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IndiGo to Introduce Evidence-Based Pilot Training for Enhanced Safety and Performance

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IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is preparing to roll out evidence-based training (EBT) programmes for its pilots, marking a significant step towards strengthening flight safety, situational awareness, and decision-making skills, a senior company official confirmed. Currently, the airline follows the Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) framework. The new initiative aims to build upon this foundation, using data-driven insights and global best practices to transition towards a mature EBT system. “When an airline becomes CBTA-compliant, the next natural step is achieving EBT compliance,” the official explained. “We are now establishing the CBTA baseline, and with the help of data analytics, AI tools, and expert consultants, we aim to evolve into an evidence-based training environment.” Under the EBT framework, pilot training will emphasize critical skills such as situational awareness, decision-making, and crew resource management. The programme will leverage IndiGo’s vast operational data to design and refine training modules grounded in real-world performance evidence. “We will collect and validate data from various operations and use it to shape the training approach,” the official said, highlighting that artificial intelligence and data analytics will play a central role in customising learning and assessment. IndiGo currently operates over 2,300 daily flights with a fleet of more than 400 aircraft, while another 900 planes are on order. The airline employs over 5,300 pilots, a number expected to double by 2030 to support its rapid expansion, including the induction of wide-body aircraft. While the implementation timeline for full EBT compliance is projected to take around a year to a year and a half, IndiGo views this as a crucial step toward future-ready, data-driven pilot training and enhanced operational safety. Source: PTI

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J&K Government Plans Single-Window Digital Platform to Streamline Recruitment Processes

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The Jammu and Kashmir government is gearing up for a major digital reform aimed at transforming recruitment procedures across all departments through a unified online system, officials confirmed on Saturday. Satish Sharma, Minister for Administrative Reforms, Inspections (ARI) and Trainings, chaired a high-level meeting to review the proposal. He stressed the need for simplifying administrative operations to ensure efficiency, transparency, and timely decision-making within government departments. According to an official spokesperson, the proposed Single Window Digital System will centralize the process of drafting and amending recruitment rules, paving the way for uniform policy enforcement and faster execution. Commending the ARI & Training Department for conceptualizing the initiative, Sharma directed that the system’s design and rollout be expedited in coordination with the General Administration Department (GAD), Finance, Law, and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). He highlighted that inter-departmental collaboration and accountability must be maintained throughout implementation. “This digital platform will eliminate administrative bottlenecks, ensure transparency, and bring consistency in recruitment practices across all departments,” Sharma said. “By integrating real-time monitoring and public access features, it will strengthen accountability and reinforce citizen trust in governance.” The minister instructed that the new system be linked with the existing E-Office framework, alongside capacity-building programs for departmental nodal officers to facilitate smooth adoption. The initiative envisions several benefits — including a uniform recruitment policy, reduced paperwork, quicker file processing, improved coordination between departments, and enhanced transparency through online tracking. As per the proposed model, the platform will feature secure departmental logins, digital templates for proposals, online routing among ARI & Training, Finance, Law, GAD, and JKPSC, and a centralized archive for all approved recruitment rules and amendments. It will also provide real-time SMS and email notifications, performance dashboards, escalation mechanisms for delays, and strong data protection protocols. Departments will be required to submit recruitment proposals within 30 days, followed by a 10-day processing window for each stakeholder department, ensuring final approval from the GAD within a fixed timeframe. The move, officials said, represents a decisive step towards a paperless, transparent, and efficient governance model in Jammu and Kashmir’s public administration. Source: PTI  

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India Introduces AI Governance Guidelines to Ensure Safe and Responsible Adoption

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The Indian government has unveiled its first set of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance guidelines, outlining a framework for the safe, transparent, and ethical use of AI technologies. The non-binding rules, released on Wednesday, are expected to shape India’s long-term vision for AI regulation ahead of the IndiaAI Impact Summit scheduled for February next year. Developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the guidelines recommend potential amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act to better classify AI systems and define liability across the AI value chain. The document highlights that the current definition of “intermediary” under the IT Act — covering telecom operators, search engines, and even cyber cafés — is outdated in the context of autonomous AI systems capable of generating data independently. Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood noted that the new framework aims to provide clarity on responsibilities of AI developers and deployers, while also ensuring accountability. He added that the framework could serve as a model for AI governance in the Global South, especially for countries with limited regulatory resources. The guidelines also propose an India-specific AI risk assessment framework based on real-world harm evidence, along with a national database of AI incidents to track misuse, bias, and potential threats. This centralised repository will collect data from smaller regional databases managed by sectoral regulators, helping policymakers better understand the societal and security implications of AI technologies. The framework further recommends establishing new institutions to oversee AI policy, including an AI Governance Group—a permanent inter-ministerial body responsible for coordination and policy development—and leveraging the newly formed AI Safety Institute as the lead authority for ensuring safe and trusted AI use in India. Other key proposals include adopting regulatory sandboxes to allow innovation in controlled environments with limited legal exposure, and mandating accessible grievance redressal mechanisms through the existing Grievance Appellate Committee process. The guidelines also stress the need to update copyright laws to support large-scale AI model training and clarify digital platform classifications. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said the government is committed to acting when necessary to ensure AI is developed responsibly and ethically. The document, shaped after studying AI policies in the US, European Union, and China, and informed by over 2,500 submissions from stakeholders including academia, industry, and government bodies, marks a significant step in India’s effort to build a robust governance ecosystem for emerging technologies. Source: Economic Times

