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NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires After 27 Years of Distinguished Service

/ Article/Stories

Veteran NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has officially retired from the US space agency, bringing to a close an extraordinary 27-year career in human spaceflight. Her retirement, which took effect on the 27th of last month, was confirmed by NASA in an announcement issued today. In a statement, NASA highlighted Williams’ exceptional achievements, noting that she flew on three missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and spent a cumulative 608 days in space—the second-highest total for any NASA astronaut. She also carried out nine spacewalks, logging more than 62 hours outside the station, a record for the most spacewalking time by a woman. Among her many firsts, Williams also became the first astronaut to run a marathon while in orbit. Williams, who is of Indian origin, made her space debut in 2006 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. She later went on to command the ISS during Expedition 33. Her final mission took place during 2024–2025, when she flew aboard Boeing’s Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9, serving as commander of Expedition 72. Beyond her time in orbit, Williams played a key role in several ground-based assignments at NASA. Her contributions included astronaut training, mission operations in Russia, and preparing crews for upcoming lunar exploration missions. A former US Navy captain, she has accumulated more than 4,000 flight hours across helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Commending her legacy, NASA described Sunita Williams as a pioneer in space exploration whose leadership, dedication and achievements have inspired generations and significantly advanced scientific discovery and human spaceflight. Source: newsonair

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JioHotstar Revises Super & Premium Subscription Prices, Introduces Monthly Plans

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

JioHotstar has announced a revision in its subscription pricing, increasing rates for its Super and Premium tiers while rolling out monthly plans across all categories. The new pricing framework will come into effect from January 28, 2026. Under the updated structure, quarterly and annual plans for Super and Premium users will cost more, reflecting changing viewing habits. According to the platform, a growing number of users are shifting towards connected TVs and multi-device viewing, leading to a sharp rise in large-screen consumption over the past year. While Mobile plan users will see no change in their quarterly and annual prices, higher-tier subscribers will pay more for longer-term packs. The Premium annual plan has been increased from ₹1,499 to ₹2,199, and the Super annual plan has gone up from ₹899 to ₹1,099. Quarterly prices for both tiers have also been revised upward. At the same time, JioHotstar has introduced monthly entry-level plans, starting at ₹79 for Mobile users, aimed at first-time and short-term viewers seeking flexibility. Additionally, Hollywood content will now be included for new Super and Premium subscribers, while Mobile users can access international titles through a paid add-on. Existing subscribers will continue at their current rates as long as auto-renewal remains enabled. JioHotstar currently boasts over one billion downloads on Google Play and reaches more than 450 million monthly active users across India. Commenting on the change, Sushant Sreeram, Head – SVOD Business & CMO, JioStar, said the revised pricing aligns with evolving audience preferences. He noted that the update is designed to offer greater choice and flexibility, while supporting continued investment in premium content, live sports, and a high-quality streaming experience at scale. Source: Economic Times

JioHotstar Revises Super & Premium Subscription Prices, Introduces Monthly Plans Read More »

Wipro Cuts FY26 Fresher Hiring Outlook After Soft Q3 Performance

/ Human Resource Community

Wipro has scaled back its fresher recruitment plans for the ongoing financial year FY26, now expecting to hire 7,500–8,000 graduates, compared to its earlier guidance of 10,000–12,000. The revision follows a subdued performance in the third quarter, during which the IT major onboarded only around 400 freshers. Addressing analysts during the company’s Q3 earnings call, Saurabh Govil, Chief Human Resources Officer at Wipro, said campus hiring remained slow in the quarter, prompting the company to reassess its annual intake target. Despite the moderation, Wipro’s cumulative fresher hiring for the year so far has crossed 5,000. While overall volume hiring has eased, the company is sharpening its focus on AI and deep-tech talent. Wipro has partnered with universities to set up nearly 50 Centres of Excellence, where it co-develops specialised curricula in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data analytics, and recruits students trained through these programmes. The company is also offering premiums for candidates with relevant client-facing experience and investing heavily in upskilling existing employees through certifications. During the October–December quarter, Wipro added 6,529 employees, taking its total workforce to 2,42,021. The headcount increase was largely due to the integration of the Harman DTS acquisition and the rebadging of staff from a major deal signed in the previous fiscal year. On compensation, Wipro said decisions on salary hikes are still under consideration. Financially, the company reported a 7% year-on-year drop in consolidated net profit to ₹3,119 crore in Q3 FY26, impacted by one-time restructuring costs and the implementation of labour codes. Revenue from operations, however, grew 5.5% to ₹23,555.8 crore, up from ₹22,318.8 crore in the same quarter last year. Source: PTI  

