ArdorComm Media Group

Friday, June 20, 2025 1:15 PM

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Himachal Government to Roll Out Early Childhood Care Scheme

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is set to launch a comprehensive early childhood care scheme aimed at the holistic development of children aged between three and six years. This initiative underscores the state government’s dedication to providing quality early childhood education and nurturing young minds. Chief Minister Sukhu announced on Thursday that the education department will implement a combination of all four Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) models recommended in the National Education Policy, 2020. “This initiative highlights the state government’s commitment to providing quality early childhood education and ensuring the holistic development and nurturing of the young minds in Himachal,” he said in a statement. Implementation Strategy The ECCE models to be implemented include: Standalone anganwadis. Anganwadis co-located with primary schools. Pre-primary schools covering children aged up to five or six co-located with existing primary schools. Standalone pre-primary schools. Currently, the state government runs 6,297 pre-primary sections in primary schools, catering to around 60,000 children. Additionally, there are 2,377 anganwadis co-located with these primary schools. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that this scheme will ensure the overall growth and development of young children, laying a strong foundation for their future education and well-being. The government’s approach aims to integrate early childhood education seamlessly into the existing educational framework, providing a robust and supportive environment for the state’s youngest learners.

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Health Ministry Suspends Mandatory Linking of CGHS and ABHA IDs

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced the suspension of the compulsory linking of Central Government Health Services (CGHS) beneficiary IDs with Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs until further notice. This decision, stated in an office memorandum signed by Satheesh YH, director of CGHS, follows a review of previous orders that had made the linkage mandatory. The mandatory linkage, originally set to be enforced from April 1 and later extended to June 30, aimed to integrate various government health schemes under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). However, practical issues, including data privacy concerns and the current state of technology infrastructure, appear to have influenced the decision to make the linkage optional for the time being. The CGHS provides comprehensive healthcare services to central government employees, pensioners, and their dependent family members, covering over 4.5 million people across 75 cities. In contrast, the ABHA ID is a unique 14-digit number identifying beneficiaries within India’s digital healthcare ecosystem. Despite the previous mandate, only 231,134 CGHS IDs had been linked with ABHA IDs by June 26, according to the CGHS dashboard. Experts have pointed out several issues with the mandatory linking of CGHS and ABHA IDs. Sunil Rao, COO of Sahyadri Group of Hospitals, highlighted data privacy concerns and the inadequacies in current technology infrastructure as potential reasons for the decision. An anonymous expert further noted that the government had not clearly outlined how digital records would be protected, despite assurances that records under ABHA ID would be encrypted and safeguarded under the Digital Protection of Data and Privacy Act. Rao welcomed the move, describing it as a balanced approach that allows time to address data security and system integration issues. He emphasized that making the linkage voluntary would enable the government to ensure infrastructural readiness and gain public acceptance before full implementation. The Health Ministry’s decision reflects a cautious approach, ensuring that when the policy is ultimately enforced, it will be with comprehensive preparedness and widespread support.

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ArdorComm – Education Leadership Symposium Friday, 19th Jul’24 | Indore

“ArdorComm – Education Leadership Symposium” Friday, 19th July 2024 | Indore #ELS2024 #ELSIndore #EducationLeadershipSymposium Event Theme: The future of Education in India Samsung presents ‘ArdorComm- Education Leadership Symposium’ as a ‘Physical Meet’ on 19th July 2024 | Indore The future of education in India is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by technological advancements and a focus on inclusivity. Key areas of development include bridging the digital divide to ensure equitable access to education across urban and rural areas, integrating entrepreneurial education to cultivate young innovators and job creators, and overcoming digital illiteracy to prepare students for a tech-driven world. The use of AI tutors for personalized learning, empowering educators with digital skills and continuous professional development, and establishing rural innovation hubs to provide technological access and foster local innovation are also crucial. By addressing these areas, India aims to build an inclusive, innovative, and technology-driven educational ecosystem that empowers every learner to achieve their full potential. In the upcoming ‘Education Leadership Symposium’ on 19th July at Indore, we are inviting senior leadership from the education fraternity to have a meaningful brainstorming session. KEY DISCUSSION POINTS Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring Equitable Access to Education AI Tutors: The Future of Personalized Education Assistance From Classroom to Boardroom: Cultivating Young Entrepreneurs Empowering Educators: Training Teachers for a Digital Future Overcoming Digital Illiteracy: Preparing Students for a Tech-Driven World Rural Innovation Hubs: Bringing Technological Advancements to Remote Areas Who Should Attend: Educators Academicians Chancellors Vice-Chancellors CEOs Directors Principals Deans Eminent Speakers AGENDA Time Event Flow 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM Registration & Networking Tea 4:00 PM – 4:05 PM Welcome note by ArdorComm Media 4:05 PM – 5:50 PM ‘Inspiring Leadership Dialogue’ by Industry Leaders 5:50 PM – 6:00 PM SAMSUNG Keynote 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Round Table Discussion Moderated by ArdorComm Media 7:00 PM – 7:15 PM Felicitation Ceremony 7:15 PM Onwards Networking Cocktails followed by Dinner VENUE Radisson Blu Hotel Indore, Radisson Blu Hotel Indore12, Ring Rd, Scheme No 171 Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452010

