Three-language formula from Class 6

The CBSE will make a third language compulsory from Class 6 onwards. This change follows the recommendations of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). Under the new system, students will study three languages, referred to as R1, R2, and R3. Out of these, at least two languages must be Indian languages. The aim is to promote multilingual learning among students.

However, there is some flexibility. Students who return from foreign schools and have studied a different third language that is not available in Indian schools may be given exemption. Even in such cases, they will still have to study the required number of subjects as per CBSE rules.

Two-Level System for Maths and Science

The CBSE is also introducing a new exam pattern for Mathematics and Science in Class 9.

All students will first study the same standard syllabus and appear for a common exam of 80 marks, which will be held for three hours.

In addition, students who want to study in more depth can choose an optional ‘advanced’ level in one or both subjects.

How the advanced level will work

The advanced level will have a separate paper of 25 marks, to be completed in one hour. This paper will test higher-level thinking and deeper understanding of concepts. Taking the standard exam is compulsory for all students, while the advanced paper is optional.

Marks from the advanced paper will not be added to the total score. Instead, if a student scores 50% or more, it will be mentioned separately in their mark sheet as an advanced-level qualification.

When will these changes begin?

The two-level system for Mathematics and Science will start with Class 9 students in the 2026-27 session. These students will appear for their Class 10 board exams under the new pattern in 2028.

The CBSE said these changes are part of its effort to improve learning outcomes and align education with modern needs.

The institute said the membership reflects its focus on academic quality, continuous improvement and alignment with international standards. It also brings the school closer to securing full AACSB accreditation, considered a mark of excellence for business schools worldwide.

Vaishali Sharma, president of GGDSD College Society, said the achievement highlights the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards and offering industry-focused, future-ready education.

Director Dr Kapil Pandla called it a proud moment, adding that the milestone validates the institute’s efforts and serves as a stepping stone towards full AACSB accreditation.

Founded in 1916, AACSB connects leading business schools across the world and provides access to global best practices, faculty development and research support.

With this membership, PML SD Business School plans to further improve its curriculum, promote research and innovation, and strengthen ties with industry. The institute aims to produce globally competent and ethically responsible leaders while moving towards becoming a recognised centre of excellence in management education.

The company has not officially confirmed the exact number of job cuts. However, the layoffs are believed to be part of a bigger strategy change, especially as Oracle focuses more on artificial intelligence and data centres.

The job cuts have affected several countries, including India and Mexico. India seems to be one of the most affected, with reports saying around 12,000 employees may have lost their jobs out of a total workforce of about 30,000.

Why did Oracle lay off employees?

One major reason is the company’s strong push into AI infrastructure. Oracle has reportedly signed a $156 billion deal to build AI data centres over five years, mainly for OpenAI.

This expansion needs huge investment. Oracle plans to buy around 3 million specialised chips, and its spending has jumped sharply—from about $6.9 billion a year two years ago to nearly $50 billion now. To manage this, the company is cutting costs in other areas, including jobs.

Debt and financial pressure

Oracle also has heavy debt of over $108 billion, which has increased pressure on its finances.

According to estimates by TD Cowen, the layoffs could help the company save between $8 billion and $10 billion in cash flow. This money will likely be used to support its AI and data centre projects.

The company had also announced a $2.1 billion restructuring plan in March, with nearly $1 billion already spent before the layoffs.

Another concern is rising pressure from lenders, as the cost of insuring Oracle’s debt has increased sharply, reaching levels last seen during the 2009 financial crisis.

The event was organized under the visionary leadership of Dr. Sonia Kumar, Head of the Department of Public Administration, and Dr. Monika Dara, Assistant Professor, who played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the moot court despite the department not belonging to a law background. Their academic mentorship and motivation made this pioneering initiative possible.

The competition was conducted under the student leadership of Ms. Rajanpreet Kaur (President, Society of Visionaries) and Ms. Mansi Sharma (Vice-President), along with their dedicated organizing team.

The courtroom proceedings commenced at 10:30 AM with enthusiastic participation from six teams representing various institutions including the Department of Laws, Panjab University, and University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS). Participants demonstrated remarkable advocacy skills, legal research, and professional courtroom conduct.

The preliminary rounds were judged by Ms. Mankirat Kaur Sra, Assistant Professor, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Advocate Kirti Sharma from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh.

