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Govt Directs BARC to Pause News Channel TRP Ratings for Four Weeks

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has instructed the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to temporarily halt the publication of Television Rating Points (TRPs) for news channels for the next four weeks, or until further notice. In an order issued on March 6, the ministry stated that the move comes amid concerns over the coverage of the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict. It noted that certain news channels have been airing speculative and highly sensational content, which could potentially create unnecessary panic among viewers, especially those with family or friends in the affected regions. The ministry referred to Clause 24.2 of the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, issued in 2014, which requires rating agencies to comply with directions issued by the government from time to time. Following this directive, BARC has been asked to suspend the public release of weekly TRP ratings for news television channels during the specified period in the interest of public welfare and responsible broadcasting. Source: Economic Times

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Delhi Govt to Open Online Admissions for 12 Special Schools from March 9

/ Education Community

The Delhi Directorate of Education has announced that the online admission process for 12 government and government-aided special schools will begin on March 9 for the current academic session. The registration window will remain open until March 17. The admission process will cover classes from Nursery to Class 10 and Class 12 in special schools managed by the department. After completing the online registration, parents and guardians will need to visit the respective schools to submit and verify the required documents between March 18 and March 23 during working hours. According to officials, the allotment of schools to registered applicants will take place on April 1 based on seat availability, and the entire admission process will be completed by April 2. If applications for any class exceed the available seats, the selection will be carried out through a draw of lots. If required, the draw will be conducted on March 24 at 11 AM in the presence of school management committee members and parents. Following the document verification and draw process, school heads will submit the final list of selected students to the Inclusive Education Branch headquarters on March 25. If seats remain vacant after the first round of allotment, children placed on the waiting list will be admitted between April 3 and April 5 according to their position. The 12 special schools offer specialised learning support and facilities for children with disabilities, including those with visual impairments and intellectual disabilities. Admissions will follow specific eligibility criteria related to age limits and disability categories as defined in the department’s guidelines. Source: Indian Express

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Japan Approves World’s First Stem-Cell Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

/ Health & Wellness Community

In a major medical breakthrough, Japan has approved pioneering stem-cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease and severe heart failure, marking the first time such treatments using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells will be commercially available. The therapies could begin reaching patients within months, according to reports and company statements. Pharmaceutical company Sumitomo Pharma announced that it has received approval to manufacture and sell Amchepry, a treatment designed to transplant stem cells into a patient’s brain to help manage Parkinson’s disease. The therapy aims to replace lost dopamine-producing cells, which are responsible for many of the motor symptoms associated with the condition. Meanwhile, Japan’s health ministry has also approved ReHeart, a treatment developed by medical startup Cuorips. The therapy uses sheets of heart muscle cells that can help regenerate blood vessels and improve heart function in patients suffering from severe heart failure. These therapies are based on groundbreaking research by Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka, who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for discovering iPS cells—cells that can develop into almost any type of cell in the human body. Japan’s health minister Kenichiro Ueno said the government aims to ensure the treatments become available to patients as quickly as possible. “I hope this will bring relief to patients not only in Japan but around the world,” he said during a press briefing. According to the company, Amchepry has been granted conditional and time-limited approval, allowing faster access for patients while further data on safety and effectiveness continues to be gathered. This system is designed to accelerate the availability of innovative regenerative therapies. Clinical trials conducted by researchers at Kyoto University tested the treatment on seven Parkinson’s patients aged between 50 and 69. Each participant received either five million or ten million stem-cell-derived dopamine precursor cells implanted in both sides of the brain. The patients were monitored for two years, and the study reported no serious side effects. Four of the participants showed noticeable improvements in their symptoms. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, around 10 million people worldwide live with the condition. Current treatments mainly manage symptoms but do not stop or reverse the disease. The use of iPS cells—created by reprogramming mature cells back into a versatile, stem-like state—has become one of the most promising areas in regenerative medicine. Japan’s approval of these therapies marks a significant step toward translating this research into real-world medical treatment. Source: AFP

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Samsung Electronics to Transition to AI-Driven Autonomous Factories by 2030

