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GTRI Report Urges India to Enhance Local Vaccine Production and Safety Monitoring

India should expand its domestic vaccine manufacturing and research to ensure greater control over vaccine safety and meet public health needs, according to a recent report from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Released on Monday, the report advocates for bolstering India’s vaccine capabilities, emphasizing that locally produced vaccines could be better tailored to the specific health requirements of India’s population. GTRI also recommended that the Indian government establish a comprehensive system to track and investigate all adverse health events following vaccinations. Such a system would not only enhance transparency but also improve public trust in future vaccine rollouts by ensuring a clear record of potential health impacts. The report gained added significance with the recent release of The Pfizer Papers: Crimes Against Humanity, a publication that has sparked international dialogue regarding vaccine safety and ethical transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. GTRI noted that this development has brought renewed attention to the importance of ethical practices and prioritizing public health over profit. Ajay Srivastava, GTRI’s founder, highlighted the potential of The Pfizer Papers insights to guide future global health strategies. “As the world prepares for future pandemics, the insights from The Pfizer Papers provide a foundation for building safer, more effective, and more trustworthy vaccination strategies,” Srivastava stated. He emphasized that the lessons learned can ensure that public health remains at the forefront of global vaccine responses, reinforcing the need for countries like India to prioritize self-sufficiency in vaccine development and safety standards. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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IIT Madras and Vidhi Centre Recommend Participatory AI Governance Model for Inclusive Development

admin / Governance Community

A recent study by IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, advocates a participatory governance model for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India, aiming to set a global standard for inclusive AI development. The report emphasizes that involving diverse stakeholders in AI’s lifecycle enhances accountability, transparency, and fairness in AI systems. The research, spearheaded by IIT Madras’ Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI), brings together technologists, legal experts, and policy researchers to explore the benefits of a participatory approach. Real-world case studies across sectors reveal how public involvement can yield AI systems that are better aligned with societal values and ethical standards. “The widespread adoption of AI has fundamentally reshaped our public and private sectors,” explained Prof. B. Ravindran, Head of CeRAI, IIT Madras. He highlighted a key finding: those impacted by AI systems often lack a voice in their development. “This study aims to close that gap by recommending participatory approaches that prioritize responsible, human-centric AI development,” he added. The report also provides a practical, sector-agnostic framework for identifying and integrating diverse perspectives throughout the AI development process. Shehnaz Ahmed, Lead for Law and Technology at the Vidhi Centre, noted that while the value of inclusivity in AI is recognized, frameworks for its implementation remain unclear. “Our findings demonstrate how a structured, participatory model can guide ethical development, especially in sensitive applications like facial recognition and healthcare,” she explained. This groundbreaking study suggests that a participatory model not only strengthens public trust but also accelerates AI’s acceptance across sectors by fostering transparency and accountability. With global relevance, the framework aims to support ethical, safe, and equitable AI practices worldwide. Source: Shiksha.com Photo Credit: Shiksha.com

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Air India Pilots Frustrated Ahead of Vistara Merger Over Retirement Age Discrepancy

admin / Human Resource Community

As Tata Group prepares to merge Air India and Vistara, a growing number of Air India pilots are reportedly dissatisfied due to differences in retirement age policies between the two airlines. While Air India mandates a retirement age of 58 for its pilots and other staff, Vistara allows its pilots to work until 60. This disparity has raised concerns about equal treatment for employees within the merged entity, as the management has yet to address this issue. The merger, set for completion on November 11, is part of Tata Group’s strategic move to consolidate its aviation interests. Although efforts were made to align salary structures and working conditions for employees across both airlines, sources say the retirement age discrepancy remains unresolved, leaving Air India pilots feeling at a disadvantage. “Air India pilots are losing out on two years of service compared to their Vistara counterparts, and with no clear resolution in sight, frustration is mounting,” said an insider who wished to remain anonymous. Under India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations, pilots are eligible to work up to the age of 65, providing airlines flexibility in setting retirement ages. In response to growing concerns, Air India introduced a policy in August allowing retired pilots to be re-employed on contract for up to five years, with the option of extension until 65. However, employees argue that this solution does not address the underlying disparity between the airlines. The retirement age difference adds to an existing sense of inequity, as some Air India pilots have reportedly found themselves ranked lower in the seniority list compared to less-experienced Vistara pilots in the unified seniority structure. Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India in January 2022 aimed to streamline operations, but these unresolved issues underscore the complexities of integrating two established airlines with differing policies and cultures. As the merger approaches, Air India pilots hope for a resolution that ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all employees within the combined entity. Source: thehindubusinessline Photo Credit: thehindubusinessline

