admin, Author at ArdorComm Media Group

DNPA Urges Government to Exempt GST on E-Papers and Digital News Subscriptions

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has called on the Indian government to exempt Goods and Services Tax (GST) on e-papers and digital news subscriptions. The DNPA highlighted that while printed newspapers are exempt from GST, digital news subscriptions are currently taxed at 18% under the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) Act. They argue that news content, whether delivered via print or digital platforms, should be made accessible at affordable rates. The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry recently requested the Ministry of Finance to reconsider the GST rate for digital news subscriptions. In its appeal, the DNPA pointed out a previous instance where the GST Council reduced the tax on e-books from 18% to 5% in 2018, after recognizing the disparity between printed books (exempt from GST) and their electronic versions. The DNPA believes a similar approach should be applied to e-papers, advocating for either a significant reduction in GST or complete exemption. In a letter dated July 22, I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju requested Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra to either remove the GST on digital news subscriptions entirely or reduce it from 18% to 5%. Jaju’s letter noted that the higher GST rate could stifle the growth of the online news sector by pushing it towards an ad-based revenue model, which could compromise content quality and credibility through practices like clickbait and sensationalism. The letter emphasized that with the increasing internet penetration in India and the relatively nascent stage of the digital news industry, it is crucial to treat online news subscriptions similarly to printed newspapers and e-books for GST purposes. Jaju also noted that the revenue impact of reducing the GST rate on the Rs. 120 crore digital news subscription industry would be minimal, with an estimated revenue loss of around Rs. 21.6 crore. The DNPA’s appeal underlines the need for policy adjustments to support the growth of digital news and ensure that credible information remains accessible to the public as the media landscape continues to evolve. Source: Story board

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Educational Institutions Reopen in Bangladesh After Month-Long Closure

admin / Education Community

Bangladesh reopened all educational institutions, including universities, secondary schools, and colleges, on Sunday after more than a month of closure due to the student-led protests that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The institutions were initially closed on July 17 to ensure the safety of students amidst violent clashes during protests demanding job quota reforms. The Ministry of Education issued a directive to reopen all institutions under its jurisdiction on Thursday. Following this, classes resumed on August 18 after the prolonged closure. A notification signed by Deputy Secretary Mosammat Rahima Akhtar confirmed the reopening, following instructions from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. On Sunday morning, students in uniform were seen heading to their schools, many accompanied by guardians, as reported by the Daily Star. The reopening caused severe traffic congestion in many parts of Dhaka. The closure had disrupted academic schedules. Classes were initially expected to resume on August 4 in government primary schools, except for those in city corporations and Narsingdi municipality, but this was postponed. The postponed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will now begin on September 11, with completion scheduled for October 23. Classes at public universities had been suspended since July 1 due to teachers protesting against a new pension scheme. Although educational institutions were officially declared open on August 7 following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, low student attendance initially delayed the full resumption of academic activities. Source: NDTV

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India Gears Up for Mpox Outbreak: Health Ministry Issues Guidelines for Airports and Hospitals

admin / Health & Wellness Community

The Union Health Ministry has instructed airports and land ports, especially along the Bangladesh and Pakistan borders, to remain vigilant for travelers displaying Mpox symptoms, according to a PTI report. The move comes as part of India’s heightened preparedness for a potential outbreak of the virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. To bolster the country’s response, three hospitals in New Delhi—Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, and Lady Hardinge Medical College—have been designated as key centers for isolating, managing, and treating Mpox patients. State governments have been directed to identify similar facilities within their jurisdictions. In a high-level meeting convened by P K Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, officials confirmed that no active Mpox cases have been detected in India. However, surveillance efforts and testing capabilities are being ramped up across the country to ensure early detection and containment. Despite the more virulent strain of the virus currently circulating, the risk of a large-scale outbreak with sustained transmission remains low, according to current assessments. Globally, the WHO reports over 99,000 Mpox cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries since 2022. The Democratic Republic of Congo has witnessed a steady increase in cases, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance. The Indian health ministry has emphasized the importance of enhanced surveillance, early diagnosis, and rapid case management. Currently, 32 laboratories across India are equipped to test for Mpox, and the government is working to further expand testing facilities. Mishra also stressed the need for widespread awareness campaigns targeting healthcare providers to ensure they can quickly recognize and report symptoms. India has reported 30 Mpox cases since 2022, with the latest case detected in March 2024. Although the situation remains under control, officials are taking proactive measures to mitigate any potential outbreak. Source: Economic Times

