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ICAR Unveils India’s First Indigenous Vaccine Against African Swine Fever

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed India’s first homegrown vaccine to combat African swine fever (ASF), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect livestock from one of the world’s most destructive pig diseases. African swine fever, caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs and is known for causing extremely high mortality rates. ICAR described the vaccine’s development as a major advancement in strengthening India’s animal health ecosystem. ICAR Director General M.L. Jat hailed the achievement as a landmark in veterinary science, saying it demonstrates India’s growing capability to create globally competitive animal health technologies. He added that the breakthrough would enhance disease preparedness, improve livestock health, and contribute to the country’s food and biosecurity. The vaccine has been developed by scientists at the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR-NIHSAD), Bhopal, using a novel attenuated ASFV Genotype II strain. According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, the vaccine has successfully cleared a series of laboratory evaluations, including tests for sterility, purity, safety, genetic stability, immune response, protective efficacy, and the possibility of the virus regaining virulence. Designed for healthy pigs aged over eight weeks, the vaccine is administered as a 1 ml intramuscular injection, followed by a booster dose after 14 days. Officials believe the vaccine will play a crucial role in reducing pig mortality, limiting financial losses, and improving the livelihoods of pig farmers across the country. The Agriculture Ministry said the vaccine is expected to strengthen India’s animal health security by providing an effective preventive solution against ASF, while supporting the long-term sustainability of the pig farming industry. ASF has emerged as a major threat to the global livestock sector, with mortality rates that can reach nearly 100 per cent. Since the disease was first detected in India in 2020, it has spread across several states and Union Territories, leading to widespread pig deaths, disruptions in production, restrictions on livestock movement and trade, and severe economic hardship for farmers, particularly in the Northeastern region. In the absence of an approved vaccine or effective treatment until now, authorities have relied on rapid disease detection, culling infected animals, and enforcing strict biosecurity measures to contain outbreaks. The financial impact of ASF has been substantial. The Ministry noted that outbreaks in Assam during 2020 and 2021 resulted in estimated losses of around ₹276 crore due to pig deaths and culling. In Mizoram, the disease affected more than 11,382 households by 2025, with reported economic losses estimated at nearly ₹982 crore. Source: The Hindu

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Parliament Clears Bill to Expand Supreme Court Bench Strength to 37 Judges

admin / Governance Community

Parliament has approved the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for an increase in the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India. The Rajya Sabha passed the legislation after a discussion and returned it to the Lok Sabha, which had already cleared the Bill earlier this week. The legislation amends the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 to accommodate the growing workload of the country’s highest court. Before the Bill was introduced, President Droupadi Murmu had promulgated an ordinance in May this year authorising the increase in the number of judges. Responding to the debate in the Rajya Sabha, Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the expansion of the apex court’s bench reflects the government’s broader judicial reform agenda under the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. He stated that strengthening the Supreme Court’s capacity would improve judicial efficiency and help address the increasing complexity and volume of cases before the court. The minister noted that the government has been implementing several measures to accelerate the disposal of pending cases. He said the rise in litigation, evolving constitutional issues and growing legal challenges have made it necessary to enhance the court’s judicial strength. During the discussion, Congress MP Vivek Tankha questioned the government’s decision to first issue an ordinance for the move, pointing out that nearly 95,000 cases remain pending before the Supreme Court. Supporting the legislation, BJP MP Sangeeta Yadav described it as a landmark reform that would strengthen the justice delivery system and improve access to timely justice. She observed that many cases have remained unresolved for more than a decade, making the expansion of the bench essential. Several members from different political parties backed the Bill while raising broader concerns about judicial infrastructure and vacancies. TMC MP Dr Menaka Guruswamy highlighted that nearly 30 per cent of High Court posts remain vacant. DMK MP R Girirajan said the additional judges would help reduce the Supreme Court’s mounting backlog, while BJD MP Dr Sasmit Patra emphasised the need to improve infrastructure in both the Supreme Court and High Courts. YSRCP MP S. Niranjan Reddy pointed to the increasing number of cases handled by each judge. AIADMK MP I.S. Inbadurai welcomed the move, calling it a timely reform, and urged the Centre to fill vacant judicial posts in the Madras High Court, where only 52 judges are currently serving against a sanctioned strength of 75. Shiv Sena MP Dr Jyoti N. Waghmare said the legislation would strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and contribute to faster justice delivery. Members including Rajendra Jain (NCP), Sanjay Singh (AAP), Milind Deora (Shiv Sena), Vijay Chintakayala (TDP) and Mahua Maji (JMM) also participated in the debate. Following the passage of the Bill, the Rajya Sabha proceeded with Special Mentions, during which members raised issues of public importance, before adjourning for the day. Source: News on AIR

