Yogi to lay foundation stone of green data center in Ghaziabad
Yogi Adityanath
will lay the foundation stone of the CEL-ESDS Green Data Center in Sahibabad area of
Ghaziabad
on Thursday. The Green Data Center will be developed through a collaboration between Central Electronics Limited, a Mini Ratna CPSE, and ESDS Software Solution Limited.
Union minister of state Jitendra Singh and UP minister of IT and Electronics Sunil Kumar Sharma will attend the ceremony at the office of Central Electronics Limited (CEL) in Sahibabad.
Sharing details, officials concerned said: "The project envisions the creation of a state-of-the-art Tier 3 Green Data Centre, designed to support sustainable and future-ready digital infrastructure in line with the visions of Digital India and Green India."
Adding that the initiative is expected to play a vital role in promoting innovation, generating employment, and accelerating the state's digital ecosystem, they said: "The upcoming data center will feature high-end specifications, including a total capacity of 30 MW, high-density racks across three floors, and a Tier-3 certification based on green building standards."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025: Explained
The central government on Wednesday introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. The Bill, aimed at boosting innovation and protecting citizens, seeks to promote e-sports and online social games while banning online money games that pose financial, psychological, and social risks. It also stresses responsible use of technology, stronger consumer safeguards, and protection of national security. Presenting the Bill, the government noted that over the past decade, digital technologies have transformed daily life. Initiatives such as Digital India, digital public infrastructure, the UPI payment system, 5G connectivity, and the growing semiconductor ecosystem have given the country a new global identity. 'It is therefore equally important to ensure that society is protected from the potential harms of technology misuse. With this thought process, the Government has brought forward the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025,' the document stated. The proposed law supports e-sports and online social games but prohibits harmful online money gaming services, their advertisements, and related financial transactions. It also outlaws all forms of online betting and gambling—including fantasy sports, poker, rummy, lotteries, and other real-money games. The Bill highlights that such platforms often lure young people with misleading promises of monetary returns, pushing them into compulsive and addictive play that leaves families in financial distress. The government argued that addiction, financial losses, and even extreme consequences such as suicides linked to online money games can be prevented through prohibition. It further flagged risks of financial fraud, money laundering, terror financing, and misuse of platforms for illegal communications, calling them serious threats to national security. The Bill also seeks to bring national digital laws in line with restrictions that already exist in the physical world, such as those under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and various State legislations regulating betting and gambling. To encourage positive use of technology, the Bill proposes a framework for e-sports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. For online social games, the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) will support platforms that foster education, cultural values, skill development, and social engagement. In sum, the Bill aims to balance innovation and growth in online gaming with safeguards against its harmful effects, encouraging beneficial forms of digital play while protecting society from exploitative money gaming practices. Key Provisions of the Bill 1. Promotion and Recognition of e-ports E-sports recognised as a legitimate form of competitive sport in India. Ministry of Sports to frame guidelines and standards for conduct of E-sports events. Establishment of training academies, research centres, and technology platforms for advancement of e-sports. Incentive schemes, awareness campaigns and integration of e-sports into broader sports policy initiatives. 2. Promotion of Social and Educational Games Central Government empowered to recognise, categorise, and register online social games. Facilitation of platforms for development and distribution of safe, age-appropriate social and educational games. Awareness programmes on the positive role of social games in recreation, skill-development and digital literacy. Support for cultural and educational gaming content aligned with Indian values. 3. Prohibition of Harmful Online Money Games Complete ban on offering, operating, or facilitating online money games, irrespective of whether based on skill, chance, or both. Ban on advertising and promotion of money games across all forms of media. Ban on financial transactions linked to online money games; banks and payment systems barred from processing such payments. Empowerment to block access to unlawful gaming platforms under the Information Technology Act, 2000. 4. Establishment of an Online Gaming Authority Central Government to establish a national-level Authority or designate any existing Authority or Authorities or any agency for oversight. Functions include: Categorisation and registration of online games. Determination of whether a game qualifies as a money game. Handling complaints and grievances related to online games. Authority to issue guidelines, orders, and codes of practice to ensure compliance. 5. Offences and Penalties Offering or facilitating online money gaming: Imprisonment up to 3 years and/or fine up to ₹1 crore. Advertising money games: Imprisonment up to 2 years and/or fine up to ₹50 lakh. Financial transactions related to money games: Imprisonment up to 3 years and/or fine up to ₹1 crore. Repeat offences attract enhanced penalties, including imprisonment of 3–5 years and fines up to ₹2 crore. Offences under key sections to be cognizable and non-bailable. 