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CBSE Releases Class 12 Special Exam Timetable for Students in West Asian Countries

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the timetable for Class 12 special board examinations for students in West Asian countries. The date sheet is available on the board’s official website, cbse.gov.in. The examinations will be conducted from October 23 to October 28, 2026, for students who are dissatisfied with the marks awarded under the special assessment scheme introduced after the cancellation of regular examinations amid the prevailing conflict in the region. Earlier, CBSE cancelled Class 12 board examinations for 40 subjects, including 20 academic papers, across seven West Asian countries: Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision was taken in view of the prevailing war situation, according to examination controller Sanyam Bhardwaj. On March 27, the board introduced an assessment scheme outlining how results would be calculated for affected candidates. The results of regular Class 12 students in the region were subsequently declared on May 13, alongside those of candidates in India and other countries. Under the scheme, students unhappy with their results were given an opportunity to appear for examinations in subjects whose papers had previously been cancelled. Last month, eligible candidates were asked to submit examination forms for the subjects in which they wished to appear. CBSE Class 12 Special Exam Timetable 2026 The subject-wise examination schedule for students appearing in the special board examinations is provided below. Subject Exam Date Exam Timing Political Science October 23, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Economics October 23, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Mathematics October 23, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Applied Mathematics October 23, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Psychology October 24, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Business Studies October 24, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Physical Activity Trainer October 24, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Biology October 26, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Information Technology October 26, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Marketing October 26, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Multimedia October 26, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Artificial Intelligence October 26, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Home Science October 27, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Informatics Practices October 27, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Computer Science October 27, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm English Core October 28, 2026 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Admit Cards Released; Results to Replace Earlier Performance CBSE has also issued admit cards for the special examinations, which will be held at designated centres in the participating countries. According to Bhardwaj, one examination centre has been established in each country based on the List of Candidates (LOC) submitted by students. The board has clarified that the result of the special examination will be treated as final and will replace the candidate’s earlier performance. Students appearing for the examinations are advised to check the official date sheet and admit card details carefully before their respective papers. Source: PTI

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Maharashtra to Introduce Digital Milk Tracking System to Combat Adulteration

admin / Health & Wellness Community

Maharashtra is planning to introduce a digital milk-tracking mechanism within the next six months to a year to strengthen food safety and curb adulteration. The proposed system will enable authorities to trace milk from dairies and collection centres back to the individual animal, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said. Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2026, Mundhe said the FDA had initiated inspections at milk collection centres across the state to identify adulteration, unsafe milk and violations of prescribed hygiene and handling standards. The proposed digital system will use animal identification data, including details recorded on ear tags, to establish a link between milk production and the animals from which the milk originates. The FDA plans to coordinate with the Animal Husbandry Department to match animal records with milk production data, helping officials identify discrepancies and trace the source of potentially adulterated milk. Mundhe said the department had identified hundreds of milk collection centres for inspection around 15 days earlier, with enforcement teams working to trace milk supplies back to individual farmers. He added that collection centres, chilling facilities and dairies previously found violating regulations had begun improving compliance following inspections and enforcement measures. FDA Calls for Greater Public Participation in Food Safety The FDA commissioner emphasised that food safety requires collective responsibility from consumers, food businesses and government agencies rather than relying solely on individual officials. He noted that safe food practices have implications for public health, economic development, farmers and the country’s overall growth. According to Mundhe, awareness and compliance are gradually expanding across the food sector, from street food vendors to established businesses, although the pace of improvement differs. He also highlighted Maharashtra’s ‘Eat Right School’ initiative, which encourages children to adopt healthier eating habits, consume nutritious food and avoid excessive junk food. The programme has received encouraging feedback from parents, he said. FDA Steps Up Pharmaceutical Industry Inspections Mundhe also outlined the department’s enforcement efforts in the pharmaceutical sector, including action against establishments that fail to comply with regulatory requirements. Inspections cover pharmacies, drug manufacturing facilities and producers of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are essential components of medicines. He said inspections had uncovered shortcomings at certain manufacturing facilities, including equipment affected by rust. The department is strengthening surveillance and enforcement to address such deficiencies and improve compliance across the pharmaceutical supply chain. The planned digital milk-tracking system, alongside inspections and awareness initiatives, is expected to support efforts to improve food safety standards and strengthen accountability across Maharashtra’s dairy sector. Source: PTI

