The SAT’s return has frantic parents hiring $500-an-hour tutors
The demand for SAT tutors has surged as elite colleges reintroduce standardized testing requirements. Kat Cohen, CEO of IvyWise, notes an uptick in families seeking tutoring services, realizing the importance of standardized tests in college admissions. Kaplan, a major test prep agency, reports a significant increase in enrollment, attributing it partly to the transition to digital SATs and the return of mandatory testing at some universities. Key Points
Economic TimesTB testing stuck in the previous century, and waiting for change
In Nature journal, Dr. Madhukar Pai, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan and Puneet K. Dewan recommend for tuberculosis using molecular tests with non-sputum samples in a decentralised facility that can test for multiple conditions. Key Points
The HinduWhatsApp testing Meta AI chatbot in India, other markets
With over 500 million WhatsApp users, India is the instant messaging service’s largest market. WhatsApp has said that it is testing its large language... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaSkipping counselling does not increase cancer gene test distress: Study
Washington DC [US], September 22 (ANI): According to research published in JAMA Oncology, skipping genetic counselling before or after a distant screening for inherited risk of ovarian or breast cancer does not raise pain, worry, or depression. “The accepted idea was that you needed genetic counseling before taking a genetic test,” said Dr. Elizabeth Swisher, a […] Key Points
ThePrintToyota working on clean tech for Indian market: Masakazu Yoshimura
The company, which operates in a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group, has started testing a flex fuel strong hybrid version of multi-purpose vehicle Hycross in India. “This is a prototype which we are testing for the first time globally for the market in India. It can take ethanol as well as with the strong hybrid and can have a better fuel efficiency of about 40-50% (compared to gasoline),” said Yoshimura. Key Points
Economic Times
Indian-origin lab owner sentenced to prison for USD 463 million genetic testing scam in US
An Indian-origin laboratory owner from the US state of Georgia was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his involvement in a USD 463 million genetic testing scam spanning over three years to defraud Medicare. Minal Patel, who owned LabSolutions LLC, was sentenced on Friday to 27 years in prison for his role in the scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting over USD 463 million in genetic and other laboratory tests that patients did not need and were procured through the payment of kickbacks and bribes. Key Points
Economic TimesSmear microscopy needs to be replaced with molecular testing for tuberculosis: expert
In 2021, TB killed an estimated 1.6 million people with most deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. Key Points
The Indian ExpressET Explainer: What's a regulatory sandbox? How it spurs innovation
The 2023 Telecommunications Act requires the establishment of regulatory sandboxes (RSs) to assess and promote innovation in emerging communication technologies. The introduction of sandboxes is anticipated to promote the involvement of startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in devising relevant use cases for 5G and beyond, extending into the realm of 6G. The thorough live testing conducted within a sandbox environment is also expected to assist telecommunication companies and technology firms in identifying and addressing issues before launching new products commercially. Key Points
Economic Times64-year-old Bengaluru resident dies due to COVID-19 infection
Karnataka government on Tuesday issued an advisory asking people above 60 years, those with comorbidities, pregnant women and lactating mothers, to wear face masks when outdoor, and to strictly avoid visiting closed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded areas, in the wake of current Covid-19 situation in the country and detection of JN.1 sub variant in neighbouring Kerala. Key Points
Economic TimesYouTube tests new online-games offering
YouTube is testing a product for playing online games called “Playables“. To learn more, read the full story on The Hindu. Key Points
The Hindu
AI could help determine who gets laid off
ChatGPT can already write a generic layoffs memo, and Microsoft Corp. is planning to roll out its 365 Copilot to Excel, which could serve as an aid in financial planning. Now a French startup called Pigment SAS is testing a generative AI tool expressly for chief financial officers. Key Points
Economic TimesFSSAI to inspect all manufacturers in its crackdown on ‘spurious’ spices
The food safety regulator on Thursday said it had ordered testing and inspections at all companies making spice mixes, widening an investigation into... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaNew Pfizer and Moderna Covid boosters now available nationwide, US resumes free testing program
Pfizer and Moderna Covid boosters are now available at pharmacies in the US, while the country has also reinstated its free Covid test program. The CDC and FDA recommend a single dose of the updated vaccine for individuals aged six months and older, with some children eligible for up to three doses. The CDC estimates that the Eris variant is responsible for nearly 30% of Covid cases in the US. Health authorities advise continued mask use to reduce transmission. It is important to seek testing if symptoms of Covid are experienced, and to isolate if testing positive. Key Points
Economic TimesCovid surge spurs self-testing, and it could mask the real number of cases
The demand for self-testing kits has increased by 15% in India due to a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases, according to Hasmukh Rawal of Mylab Discovery Solutions. However, the increased use of these kits may result in under-reporting of cases. There are concerns over the accuracy of the results, with officials recommending RT-PCR testing for confirmation. Key Points
Economic TimesAndhra Pradesh: We better mask up
The WHO recommends that everyone adopt all COVID precautions amid the new COVID-19 variant XBB.1.16 fast spreading in the country Key Points
The Hindu
