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Lack of Physical Education at Khalsa College, Ludhiana, Disappoints Students

The students of Gujranwala Guru Nanak (GGN) Khalsa College for Boys, Ludhiana, have expressed disappointment over the absence of physical education as an academic subject, highlighting a critical gap in the curriculum. With an enrolment of over 1,400 students, the aided institute does not offer physical education in its undergraduate courses, leaving students with no choice but to opt for alternative subjects. Key Concerns: Sanctioned post for a physical education teacher remains vacant Lack of structured sports training affects students’ participation Some students choose other colleges where physical education is offered A student, speaking anonymously, said, “The absence of a qualified instructor has hindered sports activities. We are deprived of proper training and opportunities to excel.” A faculty member revealed that in the absence of a physical education teacher, sports activities are overseen by teachers from other subjects. While the college still has athletics and a cricket team competing in inter-college tournaments, other sports teams have declined due to a lack of proper guidance. Many students, passionate about sports, have chosen different colleges where physical education is available as a subject. “Without proper guidance or a formal course, students are left with limited opportunities,” said another student. College’s Stand: College Principal Arvinder Singh Bhalla acknowledged the issue, confirming that the college does not plan to introduce physical education in the next session. However, he did not elaborate on the reasons for this decision. With sports playing a crucial role in holistic education, students remain hopeful that the institution will address the gap and restore structured sports training and academic options in physical education. Source: Hindustan Times

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Andhra Pradesh Partners with Wadhwani Foundation for AI-Driven Governance

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In a significant step toward AI-driven governance, the Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the Wadhwani Foundation (WF) to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, and Drones into governance. The agreement was signed between Katamneni Bhaskar, Secretary of Information Technology, Electronics & Communication (ITE&C) Department, and Prakash Kumar, CEO of Wadhwani Centre for Government Digital Transformation (WGDT). Key Objectives: Enhancing service delivery and optimizing government schemes Implementing AI-driven solutions for greater efficiency and transparency Leveraging AI-based data analysis to refine policies and streamline programs Boosting citizen engagement through technology-enabled governance A critical component of this initiative is capacity building among government officials. The state will introduce an AI Bootcamp under WGDT’s ‘AI Champions’ and ‘AI Enablers’ programmes to train government employees in AI applications. Additionally, AI-enabled online resources will be provided for continuous digital learning. This partnership is a pro-bono effort, with both GoAP and WF contributing resources and expertise to drive effective AI adoption. Katamneni Bhaskar, Secretary of ITE&C, stated: “Andhra Pradesh is committed to leveraging AI for better governance and public service efficiency.” With this collaboration, Andhra Pradesh is set to become a pioneer in AI-powered governance, ensuring smarter policies and improved citizen services. Source: Indian Express

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Digital Transformation to Boost Indian Media Revenue Growth to 8% by FY2027

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Indian media industry is projected to witness annual revenue growth of 8% by FY2027, driven by the increasing shift toward digital platforms, according to a recent CRISIL Ratings report. This marks an improvement from the 5% annual growth recorded between FY2019 and FY2024. The report, which analyzed 20 media companies accounting for 55% of the industry’s revenue, estimates that media revenue will reach approximately ₹60,000 crore by FY2027. Alongside revenue expansion, operating margins are expected to improve by nearly 500 basis points (bps) to 18%, aided by cost rationalization. Key Growth Drivers: Rising digital ad revenue as consumer preferences shift to online content Growth in traditional ad revenue from print, fueled by domestic retail demand in FMCG, automobiles, education, e-commerce, and real estate Increasing smartphone penetration, low-cost mobile data (approx. $0.2 per GB), and widespread 5G adoption Despite the delayed digital transformation by Indian media firms, the segment’s revenue share is expected to increase from 12% in FY2024 to over 18% by FY2027. However, high manpower, content creation, and marketing costs have kept digital ventures unprofitable, with the industry reporting a 20% operating loss in FY2024. Manish Gupta, Senior Director at CRISIL Ratings, stated: “To better leverage the digital wave, media companies have begun focusing on OTT platforms, social media, and mobile apps.” However, improved targeted advertising and customer segmentation are expected to enhance digital profitability, according to Ankit Hakhu, Director at CRISIL Ratings. At least 8 out of 20 companies in the study have successfully identified the right audience fit, allowing for more cost-effective promotional strategies. The report also warns of potential risks, particularly fluctuations in newsprint (NP) prices, which account for 30-40% of costs. Unexpected price surges, like the 23% spike in FY2023, could impact overall industry profitability. Conclusion: With an accelerated digital shift and stronger ad revenues, India’s media industry is poised for sustained growth. However, firms will need to optimize digital investments and mitigate supply chain risks to fully capitalize on this transformation. Source: Business Standard

