Praising present Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Gates said, “On the top of that list is Satya, who now is doing a great job as the CEO. In my digital first career, the connection with India was fun and made a huge difference in what the company was able to achieve…reports Asian Lite News
Microsoft Co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has reflected on his relationship with India on the popular podcast series ‘WTF is with Nikhil Kamath’ with the Zerodha Co-founder and entrepreneur.
Appearing on the new segment ‘People By WTF’ hosted by Kamath, Gates said he has had a great relationship with India.
“We hired some very smart IT graduates, and brought them to Seattle,” he recalled.
Reflecting on his journey with India, Gates said, “I’ve had a fabulous relationship with India starting with the Microsoft experience where we hired some very smart IT graduates, and brought them to Seattle. Later, they went back and created a development centre for us that’s now in four locations, with 25,000 people. Of course, a lot of the amazing people I worked with in Microsoft were hired from India.”
Praising present Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Gates said, “On the top of that list is Satya, who now is doing a great job as the CEO. In my digital first career, the connection with India was fun and made a huge difference in what the company was able to achieve.
“It was during that time that I was kind of learning, ‘Oh wow, India is such a study in contrast, first class in so many ways, but still a lot of poverty and challenges’.”
However, he also flagged the country’s legal system for the delay in delivering quick justice, looking at the backlog of cases in the Indian courts.
Drawing parallels between the US and Indian legal systems, Gates said, “Believe me, the legal things done in the US won’t apply here. But, just imagine, if you could make everybody in the legal system four times more productive, that changes justice because right now the backlog is kind of nightmarish. And here, you know, comes a potential solution.”
Bill Gates has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting him at the monument.
Microsoft co-founder and leading philanthropist, Bill Gates heaped praise on the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, calling it an “engineering marvel” and a great tribute Sardar Patel.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting him at the monument. He also appreciated the economic opportunity for local tribal communities arising out of it.
“Thank you @narendramodi for the invitation to visit the impressive Statue of Unity. It is an engineering marvel and a great tribute to Sardar Patel. Also great to see it is creating economic opportunity for local tribal communities, especially women,” Gates posted on social media platform X.
Thank you @narendramodi for the invitation to visit the impressive Statue of Unity. It is an engineering marvel and a great tribute to Sardar Patel. Also great to see it is creating economic opportunity for local tribal communities, especially women. https://t.co/gJlJxlDW4U
Reacting to his post, PM Modi said that he is ‘glad’ on Gates enjoying the experience. He also urged people from across the globe to visit the world’s tallest statue in Gujarat.
“Happy to see this! Glad that you enjoyed your experience at the ‘Statue of Unity.’ I also urge people from all over the world to visit it in the coming times,” PM Modi stated on X.
Earlier on Friday, the Microsoft co-founder met Union Minister for IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw and discussed how India’s AI ecosystem could be used to improve health, agriculture, and education in the country.
“I met with @AshwiniVaishnaw to talk about India’s AI ecosystem and how it can be used to improve health, agriculture, and education. India’s digital public infrastructure journey is a fantastic model for emerging economies. @BMGFIndia hopes to support the Indian government’s initiatives to build open, secure, and interoperable systems that are inclusive and create strong digital economies,” Gates posted on X.
Bill Gates is on a visit to India, during which he has met several top leaders and also participated in other cultural and local events.
He also arrived in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for the three-day pre-wedding celebrations of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son, Anant Ambani, and industrialist Viren Merchant’s daughter, Radhika Merchant.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi and Bill Gates held a dialogue centred around harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for the greater good of the public. The leaders expressed their shared commitment to sectors that hold the potential to enhance the planet and uplift millions worldwide.
Meanwhile, his video with Dolly Chaiwala has taken the internet by storm and garnered millions of views on multiple platforms.
The video opens with Bill Gates in the frame, requesting, “One chai, please”. The tea seller’s unique method of preparing tea on his cart is a highlight, offering a glimpse into the artistry of making this beloved beverage. (ANI)
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, receives an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Seattle, the United States. (Xinhua/Qin Lang/IANS)
Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), who is on an India tour, was speaking at IIT-Delhi on innovations for public good….reports Asian Lite News
Indian innovations across the spectrum are fantastic and are the key to solving problems in the field of health, agriculture, gender and climate, Microsoft Co-founder and philanthropist, Bill Gates, said in the national Capital on Thursday.
Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), who is on an India tour, was speaking at IIT-Delhi on innovations for public good.
“I am looking at innovators in India that can help with all kinds of problems, starting with health, but also agriculture, gender and climate.
“Indian innovation gets stronger all the time. It is a fascinating time and the need for innovation to deal with many different challenges is greater than ever. But the pace of innovations is also rising to meet the challenge,” he told the gathering.
The tech mogul advised students to work towards “achieving social equality” along with making a financial impact in their future roles.
“We have many problems in the world, and only by taking that point of view can we shape innovations to improve the world as much as possible,” Gates said.
He said the Gates Foundation worked along with Indian manufacturers to bring several vaccines to India, which were once available only in rich countries, and that includes rotavirus vaccine, pneumococcal and measles vaccine.
Gates said more has to be done for TB that is the number one infectious disease killing millions globally.
Beyond infections, he also said that it was important to focus on malnutrition and anaemia, which will work towards improving the physical and mental health of mothers and children.
The billionaire also hailed India’s digital public infrastructure.
“India leads in digital public infrastructure. No country is able to take government benefits and get them out more efficiently and effectively to citizens like India can,” he said.
Accepting the award, Gates expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and appreciated the transformative work of KISS….reports Asian Lite News
Co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates was conferred the KISS Humanitarian Award 2023 for his philanthropic work on Wednesday.
The award was presented by KIIT and KISS Achyuta Samanta to Gates at a special event here in acknowledgement of his unparalleled contributions to enhancing global health and education, and addressing climate change through innovative technology solutions aimed at reducing inequality.
Accepting the award, Gates expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and appreciated the transformative work of KISS. “KISS is an inspiring story. It is empowering thousands of boys and girls from indigenous roots. It is incredible to think 80,000 young people getting quality education and achieving success in life. It is always exciting to get a great education,” he said and advised students to think about how they can give back to the society.
He lauded Samanta’s vision and dedication to providing quality education to indigenous communities and highlighted the importance of civic engagement and a community-first approach to education.
Samanta said, awarding Bill Gates with the KISS Humanitarian Award, instituted in 2008, not only honours his exceptional contributions but also elevates the prestige of the recognition. “His acceptance sets a new benchmark for humanitarian work globally. It is a profound honour for us that Gates is joining the esteemed roster of our awardees,” he said.
Among others, Minister Counsellor Graham Mayer, US Embassy New Delhi, Frank Talluto, political officer Hyderabad, Ananth Sukesh, political advisor, US Embassy New Delhi and Srimali Kari, political specialist US Consulate, Hyderabad were present.
Mandaviya presents Gates model of BHISHM Arogya Maitri Cube
Meanehile, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, met Gates and presented him with a model of the BHISHM ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube.’
This cube is a part of the broader initiative named “Project BHISHM” – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri, and is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, emphasizing rapid response and comprehensive care.
The Aid Cube is equipped with several innovative tools designed to enhance disaster response and medical support during emergencies.
It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
Mandaviya thanked Gates for his “positive feedback” on BHISHM.
The Union Minister noted that BHISHM was conceptualied to harness India’s expertise in areas like digital technologies, pharmaceutical commodities, medical devices and design.
The aim was to come up with a solution that can take quality healthcare to people living in difficult areas including those affected by conflict, health emergencies and other challenges. The solution was showcased at the G20 Health Minister’s meeting last August and “was very well received”.
“We wish the world to be free of conflict and a solution like BHISHM can help provide relief to people living in these difficult settings – including global hotspots in the Middle East and Europe currently affected by conflict,” he said.
“India, led by PM Modi’s vision, is focused on research and innovation and national capabilities are increasing. It is blessed with man power and brain power and now also has the added support of Bill power, which will help Indian innovation get to the next level,” the minister added.
He also appreciated Bill Gates’ comments about Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, anemia-free India and campaigns to get rid of TB and sickle-cell anemia.
Officials said Health Ministry has a strong working relationship with the Gates Foundation and looks forward to strengthening its partnership with it and other international institutions to help contribute solutions to global health problems.
Bill Gates also invited Mandaviya to visit Seattle on his next trip to the United States.