Wipro Cuts FY26 Fresher Hiring Outlook After Soft Q3 Performance Read More »

Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Warns Against Ethylene Glycol–Adulterated Cough Syrup

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drugs Control has issued a public alert cautioning citizens against the purchase, sale, or use of a specific batch of Almont-Kid Syrup after laboratory tests confirmed contamination with ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical. In the interest of public safety, the directorate has banned Almont-Kid Syrup (Levocetrizine Dihydrochloride and Montelukast Sodium Syrup), Batch No. AL-24002, manufactured in January 2025 and expiring in December 2026. The product is manufactured by Tridus Remedies, Vaishali, Bihar. Authorities have warned that consumption of this adulterated syrup poses serious health risks. Ethylene glycol is a poisonous substance that can lead to severe complications such as acute kidney failure and even death if ingested. Following the alert, all retailers, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies across Tamil Nadu have been instructed to immediately withdraw the affected batch from circulation and report any instances of supply or sale. Consumers have been advised to verify batch details before use and strictly avoid consuming the identified product. Anyone in possession of the syrup is urged to hand it over to authorities for safe disposal. Healthcare professionals have also been asked to remain vigilant and watch for symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning in patients who may have consumed the syrup. Any adverse reactions or suspected cases should be reported promptly to the Directorate of Drugs Control. To curb further distribution, intensified inspections and surveillance are being carried out at medical stores and healthcare facilities across the State. For assistance or to report concerns, consumers can contact the directorate via WhatsApp at 94458 65400. Source: The Hindu

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UP Board to Make Vocational Education Mandatory for Classes 9 and 11 from 2026

/ Education Community

The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has announced that vocational education will become a compulsory part of the curriculum for students of Classes 9 and 11 starting from the academic year 2026. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the link between school education and employability by introducing skill-based, job-oriented learning at an early stage. UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh said that subject committees have approved and submitted curricula for various vocational trades, including information technology and allied sectors, electronics, apparel, and beauty and wellness. These employment-focused courses were developed through multiple rounds of deliberations by subject experts, under the guidance of Additional Secretary Satyendra Kumar Singh and Skand Shukla. The approved curricula emphasize practical training, current technological requirements, and industry expectations to enhance students’ employability. By integrating hands-on and competency-based learning, the move aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy and aims to promote skill development, self-reliance, and vocational proficiency among students. Singh added that work is underway to develop curricula for additional vocational trades. The Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal, supported the course design process, with contributions from experts including Sanjeev Kumar Arya, Virendra Nath Shukla, Dr Aditi Goswami, Dr Dilip Singh, and Dr Avinash Pandey. Source: Indian Express

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All Higher Education Institutions Mandated to Set Up Equity Committees Under New UGC Rules

