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Tuesday, March 17, 2026 4:12 PM

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India Plans Major HPV Vaccine Push with Frontline Training and Awareness Drive

The Union Health Ministry is set to launch comprehensive capacity-building initiatives for frontline workers involved in administering the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent cervical cancer among young girls. This follows Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement in the 2024 interim budget encouraging HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14. Sources indicate that multiple meetings have been held by the ministry to devise a detailed strategy for the rollout. “Capacity building for frontline health workers, along with sensitization through IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities, is being planned for smooth implementation of the HPV vaccination program,” a senior official confirmed. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) had recommended the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme in June 2022. Currently, India has access to vaccines from MSD Pharmaceuticals and Serum Institute of India. MSD’s Gardasil 4 and Serum Institute’s Cervavac target four HPV sub-types: 6, 11, 16, and 18. Gardasil 9 — India’s first gender-neutral HPV vaccine — offers protection against nine HPV sub-types and is available for girls (9–26 years) and boys (9–15 years). The vaccines provide protection against cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts in both males and females. Sub-types 16 and 18 are the leading causes of cervical cancer, officials noted. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a single-dose vaccine for optimal protection. India, home to 16% of the world’s women, accounts for nearly 25% of global cervical cancer cases and 33% of related deaths. Each year, around 80,000 Indian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 35,000 succumb to the disease. Source: Business Standard

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Teachers Return to Class Despite Uncertainty After SC Verdict on Bengal Recruitment

Amid uncertainty following the Supreme Court’s verdict on West Bengal school recruitments, many teachers and staff members facing potential termination have returned to classrooms, prioritizing students over personal concerns. Despite the looming threat of job loss, educators said they couldn’t abandon their responsibilities—especially during exam season. “Why should we be punished for an offence for which we are not responsible?” questioned one teacher. “I came to school because I have responsibilities I can’t ignore.” A biology teacher shared that she resumed classes out of concern for her newly promoted Class XII students. “When the principal requested me to take classes, I didn’t think twice,” she said. Subal Chandra Mandal, the only lab assistant at his school, also reported for duty when asked. “The headmaster called me, so I came. But I haven’t slept for the past two days,” he added, reflecting the emotional toll. School principals acknowledged that requesting the return of these educators was a difficult decision. One principal mentioned that the option of hiring part-time teachers would be considered in coordination with school management. Despite their uncertain futures, these educators are showing up for students—demonstrating a commitment to education that transcends administrative challenges.

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IPL 2025 Points Table: LSG Leapfrogs MI After 12-Run Victory

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured their second win of the IPL 2025 season with a hard-fought 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. The win propelled LSG to sixth place in the points table, while MI slipped to seventh after suffering their third defeat in four matches. With this result, six teams are now tied at four points, with Punjab Kings leading the standings due to their superior net run rate (NRR) of +1.485. LSG’s NRR improved to +0.048, while MI’s dropped slightly to +0.108. Batting first, LSG put up a strong total of 203/8, thanks to explosive half-centuries from Mitchell Marsh (60 off 31) and Aiden Markram (53 off 38). MI skipper Hardik Pandya delivered an outstanding bowling performance, claiming 5/36—his first-ever five-wicket haul in T20 cricket—but LSG managed to surpass the 200-run mark. In response, MI could only muster 191/5 despite a valiant 67 off 43 balls from Suryakumar Yadav. However, he found little support from the other end as LSG’s bowling unit shared the wickets, with Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, and Akash Deep picking up one each. MI also missed the presence of Rohit Sharma, who was sidelined due to a knee injury sustained in practice. Updated IPL 2025 Points Table: Punjab Kings – 4 points (+1.485 NRR) Delhi Capitals – 4 points (+1.320 NRR) RCB – 4 points (+1.149 NRR) Gujarat Titans – 4 points (+0.807 NRR) Kolkata Knight Riders – 4 points (+0.070 NRR) Lucknow Super Giants – 4 points (+0.048 NRR) Mumbai Indians – 2 points (+0.108 NRR) Chennai Super Kings – 2 points (-0.771 NRR) Rajasthan Royals – 2 points (-1.112 NRR) Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2 points (-1.612 NRR) With the tournament heating up, every win and net run rate shift could prove crucial in the race for the playoffs.

