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Billionaires Aim to Restore Trust in US News Media

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Tech billionaires Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos are taking steps to address bias and restore trust in the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post. Soon-Shiong is developing an AI-powered “bias meter” for the LA Times, while Bezos is working on new ideas for the Washington Post. These efforts have sparked criticism from press advocates and journalists, who are concerned about the implications for newsroom independence and trust. In a bold move to tackle the growing trust deficit in the US news media, tech billionaires Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jeff Bezos have announced initiatives to overhaul the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post, respectively. Soon-Shiong, who acquired the LA Times in 2018, revealed plans for an artificial intelligence-powered “bias meter” to help readers identify potential biases in news stories. This tool aims to provide readers with balanced perspectives by offering both sides of a story. During an appearance on political commentator Scott Jennings’ radio show, Soon-Shiong emphasized the need for transparency in journalism, questioning whether news reports are truly objective or influenced by personal opinions. His comments have drawn criticism from press advocates and journalists, who argue that such measures could undermine newsroom independence and trust. Ann Marie Lipinski, curator of Harvard’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism, expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on the already fragile news industry. Vivian Schiller, former CEO of NPR, described the plans as a “nightmare” scenario for a billionaire-owned media outlet. Jeff Bezos, who bought the Washington Post in 2013, acknowledged the challenges faced by traditional media in maintaining public trust. Speaking at the New York Times’ DealBook conference, Bezos shared his commitment to revitalizing the Post, despite recent financial losses and declining readership. He hinted at new innovations to address these issues but did not provide specific details. Both Soon-Shiong and Bezos faced backlash for withdrawing their newspapers’ endorsements of presidential candidate Kamala Harris shortly before the US election, a move that further fueled controversy within their newsrooms. As trust in the US news media continues to decline, with less than a third of Americans expressing confidence in fair and accurate reporting, the efforts by Soon-Shiong and Bezos highlight the ongoing struggle to balance journalistic integrity with the evolving demands of the digital age. Source: Ft.com Photo Credit: Ft.com  

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Australia Plans Charges for Big Tech Over Unpaid News Content

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Australia’s government announced plans on Thursday to introduce new regulations compelling major tech companies like Meta (Facebook’s parent company) and Google to pay Australian media outlets for news content shared on their platforms. The proposed rules aim to create financial penalties for companies failing to negotiate fair compensation with news publishers, marking another step in Australia’s intensified scrutiny of Big Tech. Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones outlined the initiative during a press conference. He explained that the regulations would apply to digital platforms generating over $250 million in Australian revenue, targeting significant social media networks and search engines. Platforms that fail to establish voluntary commercial agreements with media outlets may face charges amounting to millions of dollars. “The news bargaining initiative will provide a strong incentive for platforms and media businesses to strike commercial deals,” Jones stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fair revenue-sharing practices. Tech companies have criticized the proposed legislation. A Meta spokesperson argued the move disregards platform dynamics, pointing out that most users do not access their platforms for news and that publishers willingly post content to benefit from increased exposure. Similarly, a Google representative warned that the policy could jeopardize existing commercial agreements with news publishers in Australia. Australia’s tough stance on Big Tech is not new. In 2021, it enacted laws requiring platforms to pay for news links, prompting Meta to temporarily block news sharing before reaching deals with several Australian media firms. However, Meta has since scaled back news-related initiatives globally, including plans to discontinue its Facebook news tab in Australia by 2024. Media groups, including Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, have welcomed the government’s latest proposal. News Corp Australia Executive Chairman Michael Miller expressed optimism about building beneficial partnerships with platforms like Meta and TikTok, calling for mutually advantageous relationships between publishers and tech companies.

