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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Thore Network doubles down on multilingual AI with major investment in India tech infrastructure
As India strides confidently into the era of digital inclusion, one company has been quietly building the pipes for an AI-powered, multilingual future. Thore Network Pvt. Ltd., an 8-year-old pioneer in blockchain and digital assets, is now turning its attention toward Indic language AI infrastructure, investing in platforms that bridge India's rich linguistic diversity with modern technology. With over 1.4 billion citizens and hundreds of dialects, India presents a unique challenge—and opportunity—for artificial intelligence. While global players dominate English-centric models, India's next tech leap lies in what experts call ' Sovereign AI ': solutions trained on local data, dialects, and cultural context. Thore Network has announced three flagship initiatives that aim to contribute to this vision: Insights AI: A multilingual search and discovery platform designed for context-aware results in Indian A dialect-first language translation and communication app, built for daily vernacular ChatBot: A native-language chatbot assistant tailored to Indian service sectors and regional queries. While not explicitly a government project, these initiatives align closely with the Bhashini framework under India's digital language inclusion efforts. 'For us, Mailjol isn't just a product. It's a philosophy of interconnectedness — making sure no language is left behind in the digital age,' said Alok Kumar, Founder & CEO of Thore Network. Organizational Restructuring & Funding Commitment Thore Network recently underwent a significant organizational overhaul, restructuring as an equity-holding company with plans to open its cap table to private placement in Q1 2025. The firm has committed an initial $500,000 to its AI language verticals, and is reportedly in active discussions for grant support and private venture capital to further scale its initiatives. 'We believe this investment is not just strategic—it's cultural. There's a responsibility to build for Bharat, and we're taking that seriously,' added Kumar. In parallel, Thore Network is preparing for a pilot rollout of an AI-based road safety and emergency response system, starting with select states. The mobile platform will integrate real-time toll tracking, driver alerts, and voice-based assistance, especially for non-English users—marking another step in their vision for citizen-first AI. Vice Chairman and Whole-Time Director Prashant Kolhe, known for his role in over 100 successful IPOs, commented on the company's roadmap: 'Our balance sheet is clean, our tech is maturing, and we've shown product-market fit in crypto and now AI. If everything aligns, 2027 could be our listing year,' Kolhe noted. 'We didn't pivot — we evolved. AI is the next logical extension of our blockchain base. Language is infrastructure,' Alok Kumar, Founder & CEO – Thore Network said. 'Execution. Building the trust layer. And reaching the next 500 million users — not in English, but in Bhojpuri, Tamil, and Konkani. We're bootstrapped, profitable, and now opening up for like-minded investors who understand Bharat's tech future. Thore Network continues to build at the intersection of decentralized infrastructure and human-centric AI, staking its claim in India's next tech decade, " He added.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Time of India
Next generation emergency response system to connect citizens with police through advanced technology
New Delhi: In the blink of an eye, emergencies can change lives. What if help was just a message away at such times? The next-generation Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) being introduced by govt of India in a few months is poised to revolutionise the way we reach out to police in times of crisis. This new system promises to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement. The state-of-the-art ERSS will allow users to connect with police via WhatsApp by sending messages to a dedicated number that will be integrated with the ERSS-112 call taker module. "The system will support a range of communication channels, including voice calls, SMS, email, web and even IoT devices, ensuring that users can reach out for help in the way that is most convenient for them and even if a voice call is not possible," an officer said. According to the cops, the new system will also tackle the perennial problem of busy signals and failed connections, thanks to upgraded technology and increased server capacity. This means that users will be able to reach police quickly and efficiently, even in times of high demand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More What is more, ERSS will feature automated area services, using location-based services (LBS) and Google emergency location service to pinpoint the caller's location. This will enable the cops to respond with precision and speed even when the caller is unable to provide his or her location. The existing ERSS system, in operation since 2019, will be upgraded to include modern communication features. This older version relied primarily on traditional communication channels. While functional, the system lacked several modern features crucial for an optimised emergency response. The new system includes expanded features such as WhatsApp, ChatBot support, media crawl capabilities and integration with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, offering a richer range of communication options for victims. Initially, the call taker collected vital information manually through forms. With