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India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests Over Exam Paper Leaks

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following weeks of nationwide student protests demanding accountability over a series of alleged examination paper leaks. His resignation marks a significant development in one of the largest youth-led protest movements seen in India in recent years. In a statement shared on X, Pradhan said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the ongoing unrest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and across the country. He stated that his decision was aimed at preventing what he described as “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation. Pradhan also expressed respect for the aspirations of young people and said he did not want students to become entangled in legal disputes instead of focusing on their education and careers. The protests were spearheaded by the satirical student-led group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which celebrated the resignation as a victory for democracy. Speaking to supporters at Jantar Mantar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared the movement successful, while the organisation posted on X that “Cockroaches won… Democracy won!” Despite the minister’s resignation, the CJP said its campaign is not over. The group has reiterated three key demands: ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide, protection from legal action for all protest participants, and a public apology from Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force over the handling of demonstrations. The protests intensified after clashes earlier this week, during which police used baton charges, tear gas, and reportedly pellet guns to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament. Several students were injured in the confrontations, further fuelling public anger. Government representatives had initiated talks with protest leaders on Friday, with another round of discussions scheduled for Saturday. It remains uncertain whether those negotiations will proceed following Pradhan’s resignation. Before the resignation, the central government had announced plans to establish fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases and introduce stricter anti-cheating legislation in an effort to restore confidence in the country’s examination system. The demonstrations have become a broader expression of frustration among India’s youth over issues such as unemployment, corruption, transparency, and government accountability. Source: Al Jazeera

India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns Amid Nationwide Student Protests Over Exam Paper Leaks Read More »

Delhi Named World’s Most Affordable Student City in QS Best Student Cities 2027; Mumbai Tops Indian Rankings

/ Education Community

Delhi has been recognised as the world’s most affordable destination for students in the QS Best Student Cities 2027 rankings, while Mumbai emerged as India’s highest-ranked student city by climbing to 91st place globally. Released on Wednesday by global higher education analytics firm QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the annual rankings evaluate 150 cities worldwide based on six key parameters: university quality, employer activity, affordability, desirability, student mix and student view. Globally, Seoul retained the top position with a perfect overall score of 100, followed by Tokyo in second and London in third. Melbourne secured fourth place, while Munich and Sydney shared the fifth spot. The global top 10 also featured Paris, Berlin, Vienna and Zurich, with Singapore, Beijing and Kuala Lumpur ranking just outside the top 10. Among Indian cities, Mumbai improved seven places from 98th to 91st, becoming the country’s best-performing student destination with an overall score of 61.8. The city performed particularly well in employer activity and affordability, ranking 34th and 12th globally in those categories, respectively. Delhi entered the global top 100 by moving up from 104th to 99th place with an overall score of 60.3. The national capital earned the highest affordability score worldwide (93.9), making it the most affordable city for students globally. According to QS, the average annual tuition fee for international students in Delhi is around US$2,700 (approximately ₹2.6 lakh). Delhi also ranked 29th globally in employer activity, highlighting strong career opportunities for graduates. Bengaluru slipped six positions to joint 114th with an overall score of 56.0. QS attributed part of the decline to comparatively higher international tuition fees, averaging around US$5,400 annually, the highest among the four Indian cities included in the rankings. Meanwhile, Chennai recorded a modest improvement, climbing from 128th to 123rd place with an overall score of 54.0. World’s Top 10 Student Cities 2027 Seoul, South Korea Tokyo, Japan London, United Kingdom Melbourne, Australia Munich, Germany (Joint) Sydney, Australia (Joint) Paris, France Berlin, Germany Vienna, Austria Zurich, Switzerland QS stated that the Best Student Cities rankings are based on 23 performance indicators grouped under six broad categories: university quality, employer activity, affordability, desirability, student mix and student view. To qualify, a city must have a population exceeding 250,000 and host at least two universities featured in the QS World University Rankings. Source: Indian Express  

Delhi Named World’s Most Affordable Student City in QS Best Student Cities 2027; Mumbai Tops Indian Rankings Read More »

