ArdorComm Media Group

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 3:46 AM

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Binance Cuts 1,000 Jobs, Including Indian Team, Amidst Regulatory Scrutiny

Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has reduced its workforce by 1,000 employees globally, including its team in India. The layoffs come amid ongoing federal investigations and increased regulatory scrutiny in the United States. The customer-service department has been most affected, with 36 employees in India being let go. Speculations arose that Binance might sell its US operations or even face closure entirely. The company now aims to focus on agility and will reassess its talent pool and expertise in various roles. Last month, founder Changpeng Zhao was sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission for allegedly operating illegally in the US. Binance denies the accusations and is striving to obtain operational licenses in Europe. However, the company’s future stability is uncertain as Zhao faces charges and refuses to step down from his position. In contrast, Binance had previously made headlines by expressing plans to expand its workforce and assuring that layoffs were not on the horizon.

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Dharmendra Pradhan Launches AI Program for Youth Skills on World Youth Skills’ Day

On World Youth Skills’ Day (July 15), Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union education minister, launched an artificial intelligence (AI) program. The program is a collaborative effort between the Skill India Mission of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the National Council for Vocational Education and Skill, and GUVI, an Edutech company incubated by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. The initiative, curated by GUVI, offers courses in nine Indian languages. This move aims to break down language barriers in technology education and empower young people, particularly those in rural areas. Pradhan praised GUVI for its efforts and encouraged them to develop courses in all Indian languages. The AI program is designed to equip youth with advanced skills, according to the minister. Pradhan emphasized the importance of technology being accessible to all, regardless of language, and called for the expansion of technology courses in various Indian languages. He believes that this step will help bridge the language gap in technology education and ensure a future-ready workforce, especially among rural youth.

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All-India Medical Admission Process to Commence on July 20

The Directorate General of Health Services’ (DGHS) Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has announced that the counselling process for medical and dental courses in India will tentatively begin on July 20. The schedule released by the MCC pertains to the online counselling for NEET-UG in seats under the all-India quota, deemed universities, central universities, all AIIMS institutes, and JIPMER. While students can start registering from July 20 and filling their choices from July 22, participating institutes will verify the tentative seat matrix on July 20 and 21. Although the centralised counselling process was expected to include state seats as well, it will remain voluntary for the first year. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is in discussions with state counselling authorities to ensure a unified and transparent admission process. However, the notification lacks clarity on the schedule for state admissions, causing confusion and concerns among parents and students. The compressed timeline for the counselling process raises worries about the potential difficulties faced by parents and the possibility of meritorious students missing out on their preferred seats. The Ministry official clarified that DGHS handles only the all-India quota seats, and the NMC is expected to announce the state schedule separately.

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Akasa Air Plans International Expansion, Aims to Hire 800 New Employees

Akasa Air, a relatively new airline, is planning to expand its operations overseas and aims to hire 800 new employees by the end of 2023. Vinay Dube, the CEO of Akasa Air, recently discussed the company’s expansion plans in an interview with Bloomberg. The airline plans to use Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to serve destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and parts of South Asia, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. To meet government regulations, Akasa Air is eagerly awaiting the delivery of its 20th aircraft, as airlines are required to have a fleet of at least 20 planes. Currently, the airline operates 19 Boeing 737 MAX planes. Akasa Air has made significant progress in expanding its network and fleet despite being less than a year old. The suspension of Go First’s operations has created an opportunity for Akasa, and the airline is interested in acquiring some of the slots that Go First is expected to vacate, further strengthening its market presence. In the face of increasing competition in the aviation industry, Akasa Air is focusing on measures to retain its pilots. Reports suggest that the airline has implemented a substantial salary increase of up to 40% for its pilots and revised their fixed pay hours from 45 to 40.

