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Artificial Intelligence

Delhi Schools Revise Class 9 Rules, Make Vocational Education and Third Language Mandatory

/ Education Community

Delhi schools will implement a revised academic and assessment framework for Class 9 from the 2026-27 academic session, introducing mandatory vocational education and a third language while offering students optional advanced examinations in Mathematics and Science. According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education, Class 9 students will have six core subjects: Language-1, Language-2, Mathematics, Science, Social Science and Vocational Education, or Kaushal Vikas. Performance in these subjects will determine students’ eligibility for promotion to Class 10. Vocational Education has been added as a compulsory subject to provide students with early exposure to practical skills, skill development and employability-oriented learning. The revised framework also makes a third language, designated as R3, compulsory for Class 9. Students will continue with the three-language combination they studied in Class 8 and select one of these as their R3 language. The subject will be assessed at the school level and will be treated as a qualifying requirement, with the marksheet recording students as either ‘qualified’ or ‘not qualified’. Students who fail to qualify in R3 can still be promoted to Class 10 if they meet the remaining promotion requirements. However, they will have to clear the Class 9 third-language assessment while studying in Class 10 and must qualify before appearing for the Class 10 Board examination. Advanced Mathematics and Science Options The new system will provide Class 9 students with the option of taking advanced-level examinations in Mathematics and Science. While all students will appear for the common examinations based on the prescribed syllabus, those interested in studying beyond the standard curriculum can opt for Mathematics Advanced, Science Advanced or both. The advanced examinations will carry 25 marks and have a duration of one hour. They will focus primarily on higher-order thinking skills. Scores from these examinations will not be considered for promotion or included in the overall aggregate. Students who score at least 50 per cent in an advanced examination will have the achievement mentioned on their marksheet. The Directorate has also discontinued the Basic and Standard Mathematics examination structure for Class 9 from 2026-27. The existing system will continue for Class 10 students during the 2026-27 academic year. AI and Computational Thinking to Become Mandatory The revised curriculum also makes Individuals in Society, Art Education, and Physical Education and Well-Being compulsory curricular areas, with assessment conducted at the school level. Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence (CT & AI) will initially be introduced through structured modules across schools during 2026-27. The subject is scheduled to become compulsory from the 2027-28 academic session. New Promotion Criteria Under the revised rules, students will need to secure at least 33 per cent separately in internal assessment/practical and external assessment in each of the six core subjects. They will also need to score a minimum of 25 per cent in the annual examination to qualify for promotion. The Directorate will continue to allow grace marks and compartment examinations. Students who fail in up to three of the six core subjects can appear for compartment examinations. Those who do not meet the requirements for either promotion or a compartment examination will be classified as ‘Essential Repeat’ and will have to repeat Class 9. The changes are aimed at bringing Delhi’s school education system in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023, with greater emphasis on competency-based education, vocational skills, multidisciplinary learning and emerging technologies. Source: PTI

Delhi Schools Revise Class 9 Rules, Make Vocational Education and Third Language Mandatory Read More »

Children Under 13 May Need Parental Consent to Join Social Media, Gaming Platforms Under Proposed Bill

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Children below the age of 13 may be prohibited from creating accounts on social media and online gaming platforms without verified parental consent under a proposed private member’s bill introduced by BJP MP Baijayant Panda. The Safeguarding Healthy Internet Environments for Little Digital-Natives (SHIELD) Bill, 2025, seeks to establish stronger safeguards for children using digital platforms. The proposed legislation would also prevent platforms from tracking, profiling or serving personalised advertisements to minors. The bill was listed for introduction in Parliament on Friday but could not be taken up as proceedings were disrupted by repeated adjournments. Another private member’s bill on preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence to generate realistic replicas of individuals was also scheduled for introduction. Under the proposed legislation, platforms accessible to minors would be required to implement age-verification mechanisms and provide parental-control dashboards. These tools would enable parents or guardians to monitor online activity, adjust privacy settings and control children’s screen time. The SHIELD Bill defines a child as an individual below 18 years of age and proposes specific safety obligations for social media networks, online gaming services and other digital intermediaries. The legislation seeks to prohibit platforms from collecting or using children’s data for tracking, profiling or personalised advertising. It would also require platforms to take measures to limit minors’ exposure to potentially harmful material, including pornography, gambling and simulated betting, violent or extremist content, and information related to drugs. Companies found violating the proposed provisions could face fines of up to ₹10 crore. In cases involving repeated or deliberate violations, authorities could potentially order the temporary suspension or blocking of services under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. However, the proposed legislation still faces a long legislative path. Private members’ bills are rarely enacted into law, with only a small number having successfully cleared Parliament since Independence. Source: Hindustan Times  

Children Under 13 May Need Parental Consent to Join Social Media, Gaming Platforms Under Proposed Bill Read More »

