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Governance Emerges as India Inc’s Top Priority as Companies Race to Scale AI Infrastructure: IBM Study

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India Inc is placing AI governance at the centre of its growth strategy, with a new study from the IBM Institute for Business Value revealing that strong oversight is now seen as the most critical factor for scaling AI infrastructure. In the report titled AI Infrastructure That Endures, 83% of Indian executives say that robust governance frameworks are essential for deploying AI at scale. Yet, only 4% claim their organisations have fully established mechanisms to manage AI-related risks — signalling a widening preparedness gap even as AI adoption accelerates. Despite this shortfall, enterprises are increasing investments significantly. Nearly 58% of companies have boosted their infrastructure budgets, with spending expected to rise by 19% in 2025, mirroring global trends. However, just one in ten leaders believes their current systems are fully ready to support AI needs, underscoring the urgent need for modernization to enable trust, speed and scalable performance. According to Subhathra Srinivasaraghavan, Vice President at the IBM India Systems Development Lab, Indian businesses are entering a defining stage of their AI evolution. She noted that organisations must now convert ambition into long-term impact by building agile, trustworthy and talent-driven AI ecosystems. Strengthening hybrid architectures, deepening AI skills and adopting governance-by-design were highlighted as key enablers for India’s progress toward its Viksit Bharat vision. The study finds that hybrid infrastructure is emerging as a performance catalyst — with 65% saying a fit-for-purpose hybrid strategy has improved cost and efficiency. Another 32% plan to expand hybrid AI environments over the next three years. On the skills front, companies recognise talent as a core driver of AI success. Eighty-three per cent are investing in training or hiring for AI-focused roles, though 75% admit they are still early in workforce maturity. Meanwhile, 43% have set up AI Centres of Excellence to scale internal capabilities. Source: ANI

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IMF Considering Reclassification of India’s Forex Management Framework

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The International Monetary Fund is reportedly reviewing India’s foreign-exchange (FX) management regime and may soon alter its classification, according to a recent Bloomberg report. India is currently placed under a “stabilised arrangement,” a category it was moved to in December 2023 from the earlier “floating” status. The possible reclassification comes amid heightened rupee volatility, particularly since Sanjay Malhotra took charge as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The RBI has repeatedly disagreed with the IMF’s assessment, calling the current categorisation “incorrect” and “unjustified.” Despite the debate, the IMF acknowledges that India’s forex reserves are robust. As of November 14, the country’s foreign exchange stockpile rose by $5.54 billion, reaching $692.57 billion. Under its Integrated Policy Framework, the IMF recommends that India allow greater exchange-rate flexibility and limit forex market interventions to moments of severe disruption. This, it argues, could lower the need for heavy reserve buffers, push firms to hedge currency risks more actively, and strengthen overall market development. However, the Fund also notes that in periods of severe global financial stress, targeted FX interventions by the RBI may be warranted to stabilise markets and shield the economy from inflationary or output shocks. Source: Economic Times

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Reliance Power forms new Board of Management to boost governance, sharpen oversight

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Reliance Power Ltd., part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, has approved the creation of a Board of Management (BOM) to strengthen governance standards and enhance strategic oversight across the organisation. The new structure, cleared by the board on November 19, will include the company’s CEO, key managerial personnel, and senior business leaders. The company said the move reflects its push toward a more agile, future-ready operating model, aligned with global best practices in corporate governance and long-term value creation for stakeholders. During the meeting, the board also reviewed growth developments at its subsidiary Reliance NU Energies, which has emerged as a leading player in the solar-plus-BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) segment. The subsidiary has secured up to 4 GW of solar capacity and 6.5 GW of BESS capacity through competitive bids, positioning it as a major force in India’s clean energy transition. Reliance Power said the formation of the BOM, along with its expanding renewable energy footprint, underscores its strategy to build a strong foundation for sustainable and forward-looking growth. Source: The Hindu

