Category: TechPulse

TechPulse

BSNL Launches Intelligent Swadeshi 4G Network, Connecting 26,700 More Villages

Tanisha Cardozo

In a historic move underscoring India’s digital transformation and technological self-reliance, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched its indigenous 4G network on September 27, 2025, powered by the collaborative effort of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Tejas Networks. This state-of-the-art solution, known as the Bharat Telecom Stack, has been fully conceptualized, developed, and deployed in India, reflecting the core values of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The launch marks a significant technological achievement, making India one of only five nations worldwide to possess a fully indigenous telecom technology stack capable of delivering 4G and paving the way for future networks. With this launch, more than 26,700 additional villages are now digitally connected, giving millions of citizens access to essential services like e-learning, e-governance, telemedicine, and online banking.

TCS led the deployment of the end-to-end network architecture in mission mode, establishing data centers, integrating C-DOT’s EPC Core Application, deploying Tejas Networks’ radio access network (RAN) infrastructure, and using TCS Cognitive Network Operations (CNOPS™) for continuous, intelligent network monitoring.

The speed and scale of this deployment have been unprecedented. Within just two years, the teams successfully installed and commissioned over 100,000 telecom sites, achieving full integration with BSNL’s existing 2G and 3G infrastructure. This rapid rollout strengthens national telecom security and enables rural populations to benefit from next-generation connectivity.

“This nationwide rollout of our indigenous 4G network is a monumental achievement for national pride,” said Sh. A Robert J Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL. “It secures our digital future and ensures that connectivity empowers every citizen, bridging the digital divide like never before.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sh. Sandeep Govil, Director (Consumer Mobility) at BSNL, added, “This Swadeshi 4G technology, the result of tireless innovation by C-DOT, Tejas, and TCS, is engineered for scalability and ready for the leap to 5G. It will become the cornerstone for building a digitally inclusive society.”

N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, Advisor – Telecom Strategic Initiatives at TCS and Chairman of Tejas Networks, called the deployment “historic and significant,” noting that the Bharat Telecom Stack, compliant with 3GPP standards, lays a strong foundation for India’s future contributions to global telecom innovations.

This milestone adds another chapter to TCS’s six-decade legacy of enabling large-scale nation-building programs. From transforming passport services to digitizing pension systems and public sector services, TCS continues to build the digital public infrastructure that touches nearly every citizen in the country.

The Swadeshi 4G rollout is not just a technological upgrade—it is a strategic leap for India’s digital sovereignty, bridging rural-urban gaps and ensuring that the digital revolution reaches even the most remote corners of the nation.

TechPulse

Goa to Launch Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality with Pacific Link College, Canada

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark move that blends technology, tourism, and education, Goa is all set to launch a Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality in partnership with Pacific Link College, Canada. This pioneering initiative will integrate artificial intelligence into the core of the state’s booming hospitality and tourism sector, enhancing guest experiences while building a skilled workforce equipped for the future.

The project was the focus of high-level meetings held in Goa, where a delegation from Pacific Link College met with Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan Khaunte. The visiting team, led by Shri Tarun Khullar (CEO and Director-Board Member, BCIBN), included Shri Roshan Worth (Head of South Asia), Shri Rick Pasin (Head of Academics), and Shri Aaron DPenha (Campus Director). They presented a detailed proposal outlining their vision to create a world-class institution focused on AI-driven hospitality innovation.

“This collaboration is not just about imagining the future of tourism – we are building it,” said Shri Rohan Khaunte. “The Centre of Excellence will empower Goan youth with the latest in AI training, and put Goa on the map as a lighthouse state for AI-powered tourism experiences.”

The Government of Goa played a key role in coordinating discussions between the Pacific Link College team and stakeholders from the local industry and academic sectors to ensure that the Centre’s goals are aligned with regional training needs and tourism development strategies. During follow-up meetings on September 8, 2025, two potential locations were identified for the Centre’s physical campus.

The Centre of Excellence will have a multi-pronged mission: to skill youth in AI applications specific to hospitality – from automating services to designing personalized guest experiences, to support startups and entrepreneurs developing AI-based travel tech solutions, to co-develop academic curricula with Goan institutions, and to embed AI tools across tourism services in the state.

This initiative is a strategic pillar of Goa’s AI Mission 2027, an ambitious program aimed at embedding artificial intelligence across governance, industry, education, and entrepreneurship. By leveraging AI, Goa hopes to offer smarter, more seamless tourism experiences, attract longer and more meaningful visits, and create new job and investment opportunities in the process.

The Centre of Excellence in AI Hospitality is expected to be operational in the coming months, following the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the completion of necessary infrastructure.

TechPulse

TEDxPanaji 2025 to Spotlight 20 Groundbreaking Innovations at Kala Academy

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The stage is set for TEDxPanaji 2025, and this year’s event promises more than just thought-provoking talks. The Government of Goa and the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC) are bringing innovation directly to the community through a one-of-a-kind Innovation Hub.