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Italy Introduces Fingerprinting for Indian Study Visa Applicants

/ Education Community

The Italian government has announced a new fingerprinting requirement for Indian applicants seeking Type D visas, effective January 10, 2025. This visa category allows long-term stays, including for students pursuing studies or research in Italy for more than 90 days, encompassing undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Applicants must now schedule individual appointments at Italian consulates for the fingerprinting process. The move aligns with Italy’s broader efforts to streamline its visa protocols while enhancing security measures. According to government data, the number of Indian students in Italy has steadily risen, with 6,017 students in 2024 compared to 5,196 in 2023. This growth reflects Italy’s increasing appeal as a destination for higher education. In a significant policy shift last year, the Italian government also granted Indian students the opportunity to stay in the country for 12 months post-graduation. This extension enables students to gain initial professional experience or pursue further vocational training. Previously, this option was limited to those with master’s or PhD qualifications. Additionally, Italy has reserved quotas for Indian workers under its Flows Decree, aimed at facilitating non-seasonal and seasonal employment. For 2023 to 2025, quotas for non-seasonal workers stand at 12,000, while seasonal workers have an allocation of 8,000. These measures underscore Italy’s commitment to fostering strong academic and professional ties with India. The fingerprinting requirement is expected to ensure better oversight of visa applications while accommodating the rising number of Indian students choosing Italy as their academic destination. The changes signal Italy’s dual focus on security and strengthening bilateral cooperation with India in education and workforce mobility. Source: Hindustan Times Photo Credit: Hindustan Times

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ADB Approves $600 Million Loan to Bangladesh for Economic Reforms

/ Governance Community

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $600 million policy-based loan (PBL) to Bangladesh to implement structural reforms aimed at improving economic management and governance. This package will focus on increasing domestic resource mobilization, enhancing the efficiency of public investments, promoting private sector development, and fostering transparency and accountability. “ADB’s PBL promptly responds to Bangladesh’s immediate development financing needs following the political transition. The reforms target improvements in economic management and governance as well as economic diversification and competitiveness,” said ADB Regional Lead Economist Aminur Rahman. With one of the world’s lowest tax-to-GDP ratios at 7.4%, Bangladesh faces significant revenue mobilization challenges. This program seeks to address them through key policy actions such as digitalization, rationalization of tax incentives, and measures to enhance taxpayer morale. The loan will also prioritize public investment efficiency through increased digitalization and promote private sector growth by streamlining regulations and creating a level playing field. The initiative includes over 130 online integrated services to simplify business operations and enhance foreign direct investment processes. Reforming state-owned enterprises and advancing governance performance monitoring are central to the program. Additionally, it emphasizes “whole of government” logistics reforms to reduce trade costs and encourage export diversification, critical for sustainable economic growth. ADB’s efforts align with its broader mission of fostering a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 49 of which are from the region, and remains committed to eradicating extreme poverty across Asia. This financial support underscores ADB’s collaboration with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and other development partners to drive economic transformation in Bangladesh. Source: ADB Org. Photo Credit: ADB Org.

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Bain Capital Invests $157 Million in Indonesia’s Mayapada Healthcare

/ Health & Wellness Community

U.S.-based private investment firm Bain Capital has announced a $157 million investment in Indonesia’s Mayapada Healthcare Group, known as Sejahteraraya Anugrahjaya Tbk PT (SRAJ.JK). The deal, part of Bain Capital’s special situations strategy, will support Mayapada’s hospital expansion through both organic growth and strategic initiatives. The investment is Bain Capital’s first in Indonesia, reflecting growing interest in Southeast Asia’s healthcare sector. The firm’s special situations team, managing over $20 billion in assets, combines credit and equity strategies to target high-growth opportunities. Jonathan Tahir, Mayapada’s chairman and Group CEO, highlighted the demographic trends fueling the healthcare market: “Indonesia faces a growing gap between healthcare supply and demand due to demographic shifts like an aging population and rising affluence.” Sarit Chopra, Bain Capital’s partner and head of special situations in Asia, expressed confidence in Mayapada’s potential, noting that the Indonesian private healthcare market is still in its early stages of development. Founded in 2008, Mayapada Healthcare Group operates seven hospitals across Indonesia, including a flagship hospital in South Jakarta with over 1,000 beds. The group plans to increase its capacity to over 2,000 beds by 2027, supported by ongoing projects. Shares of Mayapada Healthcare have soared 747% year-to-date, signaling strong market optimism. The transaction is expected to close in early 2025, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals. With this investment, Bain Capital taps into Southeast Asia’s rising affluence and aging population, positioning itself in a resilient sector amid global economic challenges. Source: Reuters Photo Credit: Reuters  

