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Music Tourism Surges as Over 5.6 Lakh Indians Travel for Concerts in 2025: Report

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India is no longer just consuming entertainment — it’s packing its bags for it. According to BookMyShow’s Throwback 2025 report, music tourism witnessed an exceptional upswing this year, with more than 5.6 lakh Indians travelling across cities to attend concerts. This surge created booming micro-economies around each event, driving business for airlines, hotels, cabs and local eateries. Premium live experiences also saw a major leap, with attendance nearly doubling in 2025. Fans increasingly favoured VIP zones, elevated viewing decks and curated hospitality, signalling a clear shift toward experience-driven entertainment. Several state governments helped fuel this rise. BookMyShow inked MoUs with tourism departments in Assam, Telangana, Gujarat and Delhi to attract global artists, improve event infrastructure and generate local employment—cementing live entertainment as a growing economic contributor. Live events on the rise Overall, live entertainment consumption grew by 17%, with more than 34,000 events—from concerts and comedy shows to cultural festivals—held nationwide. Tier-2 cities like Visakhapatnam, Vadodara, Indore, Shillong and Rajkot recorded explosive triple-digit growth, highlighting a widespread appetite for diverse experiences. Notably, solo attendance soared, with 1.8 million people choosing to enjoy events on their own. Cinema continues to unite India Despite the live-event boom, cinema retained its position as India’s favourite collective pastime. Regional films strengthened their presence, while nostalgia re-runs brought 58 lakh viewers back to theatres. Hyderabad shone as the re-release hub, with Interstellar leading the revival wave after selling out multiple runs. The Dussehra weekend delivered the highest footfall of 2025 with 6.8 million tickets sold. Kantara: A Legend Chapter–1 became the year’s biggest repeat-watch title, drawing more than 6 lakh returning fans. Meanwhile, Coolie topped advance bookings with 2.4 million pre-sold tickets. BookMyShow notes that 2025 marked a year of deliberate engagement—Indians didn’t just watch entertainment; they pursued it, travelled for it and made it a part of their weekly lifestyle. Source: Economic Times

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Licences of 176 Retailers, 39 Wholesalers Cancelled in Maharashtra Over Substandard Medicines

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Maharashtra has taken strong action against the sale of poor-quality drugs, cancelling the licences of 176 retail pharmacies and 39 wholesalers over the past year, State Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal informed the Assembly on December 10, 2025. Responding in writing to a question raised by BJP MLA Amit Satam and others, Zirwal stated that the FDA had launched a special crackdown, during which samples of cough syrups and other medicines were collected and sent for testing. Inspections were carried out at 136 retail outlets and 93 wholesalers, with show-cause notices issued before the licence cancellations. Zirwal revealed that fake cough syrups were detected during an FDA drive in October 2024. Doctors and pharmacists were instructed not to prescribe or dispense medicines containing propranolol. Of the 36 samples tested across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur, 34 failed quality checks, including drugs used for hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, heart ailments and blood purification. Six samples of a particular paediatric cough syrup brand were also flagged for poor quality. The Minister said some medicines had altered or mixed components and were sold under new names, with fake or substandard batches even reaching government hospitals through unauthorised suppliers. A shortage of personnel contributed to weaker oversight, as 176 drug inspector posts remain vacant. Maharashtra currently has testing labs in Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune. Zirwal added that 109 inspector positions will be filled through the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, and efforts are underway to upgrade laboratories in Nashik and Pune. Source: PTI Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

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Australia Enforces World’s First Social Media Ban for Under-16s

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Australia has officially become the first country in the world to ban social media access for children and teenagers under 16. Under the new legislation, major platforms — including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and Kick — must prevent users below the age threshold from accessing their services. While parents and minors won’t face penalties for violations, tech companies risk fines of up to 32 million dollars if they fail to comply. The government says the move is aimed at shielding young people from harmful online content, but critics warn it may unintentionally push vulnerable teens toward unsafe, unregulated digital spaces. The decision has sparked debate across Australia, drawing concern from tech giants and free-speech advocates, even as many parents and child-safety organisations have welcomed the policy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had first signalled plans for an age-based restriction last September. Source: newsonair  

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Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 Registration Begins: Chance to Meet PM Modi in January; Website and Key Dates

