ArdorComm Media Group

Monday, November 3, 2025 6:27 AM

skill development

Netflix joins hands with IICT and FICCI to nurture India’s next-gen creative tech talent

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Streaming leader Netflix has entered into a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) and FICCI to build and strengthen the pipeline of creative-technology professionals in India. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during the 25th edition of FICCI Frames, marking a major step toward advancing India’s AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) ecosystem. Under this collaboration, Netflix will utilize its Fund for Creative Equity to provide scholarships to selected students identified jointly with IICT. The fund aims to empower underrepresented talent in the media and entertainment industry by offering equitable learning and career opportunities. As part of the initiative, Netflix will actively participate in three of IICT’s national councils — R&D, Academic, and Industry Development — to foster synergy between academia, industry experts, and policymakers in shaping the future of India’s creative technology sector. Mahima Kaul, Director of Global Affairs, Netflix India, said the partnership is designed to strengthen the country’s AVGC sector and empower young creators. “Through this collaboration, we aim to equip aspiring storytellers and innovators with world-class tools and opportunities to fuel creativity and drive India’s digital entertainment economy,” she said. Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of IICT, emphasized that the alliance bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world industry experience. “By offering mentorship, practical exposure, and access to global best practices, we are preparing the next generation of creative technologists to thrive in the evolving AVGC-XR landscape,” he noted. Munjal Shroff, Chairman of the FICCI AVGC-XR Forum, added that the initiative will position India as a global hub for creative technologies. “This partnership not only builds future-ready talent but also fuels innovation and lays the foundation for sustainable growth in the sector,” he said. Source: PTI

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Govt Launches Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters; IIT Delhi Named Nodal Hub

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The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has rolled out Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters across India’s leading higher education institutions, including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, and central universities, in a bid to empower tribal youth as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. IIT Delhi’s Bhagwan Birsa Munda Cell will serve as the central coordinating hub for the initiative. According to IIT Delhi, the launch reflects a key milestone under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan—described as the world’s largest tribal leadership movement—unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (2024–25). At the launch event, Tribal Affairs Secretary Vibhu Nayar said the chapters would act as a “bridge between premier institutions and tribal communities,” nurturing young changemakers to shape India’s educational, entrepreneurial, and social development. IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee added that the initiative offers a platform for students to “mentor, innovate, and create meaningful impact in tribal regions.” In the first phase, the chapters will be established across a wide network of institutions. These include IITs such as Delhi, Kharagpur, Dharwad, and Hyderabad; IIMs at Sirmaur and Nagpur; AIIMS campuses in Nagpur, Gorakhpur, and Bhatinda; VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital; IISER Mohali; IIST Trivandrum; SVNIRTAR; and others. NITs in Delhi, Patna, Raipur, Puducherry, and Meghalaya, as well as IIITDM Kurnool, BIT Mesra, NERIST Arunachal Pradesh, DTU Delhi, and RGNUL Patiala, are also on board. Additionally, hotel management institutes such as IHM Kufri, IHM Tharamani, IHM Pusa, IHM Bhopal, and IHM Bhubaneswar are part of the launch phase. The Adi Karmayogi Student Chapters will engage in: Mentorship & Education: Linking students from top institutes with EMRS and Ashram schools to enhance learning. Entrepreneurship: Supporting tribal-led startups through a ₹50 crore venture capital fund. Innovation: Organizing hackathons and workshops to develop tech-based solutions for tribal communities. Village Development: Designing Vision 2030 plans, SWOT analyses, and sustainable models. Skill Development: Training in frontier areas such as semiconductors and emerging technologies, in collaboration with IISc Bangalore.  The programme will also facilitate internships with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and state departments, alongside recognition and awards for outstanding student leaders and mentors. With strong backing from directors and leaders of IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and IIST Trivandrum, the initiative aims to build a cadre of empowered tribal youth contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Source: Indian Express

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India Will Need 2 Lakh Skilled Professionals to Manage EV Charging Stations by 2030

