PM Narendra Modi highlights ethical AI as India announces academic collaboration with Slovakia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of an India Chair on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at a university in Slovakia, calling it a significant step towards strengthening international collaboration in emerging technologies.In a statement shared on social media, the Prime Minister welcomed the initiative and said that AI should serve humanity and become a strong medium for progress and public good. He emphasized that India’s approach to AI is rooted not only in innovation, but also in trust, responsibility, and human dignity.The announcement reflects India’s growing engagement with global academic institutions to shape the future of AI governance, research, and ethical development. The proposed India Chair is expected to promote joint studies, academic exchange, and collaborative research between Indian and Slovak institutions in the field of artificial intelligence.Focus on ethical and human-centric AI developmentHighlighting India’s vision for technology, the Prime Minister reiterated that the future of AI must go beyond technological advancement and be anchored in ethical principles. He said that innovation must be guided by responsibility and a commitment to human welfare.The initiative aligns with India’s broader digital strategy, which promotes the use of AI in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, and skill development, while ensuring safeguards around transparency and accountability.Officials noted that such academic collaborations are crucial for building a global framework for responsible AI development, especially as countries increasingly adopt artificial intelligence in critical decision-making systems.Strengthening India’s global academic footprintThe establishment of the India Chair in Slovakia is also seen as part of India’s efforts to expand its academic and research footprint internationally. Through such partnerships, India aims to contribute to global knowledge systems while also learning from advanced research ecosystems abroad.The move is expected to facilitate faculty exchange, joint research projects, and student engagement programmes between Indian and Slovak institutions. It also reinforces India’s positioning as a key voice in global discussions on ethical and inclusive AI development.Experts believe that initiatives like this will play an important role in shaping international norms for artificial intelligence, particularly at a time when AI technologies are rapidly transforming economies and societies worldwide.The announcement has been welcomed as a step forward in strengthening academic diplomacy and deepening India’s role in global technology governance.

While most children her age are only beginning to explore new skills, Arha achieved a feat that captured global attention. The five-year-old trained 50 chess learners and solved 30 puzzles simultaneously, earning recognition in the Noble Book of World Records. Her journey underscores how chess can nurture leadership, critical thinking, and confidence from an early age.

Most five-year-olds are busy learning the alphabet, making new friends in school, or figuring out how to ride a bicycle without training wheels. Arha, however, was doing something few children her age could even imagine, teaching chess to dozens of students and earning a place in the Noble Book of World Records.The daughter of actor Allu Arjun may have been born into one of India’s most recognisable film families, but her entry into the record books had nothing to do with cinema. It came from a chessboard.At just five years old, Arha was recognised as one of the world’s youngest chess trainers after she trained 50 students and simultaneously solved 30 chess puzzles. It was an achievement that demanded not only an understanding of the game but also the ability to explain it to others, something many adults struggle to do.

A childhood achievement that went beyond winning

In an age where children’s accomplishments are often measured through examination scores and competition trophies, Arha’s record stands out for a different reason. It was rooted in learning and teaching.Chess cannot just be regarded as a game played by kings and queens on 64 squares. It has been used in education as an essential way of promoting concentration, memory, strategy, patience, and decision-making for many years now. Teaching chess demands that one should be more knowledgeable about it since he or she will need to explain things clearly.It takes a lot to teach chess to 50 learners at the same time and this is what makes the achievement more exceptional.

The noble book of World Records recognition

The award for “Noble Book of World Records” turned her childhood passion into a true accomplishment in terms of education. In addition, there is a trend emerging – talent becomes apparent far earlier than expected.In contrast to many other records which are all about speed or some kind of endurance or extraordinary ability, Arha’s record had everything to do with her brain and the sharing of knowledge.

Stepping out of a famous shadow

While celebrity children frequently attract attention because of their famous surnames, Arha’s journey offers a refreshing counter-narrative. Her achievement was earned across a chessboard, not a film set. That is perhaps why the story continues to resonate.

Why chess continues to matter in education

Educators across the world increasingly recognise chess as more than an extracurricular activity. Studies have often linked the game with improved analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and concentration among young learners.Arha’s achievement shines a spotlight on the educational value of the game and the possibilities that emerge when children are encouraged to pursue interests beyond conventional classroom learning.Her story also challenges common assumptions about age and capability. It suggests that when talent is nurtured early, children can achieve outcomes that many adults might consider extraordinary.

A lesson for young learners everywhere

For parents, teachers, and students, Arha’s journey carries an important lesson. Excellence is not always about age. Sometimes it is about passion meeting opportunity.At five, Arha was not simply learning chess. She was teaching it, inspiring others, and building a record-breaking achievement that would place her among an extraordinary group of young achievers.In a world increasingly obsessed with instant fame, her story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful accomplishments begin with a child, a classroom, and a chessboard.

The National Testing Agency has announced a post-examination correction facility for NEET UG 2026 candidates to update incorrect bank account details linked to fee refunds. The move comes as the agency begins processing refunds following the cancellation of the earlier exam and warns aspirants against refund-related fraud attempts.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that candidates appearing for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination will receive another opportunity to correct or update their bank account details for fee refunds after the examination. The move comes as the agency begins refunding examination fees following the cancellation of the earlier NEET UG 2026 test conducted on May 3.According to NTA, all refunds will be transferred directly to the bank accounts submitted by candidates through the official portal. To avoid delays in receiving the refund amount, students have been advised to carefully verify their account details, including the account number, IFSC code and account holder’s name, before downloading their admit cards.