Two Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube-BHISHM, revolutionary mobile hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology, were deployed in Ayodhya to bolster medical readiness and response capabilities during the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony last month.
Advanced medical equipment, RFID-tagged for efficient repacking and redeployment, is a key feature of the ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube. The state-of-the-art BHISHM software system integrated into a provided tablet allows operators to locate items quickly, monitor their usage and expiry, and ensure readiness for subsequent deployments.
Gates to attend ‘good nutrition’ event
Gates will attend a Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) event emphasising ‘good nutrition’ here on Thursday. Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), who is on an India tour, will attend the Poshan Utsav, along with Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani.
Poshan Utsav aims to serve as a platform to disseminate important messages on the value of good nutrition. During the event, the ‘Poshan Utsav Book’ would be released and a Cartoon Coalition would announce its support for the cause of Poshan through collaboration with the ministry.
The programme promises to be a milestone event in the efforts to combat malnutrition and foster healthier lifestyles among children. It aims to leverage popular cartoon characters to advocate holistic nutrition among children through collaboration between the ministry and Amar Chitra Katha.
India became the first nation to make a successful landing on the moon’s South Poll. …reports Asian Lite News
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the scientists on successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 at the South Pole of the moon.
“Moonshots work! Congratulations to @narendramodi, @ISRO, and the Indian scientists for the first successful landing at the South Pole of the Moon,” Gates posted on X (formerly Twitter).
India became the first nation to make a successful landing on the moon’s South Poll.
Along with Gates, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella also congratulated ISRO on successfully landing the spacecraft, describing it as an exciting moment for India and the future of space exploration.
“My congratulations to @isro on the moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3. What an exciting moment for India – and the future of space exploration,” Nadella said.
With this landing in its second attempt in four years, India became the fourth country after the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union to master soft-landing on the lunar surface.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Thursday praised India for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, describing it as “super cool.”
“Super cool!,” Musk said, reacting to the successful launch.
Also, he congratulated the country for the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon.
“Congratulations India,” he commented on one of ISRO’s posts.
Even before the successful landing, Musk had shown support for India’s Moon mission by saying “Good for India.”
Elon Musk.(photo:IANS/Twitter)
The world hailed the historic soft-landing of the Indian spacecraft on the Moon’s south pole surface on Wednesday.
Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai also congratulated the Indian space agency and the country for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon.
“What an incredible moment! Congratulations to @isro for the successful landing of #Chandrayaan3 on the moon,” Pichai said in a post on X.
“Today India became the first country to successfully achieve a soft landing on the southern polar region of the moon,” he added.
With this historic feat, India became the first nation to make a successful landing on the Moon’s south pole.
After landing successfully, ISRO had posted on X: “Chandrayaan-3 Mission: ‘India, I reached my destination and you too!’ :Chandrayaan-3.”
The lander landed after travelling about 3.84 lakh km for over 40 days.
The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft comprises a propulsion module (weighing 2,148 kg), a lander (1,723.89 kg) and a rover (26 kg).
The 19 minutes of suspense and excitement began at 5.45 p.m. on Wednesday, as planned earlier, and ended at 6.05 p.m. with the lander touching down on the lunar soil.
His Highness and Bill Gates discussed the potential to enhance collaboration and initiatives to combat global epidemic diseases…reports Asian Lite News
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday received a phone call from Bill Gates, the co-president of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. During the call, Gates congratulated His Highness on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, wishing the UAE and its people continued well-being and prosperity.
His Highness and Bill Gates discussed the potential to enhance collaboration and initiatives to combat global epidemic diseases, such as “Polio”. They acknowledged the significant advances made in this field in recent times, as well as the need to address “neglected tropical diseases”.
The two sides also reviewed the role of the “Reaching the Last Mile” Forum in mobilising and accelerating global efforts to support underdeveloped societies in eradicating life-threatening diseases that impede their social and economic development and progress, other humanitarian, developmental, and health partnership initiatives that the two sides support to improve the humanitarian response to the challenges faced by numerous societies and nations around the world.
The call also covered the significance of COP28, which will be hosted by the UAE by the end of this year. The event will mark the first comprehensive global evaluation of progress made in implementing the goals of the Historic Paris Agreement for climate and in advancing coordinated climate action and accelerating global efforts to address the consequences of climate change.
