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The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched an updated version of its website, aligning it with the new Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM)—a set of guidelines designed to create a uniform and user-friendly digital presence across government platforms.

The websites of five other ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, are also set to go live under these new standards, ensuring a consistent and seamless experience for users, MeitY announced on Tuesday.

Speaking at the DBIM launch event, Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and IT, highlighted the challenge of designing digital platforms that cater to India’s vast and diverse population.

"It is always a challenge to serve such a large and varied audience in a smooth, uniform, and impactful way—especially considering different levels of digital literacy, socioeconomic backgrounds, and age groups," he said.

MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan stressed the need for government websites to match the usability and efficiency of private-sector platforms.

“The government recognises the importance of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) as the original technology provider. It is essential that we carry forward its legacy and trust while ensuring that it evolves to meet modern demands,” he stated.

He also urged NIC officials to stay ahead of competition, both within and outside the government, by continually improving their service delivery.

With a rise in fraudulent websites impersonating government portals, standardisation is more critical than ever, said Alka Misra, Deputy Director General of NIC.

She emphasised the importance of keeping information up to date and ensuring that outdated content is archived. The new digital identity guidelines will apply not only to websites but also to government applications and other digital interfaces.

Under the new framework, chief information officers (CIOs) of various government departments will be responsible for ensuring compliance with DBIM. They will also be required to submit key performance indicators to a centralised dashboard, allowing for better monitoring and continuous improvement.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/meity-secretary-s-krishnan-to-elucidate-on-ai-and-accountability-at-storyboard18-dnpa-conclave-2025-56842.htm">Read More: MeitY Secretary S Krishnan to elucidate on AI and accountability at Storyboard18 DNPA Conclave 2025</a>

MeitY revamps government websites for a standardised digital identity

At the World Economic Forum in Davos 2025, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced a monumental investment of $8.3 billion in Maharashtra. This investment forms part of AWS's larger $12.7 billion plan to develop cloud infrastructure across India by 2030.

The Maharashtra government formalised this collaboration with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the event. The investment is expected to significantly impact India's economy, contributing $15.3 billion to the country's GDP and supporting over 81,300 full-time jobs annually in the local data centre supply chain by 2030.Speaking at Davos, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the agreement as a pivotal step in positioning the state as a global hub for data centres.

“This collaboration will not only strengthen Maharashtra's technological infrastructure but also drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation,” he stated. The investment aligns with Maharashtra’s ambition to lead India’s digital transformation and create a conducive environment for large-scale technological projects.

AWS has already invested over $3.7 billion in Maharashtra’s cloud infrastructure. Its first data centre in India was launched in Mumbai in 2016, followed by a second in Hyderabad. The new investment will focus on expanding AWS’s footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, building state-of-the-art data centres, and furthering innovation in artificial intelligence and cloud services. David Zapolsky, Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy at Amazon, highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to India and said, “We see tremendous potential for India’s digital economy to thrive for years to come. This is why we plan to invest $8.3 billion into cloud infrastructure in Maharashtra by 2030.”

The investment coincides with an intensifying competition among global hyperscalers. Microsoft recently announced its plan to invest $3 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in India, alongside skilling initiatives over the next two years. AWS, with three existing data centre regions in India and a fourth set to go live in 2026, is scaling up to meet the growing demand for cloud computing and AI-driven solutions.

AWS strengthens Maharashtra's digital future with $8.3 billion cloud investment

The Indian Railways has been going through tremendous digital transformation resulting in phenomenal upgradation of customer services, said  G V L Satya Kumar, Managing Director, Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), during an address on “Driving Digital Transformation in Indian Railways: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Efficiency, Safety, and Passenger Experience” at the 19th India Digital Summit today. 

As an example, he pointed out, “The ticketing system has seen a substantial increase in capacity, from issuing 1000 tickets per minute to 25,000 tickets per minute today, with plans to reach 2.5 lakh tickets per minute by August 2025.”