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Green Cards Not Central to Workforce Strategy, Says TCS CEO Amid Shift to Local US Hiring

admin / Human Resource Community

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has said that green cards have never been a central component of its workforce strategy, as the IT services major reduces permanent residency applications for H-1B employees and expands local recruitment in the United States. TCS CEO K. Krithivasan said the US suspension of green card processing would not significantly change the company’s approach to talent management. He noted that applications for permanent residency filed by the company in recent years had fallen to single-digit levels, as explained by the company’s human resources leadership. The company has been increasing its reliance on locally recruited professionals in the US, who now account for 50 per cent of its workforce. TCS plans to hire an additional 15,000 employees in the country over the next five years. Of its approximately 30,000-strong US workforce, around 11,000 employees are on H-1B visas. Krithivasan explained that the company’s operating model involves employees travelling from India to the US for client assignments lasting two to three years before returning. He highlighted the continuous movement of talent between onsite and offshore operations as a key feature of its workforce strategy. TCS also said fresher recruitment would remain aligned with business demand rather than a predetermined annual target of 40,000. The company hired 10,000 fresh graduates in the September quarter, compared with 14,000 in the preceding quarter. Meanwhile, TCS has increased its intake of AI-native talent from Indian universities by 50 per cent as it strengthens its artificial intelligence capabilities. Chief Human Resources Officer Sudeep Kunnumal said these recruits were adapting naturally to AI-led work and delivering strong results for clients. The company added 4,258 employees during the quarter, taking its total headcount to approximately 5.9 lakh. Its annualised AI revenue crossed $3.1 billion, contributing more than 10 per cent of overall revenue. Krithivasan also highlighted emerging AI-led engagements, including projects involving Porsche and Best Buy, in which TCS helps clients rethink their operating models to adapt to changing business requirements. The company aims to help organisations transition towards AI-first operations rather than focusing solely on revenue acquisition or protecting existing business. TCS expects growing demand for AI services to compensate for productivity-driven pricing pressures in traditional technology services. However, Krithivasan indicated that a more decisive shift in the balance could take between six quarters and three years. He added that technology spending could remain stable or rise modestly as businesses invest in AI, technology modernisation and operational improvements. Source: TNN

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‘Ramayana’ Part One Set for Worldwide Release on November 5; Advance Bookings to Begin on Dussehra

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The makers of Ramayana have announced that the first instalment of the ambitious two-part cinematic adaptation will arrive in theatres worldwide on November 5. The announcement was made on the first day of Navratri, alongside the unveiling of a new ensemble poster featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey and Yash. Advance bookings for the film are scheduled to open on Dussehra. The makers marked the announcement with the tagline, “Yeh Ram Ke Yug Ka Aarambh Hai,” signalling the beginning of the film’s cinematic journey. The newly released poster features Kapoor as Lord Rama, Pallavi as Sita and Dubey as Lakshman, while Yash appears as the formidable Ravana. Actor Sunny Deol will portray Hanuman. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film brings one of India’s most revered epics to the big screen through a two-part adaptation. The narrative centres on Lord Rama’s journey, his exile, Sita’s abduction by Ravana and the ensuing conflict between good and evil. The project is produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. The production aims to recreate the epic’s mythological world through elaborate sets, detailed costumes and large-scale visual effects. The film’s musical score brings together Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer and acclaimed Indian composer A. R. Rahman. Terry Notary and Guy Norris are also part of the action team. The first instalment will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with screenings planned across premium theatrical formats, including IMAX. The second part is scheduled to arrive during Diwali 2027. Sony Pictures will oversee international distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will handle distribution across the Hindi-speaking market. Source: PTI

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CII Chandigarh convenes stakeholder dialogue on strengthening school education and industry linkages