/ Human Resource Community

South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics has announced plans to convert its domestic and overseas manufacturing facilities into AI-powered autonomous factories by 2030, marking a major step in its manufacturing innovation strategy. The company said it will deploy digital twin-based simulations across the entire production cycle — from raw material warehousing to final shipment. These virtual replicas of physical operations will enable real-time monitoring and optimisation. In addition, Samsung will introduce AI agents dedicated to quality control, production management and logistics, strengthening data-driven analysis and verification systems. According to the company, the transformation is expected to significantly enhance productivity and product quality. Broader AI applications will also extend to environmental health and safety management, helping improve workplace safety standards. Building on its AI capabilities developed in the mobile segment, Samsung plans to incorporate “agentic AI” — first introduced with the Galaxy S26 — into its manufacturing ecosystem. Agentic AI systems are designed to autonomously set objectives and execute plans to achieve specific goals without constant human intervention. The company is also working on gradually deploying humanoid manufacturing robots across production lines, with the aim of creating fully optimised smart factories. Lee Young-soo, a senior company official, said the next phase of manufacturing innovation will go beyond automation. “The future lies in autonomous production sites where AI understands on-site conditions and independently makes optimal decisions,” he said, adding that Samsung aims to position itself as a global leader in AI-powered manufacturing. Samsung is set to present its industrial AI roadmap and digital twin-driven factory vision at the Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC) in Barcelona later this month. On the sidelines of the event, during the Samsung Mobile Business Summit (SMBS), the company will outline its governance framework designed to strengthen oversight as agentic AI adoption expands across industries. Separately, Samsung recently unveiled its flagship Galaxy S26 lineup at the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco. The series includes the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra, featuring 6.3-inch, 6.7-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively. The Ultra model also introduces a built-in privacy display alongside enhanced AI-powered features. Source: IANS

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Women in India Report Greater Sleep Deprivation Than Men: 2026 Global Sleep Survey

/ Article/Stories

Women in India Report Greater Sleep Deprivation Than Men: 2026 Global Sleep Survey Women in India are experiencing higher levels of sleep deprivation than men, facing more difficulty falling asleep and greater sleep disruption due to stress and family responsibilities, according to the 2026 Global Sleep Survey conducted by ResMed. The survey gathered responses from 30,000 participants across 13 countries, including 5,000 respondents in India. The findings point to a growing awareness of sleep as a vital component of overall health, while also revealing a persistent gap between recognising its importance and achieving consistent, quality rest. Sleep Awareness Rising, But Quality Lags In India, 44 per cent of respondents ranked sleep among the most important behaviours for living a long and healthy life, placing it alongside diet and exercise. However, more than half (53 per cent) reported getting quality sleep on only four nights a week or fewer, highlighting the disconnect between awareness and actual outcomes. Globally, 90 per cent of respondents acknowledged that regular, good-quality sleep contributes to longevity and better health. Gender Gap in Sleep Health The survey revealed clear differences in sleep experiences between men and women in India: 38 per cent of women reported difficulty falling asleep, compared to 29 per cent of men. Stress and anxiety disrupted sleep for 42 per cent of women, versus 36 per cent of men. Family responsibilities affected 39 per cent of women, compared to 33 per cent of men. These findings suggest that social, emotional and caregiving pressures may disproportionately impact women’s sleep health. Stress and Work Among Top Disruptors Across all respondents in India, stress or anxiety emerged as the leading barrier to consistent sleep (39 per cent), followed by work-related responsibilities (37 per cent) and household duties (31 per cent). The consequences extend beyond tiredness. After a poor night’s sleep: 39 per cent felt more stressed, 35 per cent reported increased irritability, and 30 per cent said they felt more depressed. This underscores the strong connection between sleep quality and mental wellbeing. Impact on Workplace Productivity Sleep deprivation is also affecting professional performance. About 71 per cent of working respondents said insufficient sleep reduces their focus and productivity. Meanwhile, 57 per cent felt that sleep health is not adequately prioritised in workplace culture. Notably, 77 per cent admitted to taking a “snooze day” — calling in sick after a poor night’s sleep. At the same time, 72 per cent said flexible working arrangements help them manage their sleep better, indicating the importance of organisational support in improving sleep outcomes. Healthcare and Technology’s Role Encouragingly, 78 per cent of Indian respondents said they would consult a healthcare provider for persistent sleep issues, and 68 per cent reported having already discussed sleep health with a clinician. However, only 69 per cent recalled being asked about sleep during routine medical check-ups, suggesting room for more proactive screening. Technology is increasingly shaping sleep awareness. Around 75 per cent of Indians said they track their sleep at least occasionally using wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness bands. Among those users, 66 per cent indicated they would seek medical advice if their device flagged a potential health concern. A Growing Public Health Priority Conducted between December 11, 2025, and January 14, 2026, across markets including the United States, China, India, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Poland, Singapore and Mexico, the survey used samples representative of national age and gender distributions. The findings position sleep as an emerging public health priority in India. While awareness of its importance is high, consistent behavioural change remains uneven. Experts suggest that enhanced public education, routine screening, supportive workplace policies and early diagnosis of sleep disorders could help close the gap between recognition and restorative rest.

