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ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026, held on 30th October 2026 in Pune, Maharashtra

/ Blogs

Bringing together some of the brightest minds and influential voices from India’s education ecosystem, the ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 successfully concluded in Pune, Maharashtra, on 30 October 2026. Organised by ArdorComm Media Group, the flagship event revolved around the theme “Maharashtra’s Education Without Boundaries: Building Institutions for the Future.” The summit served as a vibrant platform for academicians, educationists, institutional leaders, policymakers, technology experts, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, and EdTech innovators to deliberate on the evolving landscape of education and explore pathways towards building future-ready institutions. With Maharashtra continuing to strengthen its position as a leading destination for education, research, technology, and innovation, Pune provided an ideal setting for conversations around the future of learning, institutional transformation, and the growing intersection of education and industry. Exploring the Changing Landscape of Education As artificial intelligence, digital technologies, evolving industry requirements, and emerging skill demands reshape the education ecosystem, the summit brought important conversations to the forefront. Discussions highlighted the need for educational institutions to move beyond conventional approaches and embrace innovation, technology integration, experiential learning, and industry collaboration. The event emphasised the importance of building an education ecosystem that is inclusive, accessible, technology-enabled, and aligned with the aspirations of a rapidly changing workforce. Through insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants explored how institutions can strengthen their academic frameworks, encourage research and entrepreneurship, adopt emerging technologies, and equip learners with the competencies required to thrive in the future. Industry Leaders and Keynote Speakers The inaugural session, themed “Maharashtra’s Education Without Boundaries: Building Institutions for the Future,” commenced with a welcome address by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group. The session was graced by Deepak Singla (I.A.S.), Commissioner, Sports and Youth Services, Maharashtra State, as the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Suresh A. Patil, Joint Director, Directorate of Technical Education, Pune Region, Govt. of Maharashtra, as the Special Guest. The session also featured guest speakers Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, and Dr. Shankar S Mantha, President, Ramdeobaba University, Nagpur and Former Chairman, AICTE. The first panel discussion, titled “Who Owns the Future of Learning – Institutions, Industry or Technology?”, was moderated by Dr. Harshita Sharma, Founder – Director, Brainstorm International, Pune. The panel featured Dr. Rasika Panicker, Principal & Director, Rosary High School, Badlapur, Mumbai; Dr. Gaurav Tiwari, Founder Principal, P.P. Gagangiri Maharaj International School & Junior College, Khopoli; Debika Chatterji, Director – Principal, JBCN International School, Mumbai; and Dr. Rajesh Prasad, Principal, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University College of Engineering, Pune. The second panel discussion, titled “Smart School Campuses: Are Schools Ready for the Intelligent, Connected Campus?”, was moderated by Dr. Seema Negi, Director Principal, Sanjeevani World School, Mumbai. The panel featured Swati Popat Vats, President, Podar Education Network, Mumbai; Ramesh Tupe, Chairman, SGT International School & Junior College, Mumbai; and Renu Nair, Regional Head, Kidzonia International School, Pune. The third panel discussion, titled “Building the Knowledge Economy: Can Universities Become Engines of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Job Creation?”, was moderated by Dr. Manoj Apte, Professor & Director, Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research, Pune. The panel featured Dr. Shankar S Mantha, President, Ramdeobaba University, Nagpur and Former Chairman, AICTE; Prof. (Dr.) Sudarshan Sanap, Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Sciences, MIT Art Design and Technology University, Pune; Dr. Geetali Tilak, Vice-Chancellor, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune; Prof. (Dr.) Raviraja N. Seetharam, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune; and Sohom Dutta, Senior Vice President, Elevate Campuses Ltd. The fourth panel discussion, titled “The Human Advantage: What Skills Will Remain Irreplaceable in an AI-Driven World?”, was moderated by Dr. Madhavi Dhole, Director, SIES College of Management Studies, Navi Mumbai. The panel featured Dr. Vilas Sapkal, Vice Chancellor, MGM University, Chh. Sambhajinagar; Dr. Sohan Chitlange, Vice Chancellor, Alard University, Pune; and Prof. (Dr.) Manish Bhalla, Vice Chancellor, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune. The fifth panel discussion, titled “From Degrees to Demonstrable Skills: Is the Future of Employability Beyond Credentials?”, was moderated by Dr. Jaywant V. Shelar, Vice Chancellor, ITM Skills University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. The panel featured Dr. Sunil Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Dr. P. A. Inamdar University, Pune, Maharashtra; Dr. Shashank D. Dalvi, Vice Chancellor, MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra; Dr. Ganesh Rao, Director – Pune Business School and Vice President (West) – AIMS, Maharashtra; Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Madhukar Jalnekar, Director, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune, Maharashtra; and Dr. Manimala Puri, Group Director, ASM Group of Institutes, Pune, Maharashtra. Roundtable Discussion The summit also featured a special roundtable discussion titled “From Smart Classrooms to Intelligent Campuses: Powering Education Transformation Through AI & Innovation,” moderated by Saurabh Karemore, General Manager – West, D.Sol Biz, Samsung, and Niraj Kumar, Chief Manager, D.Sol Biz, Samsung. The roundtable brought together Pradeep Nayar, Chief Manager – Marketing, Samsung; Dr. Raj Salunke, Chairman, Sharada Group of Education, Solapur; Suresh Marutrav Kote, Chairman, Hind English Medium School, Gurukool, Pune; Dr. Harshita Sharma, Founder – Director, Brainstorm International, Pune; Ashok Sachdev, Founder & CEO, Chitrakoot International School, Ahilyanagar; Dr. Yasmin Pirzada, Founder & Trustee, Belvedere Spring School International, Mumbai; Mehjabeen Nadaf Khan, Founder & Director, BlueBird School, Hadaspur; Monal Dugad, Managing Director, Pushpa International School, Pune; Theo Hiwale, Managing Director, Royal International School, Pune; Dr. Nicholas Correa, Academic Director & Principal, Coral Bells International School, Navi Mumbai; Dr. Manisha Shewale, Director, Vikas Pratishthan’s CBSE & ICSE Schools & Maharashtra State Advisor (AIPA) & Core Member (WASP), Pune; Namrata Majhail, Director-Principal, The Orchid School, Pune; Gunjan Srivastava, Director Principal, The Orbis Schools, Pune; Jyotsna Mishra, Director, Alard Public School, Hinjawadi, Pune; Prof. (Dr.) Nilesh R. Berad, Director, MET’s Institute of Management, Nasik; Dr. Anamika Singh, Director, Modern Institute of Business Management, Pune; Nirmal Waddan, Director-Principal, The Kalyani School, Manjri, BK, Pune; Ashwini Kumar, Director-Principal, Pune Global School, Pune; Dr. Monika Gupta, Founder Principal & Director, Pushpa International School, Pune; Prof. Dr. K. P. Moholkar, Dean Academics, JSPM’S Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Pune; Dr. Shalini Sinha, Director, Chetana’s RK Institute of Management and Research,

