ICTs for Development

See how Information and Communication Technologies are bringing changes in people's lives for the better.

Technology revolutionising society

Communities are benefiting from several e-learning packages, resource centres and mobile and internet access facilities. A series of programmes and doorstep services are contributing towards education and overall rural development in Sri Lanka and India.

Mobile games promoting literacy in rural India

Mobile and Immersive Learning for Literacy in Emerging Economies (MILLEE) project led by a UC Berkley team uses mobile phone-based games for teaching English lessons to children. In partnerships with key mobile companies, the team has developed games for improving literacy in rural India.

Community radio educates and entertains rural India

A UNICEF supported community radio station in central India is educating and empowering the disadvantaged groups and marginalised women. With training in basic editing, these tribal women are producing programmes on health, literacy, and gender issues.

Hi-tech solutions for India's job guarantee scheme

The impoverished state of Bihar in India will soon introduce e-muster rolls, biometric smart cards and an online system for effective and transparent implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. A non-profit technology entity called Life Line to Communities is providing technical assistance.

E-dairy boosting Lankan economy

Sri Lanka’s dairy farmers are making use of web and mobile technologies to achieve self sufficiency in milk production. User-friendly touch screen computer and SMS services have been introduced to lure young entrepreneurs to the business.

Website to serve South Asian diaspora

The Institute of South Asian Studies has launched a new web link to reach out to the far-flung diaspora. Starting off with a newsletter and a database of South Asian communities across the world, the website will help address issues related to the region and its people.

Rural children in Nepal embrace digital world

Wireless computer labs set up in government-run secondary schools in rural Nepal are helping children get equipped with digital technology. These labs with high speed broadband connectivity enable access to learning materials, as also provide training on basic computer skills.

Transliteration service on your mobile

A new technology will allow Indian mobile users to communicate and express themselves in their local languages. The service being made available by Tachyon in partnership with Quillpad, will enable easy translation of local words by phonetically ‘typing’ them in English.

India faces e-waste challenge

Green activists are raising alarm over disposal of electronic waste in India. Lack of regulatory mechanisms on curbing illegal imports and recycling norms are exposing people to health and environmental hazards.

The BPOs are calling Bharat

The expansion of outsourcing firms into villages and towns in southern India is bringing a perceptible change in the lives of people. By providing training in IT and employment opportunities, these units are helping the rural youth gain financial independence without migrating to cities.

Managing microfinance on mobiles

mChek India has partnered with microfinance institutions to help slum women repay their loans in time. As part of a pilot project in a southern Indian city, it is providing affordable SIM cards and mobile phones to women borrowers and leaders of Self Help Groups.

India's rural job portals covering new grounds

A wide range of rural job portals, offering employment opportunities to villagers, are increasingly becoming popular in India. As part of public-private partnership, these are also providing skill building services to young men and women.

Computer centre for visually challenged

NGO Amway Opportunity Foundation, in partnership with Devnar Foundation for the Blind, has set up computer centres for visually challenged children in Hyderabad, a city in southern India. The centre has been equipped with a special software and other innovative tools to facilitate IT education among these students.

Community radio focuses on food security

The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, AMARC, will broadcast radio programmes on the theme: ‘Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis’ to mark the World Food Day today. The programmes will highlight how rural development and natural resource management can help in combating hunger.

Digital knowledge festival raises hope for Bangladesh

Gyan Utsob, which took place earlier this month, focussed on digitalising local administration, school education and community e-centres in Bangladesh. The festival aimed to pave the way for an integrated knowledge society.

Online system to crosscheck driving licence in Nepal

The new digital record system launched by the Department of Transport Management in Nepal allows license holders to check the validity of their driving ID online. It facilitates easy tracking of fake licences and faster delivery of services.

ICTs enriching coastal regions in India

An information hub set up by an NGO in south India is aiding fishing communities with alert messages on maritime changes, availability and trade of fish. Integrating community radio to the public announcement system has enabled the rural villagers to address health and socio-economic related concerns.

India's UID project to track identity via cellphone

Unique Identity Authority of India chairman Nandan Nilekani announced last week that an online authentication through mobile phones would soon be initiated in India. The system will enable retrieval of information within seconds by navigating a person’s fingerprints taken on a cellphone to the central database.

India's new satellite to monitor oceans

Oceansat-2, the country's second ocean studies satellite was launched this week to keep watch over the seas and study changes in the earth's atmosphere. With two colour censors and a scatterometer, the satellite will also help identify key fishing zones.

