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India Advises Against Non-Essential Travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan Amid Ebola Surge

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Indian government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential visits to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan following a growing outbreak of Ebola in central Africa. The advisory, released by India’s Health Ministry on May 23, 2026, comes after the World Health Organization classified the outbreak as a global public health emergency. The WHO had earlier designated the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing a “very high” national risk in the DRC and a “high” regional threat level, while maintaining that the global risk remains low. Health authorities confirmed that the ongoing outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments. Officials stressed the need for urgent containment measures, including surveillance, contact tracing, and rapid response systems. According to the latest figures released on Saturday, the Ebola outbreak has claimed 216 lives so far, while the total number of confirmed and suspected cases has reached 968. In response, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has intensified screening measures at major international entry points across India, including Indira Gandhi International Airport. Authorities have introduced targeted monitoring for travellers arriving from or transiting through the affected African nations. Airlines operating on these routes have been instructed to make mandatory health announcements onboard and distribute Self-Declaration Forms (SDFs) to passengers. Travellers displaying symptoms or those who may have come into contact with infected individuals are required to report to Airport Health Officers before immigration clearance. India has also strengthened physical screening measures at airports through round-the-clock thermal scanning and visual surveillance for fever-related symptoms. Dedicated isolation facilities and emergency ambulances have been deployed to ensure immediate transfer of suspected cases to designated hospitals. The Health Ministry further stated that all passengers arriving from high-risk regions must self-monitor their health for 21 days and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, while fully disclosing their recent travel history. The WHO has repeatedly highlighted that Ebola control depends heavily on early detection, swift isolation, public awareness, and community participation. While effective vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments exist for the Zaire strain of Ebola, the organisation has warned that similar medical countermeasures are not yet available for the rarer Bundibugyo variant. Source: The Hindu

India Advises Against Non-Essential Travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan Amid Ebola Surge Read More »

NEET-UG 2026: NTA Opens Portal for Fee Refund; Candidates Can Submit Bank Details Till May 27

/ Education Community

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has activated a dedicated portal for NEET-UG 2026 aspirants to submit their bank account information for the refund of examination fees after the cancellation of the medical entrance exam earlier this month. According to an official notice released on Friday, candidates can access the refund facility by logging into the NEET-UG 2026 registration portal with their application credentials. The portal will remain open from May 22 to May 27, 2026, till 11:50 PM. Students are required to provide essential banking details such as account holder name, account number, IFSC code, and bank name to facilitate the refund process. The NTA has also given candidates the option to upload a scanned copy of a cancelled cheque to avoid any discrepancies in account information. The agency clarified that once the bank details are submitted, no modifications will be permitted later. Candidates have additionally been advised not to raise any chargeback requests related to the NEET-UG 2026 application fee. NEET-UG 2026, conducted on May 3, was cancelled amid allegations of irregularities and malpractice in the examination process. Following the controversy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the re-examination will now take place on June 21, 2026. The NTA had earlier confirmed that no fresh examination fee would be charged for the re-test and that the fees already paid by candidates would be refunded. Source: PTI  

NEET-UG 2026: NTA Opens Portal for Fee Refund; Candidates Can Submit Bank Details Till May 27 Read More »

Parliamentary Panel to Examine NTA Reforms, NEET-UG Paper Leak Allegations

/ Education Community

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports is set to review the reforms proposed for the National Testing Agency (NTA) and discuss the alleged NEET-UG paper leak during a meeting scheduled for May 21. According to a Rajya Sabha notice, the panel will assess the implementation status of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations on NTA reforms and receive updates on the ongoing probe into the NEET-UG controversy. The committee, chaired by senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, has called upon Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi and NTA Chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi to appear before the panel for detailed deliberations. The NTA had cancelled the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of irregularities and paper leak claims. Around 23 lakh aspirants had registered for the nationwide medical entrance examination. The agency stated that reports regarding suspected malpractice surfaced on May 7, four days after the exam. Earlier this month, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the NEET-UG re-examination will be conducted on June 21. He also confirmed that from next year onwards, the medical entrance test will shift to a computer-based format. Apart from the examination-related discussions, the parliamentary panel will also hold consultations on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence in education and ways to improve student employability. Representatives from Anthropic India, Pratham, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Infosys and Indian Institute of Technology Madras are expected to participate in the discussions. Source: The Hindu  

Parliamentary Panel to Examine NTA Reforms, NEET-UG Paper Leak Allegations Read More »