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AICTE introduces four schemes for 2026-27 to strengthen technical education institutions

/ Education Community

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced four new schemes for the 2026-27 academic year to support the development of technical education institutions through improved infrastructure, practical learning, academic mentorship and research activities. AICTE Chairman Prof. Yogesh Singh announced the initiatives under the council’s Institutional Development Cell (IDC), in the presence of Member Secretary Prof. Shyama Rath. The four schemes include IDEA Lab, Modernisation and Restructuring for Outcome Based System (MODROBS), Margdarshan and Grant for Organising Conference (GOC). The announcement was shared through AICTE’s official social media platform on October 31. According to the council, the initiatives aim to expand institutional development opportunities across different districts and ensure that support is not confined to well-established technical education institutions. Each scheme has been designed to address a specific aspect of institutional growth, ranging from hands-on student learning and infrastructure upgrades to academic collaboration and research-oriented engagements. Four schemes and their key objectives IDEA Lab: The scheme aims to promote innovation and experiential learning by providing students with opportunities to apply concepts from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It encourages hands-on experimentation, prototype development and the creation of practical solutions to real-world challenges. The initiative seeks to strengthen the learning-by-doing approach in technical education. MODROBS: Through the Modernisation and Restructuring for Outcome Based System scheme, AICTE intends to help institutions upgrade their existing academic infrastructure. The assistance will cover facilities such as laboratories, workshops and computing resources, enabling institutions to improve practical training, research and teaching capabilities. Margdarshan: This initiative is centred on academic mentorship and institutional capacity building. It will connect participating colleges with established and centrally funded institutions to facilitate knowledge sharing, improve academic standards and encourage the adoption of effective institutional practices. Grant for Organising Conference (GOC): The scheme will extend support to institutions conducting national and international academic conferences. It aims to encourage interaction among researchers, academicians and subject specialists, while providing platforms for presenting research outcomes, exchanging ideas and discussing emerging developments across disciplines. AICTE stated that the four initiatives are intended to strengthen technical education by making institutional development support more accessible across the country. The broader objective is to encourage innovation, improve academic infrastructure and create opportunities for collaboration among institutions. However, the council’s announcement did not specify the funding allocation, application deadlines or detailed eligibility requirements for individual schemes. Institutions interested in applying will need to consult the respective scheme guidelines for information on financial assistance, eligibility and application procedures. The latest initiatives reflect AICTE’s continued focus on improving the quality and reach of technical education in India, with particular emphasis on practical learning, institutional modernisation and stronger academic collaboration. Source: Indian Express  