the updated system, however, this process is much more streamlined, incorporating Speech-to-Text technology, allowing the call taker's voice to be converted into text automatically. "Additionally, the system now includes advanced capabilities to identify and merge repeat calls, ensuring that the same incident isn't mistakenly handled multiple times," a police source said. Parallelly, the dispatcher module has also been enhanced with intelligent features that facilitate faster dispatching of emergency response units (ERUs), which include the fire department and other important services. ERUs have been upgraded with advanced technology to improve their response. Previously, they used GPS tracking through mobile devices. Now, they have dedicated GPS trackers for better location tracking, multiple internet connections for reliability, and special software for device management. "It will have another feature to track movements of ERUs towards the incident spot," a source said. The Geographic Information System (GIS) used by the system has been significantly enhanced. The new GIS map combines data from multiple sources, including OpenStreetMap, the Survey of India, Google and Here Maps, making it more accurate and comprehensive than ever before. "This advanced mapping tool ensures that dispatchers have a clearer, more detailed view of the incident locations, allowing for faster decision-making and more precise routing of emergency services," a police source said. Location identification has also been improved. The system still relies on traditional cell tower triangulation (LBS) to pinpoint a caller's location. However, the integration of Google ELS ensures better accuracy and faster location marking, allowing emergency teams to respond to incidents more efficiently. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, the supervising officers can now monitor the health of servers and network components across the entire system. One of the most notable updates is the introduction of enhanced National Support Services (NSS), which were previously unavailable. The system improves access to common services such as LBS, SMS, interstate data sharing, and statistical reporting. Key features now include central and state-level portals with dashboards, a national GIS map, access to telephone subscriber data, a directory of verified and emergency contact numbers, and better interoperability for communication across states.
Gulf Insider
07-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi banks banned from using WhatsApp for customer service
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has prohibited local banks from using instant messaging applications like WhatsApp for customer communications, citing concerns over their reliability and security risks. SAMA's decision aligns with its regulatory authority and commitment to enhancing financial institutions' security standards. Banks are urged to adopt safer alternatives, such as in-app Live Chat or ChatBot services, while ensuring compliance with personal data protection requirements. Institutions must also educate employees across branches, customer service, and marketing on the new directives. Also read: Saudi Arabia attracts 2.5 million sports tourists: Minister of Tourism
Gulf Insider
03-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Banks Banned From Using WhatsApp For Their Communications With Customers
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has decided to ban the use of instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp by the local banks for their communications with customers. SAMA noted that these applications are unreliable channels, according to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper. SAMA's decision is based on the powers assigned to it and other related regulations, and out of its keenness to enhance the quality of practices and procedures followed by financial institutions subject to its supervision, in a way bringing the risks to the minimum. It is learnt that the Central Bank has asked financial institutions to examine the availability of alternative and secure channels such as benefiting from activating instant messaging services such as Live Chat or ChatBot, within the application, or the financial institution's website, taking into account compliance with the requirements for protecting personal data. The Central Bank has instructed the local banks to work on these procedures and educate workers in financial institutions about the contents of the instructions, while conducting the necessary assessments to verify compliance with them. This includes all branch, customer service and marketing employees. The Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks recently warned of fraud cases that occur by impersonating charitable institutions or the names of public or legal figures who claim to provide financial assistance through social media sites. These fraudsters exploit victims by deluding them into believing that they represent official bodies, by using fake documents and seals to convince them to pay fees to obtain assistance. The committee confirmed that official bodies do not announce or search for beneficiaries for donations through social media sites or instant messaging programs. The committee noted that fraudsters are looking for all ways to attract people, by deluding victims into believing that they deserve donations or support from these well-known charitable institutions that they claim to be responsible for, or by exploiting the names of legal entities that provide support and assistance, and that the person must pay some fees by transferring sums of money or paying fees through links in order to