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Centre Approves 25% Increase in Security at Central Government Hospitals Amid Nationwide Protests

admin / Governance Community

In response to widespread protests by doctors demanding better protection following the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College, the central government has approved a 25% increase in security at all central government hospitals. The decision, announced by the health ministry, comes amid calls for a special law to combat violence against healthcare personnel. The enhanced security will include the deployment of marshals, which can be requested by hospitals based on individual security assessments. Officials noted that while the protests highlight safety concerns, enacting a central law solely based on the RG Kar incident might not be the solution, as the case did not involve patient-doctor violence. Currently, 26 states and Union territories, including West Bengal, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala, have laws that protect healthcare workers from violence, making such offenses cognizable and non-bailable. Officials emphasized that these existing laws already cover key aspects of protection for healthcare personnel. To address additional concerns, the government plans to form a committee headed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to review hospital security, working conditions for resident doctors, and related facilities such as duty rooms and canteens. Public hospitals, as government facilities, cannot be turned into heavily guarded zones, officials stated while urging doctors to end their strike, which has severely impacted patient care. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking intervention to address their demands, which include the enactment of a central law against violence in hospitals and the designation of hospitals as safe zones with mandatory security measures. Source: Hindustan Times

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Stree 2 Box Office Report: Is It Bollywood’s Biggest Opener Ever? Maddock Films Claims ₹76 Crore Haul

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s much-anticipated horror-comedy Stree 2 made waves at the box office, setting a new benchmark. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the sequel to the 2018 hit Stree was released on Independence Day, following paid previews the day before. The film is the fifth installment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe, also featuring Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana. Stree 2 created significant buzz before its release, leading to what the producers, Maddock Films, claim to be the biggest opening ever for a Hindi film. According to them, the film grossed ₹76.5 crore in India on its first day, including the revenue from paid previews. Maddock Films took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the milestone, stating, “Stree 2 creates HISTORY! India’s highest Day 1 Box Office ever! Thank you, audience, for all the love.” They also shared a poster featuring the film’s cast with the caption, “India’s highest day 1 box office ever!” The strong pre-release anticipation and positive reception have positioned Stree 2 as a potential blockbuster, signaling another success for the Maddock Supernatural Universe. Source: Hindustan Times

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BMC Orders 2,000 Teachers for Election Duties, Sparking Concerns

admin / Education Community

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed 2,000 teachers to take on block level officer (BLO) duties for election-related work. As per the orders, teachers are expected to spend three days a week on BLO duty and the remaining three days in school. With the academic year in progress, many teachers have expressed concerns about their prolonged absence from schools, especially since first unit tests are currently underway. One teacher pointed out that being away for half of the week is unfair to students, as schools are already grappling with a shortage of teachers due to delays in hiring new staff. The orders, issued on August 15, specify that teachers should perform their BLO duties on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, while attending school from Mondays to Wednesdays. All 2,000 teachers assigned to these duties were instructed to report to their designated localities by 3 pm on Friday. Teachers have sought support from Anil Bornare of the BJP Teachers’ Association. Bornare criticized the BMC’s decision, highlighting that other government staff are available for election duties. He added that the sudden orders result in significant academic disruption, urging the BMC to reconsider and withdraw them, as “2,000 teachers” is a considerable number to lose from the classroom.

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1 Arrested in Matthew Perry Death Case Linked to Ketamine Overdose

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Authorities have arrested at least one person in connection with the death of “F.R.I.E.N.D.S” actor Matthew Perry, who passed away last year due to a ketamine overdose, according to US media reports. TMZ and NBC revealed that while multiple arrests, including that of a doctor, were initially reported, law enforcement confirmed that only one individual has been arrested so far. Matthew Perry, famously known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “F.R.I.E.N.D.S,” was found unconscious in his pool in October 2023 at the age of 54. His sudden death led to an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow actors worldwide. The autopsy revealed that Perry’s death was caused by acute ketamine effects. Though only small traces of the drug were found in his stomach, a significant amount was detected in his bloodstream. Ketamine, commonly used as an anesthetic and researched for its potential in treating depression, is also illicitly used for its hallucinogenic effects. The investigation, launched by Los Angeles police in May, focused on how Perry acquired the drug, as he reportedly hadn’t undergone a supervised infusion session for several days before his death. Sources suggest that the arrested individual, possibly a doctor, and others involved, allegedly facilitated the delivery of ketamine to Perry. The legal probe into Perry’s death continues as more details emerge regarding those potentially responsible. Source: Financial Express

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Chhattisgarh Cabinet Approves Formation of ‘Good Governance and Convergence Dept’

admin / Governance Community

The Chhattisgarh government has announced the creation of a new “Good Governance and Convergence Department” to enhance the effective implementation of state welfare policies and ensure better governance. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday. This newly formed department will integrate key initiatives such as e-Review, e-Public Service Guarantee, and the Digital Secretariat, which were previously managed by the General Administration department. The cabinet has also amended the “Chhattisgarh Government Work (Allocation) Rules” to facilitate this change. In addition, the cabinet approved the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state. As part of this policy, education up to the 5th standard will be provided in local languages or dialects, and the current 10+2 academic structure will transition to the 5+3+3+4 format, focusing on equitable and inclusive education from pre-primary to the 12th grade. The cabinet also decided to extend the registration deadline for providing housing to economically weaker and lower-class families in Naya Raipur under the Mukhyamantri Aawas Yojana. The new deadline has been pushed from March 31, 2024, to March 31, 2027, allowing more time for eligible families to benefit from affordable housing schemes being developed in the area. Source: Hindustan Times

