ArdorComm Media Group

Friday, February 13, 2026 12:03 PM

Gujarat

Sheena Johnstone discussed various possibilities for Nursery Story in the Indian market.

‘The standard of people speaking and the group discussions and everything has been really great” said Sheena Johnstone, Founder & CEO, Nursery Story at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024’ on 10th February 2024 at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat hosted by ArdorComm Media Group. How do you think nursery story will impact the lives of individuals when it comes to teaching their toddlers?  Nursery story is an amazing way for teachers to communicate exactly what’s happening during the day. Things like, what they’re eating, what they’re drinking, and if they are going to the toilet. Also, they can click pictures and share and instantly with parents. So, the parents don’t feel like they’re missing out on anything, and then the child can continue because they know what they have eaten, what to expect, and what are the things they have learned throughout the day with the child. How did this idea come to you—integrating AI and technology for the nursery kids and helping their parents to give more attention and more time to the kids?  So, I have three grandchildren, my youngest, when she was starting nursery, I was shocked by the little information that we got. We didn’t get any information on her, she had a great day, and that was it, no information about the details of the day like what she was doing, what she was playing with, and that’s when the idea came. There had to be a better way of communicating. When you can order a pizza on a tablet, why can’t you have your child’s information when your child is so important to you. Now you have that information during the day and I think for a parent it is vital.  Is Nursery Story planning any future projects or any more software like this?  The wonderful time that we had here, the people that we have met, our partners in India also we have Indian developers and a company here that developed our product, So they have suggested that there was a need in India for this kind of product, and we have been delighted at the uptake, the people that we have spoken to, and the excitement it has created. So India will be doing a lot more business.  Can we expect this to be worldwide or just for India?  I hope so, but India is a very big market, and we have just been delighted to do our best for the all Indian people here and to produce and continue producing a software that they need.  What was the overall takeaway from this event?  It’s just been amazing the standard of people speaking and the group discussions and everything has been really great. The quality of the speaker, the university lecturer, has also been quite amazing.  

Sheena Johnstone discussed various possibilities for Nursery Story in the Indian market. Read More »

Ministry of Education Unveils Prerana: A Transformative Learning Initiative

The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has unveiled a transformative initiative, the ‘Prerana: An Experiential Learning Program.’ This week-long residential program is designed to provide a meaningful and inspiring experience to selected students from class IX to XII, fostering leadership qualities and aligning with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Rooted in the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education, Prerana aims to integrate these principles into its curriculum. The program will take place at a Vernacular School established in 1888 in Vadnagar, Gujarat, one of India’s oldest living cities. The school, a testament to Vadnagar’s resilience against challenges like earthquakes, stands as a living heritage site with deep historical roots. Prerana’s curriculum, developed by IIT Gandhi Nagar, revolves around nine value-based themes, including Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya. The program’s schedule includes yoga, mindfulness, and meditation sessions, experiential learning, thematic sessions, and hands-on activities. Evening activities encompass visits to ancient sites, film screenings, and talent shows, providing a holistic approach to learning. The program is open for registration through a dedicated portal, where applicants can submit details for consideration. A rigorous selection process will identify 20 participants (10 boys and 10 girls) each week from diverse regions of the country. The selected participants will benefit from mentorship by professionals from prestigious institutions. Prerana’s vision is to inspire the youth, instill respect for India’s unity in diversity, and contribute to creating a flame-holder for a developed Bharat. Upon completion of the program, participants are expected to carry the ethos of Prerana into their communities, becoming change-makers and inspiring positive transformations. The initiative underscores a commitment to empowering the youth, aligning with the ideals of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and emphasizing the program’s role in shaping the future of the nation.

