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Tata Steel Declares ₹303.13 Crore Bonus for Employees in FY 2024-25

/ Human Resource Community

Tata Steel has announced a bonus payout of ₹303.13 crore for its employees for the financial year 2024-25 after finalizing a memorandum of settlement with the Tata Workers’ Union (TWU). Out of the total, around ₹152.44 crore will be disbursed among 11,446 employees from the Jamshedpur divisions, including the Tubes division, the company confirmed. As per the agreement, the minimum annual bonus (for full attendance) stands at ₹39,004, while the maximum (based on actual attendance) goes up to ₹3,92,213. The company clarified that while most employees earn above the eligibility threshold set by the Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015, Tata Steel will continue its long-standing practice of granting bonuses to all employees in the unionised category, upholding its tradition of employee welfare. The memorandum was signed in the presence of Tata Steel CEO & MD T.V. Narendran, Chief People Officer Atrayee Sanyal, and other senior executives, along with Jharkhand’s Deputy Labour Commissioner Arvind Kumar. Representing the workforce, TWU President Sanjeev Kumar Choudhary and General Secretary Satish Kumar Singh, along with other office bearers, signed the agreement on behalf of the union. Source: PTI

Tata Steel Declares ₹303.13 Crore Bonus for Employees in FY 2024-25 Read More »

CBSE to Roll Out Educational Podcasts, Invites Student Participation from Classes 9–12

/ Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new initiative to develop its own series of educational podcasts and digital content, covering both academic and counselling themes. The board stated that these resources are being designed to offer valuable insights, guidance, and awareness for students, parents, and schools alike. To ensure accessibility, the podcasts will also be released on public platforms such as YouTube. According to CBSE, the move is aimed at strengthening its existing academic and counselling support system by introducing a more flexible, digital-friendly format. The content will focus on topics like exam preparation, academics, mental well-being, and student welfare. Involving Students’ Voices To make the project more engaging, CBSE plans to integrate student perspectives into the podcasts. Students will be encouraged to contribute through short video or audio snippets, testimonials, and interactive discussions. These inputs will be featured on CBSE’s podcasts, social media platforms, and other digital communication channels, making the content more relatable and student-focused. How Schools Can Participate The board has directed affiliated schools to nominate students from Classes IX to XII who are confident, articulate, and interested in taking part. Participation is voluntary and requires written consent from both the students and their parents or guardians, submitted through the respective school. Schools have been asked to share names and brief profiles of nominated students through a Google form link provided by CBSE. The nominations must be submitted within 10 days of the notice being issued. The board emphasized that this is an optional opportunity meant to give students a platform to share their views while enhancing CBSE’s outreach and communication efforts. Source: Indian Express

CBSE to Roll Out Educational Podcasts, Invites Student Participation from Classes 9–12 Read More »

The TODDLERS’ Way – A Panda’s Parenting Guide by Dr. Chandrashekar and Mrs. Saviola Lobo Launched in Hyderabad

/ Press Release

Hyderabad – The TODDLERS’ Way – A Panda’s Parenting Guide by Dr. Chandrashekar and Mrs. Saviola Lobo was officially launched on 30 August 2025 in Hyderabad, in a heartwarming event that brought together dignitaries, parenting experts, and readers. The book presents a calm, compassionate, and practical approach to parenting toddlers, inspired by the balance and gentleness of pandas. The launch program featured a series of inspiring segments, beginning with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. A welcome note was delivered by Mrs. Lalitha Kosaraju, followed by Dr. Chandrashekar’s presentation on “The Journey to the Book.” A lively panel discussion on “Parenting Little Rebels to Shaping Future Leaders” enriched the event with expert insights. The celebration also included a Publisher’s Note by Mr. Vineet Gera, the Book Unveiling Ceremony, and a Keynote Address by Mr. Balasubramanian (Bala Sir). An engaging audience quiz, a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mrs. Saviola Lobo, and a book signing session concluded the day. “Parenting doesn’t have to feel like a constant struggle. With a little more calm, empathy, and rhythm, we can help our toddlers—and ourselves—thrive,” said Dr. Chandrashekar during the launch. “This book is not just a guide—it is a companion for parents. It reflects the everyday challenges and joys of raising little ones, while offering gentle tools to help them grow into confident, kind individuals,” added Mrs. Saviola Lobo. The TODDLERS’ Way – A Panda’s Parenting Guide is now available in print and e-book formats. 🐼 Link to buy / review: https://www.amazon.in/dp/9349999366 (Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content.)