Children's talk show goes on air in India

Choti Choti Batein, a new community radio programme produced by children in eastern India provides them a platform to discuss social issues. The half an hour programme broadcast on Wednesdays aims at creating awareness and finding solutions to local problems.

India launches ICT lab for disabled children

Commemorating International Software Freedom Day on September 19, an Indian NGO launched the first ICT lab for disabled children. The activity lab equipped with educational softwares will develop simple games for autistic children to help them learn and communicate.

Bhutan gets its first IT park

The Bhutanese government has announced a plan to build the country’s first Techpark to facilitate technological innovation and attract foreign investments. The park is expected to be operational in June 2011 and will provide 700 jobs.

e-district to be launched in India

A new e-governance programme that aims to automate citizen services at the district level will be launched early next year in India. Enabling better state governance by efficient delivery of services, the project is expected to provide lucrative opportunities to key IT players.

Audio-book reader for visually challenged in India

A new audio device for the visually impaired was launched at the national capital this week. The compact book-reader with its easy navigation, multi-lingual uploading and extra memory storage facility will aid millions of students.

New ICT index to reduce emissions

International Development Corporation's newly launched ICT Sustainability Index will guide nations in effectively meeting internal and international emission targets. The index score will help countries compare their current energy profile with their spending patterns to prioritise ICT investments in major sectors.

Schools Water Portal launched in India

A new website by India Water Portal aims to teach students and educators all about water and its sustainable use. This online space will also connect them with NGOs, research institutions and government for mutual learning and action.

Maldives to get early warning alerts via SMS

Facing increased threats triggered by climate change, Maldives will soon receive text based early warning alerts for disasters. Cell broadcasting, a technology will enable delivery of information to multiple users simultaneously in a specified area.

Indian capital to tackle e-waste

The second largest producing state of e-waste in the country is slated to go green. A new recycling plant in Roorkee will soon set up collection centres for recycling old computers, cell phones and televisions.

HCL offers single window solution to Indian schools

HCL's new learning solution DigiSchool will help school management with content management, lesson planning, a digital multimedia library and bus-tracking system for student safety. The new software was launched at the ongoing eINDIA conference at Hyderabad.

Sri Lankan mobile users to fund m-waste management

Cell-phone users in Sri Lanka will have to pay an environmental conservation levy to finance a mobile-waste management system. Coping with the growing problem of e-waste in the country, the government has signed a deal with a telecom company for safe disposal of discarded mobile phones.

Building change-makers through community radio

Radio Bundelkhand is engaging the local population in the central Indian hinterland to help it communicate, educate and bring its issues to the fore, and evolve an informed community.

India plans tech push for better rural fund disbursal

With a view to root out corruption and ensure timely and legitimate disbursal of funds under various schemes, the Indian government is planning to make more use of ICTs. The new system will manage different projects, monitor funds and even do a social audit.

Disabled students may get screen readers in India

Schools in India are going to use more information and communications technology (ICT) to help teach disabled children. Screen readers and Braille printers are among the technologies to be given to schools around the country.

Online tool to aid in global research

Fusion tables, Google's new tool will allow data to be visualised as charts, graphs and maps to identify patterns and trends. Unlocking data to make it more available and alive will open possibilities of collaboration in climate research and education.

Fibre-optic network makes surfing easier in Afghanistan

Once a costly affair, web access could soon have a wider outreach in Afghanistan due to the country’s new fibre-optics network. Amidst security challenges, officials say that the first overland internet link will slash prices for such services and bring more opportunities for Afghans.

Sound waves that break barriers

Anna Community Radio based in Chennai, a city in southern India, has been making a valuable contribution to society by ensuring the dissemination of knowledge to weaker sections and reflecting their aspirations. Many women who have received training as radio jockeys, producers or scriptwriters, today have a sense of achievement.

Afghan telemedicine project expedites patient diagnosis

A tele-radiology machine in a Bamyan hospital is attracting patients as remote diagnosis with experts in Kabul save money and travel. The project is also helping health workers receive training and guidance over tele-sessions.

Chandigarh launching citizen-friendly portal

A new web portal is soon going to be launched in the city of Chandigarh in north India that will host all e-forms for applying to various government services. Facilitating easy download and submission through the common service centres, the initiative will boost good governance.

Now adopt a child online

The Central Adoption Resources Authority in India will soon launch an online facility to make child adoption faster and easier. The project will link its various centres across the country, and provide all details of children to adopt including their photographs.