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Tata Power on Tuesday launched Mumbai’s first premium MegaCharger hub near the airport, adding to its growing network of over 1,000 charging points in the city. Built in partnership with Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, the hub is equipped with eight high-speed DC chargers and 16 bays, aimed at reducing wait times for private EV owners and fleet operators. But as India’s charging infrastructure expands rapidly, a looming skill shortage threatens to slow the pace of adoption. A joint whitepaper by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) estimates that the country will require between 1–2 lakh trained professionals by 2030 to operate and maintain charging stations. The report underlined the vital role of Charge Point Operators (CPOs) in India’s EV transition while pointing out key challenges—limited hands-on training, lack of standardised modules, and a shortage of qualified trainers who understand both technical and operational needs. India’s public charging points have already surged from just 25 in 2015 to nearly 30,000 by August 2025. However, to achieve the government’s 1:40 charger-to-EV ratio, the country must install nearly 4 lakh chargers annually through this decade. Experts argue that this scale-up will be impossible without simultaneously building human capital. Anshuman Divyanshu, CEO of Exicom’s EV Supply Equipment division, said the skill demand today goes beyond basic electrical expertise and now spans high-voltage systems, connectivity, and software. “Fast, reliable charging infrastructure is the cornerstone of India’s EV journey. But success will depend as much on skilled manpower as on the megawatts of hardware deployed,” he said. He stressed that Exicom has invested in structured training, noting that talent readiness is lagging behind infrastructure rollout. Similarly, Akshay Shekhar, CEO of Kazam, highlighted the uneven picture outside metros. While finding electricians through ITIs is not difficult, specialised EV training remains scarce. “Tasks like earthing are often skipped, SOPs aren’t followed consistently, and technicians in smaller cities lack exposure to proper standards and tools,” he said. Even so, Shekhar pointed to a strong willingness to learn. Kazam has already trained over 500 technicians in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, many of whom are now actively supporting the sector. “With the right certification and structured skilling, this workforce can truly become the backbone of India’s EV expansion,” he added. The TERI-MBRDI study also cautioned that most Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) still do not offer EV-specific courses, leaving CPOs dependent on in-house training. It flagged gaps in diagnostics, digital integration, and safety standards as possible barriers to sustaining infrastructure growth. By 2030, India’s EV ecosystem is projected to generate 1 crore direct jobs and 5 crore indirect jobs, but experts warn that under-skilled manpower could become a bigger bottleneck than under-investment in infrastructure. Kunal Khattar, founding partner of AdvantEdge, suggested that the staggered rollout of charging stations will give time to build manpower capacity. He added that technology will likely lower operational costs by enabling unmanned facilities, while petrol pumps could play a significant role in scaling up. “They already have manpower on site and can add charge points as demand rises, without additional staffing costs,” he said. Source: Economic Times

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Govt to Unveil Centralised Digital Music Licensing Registry by October 2025

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) is gearing up to launch a centralised digital music licensing registry within the next two months, in collaboration with rights societies. The initiative, expected to go live by October 2025, is part of a broader strategy to expand and streamline India’s live entertainment industry. The announcement followed the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on live events, held on 26 August at the National Media Centre and chaired by I&B secretary Sanjay Jaju. Representatives from multiple ministries—including culture, youth affairs and sports, skill development, finance and DPIIT—participated, along with the Sports Authority of India and state governments from Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Key industry players such as BookMyShow, Wizcraft, Saregama, District by Zomato and Touchwood Entertainment, along with associations like Ficci, CII, Eema and Ilea, also joined the deliberations. Rights organisations including IPRS, PPL, RMPL and IMI Trust were part of the discussions. Among the major takeaways were plans to integrate approvals for live events into the India Cine Hub portal to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, create a model policy for multi-use of public venues like stadiums, and include live-entertainment skills in the national skills framework. Proposals for financial incentives—such as GST relaxations, blended finance options, subsidies and MSME recognition—were also put on the table. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently highlighted live entertainment as a catalyst for employment, tourism and cultural impact. The sector, currently valued at ₹20,861 crore (2024), is expanding at nearly 15% annually, driven by increasing demand in both metro and emerging cities, as well as growing interest in music tourism. According to Jaju, the government’s ambition is to position India among the world’s top five live entertainment destinations by 2030, unlocking the potential for 15–20 million jobs. “The JWG will focus on leveraging the concert economy to boost infrastructure, create jobs, attract tourists and strengthen India’s soft power,” he noted. The JWG, constituted in July under the directive of Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will continue to meet periodically to monitor progress and submit policy suggestions. Its work builds on the recommendations outlined in the white paper India’s Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative, presented earlier this year at the Waves 2025 summit. Source: PIB

