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States Asked to Keep Vigil After 8 Zika Cases in Maharashtra

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News on Health 2 ArdorComm Media Group States Asked to Keep Vigil After 8 Zika Cases in Maharashtra

On Wednesday, the Centre ordered states to maintain vigilance due to Zika virus spread in Maharashtra, with eight cases reported by July 2: six in Pune, one each in Kolhapur and Sangamner. Spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, Zika usually causes mild symptoms but poses risks for pregnant women, potentially causing microcephaly in the fetus. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, issued an advisory for constant monitoring. The Health Ministry urged screening pregnant women and tracking fetal growth as per guidelines, given the infection’s neurological consequences. Affected areas must prioritize vigilance, screening, and monitoring efforts. The Centre on Wednesday asked states to maintain a state of constant vigil over the Zika virus situation in the country amid reports of the spread of the mosquito-borne infection in various districts of Maharashtra. As of July 2, Maharashtra has reported eight cases of Zika virus infection: six from Pune and one each from Kolhapur and Sangamner. Zika virus is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, similar to dengue and chikungunya. It spreads when a mosquito carrying the virus infects a person. Experts say the infection doesn’t cause severe symptoms in most cases and subsides in a few days. However, in the case of pregnant women, the infection is known to affect the fetus and cause microcephaly (reduced head size), making it a major concern. According to the health ministry, Director General of Health Services Atul Goel has issued an advisory to states highlighting the need for maintaining constant vigilance. As Zika is associated with microcephaly and neurological consequences in the fetus of the affected pregnant woman, the health ministry said on Wednesday, states have been advised to alert clinicians for close monitoring. “States are urged to instruct the health facilities to screen pregnant women, monitor the growth of the fetus of expecting mothers who have tested positive for Zika and act as per central guidelines,” it said.

Maharashtra College Bans Jeans, T-Shirts, and Jerseys on Campus

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News on Education 3 ArdorComm Media Group Maharashtra College Bans Jeans, T-Shirts, and Jerseys on Campus

Acharya Marathe College in Chembur, Maharashtra, has sparked controversy by banning jeans on campus and enforcing a formal dress code for male students. The official notice stated that students wearing jeans would not be allowed to enter the college premises. The notice also specified that male students must wear formal attire, while female students are permitted to wear ethnic or Western dress, provided it does not reveal their religion. The notice emphasized that students should not wear any dress that displays religious affiliation or cultural disparity. “Students can wear half shirts or full shirts and trousers. Girls can wear any Indian or Western outfit. Students shall not wear any dress which reveals religion or shows cultural disparity,” the notice read. It further stated, “Nakab, Hizab, Burkha, Stole, Cap, Badge, etc., shall be removed while going to common rooms on the ground floor and then only they can move throughout the college campus. Torn jeans, T-shirts, revealing dresses, and jerseys are not allowed.” Following the release of the notice, some students who did not attend college on the day the notice was issued were barred from entering the premises the next day due to the new dress code. In response, at least nine female students approached the Mumbai High Court to challenge the college’s order.

Maharashtra Govt Allocates ₹9.4 Crore for Healthcare Facilities During Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari

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News on Health 2 ArdorComm Media Group Maharashtra Govt Allocates ₹9.4 Crore for Healthcare Facilities During Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari

The Maharashtra government has allocated over ₹9.4 crore to provide healthcare facilities for pilgrims during the Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari. Of this, ₹2.40 crore is earmarked for medicines and ₹3 crore for food and snacks for the healthcare staff and pilgrims. The State Public Health Department issued a general resolution regarding this on June 13. Dr. Abhijit More, a health activist, raised concerns about the higher budget for food compared to medicines and medical equipment. He questioned the logic behind such allocation and called for an investigation into the matter. A senior Health Ministry official, speaking anonymously, explained that the costs shown for medicines and food are just allocations. Funds can be redirected as necessary. The official noted that the food budget appears higher due to the large number of doctors and healthcare staff deployed from various parts of the state and beyond. These staff members are provided with meals and water during and after the Wari, considering the increased cost of food due to inflation. The health department will set up four health camps for pilgrims and provide OPD, IPD, and ICU facilities at 258 medical units. Additionally, 707 ambulances will be available for the Palkhi procession. This year, approximately 3,362 healthcare staff, including doctors, 1,500 volunteers, and 500 department staff, will be deployed to ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims.