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University of Leeds Offers £6,000 Scholarships for International Students

The University of Leeds has announced the International Masters Regional Scholarships for the 2025 academic session, offering a £6,000 tuition fee reduction for international students, including those from India. This initiative aims to support talented students by easing financial burdens. The scholarship is available to students from selected countries, including India, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, USA, and Vietnam. Eligibility is limited to nationals of these countries, and mere domicile status does not qualify a student. To receive the scholarship, applicants must: Be classified as international fee-paying students. Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a taught Masters course at the University of Leeds in 2025. Be self-funding or partially funded. Register as a University of Leeds student by January 30, 2026. Accept their admission offer and, if required, pay a £2,000 tuition fee deposit by the specified deadline. The Leeds MBA program and fully online courses are excluded from this scholarship. Additionally, students applying through International Partner Agreements can only accept the highest-value scholarship if eligible for multiple awards. Unlike many competitive scholarships, the International Masters Regional Scholarship does not require a separate application. Eligible students will automatically receive the award and be notified via email. The £6,000 scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee reduction in the second semester, with students encouraged to opt for an installment payment plan. It can also be combined with other School or Faculty scholarships or external funding, provided the total funding does not exceed 100% of tuition fees. Source: Indian Express

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IIT Kanpur Hosts Workshop on Watershed Development Under PMKSY 2.0, Showcasing AI-Driven Sustainable Practices

Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean of the Kotak School of Sustainability, emphasized the significance of the workshop on Watershed Development under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 2.0, held on April 4, 2025, at IIT Kanpur. The event marked a major step toward holistic and sustainable development. The workshop focused on Watershed Development & Climate Resilience, aiming to refine strategies for water conservation and sustainable agriculture. Experts explored the role of AI, IoT, and modern technologies in optimizing water resource management. The event showcased innovative approaches to mitigating climate change and enhancing agricultural productivity, drawing insights from 150 participants. Dr. Heera Lal Patel, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Government of Uttar Pradesh, addressed the gathering as the Chief Guest. He stressed the importance of respecting “Mother Earth,” which he described as encompassing “jal, jungle, zameen” (water, forest, and land), emphasizing the need to honor and protect these resources for collective progress. Prof. Mahendra Verma, IIT Kanpur: “Climate change has a direct impact on agriculture. Scientific strategies in water conservation can mitigate these effects and boost productivity.” Dr. Rupendra Oberoi, Delhi University: “Sustainable practices must evolve with technological advancements. AI and IoT are game changers in efficient water resource management.” Prof. Devlina Chatterjee, IIT Kanpur, Department of Management Science, highlighted that the training for PMKSY 2.0 is set to commence soon, integrating AI into ancient Asian water conservation practices. She emphasized that the modern era is driven by AI, with smart water management systems leveraging AI and IoT to revolutionize agricultural processes. Disclaimer: ‘ArdorComm Media’ Journalist was not involved in creation of this content.

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Newsmax Soars 180% on Day Two After Blockbuster NYSE Debut

Conservative cable news network Newsmax (NMAX.N) continued its stunning rally on Tuesday, surging 180% just a day after a phenomenal debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Riding a wave of retail investor enthusiasm, Newsmax’s stock skyrocketed to $234 per share, up from $84 on Monday and vastly above its $10 IPO price — catapulting its market valuation to $28.3 billion. This surge mimics the rise of “meme stocks”, with Newsmax trending at the top of social media forums like Stocktwits.com, where retail traders have compared it to Trump-linked names such as Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT.O) and Rumble (RUM.O). “This has all the makings of a classic meme stock,” said Dann Ryan of Sincerus Advisory. Trading volume echoed the frenzy, with 10.9 million shares changing hands, far exceeding the 7.5 million shares offered in its “mini IPO” last week, which raised $75 million. The channel’s dramatic market debut comes amid renewed political volatility and Donald Trump’s return to the White House, making it, in the words of Peter Andersen of Andersen Capital, “a perfect time for Newsmax to launch.” Key Highlights: Retail frenzy drives Newsmax stock up 180% on Day 2, following a 700%+ debut gain. Trading volume surpassed JPMorgan, with $147 million traded early Tuesday alone. Founder Christopher Ruddy retains control, with his stake now valued at $9.1 billion. Financials remain shaky: Newsmax lost $72.2 million on $171 million in revenue in 2024. Faces defamation lawsuits from Smartmatic ($40M settlement) and Dominion ($1.6B claim, trial in April). Despite losses, investor optimism aligns with pro-Trump media momentum and 2024 election buzz. The stock’s rally is drawing mixed reactions on platforms like Reddit, with some touting its anti-mainstream stance, while others raise concerns over its unprofitability and legal liabilities. As Newsmax continues to ride the meme wave, its long-term viability may depend on more than investor sentiment — including how it navigates legal challenges and turns its growing audience into sustainable revenue. Source: Reuters

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India’s M&A Deal Activity Hits 3-Year High at $27.5 Billion in Q1 2025

