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BITS Pilani’s K K Birla Goa Campus Confers Degrees on 1,109 Graduates at Convocation 2026

/ Press Release

Distinguished Alumnus and MapmyIndia Co-Founder & CMD Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma Delivers Convocation Address GOA, 10th August 2026: BITS Pilani’s K K Birla Goa Campus today celebrated the achievements of 1,109 graduating students at its Convocation 2026, marking another milestone in the Institute’s journey of nurturing globally competent engineers, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The Convocation was graced by Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma, Co-Founder and Chairman & Managing Director, MapmyIndia, a distinguished alumnus of BITS Pilani, as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, in the presence of Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, along with members of the Board of Governors, faculty, students, and their families. The graduating cohort comprised 674 First Degree, 257 Dual Degree, 121 Higher Degree (M.E.), and 57 PhD students, reflecting the campus’ continued contribution to building highly skilled professionals and researchers across disciplines. Congratulations to the graduating students, Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “As our graduates begin their next chapter, I hope they carry forward the spirit of curiosity, integrity and excellence that defines BITS Pilani. The campus they leave behind is also evolving through a curriculum redesign built around flexible, cross-disciplinary electives and expanded minors—because depth in one discipline is no longer enough. The graduates who will matter most are those who can move fluidly across disciplines. That entrepreneurial spirit is already reflected in the numbers: BITSians have founded 140 deep-tech startups, more than alumni of any other Indian institution, ahead of IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi. Building excellence, ensuring equity, and expanding with purpose—that is the vision guiding BITS Pilani, and the same vision I hope our graduates carry into whatever they build next.” Recognising outstanding academic achievement, Mr. Shamit Khetan was awarded the Gold Medal, Ms. Vrishti Deepak Godhwani received the Silver Medal, and Mr. Aditya Ashok Tailor was presented with the Bronze Medal among the First Degree graduates. Among the Higher Degree programmes, Mr. Sumit Sakharam Ghodke and Mr. Rudraksh Alias Bhagwant Mukund Suryarao Sardesai were jointly awarded the Gold Medal, while Mr. Vignesh A and Ms. Neelima M shared the Silver Medal. Addressing the graduating class, Distinguished Alumnus and MapmyIndia Co-Founder & CMD, Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma, said, “I congratulate the graduating class on this occasion. As you step into a world of endless possibilities, remember that your ability to adapt, remain resilient and keep moving forward will matter as much as your technical knowledge. In an age of Artificial Intelligence, use technology as a tool, but never lose sight of human judgment, and curiosity. Build your careers with humility and purpose, and remember that success is not only about what you achieve for yourself, but also about the value you create for others.” The Convocation also celebrated exceptional academic and research excellence through prestigious student awards. The Prof. Suman Kapur Memorial Best Ph.D. Thesis Award 2026 was conferred upon Dr. Madduri Madhuri; Prof. Raghurama Outstanding Student Award 2025–26 was presented to Ms. Aarya Ameet Agavekar, Ms. Himangi Aggarwal, and Mr. Shamit Khetan in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements and overall contributions to the Institute. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani Goa Campus, said, “Convocation is not only a celebration of our students’ academic achievements but also a reaffirmation of BITS Pilani’s commitment to nurturing leaders, innovators, and responsible global citizens. The graduating class of 2026 leaves the campus equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to address complex challenges and create meaningful impact across industries, research, entrepreneurship, and society.” During the academic year, the campus expanded its academic portfolio with a co-tutelage 2+2 undergraduate programme in Computer Science with RMIT University, Australia, introduced two new M.E. programmes in Quantum Science and Technology and Quantum Information Processing, and launched a Minor in Computing and Intelligence, reaffirming its commitment to preparing graduates for emerging technology domains. The Institute also witnessed significant growth in research, securing 91 sponsored projects worth over ₹30.72 crore from government agencies, industry, and international collaborators. Faculty advanced research in areas including green hydrogen, quantum technologies, advanced semiconductor devices, and indigenous navigation systems, while producing 720 research publications supported through extensive national and international collaborations. Along with the new interdisciplinary research centers, the campus has built or expanded advanced AR/VR and Biomedical Engineering laboratories as well as Impact Engineering and Micro-Fabrication laboratories to further fund its research infrastructure, along with a BSL-2 facility for biosciences research. The AICTE IDEA Lab, for which a ₹90 lakh outlay was approved, is likely to encourage innovation, product development and entrepreneurship in students. The Institute has also expanded its global reach, establishing nine new international partnerships with higher education institutions in major European and North American countries that open the way for future joint research projects and student exchange. BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering engagement with the local community, educational institutions, industry, and international partners, extending beyond traditional academic boundaries. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

