ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 4:08 AM
logo
Menu
logo

community

Odisha to Provide Free Civil Services Coaching for Aspirants in Kalahandi

/ Education Community

Civil service aspirants in Odisha’s Kalahandi district will soon have access to free coaching under a new initiative called Mission Akankhya. The programme, launched on Independence Day, is being rolled out through a partnership between the Kalahandi district administration and Vision IAS, New Delhi. As part of the agreement, signed by Kalahandi Collector Sachin Pawar and Vision IAS Vice-President Deepali Chaturvedi, the district administration will provide infrastructure support, while Vision IAS will offer training to 60 selected candidates annually. Students will be chosen through a written examination and interview, with coaching available in both classroom and online formats. Registration for the entrance test will open on August 22, and the selection exam is scheduled for September 21. The training sessions are expected to begin in Bhawanipatna from the first week of October. Chaturvedi highlighted that Vision IAS has previously extended similar initiatives to aspirational districts in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. However, this marks the first such programme in Odisha, aimed at empowering youth from Kalahandi, one of the districts identified under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). Source: PTI

Odisha to Provide Free Civil Services Coaching for Aspirants in Kalahandi Read More »

PwC India Unveils Vision 2030, to Add 20,000 Jobs and Triple Revenue in Five Years

/ Human Resource Community

PwC India has announced an ambitious expansion plan under its Vision 2030, aiming to grow its workforce to 50,000 employees within the next five years by creating 20,000 new jobs. The consulting major is targeting a threefold increase in revenue, committing over 5% of annual revenues to technology, innovation, and capability building. The company will sharpen its focus on areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, risk and regulatory compliance, cloud, and cybersecurity, positioning itself to help clients navigate rapid market disruptions. Chairperson Sanjeev Krishan emphasised the firm’s goal of building a “future-ready workforce,” with investments in upskilling, women in leadership, and inclusive career growth from entry-level to the boardroom. PwC India will allocate 1% of its revenues to learning initiatives while expanding its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to support decentralised economic growth and align with the government’s vision of self-reliant local economies. Recruitment will focus on sector-specific and digital expertise, with growth anchored in six priority sectors: financial services, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, automotive, technology, media, and telecom. Additionally, the company will explore emerging “horizon sectors” to secure an early strategic foothold. Source: PTI

PwC India Unveils Vision 2030, to Add 20,000 Jobs and Triple Revenue in Five Years Read More »

IISc Study Warns of Bird Flu Strain’s Rising Threat to Humans

/ Health & Wellness Community

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have raised concerns that the currently circulating H5N1 bird flu strain could be evolving to pose a greater risk to humans. The team, led by Kesavardhana Sannula from the Department of Biochemistry, found that the 2.3.4.4b clade of H5N1 carries genetic mutations similar to those seen in past pandemic influenza strains, enhancing its ability to adapt to human hosts. The study revealed that viruses capable of infecting foxes may have a higher human adaptation potential than those infecting cattle — a surprising finding. H5N1, first detected in birds about 30 years ago, has since caused sporadic human infections and widespread fatalities in birds and mammals, making it a panzootic concern. Using computational analysis of thousands of protein sequences from birds, mammals, and human influenza viruses, the researchers identified mutations concentrated in the viral polymerase complex (PA, PB2), nucleoproteins, and haemagglutinin (HA) proteins — key elements that could aid the virus in crossing the species barrier. The findings underscore the need for heightened surveillance and preparedness to mitigate potential outbreaks. Source: Indian Express

IISc Study Warns of Bird Flu Strain’s Rising Threat to Humans Read More »

UPSC to Mark 100 Years with Year-Long Centenary Celebrations from October 2025

/ Education Community

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will celebrate a century of its establishment with a year-long series of programmes starting October 1, 2025, and concluding on October 1, 2026, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday. The decision was finalised in a recent meeting chaired by UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar. “Since its inception, UPSC has stood as a symbol of transparency, fairness, and merit-based selection, ensuring that only the most capable candidates are chosen for senior government positions through a rigorous and impartial process,” Kumar said. Marking the milestone, the Commission will unveil a special centenary logo and tagline that reflect its service to the nation. Several new reforms and initiatives are also planned during the anniversary year. Inputs from UPSC employees have been invited to shape the celebrations, with many suggestions already under consideration. Kumar noted that the centenary is not only a time to honour UPSC’s legacy but also an opportunity to introspect, innovate, and chart a roadmap for the next 100 years, aiming to strengthen its role in nation-building by selecting the country’s finest human resources. The UPSC traces its origins to October 1, 1926, when the Public Service Commission of India was set up under the Government of India Act, 1919, following the Lee Commission’s recommendations in 1924. Renamed the Federal Public Service Commission in 1937, it took its current name with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. Today, the UPSC is responsible for conducting various recruitment examinations for government roles, including the prestigious Civil Services Examination, which selects officers for the IAS, IFS, IPS, and other services. Source: PTI

UPSC to Mark 100 Years with Year-Long Centenary Celebrations from October 2025 Read More »

