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AIIMS Gorakhpur to Launch New Academic Courses

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AIIMS Gorakhpur has announced the introduction of several new academic programmes, marking a major step towards academic expansion, advanced medical training, and strengthening research at the institute. The approvals were finalized during the 8th meeting of the Standing Academic Committee. The newly sanctioned courses include DM programmes in neurology, pain medicine, clinical pharmacology, and critical care medicine (under the Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine & Critical Care). Additionally, Post-Doctoral Certificate Courses (PDCC) have been approved in trauma anaesthesia, spine trauma, pelvic-acetabular surgery, and adolescent gynaecology. Significantly, some of these, such as the PDCC in adolescent gynaecology, are the first of their kind in India. A Post-Doctoral Fellowship in maternal-foetal medicine (under the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology) has also been introduced. Further, new courses like MS in Trauma Surgery, PhD in Nursing, MSc in Nursing Psychology, and BSc in Operation Theatre Technology have been sanctioned. During the meeting, the institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Ashoka Jahnavi Prasad, highlighted the growing concern of student suicides across institutions. He stressed the urgent need for psychological support and preventive interventions. He further noted that launching specialised courses like MSc in Nursing Psychology will help build a stronger mental health workforce and make psychological care more accessible for students and the wider community. Source: TNN

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Education Minister Urges IITs to Lead India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Mission

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the 56th meeting of the IIT Council at IIT Delhi, where key decisions were taken to strengthen IITs as drivers of self-reliance, innovation, and inclusive growth in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbharta se Samriddha Bharat.” Mr. Pradhan called upon IITs to act as catalysts for transformative change rather than incremental progress. He urged the premier institutes to embrace regional languages alongside English to make education more inclusive, and to focus on producing job creators by solving real-world challenges through translational research in critical technologies. Highlighting their contribution to India’s innovation ecosystem, he noted that IITs have nurtured over 6,000 start-ups, 56 unicorns, and nearly 5,000 patents. He expressed confidence that IITs would not only boost employment and economic opportunities but also play a pivotal role in building a Samriddh and Viksit Bharat by 2047. Supported by initiatives such as the PM Research Fellowship, Centres of Excellence in AI, and research parks, IITs are emerging as engines of economic growth in tune with the Prime Minister’s call to “Reform, Perform, Transform.” Minister of State for Education & DoNER Dr. Sukanta Majumdar said IITs were not just centres of learning but engines of Innovation, Inclusion, and Transformation. With 23 IITs, growing international campuses, and a thriving startup culture, he emphasized that IITs are producing global leaders and innovators while ensuring India continues to RISE through Research, Innovation, Skills, and Entrepreneurship. The meeting, attended by senior policymakers, industry leaders, and academicians including Dr. K. Radhakrishnan (former ISRO Chairman), Sridhar Vembu (Zoho CEO), Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar (former UGC Chairman), Prof. T.G. Sitharam (AICTE Chairman), and several IIT chairpersons, focused on: Reforming PhD education and improving global rankings  Strengthening research commercialisation and industry-academia linkages  Adapting curriculum to emerging technologies like AI  Promoting mental well-being of students and faculty  Enhancing alumni networks for mentorship and collaboration  Attracting international students and faculty  The Council also resolved to elevate the IIT R&D Fair into a global innovation platform and draft a policy within a month to accelerate translational research and product development for self-reliance under the IITs@2047 roadmap. Source: NDTV  

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Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka Meets President Murmu, Strengthens Bilateral Ties with India