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PM Modi Releases 21st PM-KISAN Instalment, ₹18,000 Crore Disbursed to Farmers Nationwide

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday disbursed the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme during an event in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. With this release, ₹18,000 crore has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of nearly 9 crore farmers across India through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Launched on February 24, 2019, PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 per year to every eligible landholding farmer family, delivered in three instalments of ₹2,000 each. The funds reach beneficiaries through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, making it one of the largest DBT programmes globally. To date, over ₹3.70 lakh crore has been distributed to more than 11 crore farmer families, with women farmers making up over 25% of the beneficiaries. A robust digital ecosystem underpins the scheme, enabling strong transparency measures. Aadhaar-based e-KYC, digital verification of land records and the dedicated PM-KISAN portal ensure reliable beneficiary authentication. Farmers can self-register online, while payments are seamlessly processed via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). Technological upgrades continue to make the scheme more accessible. The PM-KISAN mobile app, revamped in 2023 with face authentication, allows farmers to complete e-KYC remotely and track payments. The bilingual Kisan-eMitra AI chatbot, available in 11 regional languages, has helped resolve over 95 lakh farmer queries on eligibility, registration and payment issues. The Centre has also expanded beneficiary coverage through saturation drives. During the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in 2023, over one crore new eligible farmers were added. Another 25 lakh farmers were onboarded in the first 100 days of the new government in mid-2024. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of beneficiaries in the 20th instalment, followed by Maharashtra. For India’s small and marginal farmers — over 85% of the farming population — PM-KISAN provides critical financial support, especially during sowing and harvesting seasons when inputs and labour costs rise. The scheme has also reduced dependence on informal moneylenders and increased financial stability during challenging times. Implementation is closely monitored by both Central and State governments. Beneficiary lists are displayed at the village level to ensure transparency and allow eligible farmers who were excluded to apply. States and Union Territories are required to recover funds paid to ineligible individuals — as of August 2025, ₹416 crore has been reclaimed. To improve delivery of welfare schemes further, the Ministry of Agriculture is developing a National Farmer Registry, which aims to create a unified digital database. This will help farmers access government benefits more easily without repeatedly submitting documentation. Source: DD News

PM Modi Releases 21st PM-KISAN Instalment, ₹18,000 Crore Disbursed to Farmers Nationwide Read More »

India and Canada Convene 7th Ministerial Dialogue to Deepen Trade and Investment Cooperation

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India and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties during the 7th Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment (MDTI), held in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, and Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development. This high-level dialogue marks a new chapter in bilateral engagement, following the Joint Statement of October 13, 2025, titled “Renewing Momentum towards a Stronger Partnership”, which emphasized trade as a key pillar of mutual economic growth and resilience. Both Ministers underlined the strong foundation of India–Canada relations, built on shared democratic principles, cultural diversity, and expanding economic complementarities. They acknowledged the critical role of the Indian diaspora in Canada, which includes around 2.9 million people and over 427,000 Indian students, as a living bridge that enhances mutual understanding, innovation, and cooperation. Bilateral trade in goods and services between the two countries reached USD 18.38 billion in 2023, reflecting steady progress despite global challenges. The Ministers appreciated the rise in two-way investments and reiterated their commitment to fostering an open, transparent, and predictable trade environment that encourages sustainable and inclusive economic development. The dialogue addressed a broad spectrum of issues, including nutritional security, supply chain resilience, healthcare collaboration, and investment facilitation. Both sides also discussed ways to improve market access, regulatory harmonization, and long-term trade resilience to ensure that economic ties remain future-ready and mutually beneficial. Concluding the discussions, the Ministers expressed a shared resolve to revitalize and advance the India–Canada economic partnership based on trust, respect, and collaboration. They emphasized the importance of turning the deliberations into concrete outcomes that drive shared prosperity and define the evolving strength of the bilateral relationship. Source: PIB Photo Credit: iStock