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Odisha to Provide Free Civil Services Coaching for Aspirants in Kalahandi

Civil service aspirants in Odisha’s Kalahandi district will soon have access to free coaching under a new initiative called Mission Akankhya. The programme, launched on Independence Day, is being rolled out through a partnership between the Kalahandi district administration and Vision IAS, New Delhi. As part of the agreement, signed by Kalahandi Collector Sachin Pawar and Vision IAS Vice-President Deepali Chaturvedi, the district administration will provide infrastructure support, while Vision IAS will offer training to 60 selected candidates annually. Students will be chosen through a written examination and interview, with coaching available in both classroom and online formats. Registration for the entrance test will open on August 22, and the selection exam is scheduled for September 21. The training sessions are expected to begin in Bhawanipatna from the first week of October. Chaturvedi highlighted that Vision IAS has previously extended similar initiatives to aspirational districts in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. However, this marks the first such programme in Odisha, aimed at empowering youth from Kalahandi, one of the districts identified under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP). Source: PTI

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Dr. D. B. Singh, Vice Chancellor, Haridwar University, Roorkee emphasizes on true collaboration, at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun

Dr. D. B. Singh

Welcome, Professor Dr. Dharam Bir Singh. We’re honoured to have you with us. Could you tell us a bit about Haridwar University? Thank you so much. Haridwar University started in 2023, so we’re still quite a young institution. Being a new university comes with both opportunities and challenges. But we see great potential—sky is the limit. We currently offer programmes under five faculties: Engineering, Business Studies, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Agriculture. That’s a wide range—from medical sciences to management. How important do you think skilling is, and do you see a gap between skilling and employability? Yes, definitely. There is a gap. Students often have strong theoretical knowledge but lack hands-on skills and practical exposure. Bridging this gap is essential. We are already working with partners who specialise in providing enough skill training to our students. How has Haridwar University been implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?   We’ve taken major steps this year. Earlier, we were affiliated with Uttarakhand Technical University, but now we have the autonomy to revise our curriculum. We’ve redesigned our syllabi in line with NEP 2020 and have included all the required components to meet the policy guidelines. Today’s event features stakeholders from schools to higher education, EdTech, skill development, and even government officials—truly a KG to PG representation. How do you think such forums benefit the academic community and society? This is a fine example of true collaboration. All stakeholders—schools, universities, corporates, and the government—must come together to work toward the common goal of student development. After all, today’s students are tomorrow’s citizens and leaders. Collective action is the only way forward. What has been your takeaway from the event so far? It’s been a wonderful experience. I attended a session with school principals and directors discussing real challenges in the education space. The conversations were insightful and solution-driven. I also visited several exhibition stalls, where I learned about various services being offered. Overall, a truly enriching day so far. We recently celebrated our fourth anniversary as a media startup. Would you like to share a message for ArdorComm Media Group? As they say, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—and you have already taken four big ones. You’re calling yourself a small startup, but I see it from a different lens. I believe you are on a path to achieving much more than you’ve imagined. My best wishes to the entire team.

Dr. D. B. Singh, Vice Chancellor, Haridwar University, Roorkee emphasizes on true collaboration, at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun Read More »

Dr. Sunil Rai, President, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, Shares Insights on Collaboration, Flexibility & Purpose at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun