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Delhi Govt Announces Free Residential JEE, NEET Coaching for Class 12 Students

admin / Education Community

The Delhi government has introduced a one-year scholarship programme to help Class 12 students from government and government-aided schools prepare for competitive entrance examinations such as JEE and NEET at no cost. Under the initiative, selected students will receive fully funded residential coaching at the Dakshana Foundation’s campus in Pune, Maharashtra. The scholarship will cover tuition, accommodation and meals for the entire one-year programme. Eligible students from the science stream enrolled in Delhi government and government-aided schools during the 2026-27 academic session can apply through the Dakshana Foundation’s scholarship portal. The selection process will be conducted through the Joint Dakshana Selection Test (JDST) 2027, scheduled for December 2026. Applicants will first be shortlisted based on the eligibility cut-off set by the Dakshana Foundation. Shortlisted candidates must then complete the Dakshana Scholar Application (DSA). Before appearing for the JDST, candidates will be required to take online mock tests to become familiar with the examination platform. The final test will be conducted at designated examination centres, where students will use their mobile phones to take the exam. Students who qualify in the JDST will proceed to the final stages of the selection process, which include an interview and document verification. The Directorate of Education has instructed principals of all government and government-aided schools to ensure that eligible Class 12 science students are informed about the scholarship opportunity. The programme aims to provide deserving students with access to high-quality coaching and residential support, enabling them to strengthen their preparation for India’s premier engineering and medical entrance examinations. Source: Indian Express

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White-Collar Hiring Up 5% in July as AI Recruitment Jumps 33%: Naukri Report

admin / Human Resource Community

India’s white-collar job market recorded a 5% year-on-year increase in hiring in July, driven by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) talent and a rebound in information technology (IT) recruitment, according to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report. The JobSpeak Index rose to 3,227 in July from 3,074 during the same month last year, signalling a positive beginning to the second quarter of the current financial year. AI and machine learning (AI/ML) continued to be the fastest-growing hiring segment, registering a 33% annual rise in job opportunities. The report noted that AI-related hiring has maintained strong momentum for more than two years, making it the leading growth area in India’s white-collar employment landscape. The IT and software services sector also witnessed a recovery, with hiring increasing 6% compared to last year. The growth was primarily driven by Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Within the sector, recruitment for AI-focused roles climbed 30%, while demand for IT and cybersecurity professionals rose by 23%. Among industries, the insurance sector recorded the highest hiring growth at 10%, followed by real estate with an 8% increase. Healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) also posted healthy recruitment activity. In contrast, hiring declined across telecom, banking and financial services (BFSI), pharmaceuticals, hospitality and education. Commenting on the trends, Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of Info Edge (India) Ltd, said the July data reflects a job market that is steadily strengthening, with employers continuing to invest in future-ready skills while expanding their workforce. Recruitment of fresh graduates remained strong, growing 6% year-on-year. Hiring also increased across most mid-level and senior-level experience categories, indicating broad-based demand across the employment market. Among major cities, Kolkata led hiring growth with a 17% increase, followed by Hyderabad at 16%, Chennai at 11% and Bengaluru at 8%. Hiring activity in Mumbai and Delhi remained largely unchanged during the month. The report also highlighted a 5% rise in recruitment by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), led by Chennai and Hyderabad, with continued strong demand for experienced AI professionals and premium AI roles. Source: IANS

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India Accounts for Nearly 70% of South Asia’s Childhood Leukaemia Cases: Lancet Study