Maharashtra Govt Alleges Injustice to State Students in NEET Exam Results; Seeks Cancellation

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News on Education 3 ArdorComm Media Group Maharashtra Govt Alleges Injustice to State Students in NEET Exam Results; Seeks Cancellation

The Maharashtra government has demanded the immediate cancellation of last month’s NEET exam results, citing injustice to students from the state. Several aspirants of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), conducted on May 5 at 4,750 centers in 571 cities, previously alleged that mark inflation led to a record 67 candidates achieving the top rank, including six from the same exam center in Haryana. The results were declared on June 4. The National Testing Agency (NTA) denied any irregularities, attributing the high scores to changes in NCERT textbooks and grace marks for time lost at exam centers. Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif stated, “The NEET exams were probably conducted after taking money. The results are such that no student of Maharashtra will get admission for the MBBS course in government or private colleges in the state.” He mentioned that many parents have approached him regarding the issue and that the state might approach the court for resolution. NEET-UG is the qualifying entrance exam for various medical and dental courses, with over 80,000 MBBS seats available in more than 540 medical colleges across India. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called for an investigation into the alleged irregularities, stating, “First the NEET exam paper was leaked and now the students allege that there has been a scam in its results as well.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also criticized NEET, claiming it undermines social justice and federalism. He highlighted issues like question paper leaks, clustering of toppers at specific centers, and mathematically improbable grace marks as major concerns.  

Maharashtra’s Education Budget Sees 9.8% Surge Amidst Concerns Over Allocation Distribution & Scheme Cutbacks

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News on Education 7 1 1 ArdorComm Media Group Maharashtra’s Education Budget Sees 9.8% Surge Amidst Concerns Over Allocation Distribution & Scheme Cutbacks

The education sector in Maharashtra has witnessed a notable 9.8% increase in budget allocation for the interim period of 2024-25, with figures rising from Rs 87,314 crore to Rs 95,875 crore compared to the previous year. However, despite this surge, concerns have emerged over the distribution of allocations and cutbacks in flagship schemes. While both school and higher education departments have experienced a boost in funding, a significant portion of the hike is attributed to routine expenditures, particularly salaries for teachers and staff. Notably, expenditure on some key education schemes has been reduced, raising apprehensions about the state’s educational development trajectory. Of particular concern is the reduction in budgetary provisions for reimbursing private schools for admitting socio-economically disadvantaged students. This allocation has dwindled from Rs 200 crore to Rs 173 crore, aggravating grievances from schools claiming outstanding dues amounting to Rs 2,400 crore. Moreover, reductions in the state’s contributions to centrally sponsored schemes like midday meals and Samagra Shiksha have been recorded, despite recent initiatives such as introducing eggs in school meals. However, the budget does allocate Rs 81 crore towards the PM SHRI scheme aimed at upgrading schools in alignment with the New Education Policy. Finance Minister Ajit Pawar’s budget speech outlined plans for youth skill development initiatives, including the establishment of international skill development centers and various training programs. However, actual allocations for these schemes were notably absent from the budget document, raising questions about their implementation. Despite these concerns, there are pockets of positive developments, such as the increased subsidy for the Dr. Zakir Hussain Madrasa Modernization Scheme, aimed at integrating minority students into the mainstream education system. Additionally, measures to address uniformity in scholarships and fellowships for marginalized communities have been articulated, addressing previous criticisms regarding fellowship provisions for doctoral pursuits.  

Maharashtra Unveils ‘MAHASWAYAM’ Portal for Online Higher Education Courses

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News on Education 6 ArdorComm Media Group Maharashtra Unveils ‘MAHASWAYAM’ Portal for Online Higher Education Courses

The state government of Maharashtra is gearing up to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM,’ a dedicated portal for higher education courses. Drawing inspiration from the central government’s SWAYAM portal, ‘MAHASWAYAM’ aims to create a comprehensive platform for online courses, aligning with the evolving landscape of education. Chandrakant Patil, the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, chaired a meeting on Friday to deliberate on the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state. Professor Shailendra Deolankar, the Director of Higher Education, underscored the active involvement of state universities in offering online courses. To ensure inclusivity for all students, the decision was made to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM’ as a state-centric portal. Under the NEP, students now have the flexibility to pursue online courses for minor subjects, earning valuable credits towards their final scores. Addressing concerns related to academic calendars and fees on the existing SWAYAM portal, Deolankar emphasized that ‘MAHASWAYAM’ aims to provide a holistic solution for both students and administrators. “To implement this initiative, the state government has formed a consortium comprising Yashvantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Mumbai, and Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Over the next three months, the consortium will collaboratively design the portal, focusing on courses related to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS),” said Deolankar. Minister Patil stressed the importance of leveraging social media for information dissemination, urging the department to comprehensively update the web portal in multiple languages. Additionally, he directed the creation of a dedicated Twitter handle for the Higher and Technical Education Department to ensure regular updates reach a wider audience. The imminent launch of ‘MAHASWAYAM’ is anticipated to reshape the higher education landscape in Maharashtra, offering students a versatile and accessible platform for online learning.  

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

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News on health 7 ArdorComm Media Group 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.

