io Users Get 18 Months Free Google AI Pro (Gemini 2.5 Pro) Worth ₹35,100
Major step taken to bring advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to common people across India.

New Delhi: Tech giant Google and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) have announced a big strategic partnership to speed up the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India. The most immediate benefit of this deal is that eligible Jio customers will get 18 months of free access to Google’s premium AI Pro plan, which includes the advanced Gemini AI model.

The free subscription, which is officially valued at approximately ₹35,100, is set to roll out soon. The move is seen as one of the country's largest efforts to bring cutting-edge AI technology directly into the hands of consumers.

What is Included in the Free Plan?

The Google AI Pro plan gives users access to several high-end tools:

  1. Gemini 2.5 Pro Model: This is Google's most powerful AI model, used for complex tasks, writing, research, and coding.

  2. Creative Tools: Higher limits for generating high-quality images and videos using models like Nano Banana and Veo 3.1.

  3. Storage: A large 2 Terabytes (TB) of cloud storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Photos.

  4. Learning Help: Expanded access to NotebookLM, which is an AI tool designed for study and research.

Who is Eligible and How to Get the Offer?

The rollout will begin for a specific group of users first. Eligible customers must be Jio 5G users on an Unlimited 5G plan and must be aged between 18 and 25 years. This focus on youth is part of the companies’ goal to equip the next generation with AI tools. Eligible users can activate this free plan directly through the MyJio app by clicking the “Claim Now” banner once the offer is live for them. The companies have promised to expand this offer to include every Jio customer nationwide soon.

Beyond the Consumer

The partnership is not just for individual users. Reliance and Google are also working together on the business side. Reliance Intelligence will team up with Google Cloud to help Indian companies use advanced AI systems for their work. This includes increasing access to special hardware (Tensor Processing Units or TPUs) needed to train very large AI models, which will help strengthen India's overall AI infrastructure.

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, said, “We aim to make India not just AI-enabled but AI-empowered—where every citizen and enterprise can harness intelligent tools.” Similarly, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, noted that the announcement will put Google’s "cutting-edge AI tools in the hands of consumers, businesses, and India's vibrant developer community.”

This announcement comes as competition in the Indian AI market heats up, following rival telecom operators like Airtel also partnering with AI companies to offer free premium services to their users. This signals a healthy race to make advanced technology more affordable and accessible in the country.

The next step is the phased rollout of the offer and the formal launch of enterprise AI solutions based on this new collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the Google AI Pro offer for Jio users? A: Jio, in partnership with Google, is offering 18 months of free access to the Google AI Pro premium subscription. This plan includes the advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model and other high-end features.

Q2. What is the value of this free subscription? A: The 18-month Google AI Pro subscription is officially valued at approximately ₹35,100 per user.

Q3. Who is eligible to get this offer first? A: In the initial phase, the offer is available to Jio users aged 18 to 25 years who are subscribed to an Unlimited 5G plan.

Q4. How long does the free access last? A: The complimentary access will last for 18 months from the date of activation, provided the user stays on an eligible Jio 5G plan.

Q5. Will all Jio users get this free plan? A: The companies plan to expand this offer to include all eligible Jio customers nationwide in a phased manner following the initial youth-focused rollout.

Q6. Where can I activate the free subscription? A: Eligible users can claim the offer directly through the MyJio app by looking for the “Claim Now” banner.



RAJOURI, OCTOBER 30: The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Rajouri, in collaboration with District Administration Rajouri, witnessed a series of inspiring activities on the second day of the 29th National Youth Festival- a vibrant celebration of innovation, intellect and civic engagement.

The festival, which brought together young minds from across the region, continued to inspire with a dynamic lineup of activities that showcased the power of youth in shaping India's future.

The day commenced with a captivating Science Exhibition, where students presented groundbreaking projects spanning environmental sustainability, robotics, health innovation and rural technology. Their creativity and problem-solving skills reflected a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges through scientific inquiry.

In a powerful display of civic consciousness, youth participants also delivered thought-provoking speeches on pivotal themes including the Emergency period in India, constitutional violations and the urgent need to safeguard democratic values. These presentations underscored the importance of historical awareness and active citizenship, sparking meaningful dialogue among attendees and dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, festival coordinators emphasized the role of youth as torchbearers of truth, innovation and justice. “This festival is not just a celebration—it’s a call to action. Our young participants are proving that they are ready to lead with knowledge, courage and integrity,” said a senior official from the department.

The Department of Youth Services and Sports remains committed to nurturing platforms that empower youth voices, promote scientific temper and uphold the democratic ethos of the nation.


RAMBAN, OCTOBER 30: The Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) - Government Degree College Ramban in collaboration with the Technology Development Centre (PPDC) Extension Centre Srinagar, MSME, Government of India today organised a one-day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) here on the College Campus.

 The event aimed to create awareness among students, faculty and budding entrepreneurs about the significance of intellectual property Rights in promoting creativity, innovation and business growth.

