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LPG Shortage Triggers Workforce Migration Concerns in Auto Component Sector: ACMA

/ Human Resource Community

India’s auto component industry is facing a potential workforce challenge as shortages of LPG cylinders begin to push workers to return to their native places, according to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India. The industry body warned that while the current situation is not as severe as the disruptions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, it could worsen if fuel supply issues persist. ACMA Director General Vinnie Mehta noted that many workers had shifted to LPG-based cooking after restrictions on wood usage due to air pollution concerns. However, the ongoing shortage is now making it difficult for them to manage daily cooking needs. The situation is further compounded by the shutdown of several factory canteens, leaving workers with limited alternatives and prompting some to migrate back home. This trend could disrupt manufacturing operations if it intensifies. ACMA, which represents over 1,000 manufacturers and accounts for more than 90% of the organised auto component sector’s turnover, highlighted the broader economic implications. In FY25, the industry recorded a turnover of USD 80.2 billion, including exports worth USD 22.9 billion and a trade surplus of USD 500 million. The shortage is partly attributed to supply disruptions linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran, prompting the government to prioritise domestic LPG consumption. In response, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set up a panel to review industry concerns. The auto component sector has urged the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG or piped natural gas (PNG) for MSME units, particularly in foundry and forging segments, or to provide a transition window for alternative fuels. Industry leaders emphasised that continued support is critical to maintaining production levels, sustaining exports, and preserving India’s position in global automotive supply chains. Source: PTI

LPG Shortage Triggers Workforce Migration Concerns in Auto Component Sector: ACMA Read More »

Government Hikes Commission Rates for Wheat and Paddy Procurement from Rabi 2026-27

/ Governance Community

The Centre has approved an upward revision in commission rates for Arthiyas and cooperative bodies involved in procuring wheat and paddy on its behalf, with the new rates set to take effect from the Rabi Marketing Season 2026–27. According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Arthiyas in Punjab and Haryana will now receive ₹50.75 per quintal for wheat procurement, up from ₹46. In Rajasthan, the rate has been increased from ₹41.40 to ₹45.67 per quintal. For paddy procurement, the commission has been raised from ₹45.88 to ₹50.61 per quintal. In addition, procurement agencies will also see revised payouts. The commission for wheat procurement has been increased from ₹27 to ₹29.79 per quintal, while for paddy, it has been raised from ₹32 to ₹35.30 per quintal. The government stated that the revision aims to strengthen the efficiency of procurement operations and provide better support to intermediaries and agencies that play a key role in aggregating and facilitating crop procurement. The ministry further noted that commissions are paid to cooperatives, societies, sub-agents, and Arthiyas who assist in procurement under existing guidelines. The revised structure follows recommendations from a sub-committee comprising representatives from the Food Corporation of India, state governments, and the Department of Food and Public Distribution. The panel reviewed existing rates after multiple requests from states and proposed the updated commission framework. Source: newsonair

Government Hikes Commission Rates for Wheat and Paddy Procurement from Rabi 2026-27 Read More »

Over 13,700 Teaching Vacancies in KVs and Navodaya Schools, Govt Assures Ongoing Recruitment Efforts

/ Education Community

India’s central school systems — Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) — are currently facing a significant shortage of teaching staff, with over 13,700 positions lying vacant, the Ministry of Education informed Parliament. Responding to a written query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary revealed that 8,618 vacancies exist in KVs, while JNVs account for an additional 5,083 unfilled posts, taking the total deficit to 13,701. The minister attributed the shortfall to a range of factors, including the expansion of new schools, retirements, resignations, promotions, transfers, and institutional upgrades, all of which continuously generate new vacancies. He emphasized that recruitment is an ongoing process carried out in accordance with established rules, with efforts underway to fill positions as quickly as possible. In the meantime, both KVs and JNVs are relying on contractual teachers to ensure that academic activities continue without disruption. Chaudhary also reassured that despite the staffing gaps, student performance and academic standards remain stable, as reflected in consistent examination outcomes. Source: Indian Express  

Over 13,700 Teaching Vacancies in KVs and Navodaya Schools, Govt Assures Ongoing Recruitment Efforts Read More »

DGCA Grants Temporary Flight Duty Relaxations to Air India Amid Middle East Airspace Restrictions