/ Education Community

The Union government has notified fresh regulations making it compulsory for all colleges and universities across the country to establish equity committees aimed at addressing discrimination and promoting inclusivity on campus, officials said. Under the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, every higher education institution (HEI) must constitute an Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) along with an Equity Committee. These bodies will handle complaints related to discrimination and ensure fair treatment of students, faculty, and staff from disadvantaged groups. The regulations require that equity committees include representatives from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), persons with disabilities (PwDs), and women. Members will serve a two-year term, while special invitees will hold office for one year. The draft version of these regulations was released for public consultation in February last year. The final notification follows directions from the Supreme Court, which had asked the UGC to frame new rules while hearing petitions filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi. The petitions questioned the implementation of the earlier 2012 UGC regulations on equity. As per the notification, every HEI must set up an Equal Opportunity Centre to ensure the effective implementation of policies for disadvantaged groups, offer academic, financial, social, and personal guidance, and encourage diversity on campus. In cases where a college does not have at least five faculty members, the responsibilities of the centre will be handled by the Equal Opportunity Centre of the affiliated university. The EOC is also expected to coordinate with civil society organisations, local media, law enforcement agencies, district administrations, non-governmental organisations, parents, and institutional staff to fulfil the objectives of the regulations. Additionally, it will work with District and State Legal Services Authorities to provide legal assistance in deserving cases. The head of the institution will appoint a senior faculty member or professor with a demonstrated commitment to the welfare of disadvantaged communities as the coordinator of the centre. The Equity Committee, formed under the EOC, will oversee its functioning and investigate complaints of discrimination. The regulations also call for the creation of ‘Equity Squads’, smaller groups tasked with maintaining vigilance on campus and preventing discriminatory practices. The move comes in the backdrop of high-profile cases such as that of Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad who died by suicide in 2016, and Payal Tadvi, a resident doctor who died in 2019, both allegedly after facing caste-based harassment. Source: PTI

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BookMyShow Reports ₹192 Crore Profit Driven by Strong Live Events Growth

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Big Tree Entertainment, the company behind online ticketing major BookMyShow, has reported a consolidated net profit of ₹192 crore for the financial year ended March 2025, marking a sharp rise from ₹109 crore recorded in the previous fiscal. The growth was largely fuelled by robust performance in ticketing and a rapidly expanding live events business. As per filings with the Registrar of Companies (RoC), the company’s total income increased significantly to ₹1,869 crore in FY25, compared with ₹1,430 crore in FY24. During the same period, total expenditure also rose to ₹1,704 crore from ₹1,320 crore, reflecting higher operating costs associated with scaling up large-format live events. The surge in revenue and expenses was primarily attributed to the expansion of live entertainment offerings, including major music festivals, touring concerts, and comedy shows. BookMyShow, however, declined to officially comment on its financial performance. India’s largest online entertainment ticketing platform, BookMyShow competes with players such as Zomato-backed District. Beyond movie ticketing, the company has built a strong live events portfolio, hosting and managing popular properties like Lollapalooza India. Online ticketing continued to be the company’s biggest revenue contributor, generating ₹828 crore in FY25, up from ₹741 crore a year earlier. Meanwhile, revenue from live events saw a steep jump to ₹756 crore from ₹455 crore, highlighting growing consumer demand for concerts and on-ground experiences. In 2025, BookMyShow served as the ticketing partner for British rock band Coldplay’s India concerts under the Music of the Spheres World Tour. The company also benefited from a strong film release calendar during the year. Source: Economic Times

BookMyShow Reports ₹192 Crore Profit Driven by Strong Live Events Growth Read More »

WHO Urges Governments to Raise Taxes on Sugary Drinks and Alcohol to Curb Rising Health Risks

/ Health & Wellness Community

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments worldwide to sharply increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning that persistently low tax rates are making these harmful products more affordable and driving a surge in preventable diseases. Releasing two new global reports on Tuesday (January 13, 2026), the WHO said falling prices of sugary drinks and alcohol are contributing to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injury-related deaths, particularly among children and young adults. Weak taxation policies, the agency noted, are allowing these products to stay cheap while public health systems struggle under the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases. “Health taxes are among the most effective tools to protect people’s health,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He emphasized that higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks can curb harmful consumption while generating much-needed revenue for healthcare services. According to the WHO, the global market for sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages earns billions in profits, yet governments collect only a small fraction through health-focused taxes. This imbalance leaves societies to shoulder the long-term health and economic consequences. The reports highlight that while at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, many high-sugar products — including 100% fruit juices, sweetened milk beverages, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas — remain untaxed. Although 97% of countries impose taxes on energy drinks, this figure has not improved since 2023. On alcohol, the WHO found that 167 countries levy some form of tax, while 12 have complete bans. However, alcohol has become more affordable in many regions since 2022 because tax rates have not kept pace with inflation and rising incomes. Notably, wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries, largely in Europe, despite its known health risks. The WHO stressed that while industries continue to profit, the public bears the health fallout and societies absorb the economic costs. To address this, the organization has launched its “3 by 35” initiative, calling on countries to increase and restructure taxes so that the real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks rise by 2035, making them less accessible and reducing harm over time. Source: The Hindu