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Women’s University Enrolment in India Surges 26% in 2024: Report

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India is witnessing a significant rise in women’s participation in higher education, with female enrolment in universities increasing by 26% year-on-year in 2024, according to a recent report by TeamLease Edtech. In contrast, men’s enrolment grew by 3.6% during the same period. This surge contributed to an overall 12% increase in total student enrolment from 2023 to 2024. Notably, women’s enrolment in work-linked, work-integrated, and direct admission (DA) programmes more than doubled, marking a remarkable 124% growth, while men’s participation in these programs increased by 66%. Shantanu Rooj, Founder & CEO of TeamLease Edtech, emphasized the long-term impact of this trend, stating: “The rise in female applicants across university and work-integrated programs reflects the evolving aspirations of women today. Beyond higher education, we must invest in accessible, industry-aligned education pathways to empower more women in the workforce of tomorrow.” This upward trajectory highlights a positive shift toward gender equity in education and employment, reinforcing the need for continued investment in inclusive learning opportunities. Source: India Today

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DH Advisory Joins Eight International to Strengthen M&A Advisory in the Middle East

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UAE-based DH Advisory has joined Eight International, a global network of consultancy firms specializing in corporate advisory, financial services, and M&A. This partnership will enhance DH Advisory’s ability to support Middle Eastern clients while providing access to an international network of deal professionals. Operating from Dubai, DH Advisory focuses on buy-side and sell-side deal mandates for corporates, family businesses, and financial sponsors. Its team has a strong track record, having completed over 500 M&A transactions, with many professionals previously working at Big Four firms. Declan Hayes, Founder and Managing Partner at DH Advisory, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Joining Eight International will allow us to better serve our Middle East clients by providing access to world-class deal professionals and a broader deal flow.” As part of the affiliation, Eight International clients seeking Middle Eastern opportunities will be connected with DH Advisory, while DH Advisory clients aiming for cross-border transactions will receive support from Eight International’s global members. Founded in 2016, Eight International now boasts 3,600 professionals across 15 countries, specializing in strategy, restructuring, forensic litigation, and M&A. Pascal Raidron, President of Eight International, welcomed DH Advisory, noting, “Their expertise strengthens our capabilities and allows us to strategically support businesses in the Middle East.” The announcement follows Eight International’s recent expansion into Oceania through the addition of McGrathNicol (350 staff) and comes a year after Eight Advisory’s acquisition in France. Source: consultancy.com

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State Govt Allocates ₹10 Crore for Advanced Media Monitoring Cell

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Maharashtra state government has approved a ₹10 crore budget to establish and operate a media monitoring cell under the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR). The initiative aims to systematically track, analyze, and report news across print, electronic, social, and digital media. A specialized agency will be appointed for a one-year term, with a potential extension of two years based on performance. This agency will manage a media monitoring centre, providing real-time data through dashboards and mobile applications to enhance the government’s responsiveness to media trends. According to the government resolution (GR), the cell will observe and categorize media content as positive or negative, enabling authorities to counter misinformation swiftly. The first phase will cover news websites, online apps, and traditional media. Future expansions will incorporate emerging media formats. The monitoring centre will operate from 8 AM to 10 PM, tracking content hourly and generating daily, weekly, and monthly reports on media trends, public sentiment, and policy reception. Additionally, it will issue alerts on misinformation, fake news, and misleading narratives to prevent disruptions in the state. Key Features of the Media Monitoring Cell: Real-time tracking of print, digital, and social media Categorization of news by topic, section, and event Hourly trend analysis on mood and tone Dashboards & mobile apps for seamless information access Misinformation detection to maintain public order This scientific approach to media monitoring will help the government assess public perception and respond to critical issues more efficiently. Source: TOI

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Aprirose Sells London Hotel; LA Hotel Rebrands; Marriott Expands in EMEA

