ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Monday, July 7, 2025 11:41 AM
logo
Menu
logo

community

Zomato and Swiggy Deny Antitrust Violations Amidst CCI Investigation Claims

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

In response to recent media reports suggesting antitrust violations, food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy denied any wrongdoing, labeling the claims “misleading.” The reports indicated that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had initiated an investigation into the business practices of both companies. In a statement to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Zomato clarified that while the CCI began a preliminary inquiry in April 2022, no final findings or penalties had been issued. According to Zomato, the investigation followed a CCI “Prima Facie Order” from April 2022 that raised concerns regarding platform practices, such as preferential listings of restaurant partners and price parity requirements across platforms. Zomato’s Company Secretary, Sandhya Sethia, emphasized that these practices are in compliance with the Competition Act of 2002 and do not disrupt market competition. Swiggy echoed a similar sentiment, calling the media reports “misleading” and clarifying that the CCI’s inquiry is still in a preliminary stage. Swiggy, which filed details of the investigation in its September 2024 DRHP (Draft Red Herring Prospectus), emphasized that no conclusions have been drawn. The CCI’s Director General is still examining aspects of Swiggy’s operations, including business conduct, and Swiggy expects to submit further responses before a final decision is made. Both companies reaffirmed their dedication to transparency and regulatory compliance. Zomato assured stakeholders that there have been “no further reportable events” since the preliminary inquiry began, while Swiggy pointed out that the investigative process has yet to yield any determinations or actionable orders. This scrutiny follows a 2022 complaint by the National Restaurant Association of India, which alleged that Zomato and Swiggy’s practices restricted competition by requiring price parity from restaurants, impacting both restaurant margins and competitive market conditions. As Swiggy nears the close of its $1.4 billion IPO bids, both companies await further developments from the CCI’s review. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

Zomato and Swiggy Deny Antitrust Violations Amidst CCI Investigation Claims Read More »

PM Modi Praises CM Nitish Kumar’s Governance, Inaugurates AIIMS and Key Projects in Bihar

Leave a Comment / / Governance Community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, praised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his contributions to Bihar’s development, describing his governance as a shift from the “Jungle Raj” era to a model of “sushashan” (good governance). Modi’s remarks came during an event in Darbhanga, Bihar, where he laid the foundation stone for an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and inaugurated infrastructure projects totaling over ₹12,000 crore. “Nitish Babu has established a governance model that has pulled Bihar out of the shadows of Jungle Raj,” Modi stated, highlighting the transformation under Kumar’s leadership. With Nitish Kumar on stage, Modi noted the progress achieved under the NDA’s “double engine” government, driving Bihar towards all-around growth. Modi also acknowledged Nitish Kumar’s persistent efforts to bring AIIMS to Darbhanga, crediting the Chief Minister’s initial request alongside late BJP leader Arun Jaitley. In his speech, Modi emphasized the importance of improving medical facilities across smaller towns and noted that, under his government, the number of AIIMS hospitals has expanded from just one since independence to nearly 24. Additionally, the PM highlighted the increase in medical colleges, which has doubled in the last decade, resulting in more doctors and medical seats nationwide. Darbhanga AIIMS, he noted, would help address Bihar’s healthcare needs and produce skilled doctors for the state and the country. In line with promoting education in regional languages, Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to offering medical education in Hindi and other languages—a tribute to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur’s vision. Modi also addressed Bihar’s annual flood challenges in the Kosi-Mithila region, revealing plans to collaborate with Nepal and allocate ₹11,000 crore towards flood mitigation. He concluded by announcing new healthcare initiatives, including a cancer center in Muzaffarpur and an eye hospital in collaboration with Kanchi Kamakoti Peeth. Present at the event were Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Nityanand Rai, and Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. Source: Times of India Photo Credit: Times of India

PM Modi Praises CM Nitish Kumar’s Governance, Inaugurates AIIMS and Key Projects in Bihar Read More »

Altera Digital Health Joins The Sequoia Project to Strengthen National Health Information Interoperability

