ArdorComm Media Group

Digital Transformation

Andhra Pradesh Partners with Wadhwani Foundation for AI-Driven Governance

In a significant step toward AI-driven governance, the Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with the Wadhwani Foundation (WF) to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, and Drones into governance. The agreement was signed between Katamneni Bhaskar, Secretary of Information Technology, Electronics & Communication (ITE&C) Department, and Prakash Kumar, CEO of Wadhwani Centre for Government Digital Transformation (WGDT). Key Objectives: Enhancing service delivery and optimizing government schemes Implementing AI-driven solutions for greater efficiency and transparency Leveraging AI-based data analysis to refine policies and streamline programs Boosting citizen engagement through technology-enabled governance A critical component of this initiative is capacity building among government officials. The state will introduce an AI Bootcamp under WGDT’s ‘AI Champions’ and ‘AI Enablers’ programmes to train government employees in AI applications. Additionally, AI-enabled online resources will be provided for continuous digital learning. This partnership is a pro-bono effort, with both GoAP and WF contributing resources and expertise to drive effective AI adoption. Katamneni Bhaskar, Secretary of ITE&C, stated: “Andhra Pradesh is committed to leveraging AI for better governance and public service efficiency.” With this collaboration, Andhra Pradesh is set to become a pioneer in AI-powered governance, ensuring smarter policies and improved citizen services. Source: Indian express

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Digital Transformation to Boost Indian Media Revenue Growth to 8% by FY2027

The Indian media industry is projected to witness annual revenue growth of 8% by FY2027, driven by the increasing shift toward digital platforms, according to a recent CRISIL Ratings report. This marks an improvement from the 5% annual growth recorded between FY2019 and FY2024. The report, which analyzed 20 media companies accounting for 55% of the industry’s revenue, estimates that media revenue will reach approximately ₹60,000 crore by FY2027. Alongside revenue expansion, operating margins are expected to improve by nearly 500 basis points (bps) to 18%, aided by cost rationalization. Key Growth Drivers: Rising digital ad revenue as consumer preferences shift to online content Growth in traditional ad revenue from print, fueled by domestic retail demand in FMCG, automobiles, education, e-commerce, and real estate Increasing smartphone penetration, low-cost mobile data (approx. $0.2 per GB), and widespread 5G adoption Despite the delayed digital transformation by Indian media firms, the segment’s revenue share is expected to increase from 12% in FY2024 to over 18% by FY2027. However, high manpower, content creation, and marketing costs have kept digital ventures unprofitable, with the industry reporting a 20% operating loss in FY2024. Manish Gupta, Senior Director at CRISIL Ratings, stated: “To better leverage the digital wave, media companies have begun focusing on OTT platforms, social media, and mobile apps.” However, improved targeted advertising and customer segmentation are expected to enhance digital profitability, according to Ankit Hakhu, Director at CRISIL Ratings. At least 8 out of 20 companies in the study have successfully identified the right audience fit, allowing for more cost-effective promotional strategies. The report also warns of potential risks, particularly fluctuations in newsprint (NP) prices, which account for 30-40% of costs. Unexpected price surges, like the 23% spike in FY2023, could impact overall industry profitability. Conclusion: With an accelerated digital shift and stronger ad revenues, India’s media industry is poised for sustained growth. However, firms will need to optimize digital investments and mitigate supply chain risks to fully capitalize on this transformation. Source: Business Standard

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Onsurity Partners with Snowflake to Revolutionize Data Infrastructure

Bangalore-based Onsurity, a leading employee healthcare platform, has partnered with AI-driven data cloud platform Snowflake to enhance its data infrastructure. The collaboration aims to improve scalability, real-time data availability, and AI-driven innovation across Onsurity’s business verticals. By leveraging Snowflake’s advanced features, Onsurity can now process large data volumes efficiently, optimize costs, and refine its healthcare insurance services for SMEs and startups. The company, which serves over 8,000 businesses, plans to integrate AI and machine learning within Snowflake’s environment to personalize healthcare offerings and predict user trends. “Our teams now have faster access to insights, allowing us to tailor services based on real-time user behavior,” said Sarvendu Singh, CTO of Onsurity. He emphasized that Snowflake’s rapid deployment, security, and compliance features make it the ideal choice for scaling operations while maintaining cost efficiency. Onsurity utilizes Snowflake’s Change Data Capture (CDC) to extract incremental data changes, ensuring real-time insights without duplication. The partnership also addresses key challenges like data governance and role-based access control, enhancing security and operational efficiency. As India’s insurance sector continues to grow, Onsurity’s AI-driven transformation positions it at the forefront of the industry, setting a new benchmark for data-driven healthcare solutions. Source: Economic Times

