admin, Author at ArdorComm Media Group

Shoolini University Partners with University of Melbourne to Offer Dual Degree Programs for Indian Students

The University of Melbourne and Shoolini University have joined hands to offer a dual-degree program, beginning with the Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours). This collaboration marks the University of Melbourne’s first dual-degree partnership with a private Indian university. Under the agreement, Indian students will have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate studies in Science at both institutions. They will spend two years at Shoolini University and then continue their education for the next two years at the University of Melbourne. During their third and fourth years, students can choose from a range of multidisciplinary majors, including Agriculture, Sustainability and Environment, Biosciences, and Computer Sciences. In addition, eligible students will have the option to extend their studies by an extra year, completing a Master’s of Science degree at the University of Melbourne. This extension also provides them with the chance to apply for post-study work rights in Australia, subject to meeting the criteria set by the Australian government. Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement at the University of Melbourne, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that this collaboration with Shoolini University is the fourth dual-degree partnership with an Indian university and the first with a private institution. The University of Melbourne looks forward to working with Shoolini University. Professor Atul Khosla, Vice Chancellor of Shoolini University, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the enhanced international study opportunities it provides to their exceptional undergraduate students. He believes that this collaboration highlights the global reputation of Shoolini University as a top-tier institution and opens doors to even more opportunities for their students.

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Infosys Implements 5-Day Office Work Mandate for Employees in the US and Canada

admin / Human Resource Community

Infosys, a multinational IT company, has implemented a new work policy for its employees based in the United States and Canada. The policy mandates a five-day work week, requiring employees to be physically present in the office. This change affects approximately 30,000 employees in these two countries. Working remotely will only be permitted under special circumstances with prior approval, and non-compliance with the policy may result in disciplinary action. Infosys’ decision aligns with the recent trend observed in other major IT firms like Google and TCS, which have also implemented similar mandates for office attendance. While the Covid-19 pandemic initially popularized remote work, companies are now shifting towards a return to office-based work and no longer considering remote work as a long-term option. In contrast, employees in India are following a phased approach to transitioning back to office-based work.

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Chandrayaan 3, India’s Third Moon Mission, Set for Launch in July

admin / Governance Community

Chandrayaan 3, India’s upcoming lunar mission, is scheduled to be launched in July, most likely in the second half of the month, according to Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to demonstrate crucial technology with this mission, specifically the ability to land the spacecraft on the moon’s south pole. Earlier this year, Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed that Chandrayaan-3 had successfully completed essential tests to ensure its capability to endure the challenging conditions during launch and the subsequent journey. As per ISRO’s website, Chandrayaan-3 will be launched by the LVM3 rocket from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. The lander and rover will be carried by the propulsion module to a lunar orbit of 100 km. The spacecraft comprises an indigenous Lander module (LM), Propulsion module (PM), and a Rover, all aimed at developing and showcasing new technologies necessary for interplanetary missions.

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India Earns $7.4 Billion from Medical Tourism in the Last Decade, Expects $43.5 Billion in Next 10 Years: Officials

admin / Health & Wellness Community

According to officials, India has generated approximately $7.4 billion in revenue through medical tourism in the past decade. This figure is projected to reach $43.5 billion over the next ten years. The health sector in India has experienced significant private investments in the last five years, as highlighted during the BIMSTEC Health Forum organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce. The forum addressed various topics, including the integration of mental health into overall healthcare, emphasis on universal health coverage, telemedicine, information sharing, exchange of human capital, and collaborative opportunities. Given the BIMSTEC nations’ concern for climate change, the officials stressed the importance of coordination between the commercial and public healthcare sectors, as well as the government, to implement positive changes while considering environmental factors. Medical tourism is recognized as an export for two BIMSTEC members, India and Thailand. Additionally, there have been discussions about partnering with the Thai government to adopt West Bengal government’s healthcare scheme, ‘Swastha Sathi,’ and develop a progressive medical insurance plan. BIMSTEC, established in 1997, is a regional organization comprising a combined population of over 1.68 billion people and a GDP of around $2.88 trillion.

