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Tag: IT Ministry

  • New IT Rules Amendments Aim to Simplify Content Takedown Process in India

    To expedite the process of content removal by digital intermediaries, the IT ministry (MeitY) announced changes to the IT Rules, 2021 on 22 October. The new regulations, known as the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2025, establish senior-level accountability and provide detailed guidelines for removing “illegal” content.

    The revised regulations will take effect on November 15. According to the new regulations, which only apply to Section 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, only specific high-level officials are now authorised to notify intermediaries to remove illegal content. This covers a senior official who holds a position higher than joint secretary. “Adequate government or its agency” was all that was mentioned in the prior version of the IT Rules. A takedown request may be made by a director or an officer of comparable rank acting through a single corresponding officer in the event that there is no joint secretary.

    New IT Rules Put Bigger Scanner on Online Content

    The new guidelines also provide police officers the authority to order takedowns. Social media platforms may receive such notifications from law enforcement agencies through a specifically authorised person who is not less than the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG).

    Additionally, an officer at least as high as the secretary of the relevant department will now periodically evaluate all such removal orders. According to the notification, this procedure was put in place to make sure that these notifications are appropriate, necessary, and compliant with Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act. All such takedown requests must “clearly” state the nature of the illegal act, the particular identification (URL) or other electronic location of the information, and the legal foundation and statutory provision invoked, according to the new standards.

    Weeks after social media site X’s appeal against the Center’s use of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act to prohibit content was purportedly rejected by Karnataka’s high court (HC), the revisions were made. The Centre seems to be simplifying the structure to avoid any legal problems, as the Elon Musk-led platform now intends to contest the decision.

    New Rules Segregate Real from AI Content

    The notification was sent out on the same day that the IT ministry requested public input on changes to the IT Rules, 2021, that would be made to combat deepfakes. The Centre intends to require all online platforms to identify all deepfakes and AI-produced content as “synthetically generated information” in accordance with the draft rules.

    The government also intends to increase the pressure on big social media companies to ask users to confirm whether the stuff they publish is artificially created. Technical mechanisms, such as automated tools, must subsequently be put in place by these platforms to confirm that user assertions about AI-generated material are accurate. Legal repercussions and the loss of safe harbour protections will follow noncompliance with these suggested standards.

    Quick Shots

    •MeitY
    notifies changes to the IT Rules, 2021 to streamline content takedown by
    digital intermediaries.

    •New
    rules take effect from 15 November 2025.

    •Police
    officers, via designated authorities of DIG rank or higher, can also order
    content removal.

    •Department secretaries or
    equivalent will review all takedown orders for appropriateness and
    compliance.

  • India’s Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme Attracts 249 Applications, Signalling Strong Industry Demand

    On October 2, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced that more incentive applications had been submitted to the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) than the Union Cabinet had set as a goal.

    While the aim is just INR 59,350 crore, the IT Ministry has received applications with investment guarantees of INR 1,15,351 crore as of September 30, the deadline for applying for incentives for the majority of items under the ECMS’s purview.

    ECM was Launched to Boost Semiconductor Fabrication in India

    With an INR 22,919 crore investment, the ECMS was introduced in April as an addition to the India Semiconductor Mission. Qualified candidates would get incentive payouts connected to both employment and output.

     The programme was introduced to broaden the value chain of electronics manufacturing in India by promoting the expansion of components other than semiconductor fabrication and completed goods in the country.

    IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed reporters that during the scheme’s six-year duration, we have received output estimates of more than INR 10,34,000 crore, against a production target of INR 4,56,500 crore. We have set a target of 91,600 people for employment; however, the anticipated number of employees is 1.5 times higher, at 141,000 people.

    What will be the Government’s Next Step Now?

    IT Secretary S. Krishnan added that the government will distribute funds in a “first come, first served” manner, with incentive payouts going to approved companies that can grow their businesses and get products onto the market more quickly. The delay is due to the interest in the scheme, which has received 249 applications in total for manufacturing everything from printed circuit boards (PCBs) to so-called “sub-assemblies” in electronic goods.

    For these candidates, scrutiny has begun, and the Ministry will expedite the approval procedure. Vaishnaw stated that some companies had applied for incentives for producing many types of components, which he said the government encouraged, but he declined to name any specific companies that have applied for incentives under this system (or their countries of origin). With 87 applications and 43 applications, respectively, “multi-layer PCBs” and “electro-mechanicals” attracted the most interest. According to the Ministry, “one unnamed company committed around INR 22,000 crore.”

    In reference to the forthcoming second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission, which the government stated is being formulated with an “attractive response from industry”, Vaishnaw stated, “We’re planning to encourage materials also.” In recent months, the government has attempted to broaden the scope of its SOPs to include other value chain segments, such as capital support, semiconductor packaging facilities, and phone assembly units, in the electronics manufacturing industry.

