ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 10:11 PM
logo
Menu
logo

Author name: admin

Global Media & Entertainment Industry to Reach $3.5 Trillion by 2029: PwC Forecast

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

According to PwC’s latest Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2025–29, the worldwide media and entertainment (M&E) sector is set to hit $3.5 trillion in revenues by 2029, up from $3 trillion in 2024. The industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%, outpacing global economic growth but still trailing the more aggressive expansion seen before the pandemic. Advertising to Power Industry Expansion A major driver behind this growth will be advertising, which is forecasted to rise at a healthy 6.1% CAGR. As traditional subscription-based and paid content models experience saturation—especially in more developed markets—advertising is expected to take centre stage, increasingly fueled by digital innovations and AI. Digital ad formats currently account for 72% of all advertising revenue and are projected to rise to 80% by 2029. This shift is being bolstered by new technologies like AI-driven targeting and hyper-personalisation, especially in areas such as retail search advertising and in-game ads. Connected TV and AI-Led Disruption One of the standout trends highlighted in the report is the rapid transformation in the connected TV advertising space. In 2020, connected TV accounted for just 5.9% of traditional broadcast TV ad revenues. By 2024, this figure surged to 22%, and PwC estimates that by 2029, it will climb to $51 billion—equivalent to 45% of traditional broadcast ad revenue. The fusion of AI and personalised digital content delivery is expected to accelerate this trend further. Connectivity Still Dominates, but Gap Narrows Despite the advertising boom, connectivity remains the M&E industry’s largest revenue contributor. This segment is forecasted to generate $1.3 trillion by 2029, driven largely by mobile internet services. However, with the faster growth of digital ad revenues, the gap between connectivity and advertising spend is likely to narrow in the coming years. Strong Growth in Gaming and Cinema Video gaming is another sector poised for significant expansion. Revenues from the gaming industry are expected to reach close to $300 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%. Meanwhile, the global box office is projected to climb from $33 billion in 2024 to $41.5 billion in 2029, signaling a rebound in theatrical entertainment. A Changing Landscape Ahead While macroeconomic headwinds and tight consumer spending may temper growth in some areas, PwC’s outlook suggests that innovation, digital transformation, and evolving consumer habits—particularly in ad-supported models—will redefine the M&E industry by 2029. Source: PwC

Global Media & Entertainment Industry to Reach $3.5 Trillion by 2029: PwC Forecast Read More »

Kendriya Vidyalayas See Sharpest Drop in Fresh Admissions in Five Years

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

Fresh admissions to Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) have dipped to a five-year low for the 2024–25 academic year, with only 1,39,660 new students enrolled, as per data presented by the Ministry of Education in the Lok Sabha. This marks a steady and concerning downward trend in both new enrolments and overall student numbers in India’s flagship network of centrally run schools. A Downward Spiral in Enrolments Responding to a question in Parliament, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan provided year-wise figures highlighting the consistent drop in KV enrolments. New admissions have declined from 1,95,081 in 2020–21 to 1,39,660 in 2024–25 — a fall of nearly 29%. Meanwhile, the total student strength across all KVs also saw a dip from 14,29,434 in 2021–22 to 13,50,518 in 2024–25. Academic Year Fresh Enrolments Total Student Strength 2020–21 1,95,081 13,87,763 2021–22 1,82,846 14,29,434 2022–23 1,57,914 14,24,147 2023–24 1,75,386 13,89,560 2024–25 1,39,660 13,50,518 Though there was a temporary recovery in enrolments during 2023–24, the overall trajectory has remained downward, with this year witnessing the most significant fall in both fresh admissions and total enrolment figures. Structural Strains in a National Network Established to cater primarily to children of Central Government employees — particularly those in transferable jobs within Defence, Paramilitary Forces, PSUs, and autonomous institutions — the KV system currently operates 1,280 schools across India. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and admission bottlenecks, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, are beginning to strain the system. Expansion Despite Falling Numbers Despite the declining enrolment trend, the Central Government approved the setting up of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in December 2024, aimed at boosting capacity in the Civil and Defence sectors. Additionally, a KV in Shivamogga, Karnataka, is being expanded by adding two new sections per class. The initiative carries a total budget of ₹5,872.08 crore — ₹2,862.71 crore allocated for capital projects (including construction) and ₹3,009.37 crore for recurring expenditures. However, actual implementation remains slow due to challenges such as: Delays in land transfer and legal ownership Approval processes for building designs and cost estimates Fund disbursal lags Administrative clearance delays at the local level These procedural hurdles often stall the timely launch of new schools or the expansion of existing ones. Decoding the Decline Experts attribute the drop in admissions to several key factors: Overcrowding: Many KVs have hit their capacity limits, especially in cities, making it harder for new students to secure seats. Construction delays: Several approved schools are yet to become operational due to incomplete infrastructure. Emerging competition: An increase in affordable, private CBSE schools in smaller towns may be attracting families away from KVs. Policy ambiguities: Unclear guidelines in certain regions are adding to confusion over eligibility and admissions. Rethinking the Road Ahead While the government continues to emphasize the ongoing expansion of the KV network, the sharp drop in enrolment calls for an urgent review of operational and policy priorities. Education experts suggest the need for swift action to improve school infrastructure, accelerate construction timelines, digitize admissions, and invest in teacher training. With public demand for affordable, quality education still high, the future of Kendriya Vidyalayas may well depend on how effectively these systemic issues are addressed. Source: TOI