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Over 1 in 5 Adults Worldwide Infected with Genital Herpes: WHO

/ Health & Wellness Community

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 846 million people aged 15 to 49, or more than one in five individuals in this age group, are living with genital herpes infections globally. These findings, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, highlight the widespread nature of the infection and underscore the urgent need for improved prevention, treatment, and vaccine development. Each year, an estimated 42 million people contract a new genital herpes infection, equating to one new case every second. While many infections are asymptomatic, over 200 million individuals in 2020 experienced painful genital sores and blisters, often requiring repeated medical visits. Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO’s Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programmes, emphasized the strain on global health systems: “Genital herpes causes pain and distress for millions, and better prevention and treatment options are critical to controlling its spread and reducing its health impacts, including its link to an increased risk of HIV transmission.” The study estimates 520 million people have genital HSV-2, responsible for 90% of symptomatic cases and associated with a three-fold higher HIV risk. An additional 376 million are infected with genital HSV-1, which is increasingly transmitted during adulthood due to declining childhood oral infections. Herpes infections carry significant social and economic burdens. Stigma often silences discussions about the infection, and healthcare costs and productivity losses are estimated at $35 billion annually. WHO advocates consistent condom use and avoiding sexual contact during active outbreaks to reduce transmission. It also recommends HIV testing for individuals with genital herpes and pre-exposure prophylaxis when needed. Research into vaccines and new treatments remains a priority, as these advancements could significantly improve global health outcomes and reduce the stigma surrounding herpes infections. Source: World Health Organization Photo Credit: World Health Organization

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Maharashtra’s Free Education Scheme Spurs 44,198-Girl Enrollment Boost

/ Education Community

The Maharashtra government’s free education scheme has achieved a transformative milestone, with girl admissions in degree, diploma, and postgraduate courses increasing by a staggering 44,198 in the academic year 2024–25. Officials have hailed the rise as “phenomenal,” reflecting the scheme’s success in making education more accessible to girls from economically weaker backgrounds. Pooja Kamble, the daughter of an auto driver and now an MBA student in Pimpri, credits the scheme for enabling her to advance her career. “The free education scheme allowed me to pursue my MBA after working for two years post-graduation. This degree will help me grow in my career,” Kamble shared. Implemented by the higher and technical education department earlier this year, the initiative covers girls from families with an annual income of up to ₹8 lakh. It includes professional courses like engineering, law, pharmacy, and management. According to data from the state CET cell, girls secured 173,434 out of 597,277 seats in 2024–25, a significant increase from last year’s 129,263 out of 414,713. The surge is most notable in MBA, law, engineering, and technology courses. Experts have praised the scheme while acknowledging areas for improvement. Professor Ramdas Jhol of Dattakala Educational Institute remarked, “The scheme has significantly increased girls’ enrollment, despite initial confusion in its rollout. With revisions, we expect even better outcomes next year.” Former Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, under whose tenure the scheme was introduced, expressed pride in the results. “This initiative aligns with Maharashtra’s legacy of championing women’s education, inspired by Savitribai Phule. It’s a proud moment to see our daughters achieving new milestones,” he stated. The scheme is expected to further reshape Maharashtra’s educational landscape, encouraging more girls to pursue technical and professional fields, fostering empowerment and opportunity. Source: Hindustan Times Photo Credit: Hindustan Times

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Max Healthcare Hits All-Time High Stock Price of ₹1124.9