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Tamil Nadu Government to Fill 75,000 Vacancies in 18 Months

The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to fill over 75,000 vacancies in various government departments within the next 18 months. In a statement made in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that the government will fulfill these vacancies through several recruitment boards. Specifically, 17,595 vacancies will be filled through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC), 19,260 vacancies through the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), 3,041 vacancies through the Medical Services Recruitment Board, and 6,688 vacancies through the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board. Additionally, the government will fill 30,219 vacancies in the Social Welfare Department, Municipal Administration Department, Water Supply Board, and other important departments. The Chief Minister also highlighted that over the past three years, the DMK government has secured 5,08,055 jobs for young people in the state. This move is seen as a significant effort by the Tamil Nadu government to create employment opportunities and address the issue of vacancies in various government departments. The 18-month timeline set by the government suggests a sense of urgency in filling these positions, likely with an eye on the upcoming state assembly elections.

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Uttar Pradesh’s Aided Schools to Embrace Modern Education System

The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has launched an ambitious project to modernize the state’s aided schools, connecting over 400 institutions to a new online platform via a mobile app. This initiative, part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision for educational development, aims to rejuvenate the educational infrastructure and management across the state. App Development and Implementation The Uttar Pradesh Electronics Corporation Limited (UPLC) has been tasked by the Social Welfare Department to develop this app. The UPLC is in the process of selecting empanelled companies through an e-tender to create the app. The chosen agency will conduct a detailed project study based on departmental feedback and compile a System Requirements Specification (SRS). Key Features of the App The app will offer a range of features designed to streamline and enhance school management, including: Registration Modules: For students, staff, and school infrastructure. Management Information System (MIS): To streamline data management. Advanced Security Features: Including login and access controls, user role definitions, and permission settings. Scalability and Analytics: To handle large volumes of data efficiently. Hosting and Maintenance: With 16 GB RAM hosting, 1 TB storage, and annual maintenance plans. Comprehensive Database and Training The app will track essential information for over 60,000 students and provide detailed records for staff and school infrastructure. In alignment with the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) guidelines, the implementing agency will also provide a three-day official training for staff to ensure smooth operation and management. Benefits and Vision This project, spearheaded by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, promises significant improvements in the management and operational efficiency of aided schools in Uttar Pradesh. The integration of modern technology into the education system marks a critical step towards enhancing the quality of education across the state, making it more efficient and transparent.

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Pune Reports Two Cases of Zika Virus Infection

Pune has reported its first two cases of Zika virus infection this year, involving a doctor and his teenage daughter, both residents of Erandwane. This marks the city’s initial encounter with the virus in 2024, officials confirmed on Monday. The first case involves a 46-year-old doctor associated with two major hospitals in Pune. He exhibited symptoms such as fever and rash and was treated at Mai Mangeshkar Hospital. His blood samples, sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) on June 18, confirmed Zika infection on June 20. The second case is the doctor’s 15-year-old daughter, who showed mild symptoms, including fever. Her blood samples, sent to the NIV on June 21, also tested positive for the Zika virus. She is currently receiving outpatient treatment at home. Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which also spreads dengue and chikungunya. Most Zika infections are asymptomatic (up to 80%) or present with mild symptoms such as fever, rash, conjunctivitis, body ache, and joint pain. In pregnant women, Zika can cause microcephaly in the fetus. Following these detections, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health officials and communicable disease experts visited the area. The public health team also inspected Erandwane on Monday. The infected man’s family, including his parents, wife, and daughter, are currently asymptomatic. A senior PMC doctor, speaking anonymously, stated, “Surveillance activities are being conducted in the entire Erandwane area and will continue for the next 14 days. Mosquito breeding was found in a few societies, leading to show-cause notices being issued to six housing societies. Door-to-door surveillance, insecticide spraying, and fogging are underway in the affected area. No suspected cases have been found during the surveillance so far.” Dr. Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer of the PMC, urged citizens with fever to visit the nearest PMC hospitals for Zika virus testing. He emphasized, “The vector for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya is the same mosquito, Aedes Aegypti. In-house breeding of Aedes mosquitoes is highly possible. Citizens should keep their houses and surroundings clean, and clear stagnant water to prevent an outbreak of vector-borne diseases.”  