BCCI Hikes Title Sponsorship Reserve Price to Rs 4.9 Crore Per Match Ahead of Fresh Bidding

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has raised the reserve price for its title sponsorship rights by more than 15%, increasing it from Rs 4.2 crore to Rs 4.9 crore per international match, according to a report by The Economic Times. The cricket board has also revised the base price for associate partner rights, raising it from Rs 82 lakh to Rs 95 lakh per match, as it prepares to invite fresh bids for its key commercial properties. The upcoming title sponsorship agreement will remain in effect until March 2028 and is expected to include around 35 international matches, with the possibility of additional fixtures being added. At the revised reserve price, the title sponsorship package is valued at approximately Rs 169.8 crore at the base level. During the previous sponsorship cycle, which covered 56 international matches, IDFC First Bank secured the title sponsorship rights by paying Rs 235.2 crore. Meanwhile, the reserve price for each associate partner slot has been fixed at Rs 33.3 crore. In the previous cycle, SBI Life Insurance, Campa Cola, and Atomberg served as the BCCI’s associate sponsors. The increase in reserve prices comes as the BCCI begins the renewal process for several of its commercial rights, aiming to strengthen revenue generation from India’s international cricket calendar and its premium sponsorship assets.  

BCCI Hikes Title Sponsorship Reserve Price to Rs 4.9 Crore Per Match Ahead of Fresh Bidding Read More »

Doctors identify simple scoring tool to spot life-threatening risks in premature newborns

/ Health & Wellness Community

Doctors at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Medical College in Jaipur have found that a simple clinical scoring system can help identify serious health risks in premature and low-birth-weight newborns soon after admission, enabling faster treatment and improving survival prospects. The findings, published in the International Journal of Paediatric Research, are based on a study involving 181 premature infants admitted to JK Lone Hospital. Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of the Clinical Risk Index for Babies-II (CRIB-II) score in assessing the condition of newborns during the critical early hours after birth. According to paediatric specialist Dr Yogesh Yadav, one of the researchers, calculating the CRIB-II score immediately after admission allows doctors to gauge the severity of a newborn’s condition and make timely treatment decisions. The study showed that infants with higher CRIB-II scores faced a significantly greater risk of mortality. On average, the babies included in the study were born at 28.88 weeks of gestation and weighed around 1.01 kg at birth, both considerably below normal levels. The CRIB-II scoring system classifies newborns into different risk categories: a score of 0–5 indicates low risk, 6–10 moderate risk, 11–15 high risk, and above 15 very high risk. The assessment is based on five clinical factors—birth weight, gestational age, body temperature at admission, blood acid levels, and the baby’s sex. Researchers noted that beyond predicting mortality risk, the CRIB-II score serves as a valuable decision-making tool in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). It helps clinicians quickly identify infants requiring intensive care, particularly during the first few hours after admission. The study also highlighted the tool’s usefulness in resource-constrained settings. When NICU beds, ventilators, or trained healthcare staff are limited, the scoring system can help prioritise critically ill newborns and determine which babies need urgent referral to advanced medical centres. In addition, the researchers said the scoring system enables doctors to provide parents with a clearer understanding of their baby’s condition, expected outcomes, and treatment requirements. The authors believe that wider adoption of the CRIB-II score across India could strengthen newborn care, support more effective clinical decision-making, and contribute to reducing neonatal deaths, particularly among premature and low-birth-weight infants. Source: PTI

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Income Tax Department faces shortage of nearly 27,000 staff, government tells Parliament