Vaccination alerts for pregnant women in India

A new SMS alert service in a southern India city will provide expecting mothers with information on vaccination schedule. More than 170,000 pregnant women are likely to benefit under the scheme, which will also help in promoting good health among infants.

Celebrating 200 episodes of people's voices

Several organisations came together in India’s national capital last week to celebrate the broadcast of 200th episode of Ek Duniya Ek Awaaz, a radio programme initiated by OneWorld South Asia. The programme aims to ‘voice the voiceless’ and educate communities on issues of social relevance.

Sri Lanka launches multi-lingual call centre

A new government-run hotline has been launched in Sri Lanka to provide citizens easy and quick access to all relevant information about various kinds of services. The service will be available 365 days a year in three different languages.

People get a virtual seat at the G8 summit

UNICEF has launched a website to mobilise support for social protection measures ahead of the G8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy this week. Through this interactive online petition, people can communicate their personal commitment towards child rights to the world leaders.

New portal on RTI launched in India

Citizen groups of a north Indian city have launched an interactive online portal on the Right to Information Act that allows visitors to share and disseminate information of public interest. The website includes a special section for youth to address their concerns.

TV serial enriches farmers' lives in Bangladesh

Jiboner Jolchobi, a new television series aired on mainstream channel in Bangladesh, is equipping farmers with useful information and technologies to boost agricultural production. The programme focuses on food processing, savings and credit systems, grassroots services and disaster risk reduction.

Cell phone alerts in disaster-prone Bangladesh

Thousands of people residing in Bangladesh’s Cox bazaar and Shirajganj districts will soon receive early warning alerts of an impending natural disaster. A new user-friendly initiative will prevent loss of life and damage to property due to flooding, tropical storms and cyclones.

UNEP launches online tool to conserve marine ecosystem

UNEP has launched a new online system to view and study the world’s marine protected areas. By providing accurate information on marine species and habitats, the tool will help governments and communities to conserve the diversity of life in coastal environments.

Cancer treatment on-air in India

Need to connect regional cancer centres to remote areas has led a prominent health institution in India to provide expert cancer care on-air. With user-friendly equipment and instantaneous service, the telemedicine network is delivering faster and quality treatment to patients.

Online healthcare becoming popular in India

Tired of queuing up and inaccurate advises, people are logging onto medical health services for consultations, appointment scheduling, recommendations on healthcare providers and treatments. From childcare to fitness, the online healthcare model is offering patients reliable and multiple solutions at the first click.

Smart PowerMeter for efficient energy choices

Google is going to launch an online PowerMeter in India that will help people track their energy consumptions, sitting right at home. The use of the service will encourage people in making smart energy choices.

Cellphones to hone teaching skills

Teachers in India will soon be able to access information relevant to their subjects through mobile phones. A government-funded institute is developing a database that will store comprehensive course contents in various formats to enhance teachers’ knowledge.

Tripura takes the ICT route to quality eyecare

The Tripura Vision Centre project in northeast India is pushing information communication technology to its extreme to provide the best eye care facility to its citizens. Seeing its success, the government is planning to equip these centres with facilities to provide treatment for other diseases.

FAO launches portal on animal welfare

FAO has launched a new web portal to facilitate a single access point for international and national information related to farm animal welfare. Policymakers, farmers, scientists and animal welfare experts can now access research findings, relevant legislation and policies on livestock through this online gateway.

Bangladesh to digitise land records

Bangladesh has planned to digitise the country’s complex land-ownership records. Under the proposed system, all documents will be uploaded to a database and villagers will be able to access the online services through computerised information centres.

WFP reaches out to youth via web

A new ‘teachers and students’ section will soon appear on the website of the World Food Programme. Aiming for more participation from youth in the fight against hunger, it plans to contain attractive online features like gaming, videos, news and maps.

Radio encourages Afghan women to run for office

Salam Watandar, a radio programme in Afghanistan, has successfully persuaded a large number of women candidates to contest provincial council elections. Due to growing insurgency, women were fearful of participating in the electoral process.

World's first tuition-free, online university

A newly formed University of the People presents a gateway to aspiring students from around the world to continue higher education from their homes at a minimal cost.

WSIS calls for a safe digital world for children

The WSIS Forum that began early this week at the ITU headquarters at Geneva focused on cybersafety for children on the first day.

Mobile phone-based money transfer soon in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is all set to introduce mobile phone technology for money transfer. Once operational, it would not only make transfers faster and cost-effective but also help bring down the flow of remittances through unofficial channels into the country.