The two-day summit is being organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and is supported by Digital India, Skill India and Make in India.

According to Satya Kumar, “The rail industry has moved towards highly sensorized systems for asset management, including ultrasonic floor detectors, track recording cars, and oscillation monitoring systems. These systems provide real-time data on track conditions, enabling efficient management of the rail network.”  

“The Indian Railways' digital transformation began in 1986 with the introduction of computerized ticketing systems. Over the years, the system has undergone significant upgrades, including the meshing of data centers, web ticketing, and mobile ticketing,” he added.

While giving an overview of the Indian Railways, he mentioned that the “Indian Railways transports 22 million passengers daily and carries 4.2 billion tons of freight. It operates 10,000 passenger trains, 3.5 lakh coaches, and deploys 15,000 locomotives.

Satya Kumar ended the session by saying, “One of the greatest strengths of CRIS is that it does not rely on private software developers, instead using its own team of 950+ core engineers to develop and maintain the systems.”

IDS 2025, held from January 16-17, recognises digital excellence and outstanding marketing achievements annually across various business and technology sectors. This year's theme is Bharat's Digital Path—Empowering Future Innovators.

Indian Railways plans to issue 2.5 Lakh tickets per minute by August 2025

The union cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday has approved the expansion of private FM radio services to 234 new cities across India. This move is part of the 3rd batch of ascending e-auctions under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy, offering 730 new channels. 

The estimated reserve price for these channels is set FM radio at Rs 784.87 crore. In addition, the Cabinet has approved a new Annual License Fee (ALF) for these FM channels, which will be 4% of their Gross Revenue, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST).

This fee structure will apply to the FM channels introduced in these 234 new cities.

This expansion is aimed at meeting the growing demand for FM radio in areas that currently do not have access to private FM broadcasting. It will bring local content, often in the regional languages of these areas, to new listeners.

The rollout is also expected to create new job opportunities and promote local dialects and culture, supporting the government's 'vocal for local' initiative.

Many of the cities and towns included in this plan are located in Aspirational districts and areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The introduction of private FM radio in these regions is expected to strengthen government outreach and improve communication.


Union Cabinet approves e-auction proposal, expansion of private FM radio in 234 cities

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved the new social media policy, aimed at regulating content across platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. The policy introduces guidelines for addressing objectionable social media content and mandates legal action.

Yogi Adityanath's cabinet approved the Uttar Pradesh Digital Media Policy, 2024, prepared by the state's information department, on Tuesday. Under the new policy, posting anti-national content will attract stringent consequences, with penalties ranging from three years of imprisonment to a life term. Previously, such actions were addressed under Sections 66E and 66F of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which deal with privacy violations and cyberterrorism, respectively.

Additionally, disseminating obscene or defamatory material online can result in criminal defamation charges, further underscoring the legal ramifications of misusing digital platforms, according to the official statement.
According to the policy, the government has listed a digital agency, 'V-Form,' to handle advertisements. The agency 'V-Form' will be responsible for showcasing videos, tweets, posts, and reels.

The policy has also specified payment limits for influencers, account holders, and operators on social media platforms. For X, Facebook, and Instagram, the maximum monthly payment limits are set at Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, and Rs 3 lakh, respectively. On YouTube, the payment limits for videos, shorts, and podcasts are Rs 8 lakh, Rs 7 lakh, Rs 6 lakh, and Rs 4 lakh, respectively.


UP govt gives nod to Social Media Policy, life imprisonment for anti-national posts

India's journey into Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance takes a momentous leap with the establishment of the AI Knowledge Consortium (AIKC). Twelve research institutions and think-tanks have joined forces to establish this initiative, dedicated to championing this multi-stakeholder approach to AI governance. 

<strong>Mission of the Consortium</strong>

As AI becomes an integral part of our daily lives, the AIKC recognises responsible business practices and comprehensive societal oversight are dual imperatives.

