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Tag: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

  • ETNOW business conclave spotlights India’s road to a $5 trillion economy

    ETNOW business conclave spotlights India’s road to a $5 trillion economy

    MUMBAI- India’s economic ambitions took centre stage at the ETNOW.in Business Conclave & Awards 2025, where industry stalwarts and policymakers mapped out the nation’s journey toward a $5 trillion economy by 2030. Aligned with ET NOW’s ‘Rise with India’ ethos, the event served as a strategic forum for discussions on AI, digital policy, space technology, and national security key pillars of the Viksit Bharat vision.

    Union minister Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s rapid strides in the space sector, revealing that the industry attracted Rs 1,000 crore in private investments within months of opening to commercial players. He projected a fivefold expansion of India’s space economy, reaching $44 billion in the next decade, citing missions like Gaganyaan as milestones of self-reliance.

    Former union minister and tech investor Rajeev Chandrasekhar made a compelling case for revamping India’s outdated IT laws, stressing that the 25-year-old IT Act fails to account for the Internet and AI—two transformative forces driving the digital economy. “A modern, entrepreneur-first legal framework is needed, free from unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles,” he asserted.

    Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik (Retd.), underscored the role of strong border security and infrastructure in economic growth, detailing Arunachal Pradesh’s potential as a hydropower hub with a capacity of 58,000 MW.

    The ETNOW.in Business Conclave & Awards 2025 honoured excellence across 82 categories, recognising industry leaders driving innovation and impact. Naveen Kukreja (Paisabazaar.com) and Ashish Kashyap (IND Money) were named ETNOW Industry Icons, while Central Park Flower Valley secured the Leading Township of the Year award. 

    ACT21 Software Pvt. Ltd. was celebrated for Excellence in Fintech with its HyPerform solution, and VAXIFLU-4 (Zydus) received the Service Excellence Award in Vaccines & Prevention. In the branding space, U.S. Polo was recognised for its Excellence in Marketing Campaign (2024-2025), while Exhale Label emerged as the Emerging Fashion Brand, reinforcing its growing influence in the fashion industry.  
     

  • Times Network hosts Digit Zero1 Awards in New Delhi

    Times Network hosts Digit Zero1 Awards in New Delhi

    MUMBAI: The Digit Zero1 Awards 2024, hosted by Times Network, celebrated outstanding advancements in technology and innovation, recognizing 71 winners across three categories. the Digit Zero1 Award, Digit Best Buy Award, and Digit Popular Choice Award. With over two decades of expertise and leadership in consumer technology, the Digit Zero1 Awards 2024 is recognized as the Industry’s only performance-based awards, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence in technology and innovation.  The event, held in the capital city, brought together industry leaders to honor excellence in consumer technology.

    Driving the essence of these awards was a rigorous and scientific testing process conducted at Digit’s in-house testing labs. Each device was meticulously evaluated through 100+ tests conducted across key performance parameters in each category.  Winners in each category were determined based on a comprehensive performance analysis of their total scores, ensuring only the very best products were honoured. In 2024 alone, Digit’s team of experts tested over 1,000 products, setting a benchmark for thoroughness and reliability in the evaluation process, rewarding the best in each category. 

    winners

    • Beyond celebrating technological achievements, the awards served as a platform to spark meaningful conversations about the future of consumer technology. The event featured two thought-provoking panel discussions that brought together industry leaders and visionaries. The panels, titled ‘Predicting the Future of Consumer Tech in India – AI, 5G, AIoT, and More,’ and ‘Rise of India in Tech: Home-grown Brands and Their Success Story,’ delved into transformative trends shaping the tech landscape, integration of artificial intelligence, the expansion of 5G, evolution of AIoT, and the remarkable contributions of Indian brands in driving innovation and establishing India as a global technology powerhouse. 

      Delivering the special address, former union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “India, after many years of hibernation and being almost absent from the global electronics value chains and innovation discourse, has in the last four to five  years made a very significant presence. A decade ago, electronics manufacturing in India was dominated by domestic brands getting products designed outside and manufactured in China. In the last three to four  years, we are seeing not just global and Indian brands being manufactured here, but also being designed to be manufactured here. This transformation across the value chain—design, manufacturing, and testing—has been enabled by the Government of India’s pivot from an import substitution framework to an export-led electronics manufacturing and design framework. The three important trends to lookout for are, digitization, as products are becoming smarter, connected, and with AI, even smarter connected products. The second trend is India’s growing footprint in the global value chains post-COVID. The third trend is the emergence of highly intelligent digital products powered by AI and edge AI. Advancements in local AI and groundbreaking chip architectures from companies like Nvidia are driving a once-in-a-lifetime shift, replacing legacy architectures in automotive, industrial, and consumer tech with new, transformative platforms that redefine electronics innovation.” 

      Speaking at the event,  Times Network  COO & president digital Rohit Chadda announced:  “Digit provides the most authoritative product reviews and ratings in India, helping readers and consumers make the most informed decisions about their tech purchases. In 2024, Digit facilitated over Rs.200 Crore worth of online purchases through its platforms which displays the trust consumers have in our product reviews and testing methodology. Digit will take its commitment to authentic and objective product reviews a step further with the launch of a new state-of-the-art testing lab in New Delhi. Equipped with the latest technology, the lab shall extend Digit’s device testing capabilities to new product categories like home appliances using a rigorous testing methodology, delivering precise and comprehensive evaluations.” 

  • CNBC-TV18 and Moneycontrol to host their first-ever Global AI conclave

    CNBC-TV18 and Moneycontrol to host their first-ever Global AI conclave

    Mumbai:  CNBC-TV18, a business news channel, and Moneycontrol, a markets and finance platform, are proud to host the first-ever global AI conclave. Presented by Palo Alto Networks, the event will take place on 16 December 2023 at the JW Marriott in Bengaluru. This trailblazing event will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries. With 16 carefully curated sessions, over ten hours of actionable insights, and the opportunity to connect with over 25 AI practitioners and global thought leaders within a community of over 400 AI enthusiasts, the conclave will discuss important themes such as unlocking AI for enterprise; securing cyber frontiers with AI and shaping the future of India with AI.

    The conclave will feature notable figures from the industry as distinguished speakers who will bring their expertise and insights to the forefront. These eminent personalities include Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Union Minister of State, Ministry of Electronics, & Information Technology), Andrew Ng (co-founder, Google Brain, and leading AI expert), Chris Miller (author – chip war & associate professor – The Fletcher School at Tufts University), Abhishek Singh (additional secretary, MeitY, president & CEO NeGD; MD & CEO Digital India Co (DIC); CEO Karmayogi Bharat; at Govt of India) Sridhar Vembu (founder & CEO, Zoho), Manu Chopra (founder & CEO, Karya.ai), Sriram Raghavan (vice president, IBM Research AI), Sharad Sharma (co-founder, iSPIRT) and Umakant Soni (general partner – ART venture fund | chairman – AI foundry & co-founder – ARTPARK).

    The conclave registration includes access to 15 sessions led by key AI speakers from around the world, as well as viewpoints from policymakers, insights from top entrepreneurs, and contacts with deep tech investors. The event also includes AI startup demos, case studies, and immersive learning experiences, with the goal of encouraging participation in India’s booming AI ecosystem.

    Speaking about the conclave CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan stated, “As AI attempts to revolutionise industries and redefine the business landscape, this conclave will serve as a forum for industry leaders to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and navigate the course for the future of AI.  The participants will have a unique opportunity to delve into the intricate landscape of artificial intelligence, unlocking pathways for innovation, growth, and sustainable digital transformation.”

    Moneycontrol deputy executive editor Chandra R Srikanth added, “The Global AI Conclave marks a significant milestone in our commitment to foster new thoughts and ideas across industries while promoting the intersection of technology, business, and innovation. The event will serve as a knowledge hub for establishing a deeper understanding of AI’s potential and answer many questions on the potential and future of AI for India and the world. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey to unlock the limitless potential of AI on a global scale.”

    Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative Global AI Conclave. Grab your passes today and enjoy a one-year complimentary subscription to Moneycontrol Pro. 

  • MoS IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar assures swift action: Data Protection Board to be notified of new rules soon

    MoS IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar assures swift action: Data Protection Board to be notified of new rules soon

    Mumbai: Minister of state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar has assured that the government will shortly notify the Data Protection Board (DPB), along with appointment and recruitment rules for its chairperson and members, according to media reports.

    The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2023, became law earlier this month and the ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY) is working on operationalising it. Modalities for the appeal process at the Telecommunications Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) are also being formulated, according to the minister.

    The DPDP Act has a consent framework under which companies and businesses (data fiduciaries) can process the personal data of any user only with explicit consent. The law permits the government to specify geographies where data cannot be processed, while allowing for its free flow to other jurisdictions.

    The Act has also suggested a penalty of up to Rs 250 crore per data breach instance, and a maximum penalty of Rs 500 crore for all such violations, along with mandating stiff norms for the protection of children online. It also has a provision to block platforms that repeatedly fall foul of the law.

  • Times Network to telecast seventh ‘Digital India Summit’ from 15 January

    Times Network to telecast seventh ‘Digital India Summit’ from 15 January

    Mumbai: Times Network has announced the seventh edition of Digital India Summit (DIS) scheduled to telecast from 15 January every Saturday at 11:30 a.m on Times Now, Times Now World, 8:30 p.m ET Now and on the network’s digital news destination Timesnownews.com.

    The event is supported by the Union Bank of India and Kiya ai as ‘co-powered by’ sponsor and WeWork as ‘associate’ partner.

    DIS throws the spotlight on fast-tracking India’s digitisation by bringing together the torchbearers of the digital universe to discuss ideas and strategies which will facilitate India’s digital transformation and strengthen its global dominance in technology.

    The summit will address a wide spectrum of topics including enabling India’s financial inclusion digitally, benefitting from new normal, role of data security and data centre in the next decade, transforming India’s healthcare through digitisation and more.

    The summit will launch with an exclusive interview with MoS, electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar and will also witness participation from thought leaders, influencers and digital revolutionaries including Union Bank of India MD and CEO Rajkiran Rai G.

    “Digital India Summit was instituted to foster and cheer a digitally empowered India,” said Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand. “It is heartening to see that over the course of the last six years, the platform has ably contributed in advancing India’s digital journey. Steering this vision, the 7th edition of Digital India Summit is engaged with a purpose to accelerate India’s global dominance in technology and digitization.  I am confident that this leadership platform will enable actionable ideas and strategies with the domain’s thought leaders and innovators to achieve the same.”

    “It is an honour and privilege to be part of Digital India Summit. Our main goal is a $1 trillion digital economy that has a number of parts that are at the early stage of work in progress,” said MoS, skill development and entrepreneurship and electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar. “The Prime Minister has called it the Techade and it is absolutely a correct characterisation because in the next 10 years, our economy can be significantly catalysed by the digital economy. Today when we see startups and young entrepreneurs, you can see that they are confident about what they are doing and they are very confident about the future that they are going to be a part of and to me, that is the biggest thing that has come out of the pandemic. This is what is very different for 2022 than what it was in the past that we hold in our hands the cards that are stacked in our favour. it is now for us to execute and deliver what the universe is offering us as an opportunity.”

  • MeitY releases FAQs to address queries on IT rules 2021

    MeitY releases FAQs to address queries on IT rules 2021

    Mumbai: The minister of state for electronics and information technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar has released a document clarifying the doubts and explaining the nuances of the due diligence to be followed by intermediaries as part of Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT rules 2021).

    The FAQs are limited to part II of these rules to be administered by MeitY.

    “The government is committed to providing open, safe and trusted, and accountable internet to all users whose number is increasing both in urban and rural areas,” said Chandrasekhar.

    The FAQ consists of four sections, namely – Section I: Basic Information; Section II: Basic Terminology and Scope of the Rules; Section III: Due Diligence by an Intermediary; Section IV: Additional Due Diligence by Significant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMI); Section V: Non-Compliance to Intermediary Rules.

    Section I comprises of the basic information like- the objective of these rules; effective date; process followed in evolving these rules; major changes over the erstwhile Intermediary Guidelines Rules 2011; how these rules can be leveraged for enhancing the safety of women and children from potential harms; how these rules are also consistent with the requirement of safeguard against user’s privacy, freedom of speech and expression being fundamental rights; how a user can be benefitted, etc.

    Section II comprises the basic terminology and scope of the rules like – which entities can qualify as ‘intermediary,’ which intermediaries qualify as a ‘social media intermediary,’ and ‘significant social media intermediaries’ (SSMI), etc.

    Section III comprises the nuances of the due diligence to be followed by intermediaries like- information to be provided by the appropriate government, what and how much user information to be retained by an intermediary, prominently publishing of grievance officer details, adherence to various prescribed timeframes by an intermediary, etc.

    Section IV comprises the nuances of the additional due diligence to be followed by SSMI like- modalities in appointing designated manpower resources based in India, details of monthly compliance reports and their level of granularity, etc.