Grid computing guiding multi-drug discovery

Grid computing infrastructures for virtual screening are helping to fight neglected diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, flu, polio and others. Scientists are using these high-speed, cost-effective grids to discover promising drug-like molecules to combat deadly diseases like malaria.

Young minds changing the world with ICTs

At the UN Global Forum on Information and Communication to be held in June, World Summit Youth Award winners will present their innovative creations. By using various digital and mobile content, these youths have paved a way for communities to deal with everyday crisis.

Using ICTs for accelerated service delivery

Uses of electronic identification facilities are seen as a tool to improve governance and service delivery for sectors like health and banking. The World Bank headquarters organised a global video conference that drew participants from 11 countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

UN launches virtual community on gender and migration

UN-INSTRAW’s virtual community provides a space for discussion on women's participation in migratory flows and their contribution to development. The initiative seeks to collect experiences worldwide and strengthen existing networks among experts to enrich research and policy advocacy in the field.

Websites engage voters for Indian polls

A vigorous online activity is going on in India, urging people to vote consciously. Especially targeted at the youth and using interactive tools like blogs, games, e-discussions, these e-platforms are aiming to create an informed citizenry.

A positive read

Living with virus of a dread disease may not be easy but Positive + doesn’t let the gloom descend on its readers. A single woman’s initiative in southern India, this free bilingual fortnightly is the country’s first newspaper on HIV/AIDS and has struck a unique chord with the people.

Rural women in India join the tech fraternity

An all-women BPO working in the hinterlands of Rajasthan has brought rural women closer to technology. Training in data entry and transcription work has given them an edge over others as they aim to carve a niche in the tech world.

'Chanderi ki Awaaz' soon to go on air

Young members of weavers’ community in central India have moved a step closer towards setting up their own community radio station. Recently the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a ‘Letter of Intent’ to them and now they are likely to go on air by early next year.

Tree tracking in India goes hi-tech

Armed with GPS-based technology, a team of botanists in India is out in the field to check the illegal felling of trees in major cities. Details such as height, canopy and condition of each tree will be recorded in digital format, making compilation of data much easier.

Anganwadi teachers to get English lessons on DVDs

Aanganwadi or pre-school teachers in western India will be trained in English language skills using DVDs. This local project by an NGO has developed high-tech lessons with visuals and a voice-over to make classroom learning interesting and interactive.

Pakistan's new media offers more space for dialogue

Khyber Radio, a local government supported station, has transformed the way information in Pakistan is disseminated. It has provided common people a platform to voice their concerns and counter the hate propaganda of fundamentalist forces.

Bangladeshi poor to get health tips on mobiles

Grameen Bank's new health care network in Bangladesh will help rural patients reach out to doctors located far away for quick solutions over mobile phones. Involving women as trained nurses is part of the bigger plan to make the network sustainable.

A platform for unheard voices from Kashmir

MTV Iggy, in collaboration with Video Volunteers, brings fearless stories from Kashmir where local youth narrate their experiences from the hotbed of conflict. These videos capture voices of sufferings to engage the global community for a constructive change in the region.

UNESCO to launch digital library

UNESCO and 32 partner institutions will soon launch a free world digital library. The site will include manuscripts, maps, rare books, films, sound recordings, and prints and photographs.

Kashmir hospital to launch telemedicine

A hospital in Kashmir has become the nodal agency for telemedicine in north India. The state-of-the art facility will provide emergency consultation, OPD services and online programmes for doctors serving in distant locations.

Green mobile network for rural Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s telecom sector is experimenting with green technologies to provide inexpensive mobile coverage to rural areas. For this, several base stations have been equipped with electricity generated out of wind and solar powers.

Urban radio impacts lives in Afghanistan

A new radio drama focusing on positive coping strategies in Afghan cities has struck a chord with urban listeners. Targeting urban migrants and their socio-economic issues, this radio show is helping them deal with the realities of modern life.

Online chat to highlight maternal health issues

The UN Millennium Campaign and Women’s eNews will raise awareness of the number one killer of young women in developing countries, despite promises by world leaders to take urgent action to end this crisis. Join experts from Africa and Asia on March 25, 2009 to be part of the discussion.

Preserving dying languages for posterity

Two US-based linguists toured from Siberia to India and from Bolivia to Arizona to do the audio recording of dying dialects, using ‘language technology kits’. Nearly 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages are on the verge of extinction.

Online drive against female foeticide

Fight-Back, an online gender justice campaign, has launched a new initiative to combat female foeticide. Declaring March 8 as International Missing Women's Day, the youth forum has mobilised more than hundred Indian medicos on this web-based platform to spread awareness on this shocking practice.

