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Delhi Sees Governance Transformation Through Unified Efforts: PWD Minister Parvesh Verma

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Delhi is undergoing a marked transformation in governance, thanks to improved coordination between the BJP-led Central Government, the Delhi Government, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, according to Public Works and Water Minister Parvesh Verma. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Verma highlighted that the capital is experiencing a shift in administrative functioning, with a focus on efficiency, cooperation, and timely execution. “For the first time, governance in Delhi is progressing without political friction or blame games. The results are visible – no excuses, no delays, only delivery,” he stated. Verma pointed to the achievements of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, particularly a major desilting initiative that has cleared over 15 lakh metric tonnes of silt from key drains across Delhi. He said that efforts are underway to remove encroachments along drains to ensure smooth water flow during the monsoon. To support these operations, 156 new staff positions have been approved, enhancing departmental capacity. On the infrastructure side, the PWD has rolled out a reformed road tendering process, beginning in the Delhi University area. “We’ve issued 35 separate tenders for desilting projects. Already, 35% of work on stormwater drains is complete, and we’re on track to finish the rest by June 15,” he said. Further improvements include the resurfacing of 100 km of roads, installation of 2,500 new streetlights, and the illumination of 90% of previously dark areas. Verma also revealed that arbitration clauses have been removed from new tenders to avoid past project delays, such as those seen in the Barapullah flyover case. In a significant push to overhaul water services, Verma announced a new integrated management system under the Delhi Jal Board, titled ‘One City, One Control Room, One Number,’ aimed at streamlining issue redressal. Water distribution will now be aligned with population needs, illegal water tapping is being addressed, and household water bills could see reductions of up to 90%. Additionally, a new sewer master plan is in development, and the billing software is being upgraded for greater transparency. A major infrastructure goal includes connecting all 1,800 unauthorised colonies in the city to the sewer network by 2027. “This is a first-of-its-kind promise with a definitive timeline,” Verma affirmed. The minister emphasized that these reforms are evidence of a new era in Delhi’s governance—driven by collaboration, accountability, and action. Source: The Tribune  

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Duolingo Unveils $30,000 STEM Scholarship for Indian Women in Partnership with Indian Government

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Duolingo, in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, has introduced the ‘DETermined’ scholarship, a new initiative aimed at supporting Indian women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This exclusive scholarship offers a one-time grant of $30,000 (approximately ₹25 lakh) to cover tuition costs for eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programs in the United States starting in Spring 2026. Applications for the DETermined scholarship are currently open via the Manthan portal. The goal is to help talented Indian women overcome financial challenges and access world-class STEM education abroad. Despite steady growth in female representation in STEM—rising from 38.4% in 2014 to 42.6% in 2024, according to UGC data—many still face economic barriers when aiming for top global universities. This scholarship seeks to close that gap. The Office of the PSA will serve as the knowledge partner and play an active role in the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must be Indian women residing in India, have scored at least 60% in their science stream from a recognized institution, and possess a minimum Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 120. They must also intend to pursue a full-time STEM degree at a U.S. institution that accepts DET scores. In addition to academic credentials, applicants are expected to show leadership qualities, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to addressing local or global challenges. A willingness to return to India and potentially launch a startup or scalable project will also strengthen their candidacy. Key Dates: Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 Scholarship Announcement: September 2025 Selection Process: Initial Application: Submit details including academic records, DET score, and a short essay or video explaining their vision for impact in STEM. STEM Impact Proposal Challenge: Shortlisted applicants must present a unique solution to a major STEM-related issue in the form of a proposal (max 1,000 words) or a 5-minute video. Final Interview: Candidates who reach the final round will attend a virtual interview to discuss their ideas, goals, and personal motivations. The $30,000 grant will be directly transferred to the student’s U.S. university to offset tuition expenses. Candidates can apply through the Manthan portal or Duolingo’s official website under the grants section, which also provides step-by-step guidance for the application process. Source: Indian Express  

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Byron Allen Moves to Sell Broadcast TV Station Portfolio Amid Strategic Shift

