Category Archives: Technology

AI‑Enabled Surveillance Now Active at 1,874 Railway Stations to Boost Passenger Safety

New Delhi, Apr 8: In a major step toward enhancing passenger safety across the nation, 1,874 railway stations in India have been equipped with AI‑powered video surveillance systems, officials announced on Wednesday. The upgraded system uses advanced technology to monitor activity in real time and support faster responses to potential threats or emergencies.

The new video cover initiative integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with existing CCTV networks to automatically detect unusual behavior, unattended objects, crowd build‑ups, and other safety risks. By analyzing video feeds intelligently, the system can alert authorities promptly, helping railway staff and security personnel act swiftly to protect passengers and infrastructure.

Railway officials say the AI‑enabled cameras are already starting to make a difference in reducing blind spots and improving overall vigilance at stations. The technology is designed to complement existing security arrangements and support human teams rather than replace them, strengthening the railways’ ability to ensure safe and secure journeys for millions of travellers every day.

In addition to surveillance upgrades, the Railways are also training staff to make the most of the new system — from recognizing alerts to coordinating with local law enforcement when needed. This focus on both technology and training reflects a broader commitment to passenger care and risk management across India’s vast rail network.

Passengers can expect quieter, more comfortable travel experiences as technology plays a bigger role in safeguarding their journeys. The Railway Ministry said it will continue rolling out AI‑based systems to more stations over time, aiming for a smarter, safer, and more secure rail network.

New GeoTech Centre to Strengthen Maharashtra’s Disaster Response

Apr 8: At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the state gave approval for setting up the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeoTech). This new centre will use modern geospatial technology to support better planning, monitor environmental changes, and improve response during emergencies.

In addition, a resilience programme has also been cleared to enhance the state’s readiness for natural disasters and climate-related challenges. The programme will focus on improving coordination between departments and ensuring quicker, more effective action during crises.

Officials believe that these initiatives will help the government make more informed decisions and respond faster in critical situations. For the people of Maharashtra, this means improved safety, better planning, and stronger support during emergencies.

Overall, the move reflects the government’s growing focus on using technology to build a safer, more prepared, and future-ready state.

Smart Tech Boost for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains in Northeast

Apr 8: In a step towards modernizing railway operations, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced advanced technology to maintain Vande Bharat Sleeper trains more efficiently.

The new system is designed to closely monitor the condition of trains, helping engineers detect issues early and carry out timely maintenance. This not only improves the overall performance of the trains but also ensures a smoother and safer journey for passengers.

With the introduction of these modern tools, routine checks are becoming faster and more accurate. Railway officials say this will reduce delays caused by technical problems and improve the reliability of services.

For passengers, this means greater comfort and peace of mind while travelling on Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Clean, well-maintained coaches and fewer disruptions are expected to enhance the overall travel experience.

The move reflects Indian Railways’ growing focus on using smart technology to deliver better, more dependable services, while keeping passenger safety and convenience at the centre of its efforts.

Call SKY: Skyscanner Launches Fan Hotline for Cricket Match Travel Tips

India, Apr 08: Leading global travel app Skyscanner today launched ‘Hotline to SKY’, a first-of-its-kind travel helpline offering cricket fans travel tips and hacks directly from brand ambassador, Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav as they plan their match-day journeys. Blending cricket fandom with travel inspiration, the campaign invites fans to call a dedicated number for simple and smart ways to plan trips around upcoming cricket matches.

About ‘Hotline to SKY’

To spark curiosity, Skyscanner has rolled out a series of billboards across high-footfall locations in Delhi and Mumbai featuring a simple yet compelling prompt. Designed for instant engagement, the campaign turns a moment of curiosity into a real-time travel planning experience.

Once dialled in, callers are greeted by the voice of SKY, who responds to common cricket-related travel questions through a series of short, conversational voice notes. From navigating last-minute travel plans and finding cost-effective options, to building extended match-day itineraries, SKY shares practical advice alongside personal insights, including how he stays composed under pressure and his match-day mindset. The experience is powered by Skyscanner’s key features and expert travel hacks, including Price Alerts and its Calendar view search, helping fans plan more efficiently and make the most of their journeys. Through this, Skyscanner brings fans closer to the game while enabling smarter, more seamless travel planning around cricket.

