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United Learning League (ULL) Enters K-12 Space with ₹100 Cr Seed Round; Eyes 5 Global-Standard IB Campuses

MUMBAI – United Learning League (ULL) is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most well-capitalised and strategically envisioned entrants in the premium K–12 international education space. The organization has formally submitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) to the International Baccalaureate (IB), marking its intent to redefine global schooling in India. Strategic Collaboration with IB Leadership This milestone was recently marked by a high-level strategic meeting held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, Mumbai. ULL founders convened with senior leadership from the IB Organization, including: Mr. Haif Bannayan, Director – IB (Europe, Middle East, Africa & Canada) Ms. Nicole Bien, Chief Community Partnership & Development Officer Mr. Mahesh Balakrishnan, Senior Manager – South Asia Mr. Ashish, Head – Government Partnerships High-Octane Funding by Industry Veterans Positioning itself among India’s most well-capitalised school platforms, ULL has secured ₹100 crore in committed seed capital. This marks one of the largest early-stage capital aggregations for a greenfield school network in the country. The funding was raised through a powerhouse syndicate of seasoned educators and dynamic young entrepreneurs. This strategic investment group is led by Pritam Agrawal, the renowned educationist and Founder of the Hello Kids chain of preschools. By combining the pedagogical expertise of veteran educators with the agility of next-gen entrepreneurs, ULL enters the market with both deep domain knowledge and modern execution capabilities. A Roadmap for Excellence With a clear expansion roadmap, ULL aims to establish five premium IB-aligned schools over the next five years. Each campus is being built to deliver global academic standards, future-ready learning, and values-driven education. The first flagship campus is currently under development, designed to set new benchmarks in infrastructure, pedagogy, and student outcomes. ULL’s model combines centralised brand governance and institutional capital with scalable execution, ensuring consistency across its national network while maintaining the flexibility required for local excellence. As India’s demand for high-quality international education accelerates, ULL is uniquely positioned to build not just schools, but a premier network of globally competitive learning institutions. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

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India Tightens Oversight on GLP-1 Drugs Amid Rising Misuse Concerns

admin / Governance Community

The Government of India has issued a comprehensive advisory on GLP-1 drugs, cautioning against their inappropriate use while acknowledging their growing role in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. With demand surging—particularly for weight loss—authorities are stepping up regulation to safeguard public health. GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) medications are designed to regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing excess glucose. They also aid in weight management by slowing digestion and curbing appetite, making them increasingly sought after beyond their primary medical purpose. However, officials have emphasized that these are not lifestyle or wellness products, but potent prescription drugs that must only be used under medical supervision. The advisory comes in response to concerns over their easy availability through online platforms and wellness clinics. Health authorities have warned that unsupervised use may lead to adverse effects, including gastrointestinal problems, hormonal disturbances, and other complications. Experts underline that these drugs are not suitable for everyone and should never be used casually for weight loss. As per the guidelines, only qualified specialists—such as endocrinologists, internal medicine physicians, and cardiologists—are authorised to prescribe GLP-1 drugs. Over-the-counter sale is strictly prohibited, and individuals are strongly advised against purchasing them without a valid prescription. Regulatory bodies, including the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and State Drug Controllers, have intensified inspections across pharmacies, clinics, and digital platforms. Any violations—ranging from illegal sales to misuse—will invite stringent penalties, including licence suspension and legal action. The government’s move comes at a time when the popularity of these drugs is rapidly increasing, especially as quick weight-loss solutions. Authorities aim to ensure that genuine patients retain access while preventing unsafe and unregulated usage. The advisory reinforces a critical message: GLP-1 drugs are powerful medical treatments, not shortcuts for weight loss. Responsible use, guided by medical expertise and supported by strict regulation, will be essential to ensuring patient safety in India. Source: India Today

