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Education minister invites US Educational institutes to partner with India for skilling and transformation

Dharmendra Pradhan, the union minister of education, invited US educational institutions to collaborate with India in the fast-changing fields of education and skilling. In order to offer twinning programmes, joint degrees, and dual degree programmes, higher education institutions in both nations should work more closely together academically. “The new National Education Policy (NEP) has lays emphasis on internationalisation of education. I called upon American institutions and companies to partner with India in rapidly-transforming education and skilling landscape. A growing digital economy, aspirational population, a knowledge-based society and policy reforms are creating unprecedented opportunities in India,” Pradhan said. The education minister was present at the India Ideas Summit when the comments were made. The US-India Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce, International Affairs, South Asia jointly organised the event. Maximizing the Next 75 Years of US-India Prosperity was the event’s theme. “India and the US have similar societies and shared values. Education and Skill development are important pillars of Indo-US relations,” Pradhan said. The minister also urged improved cooperation between the two countries in the fields of research and skill development. India is making significant attempts to reskill, upskill, and skill its youth. If focused training and capacity building are offered in accordance with industry requirements, India’s vast, young, and educated population will be a benefit to any sector worldwide, he continued. India is in a good position, mostly because of its demographic advantage and other skilling initiatives, according to Pradhan. Source: PTI  

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Superconducting magnet system used in MRIs to enable indigenous production of MRI machines

Scientists at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in New Delhi, under the leadership of Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey, the center’s director and an adjunct professor at Allahabad University, have made a significant advancement by creating the nation’s first superconducting magnet system for use in whole-body clinical MRI machines. At the moment, India is entirely dependent on expensive imports of MRI machines. The IUAC has developed a 1. 5 Tesla (T) superconducting MRI magnet system, which is like the heart of the MRI machine.  India will be able to develop cheaper homegrown MRI machines as a result, and it will enter a selective group of nations that manufacture these devices. The majority of MRI machines are currently exported from China to India. By providing precise contrast resolution in each imaging direction, the MRI machine is used to take images of any body part for disease detection. “This is nothing less than India making its own cryogenic engine, or state-of-the art weaponry. Having our own indigenous MRI machine would not only cut the cost of the equipment but will also provide access to this vital diagnostic technique to those who today cannot afford the same because of its high cost,” according to eminent radiologist Dr. Harsh Mahajan, recipient of the Padma Shri award. Source: TNN

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TRAI opposes market share restrictions in the cable TV sector

Article on MEA

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that there is no need to impose any market share-related restrictions on multi-system operators (MSOs), given the intense competition in the TV distribution market among the various players vying for the consumer’s share of the wallet. This is a significant relief for the cable TV industry. The regulator, however, advised the ministry to keep an eye on developments in the cable TV industry and take appropriate action if necessary. Local cable operators (LCOs) should share their cable infrastructure with telecom service providers, according to TRAI, in order to facilitate the last-mile delivery of broadband services (TSPs). It is important to remember that Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio are already collaborating with LCO partners to increase the penetration of wireline broadband in the nation. In order to encourage LCOs to give service providers last-mile access for the delivery of broadband services, the regulator has also proposed that the government amend the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995. For the proliferation of broadband services, TRAI has proposed adding the following provision to the CTN Act: “Cable operators may strive to provide last mile access to Access service providers/Internet Service Providers in a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner.” Regarding the topic of implementing cross-holding restrictions among different kinds of DPOs/service providers, TRAI emphasised that problems pertaining to vertical integration, horizontal integration, and M&A are being dealt with through a separate consultation process. The authority also noted that it has previously made suggestions regarding cross-media restrictions. The existence of diverse service providers like MSOs & LCOs, direct-to-home (DTH) operators, including DD Free Dish, Head in the Sky (HITS) operators, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) operators, and over-the-top (OTT) platforms means that the TV universe has enough competition. This is why TRAI has a liberal regulatory policy for the cable TV sector. TRAI said that, in addition to 4 pay DTH operators, 1 HITS operator, and a few IPTV operators, there were 1,75,511 registered MSOs as of June (as of August). The regulator noted that there were between 81,706 and 1,72,063 LCOs. 43 million people are expected to use DD Free Dish. There are also more than 40 OTT platforms. The TV distribution business, according to TRAI, is likewise dealing with issues like a declining subscriber base and low average income per user (ARPU). In addition, pay-TV users in India pay roughly 20 to 25 percent less than the average TV consumer in the US, Thailand, Malaysia, the UK, or the UK. According to the regulator, the development of the OTT market further demonstrates the intensity of the sector’s competitiveness, which is projected to continue to increase. Therefore, TRAI stated, “the authority is of the view that at this stage there is no need to intervene in the current structure of Cable TV distribution sector at the MSO or LCO level considering the number of options available to the consumers.” Regarding TRAI’s “Recommendations on Monopoly/Market Dominance in Cable TV Services” dated 26.11.2013, MIB had sent a backreference dated 19th February, 2021. The ministry had asked TRAI to provide a new set of recommendations in the case taking into account the advancements and expansion that had since occurred in the M&E sector. A 50% market cap on MSOs with the state as a significant market was recommended by TRAI in its 2013 recommendations. The dominance of a single MSO is a characteristic of states like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Orissa, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, according to TRAI’s observation at the time. The market dynamics have undergone a significant change, with DTH devouring a sizable portion of the cable TV market and being followed by players in telecom, broadband, and OTT.

