Latest news with #IT-BT
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
AI inclusion debate slows down Karnataka's IT policy rollout
Bengaluru: Karnataka's fresh information technology policy 2025-2030, which needs to be rolled out this year, is facing a dilemma due to the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sector. The fact that AI has become an integral part of the IT-BT sector means the state govt is struggling to decide whether to separate the two or integrate them across the board. "Across the world, countries are split in terms of creating a policy for AI. While Europe has a sector-specific AI usage policy, countries such as the US have a one-size-fits-all policy. Having visited both these continents, we are yet to finalise what should be our model in Karnataka," said a senior IT-BT official. The IT-BT department is currently debating whether the state should have a separate AI policy or make it the central point of the IT policy. With a wide range of consultations already embarked upon, stakeholders are giving their opinions on the use of AI, including the launch of a survey on how much AI is being used by individual companies and how the IT policy needs to integrate it. The govt is also considering aligning with the Centre's policy on AI as well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Urologists: Enlarged Prostate? Every Man Should Stop This 1 Habit! Prostate Health Journal Click Here Undo You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru With the centre also considering an AI policy, the state needs to align its policy with it to ensure that Karnataka gets a majority of the grants that will be provided to states under various initiatives, said IT-BT officials. However, the debate itself has appeared to slow down the rollout of the IT policy as Karnataka does not intend to rush it. Speaking to TOI, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge admitted that a larger consultation is taken up to roll out the fresh IT policy due to AI disruptions. Govt sources suggest that the department is trying to launch the policy close to the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), which will be held between Nov 18 and 22. —-- Quote Most of the expectations are being covered in the new IT policy. However, there are still a few grey areas with respect to the AI disruptions. Considering the policy is going to be a blueprint for the industry over the next four to five years, the govt is doing its due diligence and holding larger consultations to prepare the policy. This is taking a little additional time than anticipated -Priyank Kharge, IT-BT minister
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Leaked draft of fake news bill sparks legal concerns, govt to rework it
Bengaluru: The govt is set to revise its proposed Misinformation and Fake News (Prohibition) Bill, 2025, after a leaked draft triggered widespread criticism and raised questions over legal tenability. The redrafted version is expected to be tabled during the monsoon session of the legislature next month. Officials said the current draft is undergoing "inter-departmental scrutiny," with both IT-BT and home departments reviewing provisions — especially some penal clauses which have been flagged for their "harshness". "In its present form, the bill is untenable and would invite a lot of legal scrutiny," said an official in the IT-BT department. With growing concerns from civil society and legal experts, the govt appears to be treading cautiously to ensure the revised legislation is constitutionally sound and does not infringe on freedom of expression. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Sources say parts of the draft were prepared by "ill-informed" and "overzealous" individuals in the govt, while other sections were "lifted" directly from the Union govt's 2019 Fake News (Prohibition) Bill. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Susan Boyle Is Now so Thin and Looks Beautiful! Undo "For instance, it states the ministers who will head the authority are Kannada and culture and minister for information and broadcasting. State govts do not have a department of information and broadcasting. It is only the central govt. Also, the penalty of Rs 10 lakh is also taken from the central govt bill," said personnel. One glaring example of duplication officials said is Section 15 of the draft, which deals with offences committed by companies. This section has been reproduced verbatim from Section 7 of the 2019 Union bill. The bill also drew flak for an alleged "overzealous" clause proposing a seven-year jail term for "publication of content amounting to disrespect of Sanatan symbols and beliefs on social media platforms". Sources say this specific provision was among the most controversial and is likely to be dropped or reworded. IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge confirmed that the bill is being re-evaluated. "We will present it in the legislature only after a thorough scrutiny and consultation process," he said. To allay fears of media censorship, officials are also considering empanelling media professionals in the proposed regulatory authority. This move is aimed at reassuring media houses that their editorial independence will not be compromised.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mysuru a hub for innovation and business growth: Priyank
Mysuru: IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge on Friday said that Mysuru is poised to become a model for distributed innovation—one that can be replicated across India and cater to global needs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking virtually at the inauguration of the 5th edition of the Mysuru Big Tech Show held at the Infosys campus, the minister said, "Mysuru is not just the cultural capital of India but is also emerging as a strong player in the country's technological landscape. With its robust ecosystem, talent pool, excellent connectivity, and the proactive support of industrial leaders, the city has immense potential for rapid acceleration in the tech sector. " Highlighting Mysuru's strategic advantage, Kharge noted, "It takes nearly the same time—around one-and-a-half hours—to travel from Kempegowda International Airport to Bengaluru's central business district as it does to reach Mysuru. Given this, Mysuru becomes an attractive destination for businesses looking beyond the crowded metropolitan hubs." Quoting industry body Nasscom, he added that Mysuru is among the top three emerging cities in the country and was the second-largest IT exporter in Karnataka last year, recording exports worth Rs 5,700 crore. "Over 50 national companies have not only considered Mysuru as an alternative to metro cities, but have also chosen it as a preferred destination. In the past year alone, 47 companies set up operations here, generating more than 4,500 direct jobs," he said. Kharge also emphasised the city's growing reputation as a startup hub, saying Mysuru has become an encouraging space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Sudhanva Dhananjaya, chairman and MD, Excelsoft Technologies, emphasised the city's growing stature as a hub for innovation and business. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Large companies like L&T and Infosys believed in Mysuru and established their presence here," he said. "My core message is simple—we should all believe in Mysuru. It is the next big destination not only for technology-driven enterprises but also for a wide range of auxiliary businesses. " Reflecting on his own journey, Sudhanva shared that Excelsoft was founded 25 years ago in Mysuru and witnessed the city's transformation first-hand. "Startups and scale-ups are now thriving here, and that's the big shift I've observed over the years. This is the fourth edition of the tech show I've participated in, and the transformation is remarkable. Today, registration is overflowing," he noted. Calling upon entrepreneurs and investors, he added, "As a stakeholder, I urge everyone to come to Mysuru, experience it, and grow with it. The city offers a conducive ecosystem, excellent work-life balance, remains green and serene, and the authorities are supportive. Mysuru is poised to become a great city for business growth." Pavan Ranga, CEO and managing director, Rangsons Aerospace, entrepreneur and industrialist, echoed similar sentiments. "Everything is possible in Mysuru. Our business exports to over 60 countries—all from this city," he said. Stressing the city's livability, he remarked, "When you evaluate Mysuru as a destination, consider the quality of life—it's unmatched. You can leave home and be back in minutes. That's the essence of Mysuru. We are here to support those who wish to explore and grow in this beautiful city." Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, KDEM, Bhaskar Kalale, Startups and Innovation, Vinayak Hegde, IT, ITes, and GCC, Ekroop Caur, Secretary, Department of Electronics IT, BT and S&T, March Lamy, Consul General, Consulate General of France in Bangalore were also present.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hasiru Patha to be launched in Kalaburagi on July 5
Kalaburagi: In an effort to enhance greenery in the Kalyana Karnataka region, the Hasiru Patha initiative from the budget announcement will be inaugurated in Kalaburagi on Saturday. Deputy commissioner B Fauzia Tarannum directed officials to ensure thorough preparations for the programme's successful completion. A preliminary discussion was conducted with officials at the Collectorate's Office Hall, coinciding with the state-level Vanamahotsav programme and Kalaburagi city events. During Wednesday's initial meeting, it was announced that the state-level forest festival and Green Kalaburagi initiative would commence, involving tree planting at lakes, parks, major roundabouts, and street sides throughout Kalaburagi city. With the expected attendance of opposition leader in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge, state rural development and panchayat raj and IT-BT minister, who is also Kalaburagi district minister, Priyank, along with MLAs and other elected officials, proper protocol adherence was emphasised. Various committees were established to ensure the programme's success, with officials instructed to collaborate and fulfil their assigned responsibilities effectively. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The event will be organised at the Kalaburagi Nagar PDA college campus, where an extensive sapling planting drive will be conducted. With an anticipated attendance of 6,000 to 7,000 people, the state police department's recently issued SOP for crowd management requires implementation of appropriate precautionary measures. Instructions were given to arrange adequate security, maintain cleanliness, and organise parking facilities.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Prada's Rs 1.2-lakh Kolhapuri chappals spark row, Priyank Kharge calls for global platforms for artisans
After Kholapuri chappals recently went viral at the Italian luxury fashion house Prada's summer collection, Karnataka Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj and IT-BT, Priyank Kharge , highlighted that GI tag recognition isn't enough and cultural entrepreneurship is needed. Kharge on Sunday also pointed out that while the chappals are commonly associated with Maharashtra, a large share of the artisans who craft them hail from Karnataka, sharing the tag. The minister said that with the sandals being priced at Rs 1.2 lakh, very few people know where they truly come from. Artisans from Athani, Nippani, Chikkodi, Raibag, and other parts of Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Dharwad in Karnataka have been making these chappals for generations. They have traditionally sold them in nearby towns, especially Kolhapur, which eventually became the default market, and over time, the brand, he said. 'We saw how Maharashtra was pushing for sole GI tag rights over Kolhapuris and through LIDKAR (Karnataka government's subsidiary), we contested this and fought to ensure the state's artisans were not left out,' Kharge wrote X. The GI tag was granted jointly to four districts each in Karnataka and Maharashtra. 'This was never about a contest between the two states but about preserving our shared heritage and giving our artisans the legal recognition they deserve,' the rural development minister said. Kharge called for greater investment in design, branding, skilling, and market access for the artisan communities. 'When international fashion houses adopt our designs, it is our artisans whose names, work, and legacy must be showcased — not sidelined,' he added. While Prada has since acknowledged the Indian roots of the design and signalled openness to artisan collaboration , Kharge emphasised that the artisans don't just deserve credit, they deserve better prices, wider exposure, and the chance to build lasting, dignified livelihoods from their craft.
