Mar 16, 2026, 22:34 IST

Mar 16, 2026, 22:34 IST

Ricky Ponting (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has praised the India national cricket team after their dominant victory in the T20 World Cup 2026, calling the current Indian side one of the strongest T20 teams ever. India secured their third T20 World Cup title with a convincing 96-run…

Read More
Nora Fatehi-Sanjay Dutt’s Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from KD – The Devil faces backlash for ‘cheap and vulgar’ lyrics; Armaan reacts

Nora Fatehi-Sanjay Dutt’s Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from KD – The Devil faces backlash for ‘cheap and vulgar’ lyrics; Armaan reacts

The newly released song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from the upcoming Kannada film KD: The Devil, featuring Nora Fatehi and Sanjay Dutt, has sparked widespread debate online. While some viewers praised Nora’s energetic dance performance, a large section of social media users criticised the song’s lyrics and choreography, calling them vulgar and inappropriate. The newly…

Read More
Blind Paralympic skier Danelle Umstead woke up paralyzed and was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: How she relearned to walk, ski and win medals

Blind Paralympic skier Danelle Umstead woke up paralyzed and was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis: How she relearned to walk, ski and win medals

Paralympic athlete Danelle Umstead’s story took a challenging turn with a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis following an unexpected paralysis episode, mere months after her stunning bronze medal win. Despite grappling with progressive blindness since her youth, Umstead’s remarkable journey exemplifies unyielding determination. In late October 2010, Paralympic skier Danelle Umstead noticed something strange after a long…

Read More
Energy cleansing rituals for attracting prosperity

Energy cleansing rituals for attracting prosperity

In Vedic traditions and Vastu Shastra, energy cleansing rituals are believed to bring prosperity and growth and remove negativity and doshas from life. In fact, it is believed that clearing energy blockages from our home can bring wealth and abundance by inviting Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings for positive energy flow and stability.Why is a cleansing ritual…

Read More
Meet Alexandre Singh: Indian-origin filmmaker who won Oscar for best live-action short film ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’

Meet Alexandre Singh: Indian-origin filmmaker who won Oscar for best live-action short film ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’

Filmmaker Alexandre Singh won an Oscar in the category of best live action short film for the French-language drama ‘Two People Exchanging Saliva’ at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15.His film, co-directed with long-time creative partner Natalie Musteata, shared the honour in a rare tie with ‘The Singers’ by Sam A. Davis and Jack…