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AI-powered humanoid robot named CEO of company in China

Ms. Tang Yu, an AI-powered virtual humanoid robot, has been named the rotating CEO of Fujian NetDragon Websoft, a flagship subsidiary of NetDragon Websoft, a technology company in China that develops mobile applications and also runs a multiplayer online gaming platform in China. In this role, Tang Yu, an AI-powered virtual humanoid robot, will improve task quality, process efficiency, and execution speed. Tang Yu will also serve as a real-time data hub, analytical tool support, and platform for making more sensible decisions about everyday operations and risk management. What’s more intriguing is that the company anticipates Tang Yu will play a significant role in identifying talent and maintaining a fair and effective environment for workers, both of which require for a human touch. This action by NetDragon Websoft demonstrates the company’s desire and conviction that AI can revolutionise business management and raise operational effectiveness to a new level. “We believe AI is the future of corporate management, and our appointment of Ms. Tang Yu represents our commitment to truly embrace the use of AI to transform the way we operate our business, and ultimately drive our future strategic growth. Looking forward, we will continue to expand on our algorithms behind Tang Yu to build an open, interactive and highly transparent management model as we gradually transform to a metaverse-based working community, which will enable us to attract a much broader base of talents worldwide and put us in a position to achieve bigger goals,” says Dejian Liu, Chairman, NetDragon. The hiring of Tang Yu marks a crucial step in the company’s transformation into a “Metaverse organisation” and emphasises its “AI + management” strategy.

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Dr. Reddy’s unveils cancer drug in U.S.

Lenalidomide capsules, a generic version of the popular multiple myeloma drug Revlimid, have been introduced to the US market, according to pharma giant Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, which on Wednesday informed the stock markets. According to Dr. Reddy’s, with this volume-restricted launch, two (2.5 mg and 20 mg) out of the six strengths it has introduced for the medicine in the US market are qualified for first to market, 180 days of generic drug exclusivity. The company launched the cancer medication in the US in the following strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg, each in a bottle count size of 28 capsules; 15 mg, 20 mg, and 25 mg, each in a bottle count size of 21. In September 2020, Dr. Reddy’s and Celgene, a fully owned subsidiary of BMS, reached a patent settlement for Revlimid, a drug with annual sales of around $12.80 billion USD. In settlement of all unresolved claims in its litigation, “Celgene agreed to provide Dr Reddy’s a licence to sell volume limited amounts of generic lenalidomide capsules in the US,” Dr Reddy’s stated.

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AI might lessen common drug side effects

Article on Health

According to the study, a research team has created a tool that measures the negative effects of medications using natural language processing, an artificial intelligence methodology, and chemical structure analysis. The new tool is made to determine which medications are more likely to cause anticholinergic side effects, which affect the brain by inhibiting acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter. Professor Chris Fox from the University of Exeter in the UK stated, “Use of medicines with anticholinergic effects can have significant harmful effects for example falls and confusion, which are avoidable, we urgently need to reduce the harmful side effects as this can lead to hospitalisation and death.” “This new tool provides a promising avenue towards a more tailored personalised medicine approach, of ensuring the right person gets a safe and effective treatment while avoiding unwanted anticholinergic effects”, he added. Antidepressants, stomach medications, bladder medications, and Parkinson’s disease treatments for elderly individuals are a few examples of over-the-counter drugs that can have anti-cholinergic side effects. Confusion, blurred vision, light-headedness, falls, and a decline in brain function are some of the side effects. Long-term usage of it may potentially increase the risk of dementia. According to research reported in the journal Age and Ageing, the tool evaluates anticholinergic burden by allocating a score based on reported adverse events and closely matching the chemical make-up of the drug being considered for prescription. This scoring system is more precise and up to date than any prior system. In addition, the researchers surveyed 110 medical specialists, including pharmacists and nurses who write prescriptions. When asked if they would utilise a tool to evaluate the risk of anticholinergic side effects, 85% of this group responded in the affirmative. To further enhance the tool, the team also gathered usability feedback. According to Dr. Saber Sami of the University of East Anglia, “Our tool is the first to use innovative artificial intelligence technology in measures of anticholinergic burden, ultimately, once further research has been conducted the tool should support pharmacists and prescribing health professionals in finding the best treatment for patients.” Source: IANS