/ Health & Wellness Community

Max Healthcare Institute, a leading provider in the hospital and healthcare services sector, achieved a significant milestone as its stock price reached an all-time high of ₹1124.9 on December 10, 2024. This impressive performance underscores the company’s strong market position and growth potential. Key Highlights Stock Performance: The stock has shown a 15.49% gain over the past 7 days, maintaining consistent upward momentum. Current Recommendation: MarketsMojo has issued a ‘Hold’ call for Max Healthcare, reflecting its steady alignment with the broader market trends. Moving Averages: The stock price exceeds its 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages, signaling strong technical performance. Comparative Growth Max Healthcare’s 1-year performance of 64.79% stands out significantly against the Sensex’s 16.72% growth over the same period. This remarkable growth reinforces the company’s robust standing in the healthcare sector. Market Stability The stock’s consistent trading price and long-term upward trajectory highlight its stability and appeal as a reliable investment option. Industry Leadership As a large-cap entity, Max Healthcare Institute continues to set benchmarks in the healthcare services industry, showcasing profitability and resilience. With its current trajectory, the company remains well-positioned for sustained success and growth in the future. Investors and market analysts are closely watching Max Healthcare, which has emerged as a top contender in the healthcare sector, offering both stability and promising returns. Source: marketsmojo Photo Credit: marketsmojo

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Andhra Pradesh Government Dissolves Waqf Board for Improved Governance

/ Governance Community

The Andhra Pradesh government has officially dissolved the AP State Waqf Board, citing the need for better governance, safeguarding of Waqf properties, and enhancing operational efficiency. The move comes after the revocation of a government order (GO) issued on October 21, 2023, which had previously appointed three elected members and seven nominated members to the 11-member board. In a new order issued on Saturday, K Harshavardhan, Secretary to the Government, stated: “In the interest of maintaining good governance, protecting Waqf properties, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Waqf Board, the government hereby withdraws GO MS No. 47 (which constituted the board) with immediate effect.” The decision follows concerns raised by the Chief Executive Officer of the AP State Waqf Board, who informed the government of the board’s prolonged non-functionality. Additionally, multiple writ petitions challenging the legality of the previous GO had been filed in the High Court, prompting the state to reconsider the board’s structure. The High Court’s observations in these petitions played a critical role in influencing the government’s decision to dissolve the board, the order added. This action underscores the state’s intent to address inefficiencies and legal ambiguities that have hindered the Waqf Board’s performance. It remains to be seen how the government will restructure the board to ensure better governance while addressing the legal and administrative concerns raised during this process. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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Elementor Demo

