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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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Education Ministry Urges Schools to Adopt UPI for Fee Payments Under Digital Transformation Drive

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In a major push toward digital governance, the Union Ministry of Education has urged states and educational bodies to integrate the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system for school fee collection. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and simplify the payment process for parents. In an official communication, the Department of School Education and Literacy advised states and affiliated institutions to adopt secure digital payment systems such as UPI, mobile wallets, and internet banking. This reform is part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda in the education sector, ensuring smoother administrative operations and reducing dependency on cash transactions. The directive also extends to national education bodies, including the CBSE, NCERT, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), encouraging them to implement digital platforms for admission and examination fee submissions. According to the ministry, transitioning to digital payments brings multiple benefits—parents can pay from the comfort of their homes, ensuring greater convenience and transparency in transactions. The move is also expected to foster financial literacy among stakeholders and strengthen the culture of digital payments in educational institutions. The Education Ministry emphasized that this step marks a key milestone in aligning school-level administration with India’s vision of a digitally empowered society. Source: PTI

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PM Modi: ‘Bharatiya Model’ Driving Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday endorsed an article by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, which underlined how the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” is shaping India’s development journey. Mandaviya’s piece described how governance reforms have transformed lives — electricity is now a basic facility rather than a luxury, welfare schemes are delivered directly to beneficiaries, and infrastructure planning is powered by digital platforms. Sharing the article on X, PM Modi said, “This Bharatiya Model, first tested in Gujarat and later implemented nationwide, has carried governance to the grassroots, ensuring promises translate into delivery. It is paving the way for Viksit Bharat by 2047.” In another post, PM Modi hailed Indian chess star Vaishali Rameshbabu for defending her FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The victory also secured her a spot in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Calling her success an “outstanding accomplishment,” the Prime Minister lauded Vaishali’s dedication and wished her success in upcoming challenges. Vaishali scored 8 points in 11 rounds, edging past Kateryna Lagno on tie-breaks to claim the crown. With this, she became the third Indian woman to qualify for next year’s Candidates tournament, joining Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. The achievement adds to a landmark year for Indian women’s chess. For Vaishali, it also marks a strong comeback after recent setbacks, including modest results in events like the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, Norway Chess Women’s Tournament, Women’s Grand Prix (Austria & Pune), and the Tata Steel Women’s Challengers. Source: DD News Photo Credit: PTI

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India Posts 7.8% Growth in April–June, Services and Manufacturing Fuel Expansion

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India’s economy surged 7.8% in the April–June quarter of FY 2025-26, outpacing expectations and reinforcing its status as the fastest-growing major economy worldwide. Robust demand, thriving services, and steady manufacturing are driving the momentum, placing the nation firmly on track to achieve a projected $7.3 trillion GDP by 2030 and secure its spot as the third-largest global economy. Broad-based growth across sectors India’s real GDP for Q1 FY26 stood at ₹47.89 lakh crore, up from ₹44.42 lakh crore last year, marking a significant improvement from the 6.5% growth recorded in the same period of 2024-25. On the supply side, agriculture grew 3.7% on the back of strong monsoons, manufacturing expanded 7.7%, construction advanced 7.6%, while services surged 9.3%. Gross Value Added (GVA) rose 7.6%, underscoring a widespread economic rebound. Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur highlighted that growth is anchored in “strong fundamentals and resilient domestic demand,” citing steady gains across all key sectors. Services remain the star performer The services sector continued to shine with 9.3% growth, buoyed by trade, transport, hotels, communication, real estate, financial services, and public administration. Private consumption rose 7%, aided by higher employment, easing inflation, and healthier rural demand, while government spending grew nearly 10% in nominal terms. Industrial revival and GST milestone  Industrial activity strengthened, with the Index of Industrial Production rising 3.5% in July, compared to 1.5% in June. Manufacturing led the uptick, particularly in metals, electrical equipment, and mineral products. Meanwhile, GST marked its eighth anniversary in July 2025, with over 1.52 crore active registrations. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka accounted for almost half of total registrations. Women entrepreneurs are becoming increasingly significant, making up 20% of taxpayers, with 14% of firms entirely women-owned. Upcoming GST reforms in October aim to lower essential taxes, simplify compliance for MSMEs, and boost transparency. Investment and foreign inflows Government-led infrastructure spending continues to support growth, with capital outlay reaching ₹10.52 trillion in FY25. Private investment has picked up pace, backed by improved business sentiment and capacity expansion. India attracted $81 billion in foreign inflows in FY25, pushing cumulative FDI since 2000 past $1 trillion. Equity inflows grew 27% year-on-year, while forex reserves remained robust at $695.5 billion in July, briefly crossing the $700 billion mark in June. Inflation relief and jobs boost  Inflation dropped sharply to 1.55% in July 2025, the lowest since 2017, with food inflation turning negative. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra credited healthy harvests and adequate supplies for the moderation, noting stable inflation should further spur demand. The labour market also showed resilience, with unemployment falling to 5.2% in July. Rural unemployment was 4.8%, compared with 6.8% in urban areas. Youth unemployment declined to 10.2%, below the global average. Female labour force participation has doubled over the past six years to 41.7%, signalling a structural shift. Reforms and outlook Government programs such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Digital India, Bharat 6G Vision, PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, and GatiShakti are fuelling manufacturing, digitalisation, and employment. Initiatives in financial inclusion, skilling, and logistics are also strengthening India’s growth base. Global agencies remain optimistic—IMF and UN project over 6% growth in the coming years, while S&P recently upgraded India’s sovereign rating for the first time in 18 years. Looking ahead, India’s economy is poised to cross the $5 trillion threshold by 2027, and $7.3 trillion by 2030. Policymakers will, however, need to balance growth with stability while ensuring inclusive benefits across regions and demographics. Source: DD News 

