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‘Panchayat’ Season 4 Sets New Viewership Record, Prime Video Greenlights Season 5 for 2026 Release

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The latest chapter of Panchayat, one of India’s most beloved web series, dropped on Amazon Prime Video on June 24—and it’s already making headlines. Season 4 has recorded the biggest launch in the show’s history, both in India and globally. Following this resounding success, Prime Video has officially confirmed that Panchayat will return for Season 5, slated for release in 2026. Marking a milestone for the franchise, Season 4 emerged as the most-watched season yet during its opening week. It quickly climbed to the top of streaming charts, trending in the Top 10 across more than 42 countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and the UAE. In India, the series has been holding strong at the #1 spot and was streamed in over 180 countries during its debut week. Prime Video took to Instagram to make the Season 5 announcement with a playful post: “Hi 5 👋 Phulera wapas aane ki taiyyaari shuru kar lijiye,” hinting that audiences will once again be transported to the fictional village of Phulera. Manish Menghani, Director and Head of Content Licensing at Prime Video India, expressed his excitement, saying, “The overwhelming response to Season 4 has been phenomenal. It not only reinforces the show’s cultural impact but also its global reach. Panchayat’s heartwarming storytelling and genuine characters have made it a universal favourite. The success highlights the growing appetite for grounded, Indian narratives that resonate beyond borders.” Vijay Koshy, President of The Viral Fever (TVF), echoed this sentiment. “Panchayat has always been close to our hearts—it’s a celebration of rural India, told with humor and honesty. This journey with Prime Video has been incredibly fulfilling. The support from fans around the world has been humbling, and we’re thrilled to begin work on Season 5.” Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, Panchayat is produced by TVF and co-directed by Akshat Vijaywargiya and Deepak Kumar Mishra. The series features a stellar cast, including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, Ashok Pathak, and Pankaj Jha. Despite some divided opinions about Season 4’s ending, the series continues to captivate with its simple storytelling and endearing portrayal of life in rural India. And with Season 5 already in the works, fans can look forward to another trip to Phulera in 2026. Source: Hindustan Times  

‘Panchayat’ Season 4 Sets New Viewership Record, Prime Video Greenlights Season 5 for 2026 Release Read More »

Gujarat Revises Factory Labour Laws: 12-Hour Shifts, Night Work for Women Permitted Under New Ordinance

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In a bold move to enhance industrial productivity and attract greater investment, the Gujarat government has enacted a significant overhaul of its factory labour regulations. Through the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the state has extended the permissible daily work hours in factories from 9 to 12 hours — a decision that comes with several conditions to safeguard workers’ rights and wellbeing. Although the daily shift limit has been expanded, the ordinance retains the weekly work cap at 48 hours. The new rules mandate that extended shifts must be voluntary and require written consent from workers. Another key change is the increase in uninterrupted work duration, which may now go up to six hours before a break, pending formal notification. Furthermore, overtime provisions have been revised significantly. Workers putting in extra hours will receive double pay, and the cap on overtime has been raised from 75 to 125 hours per quarter, again contingent upon the worker’s voluntary participation. A landmark provision in the amendment is the authorization for women to work night shifts — between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM — a move hailed as progressive and inclusive. However, this comes with strict safety protocols: employers must ensure a minimum of 10 women are present during a shift, provide secure transport, install 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and deploy female security personnel. Crucially, women can only be scheduled for night shifts with their written consent, and workplaces must have robust anti-harassment measures in place. The ordinance was promulgated in the absence of a state assembly session and reflects Gujarat’s aim to position itself as a more flexible and investment-friendly industrial hub. By aligning labour practices with evolving economic demands, the state hopes to spur job creation and boost competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. Source: IANS

Gujarat Revises Factory Labour Laws: 12-Hour Shifts, Night Work for Women Permitted Under New Ordinance Read More »

PM Modi Calls for Ethical AI and Stronger Global South Cooperation at BRICS Outreach Summit