Kendriya Vidyalayas See Sharpest Drop in Fresh Admissions in Five Years Read More »

TCS to Lay Off Over 12,000 Employees Amid AI Disruption and Economic Pressures

Leave a Comment / / Human Resource Community
Ardorcomm news

In a landmark decision, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services provider and the crown jewel of the Tata Group, is set to let go of 12,261 employees — nearly 2% of its global workforce — making it the biggest layoff in the company’s history. The move comes as TCS navigates a rapidly evolving technology landscape marked by AI-driven disruption, weakening demand, and global economic headwinds. The company, which had a workforce of over 610,000 as of June, is restructuring to align with new business realities. Historically, workforce reduction at TCS has been modest — for instance, in FY15, the firm cut about 3,000 jobs, roughly 1% of its employee base. This latest wave of layoffs will largely impact mid- to senior-level professionals, particularly those who cannot be transitioned into new roles within the organization. The restructuring signals a major pivot for TCS, as it intensifies its focus on automation and AI to remain competitive in an increasingly margin-sensitive market. “This transformation is about preparing TCS for the future,” CEO K Krithivasan noted in an internal communication. “While such changes are essential for our continued growth, we recognize the challenges it brings to our colleagues. We deeply appreciate their contributions and will support them through this transition.” Analysts say the decision reflects a broader industry trend. Phil Fersht, CEO of HfS Research, highlighted that AI is significantly disrupting the traditional, manpower-heavy IT services model. Clients are also pushing for steep cost reductions — sometimes as much as 20-30% — compelling firms like TCS to reevaluate their cost structures. The trend isn’t isolated to TCS. Other Tata Group companies such as Tata Motors and Tata Steel have also undertaken job cuts in recent years to streamline operations and boost profitability. In 2019, Tata Steel cut 3,000 positions in its European business. This move by TCS underscores the shifting priorities within the IT industry, where future-readiness increasingly hinges on agility, automation, and leaner operations. Source: Economic Times

TCS to Lay Off Over 12,000 Employees Amid AI Disruption and Economic Pressures Read More »

Gujarat Rolls Out AI Action Plan to Revolutionize Governance by 2030

Leave a Comment / / Governance Community
Ardorcomm news

The Gujarat government has approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Implementation Action Plan for 2025–2030, signaling a major step toward embedding AI technologies into its governance and public service mechanisms. Endorsed by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the initiative is geared toward enhancing service delivery, optimizing administrative efficiency, and leveraging AI across key sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance. This strategic blueprint, developed by the Department of Science and Technology and shaped by insights from a 10-member AI Taskforce, aligns with national development visions such as Viksit Gujarat@2047 and Viksit Bharat@2047. It also supports the Centre’s push under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to integrate AI into governance, public policy, and digital infrastructure. The five-year roadmap highlights six core areas: Data Security and Compliance: Establishing a trusted, regulation-friendly data environment. Infrastructure Development: Expanding GPU- and cloud-powered digital frameworks, with plans to launch AI factories in smaller cities. Skilling Initiatives: Training 2.5 lakh individuals—including students, MSMEs, and government personnel—in AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies. Research & Industry Collaboration: Fostering academic-industry partnerships to develop real-world AI models tailored for governance. Startup Support: Boosting DeepTech innovation with funding, mentorship, and incubation for startups. Responsible AI: Instituting auditing systems, safety protocols, and ethical guidelines to ensure transparent and secure AI deployment. Implementation will be phased, beginning with the creation of a state-level AI data repository and the establishment of AI development hubs. Pilot programs will be rolled out in select government departments to test and refine AI use cases. To guide the initiative, a dedicated AI and Deep Tech Mission will be established—tasked with overseeing project design, monitoring, and cross-sectoral collaboration. Gujarat has already laid strong groundwork in the AI space, launching an AI Centre of Excellence at GIFT City, organizing capacity-building workshops for civil servants, and initiating efforts to develop Indian language-based AI solutions. The state also conducted an AI Innovation Challenge to source practical AI applications from innovators and entrepreneurs. With this action plan, Gujarat positions itself at the forefront of AI-enabled governance, aiming to create a smarter, more responsive, and future-ready administrative ecosystem. Source: The Hindu Photo Credit: PTI  