Ministry of Education Unveils Prerana: A Transformative Learning Initiative Read More »

Thailand Boosts Tourism with Tax Cuts and Extended Hours

Thailand has rolled out a new initiative to stimulate tourism by approving tax cuts on both alcoholic beverages and entertainment venues. The country’s cabinet has given the green light to significant reductions, including lowering wine taxes from 10% to 5% and completely eliminating taxes on spirits, which were previously set at 10%. Additionally, the excise tax imposed on entertainment venues is set to be halved, dropping from 10% to 5%. These tax adjustments are slated to remain in effect until the end of the current year, as confirmed by government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. This move follows Thailand’s recent decision to extend the operating hours of entertainment venues, allowing them to remain open until 4 AM. The extended hours are a strategic move to cater to night owls and entice more tourists to visit the country. Notably, Thailand had earlier announced a visa waiver for travelers from India and Taiwan, effective from November 2023 until May 2024. During this period, tourists from these regions can enjoy a stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. India has emerged as the fourth-largest source of tourism for Thailand, with approximately 1.2 million arrivals this year, trailing behind Malaysia, China, and South Korea. Government data reveals that, from January to October 29, 2023, Thailand welcomed a total of 22 million visitors, contributing 927.5 billion baht (around $25.67 billion) to the country’s economy. The visa waiver for Indian and Taiwanese travelers aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to attract more tourists and revitalize its crucial tourism sector. The decision to extend the operating hours of entertainment venues and implement tax cuts on alcoholic beverages and entertainment venues is part of a series of measures aimed at boosting foreign arrivals. These initiatives follow the waiver of visa requirements for Chinese visitors in September, a move targeting one of Southeast Asia’s significant sources of tourists and reflecting the government’s commitment to revitalizing the tourism industry, a key driver of the economy.

Thailand Boosts Tourism with Tax Cuts and Extended Hours Read More »

Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape

Delhi has reported its first case of the JN.1 COVID variant, as per live updates on the pandemic. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has promptly issued guidelines in response to this new case. As of December 26, India has recorded a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases, according to sources from the Health Ministry. The distribution of cases reveals 36 in Gujarat, 34 in Karnataka, 14 in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 6 in Kerala, 4 in Rajasthan, 4 in Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana. Wednesday witnessed a spike in the daily COVID-19 cases in India, with 529 new infections reported in a single day. The active infection count in the country stands at 4,093, with three new fatalities documented within 24 hours – two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. This surge in cases follows a period of relative decline, with daily case numbers dropping to double digits until December 5. The resurgence is attributed to the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the WHO has emphasized that, based on current evidence, the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low. The classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest underscores the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the evolution of the virus.

Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape Read More »

COVID-19 Update: Rising Cases, Advisory in Himachal, JN.1 Variant Spreads

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, several Indian states are urging citizens to adhere to coronavirus protocols. As of December 25, Kerala leads with 3,096 active cases, followed by Karnataka (436), Maharashtra (168), Gujarat (56), and Tamil Nadu (139). The Union Health Ministry reported 69 cases of the JN.1 COVID subvariant in the country. In response to the variant’s presence, Himachal Pradesh health officials issued an advisory. Chief medical officers are instructed to test individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, emphasizing vigilance. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar from Una recommended immediate testing for those with symptoms like cold, fever, or cough, while stressing the importance of mask-wearing. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed 34 cases of the JN.1 variant in the state, reassuring the public that the situation is under control. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing that the health minister would provide updates. In a surprising turn, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal threatened to reveal a purported ₹40,000-crore “Covid scam” if expelled from the party. Yatnal alleges that the Karnataka BJP government, led by B S Yediyurappa, engaged in massive corruption during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delhi’s Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that the city’s COVID positivity rate is around 1%. While advising caution during winter festivals, he assured the public that additional genome sequencing is being conducted. Meanwhile, a new COVID-19 case surfaced in Khurda district, Odisha, bringing the state’s total to three. All three individuals exhibit mild symptoms and are undergoing home treatment. Responding to the escalating cases, the Karnataka government’s coronavirus sub-committee implemented measures, including mandatory mask-wearing, home isolation, and caution against sending symptomatic children to schools. Dr. Shekhar C Mande, former Director-General of CSIR, emphasized the significance of disease surveillance in India, not only for COVID-19 but also for tracking the spread of various infections, including antimicrobial resistance. He highlighted the usefulness of surveillance methods such as wastewater analysis in detecting variants like JN.1. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled JN.1 as a ‘variant of interest,’ distinct from its counterpart BA.2.86. Despite this, WHO maintains that the risk from JN.1 remains low for now

COVID-19 Update: Rising Cases, Advisory in Himachal, JN.1 Variant Spreads Read More »