Foxconn to partner with HCL Group for chip testing plant
Foxconn said in a regulatory filing that its India unit will own a 40% stake in the joint venture with a $37.2 million investment. HCL did not disclose financial details from its side. Key Points
ThePrintBharat NCAP norms to raise standards of cars in India. No more sasta & tikau hatchbacks
With Bharat NCAP, manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai India will be expected to raise their standards. Unsafe cars will not sell in India. Key Points
ThePrintGovt to ensure more HIV-infected people get meds from ART centres
As per May 2023 data, 1,08,155 people with HIV infection are getting medicine from ART centres in U.P. out of the 1.93 lakh people infected with the virus. Key Points
Hindustan TimesCurrent COVID-testing levels insufficient as compared to WHO standards in some states: Health Ministry
Amid rising cases of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, the government is planning a nationwide mock drill on April 10 and 11 to take stock of hospital preparedness. According to a joint advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on March 25, both public and private health facilities in all the districts are expected to participate in the exercise aimed at taking stock of availability of medicines, hospital beds, medical equipment and medical oxygen. Key Points
The HinduRise in Covid cases: Masks a must in Haryana at gathering above 100
In past week at least 25,404 Covid tests were conducted across Haryana. Though at present there are 724 active patients in Haryana, none of them is in the hospital. “It has also been made mandatory for all health workers in the state to wear masks,” an official spokesperson said. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Budget 2024: Bengaluru’s industry leaders expect regulatory ease, clearer policies
Bengalurus industry leaders expect the interim Union budget to focus on resolving unfinished agendas and providing regulatory ease. The major ask across sectors is clarity on policies and decreasing tax disputes. There is a need for streamlining the income tax exemption process for startups and providing clearer incentives and policies for testing facilities. Increasing government spending in R&D and easing regulations for private individuals and family offices to acquire foreign startups would boost innovation. Key Points
Economic TimesFoxconn to partner wtih HCL Group for semiconductor facility in India
The collaboration involves the creation of an outsourced assembly and testing (OSAT) unit within the country. OSAT units play a crucial role in the semiconductor manufacturing process by packaging, assembling, and testing silicon wafers, ultimately transforming them into fully functional semiconductor chips. Key Points
India TodayStates get Covid advisory as daily cases touch 1.5k , told to increase RTPCR tests
India recorded over 1,500 fresh Covid-19 cases on Saturday, the highest in 146 days, even as some states relying heavily on the less sensitive rapid antigen test (RAT). The most active Covid-19 cases have been reported by Kerala (26.4%), Maharashtra (21.7%), Gujarat (13.9%), Karnataka (8.6%) and Tamil Nadu (6.3%), as per the health ministry. Key Points
Economic TimesGoogle Play Store will soon allow users to download multiple apps at the same time
Google Play Store is reportedly testing a feature to enable simultaneous downloads of multiple apps. This move, long-awaited by Android users, will likely enhance the overall user experience on the Play Store. Key Points
India TodayBharat Park to be set up in UAE: Piyush Goyal
Expressing concern on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Japan, Australia, UAE, and South Korea, the minister said that utilisation of benefits are very poor in India. He also said that Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will spend Rs. 40 crore for setting up 21 testing laboratories across the country. Key Points
Economic Times
Rainbow Six Siege Year 8 Season 4: All you may want to know about Operation Deep Freeze’s release date and
Rainbow Six Siege Year 8 season 4, Operation Deep Freeze, brings changes like a new operator, map, and meta shift. A beloved game mode bids farewell, replaced by an AI playlist. The release, initially set for November 28, is delayed by Ubisoft for further testing. Key Points
Economic TimesTexmaco JV co bags Rs 179cr order
Kolkata, Oct 3 (PTI) Texmaco said their JV company with SS Fabricators and Manufacturers bagged an order valued at Rs 179.89 crore from SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company Limited which is building 900MW run-of-the-river hydropower project presently under development in Nepal. The scope of work encompasses an array of responsibilities, including procurement, fabrication, shop assembly, […] Key Points
ThePrintPlay on Industrial recovery: 4 stocks from B2B of manufacturing sector with upside potential of up to 35%
It might surprise many, for a company which intends to supply selected raw materials to a tyre company, it might take anywhere two to three years to get approvals in testing and another process before it is able to sell its product to that particular tyre maker. But then once approved, the relationship between them remains forever, until rocked by something major. Similarly, many companies which supply only to large industries have its own advantages. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia removes random Covid testing for international arrivals
The Union Health Ministry has relaxed COVID-19 guidelines for international travellers, removing the previous requirement for RT-PCR testing of a random 2% of visitors to India. However, precautionary measures, such as in-flight announcements and isolation of symptomatic passengers as per protocol, shall still be followed. All travellers are advised to preferentially receive full vaccination as per their country's primary schedule and self-monitor their health post-arrival. Key Points
Economic TimesRussia introduces GigaChat to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT
Russian banking institution, Sberbank announced the release and testing phase of an AI chatbot called Gigachat that will compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. To learn more, read the full story on The Hindu. Key Points
The Hindu