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Friday, March 13, 2026 4:37 PM

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PM Modi on GST reforms: “Savings festival to bring smiles to every household”

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised the rollout of the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, describing them as a step that will reduce expenses and spread happiness across homes. Speaking during his visit to an exhibition in Itanagar, Modi interacted with local traders and retailers, emphasizing how the changes would ease financial burdens. Sharing newspaper headlines on social media platform X, he wrote, “From markets to households, GST Bachat Utsav brings a festive buzz, ensuring lower costs and brighter smiles in every home!” The revised GST structure, which came into effect on September 22, coinciding with the start of Navratri, replaces the earlier four-tier system of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% with a simplified two-rate model of 5% and 18%. The government projects that these changes, along with earlier income tax reliefs, could result in national savings of ₹2.5 lakh crore. In his address on Sunday, Modi highlighted that the reforms would empower farmers, youth, women, shopkeepers, small traders, and entrepreneurs. He stressed that MSMEs stand to gain significantly, with higher sales and reduced tax liabilities creating a “double bonanza.” The Prime Minister also urged citizens to prioritize Indian-made products, stating that self-reliance and pride in local goods will accelerate the nation’s progress. Source: Hindustan Times

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Govt Aims to Meet WHO’s 1:1000 Doctor-Patient Ratio, Says NMC Chairman Abhijat Sheth

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The government is determined to increase the number of doctors across India in a uniform manner to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard of a 1:1000 doctor-patient ratio, National Medical Commission (NMC) Chairman Abhijat Sheth said on Saturday. Speaking at the 11th convocation of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, Sheth congratulated the graduating doctors, their families, and faculty members for their commitment to the medical profession. He underlined the government’s efforts to not only bridge the doctor-patient gap but also to achieve a balanced undergraduate-to-postgraduate (UG-PG) ratio of 1:1, which would bring India’s healthcare standards closer to those of developed nations. Sheth also highlighted initiatives by the NMC and the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, including the integration of skill-based training, virtual learning, and competency-driven education alongside traditional methods. He urged students to focus on their health, resilience, and continuous learning throughout their careers. Addressing the graduating batch, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Sunita Sharma reminded them that receiving a medical degree comes with a profound responsibility — to heal, lead, and serve. She emphasized that whether in clinical practice, research, or teaching, doctors must let their work be guided by empathy, evidence, and excellence. Calling medicine a noble calling rooted in compassion, she encouraged young doctors to stay humble and grounded as they advance in their professional journeys. Source: PTI

Govt Aims to Meet WHO’s 1:1000 Doctor-Patient Ratio, Says NMC Chairman Abhijat Sheth Read More »

Govt to Introduce Skill-Based Learning in Class 11 & 12 Under NEP 2020: Pradhan

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The government is preparing to integrate skill-based learning into the curriculum of Classes 11 and 12 in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced on Sunday. Speaking at the Dakshinapatha Summit 2025 hosted by IIT Madras, Pradhan emphasized the need for a major shift in teaching approaches to match the demands of the modern workforce. He noted that the earlier system focused heavily on degrees and certificates, while the new approach aims to build real-world competencies in students. “We are working to bring in skill-based subjects for Class 11 and 12 students. While qualifications are important, it is equally necessary to ensure that students are job-ready and capable,” the minister said. Pradhan also shared that his ministry is working to embed skill-based education from Class 6 onwards, making it a structured and compulsory part of schooling rather than an optional add-on. He reiterated that skill development forms a core pillar of NEP 2020, which envisions preparing learners for both higher studies and employability. Source: PTI

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Hyundai to Raise Employee Pay by ₹31,000 Over Three Years

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Hyundai Motor India has finalized a long-term wage settlement that will boost monthly salaries of its technician and workmen cadre by ₹31,000, spread across three years from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027. The agreement, signed with the United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE), outlines that the increment will be rolled out in phases — 55% in the first year, followed by 25% in the second year, and 20% in the final year. The company highlighted that this is one of the most competitive pay hikes in the industry. Alongside the salary increase, Hyundai confirmed that existing employee welfare benefits such as health coverage and wellness initiatives will remain in place. “This settlement is a product of mutual trust and constructive dialogue. It reaffirms our commitment to creating a progressive workplace culture that balances employee well-being with long-term business growth,” said Youngmyung Park, Function Head – People Strategy at Hyundai Motor India. UUHE, established in 2011, represents nearly 90% of Hyundai’s technician and workmen workforce, with 1,981 members as of August 31, 2025. Following the announcement, Hyundai Motor India’s shares rose 1.69% to ₹2,646 on the BSE. Source: PTI

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AICTE Launches Major Employability Push for Engineering Students, Targets 20 Lakh Learners