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Sony Pictures Networks India Consolidates Regional Businesses to Drive Language Market Expansion

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Broadcaster Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), the consumer-facing arm of Culver Max Entertainment, is undertaking a major internal restructuring to bring all its regional television and content operations under a single umbrella. The move is aimed at accelerating growth across language-specific markets, according to documents reviewed by The Economic Times. In a key development, unsecured creditors of SPNI last week unanimously approved the proposed merger of Bangla Entertainment with Culver Max. Both entities are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Sony Group. The approval was recorded in a report submitted to meeting chairperson Ritesh Khosla, an SPNI executive appointed by the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Bangla Entertainment, which focuses on licensing and syndicating audio-visual content, including Bengali programming, had earlier transferred its broadcasting business — including channels such as Sony Aath and Sony Marathi — to SPNI through a slump sale. The proposed merger is expected to formalise and complete that consolidation process. On December 11 last year, the NCLT directed SPNI to convene a meeting of unsecured creditors to consider the amalgamation scheme under Sections 230 to 232 of the Companies Act, 2013. While the assistant commissioner of Central Goods and Services Tax has filed an interlocutory application in the matter, it remains pending. Industry experts noted that such filings are typically linked to outstanding or contingent tax claims and do not automatically obstruct approval of merger schemes. The restructuring comes amid broader operational changes at SPNI, including senior management reshuffles and cost rationalisation efforts. The company has reportedly laid off more than 100 employees as part of these measures. The boards of both companies had approved the merger proposal on June 19, 2025. According to the companies, the consolidation will create a financially stronger entity by unlocking synergies and operational efficiencies. It is expected to enable better monetisation of Bangla Entertainment’s content library, drive expansion in regional broadcasting and audio-visual markets, and streamline regulatory and administrative processes through unified licences and compliance structures. As per tribunal records, SPNI has 1,190 unsecured creditors, of which 135 had outstanding balances exceeding ₹10 lakh as of March 31, 2025. Bangla Entertainment, the transferor company, reported no secured or unsecured creditors at the time of filing the scheme application. Source: Economic Times

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Govt Makes 150 Hours of On-the-Job Training Mandatory for ITI Trainees Under Craftsmen Training Scheme

/ Education Community

The Centre has made it compulsory for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students enrolled under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) to complete 150 hours of structured on-the-job training (OJT) or a group project, as per fresh guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Training (DGT). The DGT operates under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Until now, ITI trainees primarily received practical instruction within campus workshops, working with tools and machinery available at their institutes. While this approach ensured foundational skills, it often limited exposure to modern industrial technologies and real-time workplace practices. Consequently, many trainees required additional hands-on training after entering the job market. To bridge this gap and align vocational education with industry demands, the DGT has restructured CTS qualifications in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As part of the reforms, the annual training duration has been reduced from 1,600 hours to 1,200 hours. Additionally, a mandatory 150-hour OJT or group project component has been introduced to ensure practical industry exposure. Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary termed the move a significant reform aimed at strengthening vocational education. He emphasised that classroom instruction alone is insufficient in a rapidly evolving industrial environment, and that real workplace experience is essential to build competence, confidence and professionalism among trainees. The initiative is also expected to deepen collaboration between industries and ITIs. Under the new guidelines, trainees will be eligible for OJT or project work only after completing at least three months of institutional training. The industry training will be conducted under the supervision of mentors, with regular performance assessments. The OJT component will also be integrated into a future data-driven grading framework. For students enrolled under the Dual System of Training (DST) mode, mandatory project work will replace OJT, as they already receive industry exposure during their course. Launched in 1950, the Craftsmen Training Scheme remains a key pillar of India’s vocational training ecosystem. The newly introduced OJT mandate aims to enhance employability, align skills with industry standards, and ensure smoother workforce integration for ITI graduates. Source: PTI

