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ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on 19th June, 2026

The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu concluded successfully on 19th June 2026, bringing together an extraordinary gathering of educators, policymakers, government dignitaries, industry leaders, EdTech innovators, and academic visionaries under one roof to deliberate on the future of education in India. Organized by ArdorComm Media Group, one of India’s growing media organizations focused on education, governance, technology, healthcare, and leadership communities, the summit revolved around the central theme: “Future-Ready Tamil Nadu: Learning in the Age of AI, Skills & Inclusion.” The event served as a dynamic knowledge-sharing platform that highlighted Tamil Nadu’s growing prominence as one of India’s strongest education and skilling ecosystems while addressing the evolving needs of a rapidly transforming digital world. Celebrating Tamil Nadu’s Educational Excellence Tamil Nadu has long been recognized as one of India’s leading states in literacy, academic excellence, industrial development, and workforce readiness. Cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Vellore, Tiruchirappalli, and Thanjavur have established themselves as important centers for higher education, innovation, research, and industry growth. Against this backdrop, ArdorComm brought together influential stakeholders from across the education ecosystem to discuss how institutions can prepare students for a future shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, digital transformation, and evolving employment landscapes. Industry Leaders and Keynote Speakers The summit commenced with an inspiring Inaugural Session centered around the theme “Future-Ready Tamil Nadu: Learning in the Age of AI, Skills & Inclusion,” setting the tone for a day of meaningful dialogue on the future of education and skill development. The session began with a warm Welcome Address by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group, who highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in transforming India’s education ecosystem for a rapidly evolving digital future. The event was further enriched by the presence of distinguished Special Guests, including Dr. M. Jayaprakasan, ISDS, Regional Director, RDSDE (Tamil Nadu), NSTI (Chennai & Trichy), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and Dr. S. Kannappan, Director, School Education, Directorate of School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, who shared valuable perspectives on policy initiatives, skill development, and strengthening educational infrastructure. Adding further depth to the session, esteemed Guest Speakers Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD and CEO, Kalorex Group, and Dr. Smt. Uma Kannan, Founder Principal, Sri Venkateswara Group of Schools, delivered insightful thoughts on innovation in education, leadership, and preparing institutions to build inclusive and future-ready learning environments in the age of AI. Panel Discussion 1 focused on the crucial theme “Essential Skills for the 21st Century: Preparing Students for the Future of Work,” where education leaders explored the growing importance of equipping students with competencies required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven global workforce. The session was expertly moderated by Jagannathan D, Principal, Victoria School CBSE, Thoothukudi, who guided an engaging discussion on bridging the gap between traditional academic learning and industry expectations. Distinguished panelists including Dr. K. Maran, Director, Sri Sai Ram Institute of Management Studies, Chennai, Barath Silvester Raj, Principal, Sri Venkateswara Public Senior Secondary School, Chennai, and Dr. Nisha Nair, Principal, Jesus School for Excellence, Vadakkankulam, shared valuable insights on the need to foster critical thinking, communication skills, adaptability, leadership, creativity, and problem-solving abilities among students. The discussion emphasized that future-ready education must go beyond academics and focus on building well-rounded individuals capable of navigating the evolving demands of tomorrow’s workplace. Panel Discussion 2 centered on the important theme “Inclusive, Equitable & Accessible Education: Bridging Rural-Urban Learning Gaps,” highlighting the urgent need to create an education ecosystem that ensures equal learning opportunities for every student regardless of geography or socio-economic background. The session was thoughtfully moderated by Sivaprakasam Raman, Director, Hindu Global School, Erode & Salem, who steered the discussion around addressing disparities in access to quality education and building more inclusive learning environments. Esteemed panelists including Anand R, CEO – Preschool Division, Proelium Learning Solutions, Dr. Smt. Uma Kannan, Founder Principal, Sri Venkateswara Group of Schools, Ambattur, Dr. T. Arul Raj, Principal, International Delhi Public School, Kuppam, and D. Aida Emelensia, Director & Chairman, Trinity Group of Institution, Chennai, shared valuable perspectives on reducing educational inequalities through innovative teaching practices, stronger institutional support, improved infrastructure, and technology-driven accessibility. The discussion reinforced the collective responsibility of educators and policymakers in ensuring education remains inclusive, equitable, and accessible for learners across both rural and urban communities. Panel Discussion 3 explored the highly relevant theme “EdTech, Hybrid Learning & Digital Inclusion: Affordability, Accessibility & Digital Wellbeing,” focusing on how technology continues to transform modern education while ensuring learning remains inclusive and sustainable for all. The session was moderated by Venkatesh V, Associate Director, META-i Technologies Pvt. Ltd., who guided an engaging conversation around the opportunities and challenges of integrating digital solutions into education systems. The distinguished panel featured Prof. Godwin Tennyson, Director (I/C), IIM Tiruchirappalli, Prof. (Dr.) D. Viswanathan, Rector – Research and Development, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley, Pro Chancellor, Jeppiaar University, Chennai, Bastin Thomas, Founder & CEO, Linways Technologies Pvt Ltd, and Dheepan Thangavelu, Vice Chairman, Sri Shakthi Group of Institutions, Tamil Nadu. The discussion highlighted the growing importance of hybrid learning models, affordable access to digital infrastructure, student wellbeing in technology-driven environments, and the role of EdTech innovation in creating scalable, future-focused learning experiences that can reach learners across diverse communities. Panel Discussion 4 focused on the transformative theme “Building Intelligent Education Ecosystems: AI, Automation & the Future of Student Experience,” highlighting how emerging technologies are redefining the education landscape and shaping the next generation of learning environments. The session was moderated by Dr. R. Hariprakash, Pro Vice Chancellor, Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, who steered an insightful discussion on integrating artificial intelligence and automation into academic institutions to enhance learning outcomes and institutional efficiency. The esteemed panel featured Sameer Nazar, Deputy Manager, Meritto, Dr. M. A. Maluk Mohamed, Co-founder / VP (Research) / Head (India), Twin Health Inc & Chairman, MASTeR Group of Institutions (MAMCET