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England to Revamp School Curriculum: Students to Learn About Fake News and AI

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In the most significant education overhaul in over a decade, schoolchildren in England will soon be taught how to identify fake news and gain a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence. The move comes as part of the UK government’s wider plan to modernise education and equip students with essential skills for the future. Following the recommendations of the Curriculum and Assessment Review released on Wednesday, the Department for Education (DfE) announced sweeping reforms designed to prepare young learners for the evolving digital and economic landscape. Among the proposed changes is a 10% reduction in the number of exams faced by teenagers, addressing concerns that the current assessment load is “excessive.” “From the basics of reading to the modern-day challenge of spotting misinformation, these landmark reforms form part of our Plan for Change,” said Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. “It’s been more than ten years since the national curriculum was updated, and it’s vital that students are prepared to meet today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.” Under the revised framework, primary school students will be introduced to lessons on detecting misinformation and disinformation, aimed at strengthening their critical thinking and online safety. They will also study financial literacy topics such as mortgages, debt, and money management, alongside enhanced reading and communication skills. The reforms also propose a compulsory citizenship module, which will include climate education, a new foreign language qualification, and greater emphasis on outdoor learning and sports. Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, welcomed the move, saying: “Businesses will support curriculum changes that build employability — from teamwork and communication to digital and financial skills. Ensuring that every student has access to meaningful qualification pathways will help them stay engaged and ready for the world of work.” The new curriculum is set to roll out in September 2028, with the final version expected by early 2027, giving schools four terms to prepare for the transition. Source: PTI

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Zee cements dominance in Hindi movie broadcasting with 28.7% market share in Q2FY26

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Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL) has achieved a three-year high in the Hindi movie broadcasting space, capturing a 28.7% market share in Q2FY26. The surge was powered by Zee Cinema, which reclaimed its position as the No. 1 Hindi movie channel in the 15+ HSM Urban category. The success was driven by blockbuster premieres such as Jaat, Game Changer, and Pushpa: The Rule Part 2—the latter emerging as the highest-rated movie premiere of FY26 to date. Zee’s Free-to-Air channels, Anmol Cinema and Zee Action, also led the charts in Q2FY26, each reaching over 116 million viewers across all genres in the 15+ HSM Urban market. Beyond Hindi, Zee sustained its leadership in regional movie clusters. In Maharashtra, Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva, and Zee Chitramandir together commanded nearly 50% market share, supported by the hit premiere of Phullwanti. In southern and eastern markets, Zee Thirai (Tamil), Zee Cinemalu (Telugu), and Zee Biskope (Bhojpuri) ranked among the top three regional movie channels. A company spokesperson attributed the strong performance to Zee’s robust content strategy, which blends fresh premieres, evergreen classics, and data-driven programming. With 22 movie channels across six languages, Zee’s movie network reached over 550 million viewers in September 2025 alone. The movie genre continues to attract major advertisers, given its massive scale and consistent ratings. Zee’s extensive movie library features timeless hits like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Karan Arjun, and Bobby — with Hum Aapke Hain Koun alone garnering over 250 million viewers in the past five years. Source: Economic Times

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DGCA proposes full airfare refund for passengers cancelling flights due to medical emergencies

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued draft guidelines introducing new norms for airline ticket refunds and facilities for differently abled passengers. Under the proposed regulations, passengers who cancel their flight due to a medical emergency will be eligible for a full refund or a credit note, marking a significant consumer-friendly reform in air travel policies. The aviation regulator has also clarified that airlines will bear direct responsibility for processing refunds, even for tickets booked through travel agents or online portals, since these intermediaries act as the airline’s representatives. Refunds must be completed within 21 working days, as per the draft titled “Refund of Airline Tickets to Passengers of Public Transport Undertakings.” Public feedback on these proposals is open until November 30, 2025. In another passenger-friendly change, the DGCA has suggested extending the free ticket amendment window from 24 hours to 48 hours, provided the modification is made at least five days before a domestic flight or 15 days before an international flight. This replaces the earlier seven-day uniform rule for all routes. Separately, the DGCA has finalized updated norms to improve the air travel experience for differently abled passengers. Airlines may now charge able-bodied passengers who request wheelchair assistance, ensuring the limited supply remains available to those who genuinely need it. Airports will also face stricter obligations — they must provide ambulifts for passengers using wheelchairs and, where unavailable, towable ramps or stepladders as alternatives. Disability rights advocates, however, have criticized the latter provision as a step backward. Furthermore, airports are required to ensure clear signage, designated cab drop-off zones, and adequate staff to assist differently abled travellers. They are also encouraged to introduce digital navigation maps to enhance accessibility and independence for such passengers. Source: The Hindu