Domestic transactions and private equity drive surge despite IPO slowdown India’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape saw a robust revival in Q1 2025, with deal activity soaring to a three-year high of $27.5 billion, a 29.6% year-over-year jump, according to LSEG Deals Intelligence. This marks the most active quarter since Q1 2023 in both deal value and volume, which rose by 13.6%. The spike was largely driven by domestic M&A, which saw a massive 145.4% increase, totaling $21.6 billion—the highest first-quarter total since 2018. Meanwhile, private equity-backed acquisitions surged by 227.6% to reach $5.3 billion, highlighting the growing confidence in India’s private sector. However, the positive momentum in M&A contrasts sharply with India’s equity capital markets (ECM), which stumbled after a record-setting 2024. Equity proceeds fell 59% year-over-year to $6.5 billion. IPOs contributed $2.3 billion—a 7% dip—while follow-on offerings slumped by 69%, raising just $4.2 billion. Block trades saw the sharpest fall, down 85%, amid increased market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. Despite the slowdown, India maintained its presence on the global IPO stage, contributing 8.8% of total global IPO proceeds, behind only the U.S. (33.5%) and Japan (12.4%). Inbound M&A faced a downturn, dropping 67.8% to $3.7 billion—a nine-year low—while outbound M&A more than tripled to $2.1 billion, showcasing India’s growing appetite for international expansion. Top sectors for M&A included: Energy & Power: $7.3 billion, a 15-fold increase (26.7% market share) Financials: $5.2 billion, up 36% (18.8% market share) Media & Entertainment: $4.5 billion, up 15.5% (16.4% market share) In investment banking, total fees slipped 8% to $253.3 million. However, M&A advisory fees bucked the trend, soaring 142% to $101.5 million, with Jefferies leading the charge, earning $48.9 million (19.3% share). Bond market activity also saw an uptick, with offerings totaling $28.8 billion, up 13.8%, the strongest first quarter since 2019. HDFC Bank topped the bond underwriter list with $3.4 billion in proceeds. India’s Q1 2025 deal landscape reflects a dynamic shift—M&A and bond markets are heating up, while equity markets face temporary headwinds. With domestic confidence surging and private equity interest at record highs, India’s financial engines are gearing for a new cycle of growth and consolidation. Source: Hindustan

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Nagaland University Researchers create New Framework for personalized learning styles for Students

LUMAMI, NAGALAND, 3rd April 2025: Nagaland University Researchers have proposed a ‘Flexible Learning System’ (FLS) designed to create personalized learning styles and content based on each student’s context, facilitating a one-to-one learning experience. They have designed a framework to integrate ‘Multi-Access Edge Computing’ (MEC) to support real-time adaptive learning in Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), which are computer-based educational systems that use AI to provide personalized, adaptive instruction. This System, mooted for higher education institutions, will help the learner to pass the course with easy, moderate, or advanced content. It will also be helpful to guide the learners where they are not performing up to the mark. Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) is an extension of cloud computing technology to provide an application deployment platform close to the end users. This Flexible Learning System is designed to implement the advantages of such a new policy and to integrate the flexibility for learning subjects where it provides the content to achieve one-to-one learning. In the Field Trials conducted by the Researchers at School of Engineering & Technology, Nagaland University, the FLS has demonstrated a remarkable reduction in task processing time by 94 per cent, enabling real-time responses that enhance flexible learning experiences. This research is more about showing the process of developing the FLS through complex algorithms. However, the researchers propose that this framework should be tested after it is successfully developed and the preliminary output can be relied on before testing it in an actual class. The Research was led by Er. Ramesh Singh, Er. Chenlep Yakha Konyak, and Er. Akangjungshi Longkumer, Faculty, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Nagaland University. The findings were published in the reputed, peer-reviewed International Journal of Information Technology (https://doi.org/10.1007/s41870-025-02460-w) Welcoming this new centre for the university, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “This proposed system will help the learner to pass the course with easy, moderate or advanced content. It will also be helpful to guide the learners where they are not performing up to the mark.” Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik added, “In the future, the model will be Internet of Things (IoT) enabled to generate deeper insights into the learner’s learning needs. Immersive learning will be enabled by integrating augmented reality and virtual reality. The system will be enhanced for ultra-low power consumption. Accessible in a wide range of services to address education services for all.” The Key Advantages of developing such FLS by Nagaland University Researchers include Providing real time feedback from learner to instructor. Providing flexibility to the learner, where they are assigned contents according to their level of knowledge. Facilitating one to one learning to allow learners to learn at their own pace. Elaborating on this Research, Er. Chenlep Yakha Konyak, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Nagaland University, said, “The research team identified a significant gap in Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), particularly the lack of real-time adaptive learning features. This deficiency limits the ability of these systems to provide personalized learning experiences tailored to individual learners’ needs.” Er. Ramesh Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Nagaland University, added, “Unlike existing ITS tools, our research emphasizes the use of Multi-access Edge Computing to optimize network bandwidth and processing tasks efficiently. The FLS not only categorizes learners and content automatically but also allows for enhanced interaction between learners and instructors.” Further, Er. Akangjungshi Longkumer, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Nagaland University, said, “The implementation of this solution has the potential to revolutionize educational practices by providing tailored learning experiences that can significantly improve student engagement and outcomes. By addressing the needs of larger institutions, the research could lead to widespread adoption of ITS, ultimately benefiting learners across various educational settings. Currently, the research is in the development phase, with ongoing efforts to refine the FLS and expand its capabilities. The way forward includes further testing and potential commercialization of the system to make it accessible to educational institutions nationwide” TECHNICAL ASPECTS In this research, a novel Flexible Learning System in the MEC environment is proposed where the personal context parameters of learners are used to generate learning styles and personalized content to achieve one-to-one learning. The MEC environment enables the FLS to perform task processing for content generation with fast response time and efficient network bandwidth usage. The proposed FLS has achieved the goals of generating learning styles and personalized content and improved task processing time by 94% when executed at the MEC layer. Continuous learner improvement via a feedback loop for effective learning will be in-cooperated. Computing resources at the local network will be leveraged by utilizing edge computing in regions with limited infrastructure. The FLS will address the challenges of the learning experience with more personalized, efficient, and accessible in real-time. Disclaimer: ‘ArdorComm Media’ Journalist was not involved in creation of this content.