The Chief Guest, Shri Rajinder Goyal, Additional Advocate General at the Punjab and Haryana High Court and a proud alumnus of PGGC-11, presided as the Judge for the Semi-Final and Final rounds. He was assisted by Mr. Sagar Jain and Ms. Anjali Narvan, Bench Members from BA.LLB, Panjab University.

Following the intellectually stimulating final round, the event featured a vibrant cultural segment where the cultural team presented energetic dance performances reflecting the theme of Unity in Diversity, adding colour and enthusiasm to the academic atmosphere.

Shri Rajinder Goyal later announced the winners and distributed the prizes. Senior alumni were also felicitated for their achievements and continued association with the institution. Awards were presented in various categories including Best Mooter, Best Team, Runner-Up Team, and Best Memorial.

Principal Ms. Deepshikha appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and stated that such academic initiatives help students develop confidence, analytical thinking, and practical exposure beyond classroom learning.

Dr. Monika Dara congratulated all participants and emphasized that the primary objective of the event was to provide students with a platform to enhance legal awareness, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.

The event concluded with the prize distribution ceremony, felicitation of alumni, a formal vote of thanks delivered by the President of the Society of Visionaries, and a group photograph.

The session was attended by Alba Smeriglio, British Deputy High Commissioner in Chandigarh; Dr Richa Sharma, Officiating Principal of Dev Samaj College of Education; Rajinder S Nagarkoti, senior adviser (political, media and migration) at the British High Commission; and Dr Sukant Gupta, senior advocate and Chevening alumnus. A large number of students and faculty members participated in the interactive programme.

Alba Smeriglio 

Addressing the gathering, Alba Smeriglio spoke about the Chevening Scholarships programme, the UK government’s prestigious global scholarship initiative that provides fully funded opportunities to outstanding students and professionals to pursue one-year master’s degrees at leading universities in the United Kingdom. She emphasised that the scholarship looks for individuals with strong leadership potential who are committed to making meaningful contributions to their communities and countries.

Alba Smeriglio encouraged students to explore the wide range of academic and research opportunities available in the UK. She also highlighted that India has a strong network of Chevening alumni who are making significant contributions across sectors, including public policy, law, media, business, academia and civil society.

Rajinder S Nagarkoti

During the session, Rajinder S Nagarkoti spoke about the British High Commission’s ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign, which is being conducted in several parts of India, particularly Punjab and Haryana, to raise awareness about visa scams and illegal migration routes. The campaign aims to educate students and their families about safe and legitimate ways to travel, study or work in the UK.

Nagarkoti warned that many people fall prey to fraudulent agents who claim to guarantee visas or offer illegal migration pathways. He advised students to always verify information through official sources, avoid sharing sensitive documents with unauthorised agents and follow only authorised procedures while applying for visas.

Sharing his personal journey, Dr Sukant Gupta spoke about his experience as a Chevening scholar in the UK and how the programme helped broaden his professional outlook while connecting him with an international network of leaders and professionals. Drawing on his legal background, he also informed students about the legal options available to victims of visa and immigration fraud and urged them to report such cases through proper legal channels.

Welcoming the speakers, Dr Richa Sharma thanked the British Deputy High Commission for organising the session and said such initiatives help students gain awareness about global education opportunities while also understanding the risks associated with fraudulent migration practices.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where students raised questions about the Chevening scholarship application process, studying in the UK and ways to identify and avoid visa fraud.

According to several students, scanning the QR code using their mobile devices did not lead to authentication information related to the exam paper. Instead, it reportedly opened a link to the popular song “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley on YouTube, a prank widely recognised online as “rickrolling”.

In today’s episode of how serious our examination conducting authorities are- presenting to you CBSE class 12th board maths paper which has a QR code that opens rickroll’s song on YouTube ????????‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/gvQcsVvGVp

— Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) March 9, 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education, India Rickrolled 2.5 million students by printing a Youtube QR code on the Maths question paper pic.twitter.com/jSl3TlkjjV

— Mogambo (@Netajinonsense1) March 9, 2026

The unexpected redirect quickly became a talking point on social media, where students shared their experiences and screenshots. Many users reacted humorously, calling it one of the most unexpected “rickrolls” they had encountered.

One social media user joked that it was the “best rickroll ever” considering the number of students who scanned the code, while another remarked humorously that the year 2026 had already started with a surprising twist.