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Media mogul Byron Allen is taking steps to divest his expansive portfolio of broadcast television stations, signaling a major strategic shift for his company, Allen Media Group. The company announced on Monday that it has enlisted the investment firm Moelis & Co. to manage the potential sale of its 28 broadcast stations. These stations, affiliated with major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, operate in 21 markets across the United States. Allen Media Group has invested more than $1 billion over the past six years to acquire these stations. According to a statement from Allen, the decision to consider a sale follows “numerous inquiries and written offers” from prospective buyers interested in acquiring much of the portfolio. If finalized, the sale would place Allen Media Group among several media owners currently reevaluating their station holdings. Sinclair Broadcast Group and Apollo Global Management, which owns Cox Media Group, have reportedly explored similar moves, indicating a broader trend of consolidation and divestiture in the broadcast space. Allen Media Group said the potential sale would help ease its financial burdens by significantly cutting down its debt. Earlier this year, the company restructured a $100 million credit facility, although S&P Global Ratings maintained a “junk” rating on the company due to ongoing liquidity and debt concerns. Reports have also surfaced regarding late payments from Allen Media Group to major networks—sometimes delayed by up to 90 days and amounting to tens of millions of dollars. The company has not publicly addressed these allegations. Additionally, there have been reports of workforce reductions at some of the stations. Byron Allen, who started his media journey as a comedian before founding Entertainment Studios in the early 1990s, has aggressively expanded his media footprint over the past decade. In 2019, he established Allen Media Group Broadcasting and has since pursued a number of high-profile acquisitions. His name has surfaced in connection with multi-billion-dollar bids for Paramount Global, Disney’s broadcast assets including ABC, and BET Media Group. Now, as he weighs the future of his broadcast holdings, industry observers will be watching closely to see what comes next for one of media’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. Source: CNBC Photo Credit: Patrick T. Fallon / Afp / Getty Images

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Nestlé India Sees Dip in Permanent Workforce Despite Higher Investments in FY25

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Nestlé India, the company behind popular brands like Maggi, Nescafé, and KitKat, reported a 3.8% decline in its permanent employee count during the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), even as it ramped up capital expenditure and focused on expanding its operational capabilities. The number of permanent, on-roll employees dropped to 8,419 in FY25 from 8,736 in the previous fiscal. Despite the reduction in headcount, the company saw an overall increase in employee compensation. The median salary hike for employees stood at 4.9%, with non-managerial staff receiving a 5.2% raise, while managerial personnel saw a 3.5% increase in their pay, according to the company. Nestlé India, which crossed ₹20,000 crore in annual sales in FY25, significantly boosted its capital expenditure over the years. Outgoing Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayanan highlighted that capex has surged from 1.8% of sales in 2015 to 10% in FY25, indicating the company’s commitment to long-term growth and infrastructure development. The company has also laid out a succession plan with Manish Tiwary appointed as the new Managing Director and Director for a five-year term beginning August 1, 2025. Prior to that, he will serve as Managing Director (Designate) from February 1, 2025, and will take on the role of Key Managerial Personnel starting April 24, 2025. Tiwary received a total remuneration of ₹29.94 million for his two-month stint in FY25. Additionally, he was paid a lump sum joining bonus of ₹151.96 million to compensate for long-term incentives forfeited from his previous employer. Meanwhile, outgoing CMD Suresh Narayanan earned ₹23.47 crore in total remuneration for the fiscal year, underscoring Nestlé India’s commitment to rewarding leadership even amid operational adjustments. This shift in workforce strategy comes as the company continues to invest heavily in capacity building while streamlining its human resource structure. Source: PTI

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NEET PG 2025 Postponed After Supreme Court Mandate for Single-Shift Exam

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The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has officially postponed the NEET PG 2025 examination, which was earlier scheduled for June 15. The decision comes in response to a Supreme Court directive requiring the exam to be conducted in a single shift across the country. In a public notice, NBEMS stated that the exam will be rescheduled to allow adequate time for arranging additional test centres and the necessary infrastructure to support the single-shift format. This follows the Supreme Court’s May 30 ruling, which challenged the previous plan to hold the exam in two shifts. The apex court remarked that conducting the exam in multiple shifts introduces inconsistencies and disadvantages, questioning the lack of sufficient centres in a technologically advanced nation like India. “Examinations must offer a level playing field. Dividing candidates into different shifts creates inequality,” the court observed. Last year, in response to concerns over paper leaks and security breaches, NBEMS limited the exam to only the most secure centres, reducing the number to 416. As a result, the test was split into two shifts, with a normalisation process applied to balance variations in difficulty levels. However, many candidates voiced concerns over the transparency and fairness of this system, noting that even minimal differences in scores could drastically alter rankings. The revised date for NEET PG 2025 is expected to be announced soon, with authorities now working to expand the number of test centres to accommodate all aspirants in a single session. Source: Indian Express  