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Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Well-being

admin / Article/Stories

In the digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and even strangers from around the world. While social media offers numerous benefits such as enhanced communication and access to information, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health and well-being. This article delves into the complex relationship between social media and mental health, exploring both the positive and negative effects it can have on individuals. The Positive Side of Social Media: Social media platforms provide a range of positive experiences that can contribute to mental well-being. They enable individuals to connect with others, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of loneliness. Additionally, social media facilitates the sharing of personal stories, promoting empathy and support within communities. It can serve as a platform for raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations. Moreover, social media offers opportunities for education, self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. The Negative Impact on Mental Health: Despite its positive aspects, social media also poses potential risks to mental health and well-being. Research suggests that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and increased social comparison. Constant exposure to carefully curated, idealized representations of others’ lives can trigger feelings of envy, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, the addictive nature of social media and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can contribute to stress and feelings of isolation. Cyberbullying and online harassment further exacerbate mental health issues, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Social Media and Body Image Concerns: One area where social media significantly impacts mental health is body image. The constant barrage of filtered and photoshopped images on social media can distort one’s perception of beauty and create unrealistic expectations. Research indicates that exposure to idealized body images can lead to body dissatisfaction, disordered eating patterns, and negative self-perception. Body-positive movements have emerged to counteract these harmful effects and promote acceptance of diverse body types, but the pervasive influence of social media remains a significant concern. Strategies for Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Social Media: Given the widespread use of social media, it is crucial to develop strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship with these platforms. Here are some recommendations: Mindful usage: Be conscious of the time spent on social media and set limits to avoid excessive use. Selective engagement: Curate your social media feed to include positive and uplifting content, unfollow accounts that trigger negative emotions, and follow accounts that promote mental well-being. Offline balance: Allocate time for offline activities, such as hobbies, exercise, and face-to-face interactions, to maintain a healthy balance between the virtual and real world. Practice self-compassion: Remember that social media often presents an idealized version of reality. Focus on self-acceptance and celebrate your own accomplishments rather than comparing yourself to others. Seek support: If you are experiencing negative emotions or mental health challenges, reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals for support. Conclusion: Social media has transformed the way we connect and communicate, offering both positive and negative impacts on mental health and well-being. While it can foster connection, provide support, and spread awareness, it also poses risks such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and body image concerns. By being mindful of our social media usage and implementing strategies to maintain a healthy relationship with these platforms, we can harness their benefits while safeguarding our mental well-being. Ultimately, it is essential to strike a balance between online and offline experiences to nurture our overall mental health. The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm MediaTop of Form

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Pune to Host 4th and Final G20 Education Working Group Meeting with Focus on Foundation Literacy and Numeracy

admin / Education Community

Pune, Maharashtra is set to host the 4th and final meeting of the Education Working Group (EDWG) for the G20 on June 19-21, 2023. The event, organized by the Ministry of Education, will focus on the theme of “Ensuring Foundation Literacy and Numeracy, especially in the context of blended learning.” The meeting will be followed by the Education Ministerial meeting on June 22, 2023. During a press conference, K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary (Higher Education); Sanjay Kumar, Secretary (Department of School Education & Literacy); and Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary (Skill Development and Entrepreneurship), provided details about the upcoming G20 4th Education Working Group meeting, Ministerial Meeting, Jan Bhagidari events, and precursor events to be held in Pune. Murthy announced that a seminar on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, a priority area, will precede the main EdWG Meeting. Several countries including Spain, Australia, Indonesia, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, and the UK have expressed their interest in the seminar and will participate as panellists. So far, 14 ministers from countries such as the UK, Italy, Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Singapore, Oman, Mauritius, Japan, Bangladesh, Egypt, UAE, and the Netherlands have confirmed their participation in the ministerial meeting. Murthy emphasized that the Education Working Group meeting will conclude with the Ministerial Meeting, bringing together Education Ministers from G20 members and invited countries. The event aims to gather stakeholders in the scientific community to discuss best practices for accessible science and its application in nations with different local capacities. The focus will be on utilizing science practices to support global progress. The Education Working Group meeting and the Ministerial Meeting will be significant events, providing a platform for collaboration among Education Ministers from G20 member countries and invited nations.