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Maharashtra Partners with Google to Train 4 Lakh Teachers in AI and Digital Skills

The Maharashtra School Education Department has entered into a strategic partnership with Google for Education to provide artificial intelligence and digital technology training to more than four lakh teachers across the state. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at Mantralaya in the presence of School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse. As part of the initiative, selected master trainers will first receive specialised training and will then mentor teachers across schools statewide. The programme will be offered completely free of cost by Google, ensuring no financial burden on the state government. Officials stated that while Google will facilitate training, the Maharashtra government will maintain full oversight of implementation and digital safety protocols for teachers. Minister of State for School Education Pankaj Bhoyar highlighted that the goal is to equip teachers in government and aided schools with globally recognised digital skills. The initiative will focus on improving AI literacy, enhancing digital competencies, and delivering training content in Marathi, Hindi, and English while encouraging the use of AI-powered educational tools for professional development. Source: PTI

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India Aims to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia Before 2047, Says President Murmu

Droupadi Murmu has expressed confidence that India will eliminate sickle cell anaemia much before the government’s 2047 target, urging all states to intensify efforts and spread awareness about the disease, particularly among tribal communities where prevalence remains significantly higher. Speaking at a government event in Omkareshwar, Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, the President said that with collective participation from all states, the country is well-positioned to achieve its mission of eradicating sickle cell-related diseases ahead of schedule. She highlighted that since the launch of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in 2023, several major milestones have already been achieved, including the screening of over seven crore individuals aged between 0 and 40 years. The initiative has so far identified nearly 2.5 lakh affected patients and over 20 lakh carriers, making it one of the world’s largest genetic disease screening programmes. President Murmu also commended Madhya Pradesh for screening more than 1.25 crore people and distributing genetic counselling cards to a majority of beneficiaries. She emphasized that sickle cell anaemia should not be underestimated, as the hereditary disease passes from one generation to another, but can be treated and eventually eliminated through sustained intervention. The President praised the mission launched by Narendra Modi in Shahdol in 2023, describing it as India’s first nationwide campaign integrating public health, tribal welfare, genetic science, and digital monitoring. She noted that 17 states are actively participating in the campaign to help India achieve a sickle cell disease-free future. Source: The Hindu