admin / Health & Wellness Community

India bears the highest burden of childhood leukaemia in South Asia, accounting for nearly 70% of all reported cases in the region, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Researchers attribute the high numbers largely to the country’s vast child population, along with challenges in timely diagnosis and access to specialised treatment. An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 children below the age of 15 are diagnosed with leukaemia in India every year. In West Bengal alone, population-based estimates suggest that around 1,000 to 1,800 children develop the disease annually. Data from hospitals such as Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute and NRS Medical College indicate that acute leukaemia represents nearly 39% of all paediatric cancers in the state. Leukaemia remains the most common childhood cancer in India, accounting for nearly 30–40% of all paediatric cancer cases. Among these, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) constitutes nearly three-fourths of diagnoses. Dr. Pritam Singha Roy, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Tata Medical Centre, said the number of reported cases has increased over the past decade due to improved diagnostic facilities, greater public awareness and government initiatives that have enabled more children to receive timely treatment. Experts note that India primarily tracks new cancer diagnoses rather than the total number of children living with the disease, making incidence data more readily available than prevalence figures. According to Dr. Narendra Agarwal, Haematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, India’s large population contributes significantly to its high case count, while many neighbouring countries may still have substantial numbers of undiagnosed or unreported cases. He added that delayed diagnosis remains a major concern, although treatment facilities and patient outcomes have improved considerably across the country. The study examined childhood cancer trends across the eight SAARC nations—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the Maldives—which together are home to nearly 600 million children aged 0–14 years. Researchers estimated that the region recorded 37,716 new childhood cancer cases and 17,698 deaths in 2022. India accounted for 25,939 cases (68.8%), followed by Pakistan with 7,841 cases (20.8%). Leukaemia emerged as the leading childhood cancer across all SAARC countries, representing between 35% and 50% of cases, while central nervous system (CNS) tumours ranked second. The report also highlighted significant disparities in mortality and healthcare access across South Asia, with mortality-to-incidence ratios varying widely among countries. It called for stronger regional collaboration to improve cancer registration systems, expand access to specialised paediatric oncology care and ensure uninterrupted treatment for affected children. Source: TNN

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Mandaviya Honours Commonwealth Weightlifting Medallists, Urges Them to Inspire Young Athletes

admin / Governance Community

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated India’s medal-winning weightlifting contingent from the Commonwealth Games 2026, awarding cash incentives and encouraging the athletes to inspire young Indians by engaging with students in schools and colleges. To recognise their achievements, the Minister presented ₹30 lakh to gold medallists, ₹20 lakh to silver medallists and ₹10 lakh to bronze medallists. India’s weightlifting team concluded its Glasgow campaign with an impressive tally of eight medals—one gold, six silver and one bronze—across 11 weight categories, while also setting multiple Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records alongside several personal-best performances. Congratulating the athletes, Mandaviya said the nation celebrated every medal won by the team and noted that their achievements were acknowledged in Parliament, reflecting the country’s pride in their success. The Minister also lauded the contribution of coaches, particularly Dronacharya awardee Vijay Sharma, describing coaches as the backbone of an athlete’s journey and recognising their role in producing world-class champions. Among the standout performers, Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu created history by becoming the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals. Rishikanta Singh and Valluri Ajay Babu set new Commonwealth Games records in the snatch event, while Gyaneshwari Yadav and Harjinder Kaur registered personal-best lifts during the competition. Highlighting the success of government-backed sports programmes, Mandaviya noted that six of India’s 11 weightlifters are Khelo India Athletes. He added that medallists such as Gyaneshwari Yadav, Bindyarani Devi and Harjinder Kaur have trained at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Patiala, which has become a key hub for nurturing elite sporting talent. Calling the athletes role models, the Minister urged them to visit educational institutions and share their journeys of perseverance and achievement to motivate more young people to embrace sports. During the interaction, Mandaviya discussed the athletes’ training experiences, personal struggles and preparations for the 2026 Asian Games. The lifters credited national coaching camps, international exposure and scientific training for helping them reach the podium and expressed confidence about bringing more honours to India. The Minister also encouraged athletes who narrowly missed medals, reminding them that setbacks are an integral part of competitive sport and urging them to continue striving for excellence. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to sports development, Mandaviya said initiatives such as Khelo India are creating a strong talent pipeline by providing athletes with world-class coaching, scientific support and competitive opportunities to excel on the global stage. Separately, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi applauded the outstanding performance of India’s women athletes at the Commonwealth Games, noting that Nari Shakti played a pivotal role in the country’s campaign by winning eight of India’s 13 gold medals across boxing, weightlifting, judo and para athletics. In a post on X, she highlighted that five Indian women boxers secured gold medals and said their achievements reflect the growing strength of women’s sports in the country. She added that their success is inspiring a new generation of girls to pursue sporting excellence and credited the progress to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India’s daughters are ushering in a new era of sporting achievement. Source: DD News