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The Ministry of Education has opened registrations for the ninth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), the Prime Minister’s annual interaction with students, parents and teachers on tackling exam pressure and preparing effectively. The 2026 edition will take place in January, and applications can be submitted online until January 11, 2026. What is Pariksha Pe Charcha? Pariksha Pe Charcha is a core component of the government’s ‘Exam Warriors’ movement, aimed at easing exam stress and encouraging healthy, confident learning habits. The programme allows students, educators and parents from across India to engage directly with the Prime Minister on issues such as exam anxiety, time management, mental wellness and preparation strategies for board and competitive exams. It also serves as a nationwide guidance platform, fostering a positive mindset toward examinations. Registration Details for PPC 2026 Registration for PPC 2026 is live on the MyGov Innovate portal. Last date to apply: January 11, 2026 Eligible participants include: — Students of Classes 6–12 — Teachers from recognised institutions — Parents or guardians of school students How to Register for Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 Visit the official PPC 2026 page on MyGov Innovate: innovateindia1.mygov.in/ppc-2026 Click on ‘Participate Now’ Select your category (Student/Teacher/Parent) Log in or create a MyGov account using email or mobile number Complete the quiz/activity assigned to your category Fill out the registration form and submit your entry Students may also upload a question for the Prime Minister to answer during the event PPC Login: Accessing Your Dashboard Participants can log in to the MyGov portal to: — View their submissions — Track quiz/activity status — Download participation certificates — Receive updates on shortlisting and event information Submitting a Question to PM Modi: Guidelines Students can submit original, concise questions that follow the rules: — Format: Clear and relevant — Word limit: Around 500 characters — Languages: English or any Indian language available on MyGov Creative and meaningful questions may be featured during the live interaction. Important Dates & What’s Next? — Registration ends: January 11, 2026 — Event: January 2026 (exact date to be announced) After submission, entries go through a screening process. Selected students, parents and teachers may be invited to attend the event or associated activities. Digital participation certificates will be available through MyGov. PPC 2025 witnessed 3.53 crore valid registrations, reflecting growing nationwide engagement. Source: Indian Express

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 Registration Begins: Chance to Meet PM Modi in January; Website and Key Dates Read More »

Microsoft Drops Diversity and Inclusion as Core Criteria in Employee Reviews

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Microsoft has removed diversity and inclusion as mandatory companywide priorities in employee performance evaluations, signalling a major shift from the commitments it amplified after the 2020 George Floyd protests, according to reports from The Verge and Game File. The update, rolled out last month through Microsoft’s internal Connect system, eliminates required questions that previously asked employees to outline how their work contributed to a “more diverse and inclusive Microsoft.” These DEI-related prompts, along with similar security-impact questions, were once integral to annual reviews. The company announced the revision quietly via a Viva Engage post, describing it as part of a “simplification” of its core priorities—now simply called “goals.” Adding to the changes, Wired reported that Microsoft will not release its annual diversity and inclusion report this year, ending more than a decade of public transparency on workforce representation. Chief Communications Officer Frank Shaw said the company is moving toward “more dynamic and accessible” storytelling formats, even as internal HR documents now refer only to “inclusion,” not “diversity.” The policy shift comes after growing political pressure, including an executive order by former President Donald Trump targeting corporate DEI programs. Microsoft had already laid off its internal DEI team in July 2024, with the team lead reportedly noting that such initiatives were no longer considered “business critical” as they were in 2020. Employee reactions to the latest rollback have been divided. Some workers told The Verge the initial DEI requirements always felt “performative,” while others saw the retreat as expected—especially after CEO Satya Nadella invited Elon Musk to speak at Microsoft Build, angering employee groups like GLEAM, which represents LGBTQIA+ staff and allies. Despite these moves, Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones maintained: “Our D&I commitments remain unchanged. Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering.” Source: TOI

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Karnataka to Set Up House Panel to Ease Rules for Private School Recognition

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The Karnataka government has decided to establish a House committee to review and recommend relaxations to the rules governing the initial recognition and renewal of private aided and unaided schools. School Education and Literacy Minister S. Madhu Bangarappa announced the move in the Legislative Council after members highlighted the challenges faced by institutions due to stringent regulations. He said the committee would study the issue in depth and submit a report, based on which the government will take a final call. Bangarappa assured that no private school would face difficulties during the interim period before the committee is formed and its recommendations implemented. Responding to allegations that some officials were demanding bribes for renewing school recognition, the minister acknowledged that efforts to shift the process online had not been fully successful. He warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any officials found engaging in corruption. Council members urged the government to act swiftly, citing widespread malpractice and stressing the need to immediately relax the rules and set up the House committee. Source: PTI  

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Targeting TB Bacteria’s Fatty Outer Coat May Boost Drug Effectiveness: IIT Bombay–Monash Study

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Researchers from IIT Bombay and Monash University have discovered that the fatty outer coat of Mycobacterium tuberculosis—the bacteria that causes TB—plays a crucial role in helping it evade antibiotics. By altering this lipid-rich membrane, TB bacteria can survive drug treatment, especially when they enter a dormant state. Despite over a century of research, tuberculosis remains a major global threat. In 2023, 10.8 million people fell ill and 1.25 million died from the disease, with India recording more than 2.6 million cases in 2024. One of the biggest hurdles in treatment is the bacteria’s ability to slip into dormancy shortly after infection. In this phase, the bacteria remain alive but inactive, causing no symptoms and unable to spread. However, if a person’s immunity drops—due to HIV, illness or immunosuppressive medication—the bacteria can reactivate. Since standard TB drugs mainly target bacteria that are actively growing, dormant cells are far less affected and often survive long treatment cycles. The new study led by Prof Shobhna Kapoor of IIT Bombay and Prof Marie-Isabel Aguilar of Monash University examined how TB bacteria survive this drug assault. The researchers found that the dormant bacteria’s outer membrane undergoes changes that make it harder for antibiotics to penetrate. Drug concentrations needed to inhibit these dormant cells were up to ten times higher than those needed for active ones. Advanced mass spectrometry allowed the team to map more than 270 lipid molecules in the bacterial membranes, revealing significant differences between active and dormant bacterial states. According to the researchers, weakening this lipid barrier could make existing drugs far more effective. Instead of relying solely on new antibiotics, combining current treatments with molecules that disrupt the outer membrane could help kill persistent bacteria without promoting genetic resistance. Prof Kapoor noted that such an approach could shorten therapy durations and restore drug sensitivity, giving TB bacteria little room to adapt permanently. Source: PTI