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PM Modi Announces 5-Year Post-Study Visa for Indian Students in France

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a significant announcement that will greatly benefit Indian students studying in France. During his address at La Seine Musicale in Paris, PM Modi revealed that France has introduced a new and improved post-study work visa program for Indian students. Under this program, Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in France will now be eligible for a longer post-study visa lasting five years. This development marks a significant extension from the previous duration of two years granted to Indian students in France. The new post-study work visa, also known as the Graduate Route in some countries, provides international students with the opportunity to remain in the host country after completing their studies. During this extended period, students can actively seek job opportunities, gain practical work experience, and contribute to the local economy. It is important to note that the post-study work visa typically comes with certain requirements. In most cases, students are expected to secure employment related to their field of study, ensuring that their acquired skills and knowledge are put to practical use. By aligning their employment with their educational background, students can maximize their professional growth and contribute effectively to the workforce. This announcement by PM Modi reflects the commitment of both India and France to promote educational and cultural exchange between the two nations. It not only encourages Indian students to pursue higher education in France but also provides them with an extended period to establish their careers and explore opportunities in the country. This move is expected to enhance the attractiveness of France as a study destination for Indian students and further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

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AI News Anchors Enter the Spotlight in Media Evolution

Blog on MEA

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in newsrooms is revolutionizing the way news is presented and consumed. Indian media houses are embracing this cutting-edge technology by introducing AI news anchors, ushering in a new era of journalism. With the recent launches of AI news presenters in Kannada news channels, including Power TV’s Soundarya and News First Kannada’s Maya, the influence of AI in the media industry is expanding rapidly. These AI-powered anchors are reshaping news delivery, raising both excitement and concerns about the future of journalism. Expanding the Horizon of AI News Anchors: Power TV’s Soundarya and News First Kannada’s Maya have joined the ranks of AI news anchors in India, following the footsteps of their counterparts in other regional languages. Earlier this year, the India Today group introduced Sana, an AI news presenter for their Hindi channel, Aaj Tak. MediaOne TV, a Malayalam news channel, also launched a male AI news anchor. Most recently, Odisha TV made waves with their AI newscaster, Lisa, who delivered flawless presentations in Odia and English. The Current Role of AI News Anchors: Although AI news anchors are still in the experimental phase, they have already made their mark in the industry. Currently, news channels utilize them to present short news bulletins, sometimes with voiceovers recorded by human journalists synchronized with the AI presenter. This approach allows for quick and efficient delivery of news content. However, it is important to note that AI news anchors are not yet replacing human journalists in breaking news segments. Instead, they are supplementing news programming with their unique capabilities. Advantages and Criticisms: The introduction of AI in newsrooms brings numerous advantages. AI news anchors operate 24/7 without requiring breaks or rest, ensuring constant news coverage. They possess language adaptability, catering to diverse linguistic backgrounds, making news accessible to a wider audience. AI anchors provide consistent performance, eliminating variations and fatigue often seen in human presenters. Moreover, they have the ability to process large volumes of information in seconds, delivering real-time updates. However, the rise of AI in newsrooms also raises ethical concerns and potential threats to human jobs. Critics argue that the integration of AI may undermine the role of human journalists and impact employment in the media industry. Additionally, algorithmic biases and the risk of manipulated information need to be addressed to maintain journalistic integrity and trust. Future of AI News Anchors: The emergence of AI news anchors marks a significant milestone in the media industry. It is clear that AI technology will continue to advance and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism. AI news presenters have the potential to evolve beyond short bulletins and expand into more interactive programs, further enhancing audience engagement and personalization. As AI algorithms improve, these virtual anchors may become more lifelike, allowing for seamless integration with human presenters and creating dynamic news presentations. Conclusion: The introduction of AI news anchors in Indian newsrooms represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of journalism. Soundarya, Maya, Lisa and other AI presenters are pioneering a new era of news delivery, blending technology and human expertise. While AI in newsrooms offers numerous advantages, there is a need for careful consideration of its ethical implications and potential impact on human journalists. Striking the right balance between AI and human involvement will be key in shaping the future of journalism, ensuring a harmonious integration of technology and maintaining the core values of accurate, reliable, and unbiased reporting. The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm Media

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India’s Chandrayaan-3 Successfully Launches, Aims to Become Fourth Country to Land on Moon

India’s third lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, according to the predetermined launch schedule. This mission aims to establish India as the fourth country to achieve a spacecraft landing on the moon, showcasing the nation’s capability for a safe and gentle touchdown on the lunar surface. LVM3 M4/Chandrayaan-3 Mission:LVM3 M4 vehicle🚀 successfully launched Chandrayaan-3🛰️ into orbit. — ISRO (@isro) July 14, 2023 The GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle was employed to launch the spacecraft. It is estimated that the journey from Earth to the moon will take approximately a month, with the anticipated landing date set for August 23. Following the landing, the spacecraft will operate for one lunar day, equivalent to about 14 Earth days. Chandrayaan-3 serves as the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) subsequent endeavor following the challenges encountered during the soft landing phase of the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019.