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CBSE Revokes Affiliation for 21 Schools, Downgrades 6 in Surprise Inspections in Delhi and Rajasthan

admin / Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has disaffiliated 21 schools and downgraded 6 others across Delhi and Rajasthan following surprise inspections conducted on September 3, 2024. These inspections aimed to ensure compliance with the Board’s Affiliation and Examination Bye-Laws, specifically addressing mandatory attendance requirements. CBSE’s actions target the issue of “dummy” or non-attending admissions, which compromise the quality of education and student growth. During the inspections, several schools were found in violation of these standards, resulting in Show Cause Notices. Schools had 30 days to respond to the Board’s concerns, but following a review of responses and video evidence, CBSE decided to take disciplinary action. Key Actions Taken: Disaffiliation: 21 schools lost CBSE affiliation due to high numbers of non-attending students in classes IX-XII. Downgrading: 6 schools were downgraded from Senior Secondary to Secondary level. CBSE reiterated its commitment to quality education and a zero-tolerance stance against dummy enrollments. This initiative emphasizes lawful educational practices and encourages all affiliated institutions to uphold these values. Schools Losing Affiliation Include: Khemo Devi Public School (Delhi) The Vivekanand School (Delhi) Sant Gyaneshwar Model School (Delhi) Prince Uch Madhyamik Vidyalaya (Sikar, Rajasthan) Lord Buddha Public School (Kota, Rajasthan) Downgraded Schools Include: Adarsh Jain Dharmic Shiksha Sadan (Delhi) B.S. International School (Delhi) Bharat Mata Saraswati Bal Mandir (Delhi) These measures by CBSE underscore its commitment to uphold educational integrity and maintain rigorous standards across affiliated schools. Source: ABP Live Photo Credit: ABP Live

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Ongoing 2024 Media Industry Job Cuts: BBC, ABC News, and Others Impacted

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The media industry continues to face a wave of layoffs in 2024, with significant cutbacks affecting journalists and editorial staff across the UK, US, and beyond. Following a challenging 2023, where 8,000 journalism jobs were lost in major markets, 2024 has already seen around 2,500 jobs eliminated by September, as reported by Press Gazette. The recent rounds of layoffs in October and November have impacted legacy and digital-native publications alike. The BBC announced the largest reduction with 185 job cuts, including the cancellation of programs like Hardtalk and Click, plus restructuring BBC radio’s overnight content. Other recent job losses include nine journalists at National World in the UK, reductions at City AM in London, and layoffs at Fandom, GovExec, and Oahu Publications in the US. City AM has shifted its print focus away from Mondays, while digital publisher Fandom has endured its fourth layoff round since 2022. GovExec let go of 16 staff members, affecting titles like Government Executive and Route Fifty, and Oahu Publications in Hawaii is cutting 13 roles, including key editorial staff. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) voiced concerns over job cuts at National World, stating that reductions in Manchester and Sunderland would further strain already understaffed newsrooms, affecting local journalism quality. This sentiment echoed through the industry, with media professionals and organizations calling for greater stability amidst shifting audience preferences and economic pressures on traditional and digital publishers alike. Press Gazette continues to track these developments, noting that alongside layoffs, some publishers have introduced selective hiring to focus on digital growth, as seen with City AM’s new digital initiatives. As the industry grapples with financial constraints, further job cuts remain possible, making 2024 a turbulent year for media employment and journalism integrity. Source: pressgazette.co.uk Photo Credit: pressgazette.co.uk