Dr. Sunil Rai

Welcome to the event, Dr. Sunil Rai. What are your key takeaways from today’s Education Leadership Summit? Firstly, I would like to congratulate you and your entire team for putting together this event with a very timely theme—expanding education, skills, and employability. The major takeaway for me is the need for total collaboration between governance, industry, and educators. Only then can we build strong bridges and capitalize on each other’s resources effectively. In today’s era, sports seem to be vanishing from academic curricula. What’s your perspective on the role of sports in education? Sports are a crucial component of character and personality building. At UPES, sports are not considered extracurricular—they are incurricular. All students are required to follow a health routine, be it yoga, zumba, running, or trekking. Additionally, students must pick up a sport—field or individual. If they perform well at the district level, they even receive CGPA credits up to point 1 to point 5 which is quite substantial. So yes, sports should be embedded in the curriculum, not sidelined. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity. What initiatives has UPES taken to align with this vision? We’ve implemented multiple NEP-aligned measures: Flexibility: Students can take up to 18 credits (6 exploratory courses) from any stream. For example, a law student can take a biotech course, or a biosciences student can explore design. Mobility: If a student realizes they’re in the wrong program (e.g., BTech X), they can switch as late as the end of the second year. Inclusivity: We ensure no student is denied education due to financial constraints. Financial support is arranged as needed. ArdorComm Media is celebrating its 4th anniversary. Any message or wishes for the team? Many congratulations on completing four impactful years. It doesn’t feel like just four years—you’ve already covered a remarkable distance. What stands out about ArdorComm is your sense of purpose. My advice is: don’t lose that. You’re not just another media company—you are making a difference. Stay true to your mission, and I wish you and your team continued success and impact.  

Dr. Sunil Rai, President, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, Shares Insights on Collaboration, Flexibility & Purpose at ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 in Dehradun Read More »

Empowering Digital India through Education: Countdown to ArdorComm – Digital Bharat Education Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru

As India accelerates its journey toward becoming a digitally empowered knowledge economy, education remains the linchpin of this transformation. Against this backdrop, ArdorComm Media Group, one of India’s fastest-growing media organisations, is set to host its National Flagship Event – Digital Bharat Education Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 19th September 2025. With a future-forward theme – Digital India Rising: Transforming Education, Skilling & Employability – the conclave promises to be a high-impact gathering of education stakeholders, tech innovators, government dignitaries, and institutional leaders from across the nation. Why Does This Conclave Matters? India’s Digital Bharat initiatives have dramatically reshaped the way learning is delivered, accessed, and consumed. From remote tribal belts to bustling urban centres, digital technologies are now at the heart of educational outreach. The conclave arrives at a time when the country is witnessing a surge in Education 5.0—an ecosystem where Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), immersive AR/VR experiences, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and data-driven insights are redefining education models. Bengaluru, Karnataka—India’s tech capital—provides the perfect setting for this exchange of ideas. The state’s forward-thinking policies, robust digital infrastructure, and dynamic education ecosystem make it a prime example of how technology can be leveraged to uplift learning outcomes, boost employability, and ensure inclusive education. What to Expect: Key Highlights This one-day conclave is designed as an interactive platform to celebrate, discuss, and design the next leap in Indian education. Here’s what the day entails: Panel Discussions: 6+ engaging sessions featuring experts from academia, government, and industry. 50+ Esteemed Speakers sharing best practices and innovative approaches. Participation from 150+ Higher Education Institutions, 100+ K-12 Schools, 20+ EdTech Corporates. 2+ RoundTable Discussions to deep-dive into policy, technology, and leadership challenges. ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025 to honour institutions and individuals driving change. Who Will Be There? Expect participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including: Government Officials & Policy Makers University Leaders & College Principals EdTech Innovators & Startups HR Professionals from Skill & Employability Sectors K-12 & Preschool Management Bodies Training & Certification Bodies The conclave is a dynamic networking opportunity for changemakers committed to uplifting the Indian education ecosystem. Key Discussion Themes The event will revolve around the following futuristic and inclusive themes: Empowering Students for the Global Stage: Skills for 21st Century Workforce Inclusive Campus in Digital Era: Addressing Digital Divides, Diversifying Curricula Degrees to Skills: Rethinking Higher Education Outcomes for the Future Workforce Education 5.0: Redefining Education by Integrating Immersive & Advanced Technologies Public-Private Partnerships in Education: Institutional Perspectives for Scalable Impact These themes reflect the urgency to not just adapt to change, but lead it. ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025: Honouring the Trailblazers One of the marquee segments of the conclave is the Education Leadership Awards 2025, a prestigious initiative to honour excellence, innovation, and impact in the education and skilling ecosystem. From preschools to universities, from startups to corporate giants—six award segments will celebrate those who’ve truly made a difference: Award Segments: Preschool Awards School Education Awards Higher Education Awards Skills & Training Awards EdTech Startup Awards EdTech Corporate Awards If you or your institution has led by example in advancing education, nominate now: Submit Nomination Why You Should Attend This is not just another event—it’s a collaborative movement towards building an inclusive, tech-driven, and skill-oriented education system for India. Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, institution head, EdTech entrepreneur, or HR professional, DBEC 2025 will help you: Stay ahead of policy and tech trends Connect with India’s top education influencers Showcase your innovations and gain visibility Collaborate for strategic partnerships and investments Celebrate and learn from the best in the sector Conclusion: The Future Is Now The Digital Bharat Education Conclave 2025 is more than just a confluence of thought leaders—it’s a platform to redefine the trajectory of Indian education. In the heart of India’s tech capital, this conclave will set the stage for meaningful dialogues, pathbreaking innovations, and actionable collaborations that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Mark your calendar – 19th September 2025 Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka Theme – Digital India Rising: Transforming Education, Skilling & Employability Let’s come together to celebrate changemakers and shape a digitally empowered future for India’s learners. Stay tuned for updates, speaker announcements, and more. Follow us with hashtags: #DBEC2025 #DBECBengaluru #DigitalBharatEducationConclave

