Nara Lokesh Explores IT Development Opportunities with MasterCard in Davos
Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s Minister for IT, Electronics, HRD, and Education, has been actively engaging in meetings during his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. As part of this, Lokesh met with MasterCard Healthcare Marketing Chief Raja Rajamannar to discuss establishing a development center in Andhra Pradesh. Lokesh highlighted the potential for expanding MasterCard’s operations in southern states and emphasized the importance of MasterCard’s support in IT workforce development and skill enhancement programs.
Raja Rajamannar responded by announcing plans to introduce the "Passkey" payment service in India, emphasizing secure online transactions through OTP-based services. He stated that MasterCard aims to serve 100 crore customers in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education while targeting the digital transformation of 50 million businesses worldwide. Rajamannar added that the company plans to collaborate with partners to expand its services and leverage India's growing credit opportunities. He mentioned that a final decision on expanding operations in Andhra Pradesh would be made after consulting MasterCard’s board.
Roundtable Discussion on Climate Action at the World Economic Forum
At the World Economic Forum, Nara Lokesh also participated in a roundtable discussion organized by Swaniti on "Environmental Conservation and the Future of Climate Action." The event was attended by global dignitaries, including the former Prime Minister of Portugal, the Queen of Jordan, and UNESCO’s Chief Scientist.
During his speech, Lokesh stressed that clean energy is the only solution to curbing carbon emissions. He highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s plans to lead globally in sustainable energy and attract investments in non-conventional energy sectors. Lokesh noted the state’s significant progress in renewable energy and mentioned the Indian central government’s recent announcement of four solar energy parks in Andhra Pradesh.
Lokesh further outlined the state’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy, aimed at establishing a green, economic, and energy-efficient ecosystem. Andhra Pradesh is targeting investments of ₹10 lakh crore in renewable energy, aiming to create 7.5 lakh jobs. He revealed plans for 29 pumped-storage power projects and mentioned that Andhra Pradesh hosts the world's largest Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Project (IRESP). Lokesh stated that the state aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 18 GW by 2030.
Raja Rajamannar responded by announcing plans to introduce the "Passkey" payment service in India, emphasizing secure online transactions through OTP-based services. He stated that MasterCard aims to serve 100 crore customers in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education while targeting the digital transformation of 50 million businesses worldwide. Rajamannar added that the company plans to collaborate with partners to expand its services and leverage India's growing credit opportunities. He mentioned that a final decision on expanding operations in Andhra Pradesh would be made after consulting MasterCard’s board.
Roundtable Discussion on Climate Action at the World Economic Forum
At the World Economic Forum, Nara Lokesh also participated in a roundtable discussion organized by Swaniti on "Environmental Conservation and the Future of Climate Action." The event was attended by global dignitaries, including the former Prime Minister of Portugal, the Queen of Jordan, and UNESCO’s Chief Scientist.
During his speech, Lokesh stressed that clean energy is the only solution to curbing carbon emissions. He highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s plans to lead globally in sustainable energy and attract investments in non-conventional energy sectors. Lokesh noted the state’s significant progress in renewable energy and mentioned the Indian central government’s recent announcement of four solar energy parks in Andhra Pradesh.
Lokesh further outlined the state’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy, aimed at establishing a green, economic, and energy-efficient ecosystem. Andhra Pradesh is targeting investments of ₹10 lakh crore in renewable energy, aiming to create 7.5 lakh jobs. He revealed plans for 29 pumped-storage power projects and mentioned that Andhra Pradesh hosts the world's largest Integrated Renewable Energy Storage Project (IRESP). Lokesh stated that the state aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 18 GW by 2030.