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I-STEM takes its efforts to boost Research Collaboration to Ladakh for the First Time

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DELHI, 8th November 2024: I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map), an initiative from the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, has taken its efforts to revolutionise research collaboration in India by enhancing industries and Startups’ accessibility to research facilities and labs to the Ladakh Region for the First Time. I-STEM conducted its flagship ‘Samavesha’ at the University of Ladakh on 5th November 2024 to create awareness of the I-STEM National Portal. The Samavesha Project connects industries, researchers and start-ups looking to avail advanced scientific equipment with an academic institution that has the requisite equipment. This saves the researchers, industry and start-ups the prohibitive capital expenditure of purchasing advanced equipment. At the National level, this prevents duplication of resources in the research institutions. Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mehta, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, this was the first time the Samavesha event was being organized in North India, marking a significant milestone for boosting research in the region. This event, the sixth Samavesha event nationally, was intended to create awareness of the impact and accessibility of the I-STEM National Portal under the tagline ‘Linking Researchers and Resources.’ As a visionary platform, I-STEM is a comprehensive aggregator, connecting researchers to publicly funded laboratories and scientific equipment across India. Highlighting the need for such events in remote parts of the country, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator, I-STEM, said, “The vision of I-STEM is to create a future where one million New-Age researchers, brimming with ideas, are seamlessly connected to a network of 10,000 cutting-edge labs across India. By 2024, I-STEM aims not only to connect individuals to equipment but also to ignite a collaborative ecosystem where start-ups, industries, and academia co-create the next wave of innovation.” Dr. Harilal Bhaskar added, “I-STEM looks forward to new institutions and researchers registering and participating in the event. Public users and research labs are encouraged to provide feedback during the event to inform future decisions about the I-STEM program.” Dr. Harilal Bhaskar also explained how the I-STEM portal can be a game-changer for academic researchers, startups, and industries alike, positioning I-STEM as one of the major Government-funded aggregator platforms transforming India’s R&D landscape. He emphasized that the event would enable participants to engage in knowledge-sharing, explore research opportunities, and access resources to drive advancements in the region. Key academic and administrative figures attended the workshop. They included Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research; Dr. Jigmet Yangchan, Chief Scientist and Head, MRI & CISIC; Dr. Mohd Hussain, Dean of Sciences and Coordinator, DST-PURSE; and Dr. Jigmet Dachen, DSW and I/C administration, University of Ladakh. Esteemed guests included Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, National Coordinator and Chief Operating Officer of I-STEM, and Mr. Narmdeshwar Pandey, Functional Manager at I-STEM. The program also saw active participation from faculty members and participants from various institutions. The School of Agricultural Science and Technology (Leh campus), Government Polytechnic College, Leh, and the Science Departments of the Leh and Kargil campuses of the University of Ladakh played significant roles in ensuring the event’s success.

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UGC-NET Introduces Ayurveda Biology as a New Subject Starting December 2024

admin / Education Community

In a significant update for the National Eligibility Test (NET) aspirants, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced the addition of Ayurveda Biology as a subject in the UGC-NET exam, starting December 2024. This new subject choice aims to foster interdisciplinary study and bridge traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern biological sciences. UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, expressed enthusiasm about the new subject, stating, “Introducing Ayurveda Biology in UGC-NET will allow students to delve into Sanskrit texts on Ayurveda and apply their insights to develop sustainable research models in contemporary biological sciences.” Prof. Kumar emphasized that this addition will also open avenues for PhD holders in Ayurveda Biology to contribute as researchers and educators in universities, thus nurturing future generations in both Ayurveda and modern biology. Prof. Kumar further highlighted Ayurveda’s growing acceptance as a natural, holistic alternative to allopathic medicine, aligning with the expanding interest in integrative healthcare. “As Ayurveda gains prominence in global health, understanding it through a scientific lens will support its integration into modern healthcare systems,” he added. According to UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi, the decision to add Ayurveda Biology came from the expert committee’s recommendations, approved at the UGC’s 581st meeting on June 25, 2024. The syllabus for the subject is now available on the official UGC-NET website, enabling candidates to prepare for this unique opportunity. The UGC-NET, conducted biannually in June and December by the National Testing Agency (NTA), now offers 105 subjects, covering a wide range from Political Science to Women’s Studies. The addition of Ayurveda Biology marks a forward-thinking approach to education, recognizing the value of traditional knowledge in the context of modern science. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: Indian Express