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London-based Aprirose has sold the 30-key Karma Sanctum hotel in Soho to Madrid-based Tenigla for £22 million. The rock-and-roll-themed hotel, acquired by Aprirose in 2021, is part of the company’s evolving U.K. acquisition strategy. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Lum Hotel Los Angeles Stadium District is set for a transformation. The 179-key hotel, owned by San Francisco-based Chartres Lodging Group and managed by PM Hotel Group, will be rebranded as a Tapestry by Hilton property. Renovations are expected to be completed by late 2025. Marriott International continues its rapid growth in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), securing a record-breaking 291 deals, adding over 34,000 rooms in 2024. The company expanded into three new markets—Luxembourg, Angola, and Senegal—bringing its EMEA pipeline to 596 properties with 104,731 rooms, a 10% increase from the previous year. Conversions accounted for 45% of new signings, highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion. Manchester City is also entering the hospitality space in collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group. The Premier League club will open The Medlock, a 401-key hotel adjacent to its stadium, by late 2026. In the Philippines, SM Hotels and Convention Corp. (SMHCC), a unit of SM Prime Holdings Inc., reported double-digit occupancy growth amid rising travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) demand. The company is investing P15 billion in a five-year expansion plan, adding eight hotels and two convention centers in key locations. Source: hotelinvestmenttoday

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“ArdorComm Education Leadership Symposium” Wednesday, 26th March 2024 | Guwahati, Assam

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“ArdorComm – Education Leadership Symposium” – A RoundTable Meet Event Theme: Future-Ready Workforce: The Role of Professional Qualifications in Developing Critical Skills #ELS2025 #ELSGuwahati #ELSNorthEast #EducationLeadershipSymposium The upcoming “ArdorComm – Education Leadership Symposium” – A RoundTable Meet on 26th March in Guwahati, Assam will witness the presence of senior leadership from the higher education fraternity of north-eastern region. The representation of academicians and educators will be mostly from the eight northeast states of India — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura (popularly known as the “Seven Sisters”), and the “brother” state of Sikkim. The education fraternity will unite under one roof for a meaningful brainstorming session on ‘Future-Ready Workforce- The Role of Professional Qualifications in Developing Critical Skills’. In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving job markets, professional qualifications play a pivotal role in equipping individuals with critical skills essential for a future-ready workforce. As industries embrace digital transformation, employers seek professionals with expertise in problem-solving, adaptability, data literacy, and leadership. Formal certifications, industry-recognized credentials, and continuous learning pathways help bridge the skills gap, ensuring alignment with emerging industry demands. Professional qualifications not only validate technical proficiency but also foster analytical thinking, collaboration, and innovation—key attributes for success in the 21st-century workplace. This discussion explores how structured learning programs, upskilling initiatives, and competency-based education empower professionals to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic global economy, preparing them for sustainable career growth. Who Should Attend: Educators Academicians Chancellors Vice-Chancellors CEOs Directors Principals Deans KEY DISCUSSION POINTS How can professional qualifications be designed to effectively address the evolving skill demands of a technology-driven workforce? What role do industry-academia collaborations play in ensuring that professional certifications remain relevant and aligned with real-world challenges? How can education institutions integrate critical skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and data literacy into professional qualification programs? What strategies can be implemented to make professional qualifications more accessible and inclusive, ensuring equitable opportunities for lifelong learning? How do professional credentials impact employability and career progression, and what metrics can be used to measure their effectiveness in workforce development? Eminent Speakers Kumar Chandan Anand Founder, CEO & Group Editor ArdorComm Media Group (HOST) Prabhanshu Mittal Head – Education Partner Relationships, India ACCA Rohan Rajvanshi, Education Partner Relationships Lead – North, East, West & Central India (NEWC)ACCA Piyush Singh Chauhan Vice Chairman S R Group of InstitutionsLucknow, UP Joutishman Dutta Vice President Assam Down Town University Guwahati, Assam Prof. Partha Pratim Baruah President – Governing Body B Borooah College Guwahati, Assam Dr. Jagannath Patnaik Vice Chancellor ICFAI University Sikkim Dr. Sagar Onkarrao Manjare Vice Chancellor Mahatma Gandhi University Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya Dr. Manjeet Kaur Kaushal Vice ChancellorCMJ UniversityShillong, Meghalaya Dr. Paul Bhaggien Vice Chancellor North East Adventist University Thadlaskein, Meghalaya Prof. (Dr.) Pranveer Singh Pro Vice-Chancellor Assam Down Town University Guwahati, Assam Dr. Debmalya Bhattacharya Pro Vice Chancellor MIT University of Meghalaya Shillong, Meghalaya Dr. Hemanta Kumar Nath Secretary – University Classes Gauhati University Guwahati, Assam Prof. Dr. George AP Dean – Royal School of Business & Commerce The Assam Royal Global University Prof. Kumud Ch. Goswami Dean – Faculty of Commerce and Management Sciences Dibrugarh University Assam Dr. Hrishikesh Baruah PrincipalK.C Das Commerce College Guwahati, Assam Dr. Manoj Kumar Mahanta Principal Pragjyotish College Guwahati, Assam Dr. Mampi Bora Principal Jettwings Business School Guwahati, Assam Dr. Bipasha Chetiya Head – Department of Commerce Dibrugarh University Assam Dr. Abdur Rashid Ahmed Asst. Prof & HOD – EconomicsAssam Don Bosco UniversityGuwahati, Assam Dr. Biju Mani Das Associate Professor cum Head – Department of CommerceAssam Don Bosco UniversitySonapur Mridul Deka HOD- Commerce & Management Krishnaguru Adhyatmik Visvavidyalaya Agenda Time Topic 3:30 – 4:00 PM Registration & Networking Tea 4:00 – 4:15PM Welcome Note: ArdorComm Media Group Keynote Address: ACCA 4:15 – 6:45 PM Roundtable Discussion – Moderated by ACCA 7:15 PM Onwards Networking Cocktails followed by Dinner 6:45 – 7:15 PM Closing Remarks & Felicitation Ceremony Venue Vivanta Guwahati Address: 613, Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev Path, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam 781022