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

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News on Health 6 ArdorComm Media Group 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

Dr. Rajnikant Rajhans, Dean, R&D, NICMAR University, Emphasizes on Correlation of AI and NEP

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image 2023 12 26T11 44 42 654Z ArdorComm Media Group Dr. Rajnikant Rajhans, Dean, R&D, NICMAR University, Emphasizes on Correlation of AI and NEP

“AI is reducing the time for our faculty members, it was never a threat for us” says Dr. Rajnikant Rajhans, Dean, R&D, NICMAR University in an interview at “ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023” held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. How is NEP going to be transformational in aligning the upcoming labour force with market requirements at NICMAR University? NICMAR, as an industry-focused institution in construction, real estate, and infrastructure, emphasizes providing skilled labour to meet industry needs. The National Education Policy (NEP) has been instrumental in shaping our objective of outcome-based education, contributing significantly to building a skilled labour force. The focus has always been on delivering the best labour force and management to the industry, and the NEP, with its outcome-based education approach, further strengthens our ability to achieve this goal. What are the current projects that NICMAR is working on? NICMAR’s current projects are anchored in the CEB Model – Community, Environment, and Business Based research model. Our commitment to addressing community issues and offering solutions enhances the quality of our research projects. Engaging in sustainable projects with local and industrial partners, we work towards providing researched solutions and research papers. This aligns with our implementation of outcome-based education, ensuring a practical and impactful approach to our research endeavours. How is NEP and AI correlating at NICMAR University? The correlation between the National Education Policy (NEP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at NICMAR University is viewed positively. Today, we had an insightful presentation on the impact of AI on various aspects, including education and industries. AI, far from being a threat, is seen as a tool that enhances the efficiency of our faculty members. It has significantly reduced the time required for certain tasks, benefiting our educational ecosystem. The integration of AI into our organization is a gradual and deliberate process, aimed at improving our educational processes and overall efficiency.

Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD & CEO, Kalorex Group, tells about her AI avatar ‘MAYA’

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image 2023 12 26T06 05 43 762Z ArdorComm Media Group Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD & CEO, Kalorex Group, tells about her AI avatar ‘MAYA’

“My AI version or Avatar is called Maya. Maya itself means illusion. The world is an illusion the sooner we get it-the better we are” said Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD & CEO, Kalorex Group at ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023” held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. In such busy schedule of yours, How do you take care of your mental and physical will-being? The coach has to clean himself-herself first! The only way you can maintain your own integrity in what you are doing is by following that. So, there is a distinct process of cleaning that I do to myself to maintain that there is no dust in the way. I think, like you clean your teeth I clean my mind everyday. You related the cricket world-cup in the education in today’s event. How do you collect the real-life incidents to motivate the audience at a large scale? I’m an educationist, I think like an educationist. So, I’m always looking for live lesson. What happened in Ahmedabad on that faithful day of the International Cricket World-cup. It showed me a new picture of India, a picture that is more sensible, a picture that is more sensitive. 10 year ago if this had happened our cricket team would have been bashed left right and centre. Would have only criticized, finding fault would have happened and every individual cricketer would have found it very difficult to show the face. The pride that I saw in that state that day is that standing together for team India. We were there in their victory and we were more than present for their loss and I think that is the real growth of humanity. There is a sea change in what we see this time we stood with them emotionally and that’s beautiful. What is this version of Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff as an AI speaker? How did it came into your mind? My AI version or Avatar is called Maya. Maya itself means illusion. The world is an illusion the sooner we get it-the better we are. So, AI is an illusion in the world and the nomenclature Maya is so beautiful. The reason we did AI was not was not easy. I mean we are into education, not industry. We neither have research ability not the money to do this kind of stuff but it was important that an educational group breaks the barrier to say that research is not only done by industry. So, we started this whole effort to say that we can demonstrate AI and not just talk about it. It started with the initial thought and in 60 days we were able to do it with some internal support and some intern from Gandhinagar that’s it. With this Avatar of Maya, how are you going to take it to the education in order to your pedagogy and curriculum? As part of Kalorex culture one of the very important areas is teacher training or teacher human development my lot of time was personally involved in it. I used to create the course, Go through the scripting, curate it then implementing it. Now, Maya is doing it. My voice is cloned, my face is cloned, I only approve the script and my does all the production. So, my work is reduced to 25% only, that is the power of an AI, which thankfully we have understood. How certain forum helps overall industry to interact and learn from each other? I always maintain that forums like this create collaboration and collaboration is the only way forward. I like your approach to create a unique space, I like your approach for learning the incremental things, I like your approach for making small changes that are impactful and that shows your attention to detail. And when you have attention to detail excellence is a by-product. Personally I like your space because of your attention to the details and your need and ability and understanding to bring about incremental changes. But on overall platform these platforms are very good.