Digital
Galgotias apologises after AI summit robot sparks backlash, blames ‘ill-informed’ representative
University says no intent to misrepresent innovation
NEW DELHI: Galgotias University has issued a formal apology after a controversy over a robotic dog displayed at the India AI Impact Summit led to scrutiny, backlash and the university’s exit from the venue.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the university said it “apologises profusely for the confusion created” at the summit, attributing the episode to an “ill-informed” representative manning its pavilion. The individual, it said, was unaware of the product’s technical origins and was not authorised to speak to the media.
The controversy erupted after online users identified the robotic dog as the Unitree Go2, a commercially available model made by Unitree Robotics, contradicting claims made during the event about its development.
Galgotias said there was “no institutional intent to misrepresent this innovation” and reiterated its commitment to academic integrity and transparency. It added that it had vacated the stall in line with organisers’ sentiments.
Events at the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, took a dramatic turn as electricity to the Galgotias pavilion was cut, followed by barricades being installed around the stall. A video circulated by PTI showed workers at the site saying they were acting on instructions from their supervisor.
Summit organisers have yet to issue a detailed public explanation outlining the sequence of decisions that led to the stall’s shutdown, even as the incident fuels wider debate around claims, verification and accountability at high-profile technology showcases.
Digital
Newmbharat ride-booking app to launch with zero commissions
WEML unveils prepaid platform eliminating surge pricing, aims to stabilise driver earnings and fix fares for passengers.
MUMBAI: Ride-hailing in India is about to get a fare shake-up because when commissions vanish, the only thing surging might be driver smiles. World Economic Mobility Limited (WEML), governed by the Narayanihiti Trust, is gearing up to launch Nembharat, a new ride-booking app that scraps driver commissions and passenger surge pricing entirely. The prepaid, cashless platform promises drivers keep 100 per cent of their earnings while commuters enjoy fixed, predictable fares no dynamic pricing surprises.
The move lands amid ongoing tension in the sector: driver strikes over low take-home pay, passenger gripes about safety and erratic fares, and mounting regulatory scrutiny on platform accountability and gig-worker protections. Nembharat positions itself as a national transport network that integrates cabs, auto-rickshaws, and other modes under uniform safety standards aligned with Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) guidelines.
WEML director and CEO Deepak K. Shah said, “Our platform will address the lack of income predictability for gig workers. Nembharat is built to provide clear details on driver pay and passenger costs.”
WEML director and COO Kanchi Sharma added, “This system aligns with CCPA guidelines and acts as a tool to balance workforce standards with consumer protection.”
By removing the subscription and commission layer that dominates existing apps, WEML is betting on a leaner model that offers stability for fleet owners, individual drivers, and everyday riders alike. Whether it can scale across India’s chaotic roads and win over users tired of the status quo remains the real test but on paper, it’s aiming to turn every ride into a fair deal for both sides.
No launch date has been announced yet, but the promise is clear: in Nembharat’s world, the journey costs what it should nothing more, nothing less.