/ Human Resource Community

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has granted temporary relief in flight duty regulations to Air India as the airline faces operational challenges due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East that have restricted access to key airspaces. According to sources, the relaxation in Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms will remain in effect until April 30. The move comes as Air India’s long-haul flights are being forced to take longer alternative routes to reach destinations in Europe and North America because of restrictions in the airspaces of Iran and Iraq. To bypass these restricted zones, Air India aircraft are now flying via Oman, southern parts of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, increasing overall flying time. Some ultra-long-haul flights are also making technical halts in Rome before continuing to their final destinations. Under the temporary relaxation for long-haul flights operated by two pilots, the DGCA has increased the permitted Flight Time (FT) by 1 hour and 30 minutes, raising it to 11 hours and 30 minutes. The Flight Duty Period (FDP) has also been extended by 1 hour and 45 minutes, allowing a maximum of 11 hours and 45 minutes. However, sources have alleged that the airline may be stretching these limits. In one instance, pilots operating flights to Jeddah were reportedly scheduled for a duty period of 11 hours and 55 minutes—about 10 minutes beyond the permitted extension. The regulator has also temporarily relaxed the mandatory 30-minute buffer required during roster planning. Normally, the maximum Flight Time and Flight Duty Period for a single landing are 10 hours and 13 hours, respectively. Flight Time refers to the duration from the moment an aircraft begins moving for take-off until it comes to a complete stop after landing. The Flight Duty Period, on the other hand, starts when a crew member reports for duty and ends when the aircraft’s engines are switched off after the final flight of the duty cycle. Officials from Air India and the DGCA have not yet issued formal comments regarding the relaxations. It remains unclear whether similar exemptions have been granted to other Indian carriers such as IndiGo for their long-haul services. The adjustments come as airlines worldwide grapple with disruptions triggered by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which erupted on February 28 and has led to widespread airspace restrictions across the Middle East. Source: PTI

DGCA Grants Temporary Flight Duty Relaxations to Air India Amid Middle East Airspace Restrictions Read More »

‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates 98th Academy Awards, Wins Best Picture

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The 98th edition of the Academy Awards concluded at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating the finest achievements in global cinema over the past year. The ceremony was hosted once again by comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien and featured a star-studded lineup of presenters including Priyanka Chopra, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Anne Hathaway and Javier Bardem. Security arrangements were reportedly intensified due to heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The night’s top honour—Best Picture—went to One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film entered the awards with 13 nominations and ultimately secured six wins. Its director, Paul Thomas Anderson, also took home the Best Director award. In the acting categories, Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his role in Sinners, while Jessie Buckley received Best Actress for her performance in Hamnet. Several other films also secured major wins across technical categories. Sinners claimed awards for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, while One Battle After Another earned the Best Editing trophy. Best Sound went to F1, Best Production Design to Frankenstein, and Best Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash. The Best Original Song award was presented to “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. In the documentary segment, Mr Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary Feature, while All The Empty Rooms received the award for Best Documentary Short Film. The Best International Feature Film award was won by Sentimental Value from Norway, marking the first time a Norwegian film has secured the honour. The ceremony also included a tribute segment remembering legendary film personalities who passed away during the past year, including Robert Redford, Diane Keaton and Rob Reiner. Overall, the evening was marked by standout victories for Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Frankenstein, making the 98th Oscars a memorable celebration of cinematic excellence, performances, and tributes to the industry’s icons. Source: newsonair

‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates 98th Academy Awards, Wins Best Picture Read More »

Blood Biomarker May Predict Women’s Dementia Risk 25 Years Before Symptoms: Study