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Nagaland University study identifies economic value of 47 non-timber forest products across Nagaland, Meghalaya

/ Press Release

The study found that Non-Timber Forest Products support the food security and livelihoods of forest-dependent tribal communities, with surplus produce generating additional household income MEDZIPHEMA, NAGALAND, 10th August 2026: A Nagaland University study has identified 47 Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) across villages in Nagaland and Meghalaya, highlighting the important role of Non-Timber Forest Products in supporting tribal livelihoods, local economies and biodiversity conservation. The study calls for sustainable utilisation and management of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) through ecological assessments and structured harvesting guidelines to ensure these valuable forest resources remain available for future generations. Researchers also highlight the potential of NTFPs to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for marginalized communities in remote forest areas, providing an additional source of income beyond traditional agriculture. A video byte of Prof. Sanjoy Das, Nagaland University, explaining this research can be viewed and downloaded from the following link – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RUxO1zg5qMWrhuPR2UWOz52es0M27c32/view Conducted across 20 villages covering 250 households, the study identified 47 plant- and animal-based NTFPs and assessed their collection, utilisation and economic value. The findings show that forest-dependent tribal communities rely on these resources for household consumption as food, beverages, medicines and other value-added products, while surplus produce is sold in local markets, making NTFPs an important source of livelihood and supplementary household income. The findings were published in Indian Journal of Ecology (https://indianjournals.com/article/ije1-52-2-005?utm), a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research on ecology, environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and ecosystem sustainability. The Paper was co-authored by Mr. LimasunepOzukum, Prof. Sanjoy Das, Prof. Amod Sharma, Prof. R. Nakhro, Prof. N.K. Patra, Prof. Manoj Dutta and M. Jangyukala from School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus. Highlighting the importance of research on topics of relevance to local communities, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “I am delighted that Nagaland University continues to contribute meaningful research addressing the socio-economic and ecological priorities of the North Eastern Region. The identification of the economic value of 47 Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) across Nagaland and Meghalaya is a significant step towards recognizing the immense potential of our forest resources in strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring food security. I congratulate the research team for this commendable achievement and hope that their findings will contribute to informed policy decisions and the sustainable utilization of our rich natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.’’ A key finding of the study was the scientific identification and classification of 47 Non-Timber Forest Products, most of which are used for nourishment followed by therapeutic purposes. Elaborating on the study, Prof. Sanjoy Das, Department of Agricultural Economics, Nagaland University, said, “Despite India’s rich biodiversity, the economic value of many Non-Timber Forest Products remains inadequately recognised. Through this study, we identified commonly available NTFPs in selected areas of Nagaland and Meghalaya, documented their collection and utilisation patterns, and assessed their economic value, highlighting their importance for rural livelihoods and the need for their sustainable utilisation and management.” The researchers also documented the plant parts that were commonly used, their seasonal availability, the frequency of collection, the average time spent on collection trips and the distance travelled by villagers. Bamboo shoot was the highest return earning NTFPs in Meghalaya while wild black pepper was the most common and highest return earning NTFPs in Nagaland. North East India is home to more than 33% of India’s total flora and supports over 100 indigenous communities that rely on forest products for sustenance and income. Non-Timber Forest Products play an important role in supporting the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, yet their economic value remains inadequately recognised. Although India is home to about 3,000 NTFP species, only 126 have developed marketability, highlighting the need for their scientific identification and economic valuation. The findings highlight that the value of NTFPs extends beyond market returns to include ecological services, subsistence needs and cultural significance, underscoring their importance to tribal communities. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