Read More
New Delhi: Compensation to the tune of Rs 163.92 crore in the form of travel coupons has already been given to passengers impacted by the mass cancellation of flights by IndiGo in early December, minister of civil aviation K Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.Replying to supplementary queries during Question Hour, he said over 3.6 lakh customers were affected by the incident and that Rs 43.8 crore has been distributed thus far as compensation after a ticket validation process.  ‘Will Set An Example’: IndiGo Faces Heat As Aviation Minister Promises Tough Action In Rajya Sabha Nadu assured that the government is taking multiple necessary measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Hundreds of flights operated by IndiGo were cancelled in the first week of December due to shortage of pilots after the expiry of the deadline on Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL). Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war fallout’Fabrication of clips using AI’: UAE orders action against 19 Indians over misleading posts amid Iran warNetanyahu Debunks Death Rumours: PM posts new cafe video; envoy calls AI claims fakeThe government blamed the airline for the lack of adequate planning in implementing the second phase of the FDTL norms. It granted the airline a one-time exemption from enforcement of norms. Responding to a specific query on the IndiGo crisis, the minister said the civil aviation ministry is consulting airlines on a day-to-day basis before implementation of new norms. “But, even after it is done we are taking much more care right now so that this kind of situation does not repeat itself,” he asserted.Stating that the ministry was engaged with the airline to ensure more compensation to the passengers, Nadu said that the airline, as a gesture of care, had also extended Rs 10,000 of coupons or travel coupons. “For this, Rs 163.9 crore has already been distributed to the passengers. And more, if they can validate their time of travel at that specific time,” Naidu said.Regarding the IndiGo incident, the minister said DGCA has been in continuous engagement with the airlines. “This was a specific instance where there were new FDTL norms that have come into place and it was the airlines which had to look into its internal operations and say that if the FDTL is coming into place, how many more pilots do we need and how do we route the rostering of the crew so that the impact is not there on the operations,” Naidu said. “More than 246 pilots have been employed in this three months itself by IndiGo… We have also brought 10% of the operations for Indigo. So, multiple necessary measures have been taken so that this kind of incident does not repeat,” Naidu said.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAnother Pinaka Regiment Becomes Operational, Three More By 2027: ReportsLPG Tanker ‘Shivalik’ Reaches India After Crossing Strait Of Hormuz, Docks At Gujarat’s Mundra PortMEA Confirms Safe Exit Of 600+ Indians From Iran Via Armenia, Azerbaijan Amid West Asia ConflictCentre Urges LPG Users To Shift To PNG While Assuring Uninterrupted Fuel Supply NationwideIndian Ship Shivalik Nears Mumbai While Nanda Devi And Jag Laadki Carrying Fuel Safely Past HormuzAnant Singh Declares He Will Quit Politics If Nitish Kumar Steps Down As Bihar CM’No Link To PM Modi’s Visit’: Israel Envoy Reuven Azar Quashes Rumours On Iran Strike TimingLPG Crisis Sparks Rajya Sabha Clash As Kharge Targets Govt And Nadda Hits Back In ParliamentTMC Stages Walkout Over Election Commission’s Move To Replace West Bengal BureaucratsUS Hints At India’s Role In Coalition To Secure Strait Of Hormuz During Escalating Crisis123Photostories10 oldest forests in the world and the countries they are inKuldeep Yadav’s Car Collection: Top 3 expensive cars owned by the cricketer10 quick dinner recipes for summer months that can save your LPG by 30%Assam assembly elections 2026: From Himanta Biswa Sarma to Gaurav Gogoi, key candidates to watch out forRajpal Yadav birthday special: ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Chup Chup Ke’, funniest films of the actor to watch on OTTWhich colour you should wear during Navratri; based on your birth dateChennai MRTS extension opens after 20 years; Key points6 largest community kitchens of India that serve more than just food10 towns in India perfect for peaceful retreatsFrom Jannat Zubair’s new luxurious car worth Rs 1 crore to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore mansion-Luxurious items Laughter Chefs 3 cast own123Hot PicksUS Iran War NewsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSidney CrosbyDak PrescottBombay High CourtTaylor SwiftNFL Free AgencySunil GavaskarAssembly election dateStephen CurryGolden State Warriors vs New York Knicks Injury ReportUAE Port Attack