The workshop was graced by eminent resource persons, Dr. Anuj Gupta, Assistant Professor of Geography, GDC Ramban and Ajaz Hussain, Senior Officer, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, Extension Centre Srinagar and Nodal Officer of ESD Program.

 The experts delivered insightful presentations on patents, copyrights, trademarks and industrial designs, elaborating on procedures for filing and protecting intellectual property and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding innovative ideas in today’s competitive environment.

Dr. Jawaid Sarver, Assistant Professor of Botany and Convenor, IIC of the College, delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Satish Kumar, Principal of the College inaugurated the programme and lauded the efforts of the IIC Committee for organizing such an informative event.

The session featured interactive discussions where participants raised queries on patent filing, startup benefits and MSME support mechanisms for innovators. The experts addressed these with practical insights, guiding attendees on leveraging intellectual property for economic and professional advancement.

Prof. Raj Kumar Gupta, Associate Professor of Chemistry, presided over the programme and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of MSME, the resource persons and the IIC team for their contribution.

The workshop concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Romesh Sharma, followed by the distribution of participation certificates.

Around 150 students and staff members, including Prof. Sanjay Katal, Prof. Aditya Sharma, Dr. Rabinder Kumar, Prof. Ram Parkash, Prof. Arjun Gupta and Prof. Neetu Sharma, attended the workshop. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr. Vishal Baloria, Assistant Professor of History.

The workshop proved to be highly beneficial in enriching participants’ understanding of Intellectual Property Rights and motivating them to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship through legal and ethical means.


SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 30: Shri Baldev Raj Sharma, Member of Legislative Assembly, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today.

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 30: A delegation of Dogra Samaj Trust, Mumbai led by its President Shri Krishna Pandit called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today.

The delegation comprised of Shri Mukesh Rishi and Ms Priti Sapru, Film Actors; Shri Gagan Mahotra, Vice President and Ms Nidhi Dogra, Advisor of the Trust discussed with the Lieutenant Governor the establishment of Dogra Bhawan in Mumbai. The proposed Dogra Bhawan will act a cultural, educational and welfare hub for the members of Dogra community living in Mumbai.

The members of the delegation also put-forth several issues pertaining to promotion of business, tourism and film-related activities in Jammu Kashmir.



SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 30: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) Department to assess the progress of key flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), and the placement-linked skill training programme Himayat (DDU-GKY).

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Rural Development Department, Aijaz Asad; Director General, Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; and Managing Director, Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta, among other senior officers of the department.

At the outset, the Chief Secretary directed the department to adopt a mission-mode approach to ensure timely completion of all pending PMAY-G houses and to expedite the sanctioning and rollout of new placement plans under Himayat. He emphasized continuous monitoring, data-based progress tracking, and adherence to set timelines to maximize the impact of rural development interventions.

The Secretary, RDD, Aijaz Asad informed the meeting that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 95% completion under PMAY-G. Out of a total sanctioned target of 3,34,718 houses, 3,18,542 have been completed, while 16,176 are under various stages of construction.

Of these pending houses, 6,933 are currently in progress, 1,240 at plinth level and 5,693 at lintel/roof cast level and are targeted for completion by December 31, 2025. An expenditure of Rs35.08 Cr has been earmarked for their completion.

Under the upcoming PMAY-G 2.0 phase, it was added that 5,02,101 household surveys have been conducted to identify new beneficiaries. Additionally, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has approved 5,061 houses under a special project for families affected by natural calamities. Registration for this special project is scheduled to conclude by October 31, 2025.

The Chief Secretary commended the department’s significant progress in rural sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin, noting that the Union Territory is on track to achieve 100% ODF+ Model status across all villages.

DG, Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra, apprised that out of 6,216 villages, 6,115 have already been declared as ODF+ Model — achieving 98.38% saturation. The remaining 69 villages are expected to attain ODF+ Model status by mid-November 2025.

Verification is also advancing steadily, with 5,409 villages having successfully completed the first round of verification. Verification of all ODF+ Model villages is planned to be completed by December 2025.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the formulation of key policies, including the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Policy for Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) and the Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) Policy, which will regulate and license private desludging operators across rural areas.

Under the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) 2025–26, the department reported the completion of 738 Community Sanitary Complexes (CSCs) and 1,905 Community Soak Pits, strengthening the rural sanitation infrastructure.

Reviewing progress under the Himayat programme, Managing Director, Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta, informed that 35,682 candidates have been trained so far, with 14,734 placed in various sectors against a sanctioned target of 81,797 trainees. The cumulative expenditure under the scheme stands at Rs318.80 Cr.

Under the revamped DDU-GKY 2.0, the scheme has an approved outlay of Rs37.64 Cr. The Himayat Mission Management Unit (HMMU) has received 68 project proposals from prospective Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and will conduct a Pre-PAC meeting in the first week of November 2025 to finalize project sanctions.