/ Uncategorized

Days Hours Minutes Seconds 13th ArdorComm – ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024’ #ELSAAndhraPradesh #ELSAVizag #ELSAVisakhapatnam #ArdorComm #NewNormal Theme : Future-Forward Education: Cultivating Skills and Mindsets in 21st Century Workplace ArdorComm Media Group, a growing media organisation in India, is hosting 13th New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on 15th November 2024 ‘Andhra Pradesh’ is continuously progressing towards being a desired destination of education and skilling initiatives in India. Along with Visakhapatnam (Vizag) there are more beautiful cities like Amaravati, Anantapur, Vizianagaram, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Mangalagiri, Kurnool, Sri City, Guntur, comprising of many prestigious higher education, technical institutions & schools with improved national assessment and accreditation grades. Government is rolling out the long-term objective of grooming the students as global citizens with a bright future. Education Department has launched a series of initiatives as part of reforms, in mission mode like “Mana Badi Nadu-Nedu”, utilisation of IFPs, Smart TVs, Tabs which gave a big-push to digital transformation from the conventional classrooms, Innovative schemes like Jagananna Amma Vodi, Vidya Kanuka and Gorumudda and comprehensive academic, administrative reforms and many skill reforms. Academicians, Educators, Edupreneurs, HRs, Startups, Edtech & Industry leaders will converge to share their insights, experiences, and accomplishments, all in pursuit of sustainable growth for the education community. ArdorComm media will recognise and honour individuals – institutions whose contribution have tirelessly worked towards the betterment of education, shaping a brighter future for learners worldwide. Join us to experience this moment of celebration & knowledge sharing!! Day 0 SESSIONS 0 + SPEAKERS 0 + SCHOOLS 0 + HIGHER EDUCATION 0 + GOVERNMENT DIGNITARIES 0 + CORPORATE 0 + EDTECH STARTUPS 0 + KEY DISCUSSION POINTS Leveraging AI and EdTech: Enhancing Student Engagement and Personalized Learning Future-Forward Education: Cultivating Skills and Mindsets in 21st Century Workplace Building Emotional Resilience: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning into the Curriculum Data-Driven Decision Making: How Analytics Can Transform Educational Strategies and Outcomes Harnessing Digital Tools:Transforming Traditional Classrooms into Dynamic Learning Environments Preparing Students for Future Careers: Aligning Education with Emerging Industry Trends and Skills PARTICIPATION FROM Government Academia Universities Engineering Inst B-Schools K-12 Preschools Startups HRs EdTech OUR SPEAKERS Guest of Honour Kathawate Mayur Ashok, IAS Joint Collector & Addl. District Magistrate Visakhapatnam Guest of Honour Kathawate Mayur Ashok, IAS Joint Collector & Addl. District Magistrate Visakhapatnam OUR PARTNERS Host PRESENTING PARTNER Gold Partner EdTech Partner Online Learning Partner Display Solution Partner OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS EDUCATION HEALTH & WELLNESS HUMAN RESOURCE GOVERNANCE MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT & ART PAST PARTNERS ARDORCOMM EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2024 Indian Educators, Academicians, Institutions, EdTech companies & Startups have set an incredible example of excellence in front of the whole world during this unprecedented times, by adapting changes, transforming, re-skilling & re-inventing, ArdorComm Media, a growing media company in India has announced “New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024” to recognize & felicitate the exemplary contributions and innovative initiatives taken by the Preschools, Schools, Higher educational institutions, Corporate and EdTech Startups associated with the education sector. ArdorComm Media would like to honor the Trendsetters, Innovators, Education Leaders, Institutions and Organizations that have been providing excellence and outstanding accomplishment in the education sector. Ardorcomm Education Leadership Awards 2024 aims to acknowledge those individuals, educational institutions, and EdTech companies that have played a key role in transforming the teaching, learning and employability outcomes. The prestigious award will bring recognition and visibility for an institution/ organization across the sector. This summit will bring together the top notch industry leaders and key decision makers from the education sector, to enrich the community by sharing their insights and knowledge with the stakeholders, which will eventually bring a paradigm shift in the education sphere within various parts of the country. Award Nominations & Selection Process – Terms & Conditions: Last date for nominations: 8th Nov’24 & Early Bird: 14th Oct’24 Filling the e-nomination form is must. The nominee’s bio/ profile used for attachment should briefly state a concise statement about the eligibility nominee deserves an award. Attached profile should not be more than 2 pages. There is a nominal award nomination fee ranging INR 11,800 to INR 23,600  for different categories. (See the details in Award Nomination page section). The nomination fee is refundable incase not selected for the Awards (excluding applicable taxes & processing fee, i.e. INR 2500 only). Kindly make sure that you keep your updated profile & payment transaction details ready before proceeding with filling the nomination form. Read the e-nomination form carefully & fill the correct and relevant information. Post submission of the award nomination form, the assessment & evaluation process will be conducted by the selection committee & the jury members. Eligibility is based on the evaluation of the nominee’s overall portfolio and work that have transformed the education sector and the society at large. Selection committee & the jury will do necessary ref checks of the submitted nomination form and also re-authenticate the details present on the website & social media posts. The assessment process is reliable & authentic. Once the assessment process is complete, the winners will receive a confirmation mail & Award Ceremony Invite mail on the shared email id as filled in the nomination form. Please Note: We sincerely appeal that post submission not to make any confirmation Inquiry or request for award consideration. That is purely on merit and via proper assessment process by selection committee & the jury members. Once the assessment process is complete, the winners will receive a confirmation mail & Award Ceremony Invite mail on the shared email Id as filled in the nomination form. AWARD CATEGORIES – 6 Segments Preschools | School Education | Higher Education | Skills & Training | EdTech Startups | EdTech Corporate Preschool Awards Organisation/ Institute Excellence in Preschool Pedagogy 2024 Outstanding Contribution in Early Childhood Education 2024 Innovative Curriculum in Early Childhood Education 2024 Innovation in Creating Most Hygienic Campus Infrastructure 2024 Outstanding Preschool in Creative Arts & Culture 2024 Most Impactful Preschool in Digital Infrastructure 2024 Start-Up Preschool of the Year 2024 Leading

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