/ Health & Wellness Community

A new study suggests that a simple blood test could help predict a woman’s risk of developing dementia up to 25 years before symptoms appear. Researchers identified a blood-based biomarker called phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217), a protein associated with the brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that higher levels of p-tau217 were strongly linked with the later development of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among women who showed no signs of cognitive decline at the beginning of the research. “Our study suggests we may be able to identify women at elevated risk for dementia decades before symptoms emerge,” said lead author Aladdin H. Shadyab, associate professor of public health and medicine at University of California San Diego. According to Shadyab, such early detection could allow doctors to focus on prevention strategies and closer monitoring long before memory issues begin affecting daily life. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open and are based on data from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study, a large U.S. national study involving 2,766 women aged between 65 and 79 who were enrolled in the late 1990s and followed for up to 25 years. During the follow-up period, researchers tracked participants who developed memory or thinking problems, including dementia. Women with higher p-tau217 levels in their blood at the start of the study were found to have a significantly greater likelihood of developing dementia later in life. The risk increased as biomarker levels rose. The study also found that elevated p-tau217 levels were more strongly linked to poorer cognitive outcomes among women aged 70 and older, as well as among those carrying the APOE e4 genetic risk factor associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, the biomarker appeared to be more predictive among women who had been randomly assigned estrogen-plus-progestin hormone therapy compared to those given a placebo. Researchers noted that factors such as age, race, the APOE e4 gene, and hormone therapy use should be considered when examining the link between p-tau217 and cognitive decline. Senior author Linda K. McEvoy of the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute said blood-based biomarkers like p-tau217 are particularly promising because they are far less invasive than traditional diagnostic methods such as brain imaging or spinal fluid tests. “This could significantly advance research into the causes of dementia and help scientists evaluate strategies that may reduce the risk of developing the condition,” McEvoy said. Source: PTI Photo Credit: Bogdanhoda

Blood Biomarker May Predict Women’s Dementia Risk 25 Years Before Symptoms: Study Read More »

CBSE Cancels Class 12 Board Exams in Middle East Amid Security Concerns

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the Class 12 board examinations scheduled between March and April 2026 for students appearing from several Middle Eastern countries. The decision was announced through an official circular issued on March 15 after reviewing the feasibility of conducting the exams in the region. The cancellation applies to CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. According to the board, all Class 12 examinations scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026, in these countries will no longer be conducted. CBSE also clarified that examinations which had earlier been postponed through circulars issued on March 1, March 3, March 5, March 7, and March 9 have now been officially cancelled. The board stated that the process for evaluating students and declaring the results will be announced separately at a later date. The circular was issued by Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations at CBSE, and addressed to principals of all CBSE-affiliated schools in the Middle East. Copies of the notice were also sent to Indian ambassadors in the seven affected countries, the Consul General of India in Dubai, and the Director of the CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence in Dubai. Earlier in March, CBSE had initially postponed the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations scheduled for March 2 and March 3 in the Middle East region through a circular dated March 1. A subsequent notice issued on March 3 further postponed the March 5 and March 6 exams, stating that the board would review the situation and take further decisions regarding examinations scheduled from March 7 onwards. Meanwhile, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has also cancelled the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and Indian School Certificate (ISC) examinations scheduled at all centres in the UAE. Confirming the development, CISCE Chief Executive and Secretary Dr. Joseph Emmanuel said that the results of affected students will be determined through an alternative assessment method, with detailed evaluation guidelines to be announced later. He added that the results for these students will be declared alongside those of students appearing for the exams in India. The cancellations come amid the ongoing security situation in the Middle East. The UAE government has also announced an early start to the spring break for schools and universities, placing students and staff on vacation from March 9 to March 22. Source: Indian Express  

CBSE Cancels Class 12 Board Exams in Middle East Amid Security Concerns Read More »

Netflix Launches Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, Strengthening India’s VFX Ecosystem