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Government Urges Delivery Platforms to Scrap 10-Minute Delivery Promises to Safeguard Gig Workers

/ Governance Community

The central government has asked online food delivery and quick-commerce companies to abandon rigid “10-minute delivery” guarantees, citing serious concerns over the safety of gig workers operating under intense time pressure. Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday held discussions with senior representatives from platforms including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Zomato. During the meeting, he stressed that delivery partners’ safety should take priority over speed and advised companies to remove strict delivery timelines from their apps, advertisements and promotional campaigns. Following the government’s intervention, Blinkit has reportedly withdrawn its “10-minute delivery” claim across its branding platforms. Other companies also assured the ministry that they would eliminate delivery-time commitments from their advertisements and social media content. The move is being viewed as an important step toward improving working conditions for delivery partners, who often face unsafe situations while rushing through congested city roads to meet aggressive deadlines. Concerns around gig workers’ safety, wages and rights have gained momentum in recent weeks. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been vocal on the issue, consistently drawing attention to the challenges faced by delivery workers. On Monday, he shared a video on social media documenting his experience spending a day as a delivery partner in Delhi. Wearing a quick-commerce jacket and riding pillion on a two-wheeler, Chadha navigated heavy traffic and delivered parcels to highlight the realities of gig work. He said the experience helped him understand workers’ lives beyond policy discussions and corporate boardrooms. Earlier this month, Chadha welcomed the draft social security rules for gig workers, describing them as a crucial first step toward recognition, protection and dignity. Chadha has also supported gig workers who observed a nationwide symbolic strike on New Year’s Eve, demanding fair pay, safer working conditions and social security. The protest, organised by gig worker unions, saw thousands of delivery partners logging off or reducing work across several states, leading to service disruptions on one of the busiest days of the year. Chadha termed their demands legitimate, noting that gig workers are a vital pillar of India’s urban economy. Source: IANS

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CBSE reminds affiliated schools to strictly follow public disclosure rules

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a fresh advisory asking all its affiliated schools to strictly adhere to the Mandatory Public Disclosure norms, with a special focus on keeping their official websites updated with accurate information. The Board has warned that failure to comply may result in action under the CBSE Affiliation Bye-laws. In its communication, CBSE reiterated that maintaining a functional and informative website is a basic condition for both new and existing affiliations. Schools are required to upload comprehensive institutional details online, as specified under various clauses of the Affiliation Bye-laws, making digital transparency a non-negotiable requirement. The Board has directed schools to follow the revised format of Appendix IX and ensure that all prescribed information and documents are correctly uploaded on their websites by February 15, 2026. Under Clause 14.1 of the Bye-laws, schools are obligated to comply with all instructions issued by CBSE. As per Clauses 2.3.8 and 2.4.9, affiliated schools must display key details such as affiliation status, infrastructure facilities, fee structure, student strength, contact details, and complete information about teaching staff along with their qualifications. Schools must also upload valid, self-attested documents in the “Mandatory Public Disclosure” section in line with Appendix IX. CBSE has further reminded schools about Clause 14.5, which requires them to prepare and publish a detailed annual report on their websites by September 15 every year. The report should include the academic calendar, teacher qualifications and professional development, academic performance, sports achievements, environmental initiatives, PTA activities, decisions of the School Management Committee, and total student enrolment. The Board observed that despite multiple reminders, many schools continue to neglect website updates or upload incomplete, incorrect, or invalid information. In several cases, details related to teachers and their qualifications are missing from the Mandatory Public Disclosure section. CBSE stressed that such information is crucial for parents to evaluate a school’s academic standards and teaching resources, and plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability. The Board has cautioned that non-compliance will be considered a violation of Clause 12.2.3 of the Affiliation Bye-laws and may attract penalties as outlined in Chapter 12, according to the official statement. Source: Indian Express

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