Revanth proposes AI Council

As Apex Body to Govern AI Future

Extends proposal for establishing AI Startup Village, AI War Room and AI University in Telangana

Union Ministers Slam Congress ‘Shirtless Protest’ at AI Summit

Union ministers on Friday condemned a dramatic ‘shirtless protest’ by Indian Youth Congress workers at the AI Impact Summit, calling it “shameful” and an attempt to tarnish India’s global image. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and others criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly prioritizing political gains over national honour. Around 10 protesters were detained by Delhi Police.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the disruption aimed to embarrass India internationally. The IYC defended the protest as a democratic right, asserting it opposed policies “compromising India’s interests.”

‘Telangana aims to emerge as model for digital governance’

Minister for IT and Industries D. Sridhar Babu on Friday said the State aims to emerge as a model for digital governance by leveraging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing and blockchain. Speaking at a session titled “Agents of Change: AI for Government Services and Climate Resilience” at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, he said technology is being positioned as a key transformation tool under the State’s Telangana Rising 2047 vision.

Sridhar Babu said the government is integrating technology with citizen services to bridge the gap between the government and people and improve service delivery. He highlighted initiatives including Bharat Future City, AI City, AI University, AIKAM, the AI-driven Telangana Digital Exchange and Bhu Bharati, stating that these measures would strengthen the State’s digital governance framework.

Emphasising inclusive innovation, Sridhar Babu said the government is exploring the use of Agentic AI to ensure that emerging technologies benefit all sections of society. The Minister added that Telangana is expanding the use of technology across sectors such as agriculture, climate resilience, healthcare, sustainable urban development, clean energy and disaster management.

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy suggested for the creation of a national AI Fund and appealed to the Prime Minister to form the India AI Council as the apex body for guiding policies, laws, and ethical standards in the AI domain.

He urged the Centre to establish a dedicated AI Ministry to position India as a global AI powerhouse. Speaking at Delhi's AI Summit, he proposed a national AI roadmap, AI War Room in Hyderabad, AI University, and AI Startup Village in Telangana. He emphasized ethical AI development, reskilling youth, and leveraging AI for social justice and security.

In his address, CM Revanth highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), likening it to pivotal inventions in human history such as fire, the wheel, agriculture, electricity, and the internet. He described AI not merely as another technology but as a profound turning point in human evolution, capable of self-learning, analysis, and decision-making. When integrated with robotics, AI endows machines with both intellectual and physical prowess, revolutionizing industries and societies.

CM noted that the global AI competition is already underway, with certain nations and companies leading the charge. Drawing lessons from India's missed opportunities during previous industrial revolutions, he stressed the need for proactive measures to avoid similar pitfalls. Having excelled in services and software sectors, India must now assume leadership in core technology products to harness AI's full potential.

He advocated for an immediate national AI roadmap that encompasses every developmental stage, from semiconductor chip manufacturing and GPU capabilities to data centers, green energy utilization, AI platforms, and applications. To monitor global AI advancements closely, Reddy proposed a coordinated national "AI War Room" involving the Centre and states. Telangana is prepared to host this facility in Hyderabad if approved by the Centre. Additionally, he called for the establishment of an AI University in India to foster world-class research and innovation.

Addressing concerns over AI's impact on employment, the CM acknowledged potential job losses in certain sectors but emphasized that proper re-skilling and up-skilling initiatives would unlock even greater opportunities. He urged preparing the youth for an AI-driven future, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in this evolving landscape.