White-Collar Hiring Up 5% in July as AI Recruitment Jumps 33%: Naukri Report

/ Human Resource Community

India’s white-collar job market recorded a 5% year-on-year increase in hiring in July, driven by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) talent and a rebound in information technology (IT) recruitment, according to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report. The JobSpeak Index rose to 3,227 in July from 3,074 during the same month last year, signalling a positive beginning to the second quarter of the current financial year. AI and machine learning (AI/ML) continued to be the fastest-growing hiring segment, registering a 33% annual rise in job opportunities. The report noted that AI-related hiring has maintained strong momentum for more than two years, making it the leading growth area in India’s white-collar employment landscape. The IT and software services sector also witnessed a recovery, with hiring increasing 6% compared to last year. The growth was primarily driven by Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Within the sector, recruitment for AI-focused roles climbed 30%, while demand for IT and cybersecurity professionals rose by 23%. Among industries, the insurance sector recorded the highest hiring growth at 10%, followed by real estate with an 8% increase. Healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) also posted healthy recruitment activity. In contrast, hiring declined across telecom, banking and financial services (BFSI), pharmaceuticals, hospitality and education. Commenting on the trends, Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of Info Edge (India) Ltd, said the July data reflects a job market that is steadily strengthening, with employers continuing to invest in future-ready skills while expanding their workforce. Recruitment of fresh graduates remained strong, growing 6% year-on-year. Hiring also increased across most mid-level and senior-level experience categories, indicating broad-based demand across the employment market. Among major cities, Kolkata led hiring growth with a 17% increase, followed by Hyderabad at 16%, Chennai at 11% and Bengaluru at 8%. Hiring activity in Mumbai and Delhi remained largely unchanged during the month. The report also highlighted a 5% rise in recruitment by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), led by Chennai and Hyderabad, with continued strong demand for experienced AI professionals and premium AI roles. Source: IANS

White-Collar Hiring Up 5% in July as AI Recruitment Jumps 33%: Naukri Report Read More »

IIT Kanpur Launches 6-Month Online AI and Machine Learning Certificate Programme for Business Analytics

/ Press Release

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has announced a six-month online certificate programme in Advanced Data Science and Machine Learning for Business Analytics, designed to help graduates and working professionals strengthen their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data-driven business strategies. The programme is scheduled to begin on October 3, 2026, with admissions remaining open until mid-September 2026. It aims to prepare learners to apply AI-powered solutions and analytics across sectors including finance, marketing, consulting, operations, product management, and business analytics. Eligibility Criteria Applicants from any academic discipline can apply if they have secured at least 55% aggregate marks from a recognised university or institution. Professionals with three or more years of relevant work experience are also eligible with a minimum of 40% aggregate marks, according to IIT Kanpur. Application Process Candidates can apply by following these steps: Visit the official IIT Kanpur course application portal. Click on Apply or Register Interest. Create an account or log in. Complete the online application form. Upload the necessary documents. Pay the application fee. Submit the application. Await admission confirmation from IIT Kanpur. Industry-Focused Curriculum Developed in collaboration with faculty members from leading IITs and IIMs, the curriculum covers Python and R programming, data analysis, data visualisation, machine learning, and generative AI. The programme emphasises practical learning through real-world business applications and hands-on projects. Prof. Abhinav Tripathi, Programme Coordinator and faculty in the Department of Management Sciences at IIT Kanpur, said that AI and machine learning have become indispensable across industries. He noted that the programme has been designed to provide participants with practical, industry-oriented knowledge and hands-on experience to address modern business challenges. According to IIT Kanpur, the course will also help participants develop AI-powered analytics capabilities, automate routine business processes, and generate actionable insights for informed decision-making. Source: Indian Express ( Disclaimer: This report is generated from PRO services. ‘ArdorComm Media’ holds no responsibility for its content. )

IIT Kanpur Launches 6-Month Online AI and Machine Learning Certificate Programme for Business Analytics Read More »

IIM Kozhikode Introduces 20-Week Executive Programme on Product Innovation with AI and Agentic AI