In this context, His Highness and Bill Gates discussed the value of modern technology and innovation in advancing efforts to find effective and long-lasting solutions to environmental issues, noting that innovation is a key component in addressing such challenges, protecting the environment and its natural resources, and achieving sustainable development.
The two sides also discussed ways that COP28 and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation may work together to address the impact of climate change on human health.
Sheikh Mohammed thanked Bill Gates for his Eid greetings, emphasising the UAE’s determination to contribute to advancing international cooperation in combating diseases that endanger people’s lives and impede development, as well as the country’s support for various qualitative initiatives and global efforts in this regard.
During the call, Bill Gates praised the UAE’s essential humanitarian role in delivering relief to numerous societies throughout the world under varied conditions and in a way that significantly benefited the targeted beneficiaries. He also hailed the UAE’s charitable initiatives tackling global diseases and epidemics around the world. (ANI/WAM)
Xi praised Gates and his foundation for their long-term commitment to facilitating global poverty reduction…reports Asian Lite News
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in Beijing on Friday, the State-run media Global Times reported.
“You’re the first American friend I have met in Beijing this year,” Xi told Gates according to a report in the Chinese State media. “I often say that the foundation of China-US relations lies in people-to-people ties. We have always placed our hopes on the American people, and hope that peoples of our two countries will maintain their friendship,” Xi said according to Global Times.
According to a report in the Chinese news outlet, Xi praised Gates and his foundation for their long-term commitment to facilitating global poverty reduction, health, development as well as public welfare and charity work. President Xi also told Gates that China is willing to work with him and his foundation to continue strengthening cooperation in relevant fields, and provide support and help to other developing countries, the Global Times reported.
Solving problems like climate change, health inequity and food insecurity requires innovation. From developing malaria drugs to investing in climate adaptation, China has a lot of experience in that. We need to unlock that kind of progress for more people around the world.
Gates said that he is visiting China for the first time since 2019. Gates is the latest high-profile business titan to visit the country in recent months, Fox Business reported.
The Microsoft co-founder on Wednesday tweeted: “I’ve just landed in Beijing for the first time since 2019, where I’m excited to visit with partners who have been working on global health and development challenges with @gatesfoundation for more than 15 years.”
The billionaire philanthropist had last met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, and in 2020 Xi had written a letter thanking Gates and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for pledging some USD 5 million to the country in its fight against COVID as per Fox Business.
On Thursday, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said it will provide USD 50 million over the next five years to help Chinese efforts to battle disease.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a renewed collaboration with the Beijing Municipal Government and Tsinghua University to support the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute (GHDDI) “in its efforts to improve health outcomes worldwide through lifesaving therapies for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, which disproportionately affect the world’s poorest,” according to release by the foundation.
Meanwhile, as per Fox Business, China has been rolling out the red carpet for US CEOs in recent months.
Gates has retired from leading Microsoft and appears to be overseas to focus on the work of the global charitable organization he founded with his ex-wife.
Other high-profile visits to China this year included those by Tesla’s Elon Musk and Apple’s Tim Cook. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is expected to visit China soon.
During Musk’s three-day visit to China the Tesla chief checked in on the electric vehicle giant’s operations and met with China’s foreign minister.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon also visited China earlier this month during a trip to Asia to meet with employees there and in neighbouring Taiwan, as per Fox Business. (ANI)
Oracle Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Larry Ellison unveils Oracle's Gen 2 Cloud with autonomous capabilities, improved security and upgrades for enterprises. (Photo: Twitter/@Oracle)
Ellison announced he was stepping down as Oracle CEO in 2014, though he didn’t leave the company. …reports Asian Lite News
Oracle founder Larry Ellison is reaping the benefits of artificial intelligence popularity, edging past Microsoft founder Bill Gates to land the number four spot on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, according to Bloomberg, CNN reported.
Ellison is now the world’s fourth-richest person, with a staggering $129.8 billion net worth, Bloomberg reported. He just squeaked past Gates, whose net worth — Bloomberg reported — is currently $129.1 billion. It’s the first time Ellison is richer than Gates and ranked above No. 5 on the list, the outlet reported.
