News Broadcasting
Global online school ties up with Zee Network’s education arm
NEW DELHI: Universitas 21 Global, a leading global online business school, Wednesday announced the signing of an alliance with Zee Network’s education arm with a view to expanding its presence in different parts of India.
As part of the agreement, Universitas 21 Global will utilise Zee Interactive Learning Systems’ network of study centres to impart its online management education programmes, said a company statement issued here.
“Students can enrol themselves with immediate effect in the Zee Learning centres in north and east India, Bangladesh and Nepal and this facility will soon be available across all centres,” said the statement.
Universitas 21 Global is a joint venture between an international consortium of 16 universities and Thomson Learning, a worldwide provider of tailored learning solutions for individuals, businesses and institutions.
The online business school has enrolled students from the US, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East. It launched its programmes in India in June last year.
Universitas 21 Global has also appointed job portal Naukri.com as its placement partner.
“By the year 2020, the demand for higher education is likely to increase to over 100 million students worldwide. India alone will witness 15 million students seeking higher education,” said Mukesh Aghi, CEO of Universitas 21 Global.
“E-learning will emerge as a major conduit for access to education and we at Universitas 21 Global are committed to help meet this demand,” he added.
“We are confident that our alliances with Zee Interactive and Naukri.com will help us achieve this goal. These alliances will further help us in providing the best education and career planning facilities to the students in the country.”
Arun Khetan of Zee Interactive Learning Systems said: “Our alliance with Universitas 21 Global is a step forward in the direction of providing the best of education opportunities to people in India.”
Zee Interactive Learning has a network of over 300 study centre across India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