Vivan Sharan, Partner at Koan Advisory, which serves as the Secretariat of the AIKC, said, "AI is not a monolith, but a complex mosaic of technologies and our interactions with it. And to govern its use, the AIKC will endeavour to simultaneously atomise AI and our response to it." 

NS Nappinai, Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court, and founder of Member organisation CyberSaathi, said, “The AI revolution in India needs to be inclusive, equitable, and reflective of our shared values. We need to evaluate how the four foundational pillars can guide further action on AI namely - empowering communities, stewarding knowledge, building capacity, and fostering inclusive dialogue”.

The launch also marked the unveiling of the AIKC’s debut member organisation report titled “What Indian Parliamentarians Think of AI.” This publication presents findings from a survey of 37 Members of Parliament, shedding light on their perceptions of this transformative technology. 

Manish Tiwari, Founder of the AIKC Member organisation Institute for Governance, Policies and Politics, said “nearly all MPs emphasised the importance of a human-centric approach to AI regulation, while 82% also stressed the centrality of innovation-centricity”. 

The AIKC launch also saw the participation of leading global AI companies such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon Web Services, alongside emerging Indian start-ups like CoRover and Level AI. 

During the event, AIKC members and roundtable participants discussed the need for a public-private partnership led approach to developing hardware infrastructure to ensure equitable compute capacity for AI advancement in India.



12 Research institutions, think-tanks join forces to form AI Knowledge Consortium

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has invited public comments on proposed guidelines for ‘Accessibility Standards in the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres’ catering to individuals with hearing and visual impairment. The move aims to enhance accessibility, aligning with principles of non-discrimination, societal inclusion, availability, advocacy, and affordability.



“Section 29 and Section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandate the appropriate Government to take measures to promote universal service and universal access in the information and communication sector, including access to films for persons with hearing and visual disabilities. Section 40 and 44 provide for mandatory observance of accessibility norms and creation of accessibility features approved under the building plans to all public buildings,” said the document with guidelines. 



These guidelines lay down accessibility standards for public exhibition of feature films for persons with hearing and visual impairment. The guidelines are applicable for those feature films that are certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for public exhibition in cinema halls/movie theatres for commercial purposes. 



The focus of these guidelines is not only on the content but also on the information and assistive devices needed by persons with disabilities to enjoy films in cinema theatres.



The guidelines focus on fostering an inclusive environment by establishing general principles for feature film accessibility, identifying and addressing barriers hindering full accessibility, ensuring equal access for individuals with hearing and visual impairment to cinema screenings and creating an institutional framework for transparent oversight and impartial dispute resolution.



The proposed guidelines include crucial definitions, accessibility standards, Indian sign language guidelines, how accessibility can be achieved in feature films, highlights on processes and  implementation, role of exhibitors, details of public awareness and details on grievance redressal. 





Stakeholders are expected to share their feedback by February 8, 2024.

<strong>Read More:</strong><a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/centre-ramps-up-efforts-to-be-more-inclusive-in-content-access-and-opportunities-17819.htm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Centre ramps up efforts to be more inclusive in content access and opportunities</a>







MIB invites comments on guidelines of accessibility standards in theatres

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has opened the floor for comments and suggestions on the proposed Draft Press and Registration of Periodicals Rules, 2024. 



In order to implement the recently notified Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, the draft rules are crucial for the effective enactment of the new legislation. 



Stakeholders and the public at large are encouraged to submit suggestions within the set deadline of February 4, 2024.



The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 passed in both houses last year aims to replace the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. 

The new rules simplify the entire process of registration. Previously, registration had to be done with the District Magistrate(DM) first, then taken to the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI). Now, one can register with both the DM and RNI simultaneously. If the DM does not respond within 60 days, the RNI will grant permission.



While law required newspapers, magazines, and books to be registered, the new rules add periodicals to the list, which includes publications with news or comments on news.



Under the law, the printer or publisher must declare their information to the District Magistrate (DM). The DM then sends the declaration to the Press Registrar, who issues a registration certificate. This declaration is necessary for publishing.