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Cable TV Operators Seek GST Cut to 5% Amid Rising Costs

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The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to lower the goods and services tax (GST) on cable television services from 18% to 5%, citing mounting financial stress and rising consumer bills. In its appeal, the federation argued that such a move would not only align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for GST reforms but also ensure affordable access to television services for millions of households across India. According to AIDCF, cable TV currently reaches more than 64 million homes and sustains around 1–1.2 million jobs. However, the sector is struggling with steep hikes in broadcaster tariffs, shifting consumer preferences, and growing competition from unregulated OTT platforms. “Satellite channel prices have spiked by nearly 600% in recent years, causing a 35–40% surge in monthly consumer bills. A GST cut would help ease this burden and maintain affordability,” said Manoj P. Chhangani, Secretary General of AIDCF. The federation highlighted that the industry, made up of 852 multi-system operators and about 1.6 lakh local cable operators—most of them small entrepreneurs in towns and villages—is under severe liquidity pressure. A lower GST rate, it said, would help sustain operations, curb subscriber churn, and enable investment in broadband services, complementing the government’s Digital India initiative. Representing over 60% of India’s cable TV market, AIDCF has requested that the demand be considered at the 56th GST Council meeting scheduled for September 3–4 in New Delhi. The council is also reviewing a proposal to simplify the GST structure by merging the current four-tier system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) into two slabs—5% and 18%. Source: Economic Times  

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Gujarat Rolls Out AI Action Plan to Revolutionize Governance by 2030

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The Gujarat government has approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Implementation Action Plan for 2025–2030, signaling a major step toward embedding AI technologies into its governance and public service mechanisms. Endorsed by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the initiative is geared toward enhancing service delivery, optimizing administrative efficiency, and leveraging AI across key sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance. This strategic blueprint, developed by the Department of Science and Technology and shaped by insights from a 10-member AI Taskforce, aligns with national development visions such as Viksit Gujarat@2047 and Viksit Bharat@2047. It also supports the Centre’s push under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to integrate AI into governance, public policy, and digital infrastructure. The five-year roadmap highlights six core areas: Data Security and Compliance: Establishing a trusted, regulation-friendly data environment. Infrastructure Development: Expanding GPU- and cloud-powered digital frameworks, with plans to launch AI factories in smaller cities. Skilling Initiatives: Training 2.5 lakh individuals—including students, MSMEs, and government personnel—in AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies. Research & Industry Collaboration: Fostering academic-industry partnerships to develop real-world AI models tailored for governance. Startup Support: Boosting DeepTech innovation with funding, mentorship, and incubation for startups. Responsible AI: Instituting auditing systems, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines to ensure transparent and secure AI deployment. Implementation will be phased, beginning with the creation of a state-level AI data repository and the establishment of AI development hubs. Pilot programs will be rolled out in select government departments to test and refine AI use cases. To guide the initiative, a dedicated AI and Deep Tech Mission will be established—tasked with overseeing project design, monitoring, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Gujarat has already laid strong groundwork in the AI space, launching an AI Centre of Excellence at GIFT City, organizing capacity-building workshops for civil servants, and initiating efforts to develop Indian language-based AI solutions. The state also conducted an AI Innovation Challenge to source practical AI applications from innovators and entrepreneurs. With this action plan, Gujarat positions itself at the forefront of AI-enabled governance, aiming to create a smarter, more responsive, and future-ready administrative ecosystem. Source: The Hindu Photo Credit: PTI  