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Netflix CEO Dismisses US Probe Reports, Says Company Faced ‘Narrative’ of Political Resistance

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Amid reports that the United States Department of Justice conducted a sweeping review of Netflix’s business practices during its bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, co-CEO Ted Sarandos has said the coverage was inaccurate and that the company is now “in the clear.” In an interview with Bloomberg News, Sarandos said the scrutiny from regulators followed standard procedure and was not out of the ordinary. He stressed that Netflix had engaged not just with the DOJ but with dozens of regulatory authorities globally. “This was completely normal. This story has been fed out to everybody, but it’s just not accurate. We were not only involved with the DOJ, we were involved with 50 regulatory bodies around the world. These things have been going exactly the way they should,” Sarandos said. Addressing speculation about political pressure, he said US President Donald Trump remained neutral throughout the process. According to Sarandos, the review was handled through regular channels and was not influenced by bipartisan state attorneys general, as some reports suggested. He maintained that the DOJ carried out its due diligence in line with standard practice. When asked whether Netflix anticipated political pushback over the acquisition attempt, Sarandos pushed back on that characterisation. “I don’t know that there was growing political resistance. It was a growing narrative of political resistance. But we were on a normal regulatory path,” he said, adding that his recent visit to Washington, DC, had been pre-scheduled and routine. Last year, Netflix made an $83-billion offer to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, one of Hollywood’s largest studios. The proposal sparked debate across the entertainment industry and in government circles, prompting regulatory examination in the US. However, the deal did not move forward. Netflix eventually withdrew from negotiations after rival studio Paramount Global tabled a higher $111-billion offer. The Warner Bros. Discovery board later approved Paramount’s bid, with the transaction expected to be finalised later this year. The episode highlights the heightened regulatory scrutiny surrounding major media mergers, even as companies insist that reviews remain part of a routine oversight process rather than politically driven interventions. Source: Hindustan Times

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AI to Transform, Not Terminate Jobs: Amazon CEO Andy Jassy

/ Human Resource Community

Artificial intelligence is poised to redefine the workplace rather than eliminate jobs, according to Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon. Addressing widespread concerns about AI-driven unemployment, Jassy suggested that fears of large-scale job losses are likely exaggerated. In a recent media interaction, Jassy acknowledged that many roles which have depended heavily on human labour over the past two to three decades may require fewer workers in the future. However, he stressed that this shift does not mean employment opportunities will vanish altogether. Instead, the structure and skill requirements of jobs are expected to evolve. “I do believe that a lot of the jobs that we’ve thrown human beings at the last 20 or 30 years, you won’t need as many human beings doing those same jobs. But I also think there will be other jobs created. And that has always happened in every technology shift,” he said. Backing this perspective, a recent report by Morgan Stanley suggested that AI’s long-term impact on employment may be less disruptive than widely feared. While automation will affect certain roles, the report stated that most workers are unlikely to be permanently displaced. Instead, many are expected to transition into new or emerging roles — some of which do not yet exist. Morgan Stanley drew comparisons with major technological advancements over the past 150 years, including electricity, mechanised farming, computers and the internet. These innovations transformed industries and reshaped job requirements but did not eliminate the need for human labour. The report also referenced the introduction of spreadsheets in the 1980s as an example. While spreadsheets reduced demand for some clerical tasks, they enabled financial professionals to focus on more strategic and high-value responsibilities, ultimately creating new career pathways within the sector. Industry leaders and analysts therefore suggest that AI will reshape the workforce, demanding new skills and adaptability, rather than causing widespread unemployment. Source: IANS

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ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 10th April 2026