Gujarat Rolls Out AI Action Plan to Revolutionize Governance by 2030 Read More »

CBSE, UNESCO Scale Up Health and Wellness Education to Impact 30,000 Schools Nationwide

Leave a Comment / / Education Community
Ardorcomm news

In a significant step toward integrating holistic health education into India’s school system, CBSE, UNESCO, and NCERT are expanding their collaborative School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP) to 30,000 CBSE-affiliated schools across the country. The initiative, which began under the Ayushman Bharat mission in 2020, aims to positively influence the lives of nearly 15 million students by promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Building a Network of Master Trainers Throughout June and July 2025, over 290 school leaders—comprising principals, teachers, and administrators—from 22 states and five union territories participated in a comprehensive training workshop held in Delhi. These individuals will serve as master trainers, cascading their knowledge and tools to educators across India to deliver health and wellness content effectively. The training sessions emphasized early intervention and the importance of understanding students’ socio-emotional environments. Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of NCERT, stressed that many student challenges originate outside the classroom. With proper training, teachers can better identify these issues and respond with empathy and support. A Curriculum Rooted in NEP 2020 Values Speaking at the workshop, Anandrao V Patil, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Education, underscored how wellness and inclusive education go hand in hand, echoing the core principles of the National Education Policy 2020. He described educators as catalysts of social change, pivotal in shaping compassionate and resilient individuals. UNESCO’s South Asia Director, Tim Curtis, reinforced the belief that health and education are deeply interconnected. “Every trained teacher and every wellness conversation is a step closer to learner-centered systems,” he said. Multilingual Learning Tools for Lifelong Impact To support the initiative, NCERT and UNESCO have co-developed a 24-hour wellness curriculum, featuring training modules, handbooks, animated videos, and comics. These resources focus on 11 essential wellness themes—including mental health, gender sensitivity, online safety, and reproductive health—and are available in English, Hindi, and nine regional languages to ensure wider accessibility. Since 2022, NCERT has conducted eleven intensive five-day workshops, resulting in 970 trained master trainers. These professionals are now instrumental in guiding teacher development across CBSE’s regional Centres of Excellence. To date, over 40,000 teachers have been trained through more than 750 workshops nationwide. Rather than treating health education as a supplementary activity, SHWP is helping schools embed wellness into the very fabric of everyday learning—redefining education as a means to nurture both the mind and the heart. Source: India Today

CBSE, UNESCO Scale Up Health and Wellness Education to Impact 30,000 Schools Nationwide Read More »

India Records Over 7,000 Suspected Heatstroke Cases and 14 Confirmed Deaths Amid Rising Temperatures