     Due to the time it takes for this specific sector of the business to establish itself, the government is extending the application period for capital goods, or the heavy machinery needed in manufacturing facilities, until April 2027, even though it has finished for almost all other products.

    Quick
    Shots

    •Against a target of INR 59,350 crore,
    total investment proposals reached INR 1,15,351 crore.

    •Scheme launched in April 2025 with a
    budget of INR 22,919 crore to boost domestic component manufacturing.

    •Expected output during the scheme’s
    6-year duration: INR 10.34 lakh crore vs. original target of INR 4.56 lakh
    crore.

    •Employment projection: 1.41 lakh
    jobs, exceeding the target of 91,600 jobs.

  • Arattai Messaging App Explained: What it is, Why the IT Minister is Backing it, and if it Can Replace WhatsApp in India

    The government of India is supporting a new competitor in the texting space. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan promoted Arattai, a native messaging software created by Chennai-based Zoho Corporation, as a WhatsApp substitute that is built in India, to the public recently.

    Pradhan highlighted Arattai’s domestic origins by describing it as “free, easy-to-use, secure, and safe” in a post on the social media platform X. He urged people to support locally produced digital tools to stay in touch with friends, family, and coworkers, tying his suggestion to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swadeshi campaign.

    About Arattai and its Builders

    The app’s name, Arattai, which translates to “casual chat” in Tamil, alludes to its primary goal of simplifying and enhancing daily communication. In addition to making audio and video calls, users may create stories, manage channels, and share text messages, photos, videos, and documents.

    The platform is a flexible choice for both personal and professional use since it allows businesses to reach audiences through content-sharing features. Arattai was created with user privacy in mind and now provides end-to-end encrypted communications, which protect audio and video chats from prying eyes.

    The app, which enables users to stay connected while promoting local innovation, is a component of Zoho’s larger aim to offer Indian substitutes for international digital products. Now for the parent business, Zoho Corporation, which was established in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas, is a well-established player in the software industry.

    The company, which has its headquarters in Chennai, provides more than 55 business apps, including those for project management, email, CRM, HR, and accounting. With over 130 million users in 150 countries, Zoho’s clientele includes multinational powerhouses like Amazon, Netflix, Deloitte, Puma, Toyota, Sony, and L’Oréal. Its goal to compete globally while maintaining strong domestic ties is reflected in its motto, “Made in India.” Made for the world.”

    Is it Potent Enough to Challenge WhatsApp?

    Arattai is not yet prepared to completely compete with WhatsApp, despite its increasing popularity and positive ratings. The absence of end-to-end encryption for messages is a significant drawback. A security measure called end-to-end encryption makes sure that only the sender and the recipient may read the messages. The content is inaccessible even to the service provider. It guards against hackers, spying, and unauthorised access to private and business communications.

    Arattai does provide encrypted calls, but communications are still susceptible, which may worry consumers who value their privacy. Arattai is currently unable to provide the same degree of privacy protection that users anticipate from WhatsApp due to the lack of end-to-end encryption for messages. The government’s larger effort to promote the adoption of domestic technology is also reflected in the promotion of Arattai.

    Ministers are promoting Indian-made platforms in an effort to foster local innovation and lessen dependency on multinational behemoths. Arattai is currently establishing itself as a domestic substitute with potential for expansion. Zoho might be the app that revolutionises casual chat for millions of Indians if it can close important security flaws and keep adding new features.

    Quick
    Shots

    •The name Arattai means “casual chat”
    in Tamil, and the app supports texting, voice & video calls, stories,
    channels, and media sharing.

    •It offers end-to-end encryption for
    calls but not yet for messages, which is a key privacy drawback compared to
    WhatsApp.

    •Arattai is part of Zoho’s mission to
    create Indian alternatives to global digital platforms and aligns with the
    ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Digital India’ vision.

    •With continued development, Arattai
    could become a leading Indian messaging platform for both personal and
    professional use.

     

  • Government to Acquire 14,000 More GPUs, Announces IT Minister

    According to reports, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of information technology, stated that the government is prepared to acquire 14,000 more graphics processing units (GPUs) as part of the IndiaAI Mission.

    Vaishnaw stated that the ministry’s goal in the initial round was to make 10,000 GPUs accessible to everyone. Therefore, the ministry obtained 18,000 GPUs in the first round alone, exceeding the 10,000 GPU target, and is now on the verge of receiving an additional 14,000 GPUs. That’s a significant amount, then.

    This will be on top of the 18,000 GPUs that the Centre has already purchased in recent months. The government invited bidders to submit GPUs for the shared computing facility in January of this year, including CMS Computers, Jio Platforms, Tata Communications, E2E Networks, and Yotta Data Services.