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India’s Growing Metabolic Health Crisis: Obesity, Diabetes and Hypertension

/ Article/Stories

For years, India’s biggest health challenges were closely associated with infectious diseases, malnutrition and limited access to healthcare. But the country is now facing another major public-health challenge: a rapidly growing burden of metabolic and non-communicable diseases. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels are increasingly affecting Indians across age groups and income categories. What makes the situation particularly concerning is that these conditions are closely connected. A person with excess weight may develop insulin resistance, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol can further increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The problem is no longer confined to older adults. Younger Indians are increasingly exposed to sedentary lifestyles, calorie-dense diets, poor sleep and chronic stress, creating the conditions for metabolic problems much earlier in life. The World Health Organization identifies unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption as major behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases. These behaviours contribute to metabolic changes such as raised blood pressure, high blood glucose, overweight and obesity. The scale of India’s metabolic health problem One of the clearest pictures of India’s metabolic health comes from the ICMR-INDIAB study, a large population-based study covering adults across 31 states and Union Territories. Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in 2023, the study assessed more than 113,000 participants and examined the prevalence of diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, obesity and other metabolic conditions. The findings estimated that India had around 101 million people living with diabetes, while another 136 million were in the prediabetes category. The study also highlighted substantial levels of hypertension and obesity, with considerable variation between states and between urban and rural populations. This variation is important. India does not have a single metabolic-health profile. Dietary habits, economic conditions, urbanisation, physical activity, genetics and access to healthcare differ significantly from one region to another. Yet the broader direction is clear: metabolic disorders have become a major component of India’s disease burden. Obesity is becoming a public-health issue Obesity is often discussed as an issue of appearance or weight management. Medically, however, excess body fat can have much broader consequences. India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notes that overweight and obesity are important risk factors for conditions including coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, certain cancers and osteoarthritis. The concern is also spreading to younger generations. In July 2026, reporting based on the World Obesity Atlas 2026 estimated that approximately 41 million children in India were overweight or obese. Around the same time, ICMR-NIN unveiled policy recommendations focused on improving children’s food environments, including measures involving food advertising, labelling, school canteens and the pricing of unhealthy foods. Childhood obesity is particularly concerning because metabolic risk can accumulate over decades. A child who develops unhealthy eating patterns and low physical activity early in life may carry those behaviours into adolescence and adulthood. That does not mean every overweight child will develop diabetes or hypertension. But it does mean that prevention has to begin much earlier than the traditional idea of starting health checks only in middle age. Diabetes: India’s expanding metabolic challenge Diabetes is perhaps the most visible part of India’s metabolic-health crisis. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Genetics can play a role, but lifestyle and environmental factors also influence risk. India’s dietary transition has become an important part of the discussion. A 2025 study based on ICMR-INDIAB data and published in Nature Medicine examined dietary patterns among more than 18,000 adults. It reported associations between higher consumption of low-quality carbohydrates, including refined grains and added sugars, and increased odds of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and obesity. The study also found that replacing a portion of dietary carbohydrates with protein, particularly from sources such as pulses, legumes and dairy, was associated with lower diabetes risk. This does not mean that carbohydrates are inherently unhealthy or that Indians should eliminate rice or wheat from their diets. Rather, it highlights the importance of diet quality, portion sizes and dietary balance. For many Indians, the issue is not simply the presence of carbohydrates but a dietary pattern dominated by refined grains and added sugars, combined with insufficient protein, fibre, vegetables and other nutrient-dense foods. Hypertension: The silent component of the crisis If diabetes is often associated with blood-sugar testing, hypertension presents a different challenge. High blood pressure can remain undetected for years because many people experience no obvious symptoms. Persistently elevated blood pressure places additional strain on blood vessels and the heart and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney problems. India’s National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases includes population-based screening for hypertension and diabetes among people aged 30 years and above. The screening process includes assessment of risk factors, BMI and blood pressure, among other measures. Government data also indicate the scale of the response required. The National NCD portal reported more than 9.36 crore people under treatment for hypertension and diabetes as of June 2026. Importantly, the number of people receiving treatment should not be interpreted as the total number of Indians living with these diseases. It represents people captured within the government’s treatment system. Why are metabolic diseases increasing? There is no single cause. 1. Changing food habits India’s food environment has changed rapidly. Traditional diets have increasingly been supplemented or replaced by packaged foods, sugary drinks, refined carbohydrates, fried foods and highly processed snacks. Convenience has become an important factor, particularly in urban areas where long working hours and commuting leave less time for preparing meals. 2. Physical inactivity Modern work increasingly involves sitting for prolonged periods. Office jobs, commuting, screen-based entertainment and reduced everyday physical activity can result in people expending far fewer calories than previous generations. Regular exercise cannot completely compensate for an unhealthy diet, but physical activity remains an important component of metabolic health. 3. Urbanisation Urbanisation has brought economic opportunity

