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India and Philippines Forge Deeper Ties: 14 MoUs Signed to Boost Defence, Trade, Maritime, and Tourism Cooperation

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In a significant diplomatic move marking the 75th anniversary of their bilateral ties, India and the Philippines on Tuesday signed 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to broaden cooperation across key strategic areas. The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who is on his first state visit to India. These new agreements signal a strengthening of ties between the two nations and include a wide range of sectors such as defence, maritime security, space, digital technology, science, tourism, and legal collaboration. One of the key outcomes was the adoption of Terms of Reference for negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), laying the foundation for deeper economic integration. This step is expected to enhance bilateral trade and investment flows between the two growing economies. The MoUs also include treaties on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, a Treaty on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, and structured staff talks between the respective Air Forces, Armies, and Navies. Additionally, the two countries agreed to enhance coordination between their Coast Guards, especially in the context of rising maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The maritime dimension of the partnership was further highlighted by the recent completion of the first India-Philippines Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea — a region rife with overlapping territorial claims. Three Indian naval vessels — INS Delhi (D61), INS Kiltan (P30), and INS Shakti (A57) — participated in the joint patrols. The partnership also takes a leap forward in science, space, and technology. India’s ISRO and the Philippine Space Agency signed a Statement of Intent to collaborate on the peaceful use of outer space, while a new Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology (2025–2028) was signed to foster joint research and innovation. In tourism, both nations agreed on an Implementation Program for Cooperation in Tourism (2025–2028). As a goodwill gesture, India also announced a gratis e-tourist visa facility for Filipino citizens for one year starting August 2025. Cultural connections were celebrated through a commemorative stamp release, featuring the national flowers — India’s lotus and the Philippines’ Sampaguita — symbolizing enduring ties. A Cultural Exchange Programme was also agreed upon to promote people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the “ancient cultural bond” between the two countries, citing the Philippine version of the Ramayana — Maharadia Lawana — as a testament to their long-standing relationship. “We are friends by choice and partners by destiny,” Modi said. President Marcos hailed the elevation of the partnership to strategic status, noting India as the Philippines’ fifth strategic partner. He pointed to the growing synergy between the two nations and their alignment on global and regional issues. To guide the growing cooperation, both countries adopted a Strategic Partnership Plan of Action for 2025–2029, which will serve as a roadmap across multiple sectors — including health, pharmaceuticals, fintech, digital economy, infrastructure, culture, and multilateral coordination. India has also extended support to help the Philippines build a Sovereign Data Cloud Infrastructure as part of its digital transformation efforts and has invited the Philippines to participate in the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). This wide-ranging set of agreements reflects the shared vision of India and the Philippines to shape a secure, prosperous, and interconnected Indo-Pacific region. Source: ANI

India and Philippines Forge Deeper Ties: 14 MoUs Signed to Boost Defence, Trade, Maritime, and Tourism Cooperation Read More »

CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Result 2025 Declared: 48.68% Students Clear Compartment Exam

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the Class 10 supplementary examination results on August 5, 2025. Students who appeared for the compartment exams can now access their results via the official portals — cbse.gov.in, cbseresults.nic.in, or on the DigiLocker platform. To check the results, students need to enter their roll number, school number, admit card ID, and security pin. The verification and revaluation process will commence from August 8. This year, out of the 1,43,648 students who registered for the CBSE Class 10 compartment exam, 1,38,898 appeared, and 67,620 managed to pass. The overall pass percentage stands at 48.68%. Girls outperformed boys, achieving a pass percentage of 51.04%, compared to 47.41% among boys — a lead of 3.63%. Steps to Check CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Result 2025: Visit the official CBSE website – cbse.gov.in. Click on the link for Class 10 supplementary results on the homepage. Enter your login details, including registration number and date of birth. Your result will appear on the screen. Download and save the result for future reference. Regular students will receive their mark sheet cum passing certificate at their respective schools. Private candidates will receive theirs at their designated exam centres in Delhi or at the addresses mentioned in their application forms. The supplementary exams were held from July 15 to 22 across 15,495 schools and 970 examination centres in India and 26 other countries. In the regular board exams conducted earlier this year from February 15 to March 18, 2025, a total of 23,85,079 students registered, with 23,71,939 appearing for the exams. Out of them, 22,21,636 passed, bringing the overall pass percentage to 93.66%. Results for the main exams were declared on May 13. For comparison, CBSE declared the supplementary results for Class 10 on August 5 in 2024, August 4 in 2023, and September 9 in 2022. Source: Indian Express  