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Diabetes Driving India’s Silent Liver Disease Crisis, Study Warns

admin / Health & Wellness Community

A groundbreaking study has revealed that Type 2 diabetes is emerging as a major cause of advanced liver disease in India, often progressing unnoticed until it becomes life-threatening. Published in The Lancet, the DiaFib-Liver Study is the largest real-world research of its kind in a developing country, highlighting the liver as a critical yet overlooked organ at risk among diabetic patients. The study, which assessed 9,202 adults across 27 healthcare centres, found that nearly 25% of patients had significant liver fibrosis, while about 14% had advanced disease. Alarmingly, around 5% had already reached a stage suggestive of cirrhosis—despite showing no obvious symptoms. Experts note a shift in the primary causes of severe liver conditions, with diabetes and obesity now surpassing viral infections like Hepatitis B and C. The underlying mechanism involves fat accumulation in the liver, leading to insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and eventual scarring. Interestingly, the research also challenges the belief that liver disease primarily affects overweight individuals. Cases were observed even among lean patients, with a phenomenon termed “burnt-out” liver disease—where fat diminishes as fibrosis worsens—making detection even more difficult. Given that liver damage often remains silent until advanced stages, researchers emphasize the need for improved screening. They recommend tools like the FIB-4 score, derived from routine blood tests, and FibroScan imaging for early detection, instead of relying solely on ultrasounds. Encouragingly, the study highlights that early-stage liver damage can be reversed. A 5% reduction in body weight may reverse fibrosis in many cases, while a 10% reduction can significantly slow disease progression. With India home to over 10 crore diabetics and millions more at risk, integrating liver health checks into diabetes care programs could be key to preventing a large-scale health crisis. Source: TNN

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Nokia Announces Major Global Restructuring; Over 14,000 Jobs to Be Cut

admin / Human Resource Community

Nokia is set to significantly reduce its global workforce by nearly 20%, impacting more than 14,000 roles worldwide, according to recent reports. The move is part of a broader restructuring strategy aimed at streamlining operations and aligning the company with evolving market dynamics. The layoffs will also affect Nokia’s India operations, coinciding with key leadership changes. Samar Mittal has recently taken charge as the business head for India, where he will lead go-to-market strategies and strengthen partnerships across telecom, AI, and cloud ecosystems. Meanwhile, Vibha Mehra is set to assume the role of country manager from April 1, overseeing corporate communications, public affairs, and CSR initiatives. While mobile networks continue to be Nokia’s primary business, the company is increasingly investing in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and cloud technologies. Its acquisition of US-based optical networking firm Infinera reflects this strategic shift. Despite the restructuring, Nokia has reported strong financial performance in recent months. The company posted a better-than-expected operating profit of €435 million in the third quarter last year, supported by robust demand in optical networks, cloud services, and AI-driven data centre solutions. Additionally, Nokia’s network sales in India witnessed a sharp 75% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2025. Source: Economic Times

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MS Dhoni Backs AI Storytelling Platform Kuku, Becomes Face of Kuku TV

admin / Media Entertainment & Art Community

MS Dhoni has invested in AI-driven storytelling platform Kuku and will also take on the role of brand ambassador for its short-video app, Kuku TV, the company announced. Founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena, and Vikas Goyal, the platform operates a diverse ecosystem of apps, including Kuku FM for audio content and Guru for learning-focused entertainment. The company has also ventured into theatrical productions. Collectively, its platforms have surpassed 350 million installs and feature a content library of over 20,000 titles in multiple languages. Dhoni highlighted the platform’s wide reach and unique content approach as key reasons behind his investment. He noted that Kuku’s ability to deliver multilingual, multi-format content at scale sets it apart, and expressed confidence in its ambition to build a globally relevant AI-powered storytelling ecosystem rooted in India. Kuku TV, which focuses on short-format episodic content, has scaled rapidly, crossing 180 million downloads. The platform hosts a wide variety of genres, with several titles garnering over 100 million views. The company is now expanding into AI-led content formats, including mythology, science fiction, and superhero narratives. Backed by investors such as Fundamentum, Krafton, Vertex Ventures, Granite Asia, and International Finance Corporation, Kuku has seen strong financial growth. Its parent entity reported revenue of ₹258.4 crore in FY25, more than doubling from ₹104.1 crore in the previous year, according to Tracxn. However, the company has not disclosed the size of Dhoni’s investment. Source: Financial Express