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Max Healthcare reports ₹3,219 crore revenue in Q2 FY27, net profit rises 10%

/ Health & Wellness Community

Max Healthcare reported a 20 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in gross revenue to ₹3,219 crore for the second quarter of FY27. The healthcare provider recorded a network profit after tax (PAT) of ₹448 crore, registering a 10 per cent growth compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. As of September 2026, the company’s operational bed capacity reached 5,518, marking an addition of 758 beds and a 16 per cent increase over September 2025. Bed occupancy during the quarter stood at 77 per cent, while Occupied Bed Days (OBDs) increased by 13 per cent YoY. Average Revenue Per Patient (ARPP) for Q2 FY27 was ₹2.31 lakh, compared with ₹2.14 lakh in the year-ago quarter and ₹2.30 lakh in Q1 FY27, reflecting an annual growth of 8 per cent. The company’s non-captive pathology business, Max Lab, generated gross revenue of ₹66 crore during the quarter, registering a 24 per cent YoY and 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase. Operating across more than 63 cities, the vertical offers over 2,700 diagnostic tests. Max Healthcare’s home care division, Max@home, also recorded strong growth, with gross revenue increasing 37 per cent YoY to ₹86 crore. Revenue grew 10 per cent sequentially, supported by demand for physiotherapy and rehabilitation, nursing services, attendants, sample collection and medicine delivery. Free cash generation during the quarter stood at ₹500 crore, compared with ₹291 crore in Q2 FY26 and ₹397 crore in Q1 FY27. The company invested ₹292 crore in ongoing expansion projects and distributed ₹195 crore towards dividends. On the infrastructure front, Max Super Speciality Hospital (MSSH), Dwarka, has commenced operations at its Oncology Block. The development is expected to take the hospital’s overall capacity to 318 beds during Q3 FY27. The company also strengthened its stake in Kalinga Hospital Limited (KHL), increasing its shareholding from approximately 58.28 per cent to 66.34 per cent following a rights issue on September 7, 2026. KHL operates a 250-bed hospital in Bhubaneswar. Additionally, Max Healthcare has approved a capital expenditure of ₹415 crore for adding 209 beds across its existing hospitals. The planned expansion includes 85 beds at MSSH, Noida, 60 beds at MSSH, Vaishali and 64 beds at BLK-Max Hospital. The BLK-Max expansion will also include a multi-level car parking facility to accommodate the growing number of patients and visitors. For the six months ended September 2026, the company’s total bed capacity stood at 6,184, representing a 20 per cent YoY increase. Network gross revenue for the period reached ₹6,200 crore, up 18 per cent from the corresponding period last year, primarily driven by higher Occupied Bed Days. Network PAT for the first half of FY27 increased 7 per cent to ₹805 crore, compared with ₹750 crore in the corresponding period of the previous financial year on a like-for-like basis. Cash generated from operations during the six-month period amounted to ₹897 crore, while net debt stood at ₹2,369 crore. Commenting on the performance, Abhay Soi, Chairman and Managing Director of Max Healthcare, said the company continued to register steady growth while expanding bed capacity across multiple locations to address India’s increasing demand for quality healthcare. He highlighted that higher occupancy across network hospitals and the faster utilisation of newly added beds reflected strong demand for the company’s services. He also noted growing momentum in medical value travel, supported by India’s cost-competitive healthcare offerings, which is further enhancing the country’s position as a global healthcare destination. Source: Economic Times  

Max Healthcare reports ₹3,219 crore revenue in Q2 FY27, net profit rises 10% Read More »