Open to the public on Saturday, 10 AM to 1 PM at Kala Academy, Panaji, the Innovation Hub will feature 20 cutting-edge technologies designed to solve real-world challenges across health, construction, and infrastructure.

Among the highlights are:

  • ESKAPE Kit: A rapid UTI diagnostic device delivering results in just six hours, aimed at fighting antimicrobial resistance.
  • No Dust: An integrated dust-capture system that eliminates construction debris at the source, improving workplace safety and environmental standards.
  • Argus Aviation: An AI-powered autonomous drone platform designed to accelerate and safeguard infrastructure inspections.

These innovations reflect Goa’s growing ecosystem of entrepreneurs, technologists, and problem-solvers. The Innovation Hub is not just a showcase but a celebration of Goan talent, offering students, professionals, and the public an opportunity to engage with future-ready ideas that can have national and global impact.

By shining a spotlight on local innovation, TEDxPanaji 2025 underscores the importance of nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship while inspiring the next generation of change-makers.

📖 For complete coverage and highlights, visit allycaral.com

TechPulse

Croma Announces Exciting Offers on iPhone 17 Across Stores, TRiBE, Croma.com, and Tata Neu

Tanisha Cardozo

Croma, India’s leading omni-channel electronics retailer under the Tata Group, has announced an exciting line-up of offers on the new iPhone 17 range, available across its extensive network of over 560 stores, TRiBE by Croma outlets, online at Croma.com, and on the Tata Neu app. The special launch campaign runs from 19 to 27 September with extended offers through 26 October and select benefits continuing thereafter, delivering exceptional value to customers nationwide.

Customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 can explore the entire Apple portfolio at Croma’s dedicated Apple-authorised reseller, TRiBE by Croma, which offers a premium shopping experience with trained specialists to assist with product selection and setup. The campaign features an exchange bonus of up to ₹12,000, allowing customers to trade in their existing devices for greater savings. Additionally, purchases made with the Tata Neu HDFC Card can earn up to 10% NeuCoins, further enhancing the rewards.

No-cost EMI options are available on eligible iPhone 17 models across all channels, making it easier for customers to own the latest Apple technology without upfront financial strain. As a special highlight during the launch sale window, customers can also avail up to 20% discount on select Apple accessories, perfect for complementing their new iPhone with cases, chargers, and audio devices.

A spokesperson from Infiniti Retail Ltd., which operates Croma, emphasized that the brand strives to provide customers with a dependable and valuable iPhone buying experience every year. With transparent finance options, expert guidance, and assured accessories, Croma simplifies the upgrade journey across all its channels, allowing customers to choose the iPhone that suits them best while unlocking meaningful savings and rewards.

This campaign underscores Croma’s commitment to delivering a seamless and omnichannel shopping experience, integrating its physical stores, e-commerce platform, and the Tata Neu ecosystem to serve customers across over 206 cities. As one of India’s foremost consumer electronics retailers, Croma continues to expand its footprint, especially in suburban and tier-2 and tier-3 cities, offering world-class ambience and services both online and offline.

Customers are encouraged to visit Croma stores, TRiBE outlets, Croma.com, or the Tata Neu app for the latest details, terms, and conditions. Offers are time-bound and subject to eligibility, product availability, and device valuation. NeuCoin issuance and redemption follow Tata Neu’s program rules, and finance offers including no-cost EMI depend on bank terms and conditions.

TechPulse

Goa Technology Association Hosts First Edition of ‘Engineer of the Year’ Award

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Panaji, September 16, 2025:
 The Goa Technology Association (GTA) marked a milestone in Goa’s academic and technology ecosystem by successfully hosting the inaugural Engineer of the Year Award on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The award recognised two categories of achievers:

  • Toppers (1st rank holders) from each engineering department across Goa’s engineering colleges.
  • Promising students who demonstrated exceptional innovation, creativity, and excellence in technology.

Through this initiative, GTA celebrated the brightest engineering talent in the state — relentless achievers and future leaders shaping tomorrow with their skills and determination.

Speaking at the occasion, GTA President Mangirish Salelkar said:

“This award is a tribute to engineers who form the backbone of the technology industry. It is our first year of these awards, and we intend to make this bigger and better every year. We also look forward to greater collaboration with academia, as we believe our engineers should give back to the ecosystem, mentor young talent, and help shape the future of Goa’s IT industry.”

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from engineering students, industry leaders, academicians, and technology professionals. It served as a unique platform connecting innovation with inspiration, strengthening the bridge between education and industry.

With the launch of the Engineer of the Year Award, GTA has set the stage for an annual tradition to honour engineering excellence and reinforce its mission of building a stronger, future-ready technology ecosystem in Goa.

About GTA:
 Founded in 2017, the Goa Technology Association (GTA) is the only representative body of IT companies in Goa. GTA actively collaborates with industry, academia, and government to strengthen Goa’s position as a technology hub while creating opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals.