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Budapest Times
a day ago
- Business
- Budapest Times
NGM: Government continues action against unjustified price hikes to protect families and pensioners
The Ministry for National Economy (NGM) reiterated on Friday that the government remains committed to tackling unjustified price increases, following the release of July inflation data. According to the ministry, measures such as price margin reductions have led to significant decreases—food prices are down 20.3 percent and drugstore products by 26.1 percent. The government's intervention has not stopped at retail goods. Voluntary price restrictions were secured from banks, insurers, and telecom companies, and from 1 July, pharmaceutical firms joined with reduced pricing for 44 over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Pensioners will also receive targeted support in autumn with HUF 30,000 worth of food vouchers. Citing Central Statistical Office data, NGM reported that overall annual inflation in July was 4.3 percent, with food inflation at 5.9 percent. The ministry noted that recent rises in seasonal produce prices were driven by weather-related supply disruptions, but affirmed that price monitoring will continue, especially in sectors subject to mandated margin cuts. The government previously expanded the margin reduction policy to include household goods, cleaning products, and personal care items—moves that led to rapid and measurable price drops. 'These steps provide substantial relief for Hungarian families,' the ministry said, adding that nearly 2,000 inspections had been carried out to ensure compliance in retail outlets. NGM emphasized that direct financial support for pensioners will benefit 2 to 2.5 million individuals and further stimulate consumption. The ministry concluded that the combined impact of reduced prices and increased household spending will help drive renewed economic growth.
Budapest Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Government Commissioner Palkovics: Current AI structures unlikely to lead to consciousness
'Humanity does not accidentally create adversaries—we build tools to help us,' the government commissioner said. László Palkovics, Government Commissioner for Artificial Intelligence, stated that artificial intelligence in its current form is unlikely to become self-aware. Speaking on the latest episode of the Bold Truth About Hungary podcast hosted by State Secretary Zoltán Kovács, he emphasized that conscious AI would require deliberate intent. 'Why would humanity want to create an enemy? We already have enough,' he said. Palkovics argued that concerns over conscious AI are better suited for philosophical discussion than scientific debate. 'These are interesting fears, good for conversations—but mostly with philosophers or theologians, not mathematicians or engineers,' he added. Discussing the foundations of AI development, he outlined four critical factors: access to data, computational power, a suitable legal and financial environment, and intent paired with talent. 'Hungary possesses all four,' he said, pointing to structured national data sets in agriculture, forestry, wildlife management, and healthcare, as well as the Central Statistical Office's archives. He noted that Hungary already operates several smaller supercomputers, including the Komondor system in Debrecen, and announced plans for a procurement process to acquire a 20-petaflop machine named Levente. The country's energy mix, he added, supports the operational demands of such systems, including their need for continuous and increasingly renewable energy. Addressing calls for Hungarian-made, Hungarian-language AI models, Palkovics acknowledged their limitations compared to global systems but stressed their utility in domain-specific applications. 'The value lies in the data we train them on—and we have a lot of usable, well-structured data,' he said. He also defended Hungary's Digital Citizenship Program, rejecting fears of surveillance. 'It is a service that simplifies and improves state operations while making citizens' lives more convenient,' he stated. Reflecting on his previous cabinet role, Palkovics concluded that the government now recognizes the untapped potential of existing national data for policy preparation and public service modernization.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Govt reiterates commitment to women's empowerment
Hyderabad: Telangana's IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu has reaffirmed the state government's resolute commitment to women's empowerment, stressing that this dedication is evidenced not merely by words, but through decisive and measurable actions. The Minister made these remarks during the ceremonial launch of the 'SITHA' (She Is The Hero Always) app, developed by SheJobs, held here on Monday. He described the app's introduction as a celebration of a broader movement, one that aims to provide women across Telangana, irrespective of their background, with equal access to opportunities, economic independence, and leadership roles. 'True empowerment,' the Minister asserted, 'occurs when women are free to exercise their rights within the household and are actively involved in decision-making.' Quoting the latest 'Men and Women in India – 2024' report, released by the Central Statistical Office (CSO), he highlighted that 86% of rural women and 89% of urban women in Telangana are participating in household decisions. 'These are not just statistics,' he stated, 'but indicators of Telangana's silent revolution towards gender equity. They represent steps towards fulfilling the vision of a just and inclusive society.' He underlined that women form the backbone of Telangana's social fabric, and the government remains unwavering in its mission to ensure equal access to education, employment, and leadership. The government is establishing Mahila Shakti Canteens at government offices and tourist locations and has already distributed Rs 21,000 crore in zero interest loans within just the first year of this initiative. Furthermore, Telangana has entered agreements with oil corporations to set up petrol bunks in all 31 districts, which will be managed by women's collectives, in an effort to further promote self reliance and financial security.
