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Flipkart Approves Second ESOP Liquidity Event, Allows Employees to Cash Out Up to 5% of Vested Stock Options

/ Human Resource Community

Flipkart has approved the second phase of its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) liquidity programme, enabling eligible employees to sell up to 5% of their vested stock options accumulated over the last three years. According to an internal communication from Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, the approved buyback price has been set at ₹713.4 per stock option. The latest liquidity event is expected to be worth nearly $25 million and forms the second half of the company’s previously announced $50 million ESOP buyback initiative introduced in July last year. Employees who qualify under the programme are expected to receive their payouts in August. In his message to employees, Krishnamurthy noted that the company had initially committed to conducting two liquidity events, with the second contingent on achieving key business milestones. Following a review of the company’s performance, the board approved the second round, citing sustained business growth despite a challenging macroeconomic environment. The overall $50 million ESOP buyback programme is estimated to have benefited more than 7,000 Flipkart employees, providing them with an opportunity to unlock the value of their stock options. Source: Economic Times

Flipkart Approves Second ESOP Liquidity Event, Allows Employees to Cash Out Up to 5% of Vested Stock Options Read More »

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform

/ Governance Community

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to credit an annual interest rate of 8.25% for the financial year 2025–26 into nearly 34 crore EPF accounts by July 15. Announcing the development, Mansukh Mandaviya said that more than ₹1.44 lakh crore will be transferred to subscribers through the organisation’s newly launched Centralised IT Enabled Services (CITES) platform. The minister also confirmed that EPFO has successfully completed the migration of its member records from a decentralised system to a unified centralised database. This transition will provide members with access to a single online portal where they can check their PF balance, membership details, claim status, pensionable service records, and other benefits through one integrated interface. The new CITES platform introduces automated pre-validation of claims, allowing the system to assess eligibility, identify missing information, and notify members if their withdrawal request exceeds the permissible limit before it reaches an EPFO office. The automation is expected to reduce claim rejections and significantly improve first-time claim approval rates. The CITES initiative is part of EPFO’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernising service delivery through automation and rule-based processing. The platform is expected to enhance operational efficiency while offering faster, more transparent, and citizen-centric services to EPF subscribers. Source: News on AIR

EPFO to Credit 8.25% Interest for FY 2025–26 by July 15, Rolls Out New Centralised Digital Platform Read More »

AIIMS Delhi Completes Major Faculty Recruitment Drive Using Blockchain-Enabled Technology

/ Health & Wellness Community

All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi has successfully concluded one of its largest faculty recruitment drives in recent years, announcing the results for nearly 460 teaching positions through a blockchain-enabled digital evaluation system. According to the institute, around 370 faculty members have been recruited for AIIMS New Delhi and the AIIMS–Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences campus. The appointments span more than 50 medical and allied health disciplines, covering roles from Assistant Professor to Professor. The recruitment process attracted over 3,200 applications for 265 faculty positions at AIIMS New Delhi and 199 positions at the AIIMS-CAPFIMS campus. The selection exercise was carried out over a period of six months. AIIMS stated that the use of blockchain-enabled digital technology ensured a secure, transparent, and efficient evaluation process. Candidate assessment scores were protected using one-time password (OTP) authentication, while final merit lists were generated through predefined algorithms, reducing manual intervention and enhancing the integrity of the recruitment process. The institute noted that adopting advanced digital technologies for faculty appointments reflects its commitment to strengthening institutional governance through innovation. The large-scale recruitment is expected to enhance patient care, medical education, research, and innovation across a broad spectrum of healthcare specialties. Source: Economic Times

AIIMS Delhi Completes Major Faculty Recruitment Drive Using Blockchain-Enabled Technology Read More »

IIM Bangalore to Establish First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Expanding India’s Higher Education Footprint in ASEAN

/ Education Community

In a significant step towards strengthening academic ties between India and Indonesia, the Indian government has announced that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will set up its first international campus in Indonesia. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi following bilateral discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during Modi’s official visit to the country. The proposed campus is expected to cater not only to Indonesian students but also to learners from across the ASEAN region, further enhancing India’s educational outreach in Southeast Asia. Alongside the education initiative, India and Indonesia signed several agreements aimed at deepening collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, digital public infrastructure, startups, and innovation. Both leaders emphasised promoting technology-driven partnerships and creating greater opportunities for young innovators from both nations. The two countries also agreed to broaden cooperation in the space sector through joint research, technology exchange, and capacity-building initiatives, reinforcing their long-standing strategic partnership. The Indonesia campus marks another milestone in the global expansion of Indian management education. It follows the international debut of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, which became the first IIM to establish a full-fledged overseas campus in Dubai. Inaugurated in September 2025 at Dubai International Academic City, the campus currently offers a one-year full-time MBA programme for experienced professionals, reflecting India’s growing ambition to internationalise its higher education institutions. Source: Indian Express