ICMR Funds Four-Year Study to Explore Genetic Links and Potential Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has funded a four-year research project to investigate the genetic and immunological factors behind autoimmune diseases, with the aim of identifying shared disease mechanisms and potential targets for future therapies. The study will focus on families with multiple members affected by autoimmune conditions. Researchers are planning to develop a nationwide cohort of 200 families, each having at least one member diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus. Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have also appealed to eligible lupus patients to participate in the research. Titled ‘Genomic Profiling and Identification of Targetable Shared Immunopathogenic Events in Multiplex Families with Autoimmune Diseases’, the project has been awarded to Dr Dipyaman Ganguly of Ashoka University, Sonipat, and Dr Ranjan Gupta, Additional Professor in the Department of Rheumatology at AIIMS Delhi. As part of the investigation, researchers will conduct genetic and immunological assessments of patients and their family members to identify common biological processes associated with the development of autoimmune conditions. The findings are expected to improve understanding of disease mechanisms and help identify potential targets for developing new treatment approaches. Autoimmune diseases develop when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. According to Dr Gupta, a family history of these conditions is associated with an increased risk, making genetic and shared immunological factors important areas of investigation. The research will involve six clinical centres across the country: AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow, St John’s Hospital in Bengaluru, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad and Kolkata Medical College. These institutions will contribute clinical information and biological samples to support the study. Patients diagnosed with lupus and residing in the Delhi-NCR region can contact the AIIMS Delhi centre to enquire about eligibility and enrolment. Participation will depend on meeting the study’s clinical and other recruitment requirements. Through this multi-institutional initiative, researchers aim to strengthen understanding of the inherited and immune-related factors associated with autoimmune diseases and explore new possibilities for targeted treatment. Source: PTI

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CBSE Revises Curriculum for 2028 Class X Board Exams, Removes Three Subjects

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revised its Scheme of Studies for students who will appear for the Class X board examinations in 2028, providing clarity on the subjects they will be required to study and those that will be excluded from their curriculum. Under the revised framework, three subjects — Individuals in Society, Modules on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Environmental Education — will not be included in the curriculum for the affected batches. The decision is expected to ease the academic workload for students who were previously facing uncertainty over the introduction of additional subjects. With this clarification, students will have five compulsory subjects for their Class X board examinations: two languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Science. However, their overall curriculum will continue to include nine compulsory curricular areas, with the remaining subjects covering a third language, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and Vocational Education. In a circular issued to principals and heads of affiliated schools, CBSE clarified that Individuals in Society and the Modules on CT and AI will not be introduced for Class IX students during the 2026–27 academic session. Similarly, Environmental Education will not be included in the Class X curriculum for the 2027–28 session. The decision is aimed at aligning the introduction of these subjects with the board’s implementation schedule. The revised provisions will apply to students currently in Class IX during the 2026–27 academic session, who will progress to Class X in 2027–28. Students appearing for their Class X examinations in 2027 will continue under the existing Scheme of Studies. CBSE has also clarified that Vocational Education will remain a compulsory curricular component for the affected batches. Students can meet this requirement by choosing either Kaushal Vikas or any one of the 22 skill-based subjects notified by the board. The revised framework distinguishes between subjects assessed in the Class X board examinations and other compulsory curricular areas, allowing students to pursue a broader learning experience while focusing their board examination preparation on five core subjects. Source: Indian Express

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Fortis Healthcare CEO Calls for Periodic Revision of Government Health Insurance Rates

/ Health & Wellness Community

Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Managing Director and CEO of Fortis Healthcare, has called for regular revisions of package rates under government-sponsored health insurance schemes to keep pace with rising medical costs, advancements in healthcare technology and the growing demand for quality treatment. Speaking at the 20th edition of FICCI Heal 2026, Raghuvanshi emphasised the need to periodically reassess reimbursement rates under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). He also highlighted the importance of timely hospital claim settlements, stating that a transparent and predictable reimbursement mechanism could encourage greater private sector participation and support investment in healthcare infrastructure. The remarks come a year after the Union Health Ministry revised package rates for nearly 2,000 procedures under CGHS in October 2025. The revision marked the first major overhaul of the rates since 2014. Following the announcement, Nathealth, an industry body representing private healthcare providers, welcomed the decision and called for government-sponsored health insurance rates to be periodically aligned with the Consumer Price Index. The viability of reimbursement rates remains a key concern for private healthcare providers. Major listed hospital chains, including Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare and Apollo Hospitals, do not participate in the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Industry representatives have argued that reimbursement rates must be financially sustainable, particularly for corporate hospitals operating in urban areas, to encourage their participation. Raghuvanshi also urged the government to reconsider the taxation framework applicable to hospitals. Although healthcare services are exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), hospitals generally cannot claim input tax credit on goods and services used to provide these exempt services. This results in additional costs for healthcare providers and can constrain their ability to invest in expansion and infrastructure. He said reviewing the existing tax structure could ease cost pressures on hospitals while strengthening their capacity to deliver affordable, high-quality healthcare services. Source: Economic Times

