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India, US Set to Sign New 10-Year Defence Agreement by Year-End

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India and the United States are on track to formalize a fresh 10-year Defence Framework Agreement by the end of 2025, marking a new chapter in their strategic military partnership. The announcement was confirmed by US Senior Defence Spokesperson Colonel Chris Devine following a high-level phone conversation between US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. According to a Pentagon release, the two leaders agreed to finalize and sign the updated framework during their scheduled meeting later this year. The agreement aims to deepen defence collaboration, enhance joint operational capabilities, and promote greater defence industrial cooperation. Taking to social media platform X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed optimism about the discussion, stating: “Glad to speak with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth today. We had an excellent exchange on advancing India-US defence cooperation and capacity building. I thanked the US for its consistent support in India’s fight against terrorism and look forward to meeting him soon.” Secretary Hegseth reiterated the United States’ commitment to strengthening defence ties with India, recognizing it as a pivotal partner in the South Asian region. Both leaders took stock of the progress made since the February 2025 Joint Statement issued by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, which laid out key defence goals. As per the Pentagon, the conversation also covered several strategic points: upcoming major US defence sales to India, the need for tighter defence industry collaboration, and enhancing joint military capabilities. India’s Ministry of Defence, in a separate statement, confirmed that the dialogue spanned a broad spectrum of topics, including long-term defence cooperation, personnel training, and expanded military exchanges. The discussions also touched on increasing joint exercises, interoperability between armed forces, logistical cooperation, and strengthening global partnerships with other like-minded nations. Both countries emphasized accelerating momentum in these areas to elevate their bilateral defence relationship to new heights in the coming decade. Source: ANI

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No Proven Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Deaths, Confirms Union Health Ministry

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The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that there is no scientific evidence connecting COVID-19 vaccination with sudden or unexplained deaths in India. This conclusion is backed by comprehensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). In an official statement, the Ministry emphasized that extensive investigations were carried out across the country by multiple research agencies to examine reports of sudden deaths, particularly among seemingly healthy young adults. Findings from these studies have consistently shown no direct association between COVID-19 vaccines and such fatalities. Two key studies have been pivotal in reaching this conclusion. The first, undertaken by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), is a multicentric matched case-control study titled “Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18–45 years in India.” Conducted across 47 tertiary hospitals in 19 states and union territories from May to August 2023, the research analyzed cases between October 2021 and March 2023. The outcome was clear: COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of sudden death in young, otherwise healthy adults. The second study, still in progress, is being led by AIIMS, New Delhi, with ICMR’s collaboration and support. This prospective research—“Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young”—aims to pinpoint the most common reasons behind such fatalities. Preliminary data reveals that heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) remain the leading cause of sudden death in this demographic, with no significant shift in trends compared to previous years. In many cases, genetic factors have also emerged as likely contributors. These studies offer valuable insights into sudden deaths among young individuals and provide reassurance about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers highlight that deaths may stem from a range of issues, including underlying health conditions, genetic predispositions, and unhealthy lifestyles, rather than vaccination. Public health experts have strongly criticized unverified claims linking vaccines to sudden deaths, calling them unscientific and dangerous. Such misinformation not only lacks factual basis but also poses a serious risk to public trust and could foster vaccine hesitancy, undermining one of the most effective tools used during the pandemic to save lives. The government reaffirmed its commitment to science-driven public health policies and continued research to safeguard the health and well-being of all citizens. Source: ANI

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Meta Launches New AI Superintelligence Lab, Brings in Top Talent