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Government Temporarily Restores Kerosene Distribution via PDS Across 21 States and UTs

admin / Governance Community

The Centre has issued a gazette notification permitting the supply of Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) through the Public Distribution System (PDS) in 21 States and Union Territories, responding to global geopolitical pressures impacting energy availability. The decision is intended to meet essential household needs such as cooking and lighting, particularly in regions where kerosene distribution had previously been discontinued. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has authorized select fuel outlets in kerosene-free regions to stock and distribute SKO for domestic use. As per the notification, up to two designated fuel stations per district—preferably company-owned outlets operated by public sector oil companies—will be allowed to store a maximum of 5,000 litres of kerosene. To streamline implementation, dealers and transporters involved in the supply chain have been granted exemptions from certain licensing norms, although safety standards and monitoring mechanisms will continue to be strictly enforced. The Ministry clarified that the provision is exclusively for household consumption and not for commercial use. The temporary measure will be applicable in States and UTs including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, among others. The notification has taken immediate effect and will remain in force for 60 days, or until further directives are issued by the government. Source: Newsonair

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IIT Kharagpur Moves to Launch First-Ever MD Programme, Awaits NMC Clearance

admin / Education Community

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has formally applied to the National Medical Council seeking approval to introduce a postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme, marking a potential first for the IIT system. Institute Director Suman Chakraborty confirmed that the application has been submitted ahead of the March 31 deadline. While the Ministry of Education has expressed support, the final approval will depend on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as the proposal requires coordination between multiple ministries. The institute plans to initially offer 20 seats under the MD programme. Preparations are already underway, including the recruitment of 20 doctors who will serve as faculty members. Training for students will take place at the institute’s medical facilities, including the Dr B C Roy Multi Specialty Medical Research Centre and the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Super Speciality Hospital. Admissions are expected to be conducted through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Additionally, the Syama Prasad hospital is being expanded into a 220-bed inpatient department (IPD) facility under a mission-mode initiative, aimed at enhancing healthcare services for the campus and surrounding community. The proposal was earlier approved by the institute’s Board of Governors in September 2025, but timelines for final approval remain uncertain pending regulatory clearance. Source: PTI

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IIT Madras invites applications for MTech, MSc & M.A. programmes of 2026 Batch

admin / Press Release

CHENNAI, 30th March 2026: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), India’s top-ranked educational institution, has opened applications for its postgraduate programmes, including M.Tech., M.Sc., and M.A. for the academic year 2026–27. The Institute provides students opportunities to pursue advanced learning in frontier areas of engineering, sciences, and humanities. IIT Madras offers a wide range of M.Tech. programmes across disciplines such as Aerospace Engineering, Data Science and AI, Electric Vehicles, Robotics, Semiconductor Materials Technology, and Ocean Engineering, and among other fields. The institute also offers M.A. programmes in English Studies, Development Studies, Economics, and Public Policy, along with M.Sc. programmes in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The last date to apply online is 27th April 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully review eligibility criteria, programme details, and application instructions before applying through the official portal: https://mtechadm.iitm.ac.in Admission offers for M.Tech. and M.A. programmes will be released through the Common Offer Acceptance Portal (COAP), with the first round expected in the second week of May 2026. Selected candidates are scheduled to report for admission in July 2026, with classes commencing on 27th July 2026. Highlighting the unique aspects of the postgraduate programmes in the Institute, Prof. Prathap Haridoss, Dean (Academic Courses), IIT Madras, said, “IIT Madras offers 34 different M tech programs encompassing both core and interdisciplinary areas in engineering and technology with internship opportunities. We also offer MA in four different programs. A total of 735 seats in MTech and 100 seats in MA are available. We invite GATE qualified candidates from across the country to apply for these programs and grow with our innovative ecosystem.” The M.Tech. Programmes are designed with a flexible credit-based structure that combines core courses, electives, and project work, allowing students to tailor their learning experience. Students also benefit from opportunities to undertake industry-linked projects, participate in sponsored research, and, in select cases, pursue international research collaborations. Eligible candidates include GATE-qualified applicants (2024, 2025 or 2026), IIT graduates with a CGPA of 8.0 and above, sponsored candidates from recognised organisations, and other categories such as QIP and defence-sponsored candidates. Admissions for M.Sc. programmes will be conducted through the JAM examination, while M.A. admissions are also routed through GATE for eligible candidates. PLACEMENTS AND FELLOWSHIPS IIT Madras has a strong placement record for its postgraduate programmes, with almost all students who opt for placements securing positions in reputed organisations and industries upon completion of their studies. The institute’s robust industry linkages, active research ecosystem, and opportunities for students to engage in real-world projects through Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research initiatives further enhance employability. Students are also encouraged to undertake project work in collaboration with industry and approved organisations, strengthening their practical exposure and career readiness. In addition to placements, Financial assistance is available for eligible Indian students in the form of Half-Time Teaching Assistantships (HTTA) of ₹12,400 per month. IIT Madras also offers several prestigious fellowship schemes to support meritorious students. The Department of Atomic Energy Graduate Fellowship (DAE-GF) provides selected GATE-qualified candidates a monthly stipend of ₹35,000, along with assured placement in one of the DAE units upon successful completion of the programme. Further, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) sponsors up to 10 students in the M.Tech. Ocean Technology programme, offering financial support and opportunities to work on critical areas related to ocean sciences and technology. These fellowships not only provide financial assistance but also open up pathways to specialised careers in key national sectors. Located on a sprawling 250-hectare green campus in Chennai, IIT Madras is known for its world-class faculty, strong research ecosystem, and vibrant innovation and startup culture supported by the IIT Madras Research Park. The institute continues to play a key role in advancing technological education and research in India. (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