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IIT Kanpur Launches 6-Month Online AI and Machine Learning Certificate Programme for Business Analytics

admin / Press Release

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has announced a six-month online certificate programme in Advanced Data Science and Machine Learning for Business Analytics, designed to help graduates and working professionals strengthen their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data-driven business strategies. The programme is scheduled to begin on October 3, 2026, with admissions remaining open until mid-September 2026. It aims to prepare learners to apply AI-powered solutions and analytics across sectors including finance, marketing, consulting, operations, product management, and business analytics. Eligibility Criteria Applicants from any academic discipline can apply if they have secured at least 55% aggregate marks from a recognised university or institution. Professionals with three or more years of relevant work experience are also eligible with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks, according to IIT Kanpur. Application Process Candidates can apply by following these steps: Visit the official IIT Kanpur course application portal. Click on Apply or Register Interest. Create an account or log in. Complete the online application form. Upload the necessary documents. Pay the application fee. Submit the application. Await admission confirmation from IIT Kanpur. Industry-Focused Curriculum Developed in collaboration with faculty members from leading IITs and IIMs, the curriculum covers Python and R programming, data analysis, data visualisation, machine learning, and generative AI. The programme emphasises practical learning through real-world business applications and hands-on projects. Prof. Abhinav Tripathi, Programme Coordinator and faculty in the Department of Management Sciences at IIT Kanpur, said that AI and machine learning have become indispensable across industries. He noted that the programme has been designed to provide participants with practical, industry-oriented knowledge and hands-on experience to address modern business challenges. According to IIT Kanpur, the course will also help participants develop AI-powered analytics capabilities, automate routine business processes, and generate actionable insights for informed decision-making. Source: Indian Express ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

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Climate Change Could Wipe Out Thousands of Urban Jobs in India by 2050: World Bank

admin / Human Resource Community

India’s major cities could face the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs over the next few decades as extreme heat increasingly makes outdoor work unsafe, according to a new World Bank report. The findings highlight the growing economic impact of climate change on employment, productivity, and urban development. The report estimates that New Delhi could lose the equivalent of 266,000 full-time jobs by 2030, with the figure rising to 418,000 by 2050 due to unsafe working conditions caused by extreme heat. Kolkata is projected to lose 360,000 jobs by 2030 and 391,000 by 2050, while Mumbai could see losses increase from 204,000 to 255,000 during the same period. Chennai is expected to lose 141,000 jobs by 2030, rising slightly to 145,000 by 2050. South Asia Faces Growing Economic Risks Across South Asia, extreme heat is already responsible for the loss of an estimated 31 million full-time jobs annually. The World Bank warns that without stronger climate adaptation measures, the region’s economy could shrink by nearly 7% by 2050. With an additional 280 million people expected to join the working-age population by mid-century, rising temperatures pose a serious challenge to employment and long-term economic growth. Johannes Zutt, the World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, said the region’s cities are vital to future economic progress, but increasing temperatures threaten jobs, livelihoods, and overall productivity. Heat Impact Extends Beyond Workplaces The report also highlights how rising temperatures could disrupt transportation and daily life. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is among the few major airports worldwide projected to experience temperatures close to or above 50°C for several days each year by 2030, potentially forcing airlines to reduce passenger or cargo loads. In Delhi, around 38% of Metro commuters’ travel time is spent walking, exposing millions to dangerous heat levels. Other cities are also expected to see worsening conditions. Patna’s share of annual working hours deemed unsafe due to heat could increase from 2.4% in 2030 to 6.3% by 2080, while Jaipur’s losses are projected to rise from 1.5% to 2.9% over the same period. Heat Deaths May Be Underreported According to the World Bank, the official death toll linked to extreme heat is likely underestimated because fatalities are often recorded as resulting from heart or kidney failure rather than heat exposure. The report cites research suggesting that a single five-day heatwave in India may have contributed to approximately 30,000 excess deaths. Sustainable Cooling Presents a Major Opportunity Despite the risks, the report points to significant economic opportunities in climate adaptation. India’s sustainable cooling market could reach $1.6 trillion by 2040, driven by growing demand for energy-efficient cooling systems, green buildings, and climate-resilient infrastructure. The World Bank also found that investments in heat early warning systems offer substantial returns, generating an estimated $50 in benefits for every $1 invested, making them one of the most cost-effective climate resilience measures for Indian cities. Source: Economic Times