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Elon Musk Launches xAI, a New Artificial Intelligence Company Focused on Understanding the Universe

Elon Musk has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) company called xAI, which aims to explore the true nature of the universe. The company, led by Musk himself, will collaborate with Twitter’s parent company, X, as well as Tesla and other companies to advance their mission. Announcing formation of @xAI to understand reality — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 12, 2023 Musk’s previous involvement with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, soured when he criticized the implementation of safeguards to prevent biased or sexist responses from the AI. In an interview earlier this year, Musk hinted at his plans for a new AI venture called TruthGPT, emphasizing its focus on seeking maximum truth and understanding. Concerned about the potential destructive power of AI, Musk had previously called for a pause in the uncontrolled development of AI technology. While specific details about xAI’s mission remain limited, the company is actively recruiting staff. Musk’s latest endeavour comes at a challenging time as his acquisition, Twitter, faces an uncertain future with the launch of a competing app by Meta and reports of declining usage. Despite these challenges, Musk continues to lead multiple other companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company.

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Government Halts Drug Production at 31 Firms and Takes Strict Actions over Quality Norms

The Indian government has taken strict measures against several pharmaceutical companies for failing to comply with quality control standards. Production of drugs has been halted at 31 firms, while the licenses of 50 firms have been cancelled or suspended. Additionally, 73 firms have received showcause notices, and 21 firms have been issued warning letters. These actions come as a result of a nationwide inspection of drug manufacturing units that were identified as being at risk of producing substandard, adulterated, or counterfeit drugs. The inspections were prompted by recent controversies involving the alleged adulteration of certain products, particularly cold and cough syrups exported abroad. To ensure compliance with the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its rules, a committee comprising two joint drug controllers has been established at the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation headquarters to oversee the inspection process, reporting, and subsequent actions. On the matter, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Mansukh Mandaviya, held a meeting with representatives from various pharmaceutical companies, stressing the importance of maintaining drug quality and urging small and medium-sized pharma companies to adopt good manufacturing practices through self-regulation. Mandaviya also instructed the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to take strong action against any companies involved in producing counterfeit drugs, emphasizing that the quality of drugs manufactured in India should not be compromised.

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Indian Government Imposes 28% GST on Online Gaming, Stirring Controversy

The Indian government has recently introduced a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 28% on online gaming activities in the country, sparking widespread debate and controversy within the gaming community and industry. Online gaming has experienced a surge in popularity, captivating millions of players across various gaming platforms. From casual mobile games to competitive eSports leagues, online gaming has become a significant form of entertainment for individuals of all ages. The implementation of a 28% GST on online gaming has raised concerns among gamers and industry experts, particularly regarding its impact on affordability. With the increased tax burden, gamers may face higher prices for games, additional content, and virtual goods, potentially affecting their willingness to engage in gaming activities. Furthermore, this decision has the potential to negatively impact the growth of the gaming industry in India. The sector has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, attracting both domestic and international investments in game development and eSports tournaments. However, the imposition of such a high tax rate may discourage investments and hinder the progress of local game developers and publishers. There is also a lack of clarity on which specific gaming activities will be subject to the 28% GST. The government’s failure to define online gaming comprehensively may create confusion and place an unnecessary burden on gaming companies and consumers. Moreover, the 28% GST rate appears disproportionately high when compared to taxes imposed on other forms of entertainment. Movie tickets, for instance, are currently taxed at rates ranging from 18% to 28%, leading to discussions on categorizing them as an essential service with lower taxation. This discrepancy raises questions about the rationale behind imposing such a steep tax rate on online gaming. While the government may have implemented this tax to generate revenue and regulate the gaming industry, it is crucial for policymakers to strike a balance between taxation and industry growth. An excessively high tax rate could discourage gamers, hinder the progress of Indian game developers, and limit the industry’s potential for advancement. In summary, the introduction of a 28% GST on online gaming in India has sparked concerns among gamers and industry experts. This decision may lead to increased costs for games and in-app purchases, impede industry growth, and create uncertainty for gaming companies and consumers. It is essential for the government to reconsider the tax rate and adopt a more balanced approach that fosters industry growth while ensuring fair taxation.

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