Zee Entertainment Reports ₹104 Crore Loss in Q4, Misses FY26 Margin Target

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Zee Entertainment Enterprises reported a consolidated net loss of ₹104 crore in the quarter ended March 31, reversing from a profit of ₹188 crore recorded in the same period last year. The decline was mainly attributed to revised estimates for movie rights inventory amortisation and additional impairment charges booked during the quarter. The media company also missed its FY26 profitability guidance, posting an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.3%, significantly lower than its projected 18-20% range. Weak advertising demand, increased spending on growth-focused businesses and one-time accounting adjustments impacted overall performance. For the March quarter, adjusted EBITDA dropped 51% year-on-year to ₹140 crore, while margins narrowed to 6.9%, highlighting continued pressure on the broadcaster’s earnings. Source: Economic Times

Zee Entertainment Reports ₹104 Crore Loss in Q4, Misses FY26 Margin Target Read More »

India, Italy Elevate Ties to Special Strategic Partnership; Sign 15 Agreements Across Key Sectors

/ Governance Community

India and Italy have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. The visit resulted in the signing of 15 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. The two nations signed Memorandums of Understanding covering agriculture, critical minerals, Ayurveda, science and technology, maritime transport and ports. A major agreement was also concluded to facilitate the mobility of Indian nurses to Italy, creating fresh opportunities for healthcare professionals. Another important pact focuses on the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, highlighting collaboration in maritime and cultural heritage. India and Italy also agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling tax crimes, money laundering and terror financing. Addressing a joint press statement after the talks, Prime Minister Modi said the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 would serve as a forward-looking roadmap for bilateral ties. He added that both countries are working towards establishing an India-Italy Innovation Centre and expanding defence collaboration through the India-Italy Defence Industrial Roadmap. Prime Minister Modi said both maritime nations would strengthen cooperation in shipping, logistics, port modernisation and the blue economy. On global issues, he noted that India and Italy remain closely engaged on developments in Ukraine, West Asia and other international matters, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving conflicts. He also reiterated the need for decisive action against terrorism and terror financing networks. Highlighting economic ties, Mr Modi said Italy is recognised for its design and precision, while India has emerged as a centre for scale, talent and affordable innovation. He added that both countries will move ahead with the vision of “Design and Develop in India and Italy and Deliver for the World.” Prime Minister Meloni said the Special Strategic Partnership reflects the growing strength of India-Italy relations built on shared values and mutual trust. She also underlined the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and expanding cooperation in strategic sectors. The agreements are expected to boost trade, innovation, defence cooperation and people-to-people ties, while reinforcing collaboration on global peace, sustainable development and international security. Source: News on AIR

India, Italy Elevate Ties to Special Strategic Partnership; Sign 15 Agreements Across Key Sectors Read More »

Dharmendra Pradhan Directs ‘Foolproof’ Conduct of NEET-UG Re-Exam Amid Tightened Security

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for the upcoming NEET-UG re-examination and instructed officials to ensure the test is conducted in a completely secure, transparent, and error-free manner. During a high-level review meeting, the minister stressed that all shortcomings and lapses identified during the earlier examination process must be thoroughly addressed to restore the integrity of the medical entrance examination. Officials said Pradhan emphasised that the re-exam should be carried out under strict security arrangements with seamless coordination at every level. He also directed authorities to organise coordination meetings with district magistrates and superintendents of police across states to strengthen monitoring and execution of exam-related arrangements. Highlighting the importance of maintaining vigilance at examination centres, the minister asked officials to ensure that security measures remain uncompromised. He also called for adequate facilities for students, including transportation support, drinking water, and other essential amenities. The National Testing Agency had earlier cancelled the NEET-UG examination conducted on May 3 following allegations of irregularities and malpractice. Pradhan had announced that the re-examination will now be held on June 21. He also stated that from next year, the NEET-UG exam will be conducted in a computer-based format to enhance transparency and prevent future discrepancies. Source: PTI

Dharmendra Pradhan Directs ‘Foolproof’ Conduct of NEET-UG Re-Exam Amid Tightened Security Read More »