MIB seeks public input on draft Press and Registration of Periodicals Rules, 2024

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the subsidised Bharat Atta sale today. Priced at an affordable Rs. 27.50 per kilogram, Bharat Atta we available through cooperative institutions like NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd.) and NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India), among others.

"The government of India has taken several steps for the welfare of both farmers and consumers. We have procured food commodities every time we saw the people of the country struggle due to rising prices and have sold them at subsidised raised to benefit the consumers," Minister of Food and Public Distribution, Piyush Goyal said during the launch of the product.

"We did the same with tomatoes and helped bring prices down. We then launched Bharat Dal and are doing the same with onions," he further added.

The 'Bharat Atta' will be available through 700 mobile vans and 2,000 government-run outlets.

In February, the Union government had implied its intention to distribute three lakh tonnes of wheat to various cooperatives and Kendriya Bhandar, in addition to the sale of wheat flour. The government has also decreased the per kilogram price of Bharat Atta from Rs. 29.5 to Rs. 27.5 to fight inflation. 

The sale of subsidised Bharat Dal is already in progress to combat inflation in the pulse market.
Last month, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra had preidcted an ample supply of wheat, rice, and sugar, ensuring stable prices during the festive season. With a 3.5 percent  annual inflation rate in wheat, he the goverspecified nment's readiness to enhance OMSS (Open Market Sale Scheme) sales from two lakh tonnes if the situation demands.

As part of the government's strategy to ensure sufficient availability and affordable access for consumers, port of wheat and rice remains forbidden.

Even though certain segments of traders and exporters have requested the government for relaxation on various fronts, including export permissions, the government stands firm on restricting wheat and rice exports, considering the fundamental principle of catering to the needs of India's vast population of 1.4 billion.

As per Moneycontrol, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Singh said, "Government will take similar steps to reduce inflation if any other commodity shows increasing signs. The government is proactive and doing everything it can to control inflation."






You’ve tasted ‘desh ka namakh’, now taste ‘Bharat Atta’: Find out more

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) sent blocking orders to X (formerly Twitter) in relation to a viral video from August showing a teacher reprimanding a student allegedly due to this Muslim identity in Muzaffarnagar, as per a Moneycontrol report.

The two ministries admitted this in response to RTIs filed by digital rights group Internet Freedom Foundation and said that the posts on X were blocked under Sec 69A of the IT Act 2000. Under Section 69A, the Central government can issue blocking orders to platforms Twitter underground such as security of state, public order and so on.
"We filed RTI requests with MeitY and MIB inquiring about tweets covering the Tripta Tyagi misconduct (teacher in Muzaffarnagar, UP) being withheld, which have now been rejected by both Ministries. Except that, both Ministries admitted to ordering censorship," IFF said.

The viral video from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh showcased a teacher showering communal remarks on a seven-year-old Muslim student and goading his classmates to thrash him. A case has been booked against the teacher.
Both, MeitY and MIB, however, refused to furnish further details on the reasoning behind the blocking orders by stating that such orders were confidential under the IT Act.

The digital rights group will now file appeals with the First Appellate Authority challenging the rejection of further information asked for by IFF through these RTIs.
Such blocking orders issued under Sec 69A of the IT Act and IT Rules have been a bone of contention for social media platforms who allege that these directions are furnished without transparency and accused the government of muzzling freedom of speech and expression.

Twitter (before it was bought by Elon Musk), had approached the Karnataka High Court in 2022 and sued the government for a few such blocking orders. After the High Court ruled in favour of the government and upheld these orders, the platform, recently, filed an appeal against the HC's decision.
 
The upcoming Digital India Bill, which will replace the IT Act, too, is likely to have similar provisions on blocking, highlighting concerns of censorship.

According to the version of a draft of the DIB available with Moneycontrol, the bill may retain provisions such as Sec 69A of the IT Act but may tweak its language to modify the legal guardrails that are currently present under the provision.




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