Fresh relief for candidates

The agency clarified that some candidates may have entered incorrect banking information or faced difficulties during the verification process. To address these concerns, NTA said a separate correction window will be opened after the examination, allowing students to update or rectify their bank account details required for the refund process.The announcement is expected to provide relief to thousands of candidates who were worried that errors in their submitted details could affect the refund of examination fees.

How candidates can verify details

To review their banking information, candidates need to log in to the NEET UG portal using their application number and password or date of birth. After accessing the bank account verification section, they can check the details entered and make necessary corrections before saving and submitting the information.NTA has urged candidates to ensure that all information is accurate so that refunds can be processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

NTA warns against fraud attempts

Alongside the refund process, NTA has issued a strong warning about fraudsters attempting to exploit candidates. The agency advised students not to trust phone calls, messages, emails or links claiming to facilitate or expedite refunds.NTA reiterated that it never asks candidates for OTPs, passwords, UPI PINs or any payment for processing refunds. Students have been urged to remain vigilant and rely only on official communications issued through the agency’s website.

Refund process underway

The refund exercise is being carried out simultaneously with preparations for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination. NTA has indicated that additional information regarding the post-examination correction facility for bank account details will be released through official channels in the coming days.

For now, candidates have been advised to regularly monitor official announcements and ensure that their submitted banking information is correct to avoid complications during the refund process.

The KMAT Kerala Session 2 Result 2026 has been released by the CEE Kerala on its official portal, recording an impressive 99.31% qualification rate. Aboobackar P S secured the top position in the merit list. Candidates who appeared for the MBA entrance exam can now access and download their scorecards for the next admission stages.

The Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE), Kerala, has announced the KMAT Kerala Session 2 Result 2026 through its official website, cee.kerala.gov.in. According to the official result details, out of 3,628 students appearing for the exam, 3,603 have qualified, while only a few remain ineligible. The results have been published in the form of a merit list containing application numbers and candidate names, among other details.KMAT Kerala 2026 result card features the following details:• Candidate’s name and application number• Mark distribution in various sections• Total marks obtained and percentile• Whether or not the candidate qualifies• Merit list position, if anyKMAT eligibility requirements include securing the cut-off marks as prescribed by the board of CEE, Kerala. Though general category students have to meet the minimum cut-off, reserved categories have a more flexible approach. Students securing the required cut-off marks will be eligible to appear on the merit list.

KMAT result 2026: Steps to download scorecards

Candidates can follow the steps elucidated here to download the KMAT result 2026 from the official website:

Alternatively, candidates can click on the link provided here to download the KMAT result 2026.

What happens next after result declaration

With the declaration of results, the admission process for MBA programmes across participating institutions in Kerala will now move to the next stage. Qualified candidates will be called for counselling and seat allotment based on their rank and preferences.Final admission will depend on KMAT scores along with subsequent selection procedures conducted by respective institutions.

A programme designed around Health, Data and Technology

The MPH (Health Science & Technology) course has been structured to combine public health education with technology-driven approaches. The institutions aim to prepare professionals who can respond to complex health challenges using data, research tools, and policy understanding.The curriculum includes core subjects such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health systems, health economics, social determinants of health, environmental and occupational health, and maternal and child health.Alongside traditional public health training, students will also be introduced to programming, AI/ML applications, and digital health systems, reflecting the increasing role of technology in healthcare delivery and research.Electives expand the academic scope further into areas like disaster management, infectious and non-communicable disease epidemiology, health technology assessment, pharmaceutical policy, and behavioural health sciences.

Focus on building a skilled public health workforce

According to the institutions, the Programme has been designed in response to the growing need for trained public health professionals in India. The emphasis is on strengthening systems that support Universal Health Care and Sustainable Development Goals, while also aligning with national policy frameworks such as NEP 2020 and Digital India.The objective is to train professionals who can move beyond classroom learning and contribute directly to policy, research, healthcare systems, and development programmes.The programme also stresses equity in health, preparing students to work with vulnerable and underserved populations across diverse social and economic settings.

Who can apply: Wide eligibility across disciplines

Eligibility for the programme is kept broad to include both medical and non-medical backgrounds. Applicants must have Mathematics at the 10+2 level and meet one of the following conditions:Graduates in medical and allied fields such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BNYS, BUMS, BSMS, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, or B.Tech/BE (any branch)OR a 4-year degree in disciplines such as Statistics, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Nutrition, Social Work, Management, Law, Anthropology, and related fieldsOR a graduate degree in any discipline along with a postgraduate qualification in approved social science or health-related subjects.

Admission process involves test and interview

The selection process begins with an online application, which includes academic documents, work experience details, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP).Shortlisted candidates will be called for an objective-type entrance examination, to be held in Delhi or Kolkata. Those who qualify the test will proceed to an interview round.Final admission will be based on a combined score of the entrance test and interview, with equal weightage given to both stages.

Two-year structure split between Delhi and IIT Kharagpur

The MPH-HST programme runs for four semesters over two years.

Students will also undergo internships in hospitals, NGOs, research organisations, laboratories, or community health settings.The course will be delivered in English and includes hands-on training in data analysis tools, software applications, and field-based public health work.

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Fees, accommodation and scholarship support

The programme fee is ₹1,50,000 per semester, payable separately to the respective institute.Accommodation is not included in the fee:

A limited number of merit-based scholarships may be awarded, depending on availability of funds.