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PM Modi Highlights Role of Digital Public Infrastructure and AI in Global Inclusive Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data-driven governance in achieving inclusive global growth. Responding to a post by WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the PM highlighted their pivotal role in reshaping lives worldwide: “Thank you for your support and valuable insights. The emphasis on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and data for governance is key to achieving inclusive growth and transforming lives globally.” Strengthening SDGs with Technology PM Modi’s vision aligns with global initiatives like the Global Digital Compact and the Global DPI Summit 2024, which underscore the need for equitable deployment of technology. The seamless integration of DPI and AI is proving instrumental in creating jobs, enhancing healthcare and education, and reducing inequality. Technology, when inclusive and citizen-centric, unlocks new avenues for growth and strengthens faith in democratic principles. Systems built with open, interoperable, and scalable designs enable businesses of all sizes to connect efficiently, empowering families and communities while fostering economic resilience. Prioritizing Privacy and Trust PM Modi stressed the need for transparent, secure, and equitable data governance principles to protect privacy and intellectual property while ensuring trust in digital systems. Foundational and frontier AI models trained on diverse datasets were highlighted as critical for accommodating global cultural and linguistic diversity. Indian Culture Resonates Globally In a separate post, PM Modi lauded Jonas Masetti and his team for promoting Indian culture through their Sanskrit performance of the Ramayan. “It is commendable how Indian culture is making an impact all over the world. I had mentioned Jonas during a #MannKiBaat program for his passion towards Vedanta and the Gita,” the PM said. This dual emphasis on leveraging modern technology and celebrating cultural heritage underscores India’s holistic approach to sustainable, inclusive development on the global stage. Source: pmindia.Gov.in Photo Credit: pmindia.Gov.in

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Who is Subodh Kumar Singh, NTA Chief Removed After NEET, NET ‘Leaks’?

Subodh Kumar Singh, the chief of the National Testing Agency (NTA), was removed from his position on Saturday night following allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG and UGC-NET exams. Singh has been placed on compulsory wait in the Department of Personnel and Training, while retired 1985 batch officer Pradeep Singh Karola has been appointed as the interim chief until a permanent replacement is named. Over the past two months, the NTA has faced scrutiny over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in two of India’s major competitive examinations. Subodh Kumar Singh, who has maintained a low profile throughout his career, found himself at the center of this controversy. A native of Uttar Pradesh, Singh holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and an MBA from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. Before his appointment as NTA chief in June 2023, Singh served as the additional secretary in the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. Singh’s career includes nine years at the Chhattisgarh Secretariat from 2009 to 2018, where he worked under the state’s three-time BJP Chief Minister Raman Singh. He held various positions, including joint secretary, deputy secretary in personnel and general administration, special secretary, and director for personnel management. He also served as the secretary to the Chief Minister, managing director of the state’s electricity distribution department, and secretary of the mineral resources and industries and commerce department. During his tenure in Chhattisgarh, Singh was credited with significant achievements such as digitizing the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), transforming the state’s mineral sector, and improving road connectivity in Naxal-affected areas. He also played a key role in developing airports in Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Ambikapur, and expanding the state’s rail network. Despite being perceived as close to former Chief Minister Raman Singh, Singh was appreciated by leaders across political lines for his work. His tenure remained free from major controversies, even amidst corruption allegations against Raman Singh’s government. In recognition of his contributions, Singh received a national award in 2002 from the Ministry of Rural Development for excellence in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. In 2019, he received another national award for digital transformation and transparency in mineral auctioning. Colleagues describe Singh as an “honest and straightforward” officer. A retired colleague from the CMO referred to him as “a gem of an officer and an asset to the government,” calling for a thorough inquiry into the current allegations against him.

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Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley, Pro Chancellor, Jeppiaar University, Chennai expressed the future prospect of JPR University