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Marking Engineers’ Day on September 15, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) unveiled a series of initiatives to enhance the employability of engineering graduates, a persistent challenge in India’s higher education sector. The reforms were launched by Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, Government of India, and include Project PRACTICE (Project for Advancing Critical Thinking, Industry Connect and Employability), the AICTE Research Internship (ARI) Portal, and the mandatory setup of R&D Cells and Climate Cells across all approved institutions. At the heart of the reforms, Project PRACTICE will focus on 1,000 tier-2 and tier-3 engineering colleges where academic outcomes are often weaker. Over three years, it aims to benefit 20 lakh students and 10,000 faculty members through project-based learning, industry-linked assignments, and skill enhancement modules. Supported by the Maker Bhavan Foundation, LEAP, and CRISP, the programme carries a joint investment of ₹23.31 crore, co-funded by AICTE and its partners. In a move to integrate technology into learning, AICTE will also provide free access to AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity Go, helping students streamline routine work and focus on critical thinking, research, and innovation. Speaking at the launch, AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam said the initiatives are aimed at bridging the employability gap while fostering innovation, sustainability, and stronger industry-academia collaboration. The ARI Portal will open up structured research internship opportunities, while the mandated R&D and Climate Cells are expected to build a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility in campuses. Leaders from partner organisations, including CRISP’s R. Subrahmanyam, highlighted that these reforms will particularly uplift underserved institutions, enabling them to perform closer to the standards of premier colleges. With over 30 lakh students enrolled across 5,868 AICTE-approved engineering and diploma institutes, officials noted that these measures could play a pivotal role in preparing a new generation of graduates equipped to meet evolving industry demands. Source: Indian Express  

AICTE Launches Major Employability Push for Engineering Students, Targets 20 Lakh Learners Read More »

IMA Andhra Pradesh joins hands with US research centre to tackle urinary tract diseases

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The Andhra Pradesh chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA-AP) has partnered with Ipseity, a US-based research centre, to conduct an in-depth study on urinary tract diseases. Highlighting the growing concern, IMA-AP president Dr. G. Nanda Kishore said that chronic urinary tract conditions, especially recurring infections, pose a serious public health challenge. He noted that many antibiotics currently used in treatment are failing to fully eradicate infections, leaving patients vulnerable to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs). As part of the initiative, urine samples from 300 chronic UTI patients across Andhra Pradesh will be collected for advanced testing. These will include molecular PCR and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiling, aimed at identifying the most effective antibiotics for complete recovery. According to Dr. Kishore, the study could play a crucial role in reducing both health risks and financial strain on patients. He also urged doctors across the state to actively support the programme. Dr. Sandeep Nadendla, CEO of Ipseity and a native of Andhra Pradesh, said his mission is to bring advanced diagnostic solutions and medical research closer to the local population. He stressed that collaboration between practicing doctors and research institutions is key to ensuring early detection and better treatment outcomes for diseases affecting communities. Source: TNN

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Google reportedly cuts over 200 AI contractors amid unionisation concerns

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Google has allegedly laid off more than 200 contract workers engaged in its artificial intelligence projects, including the development of Gemini and AI Overviews, according to a report by WIRED. The layoffs, carried out in at least two phases last month, came with minimal or no notice, leaving many workers abruptly locked out of their roles. “I was just cut off,” said Andrew Lauzon, a contractor who received an email on August 15 notifying him that his contract had ended. Lauzon, employed by Hitachi-owned GlobalLogic since March 2024, had been involved in training Google’s Gemini chatbot and related AI tools. He said he was told the termination was due to a “ramp-down on the project,” but questioned the security of such precarious employment. Many of the affected contractors, some holding advanced degrees like master’s and PhDs, were part of a group known as “super raters” — workers tasked with reviewing and refining AI responses to make them more accurate and natural. Contractors stressed the importance of their work in shaping Google’s AI products, including the AI Overviews feature that provides summarized search results. “We play an incredibly vital role,” said one rater, noting that engineers rely on their feedback to fine-tune the systems. Google, however, has distanced itself from the job cuts, clarifying that the affected individuals were employees of GlobalLogic or its subcontractors, not Alphabet. “As the employers, GlobalLogic and their subcontractors are responsible for the employment and working conditions of their employees,” Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini said. The development comes at a time when Google is doubling down on AI investments to compete with rivals such as OpenAI and Microsoft, raising questions about job security in the rapidly evolving AI industry. Source: IANS

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CBSE Board Exams 2026: Special Exam Provisions for Class 10 & 12 Students in Sports and Olympiads