Over 170 Million Tune In to JioHotstar for Record-Breaking Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between India and England drew unprecedented digital viewership, with JioHotstar attracting over 170 million users — the highest-ever reach for a Test series online. The dramatic finale at The Oval saw the fifth day of the fifth Test hit a record peak concurrency of 13 million, setting a new benchmark for live Test match streaming. Across the series, fans clocked an astounding 65 billion minutes of watch time on JioHotstar, captivated by nail-biting finishes and gripping sessions that kept the nation hooked. Marking the start of India’s ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 journey, the series also signalled a fresh leadership era and renewed drive to dominate red-ball cricket. Coverage was streamed in five languages — English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada — enhancing accessibility for fans nationwide. Siddharth Sharma, Head of Content – Sports at JioStar, hailed the achievement: “The response to India’s tour of England reaffirms Test cricket’s unmatched storytelling power. Crossing 170 million viewers and setting concurrency records is a testament to both the thrilling cricket and our commitment to immersive coverage.” Behind-the-scenes series Follow The Blues offered fans exclusive glimpses into training and team dynamics, while the live segment When India Challenged the Crown revisited India’s rich Test history in England. JioStar now turns its focus to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, kicking off in India on September 30. Source: Economic Times

Over 170 Million Tune In to JioHotstar for Record-Breaking Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 Read More »

Air India Raises Retirement Age for Pilots to 65, Non-Flying Staff to 60

/ Human Resource Community

In a major policy shift, Air India has decided to increase the retirement age for its pilots from 58 to 65 years and for non-flying employees from 58 to 60 years, according to sources. The announcement was reportedly made during a townhall meeting addressed by CEO and MD Campbell Wilson. This move aligns Air India’s superannuation norms with those of its erstwhile subsidiary Vistara, which merged with the airline in November 2024. Currently, Air India employs around 24,000 people, including approximately 3,600 pilots and 9,500 cabin crew. While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) already permits commercial pilots to fly until 65, most Air India pilots had their contracts extended beyond 58 on an individual basis. It remains unclear whether the retirement age for cabin crew — presently 58 years — will also be revised. The decision follows a period in which several pilots and cabin crew members resigned, and during the merger process, differences in retirement policies between Air India and Vistara had sparked dissatisfaction among a section of staff. Source: PTI

Air India Raises Retirement Age for Pilots to 65, Non-Flying Staff to 60 Read More »

Lok Sabha Passes National Sports Governance Bill to Reform India’s Sporting Framework

/ Governance Community

New Delhi – The Lok Sabha on Monday cleared the landmark National Sports Governance Bill, a key reform aimed at creating a transparent, accountable, and world-class sports administration system as India prepares to bid for hosting the Olympics. The bill was passed in the absence of the opposition, which was protesting over the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya described the legislation, alongside the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025, as a vital step toward strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem to meet international standards. He noted that while sports have been an integral part of Indian heritage — often linked to warfare — post-independence, the sector did not receive the necessary focus. “Despite our size, India’s Olympic and global sporting performance has been below expectations. This bill aims to change that,” he said. Key Features of the Bill: The National Sports Governance Bill establishes a legal framework to regulate National Sports Federations (NSFs), ensuring fair governance, athlete protection, and administrative accountability. Its provisions include: Transparent governance standards for NSFs. Implementation of safe sport protocols and grievance redressal systems. Standardized election processes to avoid disputes. Measures to ensure gender diversity in leadership roles. Stronger athlete representation in decision-making bodies. Financial transparency and stricter oversight. One of its most notable provisions brings the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the NSF governance framework. Once enacted, the BCCI will be required to seek annual recognition, and its legal disputes will be handled by a new National Sports Tribunal. Neither the BCCI nor its affiliated state bodies will be able to directly approach courts for dispute resolution. The bill also tackles ten chronic issues in Indian sports administration, ranging from recurring litigation and lack of dedicated dispute resolution bodies to the absence of legal backing for safe sport mechanisms. Age & Tenure Provisions: Addressing long-standing debates, the bill permits office-bearers to complete their term even if they turn 70 during tenure. It also sets clear tenure rules — a maximum of three terms of four years each (12 years in total) — with a mandatory cooling-off period of one term before re-election if they have served three consecutive terms. This legislation, previously returned twice by the Cabinet and once by Parliament due to disagreements, now marks a significant policy win for the BJP-led NDA government. Source: Economic Times

Lok Sabha Passes National Sports Governance Bill to Reform India’s Sporting Framework Read More »

