NSO India and IIMA Forge Partnership to Advance Data-Led Policy

26 Mar 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) to strengthen data-driven policymaking and innovation. A workshop titled Emerging Trends in Public Data and Technology for Research and Policy was held at the IIMA campus, reaffirming the role of academia in shaping India’s statistical ecosystem.

The event convened leading experts, including: Dr Saurabh Garg – Secretary, MoSPI & Head, NSO Prof Bharat Bhaskar – Director, IIMA Sh P.R. Meshram – Director General, MoSPI

Senior officials, faculty members, researchers, and students engaged in discussions on harnessing public data, emerging technologies, and academic collaboration for policy advancement.

Prof Bharat Bhaskar emphasised the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while cautioning against inherent biases. “AI can enhance decision-making, but safeguards are vital to ensure fairness and accuracy,” he stated. Dr Saurabh Garg underscored MoSPI’s commitment to modernising India’s data infrastructure. “Legacy datasets must be revitalised using emerging technologies to make them AI-ready. IIMA can play a pivotal role in this,” he remarked.

A significant milestone of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoSPI and IIMA. This collaboration will facilitate research-driven policymaking and innovation, ensuring academic insights contribute meaningfully to governance.

The event highlighted the need for a structured institutional framework to foster long-term cooperation between NSO India and IIMA. By integrating data with cutting-edge technology, MoSPI aims to drive evidence-based policymaking, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity in India’s statistical system.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..