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Rajnath Singh Inaugurates DPSU Bhawan, Launches R&D and Green Manufacturing Initiatives to Boost Defence Self-Reliance

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In a significant move to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the state-of-the-art DPSU Bhawan at Naoroji Nagar, New Delhi, on November 10, 2025. The new facility aims to serve as a central hub for collaboration and innovation among the country’s 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), promoting synergy under the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The event also featured the launch of a comprehensive R&D roadmap for DPSUs and the unveiling of HAL’s R&D Manual, designed to enhance indigenous design, intellectual property creation, and collaboration with Indian academia. Singh said the roadmap represents India’s shift “from manufacturing under licence to manufacturing through innovation,” reinforcing the goal of technological self-sufficiency. Highlighting the sector’s growth, Singh revealed that India’s defence production in FY25 touched a record ₹1.51 lakh crore, with DPSUs contributing over 71%. Defence exports also surged to ₹6,695 crore, showcasing global confidence in Indian-made platforms. He urged DPSUs to continue their momentum by focusing on rapid indigenisation, quality enhancement, and timely deliveries. Four DPSUs — Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), India Optel Limited (IOL), and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) — were awarded Miniratna (Category-I) status, granting them greater operational autonomy and financial independence. To promote industry collaboration, three key MoUs were exchanged between HAL, BDL, Yantra India Limited (YIL), and MIDHANI. These agreements include the setup of a 10,000-ton forging press to reduce dependence on imported aluminium alloys and the establishment of a Metal Bank to secure critical raw materials for defence projects. HAL also announced an interest-free advance of ₹435 crore to YIL, while BDL committed to a sustained workload of 3,000 metric tonnes over the next decade. Rajnath Singh also launched SWAYAM (Sustainable and Green Defence Manufacturing) — a compendium highlighting eco-friendly practices adopted across DPSUs. Backed by the Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Action Plan (CEEAP) 2023, it promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction. He commended India Optel Limited (IOL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for achieving 100% renewable energy usage, contributing significantly to India’s Net Zero goals. The newly inaugurated DPSU Bhawan brings all DPSUs under one roof, symbolizing unity and collective progress under the Sanskrit motto “Sangachhadhwam Samvadadhwam” — “Move together, dialogue together.” Equipped with modern simulation facilities, conference rooms, and exhibition spaces, it is set to become a showcase of India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities. Concluding the event, Singh called on DPSUs to strengthen R&D, sustainability, and innovation to position India as a global hub for defence manufacturing. “Our goal is not just self-reliance but leadership on the world stage,” he said. Source: Economic Times

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates DPSU Bhawan, Launches R&D and Green Manufacturing Initiatives to Boost Defence Self-Reliance Read More »

India Introduces AI Governance Guidelines to Ensure Safe and Responsible Adoption

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The Indian government has unveiled its first set of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance guidelines, outlining a framework for the safe, transparent, and ethical use of AI technologies. The non-binding rules, released on Wednesday, are expected to shape India’s long-term vision for AI regulation ahead of the IndiaAI Impact Summit scheduled for February next year. Developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the guidelines recommend potential amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act to better classify AI systems and define liability across the AI value chain. The document highlights that the current definition of “intermediary” under the IT Act — covering telecom operators, search engines, and even cyber cafés — is outdated in the context of autonomous AI systems capable of generating data independently. Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood noted that the new framework aims to provide clarity on responsibilities of AI developers and deployers, while also ensuring accountability. He added that the framework could serve as a model for AI governance in the Global South, especially for countries with limited regulatory resources. The guidelines also propose an India-specific AI risk assessment framework based on real-world harm evidence, along with a national database of AI incidents to track misuse, bias, and potential threats. This centralised repository will collect data from smaller regional databases managed by sectoral regulators, helping policymakers better understand the societal and security implications of AI technologies. The framework further recommends establishing new institutions to oversee AI policy, including an AI Governance Group—a permanent inter-ministerial body responsible for coordination and policy development—and leveraging the newly formed AI Safety Institute as the lead authority for ensuring safe and trusted AI use in India. Other key proposals include adopting regulatory sandboxes to allow innovation in controlled environments with limited legal exposure, and mandating accessible grievance redressal mechanisms through the existing Grievance Appellate Committee process. The guidelines also stress the need to update copyright laws to support large-scale AI model training and clarify digital platform classifications. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said the government is committed to acting when necessary to ensure AI is developed responsibly and ethically. The document, shaped after studying AI policies in the US, European Union, and China, and informed by over 2,500 submissions from stakeholders including academia, industry, and government bodies, marks a significant step in India’s effort to build a robust governance ecosystem for emerging technologies. Source: Economic Times