    Section V comprises the grounds of non-compliance to intermediary rules.

  • Rajeev Chandrasekhar steps down from Republic TV board

    Rajeev Chandrasekhar steps down from Republic TV board

    MUMBAI: Rajeev Chandrasekhar, after being sworn in as BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP on Tuesday, has resigned from the board of directors of ARG Outlier Asianet News Pvt Ltd, the company that owns Republic TV.

    The media owner-turned-politician resigned from his position on March 31.

    “I have taken this decision because of my recent joining of [the] BJP and being elected as a BJP MP. As you are aware, from 2006 I have been in public life as an Independent MP and not a member of any political party. Since I am now a member of the BJP, I believe it is in the best interest of Republic TV’s brand and team that I no longer serve on the board,” reads a press statement issued by Chandrasekhar on Monday.

    It goes on to state, “In my career as an investor and entrepreneur, I have had the privilege of investing and building several successful companies and brands. The Media Tech investment in Republic ranks high amongst my many investments and it has been a pleasure to witness first-hand the amazing journey and growth over the first year of this exciting Media Tech Brand and company under the leadership of Arnab and his team.”

    On March 12, Chandrasekhar joined the BJP a day after the party nominated him as their candidate in the Rajya Sabha election, which was held on March 23. Prior to joining the BJP, Rajeev has been a Rajya Sabha MP twice before, first in 2006 and then in 2012 as an independent candidate. He got the support of the BJP and JD(S) on both occasions.

    Republic TV went on air on  6 May 2017.

    Also Read:

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    BARC week 9: Mirror Now enters the top-5 list

  • Arnab’s Republic ready for news battle

    MUMBAI: It seems to be one of those rare media projects that is launching with a battery of advertisers and sponsors. Also, it is an exceptional new television channel that had little or no difficulty in reaching out to the right audience through myriad platforms — linear TV, through cable and MSOs, and OTT.

    Arnab Goswami’s Republic TV, which is being launched at 10am on 6 May as www.indiantelevision.com reported weeks ago, will have a strong digital presence through Reliance Jio‘s over-the-top (OTT) platform Jio TV and Star India’s video-on-demand (VoD) platform Hotstar.

    Star and Jio happen to be among the eight original sponsors of Republic TV. Others advertisers include Renault, Vivo, Hike Messenger, Ola, Yes Bank, Microsoft and Future Group. Vivo is also the presenting sponsor of the 9-pm show, while Microsoft is the technology partner. 

    It appears as if it is having a near-perfect launch. With a high decibel marketing campaign – online, outdoors, on ground – which has made almost everyone in the major metros sit up and take note.

    Republic TV will be available  on cable TV, direct-to-home (DTH) and OTT platforms, its digital avataar being republicworld.com. Amongst the DTH platforms which have given it carriage, according to reports,  include: Videocon2h, Tata Sky and some say even Airtel has hopped on board. The MSOs which have reportedly signed on the dotted line include: DEN, Hathway, Manthan, and Ortel. However, some cable and DTH operators may not offer the channel for free or it would be made a part of a bouquet.

    Goswami’s ‘pro-military and nationalistic’ and may be pro-establishment, will have the biggest OTT advantage with Hotstar 135 million downloads. The free-to-air (FTA) channel will bridge the Indian national news vacuum in Hotstar’s portfolio. Hotstar, which offers premium, free and original content across genres, live-streams Sky News and Fox News owned by 21st Century Fox, its parent company. Star earlier exited from the news business as regulation does not allow foreign holding of 51% in television news franchises.

    Goswami believes (being on Hotstar) was the first step as news produced in India goes digital, and then global, since the non-FTA paid VoD platform would take news to  90 million-plus viewers every month. 

    The former Times Now editor had teamed up with Kerala NDA vice-chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar in launching Republic TV. Other investors in ARG Outlier include DEN Networks promoter Sameer Manchanda, senior investment banker Hemendra Kothari, Aarin Capital’s Ranjan Ramdas Pai, Asian Heart Institute’s Ramakanta Panda and TVS Tyres’ R Naresh etc.

    Headed by an idealistic journalist and master-presenter, a near-perfect launch of a nationalistic channel in  times of nationalist dispensation notwithstanding, it remains to be seen how it performs in the jungle of warring news channels. As a senior executive  of a long standing English news broadcaster says: “Republic TV has made the right kind of noises at launch phase. Its key challenge will be sustainibility and that too over the long run. Rivals have deeper pockets and clout; they have not really reacted aggressively against it. When they do, it will have to put up its best, and that will determine its road ahead.”