CBSE Class 10 Supplementary Result 2025 Declared: 48.68% Students Clear Compartment Exam Read More »

Manipal Hospitals Seeks CCI Approval to Acquire Sahyadri Hospitals in Rs 6,400 Crore Deal

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Manipal Hospitals has approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI) seeking approval to acquire Pune-headquartered Sahyadri Hospitals in a deal estimated to be worth between ₹6,200 crore and ₹6,400 crore. The transaction involves purchasing up to 100% equity in Sahyadri Hospitals Pvt Ltd through multiple tranches, according to the regulatory filing. Though the official deal value has not been disclosed, industry insiders peg the acquisition around ₹6,400 crore. The seller, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Board, a Canada-based global investor, had acquired a majority stake in Sahyadri Hospitals in 2022. In a joint statement, both healthcare entities noted that the transaction is unlikely to impact competition in any significant way, allowing the CCI flexibility in defining relevant markets. They emphasized that the deal poses no appreciable adverse effect on competition (AAEC) in the Indian healthcare sector. Manipal Hospitals, headquartered in Bengaluru, recently confirmed that it had signed definitive agreements with Ontario Teachers’ for the takeover. The move is a significant step toward expanding Manipal’s reach in western India. With the acquisition of Sahyadri’s 11 hospitals located across Pune, Nashik, Ahilya Nagar, and Karad, Manipal’s total hospital count will rise to 49, with a combined capacity of approximately 12,000 beds — placing it among the largest hospital networks in the country. Commenting on the development, Dilip Jose, MD & CEO of Manipal Health Enterprises, said, “This acquisition aligns with our goal of enhancing access to quality healthcare across India. Supported by our stakeholders, including Temasek, we look forward to serving a broader patient base.” Ranjan Pai, Chairman of Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG), added that the expansion will significantly bolster the group’s presence in Maharashtra and western India. Manipal Hospitals is backed by Singapore-based investment firm Temasek, which manages a portfolio valued at around USD 324 billion as of March 2025. Ontario Teachers’, with assets totaling USD 266.3 billion as of December 2024, exits Sahyadri after helping it become one of Maharashtra’s leading hospital chains with over 1,400 beds. This strategic acquisition marks a major milestone in Manipal’s ongoing mission to build a truly pan-India healthcare network. Source: PTI

Manipal Hospitals Seeks CCI Approval to Acquire Sahyadri Hospitals in Rs 6,400 Crore Deal Read More »

RBI May Lower FY26 Inflation Forecast Amid Cooling Prices, CPI Likely to Rise in FY27: CareEdge Report

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to revise its inflation forecast downward for the fiscal year 2025–26 during its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in August, according to a report released by CareEdge Ratings. The report projects that Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation may average around 3.1% in FY26 — notably below the RBI’s current estimate of 3.7%. However, inflation is anticipated to rebound to 4.5% in FY27, largely due to the low base effect from the previous year. “Given the sharp drop in FY26 inflation, a natural statistical rebound could lift average inflation to 4.5% in FY27,” CareEdge noted. The report attributes the recent softness in inflation to a significant drop in food prices and a supportive base effect. CPI inflation eased to 2.1% in June, the lowest level since January 2019, surprising market expectations. A major factor in this decline was deflation in the food and beverages category, which saw an overall contraction of 0.2% year-on-year. Specific items showed sharp price declines: vegetables fell 19%, pulses 12%, spices 3%, and meat 1.6%. The outlook for food inflation remains benign, supported by a strong agricultural season and continued base effect benefits. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, ticked up slightly to 4.4% in June. However, this uptick was largely attributed to a spike in precious metal prices. When excluding gold and silver, core inflation stands at a more moderate 3.5%, the report clarified. While global economic slowdown continues to weigh on demand, CareEdge cautioned that factors such as geopolitical tensions and shifts in trade policies could still create volatility in commodity prices, warranting continued vigilance. Despite these risks, the inflation landscape appears favourable in the short term. However, the report warns that CPI inflation could breach the 4% threshold in the last quarter of FY26 as the positive base effect wanes. With actual inflation likely to undershoot RBI’s current projections for FY26, the central bank may opt to officially lower its target in the upcoming policy announcement. Source: ANI