/ Human Resource Community

The Income Tax Department is functioning with a shortage of 26,997 officers and support staff as of January 1, 2026, the government informed Parliament on Monday. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said vacancies across Group A, B and C posts currently stand at 26,997. He noted that filling vacancies is an ongoing process and appointments are made regularly through direct recruitment by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), as well as through departmental promotions in accordance with recruitment rules. The minister also highlighted that the New Income Tax Act, 2025 has simplified tax laws by removing outdated provisions, restructuring the legislation and making it easier to understand. He added that the government is modernising tax administration through digital technologies, including simplified return filing, quicker processing, data analytics and faceless assessments. Responding to another query, Chaudhary said 11 individuals have been declared Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEOs) under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, since 2024. Properties worth ₹1,303.16 crore linked to these offenders have been confiscated. He further informed the House that Red Notices have been issued against eight of the offenders, while extradition requests have been sent for four individuals whose locations have been identified. Additionally, 12 Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs) have been submitted to facilitate international cooperation. The minister said the government has taken steps to return confiscated assets to legitimate victims of economic offences. So far, properties valued at around ₹73,015.03 crore have been restored, with restitution amounts reaching ₹15,262.30 crore in FY 2024–25, ₹32,677.97 crore in FY 2025–26, and ₹9,873.11 crore during FY 2026–27 up to the present. In a separate response, Chaudhary said net private transfers, primarily remittances sent home by Indians working overseas, increased from $124.6 billion in 2024–25 to $144.8 billion in 2025–26, according to the Reserve Bank of India’s Balance of Payments data. He added that monthly net transfers rose from $9.4 billion in April 2025 to $16 billion in April 2026, despite the impact of ongoing global conflicts. Source: PTI

Income Tax Department faces shortage of nearly 27,000 staff, government tells Parliament Read More »

VTU Partners with Google to Boost AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Skills for Engineering Students

/ Education Community

Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has signed a strategic academic partnership with Google LLC to equip engineering students across Karnataka with industry-focused skills, practical learning opportunities and enhanced career readiness. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Bengaluru by VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar and Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India. Under the collaboration, students will receive training in high-demand domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data science and cybersecurity. The initiative will also focus on faculty development, helping educators strengthen their expertise while aligning academic programs with evolving industry expectations. Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Prof. Vidyashankar said VTU, which is affiliated with 220 engineering colleges and serves nearly 300,000 students, is committed to ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one. He noted that collaborations with leading technology companies will help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. Sanjay Jain said Google aims to support both students and faculty through practical skill development and employment-oriented training. He added that the programme will introduce learning models aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and State Education Policy (SEP), enabling participants to use AI more effectively and prepare for future workplace demands. Alongside Google, VTU also announced partnerships with Qualcomm, Bharat Skills Institute Foundation and Simulation Enabled Experiential Learning (SEEL) to further strengthen technical education. Qualcomm, through its subsidiary Stem Lore Innovators LLP, will offer long-term training in AI, embedded systems, product prototyping and the Internet of Things (IoT), while also establishing a Centre of Excellence in Edge AI. The Bharat Skills Institute Foundation plans to develop a Centre of Excellence in phases with an investment of ₹20 crore, focusing on skill-based education and workforce development. Meanwhile, SEEL will introduce a cloud-based digital learning platform that enables students to perform laboratory exercises remotely. The platform will provide access to scientific and technical software, GATE preparation resources, previous years’ question papers, mock tests, AI-powered interview practice, more than 1,900 industry projects and internship opportunities, along with webinars, workshops and expert-led sessions for engineering and MBA students. Source: Indian Express  

VTU Partners with Google to Boost AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Skills for Engineering Students Read More »

PM Modi Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Stand on NEET Paper Leak, Calls for Stronger Exam Security

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated the Centre’s commitment to taking strict action against those involved in the NEET paper leak case while urging all stakeholders to work together to prevent similar incidents in future examinations. Addressing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party meeting, popularly known as Mangal Milan, at the Parliament House complex, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to safeguard the interests of students and maintain the integrity of competitive examinations. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government acted swiftly after receiving information about the NEET paper leak. He stated that all individuals linked to the case have been arrested, with 13 accused currently in judicial custody. According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister stressed that those responsible should receive the strictest possible punishment and highlighted that the government has already introduced stringent measures to prevent examination paper leaks in the future. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi also discussed India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), saying that the interests of Indian farmers have remained a top priority in every trade pact signed by the country. He noted that these agreements have been negotiated with national interest and farmers’ welfare at their core. On the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Prime Minister said the NDA would play a constructive role in facilitating the passage of important legislation. Rijiju also appealed to opposition parties to cooperate in Parliament, emphasizing that despite political differences, all Members of Parliament share the responsibility of serving the nation and protecting the future of its youth. The meeting concluded with NDA alliance partners passing a congratulatory resolution honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. Source: News on AIR