New Delhi: Compensation to the tune of Rs 163.92 crore in the form of travel coupons has already been given to passengers impacted by the mass cancellation of flights by IndiGo in early December, minister of civil aviation K Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.Replying to supplementary queries during Question Hour, he said over 3.6 lakh customers were affected by the incident and that Rs 43.8 crore has been distributed thus far as compensation after a ticket validation process. ‘Will Set An Example’: IndiGo Faces Heat As Aviation Minister Promises Tough Action In Rajya Sabha Nadu assured that the government is taking multiple necessary measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Hundreds of flights operated by IndiGo were cancelled in the first week of December due to shortage of pilots after the expiry of the deadline on Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL). Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war fallout’Fabrication of clips using AI’: UAE orders action against 19 Indians over misleading posts amid Iran warNetanyahu Debunks Death Rumours: PM posts new cafe video; envoy calls AI claims fakeThe government blamed the airline for the lack of adequate planning in implementing the second phase of the FDTL norms. It granted the airline a one-time exemption from enforcement of norms. Responding to a specific query on the IndiGo crisis, the minister said the civil aviation ministry is consulting airlines on a day-to-day basis before implementation of new norms. “But, even after it is done we are taking much more care right now so that this kind of situation does not repeat itself,” he asserted.Stating that the ministry was engaged with the airline to ensure more compensation to the passengers, Nadu said that the airline, as a gesture of care, had also extended Rs 10,000 of coupons or travel coupons. “For this, Rs 163.9 crore has already been distributed to the passengers. And more, if they can validate their time of travel at that specific time,” Naidu said.Regarding the IndiGo incident, the minister said DGCA has been in continuous engagement with the airlines. “This was a specific instance where there were new FDTL norms that have come into place and it was the airlines which had to look into its internal operations and say that if the FDTL is coming into place, how many more pilots do we need and how do we route the rostering of the crew so that the impact is not there on the operations,” Naidu said. “More than 246 pilots have been employed in this three months itself by IndiGo… We have also brought 10% of the operations for Indigo. So, multiple necessary measures have been taken so that this kind of incident does not repeat,” Naidu said.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAnother Pinaka Regiment Becomes Operational, Three More By 2027: ReportsLPG Tanker ‘Shivalik’ Reaches India After Crossing Strait Of Hormuz, Docks At Gujarat’s Mundra PortMEA Confirms Safe Exit Of 600+ Indians From Iran Via Armenia, Azerbaijan Amid West Asia ConflictCentre Urges LPG Users To Shift To PNG While Assuring Uninterrupted Fuel Supply NationwideIndian Ship Shivalik Nears Mumbai While Nanda Devi And Jag Laadki Carrying Fuel Safely Past HormuzAnant Singh Declares He Will Quit Politics If Nitish Kumar Steps Down As Bihar CM’No Link To PM Modi’s Visit’: Israel Envoy Reuven Azar Quashes Rumours On Iran Strike TimingLPG Crisis Sparks Rajya Sabha Clash As Kharge Targets Govt And Nadda Hits Back In ParliamentTMC Stages Walkout Over Election Commission’s Move To Replace West Bengal BureaucratsUS Hints At India’s Role In Coalition To Secure Strait Of Hormuz During Escalating Crisis123Photostories10 oldest forests in the world and the countries they are inKuldeep