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Coempt Edu Teck Rejects CBSE OSM Allegations, Says Scanning Errors Triggered Answer-Sheet Controversy

Coempt Edu Teck, the Hyderabad-based firm facing scrutiny over the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) system controversy, has dismissed claims of technical glitches and security vulnerabilities, stating that recent issues were isolated operational errors rather than failures in its technology infrastructure. The company clarified that the incident involving a student allegedly receiving another candidate’s answer sheet was linked to a mistake during the physical scanning process, not due to any software malfunction. According to Coempt, internal verification confirmed that the system itself functioned without technological errors, and the individual responsible for the scanning process had been identified. Responding to complaints regarding blurred answer-sheet images and readability concerns, the company said these cases are being examined in coordination with relevant evaluation authorities. It also refuted allegations that procurement norms were altered to allow inferior hardware, asserting that it uses industry-standard scanners that are upgraded regularly and deliver high-quality scanning resolution. Coempt further stated that nearly 95 percent of students who applied for access to scanned answer sheets have already received them, with only limited operational bottlenecks affecting the remaining cases. Addressing cybersecurity concerns raised after a 19-year-old ethical hacker reportedly discovered vulnerabilities on the platform, the company said the accessed server was only a publicly available testing environment containing dummy data and had no connection to live production systems handling student records. It emphasized that no student data had been compromised and its operational infrastructure remains secure. The company also referenced the controversy surrounding the 2019 Telangana Intermediate Examination Controversy, noting that courts had reviewed the matter and that the Supreme Court of India had rejected petitions seeking mass re-evaluation, compensation, and criminal proceedings against the technology provider. Currently, Coempt provides examination management services, including digitisation, on-screen evaluation, AI-assisted assessment, and question-paper management, to over 35 universities and educational institutions across India. Source: Indian Express

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Trump Signals India Visit as US-India Relations Improve After Period of Diplomatic Strain

Donald Trump has announced plans to visit India in the near future following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, signalling a renewed warming of ties between the two nations after months of diplomatic tensions. During discussions, Trump said the visit would happen “sometime in the future” and indicated that both countries were close to finalising a long-pending trade agreement. Relations between Washington and New Delhi had cooled after the US administration announced tariff measures on Indian goods last year, triggering trade friction between the strategic partners. The relationship faced fresh complications after three Indian sailors were killed in the Gulf of Oman during a US military strike targeting a tanker accused of violating restrictions on Iranian ports. During the summit meeting, Modi reportedly raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. Trade negotiations were also part of the discussions, especially after recent US proposals to impose additional import taxes on countries, including India, over concerns related to forced labour compliance. Speaking to reporters, Trump described Modi as a “tough negotiator” and reiterated his intention to travel to India soon, potentially linked to a future Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meeting involving Japan and Australia. On defence ties, Trump stated that the US would support India if the country faced any attack, adding that his commitment was strongly tied to Modi’s leadership. The meeting came after a period of heightened tensions, with India summoning a senior US diplomat twice after the deaths of Indian sailors and attacks on tankers carrying Indian crew members. Within India, opposition parties criticised Modi for not directly condemning US military actions and urged him to raise the issue firmly with Trump. Addressing world leaders at the summit, Modi highlighted the ongoing Middle East crisis and stressed that global partnerships depend on trust, while also drawing attention to the deaths of Indian civilians and the urgent need to ensure maritime security. India, which imports nearly 90 percent of its oil requirements, remains vulnerable to disruptions caused by the conflict involving Iran and instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies typically pass. The meeting marked a notable improvement in the relationship between the two leaders since Modi’s last official visit to Washington in early 2025. Officials from both countries are now expected to meet in New Delhi next week to complete final negotiations on the proposed trade agreement. Over the past year, additional friction had emerged over Trump’s earlier claims regarding mediation in the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict and his comments on Kashmir, an issue on which India has consistently rejected third-party involvement. Immigration restrictions, particularly tighter rules around H-1B Visa Program, have also remained a point of concern for India. Source: BBC Photo Credit: Reuters