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Govt to eliminate price certification for purchases up to Rs. 1 lakh and introduce push button procurement system on GeM

The Center has decided to test push button procurement (PBP) for purchases up to Rs. 1 lakh through the Government eMarketplace (GeM) for government entities, offices, and PSUs. PBP will rely on technology to determine valuation and eliminate the need for certification, relieving pressure on government departments, particularly infrequent customers who frequently make small value purchases. Government buyers must certify that the selected offer’s pricing is appropriate. “It has come to the notice that sometimes especially infrequent government buyers find it difficult to certify reasonability of rates. They normally do not possess requisite skills in making procurement decisions. It delays the procurement process,” according to the Department of Expenditure. Government purchases made through GeM up to Rs 1 lakh are exempt from price certification. The Center has agreed to test push button procurement (PBP) for purchases up to Rs. 1 lakh through the Government e-Marketplace for governmental bodies, offices, and PSUs.

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Union Cabinet approves launch of centrally-sponsored PM SHRI Schools

The Cabinet declared on September 7 that it has approved the launch of a new, government sponsored scheme for creating PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India). The Center wants to reinforce up to 14,600 schools under the programme in five years, or between 2022 and 2027, for a cost of Rs 27,360 crore. The Cabinet announced that these institutions, which include Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, will subsequently become PM SHRI Schools. Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan said, “The Union Cabinet has approved the launch of a new scheme for setting up PM-SHRI schools. Over 14,000 schools including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas will be strengthened to emerge as PM-SHRI schools.” An objective assessment would be performed for this to ensure that two schools are identified in each Block so that improvements to their educational standards may be achieved. A total of Rs 2 crore would be given to each PM SHRI model school over the course of two years for upgrading, and school authorities will have the discretion to spend up to 40% of the money. With digital learning tools, 3D labs, and vocational education, the PM SHRI model schools, which are anticipated to serve 20 lakh students, would be technology-driven. The schools would also be required to have an emphasis on entrepreneurship. Using a portal, the performance of the schools and the students would be monitored.

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Punjab will regularise 25,000 contract workers

In Punjab, around 25,000 contract workers might expect getting regularised. Out of them, the Education Department employs a sizable 8,000 contract workers, while the Health Department employs roughly 6,000. A proposal that will regularise the services of ad hoc, contractual, daily wage, and temporary teachers with 10 years of experience has received approval from the Punjab Cabinet. Teachers make up the majority of individuals undergoing regularisation, with support workers making up the remainder. Personnel from Punjab’s departments of power and transportation are among the other beneficiaries. The regularisation will put additional financial strain on the state government, with costs expected to reach more than Rs 400 crore. The regularised employees will get basic pay for their first three years of employment in accordance with an old one-time policy. Each department will implement a unique regularisation policy for its contract employees and establish a distinct cadre just for them. A three-member cabinet subcommittee headed by the finance minister of Punjab deliberated and created the policy. The state cabinet, presided over by the chief minister, gave its approval to their report. The committee has recommended that the government implement a plan to regularise employees. The contract workers in Group C and D for the Punjab government will become permanent, according to an announcement made by Bhagwant Mann, the chief minister of Punjab, in March of this year. In the Group C and D categories, about 35,000 temporary positions had been turned permanent. The Punjab Cabinet had suggested offering 10,000 public posts in the police department and 15,000 in other government departments in early March. More youth from the State should be able to obtain government positions through a fair and transparent process based on merit, it was anticipated that regularisation would enable.

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Indian pharma market grew by 12.1% in August: AWACS report

According to market research firm AWACS, the Indian pharmaceutical market (IPM) increased in value by 12.1% and volume by 4.8% in the month of August as a result of strong growth across all therapy areas. In August, IPM had sales of Rs 16,239 crore. The pharmaceutical industry has increased prices for medicines subject to price regulation and infectious diseases associated with the monsoon due to the wholesale price index (WPI) inflation linked price hike permitted by the government. The categories with the fastest growth rates were cardiac (13% growth), anti-infectives (13% growth), and gastrointestinal (12% growth). Vitamin sales and anti-diabetes sales both increased by 9%. The top three selling brands in India continue to be Abbott’s Mixtard, GSK’s Augmentin, and USV’s Glycomet.

Indian pharma market grew by 12.1% in August: AWACS report Read More »