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India Emerging as Global Innovation Powerhouse, Says Dharmendra Pradhan at Bharat Innovates Pre-Summit

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted India’s growing stature as a global innovation hub while addressing the concluding session of the Bharat Innovates Deep-Tech Pre-Summit held at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. During the event, the minister engaged in roundtable discussions with investors, industry leaders, and academic experts. He noted that the pre-summit serves as a precursor to Bharat Innovates 2026, scheduled to take place in Nice. The discussions focused on advancing deep-tech innovation, strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, and enhancing India’s startup ecosystem. Pradhan emphasised the importance of sustained funding for emerging ventures to help them scale, foster innovation, and promote research-driven entrepreneurship. He reiterated that Bharat Innovates aims to showcase India’s research and development capabilities on the global stage while facilitating international collaborations and unlocking investment opportunities. Underscoring India’s potential, he stated that the country is well-positioned to develop scalable and cost-effective solutions not only for domestic needs but also for the Global South. He described the initiative as a dynamic platform that brings together ideas, talent, and resources to accelerate innovation and deepen industry-academia partnerships. On the sidelines of the summit, Pradhan chaired a roundtable attended by around 175 investors and industry stakeholders. He also interacted with innovators working across key sectors such as energy, climate and sustainability, semiconductors, space and defence, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced computing, mobility, and smart cities. The pre-summit saw participation from 137 deep-tech startups selected from over 1,186 applications across the country. These startups showcased innovations in areas including artificial intelligence, advanced materials, clean technology, and next-generation manufacturing, drawing strong interest from investors. The event also enabled meaningful engagement between startups, venture capital firms, and industry representatives, paving the way for collaboration, commercialisation, and global expansion. Prominent dignitaries present included K. Radhakrishnan, Vineet Joshi, Abhay Karandikar, and Shireesh Kedare. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to innovation, Pradhan stressed the need to translate research ideas into market-ready solutions that create real-world impact. He expressed confidence that the innovations showcased at the pre-summit would significantly contribute to strengthening India’s position as a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship. The Bharat Innovates Deep-Tech Pre-Summit marks an important milestone in India’s innovation journey, with selected startups set to represent the country’s deep-tech ecosystem at the international event in France in 2026. Source: DD News 

India Emerging as Global Innovation Powerhouse, Says Dharmendra Pradhan at Bharat Innovates Pre-Summit Read More »

Flipkart Announces 105% Bonus Payout for Employees Following Strong 2025 Performance

/ Human Resource Community

E-commerce giant Flipkart has declared a 105% bonus payout for eligible employees for the year 2025, reflecting the company’s robust growth and steady progress toward profitability. According to an internal communication accessed by PTI, employees up to the Senior Director level will receive their bonus payouts in March. Meanwhile, those at the Vice President and Senior Vice President levels will have their bonuses disbursed after the completion of the annual performance review cycle. In an email to staff, Chief Human Resources Officer Seema Nair highlighted that the company’s performance multiplier is driven by achievements across key business, financial, operational, and people-focused metrics. She emphasized that Flipkart has continued to build momentum while moving closer to sustainable profitability. Backed by Walmart, the company has also made notable progress in strengthening its core business segments while expanding new growth avenues. The bonus announcement aims to acknowledge the contributions of employees across all levels of the organization. Flipkart has not issued an official public statement in response to media queries regarding the development. Source: PTI

Flipkart Announces 105% Bonus Payout for Employees Following Strong 2025 Performance Read More »

PM Narendra Modi Becomes India’s Longest-Serving Head of Government, Surpassing Historic Milestone

/ Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a new benchmark in Indian political history by becoming the longest-serving head of an elected government in the country. With a total of 8,931 days in office, he has surpassed Pawan Kumar Chamling, who previously held the record with 8,930 days as Chief Minister of Sikkim. This combined tenure includes Modi’s time as Chief Minister of Gujarat and his ongoing role as Prime Minister, marking his entry into the 25th year in public leadership. This achievement highlights decades of uninterrupted governance and sustained political relevance at both state and national levels. Over the years, Modi has also recorded several milestones, including being Gujarat’s longest-serving Chief Minister and the Prime Minister with the most extensive prior experience as a CM. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian Prime Minister born after Independence and has won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019, and 2024—underscoring continued public support. Modi began his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, serving for over 13 years before transitioning to national leadership. On May 26, 2014, he was sworn in as the 14th Prime Minister of India, becoming the first non-Congress leader to secure a full majority in the Lok Sabha. He later went on to complete two full terms and returned for a third consecutive term. Beyond governance, Modi has also expanded his digital footprint significantly. He recently crossed 30 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, making him one of the most-followed global leaders on the platform. Earlier this year, he became the first serving world leader to surpass 100 million followers on Instagram, where his following now stands at over 101 million. On X, he currently has more than 106 million followers, reflecting his strong digital engagement globally. Source: IANS

PM Narendra Modi Becomes India’s Longest-Serving Head of Government, Surpassing Historic Milestone Read More »

Climate Action Could Prevent 13.5 Million Air Pollution Deaths by 2050: Global Study

/ Health & Wellness Community

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that strong climate action aimed at limiting global warming to 2°C could prevent more than 13.5 million premature deaths caused by air pollution by 2050—primarily in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The research, led by experts including those from The University of Texas at Austin, highlights that the scale and distribution of health benefits depend significantly on how global climate mitigation efforts are shared among nations. According to the findings, a “least-cost” approach—where emissions are reduced wherever it is cheapest—places a heavier burden on LMICs. However, this model also delivers the greatest improvements in air quality in those regions, resulting in the highest number of lives saved. In contrast, an “equity-based” approach, where wealthier nations take on a larger share of emissions reduction, eases the financial burden on developing countries. But this could lead to nearly four million fewer lives saved, as emissions cuts may not occur in the most pollution-affected regions. Co-author Mark Budolfson noted a critical dilemma between climate justice and maximizing health outcomes, explaining that shifting mitigation responsibility to richer nations may unintentionally reduce life-saving air quality improvements in poorer countries. The study also evaluated a third scenario that combines equity with targeted air pollution controls in LMICs—such as reducing soot and sulphur dioxide emissions through advanced technologies in industries like power generation. This approach emerged as the most effective, balancing fairness with maximum health benefits. Another co-author, Noah Scovronick of Emory University, stressed the importance of designing climate policies that prioritize both justice and public health. He emphasized that developing nations must not miss the opportunity to achieve significant reductions in air pollution while transitioning to cleaner systems. The study underscores the need for global cooperation to craft climate strategies that are both equitable and life-saving. Source: PTI

Climate Action Could Prevent 13.5 Million Air Pollution Deaths by 2050: Global Study Read More »

Rajnath Singh Unveils 100 New Sainik Schools, Boosts NCC Strength to 20 Lakh Cadets

/ Education Community

Rajnath Singh has announced a major expansion of India’s military-style education ecosystem, revealing plans to establish 100 new Sainik Schools under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The announcement was made during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Sainik School Ghorakhal. In a parallel move, the Defence Minister also confirmed that the strength of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will be increased from 17 lakh to 20 lakh cadets. This expansion aims to bring an additional three lakh युवाओं into a structured framework that emphasizes discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility. Highlighting the vision behind the decision, Singh noted that the expansion is not merely about numbers but about shaping future citizens equipped with strong values essential for nation-building. He further emphasized that Sainik Schools are not limited to preparing students for armed forces careers. Instead, they play a broader role in nurturing leadership qualities, resilience, and a sense of responsibility that can benefit multiple sectors. A key highlight of his address was the growing inclusion of girls in Sainik Schools. Singh praised the performance of girl cadets, stating that their achievements have effectively dispelled any doubts about their capabilities. Reinforcing the message of gender equality, he asserted that daughters are excelling alongside sons across all fields. The announcements reflect a continued push by the government to strengthen youth development initiatives while fostering leadership and inclusivity at the grassroots level. Source: PTI  