IIM Bangalore to Establish First Overseas Campus in Indonesia, Expanding India’s Higher Education Footprint in ASEAN Read More »

Netflix Unveils NextGen India Writers’ Program to Nurture Emerging Screenwriting Talent

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Netflix has introduced the NextGen India Writers’ Program, a new talent development initiative designed to identify and mentor aspiring screenwriters as the streaming platform continues to strengthen its slate of original Indian content. The two-month hybrid programme is open to writers with up to three years of professional writing experience. Selected participants will receive mentorship from industry experts, attend interactive workshops, and gain hands-on guidance in transforming original series ideas into professionally developed series bibles. The initiative aims to equip emerging writers with the skills and industry knowledge needed to take a story from concept to screen. Applications for the programme are open from July 1 to September 1, 2026, making India the third country after France and the Netherlands to host Netflix’s global talent development initiative. The launch builds on Netflix India’s ongoing commitment to nurturing fresh creative voices. The platform highlighted projects such as The Railway Men, directed by Shiv Rawail, and the upcoming series Operation Safed Sagar, created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar, Kushal Srivastava, Oni Sen, and Mehboob Pal Singh Brar, as examples of its continued investment in emerging storytellers. Speaking about the initiative, Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, said the programme is intended to discover talented writers from across the country, help them refine their craft, and provide them with opportunities to bring unique and authentic stories to audiences. She added that Netflix believes the future of Indian entertainment will be shaped by bold new voices and diverse storytelling. Source: Economic Times  

Netflix Unveils NextGen India Writers’ Program to Nurture Emerging Screenwriting Talent Read More »

Five Semiconductor Plants Expected to Be Operational in India by End of 2026: Ashwini Vaishnaw

/ Human Resource Community

India is on track to have five semiconductor manufacturing plants operational by the end of 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to build a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem. According to the minister, the Centre has approved 12 semiconductor projects, of which three facilities have already entered commercial production, while two more are expected to be inaugurated in the coming months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier inaugurated the country’s first and second semiconductor plants on February 28 and March 31, 2026, respectively. Vaishnaw noted that the commercial launch of the CG SEMI (OSAT) facility in Sanand, Gujarat, has further strengthened global confidence in India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. He said the country is steadily building a world-class semiconductor ecosystem that will support India’s long-term economic and technological growth. The minister also praised the Gujarat government for its efficient execution, highlighting that the CG SEMI facility progressed from groundbreaking to commercial production in just 27 months. Beyond manufacturing, the plant has also generated employment opportunities for young women from states including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, and Gujarat, many of whom received specialised semiconductor training in Malaysia. Vaishnaw added that as India’s semiconductor ecosystem expands, advanced training programmes are expected to become increasingly available within the country. Semiconductor products manufactured at the Sanand facility will cater to the automotive, two-wheeler, and industrial equipment sectors, while also being exported to markets such as Japan, the United States, and Europe, reinforcing India’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The CG SEMI project, launched in March 2024 with an investment exceeding ₹7,600 crore, has been developed in collaboration with Renesas Electronics of Japan, enabling access to advanced semiconductor technologies, manufacturing expertise, and global quality standards. Vaishnaw also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s electronics manufacturing industry, which is now valued at nearly ₹13 lakh crore and supports employment for over 25 lakh people. Source: IANS  

Five Semiconductor Plants Expected to Be Operational in India by End of 2026: Ashwini Vaishnaw Read More »

Health Ministry Makes 80% Biometric Attendance Mandatory for PG Dental Students Appearing in Exams

/ Health & Wellness Community

The National Dental Commission (NDC) has instructed all dental colleges and universities in India to ensure that postgraduate (PG) dental students maintain a minimum of 80% biometric attendance to qualify for university and MDS examinations. In its latest directive, the commission reiterated that institutions must strictly comply with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the DCI MDS Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates the attendance requirement. Colleges have been warned that allowing students with attendance below the prescribed limit to appear for examinations will amount to non-compliance, and the institutions themselves will be held accountable. The NDC emphasized that no postgraduate dental student should be permitted to sit for university examinations unless the biometric attendance threshold of 80% has been met. The latest order reinforces an earlier directive issued on January 19, 2026, when the then Dental Council of India (DCI) had instructed institutions to implement biometric attendance norms following recommendations from its Grievance Sub-Committee. The committee had reviewed complaints from dental colleges in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, where several postgraduate students were reportedly falling short of the mandatory attendance requirement. Based on its findings, it recommended strict implementation of the attendance regulation across all dental institutions. Reaffirming the importance of compliance, the NDC stated that institutions failing to enforce the biometric attendance rule could face action for violating the commission’s statutory directions. Source: Indian Express

Health Ministry Makes 80% Biometric Attendance Mandatory for PG Dental Students Appearing in Exams Read More »

58 Engineering Colleges Closed Across India in 2025-26; Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra Record Highest Number of Shutdowns