complete the rest of the procedures to obtain support and assistance. Rima Al-Qahtani, head of the fraud control department at the Arab National Bank, said that there is no official body that requests fees or adding a beneficiary or an invoice or paying amounts in exchange for obtaining donations. Secretary General of the Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks Rabah Al-Shemaisi explained that the media committee stresses the need not to respond to any party that requires sums or fees to obtain a donation or a specific service. She drew attention to a spike in fraud cases in this way that the committee has noticed, and always advises against transferring any amounts to such parties. Customers can benefit from the SADAD system available in all Saudi banks and banking applications to pay any bills or service fees officially. It is a secure system for all payments. In the event of any fraud incident, the bank must be notified immediately to take the necessary measures to recover the amounts. These warnings come within the efforts of Saudi banks to raise awareness against financial fraud through national awareness campaigns, and the need to take precautions against fraudsters exploiting charitable institutions and legal entities. These efforts are part of the campaigns implemented by Saudi banks to combat financial fraud and increase awareness among customers, by providing information and skills that contribute to raising awareness against fraudsters, in addition to ongoing efforts within the framework of their programs and initiatives to enhance awareness against financial fraud.
Zawya
03-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi banks banned from using WhatsApp for their communications with customers
RIYADH — The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has decided to ban the use of instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp by the local banks for their communications with customers. SAMA noted that these applications are unreliable channels, according to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper. SAMA's decision is based on the powers assigned to it and other related regulations, and out of its keenness to enhance the quality of practices and procedures followed by financial institutions subject to its supervision, in a way bringing the risks to the minimum. It is learnt that the Central Bank has asked financial institutions to examine the availability of alternative and secure channels such as benefiting from activating instant messaging services such as Live Chat or ChatBot, within the application, or the financial institution's website, taking into account compliance with the requirements for protecting personal data. The Central Bank has instructed the local banks to work on these procedures and educate workers in financial institutions about the contents of the instructions, while conducting the necessary assessments to verify compliance with them. This includes all branch, customer service and marketing employees. The Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks recently warned of fraud cases that occur by impersonating charitable institutions or the names of public or legal figures who claim to provide financial assistance through social media sites. These fraudsters exploit victims by deluding them into believing that they represent official bodies, by using fake documents and seals to convince them to pay fees to obtain assistance. The committee confirmed that official bodies do not announce or search for beneficiaries for donations through social media sites or instant messaging programs. The committee noted that fraudsters are looking for all ways to attract people, by deluding victims into believing that they deserve donations or support from these well-known charitable institutions that they claim to be responsible for, or by exploiting the names of legal entities that provide support and assistance, and that the person must pay some fees by transferring sums of money or paying fees through links in order to complete the rest of the procedures to obtain support and assistance. Rima Al-Qahtani, head of the fraud control department at the Arab National Bank, said that there is no official body that requests fees or adding a beneficiary or an invoice or paying amounts in exchange for obtaining donations. Secretary General of the Media and Awareness Committee at Saudi Banks Rabah Al-Shemaisi explained that the media committee stresses the need not to respond to any party that requires sums or fees to obtain a donation or a specific service. She drew attention to a spike in fraud cases in this way that the committee has noticed, and always advises against transferring any amounts to such parties. Customers can benefit from the SADAD system available in all Saudi banks and banking applications to pay any bills or service fees officially. It is a secure system for all payments. In the event of any fraud incident, the bank must be notified immediately to take the necessary measures to recover the amounts. These warnings come within the efforts of Saudi banks to raise awareness against financial fraud through national awareness campaigns, and the need to take precautions against fraudsters exploiting charitable institutions and legal entities. These efforts are part of the campaigns implemented by Saudi banks to combat financial fraud and increase awareness among customers, by providing information and skills that contribute to raising awareness against fraudsters, in addition to ongoing efforts within the framework of their programs and initiatives to enhance awareness against financial fraud. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