6. Corporate and Institutional Liability Companies and their officers held liable for offences under the Act, unless they prove due diligence. Independent directors or non-executive directors not involved in decision-making are protected. 7. Powers of Investigation and Enforcement Central Government may authorise officers to investigate, search, and seize digital or physical property linked to offences. Officers empowered to enter, search, and arrest without warrant in certain cases of suspected offences. Provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 apply to investigations under the Act. 8. Rule-Making Powers and Delegated Legislation Central Government empowered to make rules for: Promotion of e-sports and social gaming. Recognition, Categorisation and registration of online games. Powers and functioning of the Authority. any other matter required or permitted to be prescribed under this Act. Positive Impacts According the government the following are the positive impacts of the Bill on the economy, society and and the country's digital environment and global leadership: Boost to Creative Economy: Enhances India's role in global gaming exports, employment and innovation. Empowering Youth: Encourages constructive participation through e-sports and skill-based digital games. Safe Digital Environment: Protects families from predatory online money gaming practices. Global Leadership: Positions India as a leader in responsible gaming innovation and digital policy-making. The government claims that the Bill strikes a balanced path—encouraging innovation and youth engagement through safe and positive online gaming, while firmly prohibiting harmful online money games. It also reflects the government's commitment to a safe, secure, and innovation-driven Digital India that boosts creativity, safeguards citizens, and strengthens national security, the cabinet document said.
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Hans India
India to lead next wave of 5G, AI and IoT: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded India's achievements in expanding affordable broadband, revolutionising digital payments through UPI, and leveraging technology for governance, noting that these milestones have now become global case studies. PM Modi underscored that the country is poised to lead the next wave of digital transformation in 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity, setting benchmarks for the world. Resharing a post by Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Prime Minister's Office said India's progress in digital infrastructure is not only empowering citizens but also shaping the global digital economy. 'Union Minister @JM_Scindia highlights that India's progress in affordable broadband, UPI and digital governance is now a global case study. He underscores that in the next wave of 5G, AI, IoT and cybersecurity, India will lead and set benchmarks,' PMO India wrote on social media platform X. Scindia, in his post, highlighted Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited's (BSNL) collaborations with four global technology leaders -- Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco and Nokia -- as a crucial step in preparing India's youth to command the frontiers of digital innovation. According to Scindia, these partnerships are aligned with flagship initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, Make in India and Startup India, and are expected to position India as a global hub for telecom innovation and expertise. At the core of this effort is BSNL's apex training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT) in Jabalpur, which will serve as the nodal centre for rolling out advanced skilling and research programmes. Under the collaboration, Ericsson will establish a 5G Centre of Excellence at BRBRAITT, offering hands-on training supported by global best practices. Qualcomm will provide advanced courses in 5G and AI, sponsoring training for the first 100 students and creating new employability avenues. Cisco will extend its Networking Academy to deepen access to world-class training in networking and cybersecurity, while Nokia will set up a 5G and AI-ML Lab with joint certifications that will bolster graduates' industry readiness. Scindia emphasised that this initiative is designed to benefit students, working professionals and public sector employees through training modules ranging from two-week intensives to 84-hour comprehensive programmes.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
India's smartphone retailers expect 20% volume growth this festive season
As India's smartphone retail market is preparing for a busy festive season, the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA), which represents nearly 1.5 lakh retailers across the country, says confidence is high among retailers. Festivals have always been a time when people buy new phones. According to AIMRA's founding chairman, Kailash Lakhyani, consumer trust in offline retail remains strong. 'Consumers prefer mainline stores because they can experience live demos, bargain for the best prices, and get personalised service. These are things online cannot replace,' Mr. Lakhyani said. AIMRA has forecasted 25–30% value growth compared to the average business of the last three months. In terms of volume, it expects 15–20% growth between September and October 2025. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today's Cache) Retailers say the positive signs are already visible, citing stock movement — it is faster than usual. In many urban centres, pre-bookings for upcoming launches are higher than last year. In smaller towns, consumer enquiries for budget 5G phones are also increasing. One of the big talking points this season is taxation. Smartphones currently attract 18% GST. AIMRA has been pushing for a lower slab, at least for entry-level devices. 