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Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday as part of his ongoing official visit to India. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart held bilateral talks in New Delhi, followed by a joint press briefing. PM Modi described India and Fiji as partners with “aspirations that sail in the same boat,” underlining the enduring friendship between the two nations. Key Announcements and Cooperation The talks led to several landmark decisions. India announced support for building a hospital in Fiji, sending agriculture drones, training Fijian cricketers and Hindu priests (Pandits), and deputing Hindi and Sanskrit teachers to the island nation. A joint statement issued after the talks highlighted a strong stance against terrorism. Both leaders “unequivocally condemned” the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism, and rejected any double standards on the issue. They also agreed to work together to counter radicalisation, terror financing, misuse of emerging technologies, and cross-border recruitment by extremist groups. Shared Global Vision India and Fiji pledged to deepen cooperation at the UN and other multilateral platforms to combat terrorism and advance global peace. The leaders also exchanged views on climate justice, inclusive development, and amplifying the voice of the Global South. PM Rabuka commended India’s leadership role in championing the concerns of developing nations. Both sides stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including expanding the Security Council to reflect present-day geopolitical realities. Fiji reiterated its support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC and endorsed India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat for 2028–29. South-South Cooperation The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation, emphasising it as a crucial tool in tackling global challenges and ensuring fairer representation in international governance. Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday to begin his official visit, which will continue until August 26. Source: ANI

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Russia Eyes Indian Workforce Amid Labour Shortages: Envoy Vinay Kumar

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Russian industries are increasingly turning to India to fill gaps in their workforce. According to India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, companies in machinery and electronics are showing strong interest in recruiting Indian workers. “At a broader level, there is a manpower requirement in Russia and India has a skilled workforce. Within the framework of Russian regulations, laws, and quotas, companies are hiring Indians,” Kumar told TASS. While most Indians currently employed in Russia work in construction and textiles, the demand in machinery and electronics is growing. The influx of Indian workers is putting additional pressure on consular services. Kumar highlighted the growing need for assistance with passports, births, and other essential documentation. To manage the workload, India is opening a new Consulate General in Yekaterinburg. Andrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “By the end of the year, around 1 million specialists from India will come to Russia, including to the Sverdlovsk region.” The region, home to heavy industries such as Uralmash and the T-90 tank manufacturer Ural Wagon Zavod, is struggling with labour shortages as many local workers are deployed in the Ukraine conflict and younger generations shy away from factory jobs. Indian workers first began arriving in Russian regions in 2024, starting with Kaliningrad’s Za Rodinu fish processing complex. Russia’s Labour Ministry projects a workforce deficit of 3.1 million by 2030 and plans to raise the quota for foreign skilled workers by 1.5 times in 2025, allowing 0.23 million hires. Besedin also mentioned Russia’s consideration of labour from Sri Lanka and North Korea, though the process is more complicated. Hiring Indians, however, is seen as a strategic move to sustain industrial output and address long-term workforce gaps in critical sectors. Source: Economic Times

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Online Gaming Bill becomes law after President’s assent

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President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, officially turning it into law just a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared it. The new legislation imposes a complete ban on online money gaming services, prescribing penalties of up to three years in jail and fines as high as ₹1 crore for operators. Advertising such banned platforms could attract up to two years imprisonment and fines of ₹50 lakh. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill in just 26 minutes, following the Lok Sabha’s approval in seven minutes, despite opposition protests questioning the rushed process. Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, defending the law, said millions were being pushed into debt traps. “From time to time, society faces social evils. It is the responsibility of the government and Parliament to intervene with appropriate laws,” he told the House. He also cited official estimates showing that 450 million players have collectively lost over ₹20,000 crore to money-based online gaming. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, stressing that the law will promote e-sports and social gaming while shielding society from the dangers of gambling-driven online games. “This Bill highlights our commitment to make India a hub of gaming, innovation, and creativity. It will encourage healthy gaming while protecting people from harmful effects of money gaming,” he said. However, the decision has sparked outrage within the industry. Representatives of the ₹31,000 crore sector argue that the ban is a “death knell” for legitimate businesses, warning that offshore operators will benefit while Indian companies suffer. They pointed out that the sector employs over 200,000 people and has attracted ₹25,000 crore in foreign investment since 2022. In the immediate aftermath of the law’s passage, major platforms including Dream11 and WinZO announced they would shut down operations. Source: Hindustan Times

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From bicycles to the Moon: NCERT brings India’s space journey into classrooms

