Google also announced a partnership with CBSE.
1 million teachers across India to train with online learning.
Google to contribute $1 million to Kaivalya Education Foundation (KEF) as a part of the Global Distance Learning Fund.
A new Rs. 75000 crore fund has been announced by Chief Executive officer Sundar Pichai quoting “ we are proud to support the digital economy of India ”.
“This is a reflection of our confidence in the future of India and its digital economy,” Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, said on a webcast during the annual ‘Google for India’ event.
On the occasion, He also spoke about the four key areas where investments will be focused on. This includes :
- enabling affordable access and information to every Indian in their own language,
- building new products and services relevant to India’s unique needs,
- empowering businesses as they continue to embark in digital transformation, and
- leveraging technology and Artificial Intelligence for social good in areas like healthcare, education, and agriculture.
According to a survey, nearly four years ago, only one-third of all the small businesses in India had an online presence.
Today, 26 million SMB’s (Small and Mid-size businesses) are now discoverable on search and maps, driving connections with more than 150 million users every month.
PM Modi appreciated the role played by Google in battling misinformation and conveying information about necessary precautions.
He also talked about the leveraging technology in providing healthcare services. And about farmers benefiting from technology and the possible wide-ranging benefits of AI in agriculture.
During his interaction with the Prime Minister, the issue of data security and concerns around privacy figured prominently. Modi said tech companies need to put in the effort to bridge the trust deficit. He also spoke about cybercrimes and threats in the form of cyberattacks. Other areas of discussion included technological solutions to expand the scope of online education, access to technology in the native language, use of AR/VR (augmented reality/virtual reality) to give a stadium-like viewing experience in the field of sports, and progress in the area of digital payments.