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Novartis India Launches Pluvicto, Bringing Advanced Precision Therapy for Prostate Cancer Patients

Novartis India has announced the launch of Pluvicto, India’s first regulatory-approved radioligand therapy designed for eligible patients suffering from PSMA-positive metastatic prostate cancer, marking a significant advancement in precision oncology treatment in the country. The newly introduced therapy, Pluvicto (lutetium-177Lu vipivotide tetraxetan), works by specifically targeting prostate cancer cells while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The treatment offers a new approach for managing advanced-stage prostate cancer, a condition that continues to place a growing health burden on patients and families across India. Prostate cancer is emerging as one of the fastest-rising cancers among Indian men, with nearly 250,000 cases reported annually, particularly affecting urban populations. According to the company, nearly half of all diagnosed patients are detected at the metastatic stage, making treatment more challenging and limiting available therapeutic options. Judith Love, Region Head for Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa at Novartis, highlighted that India remains a key market for the company as demand grows for advanced cancer treatments. She noted that the introduction of Pluvicto reflects Novartis’ commitment to expanding access to globally recognized innovations while leveraging India’s rapidly growing nuclear medicine infrastructure. Amitabh Dube, Country President and Managing Director of Novartis India, emphasized that many prostate cancer patients in India are diagnosed only after the disease progresses significantly, reducing treatment effectiveness. He stated that bringing Pluvicto to India addresses the increasing demand for precision oncology solutions and supports the future development of nuclear medicine-based therapies. India’s nuclear medicine ecosystem has expanded considerably over the past decade, with more than 250 nuclear medicine centres currently operational nationwide. Novartis plans to work closely with hospitals, oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, and healthcare institutions to strengthen treatment access and ensure readiness for radioligand therapy adoption. Pluvicto will be introduced through selected hospitals and nuclear medicine centres across India under Novartis’ partnership-driven strategy to improve access to next-generation cancer care. Source: The Hindu  

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BigBasket Appoints Ex-Amazon Executive Amit Nanda as New CEO to Drive Quick Commerce Expansion

Tata-backed online grocery platform BigBasket has named Amit Nanda, a former senior leader at Amazon India, as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a major leadership transition as the company sharpens its focus on the booming quick-commerce segment. He succeeds co-founder Hari Menon, who will continue contributing as a board member. Having spent over 11 years at Amazon India in various leadership positions, Nanda is set to spearhead BigBasket’s next phase of growth and strengthen its competitiveness in rapid delivery services. The appointment follows the recent elevation of Seshu Kumar Tirumala as Chief Operating Officer. The leadership reshuffle comes amid intense competition in India’s rapidly expanding $11.5 billion quick-commerce market, where players like Instamart, Blinkit, Amazon Now, Flipkart Minutes, JioMart, and Zepto are racing to capture market share. BigBasket had earlier announced plans to expand its 10-minute food delivery service across India by the end of FY2026. Source: Reuters  

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IIT Roorkee Partners with TeamLease EdTech to Launch Executive Programme in AI for E-Commerce and Quick Commerce