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled a major transformation in the company’s artificial intelligence strategy by introducing a newly formed division focused on building AI systems with superhuman capabilities. The initiative, titled Meta Superintelligence Labs, will spearhead efforts to create AI that can match or surpass human performance in various tasks. At the helm of this ambitious endeavor is Alexandr Wang, co-founder of data-labeling firm Scale AI, who joins Meta as the Chief AI Officer. Zuckerberg, in an internal message to employees on Monday, praised Wang as “the most impressive founder of his generation.” Wang will be joined by Nat Friedman, former GitHub CEO, who will co-lead the lab and guide Meta’s work in applied AI research and product development. Zuckerberg emphasized that AI has become the company’s highest priority this year. “The development of superintelligent AI is no longer a distant concept—it’s within reach,” he wrote. “This marks the dawn of a new era, and I am determined to ensure Meta leads this transformation.” The new direction comes amid an intense race between major tech giants—including OpenAI and Google—to dominate the frontier of AI innovation. Meta has ramped up investments in cutting-edge infrastructure like chips and data centers and has also aggressively recruited top-tier AI talent. A major milestone in this strategy was Meta’s recent $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI, which also brought Wang into the fold. The company is also in discussions to acquire AI startups such as Perplexity AI, Runway AI, and PlayAI, the latter known for using AI to replicate human voices. To further strengthen its superintelligence efforts, Meta has onboarded 11 elite AI researchers from companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind. Among the new hires are Jack Rae and Pei Sun from DeepMind, former OpenAI experts Jiahui Yu, Shuchao Bi, Shengjia Zhao, and Hongyu Ren, as well as Anthropic’s Joel Pobar—who previously spent over a decade at Meta. With these moves, Meta is positioning itself to be a dominant force in the next wave of AI evolution. Source: Bloomberg

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NIOS Class 10 Results 2025 Declared for April Session; 62.72% Students Pass

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The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has released the Class 10 results for the April 2025 session on June 30. Students who appeared for the exams can now access their scorecards by visiting the official NIOS websites — nios.ac.in and results.nios.ac.in. Results can be downloaded using the student’s enrolment number and captcha code. According to data shared by NIOS, 1,06,082 students registered for the April 2025 Class 10 exams. Among them, 1,02,495 learners had registered in at least five subjects, making them eligible for certification. Of those, 89,847 students appeared for the exams, and 56,350 passed, leading to an overall pass percentage of 62.72%. Gender-wise performance revealed that female students performed slightly better, achieving a pass rate of 63.32%, while male students recorded a 62.31% success rate. The NIOS Class 10 examinations for the April-May session began on April 9 with the Entrepreneurship paper and concluded on May 19 with subjects like Carnatic Sangeet, Employability Skills, and Sanskrit Sahitya. Last year, the Class 10 results were declared on June 27. How to Check NIOS Class 10 Results 2025 Visit the official NIOS results portal: results.nios.ac.in Click on the ‘Admission’ tab and proceed to the student portal Go to the ‘Exam & Result’ section Select ‘Result’ and click on the link to check results Enter your enrolment number and security code View, download, and print your scorecard for future reference Grievance Redressal and Re-evaluation Students unsatisfied with their results or facing discrepancies can raise concerns via the student portal at sdmis.nios.ac.in within 30 days of the result announcement. A 15-day window for rechecking and re-evaluation will begin on July 2, 2025. For additional queries, students may email: rcell@nios.ac.in. Notably, Class 12 results were released earlier on June 20. NIOS Strengthens Inclusive Education with New Agreement In a significant move to promote inclusive education, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) signed a tripartite agreement with NIOS and NCERT. The collaboration, supported by Union Ministers Virendra Kumar and Dharmendra Pradhan, aims to revise and adapt educational content in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, making it more accessible, inclusive, and relevant for learners with disabilities. The agreement will focus on curriculum reform and pedagogical innovation to ensure that students with disabilities are fully integrated into mainstream education. Source: Indian Express

NIOS Class 10 Results 2025 Declared for April Session; 62.72% Students Pass Read More »

Netflix Partners with NASA to Stream Live Space Events This Summer

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In an exciting move to expand its live content portfolio, Netflix has joined hands with NASA to offer subscribers real-time space programming starting later this summer. The collaboration will provide access to live rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, and real-time Earth views from the International Space Station (ISS) — all delivered via NASA’s ad-free streaming platform, NASA+. The initiative marks a strategic step for Netflix, which has so far concentrated its live offerings on in-house productions such as stand-up specials, global award shows, and major one-time events. By incorporating space-related live content, the platform is aiming to broaden its appeal and attract a more diverse viewer base, including space science enthusiasts. Netflix’s push into the live content space has gained momentum over recent years. It has added live sports content like WWE and hosted special events such as celebrity golf tournaments. The streaming giant also recently teamed up with French broadcaster TF1, offering subscribers in France live access to events, drama series, and reality TV programs including The Voice. For NASA, this collaboration is part of a larger effort to make space more accessible to the public. Earlier this year, the space agency launched a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel in partnership with Prime Video. NASA has also been active on platforms like YouTube, and continues to provide free content via NASA+ on its official website. This partnership with Netflix opens up new avenues for public engagement with space exploration, combining the global reach of a leading entertainment platform with the awe-inspiring missions of the world’s premier space agency. Source: TechCrunch Photo Credit: NASA

