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IISc Bengaluru Launches Three New BTech Courses for 2026; Admissions Through JEE Advanced

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has announced the introduction of three new BTech programmes for the 2026 academic year, expanding its undergraduate engineering offerings. Admission to these newly launched courses will be based on JEE Advanced 2026 scores, followed by participation in JoSAA counselling. The newly introduced programmes are BTech in Materials Science and Engineering, BTech in Mechanics and Computing, and BTech in Aerospace Engineering. Until now, IISc has been offering two undergraduate programmes — Bachelor of Science (Research) and BTech in Mathematics and Computing. Students seeking admission to the existing BTech Mathematics and Computing course were selected through JEE Advanced via the institute’s own admission portal. According to IISc, the new courses have been developed to prepare future engineers capable of driving innovation, research, and technological development in interdisciplinary and emerging sectors. The curriculum will focus on a strong academic foundation during the initial semesters, integrating engineering fundamentals with mathematics, science, and advanced computational techniques. The institute added that graduates from these programmes are expected to gain analytical, technical, and practical expertise that will make them valuable to global industries, academia, and research organisations. Meanwhile, IIT Roorkee is conducting JEE Advanced 2026, which is scheduled to take place on May 17, 2026. To qualify for JEE Advanced 2026, candidates must rank among the top 2.5 lakh successful students in the JEE Main 2026 BE/BTech paper. Applicants should be born on or after October 1, 2001, with relaxations applicable for reserved categories. Students can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times in two consecutive years and must have first appeared for their Class 12 or equivalent examination in either 2025 or 2026 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. Source: Indian Express

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Prime Video Integrates Amazon MX Player, Creates India’s Biggest Streaming Hub

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Amazon Prime Video has announced the complete integration of Amazon MX Player into its platform, marking a major step in India’s streaming landscape. The move comes two years after Prime Video acquired MX Player assets, and is set to create the country’s largest combined library of digital entertainment content. In an official statement, Prime Video said the merger will bring together premium paid content and free ad-supported programming under one destination. Prime members will be able to access a broader catalogue of originals and exclusives, with options to watch with advertisements or choose an ad-free experience. For users looking for free entertainment, the unified platform will continue offering a large collection of AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand) content, while also enabling easy upgrades to Prime subscriptions. Gaurav Gandhi, Vice President, Asia-Pacific and ANZ, Prime Video, said the integration strengthens the platform’s ability to deliver diverse and authentic storytelling while making it a single destination for entertainment audiences across India. MX Player’s Journey MX Player began as a free streaming service and gained popularity through short-format dramas and original series such as Rasbhari and Bhaukaal. Its biggest commercial hit was the Bobby Deol-led Aashram franchise. In 2024, Amazon acquired select MX Player assets and merged them with Amazon miniTV, leading to the launch of Amazon MX Player as a free content platform. Several miniTV shows were later shifted to this new service. What Happens Next Over the coming months, Prime Video plans to merge all services under one ecosystem that will include: SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) AVOD (Ad-supported Video on Demand) TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) Add-on channel subscriptions The Amazon MX Player Android app will continue operating for free users, but with a refreshed brand identity and Prime Video interface. Users will also have the option to subscribe to Prime for access to more premium content. On iOS devices, smart TVs, living room devices, and web platforms, Amazon MX Player users will gradually be redirected to Prime Video. Industry Impact The integration signals Amazon’s intent to dominate both paid and free streaming markets in India, competing more aggressively with rivals like Netflix, JioHotstar, Zee5, and Sony LIV. Source: Hindustan Times

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Former IndusInd CFO Gobind Jain Moves Bombay HC, Seeks ₹70 Crore for Alleged Wrongful Dismissal