Yadav’s Car Collection: Top 3 expensive cars owned by the cricketer10 quick dinner recipes for summer months that can save your LPG by 30%Assam assembly elections 2026: From Himanta Biswa Sarma to Gaurav Gogoi, key candidates to watch out forRajpal Yadav birthday special: ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Chup Chup Ke’, funniest films of the actor to watch on OTTWhich colour you should wear during Navratri; based on your birth dateChennai MRTS extension opens after 20 years; Key points6 largest community kitchens of India that serve more than just food10 towns in India perfect for peaceful retreatsFrom Jannat Zubair’s new luxurious car worth Rs 1 crore to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore mansion-Luxurious items Laughter Chefs 3 cast own123Hot PicksUS Iran War NewsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSidney CrosbyDak PrescottBombay High CourtTaylor SwiftNFL Free AgencySunil GavaskarAssembly election dateStephen CurryGolden State Warriors vs New York Knicks Injury ReportUAE Port Attack

New Delhi: Compensation to the tune of Rs 163.92 crore in the form of travel coupons has already been given to passengers impacted by the mass cancellation of flights by IndiGo in early December, minister of civil aviation K Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday.Replying to supplementary queries during Question Hour, he said…

Read More
Mar 16, 2026, 21:58 IST

Mar 16, 2026, 21:58 IST

England head coach Brendon McCullum (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Liam Livingstone has strongly criticised England’s team management, saying he felt a lack of respect and communication after being dropped from the national side in 2025. The England all-rounder revealed that he has not been part of the setup since March last year and now doubts…

Read More
Severe storms force early school dismissals and closures across Washington, D.C. region

Severe storms force early school dismissals and closures across Washington, D.C. region

Washington, D.C.-area schools shift to early dismissal and remote learning amid severe storm threat. (Getty Images) A looming severe weather system forced several school districts in and around Washington, D.C., to alter their schedules on Monday, with many opting for early dismissals, remote learning, or complete closures to ensure student safety. The decision comes as…

Read More
Celina Jaitly reacts as Vikrant Jaitly refuses to communicate and chooses to consult wife Charul Jaitly first; court dismisses plea

Celina Jaitly reacts as Vikrant Jaitly refuses to communicate and chooses to consult wife Charul Jaitly first; court dismisses plea

Celina Jaitly has reacted after the Delhi High Court dismissed her petition seeking consular access, legal assistance and communication with her brother, Major (Retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, who is currently detained in the United Arab Emirates. The court disposed of the plea after being informed that Vikrant Jaitly did not wish to communicate with his sister…

Read More
Jada Pinkett Smith: Meet Oscar-banned actor Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith: Their complicated relationship and how the slap-gate brought them closer |

Jada Pinkett Smith: Meet Oscar-banned actor Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith: Their complicated relationship and how the slap-gate brought them closer |

Will Smith with wife Jada Pinkett Smith While the glamour of Oscars 2026 is the talk of the town right now, the one name that’s hitting the headlines yet again is Will Smith— the Hollywood actor who is banned until 2032 after he infamously slapped Chris Rock in 2022. The man who charmed us in…

Read More
How to strengthen weak planets?

