up to 35 per cent increase in retail profitability by enabling hyper-personalisation and improving operational efficiency, according to the report.

--IANS

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Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) In a bid to modernise governance and strengthen disaster management, the Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday approved two major initiatives: the establishment of the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeoTech) and the implementation of the Maharashtra Resilience Development Programme.

To accelerate administrative efficiency using cutting-edge technology, the government has cleared the deck for the formation of MahaGeoTech.

This dedicated entity will serve as a hub for geospatial innovation and data-driven decision-making. It will consist of four primary divisions comprising modern technology, research and training, geospatial innovation and entrepreneurship, and administration and accounts.

The modern technology division will focus on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Image Processing, and Photogrammetry. It will oversee data quality, integrity, and security protocols.

It will also be responsible for building and maintaining geospatial portals, designing software applications, and integrating diverse datasets to solve complex administrative problems.

The Research and Training Division is tasked with research and development in geospatial technology and conducting academic programmes for students and professionals.

Headquartered in Mumbai, the institute will receive an initial grant of Rs 25 crore. It aims to streamline government workflows by providing precise spatial analytics and fostering a culture of technical innovation within state departments.

Further, the state cabinet also approved the Maharashtra Resilience Financing Programme, a new concept utilising capital and global funding to mitigate disaster impacts.

The programme will utilise a Rs 165 crore fund from the World Bank. Relief will be extended to disaster-affected citizens through home loan concessions.

Furthermore, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, unorganised sector workers, women entrepreneurs, and small construction businesses will receive specialised credit facilities and insurance security.

The Maharashtra Institution for Transformation will serve as the implementation unit to handle financial aid during floods, heatwaves, and cyclones.

The programme places special emphasis on the Krishna and Panchganga river basins. Comprehensive plans will be drafted to reduce flood risks in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Ichalkaranji.

The Maharashtra Soil and Water Conservation Corporation will act as the project implementation group for works in these river zones.

A Project Appraisal Committee, co-chaired by the Minister for Disaster Management and the Minister for Water Resources, has been sanctioned to monitor progress and ensure effective execution, said the government release.

By integrating high-end geospatial data and creating a robust financial safety net, the Maharashtra government aims to build a state that is both technologically advanced and disaster-resilient, noted the release.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 7 (IANS) Bank of Baroda on Tuesday rolled out ‘bob SAMVAD’ -- an AI-powered multilingual conversational platform developed by the bank to enhance in-branch customer interactions.

The AI platform was formally launched by Department of Financial Services Secretary M. Nagaraju in Mumbai on March 28.

Terming it a step towards inclusive banking, Nagaraju said the initiative will strengthen customer service delivery and set a new benchmark in the sector through the use of technology.

Moreover, the platform is designed to eliminate language barriers by enabling seamless communication between customers and bank staff in their preferred languages.

Developed in-house, 'bob SAMVAD' enables real-time, low-latency, two-way communication across 22 languages, allowing customers and staff to interact effortlessly even if they speak different languages.

The platform supports both text and voice modes, enabling customers to speak or type queries in their preferred language, which are instantly translated for branch staff, ensuring accurate and efficient service.

Speaking at the launch, Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and CEO of the bank, said the initiative reflects the lender’s focus on combining technology with customer-centric design to make branches more inclusive and accessible.

In the first phase, the platform will be rolled out across 250 branches in states including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, followed by a wider deployment across the bank’s network.

The DFS Secretary also visited ‘bob Forest’, a sustainability initiative by the bank at its Mumbai office, aimed at promoting biodiversity and cleaner air as part of its broader ESG efforts.

Earlier in February, the Department of Financial Services under the Finance Ministry organised a two-day workshop at the Bank of Baroda Academy in Ahmedabad on the implementation of the government’s reservation policy in public sector banks, insurance companies, sectoral regulators and public financial institutions, along with measures to enhance accessibility of financial services for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities).

--IANS

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