Responding to the controversy, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) acknowledged that concerns had been raised by students and parents. However, the board clarified that the question papers used in the examination were authentic and that the integrity of the exam system remained intact.

The CBSE also assured that the issue has been taken seriously and is being looked into, while reiterating that there was no breach of security or compromise in the examination process.

Important Update:
Press Release issued by CBSE pic.twitter.com/HqhdjYo23q

— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 10, 2026

The unusual episode has since sparked widespread discussion online, with many students finding humour in the situation even as questions were raised about the functioning of the QR code printed on the official exam paper.

The final list has been prepared on the basis of candidates’ performance in the written examination as well as the Personality Test (Interview). The result, released in PDF format, contains the names and roll numbers of candidates recommended for appointment to various civil services across the country.

According to the commission, a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment against 1,087 reported vacancies in different services. In addition, 258 candidates have been kept in the reserve list, while 348 candidates have been recommended provisionally. The results of two candidates have been withheld, as per the official statement.

Candidates can access the merit list by visiting the UPSC website and navigating to the “Examination” section. After selecting “Active Examinations” or checking the “What’s New” tab, they can open the link for the Civil Services Examination Final Result 2025. The list can be searched using the Ctrl F function by entering the candidate’s name or roll number.

The Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the most competitive recruitment exams in the country. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the examination, but only a limited number secure a place in the final list after clearing three stages — the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination and the Personality Test.

Through this examination, candidates are selected for several prestigious services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and other Group A and Group B services under the central government.

For the Civil Services Examination 2025, UPSC had planned to fill 979 vacancies in various administrative services. However, the number of candidates recommended for appointment differs due to provisions such as reserve lists and provisional recommendations.

The commission also stated that the marksheets of all candidates will be uploaded on its website within 15 days of the declaration of the final result. These marks will remain available online for 30 days, allowing candidates to download and review their performance.

As per the UPSC notification, candidates appearing for the examination were required to be at least 21 years old and not more than 32 years old as of August 1, 2024. This means applicants must have been born between August 2, 1992 and August 1, 2003.

The Civil Services Examination continues to be one of the most sought-after career opportunities in India, offering candidates a chance to serve in key administrative roles across the country. Candidates who have made it to the final merit list will now be allotted services based on their rank and preference.

Currently a research scholar in the Department of Computer Science at Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University, Jaipur, she gained recognition for her research paper titled “Digital Threats and Emotional Turmoil: The Mental Health Impact of Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking,” presented in October 2025. The paper highlights the psychological effects of cyber threats and offers valuable insights into combating cyber harassment.

The award ceremony saw participation from eminent national and international dignitaries in science, technology and academia, making the event globally significant. 

Expressing gratitude, Jastinder Kaur acknowledged her research guide and university authorities for their mentorship and support, stating that this recognition motivates her to further advance research in Computer Science. 

College Principal Dr Neeraj Goyal, in his welcome address, said literature and media were powerful tools that influence social thinking and leadership. He added that such academic interactions help students understand how ideas expressed through books, news platforms and digital media can bring meaningful change in society.

The formal introduction of the speaker was given by Dr Vaneet Kaur, Head of the Department of English.

During his lecture, Harpreet Singh Sahni explained that literature acts as a mirror of society. He said through stories, poems, novels and essays, writers reflect the realities of their times, whether it is social inequality, cultural shifts, moral conflicts or political change. Literature not only records history but also questions it. It encourages readers to think, reflect and analyse their surroundings.

He emphasised that every era has produced literature that speaks to its own challenges. From ancient texts to modern writings, literature has always helped society understand itself better. He urged students to develop the habit of reading regularly, stating that literature broadens perspective, improves critical thinking and strengthens emotional intelligence.

Speaking about media, Harpreet Sahni highlighted its role as the voice of society. He said media brings issues to the forefront, raises awareness and gives a platform to unheard voices. Responsible journalism, he noted, can influence policy decisions, highlight injustice and promote transparency.

However, he also cautioned students about the responsible use of social media. He stressed that while digital platforms offer opportunities for expression and learning, they must be used wisely. Misinformation, negativity and misuse of technology can harm individuals and society. He encouraged students to verify facts, think critically and maintain ethical standards while engaging online.