How to strengthen weak planets?

Do you often feel disheartened and disappointed when, despite all the hard work and efforts, you don’t get closer to your goals? Then it is not just your endeavors and luck, but there may be other factors that influence the course of your life.Well, as per the books of Vedic astrology and ancient texts, it…

Read More
Chaitra Navratri Wishes & Messages: Happy Chaitra Navratri 2026: Top 50 wishes, messages and quotes to share with your loved ones |

Chaitra Navratri Wishes & Messages: Happy Chaitra Navratri 2026: Top 50 wishes, messages and quotes to share with your loved ones |

Chaitra Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar New Year in many parts of India. The nine-day celebration is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navadurga. During this time, devotees across the country observe fasts, offer prayers, perform rituals,…

Read More
Indian In Dubmin: ‘I am not a creep’: Indian man in Dublin, convicted of groping woman on bus, says he can’t find job due to background check

Indian In Dubmin: ‘I am not a creep’: Indian man in Dublin, convicted of groping woman on bus, says he can’t find job due to background check

A 44-year-old software developer, Kishor Karunakaran, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman on a bus, said he was honeytrapped, got fired from his job at Amazon, and can’t find work since the incident. In an exclusive interview with Sunday World, the father of one said he was not a creep but a “valued…

Read More
Representative image NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee has recommended strengthening institutional capacity in cybersecurity, data protection and digital infrastructure while examining the government’s spending plans for the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) for 2026-27. The panel also cautioned that inadequate funding could affect the expansion of digital governance systems, cybersecurity capacity and emerging initiatives such as artificial intelligence infrastructure.The observations are part of the “Twenty-Fourth Report of the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology” on the ministry’s Demands for Grants, which was presented in Parliament on March 16.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war fallout’Fabrication of clips using AI’: UAE orders action against 19 Indians over misleading posts amid Iran warNetanyahu Debunks Death Rumours: PM posts new cafe video; envoy calls AI claims fakeThe committee said that “allocation of more funds to the Ministry may help promote Digital Governance for empowering citizens, promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Electronics, IT and ITeS industries… and ensuring a secure cyber space.”According to the report, MeitY’s budget estimate for 2026-27 stands at Rs 21,632.96 crore compared with Rs 26,026.25 crore in the 2025-26 budget estimates. The ministry told the committee that part of the reduction reflects the closure of the production linked incentive (PLI) component for large-scale electronics manufacturing, whose tenure ends on March 31, 2026.The committee also noted that variations between budget estimates and revised estimates in 2025-26 were linked to lower expenditure during the first half of the financial year and delays in executing agreements under semiconductor manufacturing projects. The ministry told the panel that semiconductor manufacturing projects are “highly complex, technology-intensive” and approved companies must fulfil stipulated conditions before fiscal support can be released, resulting in delays in agreements.The report also highlighted implementation challenges across several programmes, including interoperability gaps in e-governance systems, cybersecurity and privacy risks, and capacity constraints in digital infrastructure projects. It asked the ministry to address these issues and keep the committee informed of progress.On cybersecurity and digital safety, the committee sought updates on the creation of additional posts in the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and recommended strengthening the Data Protection Board to improve safeguards for personal data and address incidents of cyber fraud and digital scams.The committee also asked the ministry to ensure that funding shortages do not affect the functioning of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which provides core digital infrastructure for government platforms. It further recommended expanding digital public services with stronger local-language support to improve digital inclusion.The report also discussed the implementation trajectory of the IndiaAI Mission, noting that variations in allocations partly reflected the programme’s rollout dynamics following its approval in March 2024. According to the ministry, early stages focused on institutional setup, consultations and operational guidelines before scaling up activities across research, ecosystem development and international collaboration.Among future initiatives, the panel suggested using enhanced funding under the National Knowledge Network to establish a blockchain-based National Digital Research Repository aimed at enabling secure knowledge sharing among research institutions.The report further recommended expanding digital literacy programmes in rural and tribal areas and strengthening the IT ecosystem in underperforming states, including in the Northeast, to support more balanced growth in India’s digital economy.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThree Indian Navy Destroyers Quietly Secure Oil Tankers Passage Through Volatile HormuzAnother Pinaka Regiment Becomes Operational, Three More By 2027: ReportsLPG Tanker ‘Shivalik’ Reaches India After Crossing Strait Of Hormuz, Docks At Gujarat’s Mundra PortMEA Confirms Safe Exit Of 600+ Indians From Iran Via Armenia, Azerbaijan Amid West Asia ConflictCentre Urges LPG Users To Shift To PNG While Assuring Uninterrupted Fuel Supply NationwideIndian Ship Shivalik Nears Mumbai While Nanda Devi And Jag Laadki Carrying Fuel Safely Past HormuzAnant Singh Declares He Will Quit Politics If Nitish Kumar Steps Down As Bihar CM’No Link To PM Modi’s Visit’: Israel Envoy Reuven Azar Quashes Rumours On Iran Strike TimingLPG Crisis Sparks Rajya Sabha Clash As Kharge Targets Govt And Nadda Hits Back In ParliamentTMC Stages Walkout Over Election Commission’s Move To Replace West Bengal Bureaucrats123PhotostoriesSleeping with lights on or TV playing? Doctors say this habit may disrupt hormones and metabolism10 oldest forests in the world and the countries they are inKuldeep Yadav’s Car Collection: Top 3 expensive cars owned by the cricketer10 quick dinner recipes for summer months that can save your LPG by 30%Assam assembly elections 2026: From Himanta Biswa Sarma to Gaurav Gogoi, key candidates to watch out forRajpal Yadav birthday special: ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Chup Chup Ke’, funniest films of the actor to watch on OTTWhich colour you should wear during Navratri; based on your birth dateChennai MRTS extension opens after 20 years; Key points6 largest community kitchens of India that serve more than just food10 towns in India perfect for peaceful retreats123Hot PicksUS Iran War NewsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSidney CrosbyDak PrescottBombay High CourtTaylor SwiftNFL Free AgencySunil GavaskarAssembly election dateStephen CurryGolden State Warriors vs New York Knicks Injury ReportUAE Port Attack