Inside the Cricket Travel Boom: Key Trends

Travel demand took off following the announcement of the first phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) fixtures on 11 March, with Skyscanner recording a surge in domestic flight searches through to 12 April as fans geared up for the season. In the run-up to the opening clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), searches for the weekend of 27–30 March climbed 45% YoY (year-on-year), signalling early excitement. Mumbai quickly became the top trending destination for that weekend, driven by the face-off between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Momentum continued into April, with the ever-popular rivalry between RCB and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Bengaluru sparking a 56% YoY jump in searches for the weekend of 3–6 April, highlighting how fixture drops could potentially be triggering spikes in travel demand, among Indians.

Commenting on the campaign, Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, shared, “Cricket has always had an unmatched hold on Indian audiences, and following the game on the road is just as much a part of that passion. We’re seeing fans plan entire trips around match schedules, navigating last-minute bookings, cross-city journeys, and peak travel windows. With ‘Hotline to SKY,’ Skyscanner is simplifying this process through its features, such as Price Alerts, Whole Month, and flexible search filters, helping users make more informed decisions with greater control. And with SKY lending his voice, we’re bringing a perspective that cricket fans across India instinctively trust, combining real-time insights with guidance that’s as familiar as it is useful, so travellers can stay one step ahead.”

Sharing his experience, Suryakumar Yadav, Skyscanner Brand Ambassador, said, “Being part of ‘Hotline to SKY’ has been special for me. As cricketers, we always feel the energy of fans in the stands, but this was a chance to be part of their journey in a different way, as they travel to support the teams they love. Recording these messages made me think through real travel situations fans face, and I’m proud to be able to share helpful tips via Skyscanner’s features, tools, and hacks, that make their experience smoother. I encourage everyone to pick up the phone and dial in to the hotline to not only get some travel planning tips but also hear some of my personal takes.”

Cricket trips aren’t just about the match anymore; they’ve become mini getaways. Fans are using these moments to explore new cities, discover great local food, and soak in the buzz of match day alongside fellow supporters from all over the world. Skyscanner tapped into this shift through its ‘Pitch Perfect Journeys’ campaign last year, which revealed that while 80% of fans were excited to travel for their favourite IPL teams, more than half were turning it into a longer break, adding a few extra days to enjoy the destination.

Building on this, through the ‘Hotline to SKY’ campaign, Skyscanner continues to deepen its understanding of real traveller needs, offering meaningful support shaped by real-life experiences. By staying close to what fans encounter on their journeys, Skyscanner remains focused on making travel planning simpler, so fans can focus on what truly matters, blending the thrill of the game with the joy of discovering something new.

Samsung Brings Al, Coding Skills to 1,000 Students in First Major Maharashtra Skilling Initiative

Delhi,  Apr 07: Samsung Electronics, India’s leading consumer electronics brand, has successfully certified 1,000 students in Maharashtra under its flagship CSR initiative, Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), marking a major milestone in strengthening the state’s digital skilling ecosystem.

 This achievement represents the first large-scale certification rollout of the programme in Maharashtra, with students trained in key future technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Coding & Programming—critical pillars of the digital economy.

A total of:

• 127 students from Savitribai Phule Pune University
• 373 students from Pimpri Chinchwad University
• 250 students from D. Y. Patil University’s Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology
• 250 students from Anjuman-I-Islam’s Kalsekar Technical Campus

successfully completed the programme, gaining hands-on, industry-relevant skills to solve real-world challenges.

Building Future-Ready Talent

Beyond technical training, the programme integrates soft skills development and career readiness modules, ensuring participants are both job-ready and future-ready. This holistic approach aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and evolving industry expectations.

Marking 30 years of operations in India, Samsung continues to reinforce its commitment to digital inclusion and education.

Shubham Mukherjee, Head CSR & Corporate Communications, Samsung Southwest Asia, said,

“India’s digital growth will be driven by the strength of its talent pipeline. Programmes like Innovation Campus go beyond education—they build real-world capability by combining deep tech learning with employability and problem-solving skills.”