RBI May Lower FY26 Inflation Forecast Amid Cooling Prices, CPI Likely to Rise in FY27: CareEdge Report Read More »

Despite Rise in MBBS Seats, Nearly 2,850 Vacant in 2024: Government Data

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Despite a 39% surge in MBBS seats over the last few years, 2,849 undergraduate medical seats remained vacant in the 2024–25 academic year, according to the latest figures from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The data was shared in the Lok Sabha on August 1 by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, in response to an unstarred question posed by TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar. India’s MBBS seat count rose from 83,275 in 2020–21 to 1,15,900 in 2024–25, driven by the establishment of new medical colleges and enhanced infrastructure and faculty availability. However, vacancies in undergraduate medical admissions (excluding AIIMS and JIPMER) peaked at 4,146 in 2022–23 before decreasing to 2,849 this year. The NMC has introduced the Minimum Standard Requirement Regulations, 2023, to ensure that institutions maintain robust standards in infrastructure, clinical materials, faculty strength, and other essential facilities. Among the states, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat accounted for the highest number of medical seats in both 2020–21 and 2024–25. To further boost medical education, the government has implemented a centrally sponsored scheme to upgrade district and referral hospitals into medical colleges, especially in underserved regions. Of the 157 medical colleges approved under this initiative, 131 are currently operational. Additionally, another centrally sponsored scheme is focused on expanding the capacity of existing state and central government medical colleges by strengthening infrastructure and increasing both MBBS and postgraduate seats. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), 75 Super Speciality Block projects have been approved to upgrade government medical colleges, with 71 already completed. Under the central sector initiative to establish new AIIMS, 22 institutes have been approved, and undergraduate courses have started in 19 of them. Source: Indian Express

Despite Rise in MBBS Seats, Nearly 2,850 Vacant in 2024: Government Data Read More »

71st National Film Awards 2025: Full Winners List and Highlights

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The 71st National Film Awards, one of the most revered recognitions in Indian cinema, have been officially announced, honouring the best in filmmaking, performances, and technical brilliance from across the country. Known for their credibility and impartiality, the National Awards stand apart from other honours in the Indian film industry by prioritising artistic and cinematic excellence over commercial success. Administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals and presented by the President of India, these awards celebrate films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the previous calendar year (January 1 to December 31). A jury, consisting of noted film personalities, undertakes the task of screening entries and selecting winners across categories and languages. This year’s awards reflect a powerful blend of storytelling, technical achievement, and strong performances, cutting across regional and mainstream cinema. From high-profile Bollywood blockbusters to intimate regional dramas, the winners showcased the diversity and depth of Indian filmmaking. Major Acting Honours Best Actor was jointly awarded to Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan and Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. This marked a significant milestone in Khan’s career as he bagged his first National Award for acting. Best Actress went to Rani Mukerji for her emotionally charged role in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, which highlighted the struggles of a mother caught in an international legal battle. Supporting Performances Recognised Best Supporting Actor honours were shared between Vijayaraghavan (Pookkalam) and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking). Best Supporting Actress was jointly awarded to Urvashi (Ullozhukku) and Janaki Bodiwala (Vash). Top Feature Films by Language Best Feature Film overall: 12th Fail Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari Best Tamil Film: Parking Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku Best Kannada Film: Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope Best Marathi Film: Shyamchi Aai Best Bengali Film: Deep Fridge Best Gujarati Film: Vash Best Punjabi Film: Godday Godday Chaa Best Odia Film: Pushkara Best Assamese Film: Rongatapu 1982 These selections showcase the cultural and linguistic diversity of Indian cinema, reaffirming the National Film Awards’ commitment to inclusivity. Technical Excellence and Direction Best Director: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story, praised for its bold narrative and technical finesse. Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Best Action Direction: Nandu and Prudhvi for Hanu-Man Best Lyrics: Kasarla Shyam for Balagam Best Music Direction: G.V. Prakash Kumar (Songs) for Vaathi Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Background Score) for Animal Performance in Music and Sound Best Male Playback Singer: P.V.N. S. Rohit for Baby Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao for Jawan Best Sound Design: Sachin Sudhakaran & Hariharan for Animal Other Key Technical Awards Best Cinematography: Prasanthanu Mohapatra for The Kerala Story Best Editing: Midhun Murali for Pookkaalam Best Production Design: Mohandas for 2018 – Everyone is a Hero Best Makeup: Shrikanth Desai for Sam Bahadur Best Costume Design: Sachin, Divya, Nidhhi for Sam Bahadur Special Mention: M.R. Radhakrishnan (Re-recording mixer) for Animal Final Thoughts The 71st National Film Awards not only celebrated artistic and cinematic triumphs but also reflected the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where regional films continue to shine alongside mainstream blockbusters. The event acknowledged both legendary figures and fresh voices, reinforcing the relevance of storytelling that resonates across audiences and regions. Shah Rukh Khan’s long-awaited National Award win and the sweeping recognition for 12th Fail stood out as emotional and symbolic moments, while the inclusion of underrepresented languages and filmmakers demonstrated the Awards’ commitment to embracing India’s cinematic mosaic.