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PM Modi Unveils ₹1 Lakh Crore R&D Fund, Calls for Ethical and Inclusive Innovation at ESTIC 2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam on Nov 3, highlighting India’s growing leadership in science, technology, and innovation. Welcoming participants from India and abroad — including scientists, innovators, academics, and policymakers — the Prime Minister celebrated India’s landmark achievements in both sports and science. Opening his remarks, PM Modi congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team for their historic ICC Women’s World Cup victory, saying the nation was “immensely proud” of their achievement, which will inspire millions of young Indians. The Prime Minister also hailed India’s scientists for successfully launching the heaviest communication satellite, commending ISRO for its continued contribution to India’s space advancements. He noted that both achievements reflected India’s growing spirit of excellence and innovation. R&D Boost: ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme Announced Underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s research ecosystem, PM Modi formally launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, designed to boost private sector–led R&D. He emphasized that, for the first time, capital will be made available for high-risk, high-impact research projects, and reaffirmed that the government is “building a modern innovation ecosystem” by easing financial rules, procurement norms, and regulatory frameworks to accelerate the journey from lab to market. He also referred to the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to expand research and innovation across Indian universities. India’s Innovation Momentum PM Modi highlighted India’s transformation into a global innovation hub — noting that R&D spending has doubled in the past decade, patent registrations have risen 17-fold, and India now ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Over 6,000 deep-tech startups are driving progress in areas such as clean energy, materials science, and semiconductors, while India’s bio-economy has grown from $10 billion in 2014 to $140 billion today. He said, “India is no longer a consumer of technology — it is a driver of technological transformation,” citing the nation’s indigenous vaccine success during the COVID-19 pandemic and the reach of its Digital Public Infrastructure, which connects over two lakh gram panchayats with optical fibre. Empowering Women in Science Highlighting inclusive innovation, the Prime Minister celebrated the rising participation of women in STEM. He noted that women now make up 43% of STEM students in India — above the global average — and that annual patent filings by women have increased from fewer than 100 to over 5,000. He added that Indian women scientists are now at the forefront of space research and innovation. Encouraging the Next Generation PM Modi underscored the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity among youth. Recalling the public excitement around Chandrayaan and the recent Indian space station mission, he said these moments have inspired young minds to explore science. He announced plans to expand Atal Tinkering Labs from 10,000 to 25,000 labs, giving over one crore students a platform for hands-on innovation. The Prime Minister also shared that 10,000 new research fellowships will be awarded over the next five years under the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship to further empower young scientists. India’s Vision for Ethical AI and Future Technologies Speaking about the future of emerging technologies, PM Modi stressed that science and technology must remain ethical, inclusive, and human-centric. He cited the India AI Mission, with an investment of ₹10,000 crore, aimed at making AI accessible and beneficial for all. He also announced that India will host the Global AI Summit in February 2026, focusing on inclusive and safe AI governance. Calling for innovation in critical areas such as nutrition security, biofortified crops, clean energy storage, bio-fertilisers, and genomic medicine, the Prime Minister urged scientists to work towards achieving self-reliance in key inputs and technologies. Concluding his address, PM Modi invoked the spirit of “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”, reaffirming the government’s full support for researchers and innovators. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of ESTIC 2025 will chart a new roadmap for India’s scientific and technological future. Source: PIB