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Former IndusInd Bank Chief Financial Officer Gobind Jain has approached the Bombay High Court with a ₹70-crore lawsuit against the lender, accusing it of wrongful termination and demanding compensation. As per the petition, Jain has sought ₹20 crore towards loss of income, while the remaining ₹50 crore has been claimed for reputational damage, missed career opportunities, and mental distress. The Reserve Bank of India has also been named as a respondent in the matter. Jain is being represented by Wadia Ghandy, while IndusInd Bank has appointed Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas as legal counsel. The RBI is being represented by BLAC & Co. The plea reportedly requests the court to direct the bank to deposit ₹20 crore as an interim safeguard, arguing that any eventual relief should remain meaningful and enforceable. In the filing, Jain has outlined a series of events preceding his exit, including four resignation letters starting in April 2024. He alleged that he repeatedly urged former MD & CEO Sumant Kathpalia to appoint an independent external auditor to probe alleged procedural and accounting irregularities. According to the petition, Jain’s first resignation communication was sent on June 11, 2024, months before the bank disclosed accounting issues to stock exchanges. Additional letters were submitted on August 20 and September 29, 2024, with the latter again pressing for an external review into alleged serious lapses in treasury-related procedures. Source: Economic Times

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India, Japan Strengthen Healthcare Partnership at High-Level Delhi Meeting

admin / Health & Wellness Community

India and Japan on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the healthcare sector during the third Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Healthcare held at Bharat Mandapam. The meeting was co-chaired by Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda and Japan’s Minister in charge of Healthcare Policy Kimi Onoda. Nadda said the partnership is driven by a common vision of stronger health systems, better access to healthcare, and innovation-led progress. Welcoming the Japanese delegation, Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted that the Joint Committee Meeting, conducted under the India-Japan Memorandum of Cooperation, has become an important platform for regular dialogue and deeper collaboration. During the discussions, both countries focused on several priority areas including prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), resilient healthcare supply chains, digital health, and human resource development. India underlined the growing burden of NCDs and shared its strategy centred on early screening, continuous care, and long-term health promotion aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. Japan presented its work in cancer screening, early diagnosis, and treatment systems through technical cooperation. On supply chain resilience, India emphasised the capabilities of its pharmaceutical and medical devices industries, along with efforts to boost local manufacturing and affordable healthcare access. Japan outlined its public-private partnership model to ensure availability of high-quality medical products. India also showcased its digital public health infrastructure through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, while Japan shared expertise in system integration, AI-enabled healthcare technologies, and collaborative research. Concluding the meeting, Nadda said the discussions have given fresh momentum to the India-Japan healthcare partnership and laid a roadmap for building more inclusive and resilient health systems. Source: PTI

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SEBI Plans Wider OBPP Access to GIFT City Products

admin / Governance Community

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has proposed permitting Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPPs) to distribute investment products available in GIFT City, in a move aimed at broadening choices for domestic investors and enhancing India’s international financial hub as a global investment destination. The products fall under the regulatory framework of the IFSCA and include overseas-listed debt instruments. The proposal comes after IFSCA sought regulatory alignment, noting that stock brokers are already allowed to operate in these segments, while OBPPs remain restricted. In a separate measure, SEBI has suggested allowing OBPPs to distribute tax-saving bonds issued under Section 54EC by government-backed institutions. These offerings would remain subject to conditions such as mandatory disclosures, lock-in requirements, investment caps, and adherence to foreign exchange rules. The regulator is also considering relaxation in norms related to the appointment of compliance officers for OBPP platforms. SEBI has opened the consultation paper for public feedback, with comments invited until May 26. Source: News on AIR

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CIC Urges DoPT to Publish UPSC Results With Sub-Caste Details

admin / Education Community

The Central Information Commission has advised the Department of Personnel and Training to consider adding sub-caste information in the final result lists of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, saying it could improve transparency and help evaluate whether reservation benefits are reaching a wider range of communities within larger caste groups. The recommendation was made while hearing a second appeal under the RTI Act. The applicant had sought caste-wise data of candidates selected to the Indian Administrative Service through the 1995 UPSC examination. During the proceedings, DoPT informed the commission that service allocation records are maintained only under broad categories such as SC, ST and OBC, and not by sub-caste. Officials also said records from 1995 could not be located. The department further stated that candidate allocation lists with category details from Civil Services Examination 2017 onwards are already available on its official portal. While noting that such granular data is currently unavailable, the commission observed there is reasonable scope to include sub-caste information in future disclosures. It said publishing this data alongside broader reservation categories could help ensure affirmative action policies benefit a more diverse section of eligible communities. The CIC, however, found no lapse in the response provided by the public authorities in this specific RTI matter and closed the appeal. Source: PTI

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Cognizant Announces Major Restructuring Plan; Job Cuts Possible Amid AI-Driven Shift

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Cognizant has unveiled a global restructuring initiative named Project Leap, signaling potential job reductions as the company reshapes its business model for the AI era. The programme is expected to cost between $230 million and $320 million, with the bulk of expenses to be booked in 2026. Out of this, $200 million to $270 million has been earmarked for employee severance, raising concerns over possible layoffs across multiple regions, including India, where the company employs a significant portion of its workforce. While Cognizant has not disclosed the number of employees likely to be impacted, industry estimates suggest the cuts could run into thousands over the next several months. During the company’s earnings call, CFO Jatin Dalal said the programme would affect various parts of the organization globally, but declined to specify exact figures. He noted that the restructuring is aimed at preparing Cognizant for its future operating model. The move reflects a broader transformation underway in the IT services sector, where companies are increasingly redirecting investments toward artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud, and data services, while reducing dependence on legacy roles. Similar trends have been seen across the industry, including workforce reductions at peers like TCS. For the March quarter, Cognizant reported revenue of $5.4 billion, marking a 5.8% year-on-year increase in dollar terms. The company has projected full-year 2026 revenue between $22 billion and $22.6 billion, and also raised its operating margin guidance to 16%-16.2%. Management said Project Leap is expected to further boost profitability through improved efficiencies. Despite the restructuring, Cognizant continues to expand selective hiring. Its total workforce has risen to approximately 350,000 employees, after adding 21,300 workers year-on-year. The company also plans to hire over 20,000 graduates in 2026, matching last year’s intake. CEO Ravi Kumar said the future of the industry lies in moving beyond a traditional people-based services model toward platform-led, outcome-driven business models powered by AI. He added that companies willing to own operational outcomes for clients would benefit from the next phase of growth. In a parallel strategic move, Cognizant is acquiring Astreya, an AI infrastructure and data centre services firm, in a deal worth around $600 million. The acquisition is aimed at strengthening Cognizant’s capabilities in the fast-growing AI infrastructure space, as global spending on data centres and hyperscaler capacity accelerates rapidly. Source: Economic Times

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Oscars Tighten Rules: AI-Generated Actors and Scripts No Longer Eligible for Awards

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced new rules for the Oscars, making it clear that films relying on AI-generated actors or scripts will not qualify for major Academy Award categories. Under the updated guidelines announced on Friday, only performances carried out by real human actors — who are officially credited in a film’s legal billing and have given their consent — will be considered eligible for acting awards. This effectively disqualifies fully AI-created or digitally generated performances from Oscar contention. The Academy also stated that screenplay submissions must be written by humans in order to compete in writing categories. In addition, the organization reserves the right to request further details from filmmakers regarding the use of artificial intelligence in production, including proof of human creative involvement. The decision comes at a time when AI tools are rapidly influencing the entertainment industry. Several projects using digital replicas of actors and AI-created performers have sparked debate, while new generative video technologies continue to reshape filmmaking workflows. Artificial intelligence was also a central issue during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, when writers and actors pushed for stronger safeguards against the use of AI in replacing creative labor. The Academy’s move signals a stronger commitment to preserving human authorship and performance in cinema, even as AI becomes more common across the industry. Similar concerns are emerging outside film as publishers and literary organizations increasingly question the eligibility of AI-assisted works for awards and recognition. Source: Techcrunch

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Wealthy Nations May Eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2048, Poorer Countries Risk Falling Behind: Lancet Study

