Lucknow and Kanpur have begun installing smart utility poles equipped with LED lights, surveillance cameras, Wi-Fi hotspots, and emergency call buttons. These 12-meter-tall poles will collect traffic, weather, and pollution data while enhancing public safety and connectivity. Citizens can also access Wi-Fi for free for limited durations. The smart…
India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Inland Waterway Vessel Debuts in Varanasi
The Ministry of Shipping and Inland Waterways has launched India’s first hydrogen-powered inland vessel on the Ganga River near Varanasi. This state-of-the-art ferry can carry 100 passengers and emits only water vapor. Developed in collaboration with IIT Madras and Cochin Shipyard, the vessel uses hydrogen fuel cells to run silently and efficien…
Andhra Pradesh Launches Zero-Fare Coastal Boat Transit
To connect island communities and reduce reliance on diesel boats, Andhra Pradesh has introduced zero-fare electric boats along the Krishna and Godavari deltas. Operated by solar-charging pontoons, these ferries connect 45 hamlets and transport over 30,000 passengers monthly. The boats are equipped with life jackets, GPS, and onboard medical kits.…
Indian Tech Startup Builds AI Avatars for Rural Telemedicine
A Bengaluru-based startup, Ayuvaa Health, has introduced AI-powered avatars that can converse with patients in 11 Indian languages, gather medical history, and provide basic health screening via smartphone. These avatars are currently being used in remote health centers in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. The avatars can detect early sign…
Manipur Opens First Organic Tea Auction Center
Manipur has launched its first tea auction center dedicated exclusively to organic teas grown in the Senapati and Ukhrul hills. The center uses e-auction portals to ensure fair prices and direct access to buyers in Assam, Gujarat, and even Japan. Tea varieties like purple tea, white tea, and fermented herbal blends are receiving international atte…
Jharkhand Approves Tribal-Led Energy Cooperatives
The Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) has approved the formation of the state’s first tribal-run solar energy cooperatives. These cooperatives own and manage decentralized solar microgrids serving 50 villages in West Singhbhum. Women-led management committees oversee billing, maintenance, and revenue-sharing. Households recei…
Karnataka Pilots Nano-Solar Panels for Rural Connectivity Kiosks
In remote villages, Karnataka’s Digital Infrastructure Agency has installed kiosk shelters powered by nano-solar panels embedded in roofing tiles. Each kiosk offers Wi‑Fi, mobile top-up, charging ports, and a public infotainment screen displaying civic and agricultural advisory content. The nano-solar tiles generate enough power to ensure 12 
Goa Deploys AI Fish Recognition Cameras for Marine Research
Goa’s Marine Conservation Division, in collaboration with fisheries colleges, has installed underwater cameras near coral reefs that automatically identify fish species and their numbers using AI. Each camera logs recordings daily and categorizes species like butterflyfish, clownfish, and angelfish. Early findings show increased biodiversity in …
Odisha Pilots Automatic Tidal Gates for Urban Flood Protection
In Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s Smart City Mission has constructed automatic tidal gates at canal junctions to prevent stormwater backflow during high tides. The gates, integrated with water-level sensors and IoT algorithms, automatically close during high tide and reopen afterwards. They reduce urban flooding without requiring manual activation. In re…
Karnataka Creates Digital Mentorship Platform for Rural Women Entrepreneurs
The Karnataka Women & Child Development Department has launched an online mentorship platform connecting rural women entrepreneurs from villages like Hassan and Mandya with urban business mentors. Through video sessions, women receive guidance in marketing, operations, digital payment, and pricing strategies. Over 3,000 women have joined so fa…