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced special examination provisions for Class 10 and 12 students who represent India in national or international sports competitions or participate in international Olympiads. This initiative ensures that students do not have to compromise between academic exams and prestigious global events. According to a circular released on September 15, the Board has outlined detailed rules, conditions, and deadlines for schools, students, and parents. CBSE has been working in line with the government’s focus on promoting sports and co-curricular excellence. After introducing this special exam facility for sports students in 2018 and extending it to Olympiad participants in 2020, the Board is now offering structured flexibility under the 2026 exam schedule. CBSE highlighted that such measures not only support students’ ambitions but also nurture qualities like fitness, discipline, teamwork, and dedication. Class 10 Provisions From 2026, Class 10 will follow a two-cycle exam pattern—the first in February and the second in May. Students engaged in recognised sports or Olympiads will only be allowed to appear in the second cycle (May 2026). No separate exams will be held after the February cycle. Candidates must still be included in the List of Candidates (LOC) for the main exams. For compartment exams, schedules in February/March 2026 will apply. Class 12 Provisions For Class 12, the existing policy remains unchanged. If a Board exam clashes with an eligible sports or Olympiad event, CBSE will reconduct the exam after the main cycle ends. Eligibility and Restrictions Only events approved by SAI (Sports Authority of India), BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), and HBCSE (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education) are recognised. Exemptions will not apply to training or selection camps, internal tests, or project submissions. Attendance relaxation will remain within the existing Board limits. All applications must be supported by an official certificate of participation from the concerned nodal authority. CBSE also clarified that: Special exams will not be available for supplementary papers. No provision will be made for practicals or project work, as these can be rescheduled internally by schools. Schools must avoid false claims, as they will result in cancellation of the application.  SOPs and Timeline As per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), students must submit applications via their schools along with a certificate of participation and school recommendations. Schools need to forward the documents to the CBSE Regional Office by December 15. Approvals will be communicated by December 30, and rescheduled exams will be conducted within 15 days of the main Board exams. Guidelines for Schools CBSE has directed schools to: Inform students and parents clearly about these provisions. Submit internal assessment marks within the given timelines. Ensure fair evaluation of sports and Olympiad participants. Process LOC submissions and certification accurately.  The Board emphasized that school heads and authorised organisations must issue certificates only for students who genuinely qualify under these provisions. Source: Indian Express

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PM Modi: ‘Bharatiya Model’ Driving Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday endorsed an article by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, which underlined how the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” is shaping India’s development journey. Mandaviya’s piece described how governance reforms have transformed lives — electricity is now a basic facility rather than a luxury, welfare schemes are delivered directly to beneficiaries, and infrastructure planning is powered by digital platforms. Sharing the article on X, PM Modi said, “This Bharatiya Model, first tested in Gujarat and later implemented nationwide, has carried governance to the grassroots, ensuring promises translate into delivery. It is paving the way for Viksit Bharat by 2047.” In another post, PM Modi hailed Indian chess star Vaishali Rameshbabu for defending her FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The victory also secured her a spot in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Calling her success an “outstanding accomplishment,” the Prime Minister lauded Vaishali’s dedication and wished her success in upcoming challenges. Vaishali scored 8 points in 11 rounds, edging past Kateryna Lagno on tie-breaks to claim the crown. With this, she became the third Indian woman to qualify for next year’s Candidates tournament, joining Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. The achievement adds to a landmark year for Indian women’s chess. For Vaishali, it also marks a strong comeback after recent setbacks, including modest results in events like the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, Norway Chess Women’s Tournament, Women’s Grand Prix (Austria & Pune), and the Tata Steel Women’s Challengers. Source: DD News Photo Credit: PTI

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Parliament Panel Seeks Legal, Tech Framework to Combat AI-Driven Fake News

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A parliamentary panel has urged the government to put in place robust legal and technological mechanisms to track, identify, and penalize those responsible for spreading AI-generated fake news. In its draft report, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology — chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey — emphasized the need for a balanced use of Artificial Intelligence. While AI is being applied to detect misinformation, the report cautioned that the same technology can also generate and amplify it. The report has been submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and will be tabled in the upcoming session. The committee has recommended stronger coordination between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and other concerned departments. Among its proposals are exploring licensing requirements for AI content creators and introducing mandatory labelling for AI-generated text, videos, and images. It also highlighted ongoing government-backed projects such as deep learning-based speech detection systems and software tools designed to identify deepfake videos and images. The MeitY has already set up a nine-member panel to study deepfake-related challenges. While ministries have cautioned that AI in its current state cannot independently fact-check complex issues, the committee suggested using AI as a first filter to flag suspicious content, followed by human verification. Calling fake news a “serious threat” to democracy and public order, the panel urged amendments in penal laws, higher fines, and greater accountability. It also suggested mandating fact-checking units and internal ombudsmen in all media organizations, while stressing that such measures should be built through consensus among stakeholders. Although committee recommendations are not binding, they often guide government policy due to their bipartisan weight. Source: PTI

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