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Health Ministry Releases National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management

The Union Health Ministry has released the National Guidelines on Medical Oxygen Management, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining and utilizing medical oxygen infrastructure in healthcare facilities. The announcement was made at a workshop held at AIIMS Delhi, where Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the need for efficient oxygen management to enhance clinical outcomes and emergency preparedness. The event also marked the launch of the National Capacity Building Programme on Oxygen Management, which aims to train 200 master trainers. These trainers will help hospital administrators and medical officers across India improve oxygen handling, reduce wastage, and optimize usage. Key Highlights of the Initiative: The National Guidelines provide a structured framework for the procurement, storage, and administration of medical oxygen. AIIMS Delhi will spearhead the capacity-building program, ensuring training at all levels of healthcare. The initiative, led by the Disaster Management Cell of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, is focused on patient safety, infrastructure preparedness, and best practices in oxygen management. Learnings from India’s COVID-19 response have been incorporated into the guidelines to strengthen future pandemic readiness. Addressing the gathering, Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS, stressed the importance of awareness and training to ensure optimal oxygen management. The standardized guidelines are expected to enhance India’s healthcare resilience, ensuring hospitals nationwide are better equipped to handle medical oxygen needs during emergencies. Source: Business Standard

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Trump Administration Initiates Massive Layoffs at HHS, Ends Collective Bargaining

In a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, up to 10,000 employees are set to be laid off following President Donald Trump’s move to strip workers of collective bargaining rights. The restructuring, announced last week, aims to consolidate federal health agencies and reduce the workforce by nearly a quarter. On Tuesday, employees across HHS received dismissal notices, with long lines forming outside the department’s headquarters as workers awaited confirmation of their employment status. Some gathered in coffee shops after being turned away, learning they had lost their jobs after decades of service. At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the cuts coincided with the first day of its new director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. Four directors of NIH’s 27 institutes were placed on administrative leave, while entire communications teams were let go. Some senior staffers were offered possible transfers to the Indian Health Service, with limited time to respond. At the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dozens of employees responsible for regulating drugs and tobacco products were dismissed, including the entire team working on electronic cigarette regulations. The FDA’s tobacco chief was also removed from his position. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which monitors disease outbreaks and public health threats, is set to lose 2,400 employees. Democratic Senator Patty Murray warned that the cuts would weaken the government’s ability to respond to crises, saying, “They may as well be renaming it the Department of Disease.” The layoffs come alongside a broader rollback of federal spending, with HHS pulling back over $11 billion in COVID-19-related funding, leading to additional job losses at state and local health departments. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the restructuring, calling the agency an inefficient “sprawling bureaucracy” with a $1.7 trillion budget that has “failed to improve the health of Americans.” Meanwhile, Trump’s executive order ending collective bargaining for thousands of federal workers has drawn backlash from Democratic lawmakers, who argue it weakens labor protections and limits government accountability. Representatives Gerald Connolly and Bobby Scott criticized the move, stating that it hands more control to Trump adviser Elon Musk to dismantle public service institutions. Breakdown of Job Cuts: 3,500 positions at the FDA 2,400 positions at the CDC 1,200 positions at the NIH 300 positions at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services The sweeping changes mark one of the most significant federal workforce reductions in recent history, sparking concerns over the future of public health services in the U.S. Source: Hindustan

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