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IIM Kozhikode Introduces 20-Week Executive Programme on Product Innovation with AI and Agentic AI

admin / Education Community

Responding to the growing demand for artificial intelligence-driven product development, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has launched a 20-week Executive Programme in Product Innovation with AI & Agentic AI. The programme is designed to equip working professionals with the expertise needed to create AI-powered products and drive innovation in an increasingly AI-centric business environment. The curriculum focuses on enabling participants to move beyond the use of conventional AI tools and develop AI-native products. It covers the complete product development lifecycle, including identifying market opportunities, understanding customer needs, rapid prototyping, deployment, optimisation, and scaling AI-enabled solutions. The programme will be delivered by IIM Kozhikode faculty alongside experienced industry professionals working on cutting-edge AI products. Participants will also attend four live masterclasses covering key topics such as AI-native product design, human-AI interaction, agentic AI systems, and emerging trends in AI-led product innovation. As part of the hands-on learning experience, learners will complete five applied mini projects and a capstone project focused on AI opportunity assessment, customer validation, experimentation, prototyping, agentic workflow development, and deployment-ready product creation. The course also offers practical exposure to more than 20 industry-standard AI and product management tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, Figma, Uizard, n8n, Mixpanel, Amplitude, Miro, Notion, Jira, and Google Looker Studio. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate from IIM Kozhikode. They can also choose an optional one-day campus immersion, available at an additional cost, to engage in networking opportunities and academic interactions. The executive programme aims to help professionals understand how AI is transforming product strategy, business models, user experience, agile development, data strategy, and autonomous workflows, preparing them to build innovative products for the AI-first era. The launch comes at a time when AI adoption continues to accelerate globally. According to the McKinsey State of AI Report 2025, 88% of organisations have integrated AI into at least one business function, compared to 55% in the previous year. Meanwhile, insights from the Forrester 2026 and Figma AI Report 2025 indicate that 51% of AI product teams are now developing agentic AI solutions, a significant increase from 21% in 2024. Source: Indian Express

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Zee Music Company Strengthens South India Presence with Major Multilingual Music Rights Acquisitions

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Zee Music Company has expanded its footprint in the South Indian entertainment industry by acquiring the music rights for a diverse lineup of upcoming films across Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema. The move reinforces the company’s strategy of building a strong multilingual music catalogue and expanding its pan-India presence. One of the key additions to its portfolio is the Malayalam film I’m Game, featuring Dulquer Salmaan, Samyuktha Viswanathan, Mysskin, Kathir, Antony Varghese, and Parth Tiwari. Directed by Nahas Hidayath, the film’s soundtrack has been composed by Jakes Bejoy, with its trailer expected to be released shortly. Zee Music stated that its expansion in the southern market gained momentum following the success of the Malayalam film Balan: The Boy, directed by Chidambaram with music by Sushin Shyam. In Telugu cinema, the company has secured music rights for several anticipated projects, including Vikramarka, Pallaburusu, Happy Journey, Mega 158, NBK 111, Kanaka Durga, and VenkyAnil5. The films feature prominent actors such as Chiranjeevi, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Kajal Aggarwal, Nayanthara, Sanjay Dutt, Venkatesh, Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh, and Krithi Shetty, with music composed by Thaman S and G.V. Prakash Kumar. The company’s Malayalam slate has also expanded with Credit Score, while its Kannada catalogue now includes Birbal: Case 2, Vibhrama, and Mangala Gowri. In Tamil, Zee Music has acquired the music rights for Slumdog: 33 Temple Road, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Tabu, with music by Harshavardhan Rameshwar. Further strengthening its multilingual portfolio, Zee Music has secured the music rights for Toxic, starring Yash and produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. The acquisition covers the film’s Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions. Beyond feature films, the company has entered the television and digital entertainment space through a partnership with ZEE5 Malayalam for the upcoming hip-hop reality show Kerala Underground. As part of the collaboration, Zee Music has acquired the show’s music rights and released its promotional anthem featuring Dabzee, The Imbachi, MC Couper, and Parimal Shais. Commenting on the expansion, Sujal Parekh, Chief Business Officer at Zee Music Company, said the partnership with Wayfarer Films for I’m Game marks another milestone in strengthening the label’s presence in the Malayalam market while supporting its broader pan-India growth strategy. He also expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with composer Jakes Bejoy to bring quality music to audiences across multiple languages. The newly acquired slate of films and projects is expected to be released throughout 2026 and 2027. Source: Economic Times

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