Leave a Comment / / Health & Wellness Community

Altera Digital Health, a leader in healthcare IT, has announced its membership in The Sequoia Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing secure, nationwide health information exchange. By joining, Altera will collaborate closely with government and industry stakeholders to drive interoperability initiatives, while supporting clients using its dbMotion™ Solution, a data platform designed to harmonize patient data across systems for improved outcomes. The Sequoia Project works to overcome interoperability challenges, promoting solutions that enable seamless data sharing and informed decision-making in healthcare. Through this collaboration, Altera aims to support its clients in meeting interoperability standards and facilitating better continuity of care across healthcare organizations. “As a strong advocate of frameworks like FHIR, Altera is fully committed to enabling the secure and efficient exchange of health information,” said Mariann Yeager, CEO of The Sequoia Project. “We welcome Altera’s contributions and look forward to our joint efforts to improve patient care and support providers nationwide.” Altera’s Executive Vice President of dbMotion, Kevin Ritter, emphasized that “true interoperability will revolutionize healthcare by improving quality, reducing costs, and enhancing accessibility. Joining The Sequoia Project reinforces our mission to empower clients with advanced digital frameworks to achieve these goals.” About Altera Digital Health: Altera Digital Health delivers innovative technology solutions designed to advance healthcare delivery. Altera empowers healthcare organizations with digital health solutions that drive better patient outcomes and guide healthcare into a more connected future. Learn more at www.alterahealth.com. About The Sequoia Project: The Sequoia Project is a non-profit collaborative that brings together public and private stakeholders to resolve interoperability barriers and facilitate nationwide health data exchange. As the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) for the ONC’s TEFCA, The Sequoia Project plays a key role in implementing and maintaining secure, interoperable health information exchange across the U.S. Source: Business Wire Photo Credit: Business Wire

Altera Digital Health Joins The Sequoia Project to Strengthen National Health Information Interoperability Read More »

Frontier Communications Shareholders Approve Merger with Verizon in $38.50/Share All-Cash Deal

Leave a Comment / / Human Resource Community

Frontier Communications (NASDAQ: FYBR) announced that its shareholders have approved the acquisition by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) in a recent vote, with approximately 63% in favor. This merger agreement, first revealed on September 5, 2024, values Frontier at $38.50 per share in cash—a 37% premium above its pre-announcement share price. Pending regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close by Q1 2026. Frontier CEO Nick Jeffery expressed confidence in the combined entity’s potential to expand premium fiber services nationwide, benefiting millions more consumers through the expanded network. Frontier, the U.S.’s largest pure-play fiber provider, continues its commitment to “Building Gigabit America®,” delivering high-speed broadband connectivity to drive productivity for homes and businesses. Frontier shareholders’ positive vote and Verizon’s strategic acquisition align both companies’ goals in providing reliable, high-speed internet access to underserved areas. The forward-looking statements included in Frontier’s communication highlight factors that could impact the merger’s completion, including regulatory and shareholder approval, potential competing acquisition offers, and the transaction’s effect on business operations. As of now, the combined expertise of both companies is expected to accelerate fiber network reach and meet growing demands for high-speed connectivity across the U.S. Source: Business Wire Photo Credit: Business Wire

Frontier Communications Shareholders Approve Merger with Verizon in $38.50/Share All-Cash Deal Read More »

Air India-Vistara Merger Finalized; New Entity to Operate Over 5,600 Weekly Flights

Leave a Comment / / Human Resource Community

Air India has announced the completion of its merger with Vistara, creating a unified full-service airline that will now operate over 5,600 weekly flights across more than 90 destinations. This merger is a significant milestone for India’s aviation industry, strengthening Air India’s domestic and international presence with services on 103 domestic and 71 international routes. The integration grants Singapore Airlines a 25.1% stake in the expanded Air India. This move comes on the heels of the October 1, 2024, merger of Air India’s low-cost carriers, Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), marking the completion of Air India Group’s restructuring post-privatization. “This merger represents the end of our restructuring and consolidation phase,” remarked Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, who acknowledged the extensive planning and teamwork that ensured a seamless transition for customers. As part of the integration, Vistara’s final flight departed from Delhi to Singapore, marking the end of its nearly decade-long journey as a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines. The new entity’s inaugural international flight, designated ‘AI2286,’ traveled from Doha to Mumbai, while the first domestic flight, ‘AI2984,’ linked Mumbai and Delhi. To streamline booking, former Vistara flights are now identified with the code ‘AI2XXX’ under Air India’s operations. Initially announced in November 2022, the merger follows Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India from the government in January 2022. With Air India, Vistara, and AIX Connect, the conglomerate now controls a 29% share of India’s domestic market as of September, signifying Tata’s growing influence in reshaping Indian aviation. Source: Business Times Photo Credit: Business Times

