The Annual Status of Education Report (Rural) 2024 is out and presents an overall improvement in children's access to quality education. However, several pain points remain such as the dip in government school enrolment, which is down to 67 per cent in rural India. Hot off the Press Manash Gohain for The Times of India points out that government school enrolment for children aged 6 - 14 has declined sharply from 72.9 per cent in 2022 to 66.8 per cent in 2024, according to the ASER data. "While overall enrolment for this age group remains high at 98.1 per cent, the drop in govt school share signals a post-pandemic shift toward private institutions. During Covid, economic pressures pushed families to opt for govt schools, temporarily boosting enrolment, but the trend has now reverted to pre-pandemic levels of 66-67 per cent," he wrote. While Covid did not hamper the learning skills of children in private schools and urban pockets in a big way, thanks to the penetration of digital

Duncan Campbell is stepping down from his role as chief content officer at The Australian Radio Network (ARN) amid a company restructuring, Mediaweek reported. His title will remain until the transition is complete with Lauren Joyce, ARN's chief strategy and connections officer, set to take over. CEO Ciaran Davis expressed confidence in Joyce’s appointment citing her extensive experience in strategy, media, and digital publishing as key to driving future audience growth. Other leadership changes include phasing out the chief commercial officer role of Pete Whitehead and the departure of chief digital and technology officer Fayad Tohme, who leaves behind enhanced digital capabilities at ARN. Campbell, who joined ARN in 2010, was instrumental in securing the $200 million Kyle and Jackie O contract. However, the company has faced financial challenges, including the expensive deal, staff redundancies, and a weak advertising market.  

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), along with prominent media houses like Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and NDTV, has joined news agency ANI in its ongoing lawsuit against OpenAI in the Delhi High Court. The case centers on allegations that OpenAI unlawfully used Indian copyrighted material to train its AI models. Members of DNPA, including major outlets such as Dainik Bhaskar, Malayala Manorama, ETV, India Today Group, The Hindu, Amar Ujala, and others, have sought permission from the court to intervene in the case. According to The Hindu Business Line, DNPA’s application aims to present its perspective on the “novel legal questions” raised by the dispute. In its statement, DNPA criticised OpenAI for allegedly training its Large Language Models (LLMs) on copyrighted materials without permission, arguing that this benefits OpenAI and its investors at the expense of creative industries in India. The organisation expressed concerns over the threat posed by AI

ABP LIVE hosted the East Edition of the ABP LIVE India Infrastructure Conclave 2025 on Jan 28 in New Delhi. This event celebrated the remarkable advancements in infrastructure across the eastern region, with a particular focus on West Bengal. It also seeks to foster collaboration among policymakers, industry experts, and innovators to discuss future growth opportunities. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, served as the Guest of Honour, sharing insights on recognizing Excellence in the Infrastructure Sector of East India. The conclave featured displayed keynote addresses and panel discussions centered on the dynamic growth of infrastructure in the eastern region. Topics included progress on major projects, emerging trends, and areas with potential for further development. Esteemed participants included Raj Bhushan Choudhary, the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, along with Dr. Debolina Kundu from the National Institute of Urban Affairs, Prem Prakash of S

Cybersecurity podcaster Karissa Breen has formally launched the podcast network KB: FM to extend her reach beyond her core program. I see this as an opportunity to collaborate in an area that is heavily specialised and has a lot of nuances,” Breen told Influencing. “There are so many specialisms of cybersecurity, and my show alone can't cover it.”  One specific aim of the KBI.FM brand is cross-pollination, with Breen highlighting the importance of personality-driven content in the podcasting world while also building upon the current audience that her own KBKast had.  “We wanted to utilise the audience that we’ve built in our own podcasting space and then back that up with our media company, and we've come up with a new way to build these shows that talk to the specific audience in their niches and we’ll power those niches through KBI.Media.” “I think there'll probably be the regular faces that continue to do the podcast circuit because I think now people that a

Hot off the Press DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup based in Hangzhou, is sending shockwaves through Silicon Valley. The Times of India describes DeepSeek as the AI equivalent of a disruptor on steroids, rising from limited resources to challenge global tech giants. Its flagship model, R1, has been described as “impressive” by none other than OpenAI chief Sam Altman, according to The Hindu's Aroon Deep. The Hindustan Times’ Tuhin Das Mahapatra and Muskaan Sharma highlighted how DeepSeek’s app became the most downloaded overnight, overtaking ChatGPT on Android and iOS platforms. With a development cost estimated to be a fraction of OpenAI’s expenses, DeepSeek has stunned analysts. The Indian Express’ Karan Mahadik pointed out that sanctions against Chinese tech haven’t hindered its meteoric rise, making its success even more remarkable. TOI noted that DeepSeek stunned the tech world by building a cutting-edge AI model for less than $6 million, challenging giants like Op

Jack Bergin will take the reins of CORE, Triple J’s new show focused on metal, hardcore, punk, emo, shoegaze and everything in between, from today (January 28), Radio Info reported. The show will air every Tuesday at 9 pm, offering a mix of new music, artist interviews, touring news, and more. Best known as the frontman of Void of Vision, Jack had an eventful 12 months including supporting Parkway Drive on their anniversary tour, touring internationally with Stray From The Path, and releasing the band’s fourth studio album ‘What I’ll Leave Behind’.  Reflecting on the opportunity, Jack said: “I’m so excited to join the Triple J team and kick off 2025 with a bang. I discovered Triple J via the specialist heavy programs in high school and had the station as the soundtrack to my day-to-day life over my formative years, so it’s a truly special feeling to be where I am right now. I cannot wait to continue flying the flag for Australian music and share my passion and love