Rajnath Singh Unveils 100 New Sainik Schools, Boosts NCC Strength to 20 Lakh Cadets Read More »

Govt Updates National Highways Fee Rules 2026 to Tighten Toll Compliance and Enable Digital Enforcement

/ Governance Community

The government has introduced amendments to the National Highways Fee Rules, 2026, aimed at strengthening toll compliance and enhancing transparency in toll collection across the country’s highway network. The revised framework is expected to improve operational efficiency, build investor confidence, and provide stronger legal and financial safeguards. Under the updated National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, a structured mechanism has been established to recover unpaid toll charges. The move focuses on leveraging digital tools to ensure smooth and accountable toll fee collection. A key feature of the amendment is the introduction of a technology-driven Electronic Notice (e-notice) system. Through this, registered vehicle owners will receive digital notices detailing the vehicle information, date and location of toll passage, and the outstanding amount. These notices will be delivered via SMS, email, mobile applications, and other electronic platforms, while also being accessible on a dedicated online portal. Additionally, the rules mandate integration of the National Electronic Toll Collection system with the VAHAN database, enabling accurate vehicle identification and efficient enforcement of pending dues. To safeguard user interests, the amendment also introduces a grievance redressal mechanism. Vehicle owners or drivers can raise objections or submit representations through the designated portal within 72 hours of receiving the e-notice. This reform marks a significant step towards a more streamlined, transparent, and digitally enabled tolling ecosystem, supporting India’s transition to a modern and barrier-free highway infrastructure.  Source: Newsonair

Govt Updates National Highways Fee Rules 2026 to Tighten Toll Compliance and Enable Digital Enforcement Read More »

Delhi University Introduces ‘Coffee with VC’ to Strengthen Student-Administration Dialogue

/ Education Community

In a bid to promote open communication with students, the University of Delhi has rolled out a new initiative titled “Coffee with the Vice-Chancellor.” The programme aims to create an informal platform where students can directly engage with university leadership and share their perspectives. The first session, held on Monday evening, saw Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh interact with a group of 10 students from Miranda House. During the discussion, he encouraged students to view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a supportive tool rather than something to depend on entirely. Emphasising a balanced approach, he advised students to use AI to enhance their capabilities, not control them. Addressing concerns around technological advancements, Singh acknowledged that new innovations often bring uncertainty but stressed the importance of adapting and making the most of such developments. Highlighting India’s progress, including achievements like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), he pointed out the country’s rapid transformation and vast potential for future growth. He also spoke about the purpose of education while responding to queries on Value Addition Courses (VACs) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs). According to him, education should go beyond academics and focus on building responsible individuals with strong ethical values and a sense of national responsibility. On the topic of students’ roles in today’s world, the Vice-Chancellor remarked that the 21st century offers both significant opportunities and challenges. Referring to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, he underscored the need for talented and driven youth, particularly encouraging the role of young women in nation-building. Additionally, Singh highlighted efforts being made to enhance campus safety, including the installation of CCTV systems across university premises. The session was moderated by South Campus Director Rani Abbi, who noted that the initiative is designed to give students a voice and enable meaningful interaction with university leadership. Officials indicated that more such sessions are planned in the near future. Source: PTI

Delhi University Introduces ‘Coffee with VC’ to Strengthen Student-Administration Dialogue Read More »