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India’s IT Sector Employs Over 6 Million; Govt Unveils Comprehensive AI Strategy

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India’s thriving information technology sector now employs over 6 million professionals and generates annual revenues exceeding $250 billion, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday. Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, shared these insights in a written response to the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the country’s expanding footprint in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). India ranks among the global leaders in AI capabilities, policies, and talent, according to international benchmarks such as the Stanford AI Index. The country also holds the position of the second-largest contributor to GitHub’s AI projects, underscoring its dynamic developer ecosystem. Prasada highlighted that India’s AI strategy is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of democratizing technology. The overarching aim is to solve India-specific challenges while fostering inclusive economic growth and employment opportunities. To achieve these goals, the government launched the IndiaAI Mission in March 2024. This initiative is designed to build a robust and inclusive AI ecosystem aligned with national development priorities. The mission operates under a seven-pillar framework: IndiaAI Compute Capacity – Offers affordable high-performance computing resources (including GPUs) to startups and MSMEs. IndiaAI Foundation Models – Focuses on developing indigenous large multimodal AI models trained on local datasets and languages, ensuring technological sovereignty. AIKosh – A unified platform integrating government and private datasets for training AI systems. IndiaAI Application Development Initiative – Targets the development of AI solutions for Indian challenges in sectors like climate resilience, agriculture, public health, governance, and learning assistance. IndiaAIFutureSkills – Aims to create a large pool of AI talent by expanding graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in AI, while setting up Data and AI Labs in smaller cities. IndiaAI Startup Financing – Provides financial backing to AI-driven startups to scale innovations. Trusted AI – Promotes safe and ethical AI use by embedding governance and accountability into innovation. This holistic approach reflects India’s ambition to emerge as a global powerhouse in AI while ensuring the benefits of technology reach every segment of society. Source: IANS

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Empowering Digital India through Education: Countdown to ArdorComm – Digital Bharat Education Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru

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As India accelerates its journey toward becoming a digitally empowered knowledge economy, education remains the linchpin of this transformation. Against this backdrop, ArdorComm Media Group, one of India’s fastest-growing media organisations, is set to host its National Flagship Event – Digital Bharat Education Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 19th September 2025. With a future-forward theme – Digital India Rising: Transforming Education, Skilling & Employability – the conclave promises to be a high-impact gathering of education stakeholders, tech innovators, government dignitaries, and institutional leaders from across the nation. Why Does This Conclave Matters? India’s Digital Bharat initiatives have dramatically reshaped the way learning is delivered, accessed, and consumed. From remote tribal belts to bustling urban centres, digital technologies are now at the heart of educational outreach. The conclave arrives at a time when the country is witnessing a surge in Education 5.0—an ecosystem where Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), immersive AR/VR experiences, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and data-driven insights are redefining education models. Bengaluru, Karnataka—India’s tech capital—provides the perfect setting for this exchange of ideas. The state’s forward-thinking policies, robust digital infrastructure, and dynamic education ecosystem make it a prime example of how technology can be leveraged to uplift learning outcomes, boost employability, and ensure inclusive education. What to Expect: Key Highlights This one-day conclave is designed as an interactive platform to celebrate, discuss, and design the next leap in Indian education. Here’s what the day entails: Panel Discussions: 6+ engaging sessions featuring experts from academia, government, and industry. 50+ Esteemed Speakers sharing best practices and innovative approaches. Participation from 150+ Higher Education Institutions, 100+ K-12 Schools, 20+ EdTech Corporates. 2+ RoundTable Discussions to deep-dive into policy, technology, and leadership challenges. ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025 to honour institutions and individuals driving change. Who Will Be There? Expect participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including: Government Officials & Policy Makers University Leaders & College Principals EdTech Innovators & Startups HR Professionals from Skill & Employability Sectors K-12 & Preschool Management Bodies Training & Certification Bodies The conclave is a dynamic networking opportunity for changemakers committed to uplifting the Indian education ecosystem. Key Discussion Themes The event will revolve around the following futuristic and inclusive themes: Empowering Students for the Global Stage: Skills for 21st Century Workforce Inclusive Campus in Digital Era: Addressing Digital Divides, Diversifying Curricula Degrees to Skills: Rethinking Higher Education Outcomes for the Future Workforce Education 5.0: Redefining Education by Integrating Immersive & Advanced Technologies Public-Private Partnerships in Education: Institutional Perspectives for Scalable Impact These themes reflect the urgency to not just adapt to change, but lead it. ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025: Honouring the Trailblazers One of the marquee segments of the conclave is the Education Leadership Awards 2025, a prestigious initiative to honour excellence, innovation, and impact in the education and skilling ecosystem. From preschools to universities, from startups to corporate giants—six award segments will celebrate those who’ve truly made a difference: Award Segments: Preschool Awards School Education Awards Higher Education Awards Skills & Training Awards EdTech Startup Awards EdTech Corporate Awards If you or your institution has led by example in advancing education, nominate now: Submit Nomination Why You Should Attend This is not just another event—it’s a collaborative movement towards building an inclusive, tech-driven, and skill-oriented education system for India. Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, institution head, EdTech entrepreneur, or HR professional, DBEC 2025 will help you: Stay ahead of policy and tech trends Connect with India’s top education influencers Showcase your innovations and gain visibility Collaborate for strategic partnerships and investments Celebrate and learn from the best in the sector Conclusion: The Future Is Now The Digital Bharat Education Conclave 2025 is more than just a confluence of thought leaders—it’s a platform to redefine the trajectory of Indian education. In the heart of India’s tech capital, this conclave will set the stage for meaningful dialogues, pathbreaking innovations, and actionable collaborations that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Mark your calendar – 19th September 2025 Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka Theme – Digital India Rising: Transforming Education, Skilling & Employability Let’s come together to celebrate changemakers and shape a digitally empowered future for India’s learners. Stay tuned for updates, speaker announcements, and more. Follow us with hashtags: #DBEC2025 #DBECBengaluru #DigitalBharatEducationConclave

