Category: TechPulse

TechPulse

Goa Launches #EmpoweredInGoa Campaign to Celebrate Digital Empowerment and Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered and innovation-driven state has taken another significant leap with the launch of the #EmpoweredInGoa campaign by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C).

As the State evolves beyond its traditional image as a tourist destination, this new campaign celebrates how technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusion are transforming lives and creating opportunities for every Goan.

Speaking about the campaign, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte, said, “The biggest strength of Goa lies in its people. With #EmpoweredInGoa, we are not just highlighting the digital advancements the State is undertaking, but we are creating opportunities that allow every citizen to participate in the State’s digital journey. This campaign is about celebrating how people are using technology to build, learn and create, and we want every Goan to be part of this transformation and shape the State’s future together.”

The #EmpoweredInGoa movement showcases how innovation and connectivity are redefining empowerment—through access to public services, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity. From enabling new businesses and startups to expanding e-governance and upskilling citizens, Goa is positioning itself as a state where digital progress meets human potential.

The DITE&C has implemented several initiatives that reflect this vision. The Har Ghar Fibre project is bringing high-speed internet to every household, while the Gramin Mitra program ensures senior citizens can access government schemes conveniently. Free WiFi hotspots and the IT Knowledge Centres are equipping citizens with essential digital skills.

Highlighting the campaign’s inclusive focus, Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, said, “Empowerment begins with access to technology, opportunities and knowledge, and our department is committed to delivering this. Through initiatives like the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana (MDSY), IT Knowledge Centres, and Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for Meritorious SC/ST Students, we are ensuring digital literacy reaches even the remotest corners of Goa.”

Goa’s dynamic startup ecosystem also plays a central role in this empowerment narrative. Guided by the Goa Startup Policy 2025, founders are benefitting from infrastructure, seed funding, and mentoring support. Programs like the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 and the upcoming Goa Startup Accelerator, a five-month program, are further strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.

As Goa continues to embrace digital transformation, the #EmpoweredInGoa campaign captures the essence of this journey—where technology is a bridge to opportunity, and empowerment is both inclusive and participatory. The initiative positions Goa as India’s Creative Capital, a place where progress is driven by people, powered by technology, and shaped by shared purpose.

TechPulse

Viswanathan Anand Inaugurates Global Chess League’s Experience Centre in Plano, Dallas

Tanisha Cardozo

The Global Chess League (GCL) inaugurated its new Experience Centre in Plano, Dallas, with five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand leading the launch. Designed to merge chess, technology, and innovation, the centre provides an interactive environment where players, fans, and innovators can explore AI-driven analysis, digital platforms, and cutting-edge tools to enhance the game.

Overlooking Plano’s skyline, the facility features spaces for tournaments, live game analysis, digital chess innovations, and community engagement. Anand emphasized the centre’s role in expanding the reach of chess, making it more engaging and interactive while inspiring the next generation of players through technology.

The centre will collaborate with universities, chess federations, and technology partners to advance AI applications in chess, develop digital coaching tools, boost fan engagement, and integrate esports. Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson of the GCL, described the centre as a “living ecosystem” for the global chess community, bringing together players, fans, clubs, universities, and partners to co-create the future of chess.

Since its opening, the Experience Centre has hosted events such as the Texas Women’s State Chess Championship, featuring competitors from 13 countries. It is expected to continue hosting tournaments, interactive programs, and chess-tech showcases for enthusiasts, students, and partners.

The launch demonstrates the growing integration of strategic sports with digital innovation, providing a unique hub where technology and chess converge to inspire players and fans alike, shaping the future of the game on a global scale.

TechPulse

Sony India Unveils WH-1000XM6 – The Next Evolution of Noise Cancelling Headphones

Tanisha Cardozo

Sony India has unveiled the WH-1000XM6, the latest generation of its award-winning 1000X series headphones. Building upon its legacy as a leader in personal audio innovation, the WH-1000XM6 combines cutting-edge noise cancellation, refined sound engineering, and intelligent features designed for the modern listener.

The WH-1000XM6 introduces Sony’s most advanced noise cancelling yet, powered by the next-generation HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3. With processing speeds seven times faster than the previous model and a system of 12 optimally placed microphones, the new headphones deliver unparalleled clarity by adapting in real time to the user’s environment. Sony’s Adaptive NC Optimiser further fine-tunes noise cancellation precision, automatically adjusting to ambient conditions, movement, and air pressure to maintain a consistently immersive experience.

In collaboration with renowned mastering engineers from Sterling Sound, Battery Studios, and Coast Mastering, Sony has tuned the WH-1000XM6 for exceptional audio accuracy. The specially engineered driver units, featuring a high-rigidity carbon fibre composite dome and optimized voice coil, reveal the intricate details of every frequency—from deep bass to shimmering highs. Combined with LDAC and DSEE Extreme™, the headphones support High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, allowing listeners to enjoy studio-quality sound anywhere.