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MICA introduces 25-week Social Media Influencer Programme for aspiring digital creators

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The Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA), renowned for its expertise in Strategic Marketing and Communications, has announced the launch of a new Social Media Influencer Programme — a 25-week online course designed to empower aspiring and established digital creators with strategic tools to build sustainable and impactful online careers. The institute stated that the programme aims to meet the growing demands of India’s burgeoning creator economy, which forms a significant part of the $250 billion global industry. Through an innovative blend of academic learning and practical exposure, the course seeks to fill the skill gap by helping creators develop a structured understanding of branding, audience engagement, and content monetisation. Participants will be trained in areas such as personal branding, content strategy, multi-platform engagement, and the use of emerging technologies like generative AI to scale their creative output. The curriculum also covers brand partnerships, revenue models, and analytics-driven growth strategies. Academic and industry-led mentorship The programme will be jointly led by Dr. Falguni Vasavada and Prof. Siddharth Deshmukh, both MICA faculty members and experienced digital creators. They will combine academic principles with hands-on insights from the creator ecosystem. Adding a strong industry dimension, Viraj Sheth, Co-founder and CEO of Monk Entertainment, will serve as the programme’s industry expert. He will conduct two specialised masterclasses — Media Training for Digital Thought Leaders and Multi-Platform Content Distribution & Growth Strategy — focusing on authenticity, influence management, and content diversification. Paid internships with Monk Entertainment MICA also announced that five participants will receive a paid internship opportunity at Monk Entertainment’s Mumbai office, where they will gain real-world experience in creator management, brand partnerships, and digital marketing operations. Programme structure and key details The 25-week course will be conducted entirely online, enabling participants to pursue the programme alongside their current professional or creative commitments. The fee is set at ₹1,00,500 plus GST, with classes commencing on December 28, 2025. The curriculum features modules on platform algorithms, monetisation techniques, audience insights, and long-term career planning, supported by live sessions, mentorship, and practical assignments. MICA emphasised that in today’s digital era, true influence is measured not by follower count but by credibility, consistency, and meaningful impact. Source: Indian Express 

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EPFO launches Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025 to boost workforce formalisation

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The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced the Employee Enrollment Scheme 2025, a new initiative designed to encourage employers to voluntarily declare and enrol all eligible employees under the provident fund system. The scheme was launched on the occasion of EPFO’s 73rd Foundation Day by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Effective from November 1, 2025, the scheme offers employers an opportunity to regularise employees’ provident fund coverage with minimal penalties. As per the guidelines, employers will not have to pay the employee’s share of contribution if it was not deducted earlier, and will face only a nominal penalty of ₹100. According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the initiative aims to promote formalisation of the workforce and enhance ease of doing business, ensuring that more workers gain access to social security benefits. Speaking at the launch, Mandaviya emphasised that EPFO is not just a fund but a symbol of trust and social security for millions of Indian workers. He highlighted that all reforms should reach workers in simple, accessible ways so that their benefits can be felt directly. Central Provident Fund Commissioner Ramesh Krishnamurthi announced that the upcoming EPFO 3.0 platform will introduce enhanced digital features to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. He noted that recent initiatives — including simplified withdrawal options, the Viswas Scheme, Aadhaar and face authentication, the revamped ECR system, and the Centralised Pension Payment System — are part of EPFO’s broader digital transformation journey to provide seamless, technology-driven services to over 70 million subscribers. Labour Secretary Vandana Gurnani underlined EPFO’s critical role in executing the Prime Minister’s Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), which aims to create 3.5 crore new formal jobs across various sectors. The scheme, she said, reflects the government’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities and securing the financial future of India’s workforce. Source: Economic Times

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ICMR Study Finds 1 in 9 People Tested Positive for Infectious Diseases in 2025