71st National Film Awards 2025: Full Winners List and Highlights Read More »

Delhi University Allows Pause and Resume Option for UG Students under NEP 2020 Guidelines

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In a landmark step towards making higher education more flexible and inclusive, Delhi University (DU) has rolled out a new academic policy allowing undergraduate students to pause and resume their degree programmes. The change comes under the Multiple Entry and Exit (ME-ME) system, introduced as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and implemented through the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022. The ME-ME system enables students to exit a programme after completing any even-numbered semester and rejoin within a defined period—without losing their earned academic credits. The move is expected to particularly benefit students facing interruptions due to personal, financial, or professional commitments. What the New System Offers: Exit after 1st Year (Semester II): Undergraduate Certificate (minimum 44 credits) Exit after 2nd Year (Semester IV): Undergraduate Diploma (minimum 88 credits) Exit after 3rd Year (Semester VI): Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 132 credits) Continue till 4th Year (Semester VIII): Bachelor’s with Honours/Research/Entrepreneurship (minimum 176 credits) Students re-entering the programme must do so within three to four years, depending on the exit level, and within an overall seven-year cap. The credit system is based on classroom and lab hours, with one credit representing one hour of teaching or two hours of lab/field work per week. DU has clarified that students must apply for an official exit before the next academic session begins. If a student exits mid-session, only the qualification corresponding to the last completed academic year will be recognised. Any disputes related to the new system will be resolved by the Vice Chancellor. Additional rules regarding lateral admissions from other universities or institutions are expected in the coming months. Why It Matters In an era where student priorities are increasingly shaped by internships, entrepreneurial pursuits, competitive exams, or family responsibilities, this move brings Indian higher education in step with global norms. The modularity of the ME-ME system recognises academic effort at every stage and ensures students do not have to abandon their goals due to temporary setbacks. With this reform, Delhi University is not just reducing dropout rates—it is reimagining higher education for the 21st century. Source: TOI

Delhi University Allows Pause and Resume Option for UG Students under NEP 2020 Guidelines Read More »

DRDO Successfully Concludes Dual Flight-Tests of Indigenous ‘Pralay’ Missile

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted two back-to-back flight-tests of its homegrown ‘Pralay’ missile on July 28 and 29, 2025, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha. These tests were part of the User Evaluation Trials designed to validate both the upper and lower range capabilities of the missile system. In both trials, the Pralay missile demonstrated exceptional performance by accurately following the designated trajectory and hitting the intended targets with high precision. All onboard subsystems functioned flawlessly, with their performance verified through real-time tracking data gathered by various sensors deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR), including those stationed on ships near the target area. The Pralay missile, powered by solid propellant, is a quasi-ballistic weapon featuring cutting-edge guidance and navigation systems. It is designed to deliver multiple types of warheads with remarkable accuracy against a range of targets. The development of the missile was spearheaded by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with several DRDO laboratories such as the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), and the Integrated Test Range. Key industry partners included Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), as well as several other industrial units and MSMEs. The flight-tests were closely observed by senior DRDO scientists, officials from the Indian Army and Air Force, and representatives from the participating industries. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Armed Forces, and the industrial partners on the successful tests, highlighting that the integration of such modern technologies significantly enhances India’s defence capabilities. DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V Kamat, also lauded the team for the achievement, noting that the successful conclusion of these Phase-1 trials marks a significant step toward the missile’s formal induction into the Armed Forces. Source: Economic Times