Addressing the role of artificial intelligence, he advised students not to treat AI as a weapon for shortcuts or misinformation. Instead, he suggested that AI should be used as a tool for gaining knowledge, enhancing research and improving productivity. Technology, he said, should support learning rather than replace genuine effort and creativity.

He further added that literature remains relevant in every period of time. Even as technology evolves, the need to read and understand human experiences does not diminish. According to him, reading literature regularly helps individuals stay grounded, empathetic and socially aware.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, where students asked questions about media ethics, career opportunities and the evolving landscape of digital communication.

The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr  Harleen Kaur and Prof  Ravinder Singh, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. (Lt) Rohit Sachdeva. Faculty members and students from various departments attended the lecture.

The event served as an important platform for intellectual engagement, encouraging students to explore how literature and media contribute to social awareness and responsible leadership in a changing world.

Announcing the decision, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab was set to become one of the first in the country to implement a comprehensive digital assessment framework for answer sheets. He described the initiative as a transformative step in the way board examinations are evaluated.

Under the new system, teachers would assess scanned copies of answer sheets on computers instead of handling physical scripts. The marks awarded for each response will be automatically totalled by specialised software, reducing the scope for calculation errors and expediting the overall process.

The minister noted that the model has already been tested successfully. During the September 2025 supplementary examinations, nearly 23,000 answer sheets were evaluated digitally, with the process completed efficiently and without discrepancies.

To ensure security and smooth digital handling, each page of the redesigned answer booklet will carry a unique QR code. This will allow secure scanning and tracking of answer sheets throughout the evaluation cycle.

The answer scripts will be scanned within a controlled environment and uploaded to a centralised dashboard under the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. Examiners will log in to the platform to evaluate responses as per structured marking schemes. The system also enables automated totalling of marks and real-time monitoring of progress.

According to the notice, the District Defence Services Welfare Officer (DDSWO) examination will be conducted on February 18, from 11 am to 1 pm. The Draftsman (Architecture) exam under the Housing and Urban Development Department (PUDA) is scheduled for March 14, while the Horticulture Development Officer examination will be held on the same day and time slot.

The PCSCCE-2025 (Mains) examination will begin on April 1, 2026, with the Essay paper, followed by the English Compulsory paper on April 2. The Punjabi (in Gurmukhi script) compulsory paper will be held on April 4. General Studies papers I to IV are scheduled from April 6 to April 10, with all papers to be conducted from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

PPSC has informed that the application link for the PCSCCE-2025 (Mains) examination will be uploaded shortly. Admit cards will be made available around five days before the respective examination dates and can be downloaded from the Commission’s official website using registration credentials.

Candidates have been advised to regularly check the PPSC website for updates, as examination dates and other details may be changed if circumstances require.

According to the official order issued on January 17, schools will reopen for academic activities from Monday, January 19, after a brief suspension. The revised timings will apply uniformly to government, government-aided, and unaided private schools operating in the city.

As per the new schedule, single-shift schools will function from 9 am to 2.30 pm for students, while staff members will report from 8.45 am to 2:45 pm.

For double-shift schools, separate timings have been fixed for different classes. Classes 6 onwards will operate in the morning shift, with student timings from 9 am to 1.45 pm, and staff timings from 8:45 am to 2:45 pm. Meanwhile, Classes 1 to 5 will attend school in the evening shift, with students reporting from 1:15 pm to 4:30 pm, while staff will work from 10:40 am to 4:40 pm.

The order clarifies that these revised winter timings will remain operational till January 23, after which further instructions, if any, will be issued based on weather conditions.

The directive has been signed by Nitish Singla, PCS, Director School Education, and circulated to all heads of schools in Chandigarh for strict compliance. The decision aims to ensure the safety and convenience of students while maintaining academic continuity during the winter season.

Dr Pawan Kumar, BSEH chairman, said the examination was now likely to be conducted in the last week of January, citing cold weather conditions and other administrative reasons behind the proposed rescheduling.

He asked candidates not to panic and to continue their preparation as scheduled, stressing that the exam would most likely still be held within January. “Aspirants should not pay attention to rumours,” the chairman said, reassuring them that official information will be shared in due course.

He said at least 2.33 lakh candidates had applied for HTET this year. The highest number of applications has been received for Level II, followed by the PGT category, while Level I (PRT) recorded the lowest number of applicants.