Targeting TB Bacteria’s Fatty Outer Coat May Boost Drug Effectiveness: IIT Bombay–Monash Study Read More »

Maharashtra’s Record-Breaking Solar Pump Rollout Earns Guinness Recognition

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Maharashtra has entered the Guinness World Records after installing 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps within just one month — one of the fastest large-scale renewable irrigation deployments worldwide, second only to China. The rapid rollout, executed under the PM-KUSUM scheme and the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, was completed in 30 days and formally certified by Guinness. A special ceremony in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar marked the achievement, attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, New and Renewable Energy Minister Atul Save, and senior officials. Fadnavis said the milestone represents a transformative shift in agricultural energy access, promising improved irrigation security, higher farm incomes, and reduced dependence on traditional power sources. He also directed officials to target 10 lakh solar pump installations by next year, building on the 7.5 lakh pumps already deployed. The massive rollout was enabled by pre-planned inventory, digital monitoring, multiple parallel installation teams, and a structured execution model that prioritised drought-prone areas. Strict service-level agreements ensured farmer grievances were addressed within three days, with automatic escalation for delays. Pump allocation followed land-based criteria: 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms. MSEDCL CMD Lokesh Chandra said the achievement stems from systematic planning, transparent vendor processes, and rigorous compliance. Maharashtra has now installed over 7.47 lakh solar pumps and is targeting 10.45 lakh units, making it one of India’s largest renewable irrigation transitions. The model — combining PM-KUSUM (Component B) and the state scheme — is being projected as scalable for other Indian states and Global South nations aiming for energy-secure, climate-friendly agriculture. The state plans to continue the accelerated rollout, gradually shifting all new agricultural power connections to off-grid solar systems, supporting long-term decarbonisation and reducing the load on the conventional grid. Source: Economic Times

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IIT Roorkee Releases JEE Advanced 2026 Eligibility Rules; Exam Scheduled for May 17

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IIT Roorkee has officially announced the eligibility criteria and key dates for JEE Advanced 2026. Only the top 2,50,000 performers from the JEE Main 2026 BE/BTech paper will qualify, based on a fixed category-wise distribution. The exam will be conducted on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Under Criterion A1, candidates must rank within the top 2.5 lakh across categories: 40.5% OPEN, 10% GEN-EWS, 27% OBC-NCL, 15% SC and 7.5% ST, with an additional 5% PwD horizontal reservation in each group. IIT Roorkee noted that totals may slightly exceed 2.5 lakh if ranks are tied. Foreign national categories OCI/PIO (I) will be treated strictly under OPEN, without access to reservation benefits except PwD where applicable. Age limits require candidates to be born on or after October 1, 2001, with a five-year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD. Candidates may attempt JEE Advanced only twice in two consecutive years. For Class XII eligibility, students must have appeared for the first time in 2025 or 2026 with PCM as compulsory subjects. IIT Roorkee clarified that any declared board result—regardless of exam mode—counts as an appearance. Students who appeared in 2024 or earlier are ineligible, except for the special case where boards released results for the 2023–24 session on or after June 18, 2024, making those candidates eligible. Source: Indian Express

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Netflix Strikes $72bn Deal to Acquire Warner Bros’ Film & Streaming Units, Reshaping Global Entertainment

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Netflix has announced a landmark agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery’s film and streaming divisions for $72bn (£54bn), marking one of Hollywood’s biggest-ever consolidation moves. The streaming giant outbid Comcast and Paramount Skydance after a prolonged contest, securing control of iconic franchises such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and the HBO Max platform. The acquisition—still subject to regulatory approval—signals Netflix’s ambition to dominate the evolving entertainment landscape. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said merging Warner Bros’ century-old storytelling legacy with Netflix originals like Stranger Things would help “define the next century of entertainment.” Netflix expects to save $2bn to $3bn by removing overlaps in technology and support operations. Warner Bros films will continue to release in cinemas, and its TV studio will remain open to third-party production. While both companies’ boards approved the deal unanimously, Hollywood unions and cinema groups have voiced strong opposition. The Writers Guild of America urged regulators to block the merger, warning of job losses, reduced content diversity, and higher consumer costs. Cinema United also cautioned that the tie-up could harm movie theatres worldwide. Analysts say the acquisition underscores Netflix’s aggressive push for global supremacy but could present challenges in integrating two massive entertainment ecosystems. If approved, the deal is expected to drive significant industry shifts, including reduced film and TV output and potentially higher subscription prices. Warner Bros will complete an internal split into two separate companies—its streaming and studios arm, and Discovery Global—before the takeover closes next year. Source: BBC

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