/ Article/Stories

Streaming platform Netflix has expanded its production technology presence in India with the launch of Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, marking a significant investment in the country’s rapidly growing animation and visual effects (VFX) industry. The newly opened facility spans around 32,000 square feet and will focus on advanced visual effects, virtual production and next-generation filmmaking technologies that support Netflix’s global film and series projects. The Hyderabad centre becomes the fifth global hub for Eyeline Studios, joining its existing locations in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seoul and London. The move highlights a growing trend among international studios to build production technology capabilities closer to talent hubs instead of relying only on outsourced VFX services. Netflix views India’s strong base of engineers, artists and VFX professionals as a key advantage in scaling complex production workflows. Jeff Shapiro, CEO of Eyeline Studios, noted that India’s global influence in visual effects stems from both its scale and its strong creative and technical expertise. He added that Hyderabad was chosen due to its strong technology ecosystem, engineering talent and established film culture. Expanding a Global Production Network The new studio will recruit specialised VFX professionals from the local talent pool and operate as part of Eyeline’s worldwide production network. The facility is equipped with advanced infrastructure designed to handle complex visual effects and generative virtual effects workflows using hybrid cloud technology. India’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector has been steadily gaining global importance as international studios increasingly collaborate with Indian talent for both technical execution and creative contributions. Industry observers note that Indian VFX professionals already play a significant role in major Hollywood and global streaming productions. The Telangana government has been actively promoting Hyderabad as a hub for digital production and creative technology, building on the city’s strong film and IT ecosystem. Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy said the investment highlights Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a global storytelling destination where technology and creative industries converge. Telangana’s IT and industries minister D. Sridhar Babu added that Netflix’s decision reflects confidence in India’s creative talent and aligns with the state’s push to strengthen its VFX and animation workforce. Boost for India’s AVGC Industry Support for the initiative also came from the Centre. Sanjay Jaju, secretary at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted Hyderabad’s long-standing presence in the AVGC sector and noted that several international studios already operate digital production facilities in the city. As visual effects become increasingly vital in global entertainment — from blockbuster franchises to streaming originals — production pipelines now rely heavily on a blend of engineering, computing power and artistic creativity. By establishing its own production technology infrastructure in India, Netflix appears to be moving beyond traditional outsourcing and integrating Indian expertise directly into its global content creation ecosystem. Actor and producer Rana Daggubati, who attended the launch, said the development reflects the transformation of Hyderabad’s film ecosystem over the past two decades. He noted that the city’s growth into a global creative hub demonstrates how far the industry has evolved. Netflix’s latest move signals that India is no longer viewed merely as a back-end services provider but is emerging as a critical centre for the future of digital filmmaking. Source: Fortune India

Netflix Launches Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, Strengthening India’s VFX Ecosystem Read More »

NCERT Launches ‘Kaveri’ as New Class 9 English Textbook with Focus on Indian Writers

/ Education Community

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a new Class 9 English textbook titled Kaveri, bringing a stronger focus on Indian authors and the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). The textbook has been developed in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 (NCF-SE 2023) and will replace the earlier English textbooks Beehive and Moments. Unlike the previous curriculum used between 2006–07 and 2025–26 — which featured 29 texts with a larger share of international authors — the new book contains 16 carefully selected pieces that give equal space to Indian and global writers. Of the 16 texts included, eight are written by Indian authors. The Indian contributors featured in the anthology include renowned figures such as poet Subramania Bharati, author Sudha Murty, Naga writer Temsula Ao, Assamese novelist Mitra Phukan, and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The book begins with a story from Murty’s 2004 collection How I Taught My Grandmother to Read and Other Stories. The international section features works by American poet David Roth, English poet Charles Swain, children’s author Bryanna T. Perkins, poet Robert Langley, writer Maya Anthony, and Singapore-based author Irene Chua. The compilation also includes an anonymous poem titled Gifts of Grace: Honouring Our Vocations and a feature based on an interview with Paralympic champion Deepa Malik, highlighting her journey and achievements. According to officials, the revision also reduces the number of textbooks for the subject from two to one, while streamlining the syllabus by cutting the total number of texts from 29 to 16. The move aims to make the curriculum more balanced and manageable while ensuring equal representation of Indian and international literary voices. Source: PTI

NCERT Launches ‘Kaveri’ as New Class 9 English Textbook with Focus on Indian Writers Read More »

217 Organ Transplant Hospitals Fail to Submit Data to National Registry in 2025

/ Health & Wellness Community

As many as 217 hospitals authorised to perform organ transplants across India did not submit their data to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Registry Portal in 2025, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav stated that appropriate action against these hospitals will be taken by the respective state governments. In a written reply, the minister said that out of 804 hospitals registered to conduct organ transplantation, 217 failed to upload the required information on the registry portal during the year. Under the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, regulatory action against such institutions falls under the jurisdiction of state authorities where the hospitals are located. Hospital registrations for organ transplant procedures are handled by the appropriate authorities of the states and Union Territories. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Registry Portal has been operational since 2015 and can be accessed by authorised users through the website of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation. According to data uploaded by hospitals and transplant centres on the portal, the waiting list for major organ transplants in India stood at 89,839 as of March 3, 2026. During 2025, a total of 20,019 organ transplant procedures were carried out nationwide. The central government is currently implementing the National Organ Transplant Programme, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure for transplantation services and promoting awareness about organ donation. As part of this initiative, Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations and State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organizations have been established across several states and Union Territories in the northern, eastern, and north-eastern regions of the country, with a few exceptions. Source: PTI Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Getty Images

217 Organ Transplant Hospitals Fail to Submit Data to National Registry in 2025 Read More »