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community
Ardorcomm news

Between March 1 and June 24, 2025, India recorded 7,192 suspected cases of heatstroke and 14 confirmed deaths due to extreme heat, according to data obtained by PTI through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The information, provided by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), points to a growing public health concern amid soaring temperatures, as India experiences one of its hottest years on record since 1901. Majority of Heatstroke Cases Reported in May May proved to be the most critical month, with 2,962 suspected cases and three confirmed deaths. In April, there were 2,140 suspected cases and six confirmed fatalities, while March saw 705 cases and two deaths. Up to June 24, June added another 1,385 suspected cases and three confirmed fatalities. Andhra Pradesh emerged as the worst-hit state, reporting 4,055 suspected cases — more than half the national total during the period. Other significantly affected states included Rajasthan (373 cases), Odisha (350), Telangana (348), and Madhya Pradesh (297). Gaps in Death Reporting Highlight Systemic Flaws Despite the high number of suspected cases, many states, including those with hundreds of reported incidents, recorded few or no confirmed deaths. Maharashtra and Uttarakhand topped the list of confirmed fatalities, each reporting three deaths. Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal each reported one. Experts and officials say the actual toll is likely much higher than reported due to systemic shortcomings in data collection and diagnosis. NCDC’s figures are based on reports from hospitals under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), leaving out cases that go untreated or undiagnosed, especially those occurring outside medical facilities. A health ministry official, speaking anonymously, acknowledged these limitations: “We only capture a fraction of real cases. Many deaths go unclassified due to lack of capacity, staff, and timely reporting in hospitals.” Inconsistent Records Across Agencies India’s fragmented approach to tracking heat-related illnesses was further exposed in a PTI investigation. For the 2015–2022 period, three government agencies reported vastly different numbers: NCDC cited 3,812 heat-related deaths, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded 8,171, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) listed 3,436. Discrepancies are further worsened by states failing to provide complete or timely data. In previous years, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal have all been inconsistent in their reporting, with some reportedly underreporting deaths to avoid paying compensation. Heat-Related Deaths Often Misclassified Abhiyant Tiwari, Climate Resilience and Health Lead at NRDC India, emphasized the difficulty of accurately linking deaths to heat exposure. “Many are recorded as heart attacks or other conditions. To understand the true impact, we must look at excess mortality during heatwaves,” he said. Soumya Swaminathan, advisor to the Health Ministry, echoed the call for reform. “We need stronger death certification and reporting systems. Reliable data is essential for shaping effective climate and health policies,” she noted. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of heatwaves, the lack of a unified, robust national surveillance system remains a serious barrier to India’s readiness and response. Source: Economic Times  

India Records Over 7,000 Suspected Heatstroke Cases and 14 Confirmed Deaths Amid Rising Temperatures Read More »

Dr. Tanuja Pokhariyal, Principal, Doon International Public School, Rishikesh shares her insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun

Leave a Comment / / Interviews
Tanuja Pokhariyal

Welcome to the event! Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your school? Thank you! I am Dr. Tanuja Pokhariyal, Principal of Doon International Public School in Rishikesh. It’s a CBSE-affiliated school, running from Nursery to Grade 12. We are located in the spiritual city of Rishikesh—Tapovan and Devbhoomi. Our school caters to over 1,300 students, most of whom come from middle-class backgrounds. While many parents may not be fully aware of the opportunities in education and technology, we at the school strive to expose both students and parents to the evolving educational landscape. Our teachers work very hard to bridge that gap. How has your experience been so far at the ArdorComm Media event? It’s truly a great opportunity for leaders like us. What’s amazing is that people from diverse backgrounds—education, technology, AI—have gathered here, and we get to interact with them and learn. I visited a few counters where they discussed AI integration into the curriculum and shared tools being used to enhance classroom learning. It’s been a pleasure being part of this platform. The presence of VCs, professors, principals—so many knowledgeable people—makes it a learning ground for all, not just the speakers. We’re not only talking about tech and AI, but also how it impacts society and how students should be guided to use these technologies ethically. ArdorComm Media is celebrating its fourth anniversary today. Would you like to share a few words? First of all, congratulations to ArdorComm Media on completing four successful years! You’ve organized this event wonderfully. The platform brings together the right people and organizations—it’s very well curated. Events like this give all of us, including schools, colleges, and universities, valuable exposure. Wishing you all the best for your future journey, and we definitely look forward to being part of more such events.

Dr. Tanuja Pokhariyal, Principal, Doon International Public School, Rishikesh shares her insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun Read More »

Pratibha Saran, Owner, Happy Home Montessori School, Rishikesh shares insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun

Leave a Comment / / Interviews
Pratibha Saran

We’re very glad to have you here with us at the event. Could you please introduce yourself? I’m Pratibha, and I look after the complete academics and day-to-day functioning at Happy Home Montessori School. Besides this, I’m also a member of the Government’s ‘Namami Gange’ project. Additionally, I work with the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, an organization that works towards promoting education and culture across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand, especially in the area of language development. You will be one of the eminent speakers at the Roundtable discussion, how does it feel to be part of this event? I feel extremely glad and honored to join this event. I’m really looking forward to learning about the kind of work other educators are doing in the field of education. Your media company is doing a commendable job, especially in Dehradun, where we’ve been observing educational developments for the past 25 years. You’re helping take that work forward, and I’m excited to witness it today. Being part of this platform is a great opportunity for me to learn and grow. ArdorComm Media is celebrating its 4th anniversary. Would you like to share a message for us? You’re doing a truly great job for our future generations — our students. You’re providing them with better opportunities, and that’s highly appreciated. My best wishes to ArdorComm Media for continued success.  