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Chandigarh, September 23, 2026: Education must move beyond degrees to identifying talent, building skills and creating opportunities for every child, said Mahipal Dhanda, Cabinet Minister, School & Higher Education, Government of Haryana, while addressing the CII Chandigarh Education Summit 2026. Calling for greater collaboration between schools, universities, industry and society, Dhanda said India’s youth must be equipped with the skills and capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat. He invited education and industry leaders to share their ideas and work alongside the government in strengthening the education ecosystem and preparing young people for the opportunities of the future. “The future is something we build together. The Greater Chandigarh region has all the ingredients to become a model for connecting education, skills and industry. By bringing government, academia and businesses together, we can equip young people with the skills, creativity and adaptability needed for tomorrow. The UK is proud to be a long-term partner in this journey,” said Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh. Emphasising the importance of decisions being taken today, Reekrit Serai, Chairman, CII Chandigarh Education Summit 2026 and Managing Director, Satluj Group of Schools, said, “The future is not something our children will one day enter. It is something we are building for them—in our classrooms, our institutions and in the decisions we make today.” Highlighting the region’s potential, Serai added, “Greater Chandigarh has the ingredients to emerge as a major education and knowledge hub. Panchkula, in particular, has the potential to become a higher-education destination, attracting leading Indian and international universities, including British institutions. Education must ultimately prepare young people not simply for the jobs of today, but to think, adapt, create and lead in the world of tomorrow.” Vivek Verma, Chairman, CII Chandigarh UT and Managing Director, Spray Engineering Devices Ltd, highlighted the growing impact of technology on education. “The education ecosystem is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies and changing industry requirements. Technology can enable personalised learning, improve access and create new approaches to teaching and assessment, but it must remain an enabler and not a replacement for the human element of education,” he said. The discussions at the Summit focused on strengthening the school-to-skills-to-industry connect, promoting experiential and vocational learning, enhancing teacher development, integrating emerging technologies and creating greater industry exposure for young learners. The Summit also brought together perspectives from both the academic and institutional ecosystems, enabling stakeholders to examine how schools, higher-education institutions, policymakers and industry can collectively respond to rapidly changing workforce and societal requirements. Stakeholders underlined the need for closer collaboration between government, academia and industry to ensure that education remains aligned with evolving workforce requirements while continuing to nurture the broader intellectual, social and human capabilities of young people. The dialogue reaffirmed CII Chandigarh’s commitment to facilitating industry-led engagement on education and supporting the development of a future-ready, inclusive and skills-oriented education ecosystem. ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

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India’s AI Talent Demand to Exceed Available Workforce by Over 3.5 Times in 2026: Report

admin / Human Resource Community

India’s demand for artificial intelligence (AI) professionals is projected to reach approximately 1.4 million in 2026, while the available talent pool is estimated at around 400,000, creating a demand-supply gap of more than 3.5 times, according to the inaugural BinQle Talent Intelligence Report 2026. The report warns that the widening shortage of skilled professionals could create challenges for businesses and Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as organisations increasingly integrate AI into their operations. Sushant Acharya, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Bengaluru-based BinQle, said India’s ability to capitalise on its AI potential would depend on how effectively organisations identify, develop and deploy the skills required by the evolving technology landscape. The report highlighted shortages of industry-ready professionals across artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, data engineering, DevOps and full-stack development. This talent crunch has contributed to salary increases of 30 to 35 per cent in specialised technology roles. It also noted that fewer than half of candidates meet industry expectations for workplace readiness. According to the report, AI is transforming existing job roles rather than simply eliminating them. As a result, AI proficiency, data literacy, adaptability and cross-functional communication are becoming increasingly important. With 39 per cent of existing skill sets expected to become outdated by 2030, the report emphasised the need for continuous learning and reskilling. To address the growing gap, the report recommended that organisations anticipate skill requirements 12 to 18 months in advance, connect reskilling initiatives with measurable business outcomes and develop specialised as well as local talent pipelines. It also called for stronger employer branding around AI adoption and greater use of flexible workforce strategies. Source: PTI

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IIT Roorkee, University of Calgary Join Hands for Joint Doctoral Degree Programme

admin / Education Community

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has partnered with the University of Calgary (UCalgary) in Canada to introduce a Joint Doctoral Degree Programme (JDDP), aimed at expanding international research collaboration and academic exchange. The agreement was signed during a ceremony in Calgary, establishing a framework for both institutions to work together on advanced research and the development of technologies addressing global challenges. The programme will focus on key areas, including sustainable development, clean energy, the circular economy, water and wastewater management, critical minerals and semiconductor-related technologies. Through the initiative, doctoral scholars will benefit from joint supervision, interdisciplinary research opportunities and access to the academic infrastructure and research facilities of both universities. The partnership also aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications by encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and technology commercialisation. IIT Roorkee Director KK Pant said the collaboration would open new avenues for interdisciplinary research, nurture globally competitive doctoral scholars and support efforts to address pressing societal and industrial challenges. University of Calgary Provost Sandra Davidson said the partnership would advance research collaboration while enabling doctoral students and faculty members from both institutions to explore new ideas, exchange knowledge and work together on significant research questions. Source: Indian Express

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IIT Delhi, I4C and Amazon Launch ‘Raksham’ AI Cybersecurity Hackathon