DRDO Successfully Concludes Dual Flight-Tests of Indigenous ‘Pralay’ Missile Read More »

Meenakshi Hospital Uses CRRT to Save Eight Critically Ill Patients in Thanjavur

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In a significant medical achievement, Meenakshi Hospital in Thanjavur has successfully saved the lives of eight critically ill patients using Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), a specialised form of dialysis designed for patients in intensive care. Dr. S. Gowri Shankar, Consultant Nephrologist at the hospital, revealed that the treatment was administered over the past few months to patients suffering from life-threatening kidney failure and other complications. Among the cases, one particularly severe patient—a 40-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol consumption and smoking—was admitted with dangerously low blood pressure and critically high creatinine levels, indicating severe kidney distress. The patient, who was reliant on two inotropic drugs to sustain heart function and stabilize blood pressure, was immediately started on CRRT. This method of dialysis, unlike conventional hemodialysis, operates continuously over a 24-hour period, gently filtering the blood while preserving cardiovascular stability—crucial for patients with unstable conditions. Remarkably, within 24 hours of initiating CRRT, the patient’s vital signs began to stabilize. By the second day, his urine output—a key indicator of kidney recovery—increased significantly, and his creatinine levels returned to a safer range, indicating a strong turnaround in his condition. CRRT is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing multi-organ dysfunction or conditions such as sepsis, heart failure, severe liver issues, or dysautonomic shock, where the body fails to regulate blood pressure effectively. The therapy provides a controlled and gradual process of fluid and toxin removal, making it a safer alternative for critically ill individuals who cannot tolerate the more aggressive traditional dialysis methods. Dr. Gowri Shankar emphasized that CRRT’s ability to stabilize patients while supporting failing kidneys is proving to be a game-changer in critical care nephrology, especially for high-risk patients in intensive care units. Source: The Hindu  

Meenakshi Hospital Uses CRRT to Save Eight Critically Ill Patients in Thanjavur Read More »

India Inc Poised to Offer 6.2% to 11.3% Average Salary Hikes Across Sectors: TeamLease Report

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Corporate India is set to witness salary hikes ranging between 6.2% and 11.3% in the current financial year, as companies realign their workforce strategies with a sharper focus on skill certifications and performance-linked incentives, according to the TeamLease Services’ Jobs and Salaries Primer 2025–26 report released on Tuesday. Drawing insights from over 1,300 organisations across 23 industries and 20 cities, the report highlights that some job roles may see hikes of up to 13.8%. The evolving demand for professionals who can blend technical expertise with business impact is driving this shift in compensation trends, said Kartik Narayan, CEO – Staffing at TeamLease Services. Among the sectors expected to offer the highest salary increases are Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV infrastructure (11.3%), consumer durables (10.7%), retail (10.7%), and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) (10.4%). Top-paying roles in these sectors include: Electrical Design Engineer in the EV domain (12.4% hike), In-Store Demonstrator in consumer durables (12.2%), Relationship Executive in NBFCs (11.6%), and Fashion Assistant in retail (11.2%). The report also points to a robust revival in the blue-collar segment, thanks to rising infrastructure investments, a growing EV ecosystem, and renewed activity in real estate and manufacturing. Key roles like mechanic (10.4%), material handler (10%), machine operator (9.9%), and electrician (9.3%) are witnessing healthy pay increases. “This strong wage momentum in traditional blue-collar roles signals a need for companies to recalibrate hiring strategies in line with emerging growth sectors. For workers, upskilling will be key to remaining relevant and resilient,” Narayan added. In terms of cities and individual roles, standout salary hikes include: Quality Control Inspector in Pune (13.8%), MIS Executive in Hyderabad (13.4%), Data Engineer in Bengaluru (12.9%), Electrical Design Engineer in Mumbai (12.6%), and Sales Executive in Gurgaon (12.4%). Functionally, the most significant hikes are projected in sales and marketing roles (9.9%), followed by engineering (9.5%). Other domains such as finance, customer service, back-office operations, HR, and administration are expected to receive moderate increases between 8.2% and 8.6%, indicating balanced growth across business functions. Overall, the report underscores a broader recalibration of compensation structures in India Inc, with skill-based hiring, retention incentives, and future-ready talent emerging as strategic priorities. Source: PTI

India Inc Poised to Offer 6.2% to 11.3% Average Salary Hikes Across Sectors: TeamLease Report Read More »