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NITI Aayog Proposes Reforms That Could Reshape Entry and Practice Across Professional Services

/ Education Community

The NITI Aayog has proposed a series of reforms that could bring significant changes to how professionals qualify, obtain licences and operate across sectors such as law, accounting, architecture, engineering and healthcare. The recommendations focus on areas including professional licensing, recognition of qualifications, interstate mobility, business structures and mutual recognition agreements with other countries. While the proposals are not binding, they are intended to serve as a framework for further discussion and policy development. According to NITI Aayog, the services sector contributed around 55% of India’s GDP in 2023-24, while India accounted for 4.3% of global services exports. Professional and management consulting services alone represented nearly one-fifth of the country’s services exports in 2024-25. Key Regulatory Gaps Under Review The report highlights several challenges surrounding market entry, professional recognition, licensing, business structures, mobility and overlapping regulatory systems. In the legal sector, the proposals examine recognition of different categories of legal professionals, rules governing foreign lawyers and law firms, advertising restrictions and the structures through which legal professionals can operate. For accounting, auditing and bookkeeping, the report considers the role of bodies such as ICAI and NFRA, restrictions affecting foreign professionals and the need to strengthen the regulatory framework for bookkeeping services. The review also covers architecture, engineering, healthcare and allied healthcare, with sector-specific regulatory gaps identified in each area. Healthcare, for instance, faces multiple layers of regulation and does not yet have a unified mechanism for professionals to transfer licences between states. The issue becomes more complex in the case of foreign medical graduates. For engineering, NITI Aayog has pointed to the absence of a comprehensive statutory framework governing professional engineering practice. Greater Focus on Professional Mobility Recognition of qualifications and the ability of professionals to work across jurisdictions are another major focus of the report. NITI Aayog has examined India’s framework against practices followed in other countries, particularly regarding market access, licensing, business structures and recognition of professional qualifications. In architecture, for example, professionals in India primarily operate through sole proprietorships and partnerships, while countries such as the UK, New Zealand and Singapore permit broader structures, including LLPs and incorporated companies. The report suggests that improving mutual recognition arrangements could help Indian professionals gain greater international mobility while also creating clearer pathways for qualified foreign professionals to enter the Indian market. Four Broad Priorities Identified The report outlines four key areas for strengthening professional services: continuous professional development, adoption of global best practices, moving professional services towards higher-value segments of the services economy, and responding to emerging trends. For the legal profession, recommendations include broader statutory recognition, clearer rules for foreign law firms, mutual recognition agreements, reconsideration of advertising restrictions and the possibility of multidisciplinary practices with appropriate safeguards. For accounting and auditing, the report recommends expanding mutual recognition agreements, strengthening regulatory supervision, improving bookkeeper training and introducing phased accreditation routes for qualified foreign professionals. For architecture, suggested measures include a professional licensing examination, simplified registration procedures, broader permissible business structures and mutual recognition agreements. For engineering, NITI Aayog has proposed a central statutory framework covering engineers involved in construction and infrastructure, along with clearly defined scopes of professional practice. In healthcare and allied healthcare, the recommendations include timely implementation of the National Exit Test (NExT), greater regulatory clarity, portability of professional licences across states, full implementation of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act and stronger international recognition mechanisms. AI and the Shift Towards Higher-Value Work The proposed reforms come as professional services undergo rapid transformation due to technology and changing global demand. The report identifies areas such as research and development, engineering design, strategic technology operations and consulting as increasingly important parts of the move towards knowledge-intensive, higher-value services. Artificial intelligence, automation, the green transition and geopolitical changes are expected to further influence the professional services landscape. While technology is altering how several services are delivered, it is also generating demand for capabilities in advanced analytics, strategic consulting and technology-driven decision-making. For students and existing professionals, the proposed reforms could eventually have implications for licensing, accreditation, qualification recognition, continuing professional development and mobility. However, NITI Aayog has emphasised that the recommendations are reference points for further deliberation rather than mandatory policy measures at this stage. Source: Indian Express