    Vaishnaw had previously stated that this computer centre will be the “most affordable” in the world, with an hourly rate of less than $1. It is important to remember that the government will pay 40% of the cost of the AI compute pricing.

    India Building an Ingenious AI Infrastructure  

    According to reports, Vaishnaw stated, “This is a big change, and AI is here for good,” when speaking at the CII Business Summit 2025.

    The minister emphasised the significance of an indigenous large language model (LLM) and stated that the nation will soon have AI models that are created and trained using Indian data, which includes societal norms, nuances, languages, and culture.

     The Centre is currently in the advanced phases of accepting three to four applications for the AI model being developed by SarvamAI, Vaishnaw added in reference to the initiative to establish an indigenous LLM.

    According to Vaishnaw, the IT Ministry has started working on developing models. Sarvam is working on one of the first ones, and there are currently three to four applications in the advanced stage of approval.

    As part of this process, the ministry is also utilising shared datasets to enable individuals to create their own applications that are beneficial to them, whether they are in the industrial, healthcare, or agricultural sectors.

    Highlighting India’s Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Goals

    It is important to remember that SarvamAI was chosen from the initial group of candidates to develop the domestic AI model as part of the INR 10,371.92 Cr IndiaAI initiative. According to reports, he also mentioned that the government wants to “democratise” access to AI and have the nation ready for a swift technological revolution.

    Vaishnaw also reaffirmed that later this year, a local factory will produce India’s first semiconductor chip, which will have a size range of 28 to 90 nanometres (nm). Six fabrication units are currently being built, Vaishnaw continued. It is anticipated that the first Made in India chip would be released this year. “We initiated this journey in 2022, and the progress has been steady,” he stated.

    The minister explained that the government took a “focused approach” by focusing on a certain market sector that accounts for 60% of the world’s semiconductor demand, which is why it chose to target the 28 to 90 nm region. Chips in this category are utilised in power equipment, telecommunications, and automotive systems.

  • New Aadhaar App Released: No Need for Physical Copies as it Comes With Face ID Authentication

    The Centre on 8 April unveiled a new Aadhaar app that enables users to digitally verify and share their Aadhaar details, marking a significant advancement in digital convenience and privacy. Thus, there is no longer a need to provide photocopies or carry actual cards. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Electronics and IT, formally unveiled the app in the nation’s capital. The minister emphasised the value of digital innovation and said the app was an attempt to make Aadhaar authentication quicker, simpler, and more secure.

    New Features will Make Life Easier for Card Holders

    In a video message shared on the social media site X, Vaishnaw claimed that the new Face ID authentication feature of the Aadhaar App will eliminate the need for cardholders to carry a physical card or a photocopy. He went on to say that the app gives users the ability to securely transmit only the information that is required and only with their permission. Users now have total control over their personal information and can share only the information that is required with a single tap, he continued. Face ID identification is one of the app’s most notable features; it improves security and streamlines verification. Similar to making a UPI payment, a QR code scan can now be used to verify an Aadhaar account. The minister further explained on X that Aadhaar verification is as easy as using UPI to make a payment. Now, users may securely communicate and digitally validate their Aadhaar information. People will no longer have to present paper copies of their Aadhaar cards at airports, hotels, stores, or other verification locations thanks to this new method.

    The App Guarded with Strong Security Features

    Strong privacy measures have been incorporated into the design of the software, which is presently under beta testing. It guarantees that Aadhaar information cannot be altered, tampered with, or exploited. Only with the user’s consent is information securely shared. Vaishnaw underlined the importance of AI and digital public infrastructure (DPI) in forming India’s digital future while referring to Aadhaar as the “aadhaar” (basis) of numerous government programmes. He asked interested parties to offer ideas on how to combine DPI and artificial intelligence (AI) to spur additional growth, with privacy at the centre.

    ChatGPT Creates Fake Adhaar and PAN Cards

    For Indian citizens, Aadhaar cards—issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)—are an essential form of identification. However, with OpenAI’s introduction of GPT-4o’s picture-generating feature, this once-secure document is now up against an unexpected new threat. More than 700 million photos have been created by users since the launch of GPT-4o, some of which uncannily mimic actual Aadhaar and PAN cards. Social media users have started posting pictures of AI-generated Aadhaar cards with their own photos on them, which is a concerning trend. Important components like layout, fonts, and style seem incredibly lifelike, even though facial features aren’t always flawless. An image of Elon Musk’s Aadhaar card was even posted by one user; it was so realistically produced that it seemed like a legitimate government document.