CRY launches web-based games to promote child rights

To sensitise people on child rights, CRY has posted a series of online games. At various stages of playing Sudoku, Hangman and Crossword, a variety of messages will be flashed to raise awareness about issues concerning children.

Add your voice online to the People's Manifesto

As India goes to polls on April 16, hectic political activity has begun to woo the electorates. Wada Na Todo Abhiyan’s All India People's Manifesto campaign has provided a unique platform for people to make their own agenda for governance. This country-wide initiative now goes online urging people to voice their demands.

TV series educates on women's rights

A tele-serial made by UNICEF is promoting rights-based empowerment of women in India. Reaching more than 50 million viewers on national television, the entertainment-education drama series highlights issues of social and gender discrimination through characters that overcome real life odds.

Online platform for climate adaptation

Donor agencies, NGOs and research institutes from over 50 countries have joined hands to share climate solutions. This global initiative by International Institute for Environment Development will support an online platform to facilitate information exchange on adaptation strategies.

Online atlas for endangered languages

UNESCO has unveiled the digital version of Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger. The interactive electronic tool has updated information on over 2,500 languages spoken worldwide, and enables users to search according to country, degree of threat, name of languages or by number of speakers.

Using WiFi, Nepal village goes online

Once without a telephone line and in the grip of insurgency, a remote village in western Nepal stands transformed. A local visionary's efforts with a home-WiFi kit and solar-powered relay station have e-connected Nangi with the rest of the region to provide people better education, healthcare and income.

Rural BPO changes life for youth in southern India

Youngsters in the city of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh are beaming with confidence. Working in a BPO has opened new vistas of opportunities for those hailing from neighbouring villages, and given young women financial independence.

Radio to answer RTI queries

Delhi based NGO Kabir has launched an hour-long weekly programme on the Right to Information Act. Aired every Sunday, the show answers calls from listeners across India on queries pertaining to the use of this tool to access information from the government.

Internet Bus rolls out in southern India

With an aim to bridge digital divide in smaller towns, Google India has launched an Internet Bus. The mobile campaign will focus on four themes of information, communication, entertainment and education, the content of which will be in English and Tamil languages.

India launches e-Knowledge portal

India has launched Sakshat, a one-stop education portal widening the access of learners to e-content on various disciplines and subjects. The online tool will help in spreading digital literacy and building knowledge connectivity among institutions of higher learning in the country.

Portal to track progress on MDGs in Brazil

A new portal has been launched in Brazil that will help citizens monitor the MDGs status in over 5,000 municipalities of the country. Unveiled on the sidelines of the World Social Forum, the tool will enable people access relevant information about the anti-poverty goals and influence public policies.

Now health information on mobiles during crisis

Elecon, an engineering major in western India has unveiled a unique software that can store critical health information on mobile phone for use during crisis. Called 'In Case of Emergency' (ICE), the innovative solution helps in preparing for medical emergencies in the event of calamities.

Empowering rural poor in India through radio

A community radio station has begun regular broadcasting from yesterday to help empower rural communities in western India. The station will provide a new tool for capacity building, offer agricultural advice to farmers and allow community groups to speak out.

Wikipedia-style site launched for Indian farmers

Indian farmers will have free access to agricultural information. Agropedia, a new Wikipedia-style service, will act as an online resource bank for farmers and will be a key tool in the fight to modernise the agricultural sector.

Community radio makes a foray into eastern India

A new community radio station will soon be established in Koraput in eastern India to spread awareness on development, government schemes and host of advocacy programmes. Supported by UNICEF and a local NGO, the content for programmes will be locally generated by the predominant tribal population.

Drug adherence through mobile phones

Mobile phone technologies are now being increasingly used to enable health workers monitor tuberculosis patients. Directly observed treatment short course or DOTS recommended by WHO has proven to be expensive and human-resource intensive.

E-library for Nepal's children

Help Nepal Network is setting up E-libraries in every district in the country to increase digital literacy among children. By installing low-cost, high-impact computer facilities in schools and rural centers, the project will serve communities with scanned books and other educational resources.

Mobiles support rural microfinance in southern India

Ekgaon Technologies' innovative online application system enables members of rural SHGs in Tamil Nadu to access their financial information through mobiles. Maintaining accounts is now easier and transparent, and entails quicker access to loans from banks.

Using mobiles to protect native languages

To save endangered languages and encourage people to write in their native tongue, many linguists argue for enabling more written languages available on cell phones. Mobile companies and service operators are now developing predictive text to make SMS technology more user-friendly.