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NCERT Faces 1,596 Vacancies as CBSE Reports 44% Staff Shortage: Parliamentary Panel

/ Education Community

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is facing a significant staff shortage, with more than half of its sanctioned positions lying vacant, while the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has 44 per cent of its posts unfilled, according to a parliamentary committee report. The findings were highlighted in the Tenth Report (Eighteenth Lok Sabha) of the Committee on Estimates for 2026-27, which reviewed budget and policy aspects of affordable and quality education, including the functioning of CBSE. The report was presented in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The panel noted that NCERT has a critical role in shaping India’s school education system and supporting the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The organisation has developed the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCFFS) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE), besides working on new syllabi and textbooks aligned with these frameworks. However, the committee raised concerns over the scale of vacancies within NCERT. As of October 2025, NCERT had 2,844 sanctioned posts across its various branches, of which only 1,248 were occupied. This left 1,596 positions vacant. The vacancies included 145 academic posts, 131 school teaching positions, 916 ministerial posts and 404 ancillary positions. The committee called for urgent intervention by the Education Ministry, stressing that NCERT’s role as a national-level institution makes adequate staffing essential for the effective functioning of the country’s education system. The panel also highlighted what it described as a major shortage of permanent employees at CBSE. Of the board’s 2,117 sanctioned positions, 933 remained vacant, accounting for around 44 per cent of the total strength. Group C support staff accounted for the largest share of vacancies, with 595 posts unfilled. The committee expressed concern that CBSE’s dependence on temporary and contractual workers could affect the effective management of its operations, particularly sensitive examination-related responsibilities. The panel recommended that CBSE reduce its reliance on temporary personnel for critical examination work and undertake fast-track recruitment to fill vacant posts within a defined timeframe. It warned that the shortage of permanent staff could pose risks to the safety, quality and smooth conduct of major national-level examinations. The report also pointed out that CBSE is a self-financed autonomous organisation and does not receive grant-in-aid from the Ministry of Education. Meanwhile, CBSE’s expanding network has significantly increased the demands on its administrative infrastructure. The number of schools affiliated with the board rose from 3,787 in 1992-93 to 31,234 in 2024-25, as of October 8, 2025. The board currently functions through 25 regional offices and five sub-regional offices. The committee also noted the growing student base, with more than 17 lakh students appearing for Class 12 and over 23.8 lakh students enrolled in Class 10 in 2025. The panel’s observations underline the need to strengthen staffing and administrative capacity at both NCERT and CBSE as India’s school education ecosystem continues to expand. Source: PTI

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From Scrolling to Storytelling: Why India Is Falling for Microdramas and the Rise of the One-Minute Episode

