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

/ 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

/ 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

/ 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

/ 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

/ 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  

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

/ 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

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

/ 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

/ 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

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Ongoing 2024 Media Industry Job Cuts: BBC, ABC News, and Others Impacted

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The media industry continues to face a wave of layoffs in 2024, with significant cutbacks affecting journalists and editorial staff across the UK, US, and beyond. Following a challenging 2023, where 8,000 journalism jobs were lost in major markets, 2024 has already seen around 2,500 jobs eliminated by September, as reported by Press Gazette. The recent rounds of layoffs in October and November have impacted legacy and digital-native publications alike. The BBC announced the largest reduction with 185 job cuts, including the cancellation of programs like Hardtalk and Click, plus restructuring BBC radio’s overnight content. Other recent job losses include nine journalists at National World in the UK, reductions at City AM in London, and layoffs at Fandom, GovExec, and Oahu Publications in the US. City AM has shifted its print focus away from Mondays, while digital publisher Fandom has endured its fourth layoff round since 2022. GovExec let go of 16 staff members, affecting titles like Government Executive and Route Fifty, and Oahu Publications in Hawaii is cutting 13 roles, including key editorial staff. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) voiced concerns over job cuts at National World, stating that reductions in Manchester and Sunderland would further strain already understaffed newsrooms, affecting local journalism quality. This sentiment echoed through the industry, with media professionals and organizations calling for greater stability amidst shifting audience preferences and economic pressures on traditional and digital publishers alike. Press Gazette continues to track these developments, noting that alongside layoffs, some publishers have introduced selective hiring to focus on digital growth, as seen with City AM’s new digital initiatives. As the industry grapples with financial constraints, further job cuts remain possible, making 2024 a turbulent year for media employment and journalism integrity. Source: pressgazette.co.uk Photo Credit: pressgazette.co.uk

Ongoing 2024 Media Industry Job Cuts: BBC, ABC News, and Others Impacted Read More »

I-STEM takes its efforts to boost Research Collaboration to Ladakh for the First Time

/ Press Release

DELHI, 8th November 2024: I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map), an initiative from the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, has taken its efforts to revolutionise research collaboration in India by enhancing industries and Startups’ accessibility to research facilities and labs to the Ladakh Region for the First Time. I-STEM conducted its flagship ‘Samavesha’ at the University of Ladakh on 5th November 2024 to create awareness of the I-STEM National Portal. The Samavesha Project connects industries, researchers and start-ups looking to avail advanced scientific equipment with an academic institution that has the requisite equipment. This saves the researchers, industry and start-ups the prohibitive capital expenditure of purchasing advanced equipment. At the National level, this prevents duplication of resources in the research institutions. Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mehta, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, this was the first time the Samavesha event was being organized in North India, marking a significant milestone for boosting research in the region. This event, the sixth Samavesha event nationally, was intended to create awareness of the impact and accessibility of the I-STEM National Portal under the tagline ‘Linking Researchers and Resources.’ As a visionary platform, I-STEM is a comprehensive aggregator, connecting researchers to publicly funded laboratories and scientific equipment across India. Highlighting the need for such events in remote parts of the country, Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator, I-STEM, said, “The vision of I-STEM is to create a future where one million New-Age researchers, brimming with ideas, are seamlessly connected to a network of 10,000 cutting-edge labs across India. By 2024, I-STEM aims not only to connect individuals to equipment but also to ignite a collaborative ecosystem where start-ups, industries, and academia co-create the next wave of innovation.” Dr. Harilal Bhaskar added, “I-STEM looks forward to new institutions and researchers registering and participating in the event. Public users and research labs are encouraged to provide feedback during the event to inform future decisions about the I-STEM program.” Dr. Harilal Bhaskar also explained how the I-STEM portal can be a game-changer for academic researchers, startups, and industries alike, positioning I-STEM as one of the major Government-funded aggregator platforms transforming India’s R&D landscape. He emphasized that the event would enable participants to engage in knowledge-sharing, explore research opportunities, and access resources to drive advancements in the region. Key academic and administrative figures attended the workshop. They included Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research; Dr. Jigmet Yangchan, Chief Scientist and Head, MRI & CISIC; Dr. Mohd Hussain, Dean of Sciences and Coordinator, DST-PURSE; and Dr. Jigmet Dachen, DSW and I/C administration, University of Ladakh. Esteemed guests included Dr. Harilal Bhaskar, National Coordinator and Chief Operating Officer of I-STEM, and Mr. Narmdeshwar Pandey, Functional Manager at I-STEM. The program also saw active participation from faculty members and participants from various institutions. The School of Agricultural Science and Technology (Leh campus), Government Polytechnic College, Leh, and the Science Departments of the Leh and Kargil campuses of the University of Ladakh played significant roles in ensuring the event’s success.

I-STEM takes its efforts to boost Research Collaboration to Ladakh for the First Time Read More »