/ Education Community

Responding to the growing demand for artificial intelligence-driven product development, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode has launched a 20-week Executive Programme in Product Innovation with AI & Agentic AI. The programme is designed to equip working professionals with the expertise needed to create AI-powered products and drive innovation in an increasingly AI-centric business environment. The curriculum focuses on enabling participants to move beyond the use of conventional AI tools and develop AI-native products. It covers the complete product development lifecycle, including identifying market opportunities, understanding customer needs, rapid prototyping, deployment, optimisation, and scaling AI-enabled solutions. The programme will be delivered by IIM Kozhikode faculty alongside experienced industry professionals working on cutting-edge AI products. Participants will also attend four live masterclasses covering key topics such as AI-native product design, human-AI interaction, agentic AI systems, and emerging trends in AI-led product innovation. As part of the hands-on learning experience, learners will complete five applied mini projects and a capstone project focused on AI opportunity assessment, customer validation, experimentation, prototyping, agentic workflow development, and deployment-ready product creation. The course also offers practical exposure to more than 20 industry-standard AI and product management tools, including ChatGPT, Claude, Figma, Uizard, n8n, Mixpanel, Amplitude, Miro, Notion, Jira, and Google Looker Studio. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate from IIM Kozhikode. They can also choose an optional one-day campus immersion, available at an additional cost, to engage in networking opportunities and academic interactions. The executive programme aims to help professionals understand how AI is transforming product strategy, business models, user experience, agile development, data strategy, and autonomous workflows, preparing them to build innovative products for the AI-first era. The launch comes at a time when AI adoption continues to accelerate globally. According to the McKinsey State of AI Report 2025, 88% of organisations have integrated AI into at least one business function, compared to 55% in the previous year. Meanwhile, insights from the Forrester 2026 and Figma AI Report 2025 indicate that 51% of AI product teams are now developing agentic AI solutions, a significant increase from 21% in 2024. Source: Indian Express  

IIM Kozhikode Introduces 20-Week Executive Programme on Product Innovation with AI and Agentic AI Read More »

VTU Partners with Google to Boost AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Skills for Engineering Students

/ Education Community

Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has signed a strategic academic partnership with Google LLC to equip engineering students across Karnataka with industry-focused skills, practical learning opportunities and enhanced career readiness. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Bengaluru by VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar and Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India. Under the collaboration, students will receive training in high-demand domains such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data science and cybersecurity. The initiative will also focus on faculty development, helping educators strengthen their expertise while aligning academic programs with evolving industry expectations. Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Prof. Vidyashankar said VTU, which is affiliated with 220 engineering colleges and serves nearly 300,000 students, is committed to ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one. He noted that collaborations with leading technology companies will help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. Sanjay Jain said Google aims to support both students and faculty through practical skill development and employment-oriented training. He added that the programme will introduce learning models aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) and State Education Policy (SEP), enabling participants to use AI more effectively and prepare for future workplace demands. Alongside Google, VTU also announced partnerships with Qualcomm, Bharat Skills Institute Foundation and Simulation Enabled Experiential Learning (SEEL) to further strengthen technical education. Qualcomm, through its subsidiary Stem Lore Innovators LLP, will offer long-term training in AI, embedded systems, product prototyping and the Internet of Things (IoT), while also establishing a Centre of Excellence in Edge AI. The Bharat Skills Institute Foundation plans to develop a Centre of Excellence in phases with an investment of ₹20 crore, focusing on skill-based education and workforce development. Meanwhile, SEEL will introduce a cloud-based digital learning platform that enables students to perform laboratory exercises remotely. The platform will provide access to scientific and technical software, GATE preparation resources, previous years’ question papers, mock tests, AI-powered interview practice, more than 1,900 industry projects and internship opportunities, along with webinars, workshops and expert-led sessions for engineering and MBA students. Source: Indian Express  

VTU Partners with Google to Boost AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity Skills for Engineering Students Read More »

Piyush Goyal Embarks on Europe Tour to Deepen India’s Trade and Investment Partnerships

/ Governance Community

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has begun a five-day official visit to Spain, Belgium, and Finland, aimed at expanding India’s economic engagement with key European partners. The visit, which runs until July 17, will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The first stop is Spain, where Goyal will participate in a business roundtable alongside representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Indian and Spanish business leaders are expected to discuss collaboration across sectors such as automobiles, renewable energy, railways, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, food processing, and tourism. The minister will then travel to Belgium on July 14 and 15 for a series of high-level engagements. His itinerary includes meetings with senior officials from Thales Group and Silox Group, as well as participation in the India-EU Business Roundtable and the Trade and Technology Council Plenary. Key discussions will centre on boosting foreign investment, easing trade, promoting sustainable technologies, and strengthening resilient global supply chains. The final leg of the tour will take Goyal to Finland on July 16 and 17. He is scheduled to attend the India-Finland Business Roundtable and visit leading Finnish companies and research organisations, including Nokia, Kone, Kemppi Group, and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The discussions will explore opportunities for collaboration in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, mobility, and innovation. Source: News on AIR

Piyush Goyal Embarks on Europe Tour to Deepen India’s Trade and Investment Partnerships Read More »

TCS Adds Over 9,200 Employees in Q1 FY27 as Hiring Rebounds; Reports 5% Rise in Net Profit