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has introduced a new executive programme focused on Artificial Intelligence applications in e-commerce and quick commerce, in collaboration with TeamLease EdTech. Designed as a six-month course, the programme is aimed at working professionals looking to strengthen their expertise in rapidly evolving digital commerce sectors. The curriculum is structured to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of AI, machine learning, generative AI, natural language processing (NLP), and data-driven technologies that are transforming modern commerce ecosystems. Key modules include AI fundamentals, customer segmentation, recommendation engines, demand forecasting, inventory management, dynamic pricing strategies, fraud detection, customer analytics, and last-mile delivery optimisation. Participants will also gain practical exposure to industry-relevant tools and technologies such as Python, Power BI, Tableau, Elasticsearch, collaborative filtering models, association rule mining, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures, LLM-powered chatbots, NLP frameworks, and open-source large language models. The programme will be delivered through live interactive sessions, making it accessible for professionals currently working as well as individuals aspiring to build careers in the e-commerce and quick commerce industry. Learners will work on real-world business challenges through hands-on projects and a capstone assignment focused on areas such as pricing strategies, customer intelligence, forecasting, recommendations, and churn analysis. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certification from the Continuing Education Centre at IIT Roorkee. Speaking on the launch, Prof. Soumitra Satapathi highlighted that the rapid growth of e-commerce and quick commerce is transforming business operations and customer expectations, making AI a critical component of future-ready business strategies. He noted that the programme has been designed to equip professionals with practical knowledge to apply AI solutions in real-world commerce environments. Source: Indian Express

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Weekend Crosses 100 Million Viewers Across Zee Platforms

The opening weekend of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered a strong start for Zee Entertainment Enterprises, drawing more than 100 million viewers across its television, digital, and social media platforms, according to company figures. Streaming platform ZEE5 recorded nearly six million viewers between June 11 and June 14, excluding engagement from the Germany versus Curaçao fixture that aired post-midnight. The company revealed that average watch time per viewer, including the tournament’s opening ceremony and live matches, exceeded 190 minutes during the period. Beyond streaming and television, the tournament also generated significant traction on social media, registering over 360 million views across platforms. Zee’s promotional campaign, #Watchega, further amplified audience engagement, reaching more than 330 million users online. On the broadcast side, Zee stated that its sports network, Unite8 Sports, reached an estimated 25 million households during the tournament’s opening weekend, adding substantially to the overall audience numbers. A company spokesperson said the response highlights the rising popularity of football content among Indian audiences, adding that viewership is likely to grow further as the tournament advances. To strengthen fan engagement, the company has also partnered with public viewing operators and introduced interactive fan initiatives across multiple cities throughout the tournament. Source: Economic Times  

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FSSAI Cracks Down on 8 Food Brands Over Misleading ‘Healthy’ Claims on Product Labels

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to eight food companies for allegedly using deceptive branding and packaging claims that could mislead consumers about the health benefits of their products, in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The companies under scrutiny include Emami Group’s Healthy & Tasty brand, Health Aid, Troovy, The Healthy Factory, Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, Plan B, and Neuherbs. The regulator announced the action through its official social media platforms. Among the key cases, Emami’s cooking oil brand Healthy & Tasty has been flagged for a trade name that may create a misleading impression about the product’s health value. Plan B has also come under regulatory attention for marketing products as “plant-based vegan” without securing the required vegan food endorsement under FSSAI licensing norms. The Healthy Factory faces questions over products such as Zero Maida Whole Wheat Bread and Zero Maida Pizza Base, with FSSAI raising concerns that such claims may misrepresent the actual ingredients used. Meanwhile, Neuherbs has been flagged for its True Vitamin product line, with regulators stating that the term is not officially recognised under food safety regulations and may mislead buyers. Snack brand Troovy has also been questioned for labeling products like veggie chips, ragi chips, and moong dal chips as “healthy” despite containing multiple additional ingredients. Similar concerns have been raised against Healthy Master, Healthy Choice, and Health Aid over brand names and taglines that may give consumers an inaccurate perception of health benefits. The move signals FSSAI’s increasing focus on curbing misleading health-related marketing claims in India’s packaged food sector. Source: PTI  

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