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India Accuses Canada of Hypocrisy in Blocking Australian Media Outlet Post-Jaishankar-Wong Press Conference

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has criticized Canada for blocking the social media presence of Australian media outlet Australia Today, shortly after it aired a press conference between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The MEA claims this action contradicts Canada’s stance on freedom of speech and reveals a pattern of hypocrisy in the handling of anti-India narratives. During the media briefing, MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the unexpected censorship imposed by Canada on the social media handles of Australia Today, an outlet that holds significance among the Indian diaspora. “This occurred mere hours after the outlet covered Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks, including statements on Canada’s unsubstantiated accusations against India,” Jaiswal said. He described the block as “strange,” further noting that it aligns with what India sees as a recurrent pattern in Canada’s approach to press freedom and anti-India activities. India’s statement also referenced the larger context of deteriorating India-Canada relations, strained significantly by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s September 2023 allegations. Trudeau suggested potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, claims that New Delhi dismissed as “absurd.” India has reiterated that its primary issue with Canada stems from the alleged tolerance of pro-Khalistan elements on Canadian soil, which operate openly and undermine India’s sovereignty. The diplomatic tension escalated further after a recent protest at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha temple, where demonstrators reportedly clashed with attendees, showcasing pro-Khalistan banners. Canada’s response to these protests, coupled with the recent censorship, has amplified concerns about the treatment of Indian diaspora media and safety in Canada. Source: Economic Times Photo Credit: Economic Times

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Australia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s to Support Youth Mental Health

admin / Health & Wellness Community

Australia has introduced a sweeping measure to protect young people’s mental health by restricting social media access for those under 16, placing the onus on social media platforms—not parents—to prevent underage users. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that companies failing to enforce these new age restrictions will face heavy penalties. “Social platforms must demonstrate reasonable steps to prevent access,” he stated, underscoring that penalties would target companies rather than families. This restriction forms part of a broader government agenda to tackle the influence of social media on mental health, including addressing misinformation. Australia has already taken significant tech regulation steps, such as requiring Google and Facebook to compensate for news content and challenging X Corp in court for its response to online content issues. These measures echo similar initiatives in Europe, where France and the UK are also enforcing social media age restrictions, further aligning with the EU’s GDPR. However, enforcing age restrictions globally remains complex due to varied regulations and technical challenges in age verification. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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Italy Launches Probe into Sinochem’s Governance Role at Pirelli

admin / Governance Community

Italy’s Prime Minister’s Office has initiated an administrative review against Chinese state-owned Sinochem, the largest shareholder in Italian tire manufacturer Pirelli, over a potential governance breach. This move follows Italy’s use of its “Golden Power” legislation to safeguard strategic national assets by limiting Sinochem’s influence within Pirelli. Last year, Italy’s government set strict conditions requiring a qualified majority for key decisions at Pirelli and mandated that the company operate independently from Sinochem’s directives. The current investigation addresses whether there are any organizational or functional links between Pirelli and Sinochem that violate these terms. The review, dated October 31, has a 120-day timeline for resolution. Sinochem, which holds a 37% stake in Pirelli, has expressed confidence that it has complied with Italian regulations and plans to clarify its position during the proceedings. With Camfin, the vehicle of Italian executive vice chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera, holding a 25.7% stake, the probe highlights Italy’s commitment to shielding domestic companies from foreign state influence. Source: Reuters Photo Credit: Reuters

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