Everyday Movement Boosts Mood, Global Study of 3 Lakh Reports Finds

/ Health & Wellness Community

A major international study analysing more than three lakh real-time mood reports has found a strong connection between physical activity and emotional well-being, revealing that everyday movement can significantly improve mood, while positive emotions also encourage people to stay active. The research, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, combined findings from 67 research groups across the world and involved data from over 8,000 participants. Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum and institutions across Europe and the United States used smartphones and wearable devices to track participants’ daily activities and emotional states in real time. The study monitored routine movements such as walking, climbing stairs, and household chores, allowing scientists to assess how physical activity influences emotions during normal day-to-day life. Researchers observed that physical activity was consistently linked to higher energy levels, more positive emotions, and improved overall mood. At the same time, participants were found to be more physically active when they were already feeling emotionally positive. Energy levels showed the strongest association with movement, with over 95 per cent of participants reporting increased energy around periods of activity. The study also found that individuals with lower levels of well-being experienced the greatest emotional benefits from physical activity. Co-author Amanda Staiano said the findings highlight the importance of studying health behaviours in real-world settings. She noted that even small amounts of daily movement can have a meaningful impact on emotional well-being. The researchers said the findings reinforce earlier evidence from laboratory and short-term studies that linked exercise with improved mental health. However, this study stands out because it examined physical activity and mood in natural everyday environments using digital tools like smartphones and fitness wearables. The team added that further research is needed to better understand the reasons behind individual differences in responses to exercise and to determine the exact causal relationship between movement and mood. Source: PTI  

Everyday Movement Boosts Mood, Global Study of 3 Lakh Reports Finds Read More »

India, Norway Upgrade Bilateral Relations to Green Strategic Partnership

/ Governance Community

India and Norway have agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a “Green Strategic Partnership” following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. During restricted and delegation-level discussions, both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Norway relations and committed to deepening cooperation in areas such as clean energy, blue economy, green transition, renewable energy, trade and investment, circular economy, artificial intelligence, science and technology, education, space, and Arctic affairs. The two sides also highlighted the growing opportunities under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly in boosting trade, technology partnerships, and employment generation. In a joint press statement issued after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi recalled that his planned visit to Norway last year had been postponed following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He expressed gratitude to Norway for firmly supporting India during that period, calling it a sign of genuine friendship between the two nations. Mr Modi said the India-EFTA trade pact, which came into force last year, would act as a roadmap for shared prosperity and stronger economic engagement between India and Norway. He also welcomed Norway’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, emphasizing that both countries, as major maritime nations, would enhance collaboration in maritime security, marine economy, and capacity building. The Indian Prime Minister reiterated that both nations strongly support a rules-based international order and believe in dialogue and diplomacy for resolving conflicts. Referring to ongoing crises in Ukraine and West Asia, he stressed that military solutions alone cannot resolve global disputes and underlined support for efforts aimed at restoring peace. Mr Modi also emphasized the need for reforms in global institutions to effectively address emerging international challenges and reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Norway to combating terrorism in all forms. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed strong support for India’s fight against terrorism and agreed to strengthen cooperation with India in multilateral platforms and global forums. Source: News on AIR

India, Norway Upgrade Bilateral Relations to Green Strategic Partnership Read More »

Former Google Executive Matt Brittin Takes Charge as New BBC Director-General

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Former Google executive and ex-EMEA chief Matt Brittin officially begins his tenure as director-general of the BBC on Monday, stepping into the role during one of the broadcaster’s most challenging periods in recent years. Brittin, a former consultant at McKinsey & Company, joined Google in 2007 and spent nearly two decades with the tech giant before departing in 2025. He led Google’s Europe, Middle East and Africa operations for ten years and now succeeds Tim Davie as the head of the BBC. The 57-year-old takes over amid mounting controversies surrounding the public broadcaster, including a multi-billion-dollar legal battle involving US President Donald Trump and criticism over offensive language aired during the BAFTA Film Awards broadcast. Brittin is expected to receive an annual salary of £565,000, matching the pay package of his predecessor. Beyond his corporate career, he also has a sporting background, having represented Great Britain in rowing and winning bronze at the 1989 World Rowing Championships. He additionally competed in three consecutive Oxford-Cambridge Boat Races between 1987 and 1989. Earlier this year, Brittin was awarded a CBE in King Charles III’s New Year Honours for his contribution to technology and digital education initiatives. Reacting to the appointment, Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of Parliament’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee, stated that Brittin faces a major challenge as the BBC navigates a “period of turbulence”. During Tim Davie’s leadership, the BBC faced multiple controversies, including criticism over editorial decisions, high-profile misconduct scandals involving former presenter Huw Edwards, and backlash surrounding live broadcast incidents at public events. Speaking about his appointment, Brittin said the BBC remains a “uniquely British asset” and stressed the need for the broadcaster to adapt to rapidly changing audience habits and digital platforms. He described the current period as one filled with both “risk” and “opportunity”, adding that the corporation must evolve with courage while maintaining public trust and editorial strength. The BBC has also opened applications for a newly created deputy director-general role, with the successful candidate expected to oversee editorial standards and support the director-general in strategic decision-making.

Former Google Executive Matt Brittin Takes Charge as New BBC Director-General Read More »