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RBI Reports 98% of ₹2000 Notes Returned to Banks Following Withdrawal

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that over 98% of the ₹2000 denomination banknotes have been returned to the banking system, nearly two years after their phased withdrawal was initiated in May 2023. According to the latest RBI update released on May 2, 2025, the total value of ₹2000 notes in circulation has plummeted from ₹3.56 lakh crore on May 19, 2023—the date the withdrawal was declared—to just ₹6,181 crore as of May 31, 2025. This indicates that 98.26% of the high-value notes have been successfully absorbed back into the formal banking channel. Initially, banks across the country facilitated the exchange or deposit of ₹2000 notes until October 7, 2023. Post this deadline, the facility has continued through the RBI’s 19 Issue Offices, where individuals and entities can still deposit the notes into their bank accounts. Since October 9, 2023, these offices have been exclusively handling such transactions. Additionally, the RBI allowed people to send ₹2000 notes via India Post from any post office, enabling direct credit into their bank accounts through designated RBI offices—a move that added convenience for those in remote or rural areas. Importantly, while the notes have been withdrawn from circulation, the RBI has clarified that the ₹2000 denomination remains legal tender. The decision to withdraw the notes was part of the central bank’s broader currency management strategy aimed at optimizing the denomination structure and curbing hoarding of high-value currency. The RBI continues to monitor and report on the status of the withdrawal process, ensuring transparency and public awareness throughout the transition. Source: DD News  

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India Sees Uptick in COVID-19 Cases: Active Infections Near 4,000, Deaths Reported Across Key States

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India is witnessing a steady rise in COVID-19 infections, with active cases reaching 3,961 as of Monday, June 2—a jump of 566 cases from the previous day, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The recent surge is driven primarily by states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi, which are reporting the highest case numbers. Since the start of the year, the country has registered 32 COVID-related deaths, including four in the last 24 hours. One fatality each was reported from Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The deceased include a 22-year-old woman from Delhi with a history of post-tuberculosis complications and a 44-year-old man from Maharashtra suffering from acute respiratory distress and aortic valve problems. While Kerala confirmed another death, specific details are awaited. Delhi Records Steepest Daily Spike; Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Also Report Fatalities Delhi saw the most significant daily rise in active infections among major states, adding 47 new cases and logging one death. Tamil Nadu, with 189 active cases, reported the passing of a 25-year-old man with underlying bronchial asthma and acute kidney complications. Karnataka, currently reporting 253 active cases, recorded a fresh fatality, while Uttar Pradesh reported two deaths and has 157 active cases. In total, 16 states and Union Territories have recorded COVID-related deaths in 2025. However, the majority of cases remain mild, with limited hospital admissions. Kerala Leads in Caseload; Maharashtra, West Bengal Also on High Alert Kerala continues to report the highest number of active COVID-19 cases at 1,435, rising from 1,336 the previous day. Maharashtra follows with 506 active cases, and Delhi with 483. West Bengal has also seen a surge, reporting 331 active infections. Other notable figures include: Gujarat: 338 Karnataka: 253 Tamil Nadu: 189 Uttar Pradesh: 157 Rajasthan: 69 States like Madhya Pradesh (23), Haryana (28), and Odisha (12) have recorded smaller increases. In the last 24 hours, 203 patients have recovered, pushing the total number of recoveries and migrations this year to 2,188. Authorities Urge Caution, Not Panic Health experts and officials maintain that the situation is under control, emphasizing that most new cases are mild and manageable at home. Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), reassured the public that while increased vigilance is necessary, there’s no immediate cause for alarm. The rise in cases coincides with the detection of new Omicron sub-variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—identified in genome sequencing studies from western and southern India. These have been classified by the World Health Organization as “Variants Under Monitoring,” indicating they don’t currently pose a significant global threat. Preparedness Measures in Place as Precaution In response, state health departments—particularly in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala—are ramping up hospital readiness and reviewing medical supply logistics. Citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues, are being encouraged to wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated settings. Experts stress that while the virus is spreading faster due to more contagious but less severe sub-variants, preventive strategies such as timely testing, vaccination, and community awareness remain key to containing its impact. Though the overall caseload is still far lower than during peak waves, the recent tenfold increase over two weeks underscores the need for continued monitoring, public cooperation, and proactive measures to avoid another significant outbreak. Source: Economic Times Photo Credit: iStock   