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Saudi Arabia Leads Middle East M&A Activity in Chemicals Sector with $500 Million Deals

In the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leader in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Middle East’s chemicals sector, according to recent data from financial markets platform Dealogic. The Kingdom recorded $500 million worth of deals in the chemicals sector, highlighting its significant role in the region’s M&A landscape. Dealogic’s figures revealed that Saudi Arabia’s total M&A deal volume for Q1 2024 reached $955 million, with the chemicals sector accounting for a substantial 52.4 percent of this total. Notably, Saudi Arabia was the only country in the Middle East to exhibit activity in the chemicals sector during this period. A report from management consulting firm Kearney earlier this month indicated that chemical industry executives expect increased M&A activity, particularly driven by strategic investors such as national oil companies. “Recent deals by major players like Aramco and ADNOC underscore the region’s commitment to leveraging M&A as a key growth lever, setting the stage for a dynamic and transformative period ahead,” stated Jose Alberich, partner for the Middle East and Africa at Kearney. Beyond the chemicals sector, Dealogic’s data highlighted other targeted sectors in Saudi Arabia. The professional services sector was the second most targeted, with deals worth $160 million, accounting for 16.8 percent of the Kingdom’s total M&A volume. The technology sector followed closely with $138 million in deal value, capturing a 14.5 percent share. Additionally, the retail and insurance sectors represented 7 percent and 4.1 percent of the total, respectively. The broader Middle East M&A landscape saw a targeted deal volume of $6.21 billion in the first three months of the year. The technology sector led with 42 deals worth $1.56 billion, underscoring its growing prominence in the region. However, on a global scale, M&A activity experienced a significant decline during the same period. The number of transactions fell by 31 percent to 7,162, marking one of the quietest quarters for dealmakers in nearly two decades. This global slowdown was largely attributed to high capital costs, with Switzerland being the only major economy to cut interest rates in 2024.

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Who is Subodh Kumar Singh, NTA Chief Removed After NEET, NET ‘Leaks’?

Subodh Kumar Singh, the chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA), was removed from his position on Saturday night following allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams. Singh has been placed on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training, while retired 1985 batch officer Pradeep Singh Karola has been appointed as the interim chief until a permanent replacement is named. Over the past two months, the NTA has faced scrutiny over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in two of India’s major competitive examinations. Subodh Kumar Singh, who has maintained a low profile throughout his career, found himself at the center of this controversy. A native of Uttar Pradesh, Singh holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and an MBA from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. Before his appointment as NTA chief in June 2023, Singh served as the additional secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Singh’s career includes nine years at the Chhattisgarh Secretariat from 2009 to 2018, where he worked under the state’s three-time BJP Chief Minister Raman Singh. He held various positions, including joint secretary, deputy secretary in personnel and general administration, special secretary, and director for personnel management. He also served as the secretary to the Chief Minister, managing director of the state’s electricity distribution department, and secretary of the mineral resources and industries and commerce department. During his tenure in Chhattisgarh, Singh was credited with significant achievements such as digitizing the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), transforming the state’s mineral sector, and improving road connectivity in Naxal-affected areas. He also played a key role in developing airports in Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Ambikapur, and expanding the state’s rail network. Despite being perceived as close to former Chief Minister Raman Singh, Singh was appreciated by leaders across political lines for his work. His tenure remained free from major controversies, even amidst corruption allegations against Raman Singh’s government. In recognition of his contributions, Singh received a national award in 2002 from the Ministry of Rural Development for excellence in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. In 2019, he received another national award for digital transformation and transparency in mineral auctioning. Colleagues describe Singh as an “honest and straightforward” officer. A retired colleague from the CMO referred to him as “a gem of an officer and an asset to the government,” calling for a thorough inquiry into the current allegations against him.

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Haryana Increases Reservation for OBCs in Government Jobs

In a significant move benefiting the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Haryana Government has announced an increase in the reservation for OBCs in government jobs and a raise in the upper income limit for the creamy layer to ₹8 lakh per year. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made these announcements on Sunday, marking a notable shift in the state’s approach to social equity and inclusion. The reservation for backward classes has been increased from 15 percent to 27 percent in Group-A and Group-B government posts. This decision aims to provide greater opportunities and representation for OBCs in higher-level government positions. The term “creamy layer” refers to members of a backward class who are relatively advanced socially, economically, and educationally. By raising the upper income limit for this group, the Haryana Government aims to broaden the eligibility for reservations, ensuring that more individuals from OBCs can benefit from government job opportunities. Additionally, the government has committed to addressing the backlog of jobs for Backward Classes A and B on a priority basis through a special recruitment campaign. This initiative is expected to expedite the employment process and reduce the unemployment rate among these communities. In the context of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, Chief Minister Saini expressed confidence in his party’s prospects. He highlighted the government’s developmental works and initiatives aimed at providing employment and fostering growth in Haryana. He asserted that the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and with the support of election in-charges, is poised to win the elections and form the government for a third consecutive term. Taking a dig at the Congress party and the Hooda family, Saini criticized their approach as dynastic, contrasting it with the BJP’s focus on governance and public welfare. He emphasized the government’s commitment to the interests of the poor, farmers, and women, reiterating that the BJP is a government of the people. The Haryana Assembly elections will be held later this year, alongside elections in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Jammu and Kashmir.

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