Expanding Nationwide Impact

Launched in India in 2022, Samsung Innovation Campus focuses on democratizing access to future-tech education through a blend of classroom learning, mentorship, and project-based application.

The programme has:

• Trained 20,000 youth across India in 2025
• Achieved 48% women participation nationwide
• Expanded its footprint across multiple regions

The initiative is implemented in collaboration with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India and Telecom Sector Skill Council.

Alongside flagship programmes like Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST, the initiative continues to nurture a new generation of innovators equipped with technical expertise and a future-ready mindset.

Odisha Cabinet Approves ₹929.96 Crore Redevelopment of VSSUT

The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved a redevelopment project worth ₹929.96 crore for Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology in Burla.

The project aims to upgrade the university’s infrastructure and strengthen technical education in the state. As part of the plan, new academic blocks, advanced laboratories, and improved hostel facilities will be developed across the campus.

The redevelopment is expected to benefit more than 10,000 students by providing better learning, research, and residential facilities. Officials said the initiative will enhance the overall academic environment and support the growing demand for quality technical education.

The decision is seen as a key step toward improving higher education infrastructure in Odisha and supporting the state’s long-term development goals.

AAEON Bring Live Demos, New Products, and More to Japan IT Week at Embedded, Edge & IoT Development Expo Tokyo

Join AAEON at Booth #W22-22 of Tokyo Big Sight, West Hall 3 from April 8 – 10, 2026.

Taipei, Taiwan – Apr 07: AAEON (Stock Code: 6579), a leading provider of advanced industrial robotics and edge AI platforms, will present a range of new product demonstrations at the Embedded, Edge & IoT Development Expo, held as part of Japan IT Week (Spring).

Date: April 8, 2026 – April 10, 2026

Booth: #W22-22

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, West Hall 3 (3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan 135-0063)

Japan’s largest tradeshow dedicated to IT and digital transformation, the exhibition is an indispensable fixture in the calendar of industry pioneers in the Japanese market, who are provided a wealth of product demonstrations and opportunities to discover new ways to optimize their business operations through the integration of edge computing solutions.

At booth #W22-22, AAEON will present a variety of live demonstrations focused on the core themes of robotics and edge AI, showcasing how its scalable AI platforms are able to accelerate the development of intelligent systems across industries.

Among its most anticipated demonstrations will be an intelligent frozen food vending machine controlled by a MediaTek Genio 510-powered custom AAEON Pico-ITX motherboard. Meanwhile, AAEON’s UP Xtreme ARL, powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 2 Processors (formerly Arrow Lake), will be deployed alongside MIPI cameras as part of a versatile AI vision monitoring application. Utilizing the Intel® Core™ Ultra processor platform’s integrated CPU, GPU, and NPU in conjunction with the board’s MIPI camera support, this demonstration illustrates how power-efficient, fully embedded platforms can be used for applications such as access control and contactless health monitoring.

Also on show will be the BOXER-8645AI, powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin module, which will be deployed as part of an object recognition application. AAEON notes that this solution is one that is already being used in the smart agriculture sphere.

In addition to its live demonstrations, the event will also feature a broad range of new and upcoming static product showcases featuring the most advanced technologies from leading providers, including NVIDIA and Intel. One such example will be the BOXER-8741AI, built on NVIDIA Jetson T5000 module demonstrating AAEON’s technological breakthroughs in providing advanced platforms for humanoid robotics. Meanwhile, AAEON will present a number of boards and systems equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (formerly Panther Lake) platform. One such product, the MIX-PTLWV1 Mini-ITX motherboard, will also be used as part of a live demonstration.

AAEON invites all interested parties to join them at Booth #W22-22, where attendees can discuss their needs and discover how best to integrate embedded solutions to their projects.

IInvenTiv 2026 Opens at IIT Dhanbad, Driving India’s Innovation Pipeline to Bharat Innovates 2026

Apr 07: In a major step towards positioning India’s innovations on the global stage, IInvenTiv 2026 commenced at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad as a key national feeder platform to Bharat Innovates 2026, setting in motion a powerful ecosystem to transform research into scalable, market-ready technologies. The flagship R&D fair brings together top academic leaders, industry experts, startups, and investors to create a seamless pathway from Indian laboratories to global deployment.