/ Blogs

For years, the Indian entertainment industry operated on a familiar rhythm: television serials filled the evening, films dominated weekends and OTT platforms competed for hours of uninterrupted viewing. Then came the reel. What started as a quick way to consume comedy, music, fashion and creator content has gradually changed something deeper — the way Indians expect stories to be told. Today, audiences are increasingly moving from watching isolated short videos to following short, episodic stories designed specifically for the smartphone screen. Microdramas — usually vertical, fast-paced episodes that can run for just a few minutes — are emerging as one of the most interesting developments in India’s digital entertainment economy. And the appeal is surprisingly simple: viewers no longer need to find an hour for entertainment. Entertainment can now find them in the few minutes between meetings, during a commute, while waiting for food or before going to bed. The smartphone has become India’s television screen India’s enormous smartphone and internet ecosystem has created the perfect environment for short-form entertainment. By September 2025, India had nearly 1.02 billion internet users and around 750 million smartphones, while average monthly mobile-data consumption had climbed to about 24 GB per user. That infrastructure has changed the economics of attention. A viewer does not necessarily sit down and decide, “I am going to watch a show now.” Instead, entertainment increasingly appears inside the same feeds used for messaging, shopping, news and social interaction. Meta and Ormax’s 2026 research on India’s microdrama audience found that 89% of viewers discover microdramas through social feeds, while viewers spend a median of 3.5 hours a week watching them, often across multiple short sessions. The study surveyed 2,000 viewers aged 18-44 across 14 states. This is perhaps the biggest difference between microdramas and traditional television or OTT. The viewer doesn’t have to go looking for the programme. The programme finds the viewer. From “scroll” to “what happens next?” The evolution is particularly interesting because microdramas combine two seemingly different entertainment habits. The first is the infinite scroll. The second is the serialised story. Reels trained audiences to expect immediate gratification. Traditional television trained them to return tomorrow for the next episode. Microdramas bring those two behaviours together. An episode might establish a conflict in the first few seconds, introduce a dramatic twist and end precisely when the viewer wants an answer. Then comes the next episode. And the next. Instead of asking viewers to commit to a 45-minute episode, microdramas repeatedly ask for a much smaller commitment: just another two minutes. That seemingly insignificant decision can become a surprisingly powerful retention mechanism. The cliffhanger is the new hook Traditional television often used the commercial break to create suspense. OTT platforms use episode endings and season arcs to encourage binge-watching. Microdramas take the idea to an extreme. Almost every episode has to work as a miniature marketing device for the next one. A confrontation may begin in Episode 12 and be resolved only in Episode 13. A secret is revealed halfway through an episode and explained later. A character receives a message — and the episode ends before the audience sees the reply. The objective is not simply to tell a story. It is to create a reason to tap again. This makes microdrama storytelling fundamentally different from conventional short-form creator content. A reel can succeed because it is funny, informative or visually striking. A microdrama needs another ingredient: narrative momentum. Why younger audiences are responding The strongest concentration of microdrama viewers in India is among younger audiences, particularly those aged 18-34, although the format is also attracting students, working professionals, homemakers and viewers outside major metropolitan centres. That demographic profile makes sense. Younger viewers have grown up in an environment where entertainment is available continuously and where the smartphone is often the first screen of the day. But the appeal isn’t necessarily limited to Gen Z. A working professional may not have the time or patience to begin a full-length series after a long day. A student may want entertainment during a short break. Someone travelling on public transport can watch several episodes without needing to dedicate an entire evening. Microdramas effectively turn dead time into entertainment time. India is particularly suited to the format There is another reason microdramas could become much bigger in India: linguistic diversity. A traditional OTT series requires significant investment in production, marketing and distribution. Microdramas can potentially be produced and adapted for different languages and audience segments at a much faster pace. That opens the door to stories built specifically for Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi and other regional audiences rather than treating India as one homogeneous market. The rise of Tamil microdramas, for example, illustrates how quickly the format can develop within a regional entertainment ecosystem. Short dramas lasting roughly one to five minutes are increasingly attracting younger audiences and creating opportunities for new actors, writers and creators. This could eventually produce an entertainment landscape where the next major digital star doesn’t necessarily emerge from television or cinema. They could emerge from a 90-second episode watched on a phone. Bollywood’s biggest competition may not be another film The rise of microdramas also raises an important question for the broader entertainment industry. What exactly are OTT platforms competing against? For years, the answer was Netflix versus Amazon Prime Video versus Disney+ Hotstar and other streaming services. But the competition is increasingly about attention rather than platforms. A viewer deciding whether to watch a 50-minute drama, scroll through Instagram, watch YouTube Shorts or follow a 20-episode microdrama is making an attention decision. That is why major streaming and entertainment companies are increasingly interested in the category. Industry reporting in 2026 has highlighted growing investment in microdramas from major players, as platforms look at short episodic content as both a discovery mechanism and a potential new entertainment business. In other words, the microdrama isn’t necessarily trying to replace the blockbuster series. It is fighting for the moments when the blockbuster series is simply too