Oura Debuts in India with Smart Ring 4, Targets Sleep Health Market

/ Health & Wellness Community

Finnish health-tech firm Oura Health has officially stepped into the Indian market with the launch of its latest wearable, the Oura Ring 4. With this move, the company enters a growing segment, competing with homegrown players like Noise and Ultrahuman. Alongside the launch, Oura highlighted insights from its “State of Sleep 2026” study, revealing concerning sleep patterns among Indian users. The findings suggest that India ranks among the lowest in sleep duration globally, with users averaging just 6 hours and 28 minutes per night—around 40 minutes less than those in the highest-sleeping countries. The report also indicates that Indians experience the least amount of REM and deep sleep, missing over an hour of REM sleep weekly compared to global averages. According to the company, increasingly fast-paced and digitally connected lifestyles are significantly impacting sleep quality in the country. The Oura Ring 4 is designed to monitor over 50 health and wellness indicators and works seamlessly with the Oura app on both iOS and Android devices. Equipped with advanced sensing technology, the ring adapts to individual physical traits such as finger shape and skin tone to deliver personalized insights. Crafted from titanium, the ring features recessed sensors for enhanced comfort, making it suitable for continuous wear, including during sleep. It is offered in 12 sizes ranging from 4 to 15 and comes in six finishes: Black, Silver, Stealth, Brushed Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. The device will be available starting March 18 through Amazon and Croma outlets. Pricing begins at ₹28,900 for Black and Silver variants, while premium finishes are priced at ₹39,900. Users will also need to subscribe to an Oura membership plan, which is priced at ₹599 per month. Source: The Hindu  

Oura Debuts in India with Smart Ring 4, Targets Sleep Health Market Read More »

LPG Shortage Triggers Workforce Migration Concerns in Auto Component Sector: ACMA

/ Human Resource Community

India’s auto component industry is facing a potential workforce challenge as shortages of LPG cylinders begin to push workers to return to their native places, according to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India. The industry body warned that while the current situation is not as severe as the disruptions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, it could worsen if fuel supply issues persist. ACMA Director General Vinnie Mehta noted that many workers had shifted to LPG-based cooking after restrictions on wood usage due to air pollution concerns. However, the ongoing shortage is now making it difficult for them to manage daily cooking needs. The situation is further compounded by the shutdown of several factory canteens, leaving workers with limited alternatives and prompting some to migrate back home. This trend could disrupt manufacturing operations if it intensifies. ACMA, which represents over 1,000 manufacturers and accounts for more than 90% of the organised auto component sector’s turnover, highlighted the broader economic implications. In FY25, the industry recorded a turnover of USD 80.2 billion, including exports worth USD 22.9 billion and a trade surplus of USD 500 million. The shortage is partly attributed to supply disruptions linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran, prompting the government to prioritise domestic LPG consumption. In response, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set up a panel to review industry concerns. The auto component sector has urged the government to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG or piped natural gas (PNG) for MSME units, particularly in foundry and forging segments, or to provide a transition window for alternative fuels. Industry leaders emphasised that continued support is critical to maintaining production levels, sustaining exports, and preserving India’s position in global automotive supply chains. Source: PTI

LPG Shortage Triggers Workforce Migration Concerns in Auto Component Sector: ACMA Read More »

Government Hikes Commission Rates for Wheat and Paddy Procurement from Rabi 2026-27

/ Governance Community

The Centre has approved an upward revision in commission rates for Arthiyas and cooperative bodies involved in procuring wheat and paddy on its behalf, with the new rates set to take effect from the Rabi Marketing Season 2026–27. According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Arthiyas in Punjab and Haryana will now receive ₹50.75 per quintal for wheat procurement, up from ₹46. In Rajasthan, the rate has been increased from ₹41.40 to ₹45.67 per quintal. For paddy procurement, the commission has been raised from ₹45.88 to ₹50.61 per quintal. In addition, procurement agencies will also see revised payouts. The commission for wheat procurement has been increased from ₹27 to ₹29.79 per quintal, while for paddy, it has been raised from ₹32 to ₹35.30 per quintal. The government stated that the revision aims to strengthen the efficiency of procurement operations and provide better support to intermediaries and agencies that play a key role in aggregating and facilitating crop procurement. The ministry further noted that commissions are paid to cooperatives, societies, sub-agents, and Arthiyas who assist in procurement under existing guidelines. The revised structure follows recommendations from a sub-committee comprising representatives from the Food Corporation of India, state governments, and the Department of Food and Public Distribution. The panel reviewed existing rates after multiple requests from states and proposed the updated commission framework. Source: newsonair

Government Hikes Commission Rates for Wheat and Paddy Procurement from Rabi 2026-27 Read More »