Time For India To Become Global Innovation Leader, Says Trivedi Rajya Sabha member Sudhanshu Trivedi addressed students at VNIT's AXIS festival, emphasizing India's need to transition from adopting technology to leading global innovation. He highlighted the country's digital payment system, stating it has surpassed the combined transaction volumes of the United States and China. Trivedi noted that India now accounts for 49% of global digital transactions, a figure that exceeds the combined totals of the U.S. and China. He cited the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a key achievement, explaining that it overtook Visa to become the world’s largest digital payment system in 2024. Trivedi pointed to international examples of India’s growing influence, such as Japan’s Prime Minister making a digital payment in a Delhi market and French President Emmanuel Macron using UPI at a roadside tea stall in Jaipur. He remarked that nations once considered advanced in technology are now surprised by India’s rapid digital transformation. The MP also attributed this progress to a significant decline in data costs, noting that 1 GB of data cost over Rs300 per month a decade ago, compared to Rs28 per month today. Trivedi emphasized the role of India’s national portal in expanding access to global research, stating that over 6,300 institutions now have access to international journals. In 2025 alone, more than 11 crore papers were downloaded through this platform. Looking ahead, he outlined government initiatives, including a Rs30,000 crore allocation for artificial intelligence and Rs6,000 crore for quantum technologies. National missions in green hydrogen and renewable energy were also highlighted as critical areas for future investment.#rajya_sabha #unified_payments_interface #sudhanshu_trivedi #vnit #axis_festival
VNIT Tech Festival to Feature 16-Drone Show and Advanced Exhibits Nagpur: The Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) is set to host its flagship annual technical festival, Axis 26, from April 10 to 12. The event promises to be a hub for innovation, technological advancements, and experiential learning. The festival will be inaugurated by Sudhanshu Trivedi, a member of the Rajya Sabha, along with Prabhakaran, the managing director of Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. One of the standout attractions of the festival will be a coordinated drone display featuring 16 drones, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolving capabilities of aerial technology. This will be accompanied by exhibits showcasing advanced drone systems, highlighting their applications in various fields. The festival will also feature participation from leading organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, Yantra India Limited, and the Raman Science Centre. These collaborations are expected to provide attendees with insights into cutting-edge research and development in aerospace and defense technologies. The event aims to foster a deeper understanding of emerging technologies through interactive demonstrations and workshops. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with experts from these organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of how drones are being utilized in sectors ranging from surveillance and logistics to environmental monitoring. The inclusion of ISRO and the military highlights the festival’s focus on both civilian and defense applications of drone technology. In addition to the drone display, the festival will host a variety of other technical exhibitions and competitions.#sudhanshu_trivedi #visvesvaraya_national_institute_of_technology #axis_26 #prabhakaran #lloyds_metals_and_energy_ltd
BJP Commends Fuel Tax Cut Amid Global Oil Price Surge, Congress Criticizes Policy The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has praised the government’s decision to reduce excise duties on petrol and diesel amid rising global oil prices, calling it a gesture of sensitivity toward citizens. Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted the move as a direct relief to 140 crore Indians, emphasizing that the reduction would ease the financial burden on households. He noted that while global crude prices have surged, the government’s intervention ensures affordability for the common man. Trivedi also criticized the Congress party for its past policies, citing instances where the party increased taxes on consumers during its rule. He argued that the current measure contrasts with the Congress’s history of imposing higher levies on fuel, which he claims disproportionately affected ordinary citizens. In response, the Congress party has accused the government of failing to deliver tangible benefits to the public. Party spokesperson Pavan Kheda pointed out that despite lower crude prices in 2014, fuel costs were significantly cheaper compared to today. He cited data showing that in May 2014, crude oil prices were $106.94 per barrel, while petrol and diesel prices in Delhi were Rs 71.71 and Rs 56.71 per liter, respectively. Kheda argued that the current tax cut would not translate to lower retail prices, as the government is prioritizing the interests of state-owned oil companies over consumers. The Congress also highlighted the growing dependence on oil imports, stating that crude oil import reliance has risen from 84% to 90%, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) import dependence has increased from 46% to 62%.#bharatiya_janata_party #congress_party #sudhanshu_trivedi #pavan_kheda #jayaram_ramesh