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At the BRICS Outreach Summit held in Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, stronger South-South cooperation, and reforms in global financial governance. Addressing leaders from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism and inclusive global development. Speaking at the session titled ‘Strengthening Multilateralism, Economic-Financial Matters, and Artificial Intelligence’, Modi thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for the opportunity to engage with fellow nations from the extended BRICS family. “It is a pleasure to share India’s perspectives with our friends from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. I thank President Lula for this invitation,” he said. Highlighting the rising influence of BRICS amid global uncertainty, the Prime Minister noted that the group’s diversity and shared vision of a multipolar world are key strengths. “As the world faces numerous crises, BRICS must step up and serve as a pillar of stability and cooperation,” he stated. Modi outlined four key areas to advance BRICS collaboration: Economic Integration and Financial Reforms He acknowledged the contributions of the BRICS Business Council and Women Business Alliance in strengthening economic ties. Modi also supported Brazil’s push for reforming global financial institutions. He emphasized that the BRICS New Development Bank should focus on long-term, sustainable, and demand-driven projects, particularly to benefit countries in the Global South.  Empowering the Global South Modi stressed that BRICS must respond to the unique needs of developing nations. He spotlighted India’s BRICS Agricultural Research Platform as a tool to foster innovation in agri-tech, climate adaptation, and precision farming. Additionally, he proposed two new initiatives — One Nation, One Subscription to improve access to academic resources and a BRICS Science and Research Repository for collective knowledge sharing.  Securing Global Supply Chains Calling for cooperative efforts to ensure fair access to critical minerals and technologies, the Prime Minister warned against the strategic misuse of such resources. He urged BRICS to develop resilient and transparent supply chains that serve collective interests.  Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence Modi highlighted the dual nature of AI — its potential to transform lives and the ethical concerns it raises. He reiterated India’s ‘AI for All’ approach, showcasing AI’s growing role in Indian agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance. Emphasizing the importance of international standards, he called for frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and authenticity in AI-generated content.  He welcomed the release of the BRICS Leaders’ Statement on AI Governance as a step in the right direction and announced that India will host the AI Impact Summit next year, inviting global participation. Reaffirming India’s leadership in promoting South-South solidarity, PM Modi concluded, “The Global South looks to us with hope. By setting an example, India remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with partner nations to achieve shared development goals.” Source: DD News

PM Modi Calls for Ethical AI and Stronger Global South Cooperation at BRICS Outreach Summit Read More »

JSS AHER Collaborates with Google Research to Advance AI-Powered Healthcare

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In a significant leap for India’s medical research landscape, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER), Mysuru, has joined forces with Google Research on a pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare initiative. The outcomes of this collaboration were recently published in two prestigious papers in the journal Nature, underscoring the project’s global relevance and impact. At the heart of the research lies the development of the Articulate Medical Intelligence Explorer (AMIE) — an innovative AI system designed by Google Research to improve diagnostic precision and enhance communication between doctors and patients. The studies assessed AMIE’s capabilities in comparison with trained primary care physicians, using standardized, text-based medical consultations across healthcare systems in India, the UK, and Canada. Dr. B. Suresh, Pro-Chancellor of JSS AHER, expressed pride in the institution’s role in shaping the future of healthcare, stating, “We are at the cutting edge of digital health and AI innovation. In line with these advances, we have also revised our pharmacy curriculum to include AI, ensuring our graduates are equipped for the evolving landscape of medicine.” Echoing this vision, Vice-Chancellor Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa highlighted the institution’s commitment to fostering an innovation-centric academic environment. “This international collaboration enhances our academic standing and gives our students and faculty the opportunity to tackle real-world healthcare issues. Our mission is to develop forward-looking solutions for global health,” he said. With this partnership, JSS AHER cements its position as a leading hub for digital health research, merging academic excellence with cutting-edge technological collaboration. Source: Economic Times  

JSS AHER Collaborates with Google Research to Advance AI-Powered Healthcare Read More »

UGC NET 2025 June Session: NTA Releases Provisional Answer Keys, Objection Window Open Till July 8