Air India-Vistara Merger Finalized; New Entity to Operate Over 5,600 Weekly Flights Read More »

IIT Delhi Surpasses IIT Bombay in QS World Rankings 2025, Becoming India’s Top University

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

In a notable shift in the QS World University Rankings 2025, IIT Delhi has overtaken IIT Bombay to become India’s highest-ranking university. This year’s rankings underscore the remarkable progress of India’s higher education system within Asia, with two Indian institutions in the top 50 and seven in the top 100. IIT Delhi rose to the 44th position, an improvement from last year’s 46th, bolstered by an employer reputation score of 99%. IIT Bombay follows closely at 48th, achieving an impressive employer reputation score of 99.5% and an academic reputation score of 96.6%. One of the most significant leaps was made by the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), which climbed 70 spots to secure 148th, marking the biggest improvement among Indian institutions. Additionally, five Indian institutions—namely, IIT Madras (56), IIT Kharagpur (60), Indian Institute of Science (62), IIT Kanpur (67), and the University of Delhi (81)—secured places within the top 100. The University of Delhi advanced significantly from 94th to 81st place, receiving a score of 96.4% in the International Research Network indicator. Meanwhile, Anna University achieved a perfect 100 in the Papers Per Faculty indicator, highlighting India’s strength in academic research. Further achievements include North Eastern Hill University and the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, both attaining perfect scores in the faculty-student indicator, showcasing top-tier academic environments. The high standards across Indian universities were further evidenced by 15 institutions scoring above 99% in the staff with PhD indicator, reflecting the country’s emphasis on advanced teaching and research. The upward trajectory of Indian universities in the QS rankings is a testament to the country’s commitment to strengthening its educational and research foundations on a global scale. Source: ABP Live Photo Credit: ABP Live

IIT Delhi Surpasses IIT Bombay in QS World Rankings 2025, Becoming India’s Top University Read More »

GTRI Report Urges India to Enhance Local Vaccine Production and Safety Monitoring

Leave a Comment / / Human Resource Community

India should expand its domestic vaccine manufacturing and research to ensure greater control over vaccine safety and meet public health needs, according to a recent report from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). Released on Monday, the report advocates for bolstering India’s vaccine capabilities, emphasizing that locally produced vaccines could be better tailored to the specific health requirements of India’s population. GTRI also recommended that the Indian government establish a comprehensive system to track and investigate all adverse health events following vaccinations. Such a system would not only enhance transparency but also improve public trust in future vaccine rollouts by ensuring a clear record of potential health impacts. The report gained added significance with the recent release of The Pfizer Papers: Crimes Against Humanity, a publication that has sparked international dialogue regarding vaccine safety and ethical transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. GTRI noted that this development has brought renewed attention to the importance of ethical practices and prioritizing public health over profit. Ajay Srivastava, GTRI’s founder, highlighted the potential of The Pfizer Papers insights to guide future global health strategies. “As the world prepares for future pandemics, the insights from The Pfizer Papers provide a foundation for building safer, more effective, and more trustworthy vaccination strategies,” Srivastava stated. He emphasized that the lessons learned can ensure that public health remains at the forefront of global vaccine responses, reinforcing the need for countries like India to prioritize self-sufficiency in vaccine development and safety standards. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard  

GTRI Report Urges India to Enhance Local Vaccine Production and Safety Monitoring Read More »

IIT Madras and Vidhi Centre Recommend Participatory AI Governance Model for Inclusive Development

Leave a Comment / / Governance Community

A recent study by IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, advocates a participatory governance model for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India, aiming to set a global standard for inclusive AI development. The report emphasizes that involving diverse stakeholders in AI’s lifecycle enhances accountability, transparency, and fairness in AI systems. The research, spearheaded by IIT Madras’ Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI), brings together technologists, legal experts, and policy researchers to explore the benefits of a participatory approach. Real-world case studies across sectors reveal how public involvement can yield AI systems that are better aligned with societal values and ethical standards. “The widespread adoption of AI has fundamentally reshaped our public and private sectors,” explained Prof. B. Ravindran, Head of CeRAI, IIT Madras. He highlighted a key finding: those impacted by AI systems often lack a voice in their development. “This study aims to close that gap by recommending participatory approaches that prioritize responsible, human-centric AI development,” he added. The report also provides a practical, sector-agnostic framework for identifying and integrating diverse perspectives throughout the AI development process. Shehnaz Ahmed, Lead for Law and Technology at the Vidhi Centre, noted that while the value of inclusivity in AI is recognized, frameworks for its implementation remain unclear. “Our findings demonstrate how a structured, participatory model can guide ethical development, especially in sensitive applications like facial recognition and healthcare,” she explained. This groundbreaking study suggests that a participatory model not only strengthens public trust but also accelerates AI’s acceptance across sectors by fostering transparency and accountability. With global relevance, the framework aims to support ethical, safe, and equitable AI practices worldwide. Source: Shiksha.com Photo Credit: Shiksha.com