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AP Government to Form Advisory Panel on Good Governance with Experts from IIT Madras, Gates Foundation

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the formation of a 10-member advisory council dedicated to enhancing good governance across the state. The council will include experts from prestigious institutions such as IIT Madras and the Gates Foundation, with a clear mandate to recommend impactful reforms aimed at improving citizen services and transparency. During a high-level review meeting at the State Secretariat focused on the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), Naidu emphasized the need to leverage digital platforms—especially WhatsApp Governance—to deliver government services directly to citizens. He directed officials to bring all digitally available services under WhatsApp Governance by June 12 and to expedite the integration of real-time data systems to support this transformation. “The aim is to reach the last citizen with ease, speed, and accountability,” Naidu said, reiterating his vision for a fully tech-enabled government. Katamaneni Bhasker, Secretary of IT, informed the Chief Minister that while the potential exists to offer over 500 services through WhatsApp Governance, currently only 254 services have been integrated. The department is now aiming to scale this number to over 1,000 in the near future. In a further push for technological innovation, the state is also planning a masterplan for a “drone city” at Orvakallu, with ongoing efforts to position Andhra Pradesh as a hub for emerging tech and smart governance. With initiatives like the advisory council and rapid digital integration, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a frontrunner in citizen-centric governance backed by data, tech, and expert insights.

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Microsoft, Gates Foundation Partner with Maharashtra Government for Digital Governance

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Microsoft and the Gates Foundation have joined forces with the Maharashtra government to establish a digital governance model, focusing on innovation, women empowerment, and sustainable energy. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, along with representatives from the Gates Foundation, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss initiatives, including setting up an Innovation City in Navi Mumbai and empowering 25 lakh women to become self-employed. As part of the collaboration, the Gates Foundation will provide technical and financial support, with Gates assuring the launch of a digital governance pilot project in Gadchiroli district. Additionally, the Foundation will partner with social, government, and corporate organizations to drive sustainable energy initiatives in Maharashtra. Gates emphasized the state’s potential for global scalability, especially in helping farmers access electricity during the day. A key highlight of the discussion was the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to transform 25 lakh women into millionaires. Fadnavis also briefed Gates on Maharashtra’s flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana, under which eligible women will receive ₹1,500 per month through direct benefit transfer (DBT). Gates expressed strong support for digitizing women’s financial transactions, reinforcing his commitment to economic empowerment and financial inclusion. Source: Hindustan Times

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