Pratibha Saran, Owner, Happy Home Montessori School, Rishikesh shares insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun Read More »

Ravi Shankar, IAS, Secretary – Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Uttarakhand shares valuable insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun

Leave a Comment / / Interviews

We’re honored to have with us today Mr. C. Ravi Shankar, IAS, Secretary, Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Uttarakhand. Thank you for joining us. How do you feel about today’s event? Thank you for inviting me. This is a very good platform to discuss diverse and meaningful ideas. I’m glad to be part of this gathering. This event brings together stakeholders across the education spectrum – from KG to PG, along with representation from skilling institutions, corporates, EdTechs, and government bodies. How do you see such convergence benefitting society? It’s the need of the hour. Academia, industry, and all institutional stakeholders must collaborate to tap our demographic dividend, which is expected to peak by 2041. If we miss this window, what is now an opportunity could turn into a crisis. Ensuring our youth are employable through lifelong skilling is essential, and such platforms help align collective efforts. You emphasize lifelong skilling. How should we begin embedding this mindset right from school to higher education? Skilling must be holistic—not trend-based or superficial. We need to focus on fundamentals that remain unaffected by technological disruptions, such as leadership, collaboration, analytical reasoning, emotional intelligence, ethics, and empathy. These should be taught right from the anganwadi or preschool level. Simultaneously, we must introduce students to emerging technologies. In higher education and short-term programs, only skills that meet current industrial demands should be prioritized. The National Education Policy’s emphasis on practical learning, like the dual system of training (DST), is a step in the right direction. Could you elaborate on some of the key skilling initiatives taken by the Uttarakhand Skill Development Department? Certainly. One of our flagship initiatives is the Dual System of Training (DST). We have 87 ITIs in Uttarakhand, and over 30 of them have already implemented DST. The model is simple: 50% classroom training and 50% industry exposure. In a two-year course, one year is spent in the classroom and the next in real-world industry settings—directly addressing employability. We’ve also established eight Centers of Excellence in collaboration with industry partners, equipped with industry-grade tools and machines. These function as finishing schools, helping students bridge employability gaps post-education. Moreover, we’ve introduced foreign language training in select government nursing colleges to enhance global employability.  These are a few initiatives that we can tell about right now there are a lot more in the pipeline and the higher education department, technical education department, everyone is contributing to this holistic objective. So, this is how we perceive that demographic dividend can be fully tapped. ArdorComm Media has just completed its fourth anniversary. Any thoughts or message for the team? First of all, full of gratitude! What you’ve achieved in just four years—bringing together stakeholders, driving dialogue, and aligning policy perspectives—is commendable. These sessions don’t just unite minds; they align efforts. We often need to pause and assess whether we’re on the right path—and platforms like yours help us do exactly that. I hope this summit results in actionable recommendations that influence policy and practice. Wishing ArdorComm Media continued success and many more impactful initiatives ahead.  

Ravi Shankar, IAS, Secretary – Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Uttarakhand shares valuable insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun Read More »

Lalit Rautela, Managing Director, Pioneers Academy, Jaspur, Kashipur shares insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun

Leave a Comment / / Interviews
Lalit Rautela

How do you feel coming to the ArdorComm Media event? Oh, it’s a wonderful event. Thank you for having me here. It’s my privilege to be part of this event with such stalwarts. It was nice, really good. You were a speaker in Panel 1, which had a mix of school and higher education leaders. How was your experience being part of that panel? It was a wonderful experience, especially with professors among us. I represent the school community, but I shared my perspective on NEP. I see NEP as a reset button—not to erase our past, but to reconnect and reclaim our educational glory. It was a great experience sharing my thoughts. We’re celebrating ArdorComm Media’s fourth anniversary this year. Would you like to share a message for us? You’ve hosted a wonderful gathering here, and I wish you all the best for a bright and better future.

Lalit Rautela, Managing Director, Pioneers Academy, Jaspur, Kashipur shares insights at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun Read More »