/ Education Community

A total of 58 engineering and technical institutions across India have ceased fresh admissions during the 2025-26 academic session under the progressive closure process, according to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Students currently enrolled in these institutions will be allowed to complete their respective programmes. An AICTE official stated that under progressive closure, colleges are barred from admitting first-year students for the approved academic year while continuing to operate until existing batches graduate. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra reported the highest number of closures with 12 colleges each. They were followed by Madhya Pradesh with eight, while Telangana and Punjab recorded four closures each. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan saw three institutions shut down, whereas Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal each reported one or two closures. Of the 58 institutions, three were government-aided, while the remaining colleges were privately managed. In addition to institutional closures, AICTE also approved the discontinuation of more than 950 engineering and technical courses across the country during the same academic year. The regulator noted that institutions are typically directed to close due to factors such as poor student enrolment, shortage of qualified faculty, failure to meet infrastructure requirements, and non-compliance with AICTE operational standards. AICTE differentiates between progressive closure, where institutions are phased out while protecting the interests of current students, and complete closure, where courses are discontinued entirely and students are relocated to other recognised institutions. Source: PTI

58 Engineering Colleges Closed Across India in 2025-26; Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra Record Highest Number of Shutdowns Read More »

NEET & JEE Admissions May Soon Factor in 50% Board Exam Weightage Under Major Education Reform Push

/ Education Community

India’s higher education admission system could soon witness a significant overhaul, with board examination marks potentially carrying up to 50 percent weightage in admissions currently determined primarily through competitive entrance exams such as National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). According to sources, the proposed reform is aimed at reducing the immense pressure associated with single high-stakes examinations and creating a more balanced evaluation framework for students seeking admission to medical and engineering institutions. The discussions come amid growing concerns over recurring irregularities in the examination ecosystem, including paper leaks and evaluation discrepancies, which have intensified debates around the credibility and fairness of the current system. Among the key changes under consideration is the introduction of 50 percent weightage for board examination scores in final admission merit lists. In addition, authorities are reportedly looking at bringing entrance examinations closer to school curriculum frameworks to reduce students’ heavy reliance on coaching institutes. Other proposals include allowing multiple exam attempts and gradually transitioning towards adaptive, on-demand computer-based testing systems. At present, admissions to engineering and medical courses are largely dependent on entrance examination scores, with students only required to secure minimum qualifying marks in board examinations to become eligible for these competitive tests. The proposed reforms are currently being examined by a nine-member committee constituted by the Ministry of Education last year. The panel was tasked with studying issues such as the growing dependency on coaching centres, the rise of so-called dummy schools, and concerns regarding fairness and transparency in highly competitive entrance examinations. Sources indicate that the committee’s final report is expected to be submitted to the government in the coming weeks, with recommendations also focusing on better alignment between school education and national-level entrance assessments. Source: PTI

NEET & JEE Admissions May Soon Factor in 50% Board Exam Weightage Under Major Education Reform Push Read More »

India-Japan Partnership Enters New Era as PM Modi Highlights Strong Economic Ties, AI & Defence Cooperation

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the strength of India-Japan relations, describing the bilateral partnership as “truly special” while emphasizing its growing impact on the global economy. Speaking at the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum held in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted that the collaboration between Japan’s technological expertise and investment capabilities, combined with India’s rapid growth and large-scale opportunities, creates significant benefits for the world economy. He noted that both nations have agreed to deepen cooperation across several strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, economic security, defence, and healthcare, paving the way for a future-ready partnership. Addressing global economic challenges such as supply chain disruptions, trade uncertainties, and slowing international demand, PM Modi underscored India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, recording a GDP growth of 7.7 percent in the previous financial year. The Prime Minister further stated that over the last twelve years, India has adopted the philosophy of Kaizen to transform its economic framework, alongside implementing next-generation reforms in taxation, governance, and ease of doing business. He added that the government continues to open new sectors for private participation while introducing incentives aimed at accelerating economic growth, reinforcing India’s position as a highly attractive destination for Japanese investments. Surveys conducted by Japan Bank for International Cooperation have consistently ranked India as the most promising destination for Japanese businesses for four consecutive years. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her address, highlighted energy security as a crucial pillar of India-Japan cooperation. She referenced the recent G7 Summit, where Japan proposed measures to strengthen global energy security through transparent energy trade, strategic stockpiling, and stronger collaboration between energy-producing and consuming nations. She also emphasized Japan’s commitment to implementing these goals through its Power Asia Initiative. On the occasion, both leaders jointly inaugurated the fourth vehicle manufacturing facility of Maruti Suzuki at Kharkhoda, Haryana, marking another milestone in industrial collaboration between India and Japan. Source: News on AIR

India-Japan Partnership Enters New Era as PM Modi Highlights Strong Economic Ties, AI & Defence Cooperation Read More »