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Tata Steel Sets Ambitious Goal: 20% Diverse Workforce by 2028

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Marking a decade since the inception of its flagship diversity and inclusion programme, MOSAIC, Tata Steel has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive workplace by announcing a target to achieve 20% workforce diversity across the group by 2028. This announcement aligns with the company’s broader vision of challenging gender norms and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Tata Steel emphasized that its approach to diversity is not just policy-driven but deeply ingrained in its organisational ethos, aiming to foster a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Through progressive human resource policies, the steel major has created a support system that includes gender-neutral parental leave, equal benefits for LGBTQIA+ partners, assistance during gender transition, and inclusive relocation and travel policies — reflecting its commitment to a truly equitable workplace. MOSAIC, which was launched in 2015, serves as the cornerstone of this vision. Built on five strategic pillars — recruitment, sensitisation, retention & development, infrastructure, and celebration — the initiative is designed to cater to the unique needs of underrepresented groups such as women, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and communities benefiting from affirmative action. “Tata Steel’s people-first philosophy has been a defining force in our journey for more than 100 years,” said Atrayee Sanyal, Chief People Officer at Tata Steel. “We believe diversity fuels innovation, and we remain committed to building a workplace that not only accepts but celebrates individuality.” Over the years, MOSAIC has been instrumental in introducing several pioneering initiatives. From the launch of the Women of Mettle scholarship in 2017 and Women@Mines programme in 2019 to the integration of transgender HEMM operators in 2021, the company has continuously pushed the envelope on inclusion. More recent milestones include the Ananta Quest for students with disabilities in 2023 and the induction of the first female firefighter trainees. In a groundbreaking move in 2024, Tata Steel also launched India’s first all-women mining shift at its Noamundi facility. These efforts reflect Tata Steel’s sustained drive to dismantle stereotypes and embed inclusivity into the fabric of its day-to-day operations, ensuring that every employee, regardless of identity or background, has the opportunity to grow and thrive. Source: PTI  

Tata Steel Sets Ambitious Goal: 20% Diverse Workforce by 2028 Read More »

President Murmu to Inaugurate Uttar Pradesh’s First AYUSH University During Two-Day Visit to Gorakhpur

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President Droupadi Murmu begins a two-day official visit to Uttar Pradesh today, with a packed itinerary that includes the inauguration of the state’s first AYUSH University and the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Gorakhpur. As per the Chief Minister’s Office, President Murmu will unveil the AYUSH University located in Pipri, Bhathat — a milestone in the state’s efforts to promote traditional medicine systems and holistic healthcare education. The university is expected to serve as a hub for integrating Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy into mainstream education and healthcare delivery. This visit marks President Murmu’s fourth trip to Gorakhpur in the last seven years and highlights the city’s growing significance on the national stage. Her presence at both AIIMS and the new university echoes the state government’s continued focus on health and education infrastructure under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership. On July 1, President Murmu will address graduating students during the inaugural convocation ceremony at AIIMS Gorakhpur. The venue, along with the surrounding campus, has been brought under tight security. In anticipation of her visit, OPD services at AIIMS were suspended on June 30. Chief Minister Adityanath has closely monitored all arrangements, personally inspecting the 31-km route between Gorakhpur city and Pipri to ensure seamless logistics and security. The President is also expected to visit the revered Gorakhnath Temple, where traditional meals befitting her status have been arranged. City authorities have implemented heightened security protocols across key zones. SP (City) Abhinav Tyagi confirmed a comprehensive three-tier security setup and declared a no-fly zone within a five-kilometre radius of the Circuit House to ensure the President’s safety. The visit also shines a light on ongoing development at AIIMS Gorakhpur. In April, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the 500-bed ‘Powergrid Vishram Sadan’ — a facility being developed under the Power Grid Corporation of India’s CSR programme at a cost of ₹44 crore. The Vishram Sadan is intended to provide affordable accommodation for patients and their families during treatment. President Murmu’s visit is seen as a moment of pride and progress for eastern Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing Gorakhpur’s emerging role as a hub for healthcare, education, and traditional medicine. Source: IANS