    Also Read:

    Of Arnab’s Republic, nationalism, need for opinionated media & ‘outdated’ BBC

    Republic TV buzzing with pre-launch teasers featuring ‘soft’ targets, issues

  • Aishwarya Rai, leading singers to felicitate Clean India champs at Safaigiri Awards

    Aishwarya Rai, leading singers to felicitate Clean India champs at Safaigiri Awards

    MUMBAI: The India Today Group announces the 2 edition of the India Today Safaigiri Awards 2016 – a platform that will showcase and felicitate the pioneering efforts of those who are leading the change in cleanliness. This is in continuation to the first edition that was launched in 2015, one year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi nominated India Today Group chairman and editor in chief Aroon Purie to be a Clean India advocate.

    The event will be held on 2 October, the second anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan launchand the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. India Today Safaigiri Awards and Singathon will be a daylong event and will get musicians together to celebrate the Safaigiri movement. The biggest names in music will come together to spread the “Safai ki Dhun”.

    Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai and Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu will be the key note speakers at the India Today Safarigiri Awards. They will also be presenting the awards to the Clean India Champions.

    The event will be highlighted by the Safai Singathon with singers performing throughout the day. The singers attending the daylong event include – Mika Singh, Adnan Sami, Sukhwinder Singh, Kailash Kher, Shalmali Kholgade, Shilpa Rao, Rekha Bhardwaj, Hans Raj Hans & Himesh Reshammiya.

    The winners are selected across categories through a process of online entries, field work, and selection by a jury of eminent citizens. The jury members include India Today Group chairman and editor-in-chief Aroon Purie, Indian author Chetan Bhagat, MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, actor Vidya Balan, Feedback Infrastructure Services chairman Vinayak Chatterjee, Sulabh International founder Bindeswar Pathak and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) director and vice chairman Rajiv B Lall. Chetan Bhagat, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Vidya Balan, Vinayak Chatterjee, Bindeswar Pathak, Rajiv B Lall, Mika Singh, Adnan Sami, Sukhwinder Singh, Kailash Kher, Shalmali Kholgade, Shilpa Rao, Rekha Bhardwaj, Hans Raj Hans, Himesh Reshammiya

  • Aishwarya Rai, leading singers to felicitate Clean India champs at Safaigiri Awards

    Aishwarya Rai, leading singers to felicitate Clean India champs at Safaigiri Awards

    MUMBAI: The India Today Group announces the 2 edition of the India Today Safaigiri Awards 2016 – a platform that will showcase and felicitate the pioneering efforts of those who are leading the change in cleanliness. This is in continuation to the first edition that was launched in 2015, one year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi nominated India Today Group chairman and editor in chief Aroon Purie to be a Clean India advocate.

    The event will be held on 2 October, the second anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan launchand the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. India Today Safaigiri Awards and Singathon will be a daylong event and will get musicians together to celebrate the Safaigiri movement. The biggest names in music will come together to spread the “Safai ki Dhun”.

    Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai and Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Information & Broadcasting union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu will be the key note speakers at the India Today Safarigiri Awards. They will also be presenting the awards to the Clean India Champions.

    The event will be highlighted by the Safai Singathon with singers performing throughout the day. The singers attending the daylong event include – Mika Singh, Adnan Sami, Sukhwinder Singh, Kailash Kher, Shalmali Kholgade, Shilpa Rao, Rekha Bhardwaj, Hans Raj Hans & Himesh Reshammiya.

    The winners are selected across categories through a process of online entries, field work, and selection by a jury of eminent citizens. The jury members include India Today Group chairman and editor-in-chief Aroon Purie, Indian author Chetan Bhagat, MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, actor Vidya Balan, Feedback Infrastructure Services chairman Vinayak Chatterjee, Sulabh International founder Bindeswar Pathak and Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC) director and vice chairman Rajiv B Lall. Chetan Bhagat, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Vidya Balan, Vinayak Chatterjee, Bindeswar Pathak, Rajiv B Lall, Mika Singh, Adnan Sami, Sukhwinder Singh, Kailash Kher, Shalmali Kholgade, Shilpa Rao, Rekha Bhardwaj, Hans Raj Hans, Himesh Reshammiya