Representative image NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee has recommended strengthening institutional capacity in cybersecurity, data protection and digital infrastructure while examining the government’s spending plans for the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) for 2026-27. The panel also cautioned that inadequate funding could affect the expansion of digital governance systems, cybersecurity capacity and emerging initiatives such as artificial intelligence infrastructure.The observations are part of the “Twenty-Fourth Report of the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology” on the ministry’s Demands for Grants, which was presented in Parliament on March 16.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran calls Israeli bombing of fuel depots ‘ecocide’; Trump warns Nato over war fallout’Fabrication of clips using AI’: UAE orders action against 19 Indians over misleading posts amid Iran warNetanyahu Debunks Death Rumours: PM posts new cafe video; envoy calls AI claims fakeThe committee said that “allocation of more funds to the Ministry may help promote Digital Governance for empowering citizens, promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Electronics, IT and ITeS industries… and ensuring a secure cyber space.”According to the report, MeitY’s budget estimate for 2026-27 stands at Rs 21,632.96 crore compared with Rs 26,026.25 crore in the 2025-26 budget estimates. The ministry told the committee that part of the reduction reflects the closure of the production linked incentive (PLI) component for large-scale electronics manufacturing, whose tenure ends on March 31, 2026.The committee also noted that variations between budget estimates and revised estimates in 2025-26 were linked to lower expenditure during the first half of the financial year and delays in executing agreements under semiconductor manufacturing projects. The ministry told the panel that semiconductor manufacturing projects are “highly complex, technology-intensive” and approved companies must fulfil stipulated conditions before fiscal support can be released, resulting in delays in agreements.The report also highlighted implementation challenges across several programmes, including interoperability gaps in e-governance systems, cybersecurity and privacy risks, and capacity constraints in digital infrastructure projects. It asked the ministry to address these issues and keep the committee informed of progress.On cybersecurity and digital safety, the committee sought updates on the creation of additional posts in the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and recommended strengthening the Data Protection Board to improve safeguards for personal data and address incidents of cyber fraud and digital scams.The committee also asked the ministry to ensure that funding shortages do not affect the functioning of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which provides core digital infrastructure for government platforms. It further recommended expanding digital public services with stronger local-language support to improve digital inclusion.The report also discussed the implementation trajectory of the IndiaAI Mission, noting that variations in allocations partly reflected the programme’s rollout dynamics following its approval in March 2024. According to the ministry, early stages focused on institutional setup, consultations and operational guidelines before scaling up activities across research, ecosystem development and international collaboration.Among future initiatives, the panel suggested using enhanced funding under the National Knowledge Network to establish a blockchain-based National Digital Research Repository aimed at enabling secure knowledge sharing among research institutions.The report further recommended expanding digital literacy programmes in rural and tribal areas and strengthening the IT ecosystem in underperforming states, including in the Northeast, to support more balanced growth in India’s digital economy.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThree Indian Navy Destroyers Quietly Secure Oil Tankers Passage Through Volatile HormuzAnother Pinaka Regiment Becomes Operational, Three More By 2027: ReportsLPG Tanker ‘Shivalik’ Reaches India After Crossing Strait Of Hormuz, Docks At Gujarat’s Mundra PortMEA Confirms Safe Exit Of 600+ Indians From Iran Via Armenia, Azerbaijan Amid West Asia ConflictCentre Urges LPG Users To Shift To PNG While Assuring Uninterrupted Fuel Supply NationwideIndian Ship Shivalik Nears Mumbai While Nanda Devi And Jag Laadki Carrying Fuel Safely Past HormuzAnant Singh Declares He Will Quit Politics If Nitish Kumar Steps Down As Bihar CM’No Link To PM Modi’s Visit’: Israel Envoy Reuven Azar Quashes Rumours On Iran Strike TimingLPG Crisis Sparks Rajya Sabha Clash As Kharge Targets Govt And Nadda Hits Back In ParliamentTMC Stages Walkout Over Election Commission’s Move To Replace West Bengal Bureaucrats123PhotostoriesSleeping with lights on or TV playing? Doctors say this habit may disrupt hormones and metabolism10 oldest forests in the world and the countries they are inKuldeep Yadav’s Car Collection: Top 3 expensive cars owned by the cricketer10 quick dinner recipes for summer months that can save your LPG by 30%Assam assembly elections 2026: From Himanta Biswa Sarma to Gaurav Gogoi, key candidates to watch out forRajpal Yadav birthday special: ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Chup Chup Ke’, funniest films of the actor to watch on OTTWhich colour you should wear during Navratri; based on your birth dateChennai MRTS extension opens after 20 years; Key points6 largest community kitchens of India that serve more than just food10 towns in India perfect for peaceful retreats123Hot PicksUS Iran War NewsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSidney CrosbyDak PrescottBombay High CourtTaylor SwiftNFL Free AgencySunil GavaskarAssembly election dateStephen CurryGolden State Warriors vs New York Knicks Injury ReportUAE Port Attack

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary committee has recommended strengthening institutional capacity in cybersecurity, data protection and digital infrastructure while examining the government’s spending plans for the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) for 2026-27. The panel also cautioned that inadequate funding could affect the expansion of digital governance systems, cybersecurity capacity and emerging initiatives such…

Read More
Mar 16, 2026, 20:30 IST

Mar 16, 2026, 20:30 IST

NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, recently spoke about his journey after India’s historic title win. The wicketkeeper-batter played a crucial role in the tournament, scoring 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate close to…

Read More
IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan likely to lead SRH

IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan likely to lead SRH

NEW DELHI: Team India’s left-handed batter Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner to lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, as there is yet no clarity on when Pat Cummins will link up with the squad. TimesofIndia.com reliably understands that the SRH management has had a discussion in this regard, and Kishan has been…

Read More