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PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates ESTIC 2026, Calls for Scalable Scientific Innovation

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on October 27, bringing together more than 5,000 delegates, including scientists, policymakers, industry representatives and deep-tech startups from India and abroad. The opening day featured addresses by leading science and technology officials, plenary lectures by two Nobel laureates, parallel technical sessions, a startup exhibition, research poster presentations and a panel discussion. The discussions centred on translating scientific research into practical applications, strengthening domestic technological capabilities and using innovation to address national and global challenges. Addressing the inaugural session, Modi urged scientists, researchers and young innovators to deliver measurable and scalable technological outcomes within a three-year timeframe. He stressed that scientific discoveries must move beyond laboratories to solve real-world problems, promote self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and improve human welfare. He also highlighted India’s ambitions in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, advanced materials and biotechnology. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said India was moving from being a technology consumer towards becoming a global contributor to frontier scientific innovation. He highlighted the expansion of the country’s startup ecosystem from around 400 startups in 2014 to more than 2.3 lakh currently. According to the minister, approximately 50–60 per cent of these ventures are located in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, reflecting the geographical expansion of entrepreneurship and innovation. Singh also emphasised the potential of India’s genetic and phenotypic diversity in advancing biotechnology. He called for stronger domestic capabilities in gene synthesis, systems biology and nuclear medicine, referring to legislative reforms, including the SHANTI Act, as part of the broader effort to accelerate scientific development. Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay K. Sood, highlighted the importance of integrating fundamental research with industrial expansion and supportive regulatory policies. He outlined ESTIC’s 12 priority thematic areas, which include quantum communication, generative and autonomous AI, semiconductor fabrication, advanced manufacturing and the Deep Ocean Mission. He said building national capabilities would require closer collaboration among research institutions, industry and policymakers. Two Nobel laureates delivered keynote plenary lectures on developments in biological research and medical science. Prof. Joachim Frank of Columbia University, who received the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, discussed the role of cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) in identifying biological targets and supporting drug development. His presentation explored computational methods for producing high-resolution, three-dimensional images of molecular complexes and explained how these insights can contribute to rational drug design. Sir Richard J. Roberts, the 1993 Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine, spoke about split genes and emerging frontiers in life sciences. His lecture examined gene splicing, microbial genomics and restriction-modification enzymes, alongside biotechnology applications in sustainable agriculture, public health and diagnostics. The conclave also provided a platform for emerging companies and researchers to showcase innovations. Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the startup exhibition and poster track, featuring deep-tech research, prototype demonstrations and interactive presentations. The initiative enabled exchanges among entrepreneurs, investors, academics, industry representatives and government stakeholders. Three technical sessions explored applications of advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and synthetic biology. The Advanced Manufacturing session, chaired by CSIR Director General Dr. (Mrs.) N. Kalaiselvi, featured a keynote address by former Defence Research and Development Organisation chairman Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy. Discussions covered digital twins, collaborative robotics, additive manufacturing and metrology, with particular attention to strengthening supply chains and expanding manufacturing capabilities among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Generative and Autonomous AI session, chaired by IndiaAI CEO Shri Saurabh Vijay, featured a keynote address by Prof. Mitesh M. Khapra of IIT Madras. Participants discussed the development of indigenous large language models, access to high-performance computing through IndiaAI, agentic AI and frameworks for safe deployment. The session focused on building domestic AI capabilities while ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. The System and Synthetic Biology session examined engineered biological systems and India’s BioE3 strategy. Using the “Understand, Design, Build, Test, Learn” framework, participants explored potential applications in precision biotherapeutics, metabolic pathway engineering, biofortified crops and waste-to-value biomanufacturing. The discussions highlighted the potential of synthetic biology to support innovation across healthcare, agriculture and industrial production. The day concluded with a panel discussion titled “Science and Disruptive Technologies for Atmanirbhar Bharat”, chaired by Prof. Ajay K. Sood. Panellists included Dr. Tessy Thomas, Gen. N. S. Raja Subramani, Prof. Bhanu P. Jena, Dr. Samir Saran and Prof. V. K. Singh. The discussion addressed defence technology self-reliance, commercialisation of intellectual property, financing for deep-tech ventures and mechanisms for transferring technologies from research institutions to industry. ESTIC 2026 brings together government, academia, industry and startups around 12 thematic priority areas. Discussions on the opening day also highlighted the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund and mechanisms under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) as potential avenues for supporting deep-tech development across technology-readiness stages and facilitating commercialisation. The conclave aims to strengthen the connection between scientific discovery, industrial application and public welfare, with an emphasis on developing homegrown technologies that contribute to India’s long-term development and address wider global challenges. Source: PIB