 Aligned with national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, the event reflects India’s growing ambition to become a global hub of deep-tech innovation. By linking domestic innovation platforms with Bharat Innovates 2026, IInvenTiv is enabling structured pathways for global partnerships, capital access, and international market integration.

The formal inaugural session was graced by the Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, who inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest, in the presence of distinguished Guests of Honour including Shri Athar Shahab, Managing Director, Zuari Industries Limited; Ms. Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder, ReNew; Shri Sandeep Kumar, Vice President, Tata Steel; and Dr. Sunil K. Barnwal (IAS), CEO, National Health Authority. The dignitaries collectively emphasized the importance of innovation-led growth, sustainability, and strong industry- academia linkages in shaping India’s technological future. 

The inaugural day also featured a high-level Roundtable on Research, Development and Innovation (RDI), bringing together leading academic figures including Prof. Sukumar Mishra (Director, IIT ISM Dhanbad) along with Directors of IITs, NITs, and premier institutions, alongside industry leaders and venture capitalists. The discussions focused on scaling innovation in strategic sectors, building robust commercialization pipelines, and accelerating the transition of research into deployable technologies.

Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, said:

“IInvenTiv 2026 reflects our commitment to transforming research into real-world impact. By bringing together academia, industry, startups, and investors, we are building a seamless pipeline where innovations can be validated, scaled, and taken to the global stage through Bharat Innovates 2026.”

In his address, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor of Jharkhand, described IInvenTiv 2026 as a transformative platform shaping India’s innovation-driven future. Recalling India’s legacy as a global knowledge leader, he emphasized the need to convert research into societal solutions and enterprise, and highlighted advancements across AI, healthcare, semiconductors, and materials. He underscored national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and NEP 2020, urging youth to innovate with discipline and vision towards a developed India by 2047.

Ms. Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Co-Founder, ReNew, termed IInvenTiv 2026 as a reflection of New India’s intellectual ambition, noting that innovation is now a necessity amid climate and technological transitions. She highlighted India’s rapid progress in clean energy and emphasized that the ReNew Centre of Excellence will play a key role in skilling, inclusion, and enabling a just energy transition, particularly in coal-bearing regions.

Shri Sandeep Kumar, Vice President, Tata Steel, described IIT (ISM) as a cradle of innovation, stressing that curiosity-driven thinking is the foundation of progress. He highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in driving meaningful R&D, and encouraged students and researchers to pursue bold ideas that can translate into scalable industrial solutions.

Dr. Shirshendu Mukherjee, Managing Director, Wadhwani Innovation Network, emphasized that true progress lies in translating science into societal impact. He noted that the Wadhwani Centre of Excellence will act as a bridge between research, industry, and national capability, fostering a systems-driven approach to innovation, skilling, and entrepreneurship.

Shri Athar Shahab, Managing Director, Zuari Industries Limited, highlighted India’s dependence on imported industrial technologies and stressed the need for indigenous innovation and manufacturing capabilities. He called for deeper collaboration between academia and industry to create self-reliant, innovation-driven industrial ecosystems.

Dr. Sunil K. Barnwal, CEO, National Health Authority, spoke about India’s strong digital health foundation under Ayushman Bharat and the Ayushman Digital Mission, highlighting the potential of AI-driven predictive and preventive healthcare. He emphasized that innovation built on digital public infrastructure can enable a connected, intelligent healthcare system for the future.

Centres of Excellence Inaugurated

A major highlight of the inaugural day was the inauguration of two key Centres of Excellence. The ReNew Centre of Excellence is focused on enabling a coal-to-green transition, providing skilling opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for communities dependent on coal-based economies.

The Wadhwani Innovation Network Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals, backed by significant investment, aims to drive research, innovation, and capacity building across the critical minerals value chain, strengthening India’s capabilities in clean energy technologies, advanced manufacturing, and strategic resources. Both centres reflect a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and future-ready innovation ecosystems.

Technology Demonstration and Innovation Showcase

The event also witnessed the unveiling of Technology Demonstration Zones, showcasing over 150 innovations across sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, healthcare, semiconductor technology, materials science, and earth sciences—demonstrating India’s growing strength in deep-tech innovation and readiness for global scaling.