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Arunachal Pradesh Minister Balo Raja Stresses Role of Consultative Committees in Governance

admin / Governance Community

Arunachal Pradesh’s Urban Affairs Minister, Balo Raja, on Tuesday underscored the importance of consultative committees in governance, emphasizing their role in fostering discussions between elected representatives and government officials. Presiding over the consultative committee meeting of the Urban Affairs Department, Raja reminded attendees that these committees were first constituted by the Centre in June 1969 to help elected members better understand administrative processes. He highlighted their function as an informal platform for MPs, MLAs, and government ministries to discuss policy formulation and address governance challenges. “In line with the recommendations of the 8th All India Whips Conference held in 1972, Arunachal Pradesh has established consultative committees for each department, chaired by the respective ministers and comprising MLAs as members,” Raja stated. He further noted that such meetings should ideally be conducted during or between legislative sessions, with their reports submitted to the government for consideration. In most cases, unanimous recommendations are accepted, barring exceptions in specific policy areas. The meeting was attended by MLAs Techi Kasso, Tapi Darang, and Hamjong Tangha, along with senior officials, including Urban Affairs Secretary Nyali Ete, Joint Secretary Tamune Miso, Urban Development Chief Engineer Taring Darang, Town Planning Director Likha Suraj, and Housing Director Geyi Basar, among others. The discussion reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structured and collaborative decision-making, ensuring effective policy implementation in urban development.

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Delhi High Court Stays Suspension of Jamia Students, Forms Committee to Ease Tensions

admin / Education Community

The Delhi High Court has directed the formation of a committee to de-escalate tensions at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) following student protests over the university’s ban on demonstrations without prior permission. The committee, to be supervised by the Vice Chancellor, will include university officials and student representatives. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma also stayed the suspension of 17 students, who were penalized for allegedly protesting without approval and defacing public property, until the next hearing. The students had challenged the suspension, arguing that the university’s actions were disproportionate. Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioners, contended that the students had a clean record and were peacefully protesting outside the canteen. He criticized the university for siding with the Delhi Police, leading to the students’ detention. Advocate Abhik Chimni further noted that, per university regulations, suspensions cannot exceed two weeks. Jamia’s counsel, Advocate Amit Sahni, defended the university’s decision, stating that the students had been given opportunities to comply and that their protest was unrelated to academics. He added that no arrests occurred on campus, and the detained students were later released. The Court, while refraining from commenting on the reasons behind the protest, observed that the demonstration appeared peaceful. It emphasized that student participation in such movements is part of their civic training. Urging the university administration to take remedial steps, the Court ordered the committee’s formation and requested a report from the university. Until the next hearing, the Court has suspended the operation of Jamia’s February 12 suspension order. However, it clarified that this ruling does not impact any criminal cases filed against the students.

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