The board, he added, was fully committed to conducting the examination in a fair, transparent and peaceful manner. Several important measures have been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the test.

He said all updates related to HTET would be communicated only through official channels.

The decision follows a directive from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), which aims to widen the pool of eligible candidates for the third round of counselling and ensure optimal utilisation of postgraduate medical seats.

As per the revised criteria, the qualifying percentile for General and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates has been lowered from the earlier 50th percentile to just the 7th percentile. For Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) under the General category, the cut-off has been reduced from the 45th percentile to the 5th percentile.

The most striking change applies to candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Their qualifying percentile has been brought down from the 40th percentile to zero. According to the official notification, this means that candidates with negative scores, up to -40 due to negative marking, are now eligible to participate in the counselling process.

Officials say the move was driven by the urgent need to fill nearly 18,000 MD and MS seats that remained vacant even after the completion of the second round of NEET-PG counselling. The steep reduction in cut-off marks marks a significant departure from previous years, where eligibility was based on competitive merit thresholds.

The ministry has justified the decision by highlighting the country’s growing shortage of medical specialists. It has emphasised that doctors appearing for NEET-PG have already qualified MBBS and completed mandatory training, and therefore lowering the percentile does not amount to compromising basic medical competence.

“This step is aimed at strengthening the healthcare system by ensuring that valuable postgraduate seats do not go unutilised,” sources said, adding that expanding eligibility is critical to meeting India’s long-term specialist workforce requirements.

However, the move has sparked debate within the medical community. While some experts have welcomed it as a practical solution to manpower shortages, others have raised concerns over academic standards and the long-term impact on postgraduate medical education.

With counselling for the next round set to begin soon, the revised criteria is expected to significantly increase participation and lead to higher seat occupancy across medical colleges nationwide.

Out of 85,192 candidates who had registered, about 33,000 actually appeared for the PPSC PSCSCCE-2025 preliminary test.

"The Mains Examination will tentatively be conducted at the end of March or in the month of April next year so that the students can get three months of time for preparation,” said Chairman, Punjab Public Service Commission, Major General Vinayak Saini, SM, VSM (Retd). 

Check results here:

https://ppsc.gov.in/usermanual.ashx?id=c13692

The practical examinations will be held for all subjects, including those under Open School, compartment or re-appear, additional subjects, division or performance improvement, and vocational/NSQF courses.

The board has directed principals of all affiliated schools to ensure that students are informed well in advance so that no candidate misses the examination due to lack of information.

Students can access the practical exam datesheet by visiting the official website of the Punjab School Education Board at www.pseb.ac.in. The datesheet is available under the designated section on the homepage. For further queries, students or schools may contact the board via email at conductpseb@gmail.com.

The board has clarified that the theory examinations for Classes 10 and 12 will be conducted after the completion of the practical exams. The PSEB aims to declare the results by the end of May 2026, enabling students to proceed with admissions to higher classes or institutions without delay.

Nearly seven lakh students are expected to appear in the Class 10 and Class 12 examinations conducted by the Punjab School Education Board this year.

The event aimed to highlight the growing need to address students’ mental health challenges while strengthening leadership practices within schools. Principals from Mount Litera Zee School, Amritsar; Little Genius School, Roopnagar; Genius International School, Roopnagar; Divine Public School, Gurdaspur; Mount Litera Zee School, Karnal; International Delhi Public School, Jammu; Vidya Bharti School, Mohali; Sarvhitkari School, Mansa; and Shri Narayan Sarvahitkari Vidya Mandir, Mansa (Punjab) participated in the conclave.

Former Director of the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), MP Singh, attended the event as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasised the role of educational leaders in shaping emotionally resilient and socially responsible students, stating that schools must focus not only on academic excellence but also on mental well-being.

Jaswinder Kaur Sethi, Principal of Mount Litera Zee School, Amritsar, was the key speaker at the conclave. She spoke in detail about the psychological and emotional challenges faced by children in today’s fast-changing environment. Highlighting issues such as academic pressure, behavioural changes and emotional stress, she stressed the importance of early intervention, empathetic teaching and strong communication between teachers, parents, and students.

The conclave also provided a platform for principals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and discuss strategies for creating supportive learning environments. The Principals were honoured with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Awards for their contribution towards the betterment of society and in shaping children's future.