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Dr. Heera Lal, Greater Sharda Sahayak Command Area Development Authority, Govt. of UP emphasised on students interest in choosing career pathway

admin / Interviews

“Relying 100% on digital methods is not ideal. There needs to be a balance between digital and physical education” said Dr Heera Lal, Greater Sharda Sahayak Command Area Development Authority, Govt. of UP What does “New Normal” means to you? Thank you for inviting me. The term “New Normal” in education, in my opinion, should mean that when a student enters an institution and eventually graduates, they should leave not only with a certificate but also with a profession. The old system of education, where students just leave with a certificate, is not sufficient in today’s world. We need to identify a student’s passion from the moment they enter our institution, help them grow that passion, and turn it into a profession by the time they graduate. This will ensure that they are not only employable but will also enjoy their profession. How should we address the digital divide between urban and rural areas, and what initiatives should be taken to bridge this gap? The digital divide is a significant issue. However, in my opinion, relying 100% on digital methods is not ideal. There needs to be a balance between digital and physical education. Based on my personal experience, the effectiveness of physical education is much higher than that of digital education. Therefore, I believe the ratio should be 70% physical and 30% digital to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education. How should education balance between skills and employability? As I mentioned earlier, if you impose something on a student that they do not enjoy, they will not take an interest in it, and you will not achieve the desired objectives. Every subject, every action, every activity is equally valuable today. The focus should be on developing a student’s passion so that when they graduate, they have a profession that aligns with their interests. This will make them not only employable but also fulfilled in their careers. Which department or position has been the most inspiring and provided the most learning experience for you? Every department and position I’ve held has been inspiring and challenging in its own way. For instance, the position of District Magistrate (DM) is highly regarded, but I have enjoyed and learned a lot from every position I’ve held, even those considered less desirable. Whether in the cultural department or any other, I have embraced each role and found immense joy and learning in it. The key is to have the ability to govern effectively, no matter where you are, and turn every position into a meaningful experience. In events like this, where government dignitaries, policymakers, corporate leaders, and academics come together, what do you learn, and what is the experience like? Such events are crucial because society is like a bouquet that requires a variety of flowers. By bringing together people from different fields—bureaucracy, academia, technology—you create a complete and impactful product. This initiative is commendable and beneficial for our society. We are celebrating the third anniversary of our media company, AdCo Media. Do you have any message or good wishes for our company? I wish that your company continues to grow and thrive, at least 30 times more in the coming years. Keep evolving and adapting to the needs of the time. My good wishes are with you as you continue doing the great work you are doing. Thank you for being a part of this forum.

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Shri Yogendra Upadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh emphasised the contribution of new government in Uttar Pradesh.

admin / Interviews

“Approximately 15 private universities have been established, and around 10 more have received Letters of Intent” said Shri Yogendra Upadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh Highlight some of the major achievements or policies that your department has drafted? In Uttar Pradesh, particularly in higher education, significant progress has been made. There were six regions in the state where there was no government university, and the education system was not up to the mark. However, since the Yogi government came into power, the education system has developed based on the National Education Policy (NEP). There has been a focus on both the quality of education and its expansion. Today, approximately 15 private universities have been established, and around 10 more have received Letters of Intent (LOI). In the six regions that previously had no government universities, either universities are already operational or are under construction within two years. This is a significant achievement, and the quality of education has improved, with several universities receiving high grades, both government and private. What is Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to urban and rural education, and how is it progressing? Urban education is advancing everywhere, but under the guidance of Yogi Ji, a new education policy is being prepared to expand rural education. The goal is to establish a university in every district, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to higher education. Incentives and facilities will be provided to support the establishment of new universities in these regions. What provisions are there in government universities for employment or employability? The NEP clearly states that all courses and programs will connect education with values, employment, and technology. When education is linked with technology and employment, and when it provides skills, it will not only create job opportunities but also generate employers. The establishment of new universities also brings employment opportunities, from peons to chancellors. Therefore, education that fosters employment will be provided. What does the term “New Normal” mean to you? The “New Normal” refers to how we can introduce innovation in a regular environment, enabling future generations to compete in the global race. What outcomes do you expect from such an amalgamation, and how has your experience been? This event is a confluence where people from various sectors have gathered. When such a brainstorming session occurs, it produces valuable insights that can benefit society. Would you like to say something special about us on the third anniversary of our organization? I wish you all the best for completing three years of this initiative. I hope your organization continues to thrive and serve society and the nation in the coming years. This should be our collective purpose.

Shri Yogendra Upadhyay, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh emphasised the contribution of new government in Uttar Pradesh. Read More »

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