PM Modi Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Stand on NEET Paper Leak, Calls for Stronger Exam Security Read More »

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey opens strong in India, collects Rs 20.76 crore on Day 1

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Christopher Nolan’s epic historical adventure The Odyssey has made an impressive debut at the Indian box office, earning Rs 20.76 crore gross on its opening day after its worldwide release on Friday. According to trade tracking platform Sacnilk, the film collected Rs 17.40 crore nett domestically, translating to a gross collection of Rs 20.76 crore in India. The opening also marks the biggest first-day box office performance for a Matt Damon-led film in the country. Based on the ancient Greek epic, The Odyssey follows King Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, as he embarks on a perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. Battling vengeful gods, mythical creatures, and powerful enchantresses, Odysseus strives to reunite with his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland). The ensemble cast also includes Zendaya as Athena, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron as Calypso, along with Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, and Travis Scott in key roles. Shot entirely using 70mm IMAX film cameras, the film is produced by Syncopy Inc. and distributed worldwide by Universal Pictures. Source: PTI

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey opens strong in India, collects Rs 20.76 crore on Day 1 Read More »

Snigdha Singh appointed CHRO at Tata Digital, to lead people strategy and talent transformation

/ Human Resource Community

Tata Digital has announced the appointment of Snigdha Singh as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective July 1, 2026. In her new role, Singh will report directly to Sajith Sivanandan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Digital. With more than 15 years of experience in human resources, Singh will spearhead the company’s people strategy as it continues to strengthen its digital ecosystem through Tata Neu. She said her priorities include building a high-performance, customer-focused organisation, developing future-ready leadership, fostering an agile and innovation-driven culture, and aligning talent initiatives with Tata Digital’s strategic focus on digital financial services, loyalty programmes, and sustainable growth. Before taking on this role, Singh served as Vice President – HR at Tata Consumer Products, where she led organisation effectiveness, culture, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and employee relations. Over the course of her career, she has also held HR leadership positions at OYO, Cipla, Procter & Gamble, and Tata Motors. Singh earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Labour Relations from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Lady Shri Ram College for Women. Source: Economic Times

Snigdha Singh appointed CHRO at Tata Digital, to lead people strategy and talent transformation Read More »

Spain Defeat Argentina in Extra Time to Lift Second FIFA World Cup Crown

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina after extra time in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to crown Spain as world champions for the first time since their historic 2010 triumph. The final was dominated by Spain from start to finish, with Luis de la Fuente’s side controlling possession and repeatedly testing Argentina’s defence. Spain registered 12 shots on target before finally breaking through, but Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a remarkable display, making a World Cup final-record 11 saves to keep his team in contention. Martínez’s resistance eventually ended when Nico Williams headed the ball into the path of Torres, who unleashed a powerful strike into the net during extra time. Speaking after the match, Torres said he reacted instinctively when the opportunity arrived, adding that he struck the ball with the strength and passion of the Spanish people behind him. Spain appeared to double their lead later in extra time when Torres finished another swift counterattack, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside decision after a VAR review. Argentina pushed forward desperately in the closing minutes, finally forcing Spain’s defence into action after failing to register a single shot throughout the 90 minutes of regulation. However, Spain held firm to secure a memorable victory. The defending champions faced an even steeper challenge after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off midway through extra time for receiving a second yellow card following a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, leaving Argentina to finish the match with 10 players. Lionel Messi struggled to influence the contest despite seeing plenty of the ball, managing only one shot as Spain’s disciplined defence restricted Argentina’s attacking opportunities. Following the defeat, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Spain’s performance and acknowledged that playing with 10 men made an already difficult task even tougher. He also expressed pride in his players, describing them as warriors who battled until the final whistle despite injuries and adversity. The victory ends Argentina’s reign as world champions and prevents them from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup. Spain’s latest triumph adds a second star to their footballing legacy, with members of the 2010 championship-winning squad watching the celebrations unfold from the stands. Source: NBC News  

Spain Defeat Argentina in Extra Time to Lift Second FIFA World Cup Crown Read More »