The event was inaugurated by Aman Grewal, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Deputy High Commission in Chandigarh; Phil Brown, First Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs at the British High Commission in New Delhi; Professor Madhurima, Dean of the Faculty of Arts; and Professor Monica Munjial Singh, Chairperson of the Centre for Social Work.

The exhibition highlights the dangers linked to irregular migration and educates students and young travellers on how to avoid falling prey to visa-related scams. Real-life examples displayed at the event aim to build awareness about the tactics commonly used by fraudsters.

As part of the campaign, the British High Commission has also launched a dedicated WhatsApp chatbot offering verified UK travel guidance in both English and Punjabi. Users can access information about legal migration routes and tips to identify fraudulent schemes by messaging 91 70652 51380.

Adding a cultural touch, students performed bhangra and staged a street play to further spread the message of preventing visa fraud.

Student groups have made it clear that no academic or administrative activity will resume until the university formally declares the Senate election schedule. Their stance remains unchanged even after the Punjab and Haryana High Court pulled them up, urging the student community to return to classes for at least seven days before the court could intervene further.

As per the university’s academic calendar, departmental semester exams are slated to begin around November 18, 2025, with several date sheets already issued. However, the atmosphere on campus grew volatile soon after discussions around the Senate elections resurfaced, triggering widespread mobilisation by student unions.

Amid the deepening standoff, leaders of multiple student organisations have convened a joint meeting on November 20 to decide on their next steps and to unify their approach going forward.

The matter escalated to the Punjab and Haryana High Court when former Senator Harpreet Singh Dua filed a petition challenging the delay in the Senate polls. During the recent hearing, the division bench raised pointed concerns, questioning whether the university intended to operate as an academic institution or a political battleground. The court stressed that academic priorities cannot be overshadowed by electoral disputes and reaffirmed that the university’s core role is to impart education.

The ongoing conflict traces back to the Central Government’s October 28 notification dissolving the University Senate and Syndicate ,  a decision that triggered widespread outrage and was subsequently withdrawn. Despite the rollback, student unions are now demanding a written, time-bound assurance for conducting Senate elections. The administration has issued verbal assurances, but students remain unconvinced and continue to escalate their protest.

The workshop aimed to strengthen HR professionals’ understanding of the new labour legislations, compliance obligations, and the growing role of technology and workplace ethics.

The inaugural address by Dr. Harish Nayyar, IAS (Retd.), Former CEO & Additional Labour Commissioner, Punjab, emphasized the need for HR leaders to create compliant, transparent, and future-ready workplaces in the changing regulatory environment.

Key sessions during the workshop covered a range of critical themes. The session on the Wage Code explored its impact on wage structuring and social security benefits. Discussions on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH & WC) Code and transition from the Factories Act, 1948 provided practical guidance for industrial establishments. Another segment focused on the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, highlighting safety and welfare compliance for contract and site-based workers.

The Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act and Model Standing Orders sessions examined fixed-term employment and workforce flexibility under the new labour codes. A dedicated discussion on POSH 2.0 – Prevention of Sexual Harassment emphasized the cultural transformation required for safe and inclusive workplaces. The concluding session on AI in HR explored how artificial intelligence is shaping decision-making, compliance monitoring, and ethical workforce management.

Over a hundred HR practitioners, academicians, and students participated in the event, engaging in interactive discussions and case-based learning. The workshop concluded with a networking session, and delegates were awarded certificates of participation.

About the speakers :

The workshop featured multiple sessions by distinguished speakers:

• Mr. Nitin Baijal, Executive Director, Global Employer Services, Deloitte – Impact of Wage Code on Social Security Benefits.

• S. Narinder Singh and Mr. Mohit Singla, Additional Directors of Factories, Punjab – Transitioning of Factories Act, 1948 into OSH & WC Code.

• Dr. Neeraj Mohan, Labour Enforcement Officer (Central), Chandigarh, and Mr. CKS Sachdeva, Senior HR Professional – Contract Labour (R&A) Act and Model Standing Orders for Fixed Term Employment.

• Adv. Pooja Nayar, POSH Compliance Expert – New Workplace Reality POSH 2.0: From Legal Mindset to Cultural Shift.

• Mr. Arvind Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Interlit Advisory (P) Ltd. – AI-Powered HR: Creating Future Ready Workforce.