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High-income countries could eliminate cervical cancer by 2048, but low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are expected to witness only modest declines over the next century, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Researchers warn that unless urgent action is taken, global inequalities in cervical cancer burden will widen sharply. The study found that richer nations are making rapid progress through strong vaccination and screening programmes, while poorer countries continue to face slower implementation, limited healthcare access, and lower coverage rates. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, with nearly 99% of cases linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a common virus transmitted through sexual contact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Prevention through HPV vaccination and regular screening remains the most effective strategy. WHO Elimination Targets The WHO defines cervical cancer elimination as reducing incidence to fewer than four cases per one lakh women. To achieve this, countries are urged to meet the 90-70-90 goals by 2030: 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by age 15 70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45 90% of women with pre-cancer or cancer receiving treatment Researchers said meeting these targets could prevent 37 million cervical cancer cases globally over the next 100 years. Slow Progress in Lower-Income Nations The study modelled five HPV prevention strategies for LMICs, including a continuation of current efforts. Under the “status quo” scenario, cervical cancer incidence in these countries would decline by only 23%, while wealthier countries could eliminate the disease entirely by mid-century. However, if LMICs achieve 90% vaccination coverage among girls, many regions outside sub-Saharan Africa could also move toward elimination. New Hope Through Affordable Vaccines The authors pointed to recent advances such as lower-cost vaccines, single-dose schedules, expanded screening programmes, and vaccinating multiple age groups, which could make cervical cancer elimination more realistic worldwide. Including boys in vaccination drives may further strengthen prevention efforts. They stressed that stronger global cooperation, higher investment, and support from governments and international health agencies are essential to close the gap. India Outlook A 2022 study published in The Lancet Oncology estimated that a single-dose HPV vaccine with 90% coverage could prevent up to 78% of cervical cancer cases among vaccinated birth cohorts in India, with high-incidence states likely to benefit the most. Source: PTI Photo Credit: Getty Images

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CISCE Announces ICSE, ISC 2026 Results: Pass Percentage Crosses 99%, Girls Lead Performance

admin / Education Community

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has officially released the 2026 ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) board examination results, recording an impressive overall pass percentage of above 99% in both categories. More than 3.6 lakh students from India and overseas appeared for the exams this year. According to CISCE, the ISC (Class 12) examination registered an overall pass rate of 99.13%, with girls achieving 99.48% and boys 98.81%. In the ICSE (Class 10) examination, the overall pass percentage stood at 99.18%, where girls scored 99.46%, ahead of boys at 98.93%. A total of 1,03,316 students from 1,553 schools appeared for the ISC exams, including 54,118 boys and 49,198 girls. Meanwhile, the ICSE examination saw participation from 2,58,721 candidates across 2,957 schools, comprising 1,37,503 boys and 1,21,218 girls. Students can check their results through the official CISCE portals and DigiLocker, while schools can access detailed performance data via the CISCE CAREERS Portal. CISCE Chief Executive and Secretary Joseph Emmanuel said the results reflect the hard work, determination, and resilience shown by students throughout the academic year, adding that every learner’s journey is unique and these outcomes mark an important milestone. Regional Performance Highlights The Northern region had the highest number of candidates in both examinations. In terms of results, the Southern region topped ISC with a pass percentage of 99.87%, followed by the Western region at 99.55%. For ICSE, the Western region led with 99.85%, narrowly ahead of the Southern region at 99.81%. Inclusive Performance Data Among reserved category students in ISC, Scheduled Caste candidates recorded 98.77%, Scheduled Tribe students 98.84%, OBC students 99.12%, and General category students 99.17%. In ICSE, Scheduled Caste candidates achieved 98.76%, Scheduled Tribe candidates 98.07%, OBC students 99.24%, and General category students 99.26%. The board also highlighted strong performances by students with special needs. In ISC, 305 candidates with learning difficulties appeared, with 36 scoring above 90%. Nine out of 22 visually challenged candidates also crossed the 90% mark. In ICSE, 1,313 students with learning difficulties appeared, and 132 scored above 90%, while 17 of 54 visually challenged candidates secured over 90%. Recheck and Support Services The recheck application window is open from May 1 to May 4, followed by re-evaluation and improvement exams scheduled for June and July. CISCE also continued its 24×7 student support initiative #iGotHelp, launched in February, to provide counselling, emotional assistance, and exam-related guidance. Dr. Emmanuel encouraged students to look ahead with confidence, stating that their future will be shaped by their ambitions, values, and continuous learning. Source: The Hindu

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