“We prioritize their upskilling by sending them for faculty development programs and sponsoring their participation in conferences” said Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley Can you tell us more about JPR University and its initiatives in digital transformation and student development? JPR University, a state private university operational for the past two years, prioritizes initiatives such as AI-powered learning management systems and digital transformation. We focus on incorporating ability enhancement courses and promoting English as a second language, considering them as crucial aspects for student development. We are grateful to Arcom for providing us with a platform to share our views and experiences, and we look forward to collaborating with them in the future. How does your institution prioritize teacher training and upskilling? At JPR University, we believe that teachers are pivotal in the education sector. Hence, we prioritize their upskilling by sending them for faculty development programs and sponsoring their participation in conferences. We ensure that they play a vital role in education and maintain their happiness, as they are integral to our educational endeavors. What does the term “New Normal” mean to you in the context of education? For me, “New Normal” signifies a continuous process of renewal, refreshing, and reliving the path of education. It emphasizes adapting to changing circumstances and embracing innovative approaches to education to meet evolving needs effectively. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group, considering their role in education forums like this one? ArdorComm Media Group has been truly fantastic and fabulous in its endeavors. Despite being relatively young, they have maintained quality, consistency, and played a vital role in various education stakeholders’ businesses, including students and faculty. I wholeheartedly support and stand by their efforts, and I believe they will continue to excel in their contributions to the education sector. Thank you for hosting this forum and providing a platform for meaningful discussions.

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Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder and CEO of ArdorComm Media Group, Reflects on the Media Venture’s Journey and Aspires to Become the Largest Voice of Community Empowerment in India

“We aspire to bring the community stakeholders on a common platform and open the doors for networking and collaboration. We want to emerge as the largest media voice of the community”, said Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group at ‘ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. ArdorComm Media Group has recently celebrated its 2nd Anniversary, you are spreading across India, tell us about your journey so far and how you’ve emerged as a growing media group? Our journey has been a challenging yet exhilarating rollercoaster ride. Through leaps and bounds, we’ve celebrated numerous successes as well as a few failures. I have enjoyed the journey of success & learned from failures. With 17-18 years of rich experience in the media industry, I then ventured into opening our own media start-up and named this organization ‘ArdorComm Media’. This was during the second wave of COVID, in a situation of uncertainty & challenges, we overcame hurdles and identified it as the opportune moment to commence our own Media Venture. We were connected with the stakeholders in the tech segment in the communities of healthcare, education, human resources, media, entertainment, art & in government sector. We tried to bring all the community stakeholders on a common platform and opened the doors for networking and collaboration. After having a good experience working with renowned media houses in the country and having exposure to regional dailies (vernaculars) & English newspapers, we thought to enter into the Digital space. The motto of our organization is to empower communities with socio-digital transformation. We want to become the Media voice for these 5 communities. As an overview how do you see this journey as a major achievement? Entrepreneurship will develop only when you have experience working in various companies, where you understand the hierarchy, the roles & responsibilities, and the responsibility of chasing targets & delivering them on time. How are you contributing to making your company happy, and your clients & stakeholders happy, that comes with a lot of experience & expertise. When your journey goes into that space & when you are very focused on what you have to become, then, you spend that time enthusiastically & willingly. I was very closely working with the editorial team, advertisement & sales team. So, I know both sides of the table. Also, readership plays a very crucial & important role and everything in today’s scenario is driven by content. If you publish fresh & new content, readers-listeners-viewers get engaged with you & they also motivate you to ask about your next content, blog, or story. Then you feel good about when they like your efforts & work. How do you see ArdorComm Media thriving in India in the upcoming years? As an entrepreneur, my vision for ArdorComm Media involves going deep into the segments, I want to go regional, exploring more cities, and more states. I aspire to invite stakeholders across various domains to our platform to share their experience & knowledge. The ultimate goal for ArdorComm Media is to emerge as the largest media voice of the community, playing a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the overall growth and development of the industry and society. We want to learn with them, we want to grow with them.

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TRAI Launches Consultation Paper on 5G Ecosystem’s Role in India’s Digital Transformation