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The New York Times Signs AI Content Licensing Deal with Amazon

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In a notable move marking its first generative AI licensing agreement, The New York Times has partnered with Amazon to allow the use of its editorial content in training the tech giant’s artificial intelligence systems. Announced nearly two years after The Times filed a high-profile copyright lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, the deal reflects a shift toward monetizing content through structured agreements with major AI players. While financial details were not disclosed, the collaboration is expected to enhance a range of Amazon services, including its smart assistant Alexa. According to a statement from The Times, the agreement covers a wide variety of content, including its main news articles, recipe-driven content from NYT Cooking, and coverage from The Athletic, its sports media platform. This content will be integrated across different Amazon customer touchpoints. “When it fits the user experience on Amazon platforms, they will provide direct links back to our products, giving users access to the full New York Times experience,” said spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha in a statement to TechCrunch. The deal marks Amazon’s first official partnership of this kind, while other AI companies like OpenAI have already struck similar agreements with media organizations such as The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Guardian, News Corp, and Axel Springer. This move is particularly significant considering The Times’ previous accusations against OpenAI and Microsoft for allegedly using its articles to train AI systems without authorization or compensation. Both companies have denied any misconduct. Reiterating its position, The Times said it remains committed to protecting the value of its journalism, whether through legal action or through commercial agreements. Source: Techcrunch

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Myntra Generates Over 20,000 Jobs Ahead of EORS 22 to Bolster Supply Chain and Customer Support

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In preparation for the 22nd edition of its End of Reason Sale (EORS), fashion e-commerce leader Myntra has announced the creation of over 20,000 jobs through its partner ecosystem. The large-scale hiring drive aims to meet the anticipated surge in demand during the mega shopping event, which kicked off on May 31. These roles span logistics, customer support, and last-mile delivery operations, playing a critical role in ensuring a smooth and seamless shopping experience for millions of customers across the country. Myntra has onboarded a diverse and inclusive workforce, with 22% of the warehouse staff being women, performing essential tasks such as sorting, grading, and packing at its fulfillment centers located in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. The expanded team includes individuals from across India, reflecting strong geographic diversity, with hires from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Odisha, Tripura, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Out of the total new hires, approximately 4,500 delivery executives and 1,000 customer service professionals have been specifically added to strengthen last-mile delivery and the customer care workforce, ensuring faster service and resolution during the high-demand period. Myntra’s distribution network, including its robust warehousing capabilities and the Myntra Extended Network for Service Augmentation (MENSA)—a last-mile delivery network powered by local Kirana partners—will be pivotal in servicing nearly 98% of India’s serviceable pincodes during EORS 22. “This expansion of our workforce is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to prioritizing our customers during one of the biggest sale events of the year. We are especially proud of the increased participation of women and the inclusive representation from across India,” said Govindraj MK, Chief Human Resources Officer at Myntra. With the hiring boost and operational reinforcements, Myntra is poised to handle increased traffic and order volumes while delivering a smooth, reliable shopping experience. Source: PTI

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The Rise of HR Tech: Must-Have Tools for 2025 and Beyond