The TODDLERS’ Way – A Panda’s Parenting Guide by Dr. Chandrashekar and Mrs. Saviola Lobo Launched in Hyderabad Read More »

Cable TV Operators Seek GST Cut to 5% Amid Rising Costs

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to lower the goods and services tax (GST) on cable television services from 18% to 5%, citing mounting financial stress and rising consumer bills. In its appeal, the federation argued that such a move would not only align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for GST reforms but also ensure affordable access to television services for millions of households across India. According to AIDCF, cable TV currently reaches more than 64 million homes and sustains around 1–1.2 million jobs. However, the sector is struggling with steep hikes in broadcaster tariffs, shifting consumer preferences, and growing competition from unregulated OTT platforms. “Satellite channel prices have spiked by nearly 600% in recent years, causing a 35–40% surge in monthly consumer bills. A GST cut would help ease this burden and maintain affordability,” said Manoj P. Chhangani, Secretary General of AIDCF. The federation highlighted that the industry, made up of 852 multi-system operators and about 1.6 lakh local cable operators—most of them small entrepreneurs in towns and villages—is under severe liquidity pressure. A lower GST rate, it said, would help sustain operations, curb subscriber churn, and enable investment in broadband services, complementing the government’s Digital India initiative. Representing over 60% of India’s cable TV market, AIDCF has requested that the demand be considered at the 56th GST Council meeting scheduled for September 3–4 in New Delhi. The council is also reviewing a proposal to simplify the GST structure by merging the current four-tier system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) into two slabs—5% and 18%. Source: Economic Times  

Cable TV Operators Seek GST Cut to 5% Amid Rising Costs Read More »

Indian Textile Exporters Fear 5 Lakh Job Losses as US Tariffs Kick In

/ Human Resource Community

Indian textile companies are staring at a crisis as the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on imports from India takes effect from Wednesday. Exporters are rushing to the US to renegotiate existing deals and secure future orders amid growing uncertainty. Industry leaders warn that the impact could be severe, with nearly five lakh jobs—both direct and indirect—at risk. Credit rating agency Crisil has projected that the revenue growth of India’s readymade garment manufacturers could slow to nearly half its current pace due to the tariff shock. “Exporters are urgently reviewing current and future orders with their teams. Our immediate concern is the possibility of massive job losses, with factories facing a bleak future,” said Vijay Agarwal, chairman of the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council and garment exporter Creative Group. He is set to travel to the US this week for buyer negotiations, while also urging the Indian government to direct banks to offer relief on debt repayments. Adding to the industry’s worries, Indian manufacturers now face an uneven playing field. Competitors from China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia enjoy far lower US duties, making Indian products less competitive. “US buyers are demanding discounts to offset the tariff hike, but that’s practically impossible for us. The uncertainty is overwhelming,” said Raja Shanmugam, former president of the Tirupur Exporters Association and MD of Warsaw International. The sector is now looking to the government for urgent intervention as exporters struggle to chart a path forward. Source: Economic Times  

Indian Textile Exporters Fear 5 Lakh Job Losses as US Tariffs Kick In Read More »