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper titled “Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem.” The primary aim of this paper is to address policy challenges and propose an appropriate policy framework to expedite the adoption and effective use of new technologies within the 5G ecosystem, contributing to the comprehensive and sustainable development of India’s economy. The Ministry of Communications has emphasized that India is currently undergoing a rapid digital transformation, significantly impacting its economy and society. Reliable mobile communication technologies play a pivotal role in achieving the objectives set forth by the Digital India program. These technologies are bolstering the economy and empowering citizens by enabling services like the unified payment interface (UPI) and various innovative government-to-business (G2B) and government-to-citizen (G2C) applications. With the emergence of technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and the Metaverse, India stands on the cusp of unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. India initiated its 5G services on October 1, 2022, with telecom service providers actively expanding the 5G network across the entire nation. The government has launched multiple initiatives to develop 5G infrastructure and promote research and development in this domain. TRAI has also issued recommendations to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks and services in the country. Collaborative efforts spanning various sectors have been undertaken to expedite the rollout of 5G. Beyond just infrastructure deployment, it is crucial to develop and deploy new use cases for both consumers and enterprises to realize the full potential of 5G technology. When 5G is combined with AI, extended reality (XR), and IoT, it will enable businesses and society to fully harness the benefits of these technological advancements. However, achieving this vision necessitates effective collaboration across the ecosystem, involving Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), infrastructure providers, and the government. Adequate infrastructure upgrades, fiberization for 5G deployment, and network densification are essential elements to fully reap the benefits of this technology across various industries. The adoption of 5G will depend on factors like dedicated research and development investments to create India-specific use cases, increased enterprise involvement, affordable devices, and consumer adoption. To accomplish these goals, TRAI has proactively released this consultation paper to identify policy challenges and propose a suitable policy framework. The objective is to expedite the adoption and effective utilization of new technologies, ultimately contributing to the holistic and sustainable development of India’s economy through the 5G ecosystem. The consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website, www.trai.gov.in, for input from stakeholders. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the issues under consideration by October 30, 2023, and counter-comments, if any, by November 13, 2023. Comments and counter-comments should preferably be submitted electronically via email to advadmn@trai.gov.in, with a copy to vibhatomar@trai.gov.in. For further clarification or information, stakeholders may reach out to Vandana Sethi, Advisor (Admin & IR), at 11-23221509.

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Tech-Driven Education: The Rise of E-Learning in the Digital Age

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In today’s digital age, technology has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our lives, including education. Traditional classrooms are no longer the sole avenue for learning, as e-learning has emerged as a prominent alternative. Enabled by technology, e-learning provides a flexible, accessible, and personalized approach to education. This blog explores the rise of e-learning and its transformational impact on the educational landscape in the digital era. The Advent of E-Learning: E-learning, or electronic learning, refers to the delivery of educational content through digital platforms and technologies. It encompasses a wide range of formats, including online courses, virtual classrooms, interactive modules, and educational apps. The proliferation of internet access and digital devices has fuelled the growth of e-learning, enabling learners to access educational resources anytime, anywhere. Accessibility and Inclusivity: One of the significant advantages of e-learning is its accessibility and inclusivity. With e-learning platforms, individuals can pursue education irrespective of their physical location or personal circumstances. It breaks down barriers to education, allowing learners to study at their own pace, accommodating work schedules, family responsibilities, and other commitments. E-learning also caters to diverse learning styles and needs, providing a personalized learning experience for each student. Also Read: Importance of Early Childhood Education: Setting the Foundation for Future Success Technological Enablers: The rise of e-learning is closely intertwined with the advancements in technology. Various technological enablers have played a pivotal role in the growth of e-learning. High-speed internet connectivity has made it possible to deliver multimedia-rich educational content seamlessly. Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have made learning on the go a reality. Additionally, cloud computing has provided a scalable and cost-effective infrastructure for e-learning platforms. Interactive and Engaging Learning: E-learning offers interactive and engaging learning experiences through multimedia elements, simulations, gamification, and virtual reality. These technologies create immersive environments, fostering active participation and enhancing knowledge retention. Gamification techniques, such as badges, leaderboards, and rewards, motivate learners and transform the learning process into an enjoyable experience. Personalization and Adaptive Learning: Technology-driven education enables personalized and adaptive learning experiences. E-learning platforms leverage data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms to assess learners’ abilities and adapt the content and pace accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that students receive targeted instruction, support, and challenges, leading to improved learning outcomes. Flexibility and Lifelong Learning: E-learning has unlocked opportunities for lifelong learning and continuous skill development. With the flexibility offered by e-learning platforms, individuals can update their knowledge, acquire new skills, and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving job market. Professionals can pursue online certifications and courses to enhance their career prospects, and learners of all ages can engage in self-paced learning journeys. Also Read: Empowering Learners: The Role of New-Age Teaching Mechanisms in Upskilling Global Collaborative Learning: The digital age has connected learners from around the world, fostering global collaborative learning. E-learning platforms facilitate communication and collaboration among students and educators across geographical boundaries. Learners can engage in virtual discussions, peer reviews, and group projects, expanding their perspectives and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Overcoming Challenges: While e-learning offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges. The digital divide, lack of reliable internet access, and technological literacy gaps pose barriers to equal access and participation. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, educational institutions, and technology providers to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to quality education. Conclusion E-learning has experienced an unprecedented rise in the digital age, transforming the way we learn and acquire knowledge. With its accessibility, personalization, interactivity, and global connectivity, e-learning has become a driving force in education. As technology continues to advance, e-learning is poised to further revolutionize the educational landscape, empowering learners of all ages to unlock their potential and pursue lifelong learning in the digital era.Top of Form The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm Media

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