The day’s activities began in Zurich, where Minister Vaishnaw participated in discussions with Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). During this session, the latest advancements in infrastructure diagnostics were presented, showcasing the Swiss expertise that could potentially aid in improving India’s railway operations. Vaishnaw met with Swiss railway experts, exploring technologies to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure within the Indian Railway system.

The Minister’s visit also included meetings with leading small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the railway sector, such as Rhomberg Sersa Ag, Selectron, Ucentrics, Autech, and nu Glass. These discussions focused on fostering partnerships and exploring technology transfer opportunities, particularly in the development of smart railway solutions and sustainable manufacturing practices that align with India’s modernization goals.

A significant highlight of the day was Vaishnaw’s meeting with Stadler Rail Management. The Minister visited the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in St. Margrethen, where Stadler Rail’s expertise in producing advanced double-decker multiple-unit trains was presented. This aligns with India’s ambitious plan to modernize and expand its passenger rail fleet, enhancing the transportation network’s efficiency and sustainability.

Another notable moment of the visit was a presentation by Minister Vaishnaw on the Indian Semiconductor Ecosystem to Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM. This interaction underscored India’s strategic focus on building a robust semiconductor industry, positioning the country as a key player in global technology innovation.

India’s participation at the WEF 2025 also underscores the country’s growing economic influence. The India Pavilion at the event showcases investment opportunities from eight Indian states—Kerala, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and West Bengal. These states aim to attract global business leaders and investors, highlighting India’s diverse economic landscape.

The WEF 2025 theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” resonates with India’s vision of fostering international partnerships that drive technological innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. Over 350 global leaders, including 60 heads of state and government, are in attendance, marking the importance of this annual gathering in shaping the future of the global economy.

With India sending its largest-ever delegation to Davos, consisting of five union ministers, three state chief ministers, and nearly 100 CEOs, the nation’s growing role on the global stage is clear. As India continues to embrace innovative technologies and global collaboration, it is positioning itself as a key driver of change in the global economy.

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On January 5, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) elaborated on the draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, which are designed to protect citizens’ rights in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The Ministry further announced that the public would have the opportunity to submit feedback on the draft rules until February 18, 2025, through the MyGov portal.

The DPDP Act and the accompanying draft rules are crafted to keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital technologies. One key feature is the establishment of a Data Protection Board, envisioned as a fully digital entity, which will allow citizens to lodge complaints and resolve disputes online, eliminating the need for physical presence. Additionally, the rules aim to raise awareness among citizens about their rights and empower them to manage their personal data through multilingual digital platforms.

Apart from gathering online feedback, the Ministry also plans structured consultations with stakeholders from civil society, industry, and government to refine the draft rules. Once finalized, the rules will be submitted to Parliament for approval.

The draft rules are designed to balance individual rights protection with the continued growth of digital practices. Organizations will have sufficient time to comply with the new regulations, minimizing compliance burdens. Data processing based on prior consent will remain allowed, with proper notices issued to individuals to ensure their rights are respected.

In terms of safeguarding children’s personal data, Data Fiduciaries will be required to implement measures to obtain verifiable parental consent. Startups will also benefit from reduced compliance requirements, while significant Data Fiduciaries will face stricter obligations. Furthermore, the DPDP Act introduces graded financial penalties, which will be determined based on the severity and duration of violations. Businesses may submit voluntary undertakings to the Data Protection Board to avoid penalties during proceedings, ensuring that enforcement remains fair and proportional.

Notably, the draft rules do not impose a blanket requirement for storing personal data within India. However, restrictions on cross-border data transfers may apply to certain categories of personal data as recommended by a designated committee.

By integrating digital-first mechanisms and maintaining a balanced regulatory framework, the draft DPDP Rules aim to protect citizens’ rights while fostering a thriving digital economy in India.

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