India to launch weather satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation will launch a satellite to study the tropical atmosphere and its energy and hydrological cycles at the end of 2009. Jointly engineered by the French space agency CNES, the satellite data on weather modulates will be shared by the two countries.

Google, Microsoft to e-connect villages in western India

For its ambitious e-Gram project, the Gujarat government has roped in IT giants Google, Microsoft and Cisco to provide satellite-based broadband connectivity to the state's village panchayats. Google has already developed a website in local language Gujarati on agriculture, education and health.

Satellite rainfall estimation for South Asia

For improved forecast of floods and droughts to minimise their impacts, accurate estimates of rainfall are needed. Kathmandu based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development recently organised a five-day workshop on using satellites for rainfall measurement in the Himalayan region.

Health smart cards for India's poor

The Indian government will bear the treatment costs of the poor under a new health insurance scheme. Using a smart card embedded with 11 types of software, patients can now afford the services of private or government hospitals through cashless and paperless transactions.

UNICEF sets up community radio station

Lalitpur, a backward district in northern India has got its own community radio station. Set up by UNICEF, the innovative communication medium will train villagers to report, research and prepare programmes on culture, women and health issues.

One laptop per child benefits Nepal

With their little green laptops, students in Nepal now find their English and Math lessons more interactive. Facilitated by Open Learning Nepal with support from a Danish group, the innovative exercise is less about gadgets and more about quality education in developing countries.

Bangladesh CR handbook to guide development governance

A handbook educating stakeholders about various aspects of community radio will soon be brought out in Bangla by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNRCC). The publication would serve as a useful guide for applying the media tool to a range of development activities and governance.

Indian islands a role model in egovernance

Lakshadweep islands in India have set an example worth emulation in digitally connecting the geographically dispersed areas. Several egovernance projects in education, employment, transport and communication have made life relatively easier for the locals and ushered in accountability in public services.

Online community to StopXploitation

StopX.org, launched by UNICEF at the recent third World Congress on sexual exploitation of children and adolescents is a new tool to fight child exploitation, violence and abuse. The site offers national help lines, resources and a private community to enable collaborations on work.

IT initative to expand digital literacy in western India

In a move to fulfill the manpower needs of a thriving software industry in the state, a public limited company plans to set up 1,000 IT Gyan Kendras in western India. These e-learning centres will train youth in basic computer skills and improve their employment prospects.

Radio show on government accountability

Delhi based anti-poverty network Wada Na Todo Abhiyan has launched a radio series Haq Hamara Wada Tumhara, focusing on the policy promises of the Indian government. Co-produced by OneWorld South Asia, its rousing and energetic theme song reflects the true spirit of the campaign.

Cisco-SIDBI to promote ICT entrepreneurship

As part of its global commitment to promote microfinance and ICT-related businesses, the networking major Cisco has now joined hands with Small Industries Development Bank of India to take this initiative forward in India as well. Together these two will avail financing, mentorship and training facilities to qualified entrepreneurs.

Sri Lanka's new telecentres to take ICT to masses

The Sri Lankan government has set up 64 'Nenasalas' or ICT service delivery centres in three districts of the country's eastern province. Providing content in both Sinhalese and Tamil, these centres offer a range of services including high speed internet, telephone, computer training classes and course syllabi.

Web on voice for rural India

A Delhi based team of IBM has tested an alternative to the internet for India's rural population. Based on the cell phone, the new style technology is a network of different VoiceSites helping local communities who cannot read or afford a computer to access relevant information.

Emergency healthcare only an SMS away

Kerala's Kozhikode district in southern India has pioneered effective healthcare relief via SMS. Under a government project named 'Dr. SMS', citizens can get information on their mobiles about the nearest hospitals, blood banks or speciality centres.

In the world of many voices

OneWorld South Asia's new audio content bank helps grassroots communities to share and access community media content from across the region. With its current rich resource bank from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the portal best exemplifies how technology can enhance and communicate diverse voices.

Online scientific expertise for human rights practitioners

American Association for the Advancement of Science has launched a new website providing scientific expertise to human rights organisations worldwide. The online database will offer services in areas like hydrology, public health and climatology.

India's health information now on a portal

India's health ministry has launched a portal that has all the information on health management in the country. The new system will enhance the information flow at various levels and provide useful and timely inputs for programme development.