PM Modi Unveils ₹1 Lakh Crore R&D Fund, Calls for Ethical and Inclusive Innovation at ESTIC 2025 Read More »

India’s Digital Trust Revolution: National Blockchain Framework Redefines Governance

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In the backdrop of India’s fast-evolving digital ecosystem, a quiet yet powerful transformation is underway—rooted not in additional red tape, but in a foundation of trust. The National Blockchain Framework (NBF), introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in September 2024 with an outlay of ₹64.76 crore, represents India’s strategic push toward embedding transparency, integrity, and accountability within digital governance. For decades, governance in India operated through siloed databases and hierarchical permissions, often slowing down service delivery and leaving room for inefficiencies or manipulation. The NBF signals a fundamental shift—from centralized control to decentralized validation, leveraging blockchain’s core principles of immutability, shared ledgers, and trust-by-design systems. At its core, the framework is powered by the Vishvasya Blockchain Stack—a homegrown, modular “Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)” platform managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The stack operates across data centers in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad, forming the technological backbone of this nationwide initiative. Complementing it are two crucial components: NBFLite, a sandbox environment fostering innovation by allowing startups, researchers, and educational institutions to experiment with blockchain-based solutions. Praamaanik, a blockchain-enabled verification tool ensuring mobile applications’ authenticity. The results, even at this early stage, are impressive. As of October 21, 2025, over 34 crore documents have been verified using the platform—spanning property records, judiciary databases, logistics systems, and educational certificates. What began as an ambitious architectural blueprint has swiftly evolved into a functional ecosystem delivering real-world trust and efficiency. For citizens, this translates to instant verification and reduced dependency on intermediaries. For governments, it ensures secure, auditable processes resistant to tampering. For businesses, it creates a transparent environment that enhances compliance and confidence. Collectively, it strengthens India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, by nurturing indigenous technology and reducing reliance on external blockchain systems. However, this transformation isn’t without hurdles. Integrating blockchain across diverse state systems and departments demands continuous skill-building, harmonization of legal frameworks, and alignment between policy and technology. Equally vital is citizen awareness—without which digital trust cannot fully take root. Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that “Digital India is an empowered India,” the NBF stands as more than an infrastructure project—it’s a reimagination of governance built on verified truth and transparency. As the framework expands, India is poised to witness governance that’s faster, verifiable, citizen-driven, and inherently trustworthy—anchored by a digital backbone designed for trust. Source: DD News

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India Post to Resume All Postal Services to the U.S. from October 15

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The Department of Posts has announced that all categories of international postal services to the United States will resume from October 15, marking the end of a nearly two-month suspension. Postal operations to the U.S. were halted on August 22 due to new regulatory changes introduced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under Executive Order 14324, which removed de minimis exemptions and required new duty collection procedures. Following extensive technical upgrades, trial runs, and coordination with CBP-approved Qualified Parties, India Post has now implemented a Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) system. This mechanism ensures that customs duties are collected upfront in India during booking, streamlining the process and allowing packages to reach recipients in the U.S. without any additional charges or delays at customs. As per CBP’s updated guidelines, all postal consignments from India to the U.S. will now be subject to a flat customs duty of 50% on the declared FOB (Free on Board) value. However, postal exports will remain exempt from base or product-specific tariffs typically applicable to courier or commercial shipments. This simplified structure aims to benefit MSMEs, artisans, small traders, and e-commerce exporters, making postal exports a more affordable and efficient option for cross-border trade. Notably, India Post will not charge any extra service fees for the DDP process or Qualified Party facilitation. Existing postal rates remain unchanged, preserving the cost advantage for exporters. Customers can now send EMS, Air Parcels, Registered Letters/Packets, and Tracked Packets to the U.S. through any Post Office, International Business Centre (IBC), Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK), or via the official website www.indiapost.gov.in. Source: DD News

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