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The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, in partnership with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Amazon, has launched ‘Raksham’, a national-level AI cybersecurity hackathon aimed at developing technology-driven solutions to emerging online threats. Organised by IIT Delhi’s student technical clubs, Aries IITD and Dev Club, the hackathon invites undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students from across India to develop AI-powered prototypes addressing challenges such as deepfakes, voice-cloning scams and online fraud. Registration and concept submissions are open until October 12, with students eligible to participate in teams of two to four members. Participating teams will be evaluated on factors including technical architecture, practical feasibility, responsible use of AI and the potential of their solutions to address cyber threats affecting millions of Indians. The top 30 teams will advance to a 48-hour in-person finale at IIT Delhi on October 24 and 25. During the finale, participants will build, test and demonstrate their prototypes before a jury comprising experts from academia, industry and the cybersecurity sector. According to IIT Delhi, high-impact projects and winning teams will also have an opportunity to showcase their innovations at Amazon Sambhav 2026. The hackathon comes as digital transactions and online activity typically increase during the festive shopping season, creating additional opportunities for cybercriminals to target consumers through scams and fraudulent schemes. IIT Delhi said the initiative will also strengthen the ongoing collaboration between the institute, I4C and Amazon under the #ScamSmartIndia initiative, with a focus on developing practical solutions to counter evolving forms of cybercrime. Source: Indian Express

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WHO Advises Against Obesity Drugs and Surgery for Children Under 10

admin / Health & Wellness Community

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its first guidelines focused specifically on tackling obesity among children and adolescents, recommending lifestyle-based interventions rather than medicines or surgery for children under the age of 10. The global health agency said children aged 0 to 9 should not be treated with weight-loss medicines, bariatric surgery or weight-loss devices. Instead, it strongly recommends comprehensive programmes centred on healthy diets, regular physical activity and sustainable behavioural changes. For adolescents aged 10 to 19, approved obesity medicines may be considered in selected cases when supervised lifestyle programmes have failed to produce the desired results. Bariatric surgery may also be considered for adolescents with severe obesity, but only under strict conditions and appropriate medical supervision. The recommendations differ from WHO’s guidance for adults, which has recognised the potential role of newer weight-management medicines, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, in treating obesity. The scale of childhood obesity has become a growing global concern. WHO estimates that around 70 million children aged five to nine and approximately 100 million adolescents aged 10 to 19 were living with obesity in 2024. Among people aged five to 19, the global prevalence of obesity increased from about 2 per cent in 1990 to 8 per cent in 2024. WHO officials said the increase is being seen across regions, including low- and middle-income countries. The agency emphasised that the foundation of obesity care for young people should be access to nutritious food, physical activity and sustained support for healthier behaviours. The guidelines also highlight the importance of mental health. Anxiety, depression and low self-esteem can influence eating habits, physical activity and social behaviour. At the same time, children and adolescents living with obesity may face stigma, discrimination and bullying. WHO experts noted that bariatric surgery could be considered for some adolescents with severe obesity and related complications, such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, particularly when lifestyle interventions have not been effective. Such cases require careful assessment and specialised medical supervision. Source: AFP Photo Credit: Reuters

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JioStar Sees Strong Growth in Regional-Language IPL Viewing as Fans Move Beyond Hindi and English

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Cricket viewership during the TATA IPL 2026 season is becoming increasingly regional, with audiences showing growing preference for live coverage in languages such as Kannada, Telugu and Tamil, according to JioStar. On JioHotstar, the Kannada-language feed recorded a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in reach, while Telugu and Tamil feeds grew 23 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively. Telugu also registered a 30 per cent rise in its share of digital watch time, marking the strongest growth among the three regional-language feeds. Reflecting this shift, JioStar has introduced ‘Beyond Boundaries’, an initiative designed to enable advertisers to associate with regional-language live cricket coverage as well as pre- and post-match programming. Overall, the share of digital watch time for regional-language feeds increased 33 per cent during IPL 2026. Connected TV reach rose 22 per cent, while digital video views touched 25 billion, an 8 per cent increase from the previous year. JioStar attributed the growing popularity of regional feeds to localised commentary, market-specific programming and content tailored to individual teams and fan communities. More than 160 commentators across 12 languages contributed to the regional coverage during the tournament. The Telugu feed featured former India players Hanuma Vihari and MSK Prasad, while the Kannada coverage included Vinay Kumar and Veda Krishnamurthy. Tamil programming featured former India players Murali Vijay and L Balaji, former Sri Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold and RJ Balaji. The feeds also offered market-specific shows, including Cricket with Chai and Orange O Rangu in Telugu, Kempu Sainya and Inside RCB in Kannada, and the “Ini Singapathai” match-day narrative in Tamil. JioStar’s Head of Sales – Sports, Anup Govindan, said the growth demonstrates how cricket audiences are increasingly choosing viewing experiences rooted in their own languages and cultural contexts. He added that this trend is creating opportunities for brands to connect with audiences by understanding the distinct characteristics of individual markets. Source: Economic Times

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