/ Human Resource Community

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recorded a strong rebound in hiring during the first quarter of FY27, adding more than 9,200 employees and taking its total workforce to 593,798 as of June 2026. The company’s headcount stood at 584,519 at the end of the previous quarter, marking a significant recovery after three consecutive quarters of workforce reductions. TCS had seen its employee count decline from a peak of 613,069 in Q1 FY26 to 582,163 by Q3 FY26, before returning to growth over the last two quarters. The company’s voluntary attrition rate in its IT services business remained stable at 13.6% on a last-twelve-months basis. The company also highlighted continued progress in workforce diversity and employee development. Women now account for 35% of TCS’s global workforce, representing employees from 148 nationalities. During the quarter, employees completed 14.6 million learning hours, acquired 1.3 million new competencies, and more than 3.12 lakh employees enhanced their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Chief Financial Officer Samir Seksaria said the company has implemented annual salary hikes, expanded its partner ecosystem, and made strategic investments to strengthen long-term competitiveness. He added that TCS remains focused on building, acquiring, and partnering to expand its AI-driven capabilities while maintaining healthy profitability and returns. Financially, TCS reported a 5% year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit, reaching ₹13,349 crore in Q1 FY27, compared to ₹12,760 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Revenue from operations grew 14% year-on-year to ₹72,275 crore. The company’s board also approved an interim dividend of ₹12 per equity share for FY27, with July 15 fixed as the record date for eligible shareholders. TCS reported a $9.5 billion order book for the quarter, driven by several major wins, including an $800 million AI-led transformation deal with SKF, a multi-million-dollar strategic partnership with ServiceNow, and another significant contract with a Europe-based Fortune Global 50 company. Source: Economic Times

TCS Adds Over 9,200 Employees in Q1 FY27 as Hiring Rebounds; Reports 5% Rise in Net Profit Read More »

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Partners with SBI Life Insurance to Launch AI-Driven Cyber Defence Innovation Hub for Insurance Sector

/ Education Community

In a major step toward strengthening India’s digital security ecosystem, IIT Bombay has joined hands with SBI Life Insurance to establish the ‘Bharat AI & Cyber Innovation Hub for Insurance’, a dedicated research and innovation centre focused on advancing indigenous artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions for the country’s insurance industry. The initiative is designed to develop AI-powered cyber defence systems that are conceptualised, built, and owned within India, aligning with the government’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of technological self-reliance. With India’s insurance premium market expected to expand at an annual growth rate of 6.9% through 2030, ensuring stronger cyber security infrastructure and safeguarding customer data have become increasingly important priorities. The newly launched innovation hub will drive research and development across key emerging areas including artificial intelligence, cyber security, quantum technologies, and digital insurance ecosystems. Beyond technology development, the partnership will also focus on executive education programmes, talent development, innovation incubation, strategic consulting, and deeper collaboration between academia and industry stakeholders. One of the central goals of the collaboration is to create homegrown cyber defence capabilities, reducing India’s reliance on imported security technologies while enhancing the country’s preparedness against rapidly evolving digital threats in the financial services sector. The initiative will additionally help build a strong pipeline of skilled professionals in AI and cybersecurity, allowing students and researchers to engage directly with real-world industry challenges. According to IIT Bombay, the hub is expected to transform advanced research into deployable solutions while becoming a benchmark model for future partnerships between educational institutions and highly regulated industries, accelerating innovation-led growth in critical sectors. Source: Indian Express  

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Partners with SBI Life Insurance to Launch AI-Driven Cyber Defence Innovation Hub for Insurance Sector Read More »

IAMAI Appoints JioStar Sports CEO Ishan Chatterjee as New Digital Entertainment Committee Chairman

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has announced the appointment of Ishan Chatterjee, CEO of JioStar Sports, as the new Chairman of its Digital Entertainment Committee (DEC), succeeding Kiran Mani. Kiran Mani, who recently stepped down from his role as CEO – Digital at JioStar, is preparing to join OpenAI as Managing Director for Asia Pacific. Before stepping down, Mani had been leading IAMAI’s Digital Entertainment Committee and played a key role in shaping discussions around India’s growing digital media ecosystem. Commenting on his appointment, Ishan Chatterjee said India’s digital entertainment sector is entering a period of rapid expansion, driven by the intersection of technology, evolving consumer habits, and creative innovation. He highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between content platforms, creators, brands, and policymakers to accelerate innovation, build consumer trust, and effectively leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. He emphasized that consumers remain central to this transformation, continuously influencing how entertainment is created, distributed, and consumed. Chatterjee added that he looks forward to working closely with the industry to drive the next phase of growth and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in digital entertainment. Meanwhile, Deepit Purkayastha, co-founder and CEO of Inshorts, will continue serving as co-chair of the committee. IAMAI stated that its Digital Entertainment Committee plays a critical role in bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss policy, regulatory, and business issues impacting India’s streaming and digital media sector, while also promoting innovation and long-term industry development. Source: Economic Times

IAMAI Appoints JioStar Sports CEO Ishan Chatterjee as New Digital Entertainment Committee Chairman Read More »