President Murmu to Inaugurate Uttar Pradesh’s First AYUSH University During Two-Day Visit to Gorakhpur Read More »

CUET UG 2025 Results Awaited: Over 13.5 Lakh Candidates Anxiously Wait for Scores

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More than 13.5 lakh students who took the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate admissions (CUET UG) 2025 are eagerly awaiting their results. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) between May 13 and June 4, the CUET UG results are expected to be released soon, although no official date has been confirmed yet. Once declared, candidates can access their scorecards on the official website – cuet.nta.nic.in. The final answer key, which forms the basis for result compilation, will be released alongside the results. It’s important to note that no objections regarding the answer key will be accepted after the results are published. Earlier, NTA had issued the provisional answer key on June 17, and students were allowed to submit their objections until June 20. Following the declaration of results, participating universities and institutions will prepare their individual merit lists and conduct counselling sessions based on the CUET UG 2025 scores. This year saw significant changes to the CUET UG format. The exam was held entirely in computer-based mode (CBT) and featured three distinct sections: Section 1 tested proficiency in 13 languages Section 2 covered 23 domain-specific subjects Section 3 assessed general aptitude The paper comprised objective-type multiple-choice questions. Notably, the accountancy paper saw a revised pattern to better align the questions with the official syllabus. In comparison, CUET UG 2024 was conducted in a mixed mode (CBT and offline) for around 13.48 lakh candidates, with results declared on July 28. In 2023, the results were announced on July 15, while the 2022 results were declared much later on September 15. With the exam changes in place and the number of candidates rising, the CUET UG 2025 results remain one of the most anticipated announcements for students seeking undergraduate admissions this year. Source: Indian Express

CUET UG 2025 Results Awaited: Over 13.5 Lakh Candidates Anxiously Wait for Scores Read More »

India’s Urgent Need for 15,000 Family Doctors Annually by 2030 Highlights Training Crisis

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A landmark national survey has revealed a critical shortfall in India’s ability to train enough family physicians to meet its growing healthcare needs. By 2030, the country will require around 15,000 new family doctors each year, yet it currently lacks the infrastructure and educational capacity to fulfill that demand — especially for rural areas, where 39.3% of current family physicians serve. The extensive survey, conducted across 28 states and union territories, gathered insights from 272 family physicians, providing a rare nationwide snapshot of the realities faced by India’s frontline primary care providers. Survey Highlights: 48.3% of respondents are engaged in primary care, debunking the belief that family doctors mainly operate in urban hospitals. 68.9% are involved in inpatient hospital care, while 56.3% provide emergency services. 66.2% conduct home visits, and 62% are involved in palliative care. 44.7% of surveyed doctors are women, indicating a positive trend toward gender balance in the field. Despite their wide-ranging and critical contributions — from delivering babies to performing minor surgeries — family doctors remain undervalued and under-supported within India’s healthcare system. Dr. Raman Kumar, Founding President of the Academy of Family Physicians of India (AFPI), emphasized the findings: “Family doctors are vital community-based care providers, yet face a severe shortage of training programs and clear career pathways.” Although the National Medical Commission Act of 2019 mandates family medicine as a core discipline, its implementation has been patchy. The survey calls for urgent action, including increasing MD and DNB seats in family medicine, formally recognizing the discipline across teaching hospitals, and embedding family physicians in both public and private healthcare systems. Dr. Archna Gupta, a clinician scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada, stated, “This data gives policymakers a clear direction. Strengthening family medicine is essential for building an equitable and robust healthcare system.” Dr. Ramakrishna Prasad, Chair of AFPI’s National Centre for Primary Care Research, echoed this, adding, “We must make family medicine a credible and aspirational choice for future doctors if we hope to build a resilient healthcare network.” Coinciding with National Doctors’ Day 2025, themed “Behind the Mask: Caring for Caregivers,” the survey sheds light on the often-overlooked yet indispensable role of family physicians. Despite repeated policy endorsements—from the 2002 National Health Policy to the NRHM taskforces—family medicine remains neglected in practice. This evidence-backed report stands as a stark reminder: Without substantial investment in family medicine education and infrastructure, India cannot achieve universal health coverage or bridge the rural-urban healthcare divide. Source: Economic Times  

India’s Urgent Need for 15,000 Family Doctors Annually by 2030 Highlights Training Crisis Read More »