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IIT Madras WSAI Whitepaper calls for a task-based way to understand how AI affects jobs in India

/ Press Release

The paper from the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) argues that AI is more likely to take over tasks rather than full jobs, with the effect on jobs depending on how work has changed & how people’s abilities are helped by AI CHENNAI, 26th October 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers are proposing that the effect of AI on jobs in India must be ascertained by looking at each task instead of whole jobs. Their whitepaper, released during the recent ‘Industry Conclave on AI Governance 2026’, comes as AI changes workplaces around the world. The new whitepaper was brought out by researchers from Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI), an interdisciplinary research group at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI), IIT Madras. It shows how AI can help people take over tasks, change existing jobs, and create new ones. Further, it also looks at worries about people losing their jobs and some people not having access to new chances. The paper is titled ‘How AI Is Reconfiguring Work in India:’ A Task-Based Framework for Understanding Augmentation, Displacement, New Roles and the Changing Structure of Jobs. It is freely available to everyone and can be accessed at https://cerai.iitm.ac.in/docs/How_AI_Is_Reconfiguring_Work_in_India_CeRAI.pdf The whitepaper was authored by Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, Head, CeRAI and WSAI, IIT Madras; Ms VS Srividhya, Executive Head, Srilatha and Prabhakar Raghavan Centre for Information and Society (CISoC), IIT Madras; Mr Venkatraghavan KS, Senior Advisor, CeRAI IIT Madras and Dr. Gokul S Krishnan, Research Director, CeRAI, IIT Madras. Explaining the whitepaper, Prof Balaraman Ravindran, Head, CeRAI and WSAI, IIT Madras said, “This paper challenges the idea that AI always takes away jobs. Most jobs have tasks and only some of those can be undertaken by AI. The effect depends on the tasks, the industry, rules for AI and how much it costs to use AI. We also looked at who gains from these changes and who is affected.” KEY FINDINGS Dr. Gokul S Krishnan, Research Director, CeRAI, IIT Madras said, “Most discussion of AI and jobs jumps straight from what AI can do on a single task to sweeping claims about entire professions. Our framework separates four levels within the profession – the task, the job, the occupation and the wider labour-market outcome. Seen this way, AI taking over a task does not automatically mean a job disappears. Whether it leads to augmentation, redesign or displacement depends on cost, capability, regulation, safety and how organisations choose to restructure work.” The paper categorises the ways people and AI work together into two groups. In one AI does most of the tasks and people check the results. In the other, people make the decisions and use AI to make their work easier. These groups have several pathways showing how work is changing, like talks using good enough AI, tasks that need advanced AI, AI not capable enough, using AI for dangerous jobs, and the ongoing need for people to make decisions, follow rules and have the right skills. The cost of using AI is also changing who uses it in India. A key idea is “AI-cost geography,” which looks at how the cost of AI tools and advanced AI systems affects who uses them. Cheaper AI can spread fast in jobs like business process outsourcing, bookkeeping and checking quality in medium businesses. Jobs that need advanced AI like legal work and looking at medical images might stay in big cities and big companies where there is more tech, better infrastructure and more skills. The effect will be different in industries and for different workers. Using examples from call centers, factories, small businesses, cleaning robots, banking, law, software work and creative jobs, the paper looks at how AI affects each type of job. It also shows that some people get benefits and others face more problems, like new workers, experienced workers, people with regular jobs and those with informal jobs, people in cities and in the countryside and small and big companies. A main worry is how new jobs that help people move up might be affected. Redesigning jobs is as important as using AI. The paper says that jobs affected by AI need to be changed, whether by helping people move tasks around or creating new roles that deal with using and managing AI systems. So, the challenge is not to see which jobs can be automated, but also to find out how jobs can be changed and how workers can get ready for new tasks. RECOMMENDATIONS The researchers argue that the future of work depends not on how good AI systems are but also on how companies use them, how people’s work is changed and whether workers can get the chances that come with new technology. To make sure AI helps the economy and society, the paper suggests three steps. Encourage use of AI: The paper says it is optimal to promote affordable task-focused AI tools, especially for small businesses. More access to AI can help small companies work better and compete Invest in research about AI and jobs in India: The researchers are calling for a study to find out which tasks and skills can be done by AI and where using AI might have hidden costs like quality, trust, safety and responsibility. This study would help leaders and businesses decide how AI affects jobs. Make clear ways for workers to move into new jobs: AI use should come with chances to learn new skills, know more about AI, and have clear paths to new jobs. The paper says it’s important to prepare workers, companies and leaders for job tasks, making sure the right skills, responsibility and rules are in place as AI is used more. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