Manthan Awards recognise technology for the greater good

In its annual event Digital Empowerment Foundation facilitated innovation in the field of ICT. The Manthan Awards 2008, celebrated recently in the Indian capital, recognised contributions of 33 initiatives across diverse categories.

Safe sex message now on your mobile phone

BBC World Service Trust’s ongoing AIDS campaign in India has now turned to mobile phone ring tones to take forward the message of safe sex practices. Known as 'The-one-who-understands-is-a-winner' campaign, it aims to tackle inhibitions associated with condoms.

Sri Lanka’s ePensions project takes off

Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka has rolled out the government’s ePensions project. To ensure timely disbursement of payments, a central database will now expedite the application processing, computation of pension grants and file tracking.

Radio volunteers do weavers proud

Trained by OneWorld South Asia, a group of weavers in the small town of Chanderi in central India are looking forward to set up their own community radio station. The graduation ceremony of twenty-five volunteers was recently celebrated by the Bunkar Vikas Sanstha at its multi-media centre.

New database on AIDS technical support

UNAIDS along with its partners has developed a new tool providing latest information on technical support for global AIDS programmes. Called Coordinating AIDS Technical Support database (CoATS), this web portal facilitates exchange of critical information and best practices around the world.

Banking at the doorsteps of poor

Micro deposit machines will soon make banking easy for the poor in India. To be launched by FINO, a technology solutions firm and leading financial institutions in the country and abroad, the machines will enable people to make deposits at any time through smart cards.

ZMQ bags UNDP award

At UNDP's World Business and Development Awards 2008 at New York, Indian company ZMQ Software Systems won the award for its innovative ICT solutions to combat HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, poverty and global warming. The biennial awards recognise the crucial role of the private sector in implementing the Millennium Development Goals.

CRY launches website on girl child

Marking the International Girl Child Day, CRY has launched an interactive micro-site to involve people in the campaign against gender discrimination. The online platform explores reasons that give rise to the practice of female foeticide, and provides information on skewed sex ratio and various campaigns.

Battling for the blind

IT companies in western India have taken several unique initiatives to help the visually challenged secure jobs. These include the launch of a new technology that reads out content on internet and a voluntary organisation run by IBM employees to impart technical and communication skills to the blind.

Tune in for good health

Radio Health, a community-driven health show is now on air on All India Radio FM. The programme hopes to improve doctor-patient communication through an interactive platform in a pilot start in the southern state of Karnataka.

IBM to help trace missing in Bihar floods

IT giant IBM is creating a database to trace those missing in flood-hit Bihar in eastern India. Successfully used during the 2004 tsunami, the software will help the government compile necessary details on the number of people in relief camps as well as resources available for rehabilitation work.

TV series on saving the planet

TVE Asia Pacific, a Sri Lankan non-profit media foundation is working on television serial called Saving the Planet. Currently the films are being shot in six countries across South and Southeast Asia. The six-film series will showcase how grassroots communities, citizen groups and local media are contributing towards sustainable development.

OWSA's LifeLines project named 2008 Tech Awards Laureate

The Tech Museum of Innovation has announced the 2008 Tech Awards Laureates – 25 global innovators that use technology to benefit humanity. The annual premier humanitarian award program selected LifeLines, a telephone based information delivery service for Indian rural farmers, from among hundreds of nominations across 68 countries.

A solar-powered tool for emergencies

UNICEF has developed a solar-enabled communication system to provide connectivity and information to people in remote or emergency situations. Called 'The Bee', the open-source tool can also be used as a radio station, a way to deliver curriculum, ensure business continuity or deliver entertainment.

OWSA launches Lifelines Education in Rajasthan

OneWorld South Asia has launched a phone-based knowledge delivery service to provide critical academic support for teachers and students in Rajasthan, a western Indian state. The service has been started in Udaipur as a pilot project, which will be extended to other districts of the state at a later stage.

Rural India gets mobile health units

IT giant Satyam has provided a fleet of mobile healthcare vans in interiors of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. These modern, state-of-the-art vehicles are equipped with paramedics, pharmacists and lab technicians and even feature a television that can show public health education programs.

UN to bridge digital divide in Afghanistan

Last week, Afghan government and the United Nations signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology. Under the accord, the UN’s concerned body will help in strengthening the country’s capacities and leverage opportunities presented by ICTs to achieve national development goals.

OWSA’s new initiatives on local content exchange

OneWorld South Asia has launched EK duniya anEK awaaz, a portal that facilitates local audio content exchange and the latest version of Open eNRICH, a content sharing tool jointly developed with UNESCO and National Informatics Centre. Both these initiatives are expected to enhance the communication opportunities at the grassroots.