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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has published the provisional answer keys for the UGC NET 2025 June session. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now access their answer scripts and responses by visiting the official website: ugcnet.nta.ac.in. To log in, applicants must enter their application number, date of birth, and Captcha code. The UGC NET June session exams were conducted from June 25 to 29 for aspirants aiming for eligibility in Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professorship, or PhD admissions across Indian institutions. Steps to Check and Challenge UGC NET 2025 Provisional Answer Key: Go to the official NTA UGC NET website – ugcnet.nta.ac.in Log in using your application number, date of birth, and Captcha code Download the NTA’s provisional answer key and your recorded responses Cross-verify your responses using the provided question ID To raise objections, select the disputed answer, upload supporting documents in PDF format Pay the challenge fee and download the receipt for reference Candidates wishing to contest any answer must pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹200 per question. The objection window is open from July 6 to July 8 until 5 PM, and the fee payment must also be completed by the same deadline via Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Objections submitted without payment or through other means will not be entertained. A panel of subject experts will review all challenges. If any correction is found valid, the answer key will be updated accordingly, and the final results will reflect those changes. However, individual candidates will not receive notifications regarding the acceptance or rejection of their objections. The decision of the expert committee will be considered final. Stay tuned to the official NTA portal for the final answer key and result updates. Source: Indian Express

UGC NET 2025 June Session: NTA Releases Provisional Answer Keys, Objection Window Open Till July 8 Read More »

India, US Set to Sign New 10-Year Defence Agreement by Year-End

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India and the United States are on track to formalize a fresh 10-year Defence Framework Agreement by the end of 2025, marking a new chapter in their strategic military partnership. The announcement was confirmed by US Senior Defence Spokesperson Colonel Chris Devine following a high-level phone conversation between US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. According to a Pentagon release, the two leaders agreed to finalize and sign the updated framework during their scheduled meeting later this year. The agreement aims to deepen defence collaboration, enhance joint operational capabilities, and promote greater defence industrial cooperation. Taking to social media platform X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about the discussion, stating: “Glad to speak with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today. We had an excellent exchange on advancing India-US defence cooperation and capacity building. I thanked the US for its consistent support in India’s fight against terrorism and look forward to meeting him soon.” Secretary Hegseth reiterated the United States’ commitment to strengthening defence ties with India, recognizing it as a pivotal partner in the South Asian region. Both leaders took stock of the progress made since the February 2025 Joint Statement issued by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, which laid out key defence goals. As per the Pentagon, the conversation also covered several strategic points: upcoming major US defence sales to India, the need for tighter defence industry collaboration, and enhancing joint military capabilities. India’s Ministry of Defence, in a separate statement, confirmed that the dialogue spanned a broad spectrum of topics, including long-term defence cooperation, personnel training, and expanded military exchanges. The discussions also touched on increasing joint exercises, interoperability between armed forces, logistical cooperation, and strengthening global partnerships with other like-minded nations. Both countries emphasized accelerating momentum in these areas to elevate their bilateral defence relationship to new heights in the coming decade. Source: ANI

India, US Set to Sign New 10-Year Defence Agreement by Year-End Read More »

No Proven Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths, Confirms Union Health Ministry

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The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that there is no scientific evidence connecting COVID-19 vaccination with sudden or unexplained deaths in India. This conclusion is backed by comprehensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). In an official statement, the Ministry emphasized that extensive investigations were carried out across the country by multiple research agencies to examine reports of sudden deaths, particularly among seemingly healthy young adults. Findings from these studies have consistently shown no direct association between COVID-19 vaccines and such fatalities. Two key studies have been pivotal in reaching this conclusion. The first, undertaken by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), is a multicentric matched case-control study titled “Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18–45 years in India.” Conducted across 47 tertiary hospitals in 19 states and union territories from May to August 2023, the research analyzed cases between October 2021 and March 2023. The outcome was clear: COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of sudden death in young, otherwise healthy adults. The second study, still in progress, is being led by AIIMS, New Delhi, with ICMR’s collaboration and support. This prospective research—“Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young”—aims to pinpoint the most common reasons behind such fatalities. Preliminary data reveals that heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) remain the leading cause of sudden death in this demographic, with no significant shift in trends compared to previous years. In many cases, genetic factors have also emerged as likely contributors. These studies offer valuable insights into sudden deaths among young individuals and provide reassurance about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers highlight that deaths may stem from a range of issues, including underlying health conditions, genetic predispositions, and unhealthy lifestyles, rather than vaccination. Public health experts have strongly criticized unverified claims linking vaccines to sudden deaths, calling them unscientific and dangerous. Such misinformation not only lacks factual basis but also poses a serious risk to public trust and could foster vaccine hesitancy, undermining one of the most effective tools used during the pandemic to save lives. The government reaffirmed its commitment to science-driven public health policies and continued research to safeguard the health and well-being of all citizens. Source: ANI