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As organizations continue to navigate the evolving world of work, technology has become central to how businesses manage and develop their human capital. No longer confined to administrative duties, Human Resources (HR) is now a strategic function empowered by advanced digital tools that enhance everything from recruitment and onboarding to employee engagement and performance analytics. By 2025, HR technology will be more than a convenience—it will be a necessity. The rapid rise in automation, hybrid work models, data-driven decision-making, and personalized employee experiences is pushing companies to embrace a new generation of HR tech solutions. Understanding the HR Tech Boom The HR technology market is expanding at an unprecedented rate. According to industry estimates, the global HR tech market is expected to exceed $35 billion by 2028. This surge is being driven by a variety of factors, including: The shift to remote and hybrid work models The increasing demand for real-time employee data A growing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) The need for faster, more intelligent talent acquisition Rising employee expectations around engagement and wellness With these shifts, HR leaders are turning to tools that not only improve processes but also enhance the employee experience at every stage of the lifecycle. Key Trends Shaping HR Technology in 2025 Before identifying the tools to watch, it’s important to understand the broader trends shaping the future of HR: 1. AI and Automation Artificial intelligence is playing a larger role in recruitment, resume screening, and predictive analytics. AI helps HR teams make faster, more objective decisions while freeing up time for strategic tasks. 2. Skills-First Talent Strategies Organizations are moving away from job titles and degrees and instead focusing on skills. HR tech is enabling this shift by mapping employee skills to business needs and learning paths. 3. Enhanced Employee Experience Platforms Employee Experience Platforms (EXPs) are being designed to manage every aspect of the employee journey, from onboarding to performance reviews, offering personalized, data-rich experiences. 4. Predictive People Analytics Workforce data is now essential for anticipating attrition, improving DEI outcomes, and planning for future roles and capabilities. 5. Employee Wellness and Mental Health Digital wellness tools have become central to HR strategy, especially with rising concerns about stress, burnout, and work-life balance in hybrid environments. Must-Have HR Tech Tools for 2025 and Beyond Based on current trends and emerging business needs, here are the most impactful categories of HR tech tools organizations should prioritize: 1. Recruitment and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) These tools streamline recruitment by automating job postings, candidate tracking, and interview scheduling. Leading Tools: Greenhouse – Structured hiring with DEI support Lever – Combines ATS with candidate relationship management HireEZ (formerly Hiretual) – AI-powered sourcing for passive candidates 2. AI-Based Screening and Interview Platforms These platforms use artificial intelligence to assess candidates more efficiently and objectively, reducing hiring bias. Leading Tools: HireVue – AI-driven video interviewing and candidate analysis Modern Hire – Combines science and technology to improve hiring decisions Pymetrics – Neuroscience-backed assessments for fair hiring 3. Onboarding and Employee Experience Platforms A seamless onboarding process is key to employee retention. These platforms ensure smooth transitions and consistent engagement. Leading Tools: Talmundo – Interactive onboarding workflows Enboarder – Human-centric engagement experiences SAP SuccessFactors – Comprehensive lifecycle management 4. HR Analytics and Workforce Planning Tools These tools offer powerful insights into employee behavior, helping companies make data-informed decisions. Leading Tools: Visier – Predictive analytics for HR and workforce planning ChartHop – Visualizes HR data for better organizational decisions PeopleInsight – Unified analytics from multiple HR systems 5. Learning and Development (L&D) Platforms With upskilling becoming a business imperative, these platforms deliver personalized learning at scale. Leading Tools: Degreed – Skills-based learning and development EdCast – AI-driven learning experience platform Coursera for Business – Curated courses from global universities and companies 6. Employee Engagement and Feedback Tools Continuous feedback and employee listening are now essential for workplace culture and retention. Leading Tools: Culture Amp – Surveys, feedback, and action planning Officevibe – Real-time pulse surveys and team engagement tools Peakon (Workday) – Predictive insights based on employee sentiment 7. Wellness and Benefits Management Platforms Holistic employee wellness is critical to organizational success. These tools support mental health, fitness, and benefits personalization. Leading Tools: Headspace for Work – Mindfulness and mental health resources Wellable – Corporate wellness and incentive programs Zestful – Flexible employee perks and rewards 8. Core HR and Payroll Systems Reliable HRIS and payroll systems remain the backbone of HR operations, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. Leading Tools: Workday – Integrated HCM with talent, payroll, and analytics BambooHR – User-friendly HRIS for small to mid-sized companies ADP Workforce Now – Scalable solution for payroll and HR compliance Building a Future-Ready HR Function To keep pace with digital transformation, HR leaders must: Invest in digital literacy and tech adoption within HR teams Ensure seamless integration between different HR systems Put employee privacy and ethical AI use at the center of implementation Evaluate HR tools not just for features, but for long-term adaptability and ROI Conclusion HR technology is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative. By leveraging the right tools, companies can not only streamline operations but also create agile, inclusive, and engaging work environments that attract and retain top talent. As we step further into 2025, the HR leaders who embrace innovation will be the ones who shape the future of work.

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