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BRICS Economies Emerging as Key Drivers of Global Growth: Sitharaman

/ Governance Community

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that public investment should help unlock private investment rather than replace it, stressing the need for greater private capital participation across BRICS economies. Speaking at a seminar in Jaipur on the New Development Bank’s role in mobilising private investment in BRICS nations, Sitharaman said the grouping’s economies are among the key drivers of global economic growth. However, she noted that attracting private capital remains a significant challenge. The Finance Minister emphasised that access to capital alone is not enough. Building investor confidence, ensuring economic stability and maintaining a predictable, long-term policy environment are equally important to encourage investment. She also underlined the role of multilateral development banks in reducing investment risks, improving the financial viability of projects and boosting investor confidence, which can help attract private capital at scale. Highlighting India’s experience, Sitharaman said the government has expanded infrastructure development through sustained public capital expenditure and structural reforms. New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff also spoke at the seminar. Earlier, Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur said greater participation from private capital is increasingly important amid the evolving global economic environment. The seminar forms part of the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meeting in Jaipur, being held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026. The meeting aims to deepen cooperation among member countries on key global economic and financial matters. Source: News on AIR

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N Chandrasekaran to Step Down as Tata Sons Chairman After Term Ends

/ Human Resource Community

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, has announced that he will not seek another term when his current tenure ends in February 2027, bringing uncertainty over the future leadership of one of India’s largest business conglomerates. The 63-year-old executive said the decision followed the Tata Sons board’s failure to reach unanimous agreement on a proposed five-year extension. The proposal was first discussed in February, but no consensus was reached even after six months. The announcement triggered a sharp reaction in the stock market, with shares of several listed Tata Group companies falling, while investors assessed the potential implications for the conglomerate, which has interests ranging from Air India and Tata Steel to Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Consultancy Services. Chandrasekaran’s decision comes amid reported differences within the Tata Group’s governance structure. Tata Trusts, the charitable arm of the group, holds a 66% stake in Tata Sons and has three nominees on its board. Reports have pointed to disagreements over board appointments, funding decisions and the potential public listing of Tata Sons. The leadership uncertainty comes as the group navigates several major business priorities, including the ongoing turnaround of Air India, which Tata Group acquired from the Indian government in 2022, as well as other large strategic projects. Chandrasekaran said that with several critical initiatives underway, establishing clarity over leadership beyond February 2027 was important for employees, investors, business partners and other stakeholders. He became Tata Group chairman in 2017, succeeding Cyrus Mistry following Mistry’s controversial removal and the subsequent legal dispute. Prior to taking charge of the group, Chandrasekaran served as CEO and managing director of Tata Consultancy Services, where he had built a long career after joining the Tata Group in 1987. Market analyst Ambareesh Baliga said the departure of a leader of Chandrasekaran’s stature was bound to weigh on investor sentiment. However, he noted that the group has around six months to identify a successor and suggested that the next chairman could potentially emerge from within the Tata Group. Source: BBC

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Indian Institutions in QS Rankings Rise from 11 to 52 Since NIRF Launch: Centre