/ Blogs

As India strides confidently toward the vision of a Viksit Bharat, education and skilling stand at the very core of this transformation. In this dynamic landscape, ArdorComm Media Group proudly presents its flagship gathering — the ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026, scheduled for 10th April 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. With the compelling theme “Redefining Education and Skilling for a Viksit Gujarat, Viksit Bharat”, the summit aims to bring together visionary leaders, policymakers, educators, EdTech innovators, and industry experts under one roof to co-create the future of learning and employability. Gujarat: A Powerhouse of Education and Innovation Gujarat has long been recognized as one of India’s most progressive states in terms of economic growth, infrastructure, and industrial development. Today, it is equally emerging as a powerful education and skilling hub. From premier academic ecosystems in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Vadodara, to world-class institutions offering engineering, law, design, management, and interdisciplinary programs, Gujarat is shaping future-ready talent at scale. The state’s focused implementation of National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) has accelerated competency-based learning, multidisciplinary education, and skill integration across levels — from foundational schooling to higher education. Government initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha, scholarship and financial aid reforms, the Gyan Sadhana Exam, and the language initiative Learn One More Bharatiya Bhasha have strengthened inclusivity and access. Infrastructure upgrades including smart classrooms, STEM labs, and digital facilities are bridging the rural-urban divide. On the skilling front, impactful programs like: SAKSHAM – KVK 2.0 – empowering rural youth with employability and entrepreneurial capabilities Mukhyamantri Bhumiheen Khetihar Vikas Yojana – equipping citizens with new-age industrial skills Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana – providing short-term training, certification, and monetary rewards are collectively strengthening Gujarat’s commitment to job-ready, industry-aligned education. A Convergence of Visionaries: From KG to PG The ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 is not just an event — it is a movement. This flagship platform will witness: 6+ Insightful Sessions 40+ Eminent Speakers 100+ School Education Leaders 100+ Higher Education Representatives 40+ Government Dignitaries 25+ EdTech & Corporate Participants 2+ High-Impact Roundtable Discussions Senior leadership from KG to PG will engage in meaningful dialogue, sharing best practices, policy insights, and transformative strategies to create a sustainable and inclusive education ecosystem. Key Conversations That Matter The summit will delve deep into the most pressing and progressive themes shaping India’s learning landscape: NEP 2020 in Action How is competency-based education redefining leadership? What does transformational governance in education look like in practice? Digital Learning for All Ensuring inclusivity, accessibility, safety, and cyber hygiene in a technology-driven ecosystem. EdTech Ecosystem & Teacher Development Empowering educators with tools, training, and 21st-century pedagogical approaches. Skill-Based Education Bridging the industry–academia gap with job-ready skills and experiential learning models. Hybrid Classrooms & Virtual Learning Blending online and offline learning to maximize impact and engagement. Each session is designed to spark dialogue that translates into measurable action — reinforcing Gujarat’s journey toward becoming a benchmark for educational excellence. Celebrating Excellence: ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2026 In times of unprecedented disruption and transformation, educators, institutions, and EdTech innovators have demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and innovation. Recognizing these contributions, ArdorComm Media proudly presents the ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2026. These prestigious awards aim to honour: Visionary Leaders Trailblazing Institutions Innovative EdTech Startups Corporate Contributors Skills & Training Champions Award Categories – 6 Distinguished Segments Preschools School Education Higher Education Skills & Training EdTech Startups EdTech Corporate The awards will celebrate excellence, recognize transformative initiatives, and amplify the visibility of institutions and organizations that are reshaping the education and skilling landscape. Why This Summit Matters Now India stands at a pivotal juncture. The demographic dividend, rapid digitalization, industry 4.0, AI-driven transformation, and global competitiveness demand an education ecosystem that is agile, skill-oriented, and future-focused. The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2026 in Ahmedabad is not merely a conference — it is a catalyst for collaborative growth. It aims to: Strengthen public–private partnerships Promote sustainable and inclusive education Encourage policy-driven innovation Foster industry-aligned skill development Inspire a culture of continuous learning and re-skilling Be a Part of the Transformation As Gujarat advances toward becoming a global education and skilling hub, this summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with thought leaders, network with decision-makers, and celebrate the changemakers shaping tomorrow’s classrooms and careers. Join us on 10th April 2026 in Ahmedabad to witness a powerful convergence of ideas, innovation, and inspiration. Together, let us redefine education and skilling — for a Viksit Gujarat, Viksit Bharat. For more details visit: https://ardorcomm-media.com/aelsa/  

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