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India Among Nations with Highest Maternal Deaths in 2023 Despite Significant Progress: Global Study

admin / Health & Wellness Community

A recent global analysis published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Women’s Health has highlighted that India remains among the nations with the highest number of maternal deaths in 2023, reporting approximately 24,700 fatalities. This corresponds to a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 116 deaths per one lakh live births. Other countries with significant figures include Pakistan with 10,300 deaths, and African nations such as Ethiopia and Nigeria reporting 11,900 and 32,900 deaths respectively. The study, conducted by researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington along with global collaborators, notes that while maternal mortality has declined significantly over the past 30 years, the pace of improvement has slowed and disparities across regions persist. The findings are part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 assessment, which evaluates trends across 204 countries. In contrast, India’s latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data for 2021–23 shows a lower MMR of 88 per one lakh live births, reflecting continued national progress. Government sources also point out that India has achieved an 86% reduction in maternal mortality since 1990, surpassing the global average decline and aligning with its commitment to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing MMR below 70 by 2030. Globally, maternal deaths stood at around 240,000 in 2023, with an MMR of 190.5—down by more than one-third from 1990 levels. However, over half of the countries studied are still above the SDG threshold. The leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide include severe bleeding and pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders. Experts emphasize that expanding access to antenatal care, ensuring safe childbirth services, strengthening emergency obstetric care, and improving postnatal follow-up can significantly reduce maternal deaths. The study also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reversed progress, contributing to increased maternal mortality during its early phase. With less than five years left to achieve global targets, the report calls for renewed focus, stronger health systems, and sustained investments to accelerate progress in maternal health outcomes. Source: PTI

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Median CEO Pay in India Rises to ₹10.5 Crore in FY26, Growth Slows Amid Market Volatility

admin / Human Resource Community

The median compensation for professional, non-promoter CEOs in India increased by 5% year-on-year to ₹10.5 crore in FY 2025–26, according to a report by Deloitte. However, this marks the slowest pace of growth since the COVID-19 period, reflecting changing compensation structures and broader economic uncertainties. The report highlights a shift in executive pay design, with greater emphasis on incentives, stock-linked compensation, and emerging leadership roles such as Chief Digital Officers. Experts note that subdued equity market performance over the past 12–18 months and rising geopolitical risks have contributed to more cautious salary increments. Among top executives, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) saw the highest rise in compensation. This trend is driven by increased demand for financial expertise, a strong focus on capital efficiency, and direct accountability to shareholders. Notably, around 15% of companies in the NIFTY 50 witnessed changes in CFO positions, indicating significant churn and high demand for experienced talent. The study also points to a transformation in remuneration strategies. Companies are moving away from a uniform approach and adopting multiple long-term incentive plans tailored to different employee groups. While larger firms, especially those in the NIFTY50, are implementing complex multi-year Performance Share Plans, smaller organisations continue to rely on traditional stock options or ESOPs. Additionally, firms are increasingly linking executive rewards to internal performance metrics rather than stock price movements alone, aiming for sustainable value creation. Strengthened governance practices, clearer executive contracts, and improved transparency in compensation decisions are further shaping the evolving CXO pay landscape. The findings are based on the seventh edition of the Deloitte India Executive Performance and Rewards Survey, released in September 2025, which covered insights from over 350 organisations across the country. Source: PTI

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