'We have written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman requesting 5% GST on phones below ₹10K. This would help 2G users shift to 4G and join Digital India,' Mr. Lakhyani said. If the government agrees, the benefits could be large. Brands will get room to price more aggressively. Consumers will find smartphones more affordable. Export competitiveness may also improve. But for now, the industry is cautious. Experts say the government is unlikely to cut GST immediately because of revenue concerns. Still, the demand itself shows how retailers see GST as a barrier to broader digital inclusion. One reason behind the optimism is the steady flow of new launches. Major brands have refreshed their line-ups across entry-, mid-, and premium-range just in time for the festive demand. Vivo has launched its X-series in the premium space along with the Fold 5 and V60. Oppo rolled out the Reno 14 series and introduced K30 Turbo series, both in the mid to premium segment. Realme's 15 Pro 5G competes in the mid market. And Xiaomi has placed its bets on the mass market with the Redmi 15 5G. Each brand is highlighting new design, larger 7,000 mAh battery and AI-led features. Mr. Lakhyani pointed out that footfalls in stores have already been strong for the last three months. 'Retailers are feeling positive, and the launches are only adding to the buzz,' he said. In a market where online discounts are aggressively promoted, AIMRA believes offline channel retains a unique edge. 'Online festival sales make a lot of noise, but nearly 90% of their stock is routed through aggregators and ends up in the gray market. In the end, majority of customers prefer to buy from trusted mainline stores,' Mr. Lakhyani explained. The reason is simple. At a physical store, customers can compare models, test cameras, hold the phone in their hand, and often walk out with a deal tailored to them. There is also the comfort of service. If something goes wrong, the local retailer is accessible. This relationship of trust, AIMRA feels, cannot be replaced by flashy online campaigns. This year's festive story is not about one segment. It is about multiple layers of demand. In the super premium segment, with Google and Apple set to launch their new devices, retailers expect a clear push in the flagship devices space. This will also help brands like Samsung and Vivo in their high-end categories. Similarly, in the mid to premium categories, the ₹25K–₹45K bracket continues to be the most competitive, with Oppo Reno 14 series, Vivo V60, and Realme 15 Pro all aiming for festive buyers. AI features, portrait photography, and fast charging are the main draws here. In the entry-level and budget 5G verticals, Xiaomi's Redmi 15 5G and other models in the ₹10K–₹15K category are expected to pull in large numbers from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. For many first-time buyers, this festive season could be their first 5G phone. This spread across categories is what gives retailers confidence that they can serve every customer walking into a store. Festivals in India are not just about discounts; they are about aspirations. For families, buying a new phone during Diwali or Navratri is often linked with celebrations. This cultural factor plays in favour of offline retail. Young buyers in cities are drawn towards AI-enabled features, better selfie cameras, and gaming performance. They are also more willing to spend ₹30K–₹40K for an upgrade. Families and working professionals prefer visiting a trusted retailer, asking for advice, and ensuring after-sales support. For the tier-2 and tier-3 town consumers, affordability is key. A reduction in GST, if made, could completely change the picture for them. Even without that, aggressive financing options from brands and NBFCs are helping. 'The mobile phone is no longer aspirational; it is essential digital infrastructure for education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and governance. It should rightly be taxed at 5% GST, in line with the Prime Minister's GST reform agenda and his vision of a $500 billion electronics ecosystem,' said Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA. Last year, the smartphone industry saw muted growth during festivals. Inflationary pressures and lower rural demand kept sales in check. This year looks different. Inflation has eased, financing schemes are more widespread, and brands are investing heavily in marketing. The line-up of fresh products is also much wider than last year. Retailers believe that these factors, combined with cultural spending, will help the industry achieve better numbers. Every brand has its own festive playbook this year. Google's Pixel 10 series launch in August and Apple's September launch will shape the premium market. Retailers say Apple sales during October can lift the entire segment. Samsung and Vivo are focused on premium and mid-range customers with a mix of design, camera, and performance upgrades. Oppo and Realme are targeting youth with fast charging, sleek designs, and competitive pricing. Meanwhile, Xiaomi is going after the mass market with 5G at entry-level pricing. The common thread across brands is AI integration. From camera enhancements to personalised features, AI has become the big buzzword in marketing. Retailers expect this to be a strong pull factor for younger customers. As the festive season kicks off, AIMRA said that offline retail is not just surviving, it is thriving. Retailers are betting on trust, service, and the human touch. Brands are delivering a flood of new launches. Consumers are ready to spend, especially when they can see and experience the product in person. If the GST cut materialises, it could take the market to another level altogether. Even without it, the coming weeks are set to be strong. For mainline retailers, this season is about showing once again why offline stores remain at the heart of the country's smartphone journey.