/ Education Community

India’s presence in global higher education rankings has expanded significantly over the past decade, with the number of Indian institutions featured in the QS World University Rankings rising from 11 in 2015 to 52 in the 2027 edition, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Monday. The government linked the growth to efforts to strengthen the quality, competitiveness and global visibility of Indian higher education institutions following the launch of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2015. NIRF was introduced to assess and rank higher education institutions across the country. Its evaluation framework covers teaching, learning and resources; research and professional practices; graduation outcomes; outreach and inclusivity; and peer perception. NIRF participation more than doubles The government response also highlighted a substantial rise in participation in the national ranking exercise. The number of applications submitted to NIRF increased from 6,272 in 2021 to 14,163 in 2025. Over the same period, the number of unique institutions participating in NIRF grew from 4,030 to 7,692, reflecting wider participation across India’s higher education sector. More Indian institutions make gains in QS rankings The QS World University Rankings 2027 indicate that India’s progress is increasingly extending beyond the country’s traditional IIT-led group of institutions. Of the 52 Indian institutions included in the latest rankings, 26 improved their positions, while nine retained their previous ranks. Another 15 institutions saw their rankings decline, while two institutions made their debut in the global rankings. Eighteen Indian institutions recorded their highest-ever QS positions, with 13 of them coming from outside the IIT system. Among the leading Indian institutions, IIT Delhi moved up five places to rank 118th globally, equalling the highest position ever attained by an Indian institution. IIT Bombay, which had reached the same position in the 2026 edition, slipped five places to 134th. IIT Madras improved to 170th, while IIT Kharagpur climbed to 205th. IISc Bengaluru was placed at 221st. Several non-IIT institutions recorded particularly notable gains. Shoolini University moved up 51 places to 452nd, while BITS Pilani jumped 93 places to 575th. VIT made one of the biggest advances, rising 94 places to 597th. IIT Hyderabad improved by 76 places, while Jamia Millia Islamia climbed more than 75 positions to rank 686th. NEP 2020 among key government initiatives The Centre attributed the improvement in the global standing of Indian institutions to a range of policy measures, including initiatives introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy places emphasis on multidisciplinary education, critical thinking, research and innovation, improved infrastructure and faculty development. The government also cited the Institutions of Eminence scheme, funding and institutional support provided through RUSA and PM-USHA, and the expansion of premier higher education institutions as contributing factors. Since 2014, the government said, 43 new premier institutions have been established, including seven IITs, eight Central universities and nine IIMs. The rising number of Indian institutions in the QS rankings, alongside broader participation in NIRF, points to a widening global footprint for India’s higher education sector and growing competition among institutions to improve academic and research performance. Source: Indian Express

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Disney+ Secures Global Streaming Rights to Formula E Racing Across 140+ Markets

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Disney+ has secured global streaming rights to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship across more than 140 territories, bringing one of the world’s leading electric racing series to audiences in 144 markets. The landmark agreement will provide Formula E with a more unified global streaming presence while allowing the championship to retain existing local television partnerships in key markets. In the United States, Formula E races will be available on ESPN’s streaming service, now known as ESPN Select. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said the partnership marks a major milestone for the championship, with Disney’s international reach expected to introduce the electric racing series to a much wider audience. Formula E, which held its first season in 2014, operates independently of Formula 1 and focuses exclusively on electric-powered racing and automotive technology. Disney+ deal comes ahead of GEN4 launch The streaming agreement comes as Formula E prepares to enter a new technological phase with the introduction of its GEN4 racing car. Formula E describes GEN4 as its fastest and most technologically advanced electric race car yet. The vehicle is capable of producing 600 kilowatts of power, equivalent to more than 815 horsepower, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 1.8 seconds. The championship says the acceleration is roughly 30% faster than that of a Formula 1 car, underscoring the technological advances being made in electric motorsport. 21-race season planned for 2026-27 Formula E is scheduled to stage 21 races across 13 locations during the 2026-27 season. The campaign will begin with the opening two rounds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 18 and 19, before concluding in Tokyo in July. Dodds said Disney+ could play a key role in expanding Formula E’s international audience as the championship enters the GEN4 era. The partnership could also extend beyond live race coverage, with both sides exploring additional content and fan-focused experiences. Formula E Chief Media Officer Michaella Snoeck said retaining local linear television agreements alongside Disney+’s global streaming reach would allow the championship to serve established audiences while expanding its digital footprint. Live sports drive streaming growth Disney’s move into Formula E reflects the broader streaming industry’s growing focus on live sports as a way to attract and retain subscribers. High-profile sporting events can provide recurring, appointment-based viewing and encourage audiences to remain engaged with streaming platforms. Formula E’s emphasis on electric mobility, technological innovation and sustainability also aligns with Disney’s broader brand positioning. Disney+ branding will appear on the GEN4 race car during the upcoming season alongside other major commercial partners. Joe Earley, co-president of Direct to Consumer for Disney Entertainment, said Formula E’s combination of competition, technology and sustainability makes it a distinctive addition to Disney+’s live sports offering. The partnership is expected to give Formula E a significantly broader global digital platform as the championship prepares for its next generation of electric racing. Source: Variety

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