AIIMS Gorakhpur to Launch New Academic Courses

/ Health & Wellness Community

AIIMS Gorakhpur has announced the introduction of several new academic programmes, marking a major step towards academic expansion, advanced medical training, and strengthening research at the institute. The approvals were finalized during the 8th meeting of the Standing Academic Committee. The newly sanctioned courses include DM programmes in neurology, pain medicine, clinical pharmacology, and critical care medicine (under the Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine & Critical Care). Additionally, Post-Doctoral Certificate Courses (PDCC) have been approved in trauma anaesthesia, spine trauma, pelvic-acetabular surgery, and adolescent gynaecology. Significantly, some of these, such as the PDCC in adolescent gynaecology, are the first of their kind in India. A Post-Doctoral Fellowship in maternal-foetal medicine (under the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology) has also been introduced. Further, new courses like MS in Trauma Surgery, PhD in Nursing, MSc in Nursing Psychology, and BSc in Operation Theatre Technology have been sanctioned. During the meeting, the institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Ashoka Jahnavi Prasad, highlighted the growing concern of student suicides across institutions. He stressed the urgent need for psychological support and preventive interventions. He further noted that launching specialised courses like MSc in Nursing Psychology will help build a stronger mental health workforce and make psychological care more accessible for students and the wider community. Source: TNN

AIIMS Gorakhpur to Launch New Academic Courses Read More »

Education Minister Urges IITs to Lead India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Mission

/ Education Community

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired the 56th meeting of the IIT Council at IIT Delhi, where key decisions were taken to strengthen IITs as drivers of self-reliance, innovation, and inclusive growth in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbharta se Samriddha Bharat.” Mr. Pradhan called upon IITs to act as catalysts for transformative change rather than incremental progress. He urged the premier institutes to embrace regional languages alongside English to make education more inclusive, and to focus on producing job creators by solving real-world challenges through translational research in critical technologies. Highlighting their contribution to India’s innovation ecosystem, he noted that IITs have nurtured over 6,000 start-ups, 56 unicorns, and nearly 5,000 patents. He expressed confidence that IITs would not only boost employment and economic opportunities but also play a pivotal role in building a Samriddh and Viksit Bharat by 2047. Supported by initiatives such as the PM Research Fellowship, Centres of Excellence in AI, and research parks, IITs are emerging as engines of economic growth in tune with the Prime Minister’s call to “Reform, Perform, Transform.” Minister of State for Education & DoNER Dr. Sukanta Majumdar said IITs were not just centres of learning but engines of Innovation, Inclusion, and Transformation. With 23 IITs, growing international campuses, and a thriving startup culture, he emphasized that IITs are producing global leaders and innovators while ensuring India continues to RISE through Research, Innovation, Skills, and Entrepreneurship. The meeting, attended by senior policymakers, industry leaders, and academicians including Dr. K. Radhakrishnan (former ISRO Chairman), Sridhar Vembu (Zoho CEO), Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar (former UGC Chairman), Prof. T.G. Sitharam (AICTE Chairman), and several IIT chairpersons, focused on: Reforming PhD education and improving global rankings  Strengthening research commercialisation and industry-academia linkages  Adapting curriculum to emerging technologies like AI  Promoting mental well-being of students and faculty  Enhancing alumni networks for mentorship and collaboration  Attracting international students and faculty  The Council also resolved to elevate the IIT R&D Fair into a global innovation platform and draft a policy within a month to accelerate translational research and product development for self-reliance under the IITs@2047 roadmap. Source: NDTV  

Education Minister Urges IITs to Lead India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ Mission Read More »

Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka Meets President Murmu, Strengthens Bilateral Ties with India

/ Governance Community

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday as part of his ongoing official visit to India. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart held bilateral talks in New Delhi, followed by a joint press briefing. PM Modi described India and Fiji as partners with “aspirations that sail in the same boat,” underlining the enduring friendship between the two nations. Key Announcements and Cooperation The talks led to several landmark decisions. India announced support for building a hospital in Fiji, sending agriculture drones, training Fijian cricketers and Hindu priests (Pandits), and deputing Hindi and Sanskrit teachers to the island nation. A joint statement issued after the talks highlighted a strong stance against terrorism. Both leaders “unequivocally condemned” the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism, and rejected any double standards on the issue. They also agreed to work together to counter radicalisation, terror financing, misuse of emerging technologies, and cross-border recruitment by extremist groups. Shared Global Vision India and Fiji pledged to deepen cooperation at the UN and other multilateral platforms to combat terrorism and advance global peace. The leaders also exchanged views on climate justice, inclusive development, and amplifying the voice of the Global South. PM Rabuka commended India’s leadership role in championing the concerns of developing nations. Both sides stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including expanding the Security Council to reflect present-day geopolitical realities. Fiji reiterated its support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UNSC and endorsed India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat for 2028–29. South-South Cooperation The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation, emphasising it as a crucial tool in tackling global challenges and ensuring fairer representation in international governance. Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday to begin his official visit, which will continue until August 26. Source: ANI

Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka Meets President Murmu, Strengthens Bilateral Ties with India Read More »

Russia Eyes Indian Workforce Amid Labour Shortages: Envoy Vinay Kumar

/ Human Resource Community

Russian industries are increasingly turning to India to fill gaps in their workforce. According to India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, companies in machinery and electronics are showing strong interest in recruiting Indian workers. “At a broader level, there is a manpower requirement in Russia and India has a skilled workforce. Within the framework of Russian regulations, laws, and quotas, companies are hiring Indians,” Kumar told TASS. While most Indians currently employed in Russia work in construction and textiles, the demand in machinery and electronics is growing. The influx of Indian workers is putting additional pressure on consular services. Kumar highlighted the growing need for assistance with passports, births, and other essential documentation. To manage the workload, India is opening a new Consulate General in Yekaterinburg. Andrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “By the end of the year, around 1 million specialists from India will come to Russia, including to the Sverdlovsk region.” The region, home to heavy industries such as Uralmash and the T-90 tank manufacturer Ural Wagon Zavod, is struggling with labour shortages as many local workers are deployed in the Ukraine conflict and younger generations shy away from factory jobs. Indian workers first began arriving in Russian regions in 2024, starting with Kaliningrad’s Za Rodinu fish processing complex. Russia’s Labour Ministry projects a workforce deficit of 3.1 million by 2030 and plans to raise the quota for foreign skilled workers by 1.5 times in 2025, allowing 0.23 million hires. Besedin also mentioned Russia’s consideration of labour from Sri Lanka and North Korea, though the process is more complicated. Hiring Indians, however, is seen as a strategic move to sustain industrial output and address long-term workforce gaps in critical sectors. Source: Economic Times

Russia Eyes Indian Workforce Amid Labour Shortages: Envoy Vinay Kumar Read More »

Online Gaming Bill becomes law after President’s assent

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, officially turning it into law just a day after the Rajya Sabha cleared it. The new legislation imposes a complete ban on online money gaming services, prescribing penalties of up to three years in jail and fines as high as ₹1 crore for operators. Advertising such banned platforms could attract up to two years imprisonment and fines of ₹50 lakh. The Rajya Sabha passed the bill in just 26 minutes, following the Lok Sabha’s approval in seven minutes, despite opposition protests questioning the rushed process. Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, defending the law, said millions were being pushed into debt traps. “From time to time, society faces social evils. It is the responsibility of the government and Parliament to intervene with appropriate laws,” he told the House. He also cited official estimates showing that 450 million players have collectively lost over ₹20,000 crore to money-based online gaming. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, stressing that the law will promote e-sports and social gaming while shielding society from the dangers of gambling-driven online games. “This Bill highlights our commitment to make India a hub of gaming, innovation, and creativity. It will encourage healthy gaming while protecting people from harmful effects of money gaming,” he said. However, the decision has sparked outrage within the industry. Representatives of the ₹31,000 crore sector argue that the ban is a “death knell” for legitimate businesses, warning that offshore operators will benefit while Indian companies suffer. They pointed out that the sector employs over 200,000 people and has attracted ₹25,000 crore in foreign investment since 2022. In the immediate aftermath of the law’s passage, major platforms including Dream11 and WinZO announced they would shut down operations. Source: Hindustan Times

Online Gaming Bill becomes law after President’s assent Read More »