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Novo Nordisk Introduces Once-Weekly Insulin Injection ‘Awiqli’ in India for Adults with Diabetes

/ Health & Wellness Community

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli, its once-weekly basal insulin injection, in India, offering adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes an alternative to conventional daily insulin therapy. The company announced the launch on July 9, with the product set to become available across the country next week. Awiqli, also known by its generic name insulin icodec, is the world’s first clinically approved once-weekly long-acting basal insulin. By requiring just 52 injections annually instead of 365, the treatment aims to improve patient convenience and adherence to insulin therapy. Novo Nordisk has priced the weekly dose of 70 insulin units at ₹261. The product will be available in two pre-filled pen formats: a 1 ml pen containing 700 units priced at ₹2,611, and a 3 ml pen with 2,100 units priced at ₹7,833. According to the company, this makes the therapy competitively priced compared to existing daily basal insulin options, which cost between ₹345 and ₹453 for an equivalent weekly dose. The company highlighted the significant diabetes burden in India, where more than 101 million people are living with diabetes, while another 136 million are estimated to have prediabetes. It also noted that insulin therapy is often initiated 7–9 years later than recommended, largely due to concerns over frequent injections, pain, and treatment costs. India currently has around 6 million people receiving insulin therapy, and Novo Nordisk expects that figure to increase to 9 million in the coming years as awareness and access improve. According to market estimates by IMARC, India’s insulin market is projected to expand from $660.5 million in 2025 to $916.4 million by 2034, supported by the rising prevalence of diabetes driven by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and genetic factors. Earlier this year, Awiqli received regulatory approval in the United States and has also been cleared for use in the European Union and several other countries. India becomes the seventh country to introduce the once-weekly insulin. The new therapy is expected to compete with established basal insulin brands, including Sanofi’s Lantus, as well as insulin glargine products marketed by Indian pharmaceutical companies such as Biocon, Eris Lifesciences, and Lupin. Novo Nordisk is also strengthening its presence in India’s rapidly growing obesity treatment market, where it faces competition from Eli Lilly and several domestic drug manufacturers. Source: REUTERS

Novo Nordisk Introduces Once-Weekly Insulin Injection ‘Awiqli’ in India for Adults with Diabetes Read More »

Private Universities Drive India’s Higher Education Expansion, Growing Three Times Faster Than Public Institutions Over a Decade

/ Education Community

India’s higher education landscape has witnessed a major transformation over the past decade, with private universities emerging as the primary drivers of institutional growth. According to the Ministry of Education’s All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24, the number of private universities increased from 219 in 2013-14 to 546 in 2023-24, registering a remarkable 149.3% growth. In comparison, government universities rose from 504 to 733 during the same period, reflecting a comparatively modest 45.4% increase. Overall, the total number of universities in the country climbed from 723 to 1,279, marking a 76.9% rise over the decade. The data indicates that private universities expanded at more than three times the pace of their government counterparts. At the state level, Gujarat recorded the highest increase in private universities, adding 51 institutions to reach 67 private universities in 2023-24, overtaking Rajasthan, which now has 57. Madhya Pradesh followed with 52 private universities, while Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra reported 45 and 42, respectively. Government universities, however, continued to maintain a strong presence across the country. Uttar Pradesh remained the leading state in terms of public universities, increasing its count from 35 to 58, followed by Karnataka, which expanded from 32 to 51 government institutions. Despite the rapid rise in private universities, public institutions continue to educate the majority of university students. Government university enrolment increased from 51.9 lakh students in 2013-14 to 73.9 lakh in 2023-24, although their share of total enrolment declined from 81.3% to 68.1% over the decade. Private universities, on the other hand, recorded a much sharper increase in student numbers. Enrolment nearly tripled from 11.9 lakh to 34.6 lakh students, representing a 191.8% growth. Their share of total university enrolment rose from 18.6% in 2013-14 to 31.9% in 2023-24, highlighting their growing role in India’s higher education ecosystem. The AISHE findings also point to broader progress in higher education participation. India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for the 18–23 age group improved from 23.0 in 2013-14 to 30.0 in 2023-24. Female participation continued to outpace that of males, with the female GER reaching 31.2, compared to the male GER of 28.9, marking the seventh consecutive year in which women recorded a higher enrolment ratio. Source: Indian Express  

Private Universities Drive India’s Higher Education Expansion, Growing Three Times Faster Than Public Institutions Over a Decade Read More »

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

/ Human Resource Community

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

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

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

/ Governance Community

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

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

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

/ Health & Wellness Community

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

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

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

/ Education Community

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

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

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

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

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

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

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

/ Human Resource Community

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

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

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

/ Health & Wellness Community

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

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

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

/ Education Community

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

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