  • ‘Made-in-India’ Chip to be Introduced by Sep/Oct: Vaishnaw

    By September or October of this year, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of information technology, anticipates that the first “made-in-India” chip will be released from a commercial factory. The minister made the remarks during a media appearance in Bengaluru on February 15, according to various media reports. Notably, Tata Electronics is constructing a semiconductor facility in Dholera, Gujarat, in partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC).

    Nearly 60% of the building has already been finished at Micron’s semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Sanand, the state. According to Vaishnaw, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has received grants of INR 334 Cr from the Centre “for new research and development (R&D) in gallium nitride, a technology in semiconductors, which is used in telecom and power.” Students at 234 institutions are receiving the “latest” semiconductor design tools, he added. Without going into detail, the minister also stated that the union government intends to launch a production-linked incentive (PLI) program for “components” shortly.

    India’s Manufacturing Sector Attracting Investors

    The nation has seen investments in the electronics manufacturing sector totalling INR 13,162 Cr in the “recent past,” according to the IT minister, and many more are on the horizon. In response to a query from the media, Vaishnaw stated that the IT ministry is collaborating with industry participants to finish the initial version of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM 1.0). The Centre intends to finish modernising the semiconductor lab in Mohali under the first edition.

    Upon this, he stated that the ministry will start the process of sanctioning ISM 2.0 and that funding for the second iteration of the mission would be determined upon Cabinet approval. This occurs when the union government is making every effort to turn India into a semiconductor hub by providing incentives and sops to international companies looking to establish operations there.

    Semicom India Programme

    To encourage silicon semiconductor fabs, display fabs, compound semiconductors, and other industries, the Centre started the Semicon India program in 2021 with an investment of INR 76,000 Cr. Establishing greenfield semiconductor and display factories, enhancing R&D and design skills, and being able to compete with other Asian bases to lessen India’s reliance on imports are some of the program’s main goals. The objective of the program is to entice major international chip manufacturers to establish India as their production base.

    India aspires to become a technology leader in these strategically important fields, which are also essential for safeguarding the nation’s vital information infrastructure. The objectives also support the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. ISM was also launched in 2022 as part of the Semicon India program. Investors are also following suit; domestic semiconductor firms raised $28 million in 2024 from just $5 million in 2023. The domestic semiconductor market is at the centre of all of this, and according to various published reports, it is expected to expand into a $150 billion potential by 2030.

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  • A House Subcommittee Criticises the IT Ministry for not Using Funds for Semiconductors

    The Ministry of Electronics and IT has come under fire from a legislative body for giving up more than half of the money allotted for projects involving the production of semiconductors and displays in 2023–2024. According to a news agency, which cited a report presented in the Lok Sabha, the ministry only spent INR 681.11 Cr of the INR 1,503.36 Cr total allotted as of March 31, 2024, under the modified program for the development of semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem in India, giving up 55% of the funds. In addition to the ministry’s persistent underutilisation of money throughout the years, the Standing Committee on Communications and IT has pointed out a progressive decrease in funding allocation for the Digital India Programme from the Budget Estimate (BE) 2021–2022 to BE 2024–2025. According to the report, the committee may be informed of the reasons why valuable funds that could have been allocated to other ministries for their efficient use have not been used.

    Panel asked MeitY to Make Realistic Projections in Future

    In order to guarantee optimal budget utilisation through improved planning and monitoring systems, the panel has requested that MeitY should develop realistic estimates for the future. According to the ministry’s statement to the panel, money from the India Semiconductor Mission can only be released following a claim. Due to adequate funding provided by the budget, surrenders primarily occur in the semiconductor program, the PLI, and the electronics manufacturing and production-linked incentive scheme.

    There is surrender later on when private enterprises are unable to spend and submit claims, the ministry had stated. The development occurs as domestic and international semiconductor companies are rushing to India to take advantage of the government’s subsidies. 18 proposals for semiconductor projects have been sent to India, comprising 13 for compound semiconductor fabs and ATMP (assembly, testing, marking, and packaging) facilities and 4 for semiconductor fabs.

    India’s Current Semiconductor Manufacturing Landscape

    Among the companies that have applied are Tata Electronics, Micron Technology, and CG Power. US-based Micron is also constructing an ATMP facility in Sanand, Gujarat, at an estimated cost of INR 22,516 Cr, while Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test (TSAT) has set aside INR 27,000 Cr to establish a plant in Morigaon, Assam, for advanced semiconductor packaging technology. With a planned investment of INR 7,600 Cr, CG Power and Renesas are setting up a semiconductor facility in Sanand to produce specialist chips.

    By 2030, the government wants India to rank among the top five countries in the world for semiconductor manufacture. The conditions are in place, and India can meet this goal with the correct combination of proactive measures, technological know-how, infrastructure development, and financial investments.

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