Plenary Session 1 (Day 1): Semiconductor Technology and Chip Design

The first plenary session focused on semiconductor technology and chip design, moderated by Prof. Devendra Jalihal (Director, IIT Guwahati). Speakers including Prof. V. Kamakoti, Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Shri Raghu Panicker, and Dr. Wasi Uddin deliberated on building a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem, emphasizing indigenous capabilities, policy support, talent development, and integration into global supply chains.

Plenary Session 2 (Day 1): Artificial Intelligence

Moderated by Prof. T. N. Singh (Director, IIT Patna), this session brought together leading voices from academia, industry, and investment. The panel deliberated on scaling AI innovations, highlighting applications in infrastructure, energy, and digital systems, while stressing the importance of ethical AI, data governance, and investment frameworks.

Plenary Session 3 (Day 1): Material Sciences

The session on material sciences, moderated by Prof. Amit Patra, explored next-generation materials and their industrial applications. Experts emphasized the need for global collaboration, commercialization pathways, and sustainable material innovations to support sectors such as clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Plenary Session 4 (Day 1): Healthcare Innovations

Moderated by Prof. Suman Chakraborty, this session focused on healthcare and life sciences innovations, with discussions on digital health ecosystems, biotech advancements, and scalable healthcare delivery models. The integration of public digital infrastructure with innovation ecosystems emerged as a key theme.

Plenary Session 5 (Day 1): Earth Sciences

The final plenary session, moderated by Prof. Sukumar Mishra, highlighted sustainable mining, advanced exploration technologies, and resource management strategies. Experts emphasized balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, supported by technology and policy innovation.

 The day concluded with a fireside chat with venture capitalists, offering insights into investment trends, startup scaling strategies, and global market integration.

On the concluding day (Day 2), the programme will feature academia-to-business (A2B) matchmaking and startup pitching sessions, which will deliberate on bridging innovation with industry adoption and investment opportunities. Expert sessions on innovation ecosystems and digital public infrastructure will further enrich the discourse, followed by a concluding session outlining the roadmap ahead.

 As a strategic precursor to Bharat Innovates 2026, IInvenTiv 2026 is poised to identify and elevate India’s most promising innovations to the global stage, reinforcing the country’s emergence as a leader in deep-tech innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

 

Onix Expands Google Cloud Partnership to Accelerate Enterprise AI & Data Transformation

ANA Names “Authenticity” and “Agentic AI” as 2026 Words of the Year

Apr 04: The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has announced its annual Word of the Year, selecting two terms for the first time: “authenticity” and “agentic AI.” The dual selection reflects a rapidly evolving marketing landscape shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence and a growing consumer demand for transparency.

The ANA’s announcement highlights the tension between innovation and trust, as brands increasingly adopt AI-driven tools while navigating heightened consumer skepticism around digital content.

“In recent years, consumers have seen this technology evolve in real time—with increasingly sophisticated AI-generated content infiltrating television, social media, and other platforms,” said Colleen Kirk, Professor of Marketing and Management at the New York Institute of Technology. “However, at the end of the day, people still crave real connection and transparency. Brands must strike a balance between leveraging AI and engaging consumers in ways that feel genuine.”

Kirk’s research, published in the Journal of Business Research, underscores the potential risks of using AI-generated emotional content in marketing. The findings indicate that such content may negatively impact brand perception and weaken consumer relationships if not handled transparently.

The study emphasizes the importance of clear disclosure when using AI in communications, urging companies to prioritize authenticity in their engagement strategies.

Brands are already beginning to adapt. For instance, Coca-Cola faced consumer backlash over its AI-generated holiday advertisements in 2024. However, recent campaigns have shown improvement, resonating more effectively with audiences by incorporating AI-generated animals instead of humans and emphasizing the role of human creativity in the process.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical about the human origin of advertisements and marketing messages,” Kirk added. “While AI tools offer an exciting frontier for marketers, a time-tested principle remains true—authenticity is always best.”

As AI continues to reshape the marketing ecosystem, the ANA’s recognition of these two defining terms signals a clear message to brands: innovation must go hand in hand with trust, transparency, and genuine human connection.