CBSE to Roll Out Open-Book Assessments for Class 9 from 2026-27

/ Education Community

Starting from the 2026-27 academic year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce open-book assessments (OBAs) for Class 9 students. The move, approved by the board’s Governing Body in June, is based on a pilot study that tested the feasibility and acceptance of the format in schools. The initiative aims to shift the focus from rote learning to competency-based education, in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under this system, students will be allowed to consult textbooks, class notes, and other approved materials during exams. The format will be applicable to core subjects such as languages, mathematics, science, and social science, and will be integrated into the three pen-and-paper tests conducted in each term. While CBSE will issue standard guidelines, schools will have the option to adopt the format. The decision follows a pilot project conducted after its approval in December 2023, which tested OBAs in Classes 9 to 12. Results revealed a performance range of 12% to 47%, highlighting difficulties in applying resources effectively and grasping interdisciplinary concepts. However, many participating teachers expressed confidence in the system’s potential to boost critical thinking skills. CBSE has previously experimented with similar formats, introducing the Open Text-Based Assessment (OTBA) in 2014 for Classes 9 and 11. In that model, students received reference materials months ahead of exams, but it was discontinued in 2017-18 due to limited success. To ensure smoother execution this time, the board plans to provide model question papers, detailed guidelines, and training for schools. Officials believe these measures will help students develop analytical and problem-solving abilities, aligning assessment practices with NEP 2020’s vision for future-ready learning. Source: NDTV

CBSE to Roll Out Open-Book Assessments for Class 9 from 2026-27 Read More »

Breakthrough in Understanding Childhood Immunity to Strep A Could Accelerate Vaccine Development

/ Health & Wellness Community

A team of scientists has uncovered how young children naturally build immunity against Group A Streptococcus (Strep A), a bacterial infection responsible for up to half a million deaths worldwide each year. The finding could significantly speed up the creation of a life-saving vaccine. Strep A is a common bacterium that can cause mild illnesses like sore throat and skin infections, but in severe cases, it can trigger life-threatening diseases. While deaths from Strep A are rare in wealthier nations, outbreaks can be devastating. In late 2022, a surge in cases across the UK and Europe claimed hundreds of lives, including those of many children. The burden is far greater in low- and middle-income countries, where thousands die annually from the infection. Researchers from the University of Sheffield, working with the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, tracked how Gambian children acquire natural immunity. Published in Nature Medicine, the study identified specific antibodies linked to protection from Strep A, marking a crucial step toward vaccine design. The team observed that babies are born with some immunity passed down from their mothers, but this protection fades quickly. Young children, however, develop robust antibody responses to different components of the bacteria after repeated exposure. This discovery pinpoints a key window for immune development, which could guide more effective vaccination strategies. Lead researcher Dr. Alex Keeley said this is the first time scientists have seen in humans how antibodies generated through vaccination might prevent Strep A infections. Gambian scientist Fatouamta Camara described the infection’s “devastating burden” on communities and expressed hope that a vaccine could break the cycle of illness and socio-economic hardship. The research was a collaboration between Sheffield’s Florey Institute of Infection and the GSK Vaccine Institute for Global Health. Professor Thushan de Silva, who co-directed the study, emphasised the importance of cross-institutional efforts in delivering impactful global health research. Source: PTI

Breakthrough in Understanding Childhood Immunity to Strep A Could Accelerate Vaccine Development Read More »

Majority of Indian Firms Lack AI Governance Amid Soaring Data Breach Costs: IBM Report

/ Governance Community

A new IBM study has revealed that a significant portion of Indian companies remain unprepared to tackle the cybersecurity challenges posed by rapid AI adoption. According to the Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, nearly 60% of Indian organizations either do not have an AI governance policy in place or are still developing one, highlighting a concerning disconnect between the use of artificial intelligence and the implementation of necessary safeguards. The report underscores a growing vulnerability, as India records its highest-ever average cost of a data breach — ₹220 million in 2025, reflecting a 13% spike from ₹195 million the previous year. The increase is attributed largely to companies deploying AI tools without adequate risk management frameworks or access controls. IBM’s global analysis suggests this is not an isolated trend. While businesses worldwide are embracing AI technologies, security infrastructure is struggling to keep pace, creating fertile ground for cyberattacks on unmanaged AI systems. In India, the statistics are alarming: Only 37% of organizations have instituted AI-specific access controls. A mere 42% have mechanisms in place to detect or manage “shadow AI” — unauthorized AI tools used without IT oversight. Shadow AI has now emerged as one of the top three contributors to breach-related costs, adding an average of ₹17.9 million to each incident. However, a majority of organizations have yet to implement tools or protocols to monitor these hidden threats. When it comes to breach causes, phishing remains the leading culprit, responsible for 18% of incidents, followed by third-party and supply chain vulnerabilities (17%) and exploitation of known system flaws (13%). The research sector topped the chart with the highest average breach cost at ₹289 million, closely followed by transportation (₹288 million) and industrial sectors (₹264 million). Despite the clear advantages of using AI-powered cybersecurity solutions — which the report notes can cut breach-related costs by more than 50% — a staggering 73% of Indian organizations report minimal or no deployment of AI-driven security automation. The findings stress an urgent need for enterprises to not only accelerate their adoption of AI governance frameworks but also invest in AI-based defense mechanisms to reduce vulnerability and financial exposure in an increasingly digital world. Source: IBM

Majority of Indian Firms Lack AI Governance Amid Soaring Data Breach Costs: IBM Report Read More »