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IIM Bangalore, Axis Bank Join Hands to Establish Centre of Economics at New Undergraduate Campus

/ Education Community

The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has partnered with Axis Bank to establish a Centre of Economics at the IIMB–Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies, located at its new campus in Jigani, Bengaluru. The two institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support the development and functioning of the centre. Under the agreement, Axis Bank will fund the construction and operationalisation of the centre within the campus’s Integrated Academic and Administrative Block, part of Phase I. The partnership will also support faculty development initiatives, academic research, and need-based and merit-based scholarships for students. The Centre of Economics will promote an interdisciplinary approach to economics education, combining quantitative and computational methods with data analytics and empirical research. Its academic programmes will focus on applying economic concepts to real-world challenges while aligning the curriculum with international standards and contemporary research practices. Vijay Mulbagal, Group Head – Wholesale Bank Coverage, Corporate Salary, Sustainability and CSR at Axis Bank, said the collaboration seeks to strengthen undergraduate education and research through academic programmes benchmarked against global standards. Prof. U. Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge of IIM Bangalore, highlighted the centre’s role in enabling students and faculty to explore the factors shaping economic development at national and global levels. He added that Axis Bank’s support would strengthen academic infrastructure and create opportunities to advance the institution’s vision of building a world-class undergraduate education ecosystem. The IIMB–Dorabji Tata School of Undergraduate Studies welcomed its first cohort in August 2026. The inaugural batch comprises 80 students selected from nearly 12,000 applicants for its Bachelor of Science (Honours) programmes in Data Sciences and Economics. Among them, 40 students will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Data Sciences at the Axis Bank Centre of Economics. Through its interdisciplinary model, the school aims to integrate subject-specific expertise with quantitative capabilities and practical, data-driven applications, preparing students to address emerging challenges in economics and related fields. Source: Indian Express

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Microsoft Offers Voluntary Buyouts to 60,000 Employees Amid Rising AI Investments

/ Human Resource Community

Microsoft has announced a voluntary buyout programme for approximately 60,000 employees, representing more than a quarter of its global workforce, as the technology company seeks to control costs and finance its expanding investments in artificial intelligence (AI). According to a source familiar with the matter, the programme will cover employees across several divisions, including AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox, and Windows + Devices. Marketing, commercial business and security teams will be excluded from the initiative. Microsoft Chief People Officer Amy Coleman said in an internal memo that the offer would provide eligible employees considering opportunities outside the company with a supported transition option. She added that the programme would also help participating business units adjust their workforce to evolving organisational requirements. The move comes as Microsoft and other major technology companies continue to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in AI infrastructure, including data centres and advanced chips. These substantial expenditures have attracted investor attention over concerns about the potential returns on such investments. Microsoft has projected capital expenditure of $175 billion for the 2026 calendar year. The company reported 223,000 full-time employees worldwide as of June 30, 2026, according to its annual filing. The latest buyout offer follows an earlier voluntary programme introduced this year for approximately 9,000 employees, accounting for around 7% of its US workforce. In July, Microsoft also announced plans to eliminate 4,800 jobs, representing approximately 2.1% of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring of its Xbox gaming business. The changes included plans to divest up to five gaming studios as the company sought to improve returns from the division. The latest voluntary buyout scheme will be available to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating teams across Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. Microsoft described the initiative as a time-limited programme informed by lessons from its previous voluntary retirement scheme. Eligible employees were expected to receive further details shortly after the announcement. Source: Reuters  

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