No Proven Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths, Confirms Union Health Ministry Read More »

Meta Launches New AI Superintelligence Lab, Brings in Top Talent

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled a major transformation in the company’s artificial intelligence strategy by introducing a newly formed division focused on building AI systems with superhuman capabilities. The initiative, titled Meta Superintelligence Labs, will spearhead efforts to create AI that can match or surpass human performance in various tasks. At the helm of this ambitious endeavor is Alexandr Wang, co-founder of data-labeling firm Scale AI, who joins Meta as the Chief AI Officer. Zuckerberg, in an internal message to employees on Monday, praised Wang as “the most impressive founder of his generation.” Wang will be joined by Nat Friedman, former GitHub CEO, who will co-lead the lab and guide Meta’s work in applied AI research and product development. Zuckerberg emphasized that AI has become the company’s highest priority this year. “The development of superintelligent AI is no longer a distant concept—it’s within reach,” he wrote. “This marks the dawn of a new era, and I am determined to ensure Meta leads this transformation.” The new direction comes amid an intense race between major tech giants—including OpenAI and Google—to dominate the frontier of AI innovation. Meta has ramped up investments in cutting-edge infrastructure like chips and data centers and has also aggressively recruited top-tier AI talent. A major milestone in this strategy was Meta’s recent $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, which also brought Wang into the fold. The company is also in discussions to acquire AI startups such as Perplexity AI, Runway AI, and PlayAI, the latter known for using AI to replicate human voices. To further strengthen its superintelligence efforts, Meta has onboarded 11 elite AI researchers from companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind. Among the new hires are Jack Rae and Pei Sun from DeepMind, former OpenAI experts Jiahui Yu, Shuchao Bi, Shengjia Zhao, and Hongyu Ren, as well as Anthropic’s Joel Pobar—who previously spent over a decade at Meta. With these moves, Meta is positioning itself to be a dominant force in the next wave of AI evolution. Source: Bloomberg

Meta Launches New AI Superintelligence Lab, Brings in Top Talent Read More »

NIOS Class 10 Results 2025 Declared for April Session; 62.72% Students Pass

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The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has released the Class 10 results for the April 2025 session on June 30. Students who appeared for the exams can now access their scorecards by visiting the official NIOS websites — nios.ac.in and results.nios.ac.in. Results can be downloaded using the student’s enrolment number and captcha code. According to data shared by NIOS, 1,06,082 students registered for the April 2025 Class 10 exams. Among them, 1,02,495 learners had registered in at least five subjects, making them eligible for certification. Of those, 89,847 students appeared for the exams, and 56,350 passed, leading to an overall pass percentage of 62.72%. Gender-wise performance revealed that female students performed slightly better, achieving a pass rate of 63.32%, while male students recorded a 62.31% success rate. The NIOS Class 10 examinations for the April-May session began on April 9 with the Entrepreneurship paper and concluded on May 19 with subjects like Carnatic Sangeet, Employability Skills, and Sanskrit Sahitya. Last year, the Class 10 results were declared on June 27. How to Check NIOS Class 10 Results 2025 Visit the official NIOS results portal: results.nios.ac.in Click on the ‘Admission’ tab and proceed to the student portal Go to the ‘Exam & Result’ section Select ‘Result’ and click on the link to check results Enter your enrolment number and security code View, download, and print your scorecard for future reference Grievance Redressal and Re-evaluation Students unsatisfied with their results or facing discrepancies can raise concerns via the student portal at sdmis.nios.ac.in within 30 days of the result announcement. A 15-day window for rechecking and re-evaluation will begin on July 2, 2025. For additional queries, students may email: rcell@nios.ac.in. Notably, Class 12 results were released earlier on June 20. NIOS Strengthens Inclusive Education with New Agreement In a significant move to promote inclusive education, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) signed a tripartite agreement with NIOS and NCERT. The collaboration, supported by Union Ministers Virendra Kumar and Dharmendra Pradhan, aims to revise and adapt educational content in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, making it more accessible, inclusive, and relevant for learners with disabilities. The agreement will focus on curriculum reform and pedagogical innovation to ensure that students with disabilities are fully integrated into mainstream education. Source: Indian Express

NIOS Class 10 Results 2025 Declared for April Session; 62.72% Students Pass Read More »