Entertainment enthusiasts will enjoy 360 Reality Audio Upmix for Cinema, which transforms ordinary stereo into a spatial, theatre-like experience. Gamers benefit from Game EQ settings designed using Sony’s INZONE expertise, while the new Sound Connect App allows users to personalize their listening with a 10-band EQ, background effects, and intuitive controls.

Call clarity reaches new heights with Sony’s AI-based six-microphone beamforming system, ensuring that your voice cuts through background noise with precision. The AI-enhanced algorithm isolates speech and reduces environmental sound, guaranteeing professional-level communication quality for meetings and calls.

Designed for all-day wear, the WH-1000XM6 combines elegance and comfort with a soft-fit vegan leather headband, lightweight materials, and ergonomic ear cushions. The headphones feature tactile control buttons, responsive touch panels, and a durable metal-injected folding mechanism for easy portability.

Beyond performance, Sony continues to champion sustainability. The WH-1000XM6 uses Original Blended Material packaging—made entirely from bamboo, sugarcane fibre, and recycled paper—supporting Sony’s mission for a zero environmental footprint.

Equipped with Scene-based Listening, the headphones automatically adjust noise levels and sound settings based on activity and location. Quick Access lets users instantly play their favorite tracks on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. The WH-1000XM6 also supports LE Audio with ultra-low latency for gaming and Auracast™ broadcast connectivity.

With up to 30 hours of battery life, fast charging (three minutes for three hours of playback), and the ability to listen while charging, the WH-1000XM6 offers seamless usability for any lifestyle.

Under Sony’s global audio philosophy “For The Music,” the WH-1000XM6 reaffirms Sony’s commitment to bridging creators and listeners through authentic, emotion-driven sound.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is available in Black, Platinum Silver, and Midnight Blue at a best buy price of ₹39,990, across Sony Centers, Amazon, Croma, Reliance Digital, and ShopatSC.com from 29 September 2025 onwards.

TechPulse

India Goes Self-Reliant in Digital Connectivity: BSNL Powers Indigenous Internet Backbone

Tanisha Cardozo

India has officially ceased importing internet bandwidth from Bangladesh, marking a landmark achievement in its journey towards digital self-reliance. Until recently, bandwidth from Bangladesh helped support internet services in India’s Northeastern states. Now, that role is being fully taken over by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), through its 100% indigenous Swadeshi 4G network infrastructure.

This strategic shift is part of the government’s larger vision under the 4G Saturation Project, which aims to bring high-speed internet access to every village and remote area in India. BSNL has already begun strengthening digital connectivity across the Northeast, ensuring critical infrastructure is powered by domestic capabilities. This not only bolsters national security and technological independence but also reduces reliance on foreign telecom resources.

Nationwide, BSNL is making massive strides. It plans to upgrade over 92,500 indigenously developed 4G towers to 5G within the next six to eight months. With these upgrades, BSNL is positioned to compete alongside private telecom giants, but with a unique focus on public service, rural access, and national interest.

What makes this transition even more significant is BSNL’s remarkable financial turnaround. From years of losses, the state-run telecom provider is now back in profit and rapidly expanding its services. Its 4G rollout has already begun at scale and is being recognized as a technological milestone for India.

The halt of internet bandwidth imports and BSNL’s indigenous push signal a broader shift in India’s digital story — one where connectivity is built, managed, and scaled within the country. With domestic infrastructure powering everything from mobile data to rural broadband, India is building a future where digital access is sovereign, secure, and self-made.

TechPulse

Apple to Launch Digital Passports in Wallet App by End of 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Apple is gearing up to make your iPhone even more essential to everyday life. By the end of 2025, the tech giant plans to introduce digital passports within its Wallet app, allowing users to verify their identity at select TSA checkpoints across the United States. This development marks a significant move toward mainstream digital identity and a shift away from traditional, physical documents — at least for domestic travel.

The concept is both simple and revolutionary: instead of reaching for a physical passport or ID, travelers will be able to present their verified credentials directly from their iPhones. The system will rely on Apple’s established model of encrypted data storage and biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, ensuring that only the device owner can access or use their digital credentials.

This rollout won’t replace physical passports for international travel anytime soon, and Apple has made it clear this is a step forward, not a complete leap. However, the implications are wide-reaching. As digital wallets expand their capabilities, identity is becoming a more deeply integrated part of our digital ecosystem — just like how payments have shifted from cash to tap-and-go.

Apple’s move also aligns with broader trends in global tech and governance. Several U.S. states have already introduced digital driver’s licenses, and governments worldwide are experimenting with mobile forms of official ID. Apple is simply extending this trajectory — leveraging its security infrastructure to bring trust and convenience into one of the most sensitive parts of life: identity verification.

As with most Apple features, the digital passport experience is expected to be smooth, intuitive, and deeply embedded into the iOS ecosystem. Once active, users will be able to add their passport to Wallet just like a boarding pass or credit card — streamlining their airport journey while reinforcing privacy through strict data controls.

While this won’t change how you travel internationally just yet, it’s a strong signal of what’s to come: a world where your smartphone might carry not just your money, keys, and tickets — but your very citizenship. The passport, long a symbol of national identity, could soon live in your pocket — protected by silicon and secured with your face.