IIT Madras and Vidhi Centre Recommend Participatory AI Governance Model for Inclusive Development Read More »

Air India Pilots Frustrated Ahead of Vistara Merger Over Retirement Age Discrepancy

Leave a Comment / / Human Resource Community

As Tata Group prepares to merge Air India and Vistara, a growing number of Air India pilots are reportedly dissatisfied due to differences in retirement age policies between the two airlines. While Air India mandates a retirement age of 58 for its pilots and other staff, Vistara allows its pilots to work until 60. This disparity has raised concerns about equal treatment for employees within the merged entity, as the management has yet to address this issue. The merger, set for completion on November 11, is part of Tata Group’s strategic move to consolidate its aviation interests. Although efforts were made to align salary structures and working conditions for employees across both airlines, sources say the retirement age discrepancy remains unresolved, leaving Air India pilots feeling at a disadvantage. “Air India pilots are losing out on two years of service compared to their Vistara counterparts, and with no clear resolution in sight, frustration is mounting,” said an insider who wished to remain anonymous. Under India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations, pilots are eligible to work up to the age of 65, providing airlines flexibility in setting retirement ages. In response to growing concerns, Air India introduced a policy in August allowing retired pilots to be re-employed on contract for up to five years, with the option of extension until 65. However, employees argue that this solution does not address the underlying disparity between the airlines. The retirement age difference adds to an existing sense of inequity, as some Air India pilots have reportedly found themselves ranked lower in the seniority list compared to less-experienced Vistara pilots in the unified seniority structure. Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India in January 2022 aimed to streamline operations, but these unresolved issues underscore the complexities of integrating two established airlines with differing policies and cultures. As the merger approaches, Air India pilots hope for a resolution that ensures fairness and equal opportunities for all employees within the combined entity. Source: thehindubusinessline Photo Credit: thehindubusinessline

Air India Pilots Frustrated Ahead of Vistara Merger Over Retirement Age Discrepancy Read More »

CBSE Revokes Affiliation for 21 Schools, Downgrades 6 in Surprise Inspections in Delhi and Rajasthan

Leave a Comment / / Education Community

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has disaffiliated 21 schools and downgraded 6 others across Delhi and Rajasthan following surprise inspections conducted on September 3, 2024. These inspections aimed to ensure compliance with the Board’s Affiliation and Examination Bye-Laws, specifically addressing mandatory attendance requirements. CBSE’s actions target the issue of “dummy” or non-attending admissions, which compromise the quality of education and student growth. During the inspections, several schools were found in violation of these standards, resulting in Show Cause Notices. Schools had 30 days to respond to the Board’s concerns, but following a review of responses and video evidence, CBSE decided to take disciplinary action. Key Actions Taken: Disaffiliation: 21 schools lost CBSE affiliation due to high numbers of non-attending students in classes IX-XII. Downgrading: 6 schools were downgraded from Senior Secondary to Secondary level. CBSE reiterated its commitment to quality education and a zero-tolerance stance against dummy enrollments. This initiative emphasizes lawful educational practices and encourages all affiliated institutions to uphold these values. Schools Losing Affiliation Include: Khemo Devi Public School (Delhi) The Vivekanand School (Delhi) Sant Gyaneshwar Model School (Delhi) Prince Uch Madhyamik Vidyalaya (Sikar, Rajasthan) Lord Buddha Public School (Kota, Rajasthan) Downgraded Schools Include: Adarsh Jain Dharmic Shiksha Sadan (Delhi) B.S. International School (Delhi) Bharat Mata Saraswati Bal Mandir (Delhi) These measures by CBSE underscore its commitment to uphold educational integrity and maintain rigorous standards across affiliated schools. Source: ABP Live Photo Credit: ABP Live

CBSE Revokes Affiliation for 21 Schools, Downgrades 6 in Surprise Inspections in Delhi and Rajasthan Read More »