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Tuesday, May 12, 2026 5:26 AM

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PM Modi Revives Covid-Era Work Culture Habits, Urges Indians to Prefer WFH and Virtual Meetings Amid Global Uncertainty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to adopt certain work and travel habits that were common during the Covid-19 pandemic, including work-from-home arrangements, virtual meetings, and online conferences, as India prepares for possible economic pressure caused by rising global tensions in West Asia. Addressing a gathering in Secunderabad after launching development projects worth around ₹9,400 crore in Telangana, PM Modi said the country must focus on reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and lowering dependence on imported energy resources. Highlighting the importance of energy conservation, the Prime Minister advised offices and organisations to once again encourage remote working wherever possible. He said online meetings and digital conferences can help cut daily commuting, lower petrol and diesel usage, and ease pressure on fuel demand, especially in major cities. Unlike the pandemic years, Modi clarified that the appeal is not linked to any health emergency, but rather to economic preparedness during a period of international instability impacting fuel prices, supply chains, and global markets. He also encouraged citizens to make greater use of public transport such as metro rail services, and suggested carpooling when private vehicles are necessary. Beyond workplace habits, PM Modi called on people to limit non-essential foreign travel, postpone overseas vacations and destination weddings for the next year, and reduce unnecessary gold purchases to help conserve foreign exchange reserves. The Prime Minister said responsible consumption is essential at a time when the world is facing challenges related to energy security. He added that India is continuing to invest in alternative energy solutions such as solar power, ethanol blending, CNG mobility systems, and piped gas networks. During the same visit, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple infrastructure projects in Telangana, including highways, railways, petroleum facilities, industrial developments, and the PM MITRA textile park in Warangal.

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Two Indian Nationals on MV Hondius Show No Symptoms as India Monitors Hantavirus Situation

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has confirmed that two Indian nationals currently onboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, where hantavirus cases were reported, are asymptomatic and remain under medical observation under international health guidelines. In an official statement issued Friday, the ministry said it is closely tracking developments and coordinating with the World Health Organization along with other global health bodies. Authorities added that preventive public health steps are being taken to ensure the safety of Indian citizens. According to preliminary information shared through the International Health Regulations (IHR) mechanism, eight probable hantavirus cases have been identified on the vessel so far. Out of these, five have been laboratory confirmed, while three deaths have also been reported. Officials stated that WHO was informed about the outbreak during the first week of May. The two Indian passengers onboard have not shown symptoms and continue to be monitored. The virus involved is reported to be the Andes strain of hantavirus, a variant found in South America that has limited ability for human-to-human transmission. Experts note that transmission generally requires close and prolonged contact. WHO has currently assessed the wider public health risk as low, though more cases may emerge due to the virus’s long incubation period. WHO is also overseeing response measures under IHR protocols, including diagnostic assistance, epidemiological review, and safe travel arrangements for passengers and crew. As a precaution, India’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre under the National Centre for Disease Control and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme held a high-level preparedness review meeting. Hantaviruses are commonly spread through rodents such as mice and rats, or through contact with their urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms may develop between one and eight weeks after exposure and often include fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. There is no specific cure for hantavirus infections, but early supportive treatment can improve outcomes by managing respiratory, heart, and kidney complications. Prevention mainly depends on avoiding exposure to infected rodents. Source: The Hindu

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CBSE Introduces Digital Answer Sheet Evaluation Ahead of Class 12 Results 2026

As lakhs of students wait for the Central Board of Secondary Education Class 12 Results 2026, the board’s newly launched On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has emerged as a major talking point. Introduced in February this year, the digital evaluation process replaces the traditional physical answer sheet checking model with a technology-driven system aimed at faster, cleaner and more accurate assessments. During initial discussions with educators from nearly 31,000 schools, CBSE officials described the new process as a “no touch, no dust” method, highlighting the move away from manual handling of paper scripts. Under the OSM model, scanned answer sheets are assigned digitally to evaluators, who assess them through the board’s dedicated portal. Many educators admitted there was hesitation in the beginning, as teachers adapted to screen-based marking. However, after orientation sessions and training, most evaluators gradually adjusted to the new workflow. The biggest expectation from the digital shift is quicker result processing. According to CBSE officials, the new system compresses evaluation timelines significantly. Earlier, the checking process often stretched close to two months, but this year regional centres were expected to complete evaluations in nearly nine days, compared to the earlier twelve-day cycle. The portal also brings several accuracy-focused features. It does not allow submission unless every question has been checked or marked not applicable. It automatically removes totalling errors, keeps track of marking history, and can even flag answers written in unusual sequences. Still, the first year of implementation has not been without challenges. Some teachers reported blurred scanned copies, slow-loading answer sheets, and occasional server issues. Others said revised marking instructions during the process required already checked scripts to be reopened, slowing progress in some cases. Educators also noted that daily workloads remained similar, with teachers checking up to 25 answer sheets between 8 am and 4 pm. However, unlike the old system, answer sheets cannot be redistributed among evaluators, making the allocation process more rigid. Infrastructure gaps remain another concern. While some schools had strong internet connectivity and adequate computer labs, others may struggle with digital readiness. Teachers also pointed out increased screen exposure, leading to eye strain during long correction hours. Despite these hurdles, many school leaders believe the OSM rollout is a positive step. They feel the system will become more efficient in the coming years as teachers gain familiarity with digital correction methods. Although the board has not yet confirmed the Class 12 result date, many believe the removal of physical transport delays and automated processing could help speed up declaration timelines, even if this year’s announcement window remains close to previous years. Source: Indian Express

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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

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

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  

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

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

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

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

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

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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