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India’s space story — from humble beginnings of carrying rocket parts on bicycles and bullock carts to achieving landmark missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and the upcoming Gaganyaan — has now been woven into NCERT’s new learning modules. The special set of two modules, titled “India: A Rising Space Power”, traces the evolution of the Indian space programme. It begins with the creation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962 under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, which later transformed into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), now counted among the world’s top space agencies. One of the modules highlights how India’s first rocket was so lightweight that its parts were transported using bicycles and bullock carts. Scientists avoided motorised vehicles since their electric and magnetic fields could interfere with delicate instruments, proving that simple means ensured success. The modules also honour India’s astronauts — Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma, who became the first Indian in space in 1984, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who in June 2025 became the first Indian to live aboard the International Space Station. They feature a quote from Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Space may seem distant, but is an integral part of our daily life… India’s space programme is a perfect example of our vision of Scale, Speed and Skill.” Key milestones listed include: Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Discovered water molecules on the Moon. Mangalyaan (2013): Made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars, and the only country to succeed on its maiden attempt. Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Though its lander was lost, the orbiter continues to provide valuable lunar data. Aditya-L1 (2023): India’s first solar observatory at Lagrange Point-1, dedicated to studying the Sun and solar storms. Looking ahead, the modules also highlight the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite, expected to deliver high-resolution global data every 12 days on ecosystems, glaciers, and natural disasters. Source: PTI

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SSC cuts recruitment timeline to 6–10 months; CGL 2025 exam postponed to September

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The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has introduced a series of reforms to significantly speed up its recruitment process, reducing the cycle from the earlier 15–18 months to just 6–10 months. Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that the advance notice for examinations has also been curtailed—from around 45 days to just 21 days. The Commission has now shifted entirely to computer-based examinations, moving away from traditional pen-and-paper formats. In several exams, the number of stages has been cut down. Notably, interviews have been scrapped and descriptive papers discontinued across all recruitment tests, except in the Combined Hindi Translators exam. Document verification of selected candidates is being directly carried out by the respective ministries and departments linked to the vacancies. Meanwhile, the SSC announced that the CGL 2025 examination has been deferred to September following a technical evaluation of its online testing platform. A revised schedule will be released soon. To streamline verification and enhance transparency, the SSC has rolled out a centralised online e-dossier system. This system provides role-based access to authorised officials, generates unique tracking IDs for records, and has already been implemented in exams such as CGL 2024, CHSL 2024, Junior Engineer 2024, and MTS & Havaldar 2024. According to Singh, the platform has reduced dependence on physical files, ensured quicker validation of records, and improved coordination between SSC and ministries, resulting in faster pre-appointment checks. In terms of inclusivity, Singh highlighted that since 2022, SSC has been conducting major national-level exams like CHSL, MTS & Havaldar, and Constable (GD) in 13 regional languages apart from Hindi and English. Civil services aspirants also enjoy the option of writing their papers in any of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Similarly, other recruitment bodies such as the IBPS and RRBs also conduct examinations in 13 regional languages. Source: Indian Express  

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Infosys rolls out 80% average Q1 bonus, highest in recent quarters

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Infosys has announced performance bonuses averaging 80% for employees for the April–June quarter of FY26, marking a significant jump from the 65% average payout in the previous quarter. According to internal communication reviewed by ET, bonus payouts this quarter range between 75% and 89%, depending on employee performance and role. The beneficiaries include employees in Position Levels (PL) 4, 5, and 6, which cover the majority of Infosys’ 323,000-strong workforce. PL4 includes roles such as senior engineers, technology analysts, and consultants; PL5 covers track leads; while PL6 comprises managers, senior managers, and delivery managers (excluding vice presidents). PL4 employees: 80–89% bonus PL5 employees: 78–87% bonus PL6 employees: 75–85% bonus The payouts will be credited along with the August salary. The company emphasized in its communication that the differentiated bonuses are aligned with its goal of fostering a high-performance culture. The move comes at a time when the IT sector is facing delayed wage hikes and job uncertainties, with TCS recently announcing layoffs of around 12,000 employees. Despite the challenging environment, Infosys has delivered strong results in Q1 FY26, reporting an 8.7% YoY rise in net profit to ₹6,921 crore and a 7.5% revenue growth to ₹42,279 crore. Alongside the bonus announcement, Infosys has also rolled out select promotions across its Indian delivery centres. Promotions were restricted to critical roles, based on skills, experience, and team contributions, with employees typically receiving such career advancements once in four years. An employee told ET the announcement would help boost morale amid ongoing industry headwinds. Source: Economic Times