Online games to spread awareness on global poverty

UK government’s Department for International Development has launched a series of online games to help children join the race against global poverty. The idea is to involve young people and raise their awareness on development issues.

Radio now part of life for cyclone survivors

Radio has become an important and sometimes the only source of news and information in cyclone hit areas of Myanmar. Many tune in this small, convenient and inexpensive piece of electronic gadget to keep themselves abreast of weather warnings as well as relief and recovery efforts.

Web based asthma monitor

A team of researchers from Bangalore in southern India has developed an inexpensive web based device, enabling physicians to remotely monitor lung functions in asthma patients. The low-cost instrument helps a distant doctor promptly initiate medical attention during an emergency.

Digitised mapping of urban India

All information related to infrastructure from health and educational institutions to disaster management and terror history of a city will soon be available on cyber space. Municipalities across India will collate information and digitise it to generate a GIS map that will help in preparing a comprehensive city development plan.

Radio lifeline for cyclone victims

Launched a month after Cyclone Nargis, an emergency radio service broadcast by BBC World Service Trust in partnership with BBC Burmese is proving to be a life saver for the affected people in Myanmar. The programmes provide vital information on access to aid, health and sanitation.

Postcards of change

Chala Ho Gaon Mein, an NGO run community radio initiative in eastern India receives scores of postcards from those benefited by its messages on health, gender, governance, and tribal rights. A follow up study has tracked impact in fall in dowry deaths and increase in girls’ education.

Wipro, WWF partner for green development

Leading Indian IT firm Wipro and WWF-India have signed an agreement to work together for environmental sustainability. This will include exploring ICT solutions for a low carbon economy and promoting ecologically sustainable practices in the IT industry.

Portal on environment launched

Chairman of the National Knowledge Commission Sam Pitroda launched a national portal on environment today in the Indian capital. The portal, designed and built by Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, will serve as one-stop shop for all information and resources related to issues on environment.

Learning through virtual classrooms

Technocrats based in South India have developed a unique software that enables real-time audio and video streaming on low-end computers on a normal Internet connection. This will make possible to bring together teachers and students through virtual classrooms.

India ICT event focuses on innovations for change

Over 4,000 delegates gathered at a three-day international conference and exhibition eINDIA 2008 held in New Delhi from July 29-31 to share knowledge in different domains of ICT for development. In a major announcement Indian minister said the government was well on track to introduce a 10-dollar laptop.

Indian schools to use new age technologies

If recommendations of the ministry of human resource and development are accepted, Indian schools may soon have blogging and community radio as part of their curricula. The ministry has also suggested use of robotic kits, graphing calculators, global positioning system devices and digital microscopes.

Maldives introduces mobile banking

Maldives has brought all of the country's banks under a single system of m-banking. The World Bank supported project is primarily targeted at the rural islanders who have no banking, or for whom the nearest branch could be miles away.

Job seekers from Hindi belt get online

Employment News, one of India’s leading weekly has launched its website 'Rojgar Samachar' to cater to the needs of job seekers from Hindi speaking areas of the country. The interactive site will also have a provision of live chat with career counsellors.

Radio teacher in the classroom

Millions of students in India's northern state of Bihar eagerly wait for their English lessons to begin on radio. Launched in November last year with a view to boost primary education, the 'English is Fun' radio programme has become a huge hit among school going kids.

Satellite mapping aid Myanmar relief work

Relief workers were provided with vital information via satellites in the aftermath of Myanmar cyclone. The International Charter on Space and Major Disasters provided crisis mapping of the affected areas to assess the extent of damage and plan emergency response operations.

Digitising ancient treasure

Translating centuries-old Sanskrit manuscripts at the Punjab University in Lahore was proving tough due to dearth of Pakistani scholars proficient in the ancient language. A visit by a Korean professor paved the way for digitisation of the rare documents which are a treasure of information.

Portal to connect India’s poor

India’s first multilingual portal for the poor will provide information on agriculture, health, primary education, rural energy and e-governance. The India Development Gateway portal, an initiative of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, was recently launched by the President.

E-Library for Indian lawyers

Lawyers in western India will soon be able to do their legal research at the click of a mouse. The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa will launch an e-library scheme that will provide legal data software and internet facilities to over one lakh lawyers in the two states.

Evolving the mobile lady of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s mobile lady is the last-mile solution to take livelihood information to the poor and marginalised. In its evolution to the Info Lady, she is making high-end information available in a cheaper and effective way.