Highlighting the department’s outreach initiatives, the Chief Secretary was informed that during the Seva Parv placement drive, over 125 offer letters were issued to trained candidates. A Counselling-cum-Call Centre has also been established in collaboration with IIT Jammu to enhance post-placement support and guidance.

Concluding the review, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directed all departmental heads to maintain strict timelines, ensure real-time monitoring, and adopt accountability-driven implementation mechanisms to accelerate progress across all flagship programmes.

He underscored that the primary goal of these initiatives is to deliver tangible benefits to rural citizens and strengthen grassroots governance through efficient, transparent, and people-centric development interventions.


Felicitates 11 Artisans during third edition of ‘Know Your Artisan’ campaign launch

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 30: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today launched the third edition of the ‘Know Your Artisan’ series under the acclaimed ‘Soulful Kashmir’ branding campaign at the historic Polo View Market.

Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh, was also present in the event as Guest of Honour besides Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir Mussarat Islam along with senior officials of the concerned department and artisans also attended the program.

 The event, organized by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, transformed the colonial-era landmark—renowned for its polo heritage and scenic backdrop—into a dynamic celebration of the Valley’s artisanal prowess.

At the outset, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the stalls showcasing a spectrum of Kashmir’s handcrafted marvels—from opulent pashmina shawls and kani brocades to intricate papier-mâché artifacts and eco-friendly namda rugs.

While speaking on the occasion, the DyCM underscored the initiative’s broader significance and said that these events show the government’s unwavering commitment to showcase brand J&K at the global level, preserving our rich artisanal heritage while boosting economic empowerment for our skilled craftsmen.

"By bringing these timeless traditions to the forefront, we not only honor our past but also weave a vibrant future for sustainable livelihoods," he added.

Praising the campaign, the DyCM acknowledged that the initiative addresses modern challenges like machine-made imitations, ensuring fair opportunities especially for women-led cooperatives and forging direct market linkages to empower maximum number of artisans across the region.

He also appreciated the department for launching the event as a flagship program under the ‘Soulful Kashmir’ campaign to revive and commercialize Kashmir’s world-renowned handicrafts and handlooms.

Choudhary urged all the stakeholders to get united in their support for preserving and promoting Kashmir’s intangible cultural treasures.

Echoing this vision, Commissioner Secretary emphasized on intergenerational continuity and called for a future where innovation meets heritage, ensuring our youth inherit and innovate upon this legacy of excellence.

Director H&H Kashmir, highlighted the importance of ‘Know Your Artisan’ campaign, saying the series not only combats counterfeit threats and promotes GI-tagged authenticity but also fosters co-existence and harmony through our composite cultural heritage, captivating audiences while driving ‘Vocal for Local’ growth.

The Director asserted that the event would provide direct sales at fair prices not only bridged the artisan-consumer divide but also promoted ethical consumption, with proceeds directly benefiting creators.

Later, the Dy CM felicitated 11 Master Artisans, whose works embody Kashmir’s living legacy and are custodian of age-old techniques.


JAMMU, OCTOBER 30: The students of the Department of Home Science, Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu, brought laurels to the institution by securing top positions at the prestigious Everest Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge (Everest BKCC) Season 7, hosted at the Food Craft Institute (FCI), Jammu.

The remarkable achievement was made possible under the dynamic leadership of the college Principal, Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo. Despite the ongoing internal assessments at the college, Dr. Tickoo graciously permitted and encouraged the students to participate, recognising the immense value of such platforms in enhancing practical knowledge and industry exposure. His unwavering support, vision and commitment to holistic student development were instrumental in making this participation a resounding success.

The event was further strengthened by the dedicated mentorship of Prof. Tazim Akhtar and Dr. Shazia Bashir, who served as Teachers In-Charge. Their hands-on guidance and encouragement during the preparation and competition played a pivotal role in shaping the students’ performance and confidence.

GCW Parade Ground’s Team Everest Kasuri Methi, represented by Asifa Zohra and Shabnam Kousar, secured the First Position in the culinary challenge. The college also celebrated success in the Better Kitchen Bakery Champion category with Archi Sharma and Rishita Sharma winning Second Position and Taniya Sharma and Tanisha Chadha securing Third Position.

The Everest BKCC Season 7, organized by Better Kitchen Magazine, is India’s largest culinary competition for hotel management students. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by nurturing young talent and promoting Indian regional cuisine on a global platform. The Jammu round featured a distinguished jury comprising Chef Rajib Mitra (Radisson Blu), Chef Sudhin N. Gaikwad (Taj Vivanta), Chef Nayan (Amantran) and Mohinder Singh (Radisson Blu) among other dignitaries.

GCW Parade Ground extends heartfelt gratitude to Principal JyotiBhatti and the entire team at FCI Nagrota for their warm hospitality and for providing such a vibrant and enriching platform. Their support and encouragement greatly contributed to the students’ memorable experience and success.

The Department of Home Science remains committed to fostering skill-based learning and professional excellence and this achievement stands as a testament to the college’s dedication to empowering students through experiential education.