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Swedish Privacy Protection Authority Slaps Spotify with $5.4 Million Fine for Inadequate Data Usage Transparency

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Spotify, the music streaming giant, has been fined 58 million kronor ($5.4 million) by the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection for failing to sufficiently inform users about the utilization of their collected data. In response, Spotify has announced its intention to appeal the decision. The Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY) conducted a review focused on how Spotify handled users’ rights to access their personal data. The IMY concluded that the company exhibited deficiencies in this area and thus imposed a fine of 58 million kronor. As per the regulations outlined in the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), users possess the right to be aware of the data held by a company pertaining to them and how that data is being utilized. The Swedish authority emphasized that Spotify’s provided information lacked clarity, making it challenging for individuals to comprehend how their personal data was being processed and determine the legality of such processing. IMY acknowledged that the identified shortcomings were relatively minor overall, but the fine was determined based on Spotify’s user base and revenue. Recently, Spotify revealed its negotiations to make popular podcasts, including Armchair Expert and Anything Goes, available on other streaming platforms. The company stated that it has experienced success through experimentation with show windowing, a strategy it intends to continue in order to strengthen partnerships with leading podcasters worldwide. Additionally, Spotify announced a reduction of approximately 200 jobs, constituting 2% of its workforce, as part of ongoing restructuring efforts. This follows a previous workforce reduction of 6% (approximately 600 jobs) announced in January. (With inputs from Agencies)

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New Regulations by NMC: MBBS Students Must Complete Course within 9 Years, Common Counselling for UG Admissions

admin / Education Community

According to recent regulations set by the National Medical Commission (NMC), MBBS students are now required to complete their course within nine years from the date of admission. The NMC has also stated that students will only have four attempts to clear the first year of their MBBS program. These new guidelines were announced in a gazette notification on June 2. Additionally, the NMC has mandated common counselling for admissions to undergraduate medical courses across all medical institutions in India. The counselling process will be based on the NEET-UG merit list. The NMC will appoint a designated authority to oversee the counselling process and determine the agency and method for allocating undergraduate seats. The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) will provide guidelines for conducting the common counselling, and the designated authority will conduct the counselling in accordance with these guidelines. It is important to note that no medical institute is allowed to admit candidates to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) course in violation of these regulations.

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Government Promotes Employee Well-being with Yoga Breaks

admin / Human Resource Community

The Central government has taken an active initiative to prioritize the well-being and productivity of its employees by introducing the ‘Y-Break – Yoga at Office Chair’ program. Launched by the Ministry of AYUSH, this program aims to reduce stress, rejuvenate individuals, and improve focus in the workplace. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, under the Ministry of AYUSH, has tailored additional activities to accommodate busy officials who struggle to find time for traditional yoga practices. These activities enable employees to engage in yoga while seated at their office desks. In a recent directive issued on June 12, officials have been granted the opportunity to benefit from the Y-Break protocol, which is designed to refresh and enhance focus during office hours. Encouraged by positive feedback, the Personnel Ministry has urged all Central government entities to adopt and promote this innovative yoga practice among their employees. The Y-Break protocol includes various simple yoga practices like asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and dhyana (meditation). These can be easily incorporated into short breaks, allowing employees to experience the physical and mental benefits of yoga throughout the workday. By implementing this initiative, the government showcases its commitment to prioritizing employee well-being and creating a healthy work environment. Integrating yoga into employees’ daily routines can lead to improved physical health, mental well-being, and a better work-life balance. The ‘Y-Break – Yoga at Office Chair’ program provides valuable tips to help employees incorporate wellness practices into their workday conveniently, ultimately enhancing overall productivity and job satisfaction. Through this approach, the government aims to foster a positive and supportive work environment that promotes the holistic well-being of its employees.

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AIIMS Delhi Inaugurates AMRIT Pharmacy, Offering Affordable Medications and Round-the-Clock Service

admin / Health & Wellness Community

An AMRIT pharmacy was recently opened at AIIMS Delhi with the aim of providing affordable medications. The pharmacy, known as the Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) pharmacy, has 13 dedicated counters and operates 24/7. This extended working hour facility will be beneficial for individuals in need of urgent medical attention or immediate access to essential medicines. Presently, the pharmacy offers a wide range of around 1,500 drug formulations, covering various medical conditions. Moreover, the pharmacy is committed to expanding its inventory to meet the evolving demands of patients, ensuring that they can always find the medications they require. The director of AIIMS, M Srinivas, expressed pride in offering affordable medicines of high quality and stated that efforts would continue to expand the pharmacy’s offerings based on patient needs. Additionally, AIIMS is working towards establishing an MoU with AMRIT Pharmacy to provide stents and implants at reasonable rates.

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