Ellison announced he was stepping down as Oracle CEO in 2014, though he didn’t leave the company. He then became the technology company’s chairman and chief technology officer and has accumulated most of his wealth from his stake in it.
Oracle’s stock has risen more than 42 per cent year to date and is currently trading at $116.50 as of Monday market close. Oracle earned a record $50 billion revenue in the 2023 fiscal year, according to company earnings released Tuesday.
The company’s infrastructure business and cloud services led the growth, CEO Safra Catz said, CNN reported.
Oracle is cashing in on AI, investing in OpenAI competitor Cohere, which raised a total of $270 million in a funding round last week, according to reports.
Artificial intelligence is keeping investors optimistic. Bank of America economists said the S&P 500 move into the bull market was mostly because investors rallied around AI, CNN reported.
Ellison is the largest stockholder in Oracle and owns approximately 42.9 per cent of its shares, a 2022 SEC proxy statement said. The 78-year-old also owns a 1.5 per cent stake in Tesla, a 2022 SEC proxy statement shows.
On India’s G20 presidency, Gates said ir was an opportunity to highlight how innovations developed in India can benefit the world…reports Asian Lite News
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed at length the ‘innovative work’ in health, climate change, and other crucial areas, stated Gates Notes the official blog of the Microsoft co-founder.
On India’s G20 presidency, Gates said ir was an opportunity to highlight how innovations developed in India can benefit the world, and help other countries adopt them. Invoking the pandemic, Gates, in his official blog, said he has been in touch with PM Modi for developing Covid-19 vaccines and “investing in India’s health systems”.
“India has an amazing ability to manufacture lots of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines, some of them supported by the Gates Foundation. Vaccines produced in India have saved millions of lives during the pandemic and prevented other diseases around the world,” Gates posted in his blog.
While saying that India excels at both creating and distributing new, life-saving technologies, Gates noted that the public health system in the country has distributed more than 2.2 billion doses of Covid vaccines.
“They developed Co-WIN, an open-source platform that provided digital certifications for those who have received vaccinations while enabling the scheduling of billions of vaccine appointments,” Gates noted further in his blog.
Lauding the work done by India under the leadership of PM Modi “while the world had been grappling with the pandemic’, Gates said the country was able to send emergency digital payments to 300 million people, including 200 million women. “This was only feasible because India prioritised financial inclusion, spending money on a biometric ID system (named Aadhaar), and developing cutting-edge digital banking platforms,” he noted.
Also highlighting the country’s ‘Gati Shakti’ programme, Gates Notes mentioned that it was a great example of how digital technology can help governments work better. (ANI)
Bill Gates appreciated India’s COVID Management, vaccination drive and Digital Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission…reports Asian Lite News
Microsoft co-founder and Philanthropist Bill Gates on Wednesday met Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandaviya in the national capital and appreciated India’s COVID-19 management.
During his meeting, Bill Gates appreciated India’s COVID Management, vaccination drive and Digital Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. He also visited the dedicated War Room named National Public Health Observatory which was shaped during Covid times.
India’s G20 health priorities, PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and eSanjeevani were also discussed between Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the Microsoft founder.
“Wonderful meeting with @BillGates. He appreciated India’s COVID-19 Management, Vaccination Drive & Digital Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. We discussed India’s G20 health priorities, PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and eSanjeevani,” Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted on Wednesday.
Notably, one of India’s three health priorities at the G-20 summit is hosting is to ensure access to such medical countermeasures for all in the event of another pandemic.
The Health Minister showed him the dedicated War Room named National Public Health Observatory which was shaped during Covid times. It tracked COVID cases & Vaccination speedily & efficiently and currently each health program and initiative uses Artificial Intelligence (AI).
On Tuesday, Bill Gates also met former Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and had a discussion with him about his philanthropic work specially related to children’s healthcare.
Besides Sachin, Gates also met Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das and held discussions on wide-ranging matters.”Mr. @BillGates visited RBI Mumbai today and held wide-ranging discussions with Governor @DasShaktikanta,” RBI tweeted.
This is Gates’ first visit to India after the COVID-19 pandemic. On February 23, he expressed his happiness in coming to India.
“India gives me hope for the future. I’m excited to visit next week and see the work being done by innovators and entrepreneurs to tackle big challenges like climate change, health, and hunger,” he tweeted. (ANI)