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Online Gaming Bill 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha: Blanket ban on money games sparks debate

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Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday introduced The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, even as opposition members voiced protests. The Bill, cleared by the Union Cabinet a day earlier, proposes a complete ban on online games involving monetary stakes, citing growing concerns of addiction, financial distress, and suicides among youth. Soon after the Bill was tabled, proceedings were adjourned until 2 PM. MeitY clarifies intent Explaining the move, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said the Bill addresses two key issues — recognising the scope of the online gaming industry while also curbing harmful real-money games. He emphasised that this is a “societal decision,” noting that the government had weighed concerns of job losses but prioritised public well-being. He added that a regulatory authority will be established to classify permissible and banned games. eSports and social games, including subscription-based formats without monetary rewards, will remain legal. What the Bill proposes Under the draft law: Offering online money games could attract up to three years in jail or fines up to ₹1 crore. Advertising such services could lead to two years in jail or fines up to ₹50 lakh. Banks and financial institutions enabling transactions for money games may also face penalties. Repeat offenders risk harsher sentences — three to five years in jail and higher fines. Importantly, the Bill does not criminalise players, treating them as victims rather than offenders. The legislation defines an “online money game” as any game where players pay fees, deposit money, or stake assets with the expectation of monetary returns — irrespective of whether it is skill-based or chance-based. It aims to curb gambling risks, financial exploitation, money laundering, and mental health crises while fostering a safe space for eSports and game development in India. Industry backlash Industry groups, including the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and the Federation of India Fantasy Sports (FIFS), have warned of severe fallout. In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, they claimed the blanket ban could wipe out over 2 lakh jobs, force the shutdown of more than 400 companies, and push users toward unregulated and illegal platforms. They highlighted that online skill gaming has become a ₹2 lakh crore industry, generating ₹31,000 crore in revenue and contributing ₹20,000 crore in taxes annually. The sector, growing at 20% CAGR, was projected to double by 2028, with India’s gamer base already exceeding 50 crore players by 2024. Industry voices fear that the ban could derail India’s progress as a digital innovator, discourage foreign investment, and trigger large-scale unemployment. Public health perspective Supporters of the Bill, however, argue it is a much-needed safeguard. “This is more than regulation — it is protection,” said Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals. “Online money games have exposed children and youth to exploitation and mental health risks. This step puts wellbeing first.” Source: Economic Times  

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AIIMS study reveals high prevalence of catheter-related infections in Indian hospitals

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A nationwide study led by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has revealed that bloodstream infections linked to catheter use are widespread in intensive care units (ICUs) across India, with many cases caused by highly drug-resistant microbes. These hospital-acquired infections, known as Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI), occur when a catheter inserted into a large vein becomes contaminated. According to estimates published in The Lancet Global Health, Indian ICUs report nearly nine infection events for every 1,000 days a central line remains in use. The AIIMS-led team analysed seven years of data collected by the Indian Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) surveillance network, spanning 200 ICUs across 54 hospitals. Between May 2017 and April 2024, the network recorded 8,629 confirmed CLABSI cases, covering more than 3 million patient-days and nearly 1 million central line-days. The pooled CLABSI rate was found to be 8.83 per 1,000 central line-days. The study also observed a spike in infection rates during 2020–21, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers attributed this surge to overburdened ICUs, staff shortages, and lapses in infection prevention practices. Experts stressed that while CLABSI is preventable, establishing systematic infection surveillance and prevention programs requires significant resources—a major challenge for low- and middle-income countries like India. Nevertheless, the findings mark the first large-scale, standardised surveillance report on CLABSI in India, offering a foundation for healthcare systems to adopt quality improvement measures. Source: PTI Photo Credit: AFP  

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