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A recent nationwide analysis by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that 11.1% of patients tested across India were found carrying infectious pathogens — roughly one in every nine individuals tested. The large-scale study, conducted through ICMR’s Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network, aimed to track viral infections of public health concern. The five most commonly detected pathogens included Influenza A in acute respiratory infections (ARI/SARI), Dengue virus in cases of acute and haemorrhagic fever, Hepatitis A among jaundice patients, Norovirus in acute diarrhoeal disease (ADD) outbreaks, and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) cases. The ICMR report noted a rise in infection rates from 10.7% in the first quarter (January–March) to 11.5% in the second quarter (April–June) of 2025. Out of 2,28,856 samples tested in the first quarter, 24,502 showed the presence of pathogens, while 26,055 of 2,26,095 samples tested positive in the next quarter — marking an increase of 0.8 percentage points. A senior ICMR scientist cautioned that although the increase appears modest, it could be an early signal for seasonal outbreaks or emerging infections, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance. “Even small shifts in infection rates can serve as an early warning for potential epidemics. The VRDL network plays a vital role as India’s early detection system,” the scientist said. Between April and June 2025, 191 disease clusters were investigated, identifying infections such as mumps, measles, rubella, dengue, chikungunya, rotavirus, norovirus, varicella zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and astrovirus. In comparison, 389 clusters were probed between January and March 2025, detecting a similar range of pathogens including hepatitis, influenza, Leptospira, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). From 2014 to 2024, the VRDL network tested over 40 lakh samples, identifying pathogens in 18.8% of them. The network has seen rapid expansion — from 27 laboratories in 2014 to 165 labs across 31 states and Union Territories by 2025 — and has so far tracked 2,534 disease clusters nationwide. Source: PTI Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

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PM Modi Unveils ₹1 Lakh Crore R&D Fund, Calls for Ethical and Inclusive Innovation at ESTIC 2025

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam on Nov 3, highlighting India’s growing leadership in science, technology, and innovation. Welcoming participants from India and abroad — including scientists, innovators, academics, and policymakers — the Prime Minister celebrated India’s landmark achievements in both sports and science. Opening his remarks, PM Modi congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team for their historic ICC Women’s World Cup victory, saying the nation was “immensely proud” of their achievement, which will inspire millions of young Indians. The Prime Minister also hailed India’s scientists for successfully launching the heaviest communication satellite, commending ISRO for its continued contribution to India’s space advancements. He noted that both achievements reflected India’s growing spirit of excellence and innovation. R&D Boost: ₹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme Announced Underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s research ecosystem, PM Modi formally launched the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund, designed to boost private sector–led R&D. He emphasized that, for the first time, capital will be made available for high-risk, high-impact research projects, and reaffirmed that the government is “building a modern innovation ecosystem” by easing financial rules, procurement norms, and regulatory frameworks to accelerate the journey from lab to market. He also referred to the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to expand research and innovation across Indian universities. India’s Innovation Momentum PM Modi highlighted India’s transformation into a global innovation hub — noting that R&D spending has doubled in the past decade, patent registrations have risen 17-fold, and India now ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Over 6,000 deep-tech startups are driving progress in areas such as clean energy, materials science, and semiconductors, while India’s bio-economy has grown from $10 billion in 2014 to $140 billion today. He said, “India is no longer a consumer of technology — it is a driver of technological transformation,” citing the nation’s indigenous vaccine success during the COVID-19 pandemic and the reach of its Digital Public Infrastructure, which connects over two lakh gram panchayats with optical fibre. Empowering Women in Science Highlighting inclusive innovation, the Prime Minister celebrated the rising participation of women in STEM. He noted that women now make up 43% of STEM students in India — above the global average — and that annual patent filings by women have increased from fewer than 100 to over 5,000. He added that Indian women scientists are now at the forefront of space research and innovation. Encouraging the Next Generation PM Modi underscored the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity among youth. Recalling the public excitement around Chandrayaan and the recent Indian space station mission, he said these moments have inspired young minds to explore science. He announced plans to expand Atal Tinkering Labs from 10,000 to 25,000 labs, giving over one crore students a platform for hands-on innovation. The Prime Minister also shared that 10,000 new research fellowships will be awarded over the next five years under the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship to further empower young scientists. India’s Vision for Ethical AI and Future Technologies Speaking about the future of emerging technologies, PM Modi stressed that science and technology must remain ethical, inclusive, and human-centric. He cited the India AI Mission, with an investment of ₹10,000 crore, aimed at making AI accessible and beneficial for all. He also announced that India will host the Global AI Summit in February 2026, focusing on inclusive and safe AI governance. Calling for innovation in critical areas such as nutrition security, biofortified crops, clean energy storage, bio-fertilisers, and genomic medicine, the Prime Minister urged scientists to work towards achieving self-reliance in key inputs and technologies. Concluding his address, PM Modi invoked the spirit of “Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”, reaffirming the government’s full support for researchers and innovators. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of ESTIC 2025 will chart a new roadmap for India’s scientific and technological future. Source: PIB

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