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Gujarat Revises Factory Labour Laws: 12-Hour Shifts, Night Work for Women Permitted Under New Ordinance

In a bold move to enhance industrial productivity and attract greater investment, the Gujarat government has enacted a significant overhaul of its factory labour regulations. Through the Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, the state has extended the permissible daily work hours in factories from 9 to 12 hours — a decision that comes with several conditions to safeguard workers’ rights and wellbeing. Although the daily shift limit has been expanded, the ordinance retains the weekly work cap at 48 hours. The new rules mandate that extended shifts must be voluntary and require written consent from workers. Another key change is the increase in uninterrupted work duration, which may now go up to six hours before a break, pending formal notification. Furthermore, overtime provisions have been revised significantly. Workers putting in extra hours will receive double pay, and the cap on overtime has been raised from 75 to 125 hours per quarter, again contingent upon the worker’s voluntary participation. A landmark provision in the amendment is the authorization for women to work night shifts — between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM — a move hailed as progressive and inclusive. However, this comes with strict safety protocols: employers must ensure a minimum of 10 women are present during a shift, provide secure transport, install 24/7 CCTV surveillance, and deploy female security personnel. Crucially, women can only be scheduled for night shifts with their written consent, and workplaces must have robust anti-harassment measures in place. The ordinance was promulgated in the absence of a state assembly session and reflects Gujarat’s aim to position itself as a more flexible and investment-friendly industrial hub. By aligning labour practices with evolving economic demands, the state hopes to spur job creation and boost competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. Source: IANS

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Delhi Govt Expands Vocational Education: Skill-Based Courses Introduced in 257 More Schools

In a significant push towards integrating vocational training into mainstream education, the Delhi government has approved the rollout of skill-based subjects in 257 additional government schools starting this academic session, as per a circular issued by the Directorate of Education on May 23. These skill subjects fall under the Samagra Shiksha initiative and aim to equip students in Classes 9 and 11 with hands-on learning and industry-relevant skills alongside their regular curriculum. Each school can enroll up to 50 students per subject, encouraging broader participation in career-oriented learning. To guide students in making informed decisions, schools have been asked to conduct counselling sessions detailing the benefits and future prospects associated with these vocational courses. Notably, students entering Class 11 can opt for a skill subject even if they haven’t studied it in the earlier grades, thanks to the policy’s flexible multi-entry and multi-exit structure. However, participation in these skill subjects remains optional, not mandatory. Schools can offer these courses as additional learning avenues without making them compulsory for all students. As per CBSE norms, schools do not require separate permissions to introduce new vocational subjects. They simply need to update the necessary information on the CBSE portal. The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) subjects being offered include practical disciplines such as Information Technology, Retail, Healthcare, and Beauty & Wellness—all designed to boost employability and prepare students for real-world careers. Source: PTI (Image: AI generated)    

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