Category education

The Ariel University Senate has resolved to confer an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) upon Grandmaster Boris Gelfand, recognizing a career defined by world-class competitive performance, intellectual leadership, and enduring contribution to Israeli and international chess.

Gelfand is a Chess World Cup winner and a World Chess Championship finalist, widely regarded as one of Israel’s most accomplished chess figures and a leading representative of Israeli excellence on the global stage. 

The conferral ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at Ariel University. 

Professor Ehud Grossman, President of Ariel University, said:

“Boris Gelfand is a benchmark for sustained excellence, disciplined preparation, clear decision-making under pressure. By awarding this Honorary Doctorate, the University is recognizing not only extraordinary achievement, but the broader public value of a life that elevates Israel’s standing in the global arena.” 

Professor Albert Pinhasov, Rector of Ariel University, added:

“For me personally, as a chess player, it’s a great privilege to honor Grandmaster Boris Gelfand, not only for what he has achieved, but for how he has achieved it. Across decades his outstanding results while representing Israel in international arena have inspired both established players and young talents, setting and maintaining the highest standards of this intellectual game. In recent years, Boris has become a close friend of the University, supporting our Annual Memorial Chess Championship. His presence reinforced what chess at its best represents: character, responsibility, and the commitment to carry a heritage forward. Ariel University is proud to confer this Honorary Doctorate in recognition of a legacy that continues to inspire.”

Mar 19: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, announced the donation of ₹2.5 crore by Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India and distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1977, to establish the Agendra Kumar Fellowships Fund. The fund will support 10 PhD scholars over the next decade, further strengthening BITS Pilani’s commitment to advancing research and nurturing future innovators.

 The fellowship fund will support purposive and relevant research to advance high-impact through technology and engineering solutions to critical problems in climate & sustainability, healthcare & biotech, cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, geospatial intelligence, water resource management, cancer research using computational methods, and precision agriculture, where BITS researchers can make a meaningful difference.

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said,

“Agendra Kumar’s commitment reflects the finest tradition of BITSian giving – purposeful, forward-looking, and rooted in a genuine desire to see the institution grow. PhD research is the engine of long-term innovation, and fellowships of this kind make it possible for talented young researchers to pursue ideas that matter without being held back by financial constraints. We are deeply grateful to him for this generous and well-considered gift.”

Agendra Kumar said,

 “BITS Pilani gave me the foundation to build a career at the intersection of technology and real-world impact. Esri India’s work in geospatial intelligence has shown me, time and again, how research translates into solutions that change lives on the ground and create value. Through these fellowships, I hope to enable the next generation of researchers at BITS to do exactly that – work on problems that matter for India and do so with the freedom and support to think boldly.”

Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean Alumni Relations, said,

 “Agendra Kumar’s fellowship fund is a natural extension of his belief in the power of research to address real challenges. The focus areas he has chosen align closely with the nation’s most urgent priorities, and we are confident that the scholars supported through this fund will go on to make significant contributions by coming out with innovative solutions to critical problems.”

The research shall be undertaken in the aegis of School of Interdisciplinary Research and Entrepreneurship (SIRE) at BITS Pilani, which offers multiple programs for students and faculty. Most notable program is PhD DRIVE, which provides innovators an opportunity to earn a PhD Degree, while working on their deep-tech and deep-science venture.

BITS Pilani has set up a USD 100 million Endowment Fund to support its transformation into a globally ranked institution. The fund is aimed at strengthening faculty excellence, research capacity, student scholarships, and global engagement, with strong support from its worldwide alumni community.

Leading US university reinforces commitment to sustainability with installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper displays for instant energy and waste paper reductions 

Creating a more sustainable campus: Pittsburgh-based Duquesne University – one of the nation’s top Catholic colleges – turned to PPDS to seize the sustainable and financial benefits of its groundbreaking ‘zero power’ Philips Tableaux ePaper displays, eliminating paper waste while enhancing communications to its 8,000 students. 

Amsterdam, March 2026: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the successful installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper signage displays at Duquesne University, with the range bringing instant energy savings and waste cutting benefits, as well as delivering on a more informed and sustainable campus. 

Founded in 1887, Duquesne is among the top 15% educational institutions in the United States. A top ranked private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, it caters for 8,000 students from 80 countries and over 3,000 faculty and staff. 

As the university continues to experience exponential growth, both in appeal and in size, its scenic 49 acre (198,300 m²) campus overlooking downtown Pittsburgh continues to evolve, with the university placing a growing focus on enabling students with the latest technologies both in and outside of the classrooms. 

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and with a commitment to sustainable ecologies – which saw them recently named on the Princeton Review List of Green Colleges – the team researched the global ePaper market and turned to PPDS to seize the opportunities of the technology to replace the tired paper directories used around its campus. 

Concluding the in depth analysis, Philips Tableaux ePaper displays were selected as the standout choice to achieve the team’s ambitions, with a fleet of 21x 32” 5150 and 25” 4050 Philips Tableaux installed in classrooms, study areas, and hallways. 

As with other installations of Philips Tableaux ePaper displays – most recently inside the Institut Pasteur’s HQ in Paris – the Philips Tableaux range provides Duquesne University with incredible levels of flexibility and adaptability, interchangeable for a wide range of uses – from wayfinding and safety notices, cafeteria menus and event information, and many more. This includes in areas with limited power sources. 

Light in weight and fully portable, Philips Tableaux models used on campus are capable of displaying full colour imagery for days, weeks, months, or even years without using a single kilowatt of energy, only requiring a small amount of electricity (0.0025 kWh for the 25” model) during content changes. 

Instant benefits

Running on an Android SoC, Philips Tableaux displays can be managed and updated remotely via a content management or remote display management system such as Philips Wave or as chosen by the team at Duquesne, content can be updated manually via a USB drive. 

The project has been deemed a major success, and a second rollout phase is set to include Philips Tableaux displays in other buildings around the campus, including the School of Nursing, the School of Liberal Arts, and the College of Medicine. 

Lauren Turin, Director of Classroom Technologies, Duquesne University, commented: “We have eliminated the need for complicated installation, and we are saving on the cost of paper, printing, and time. So, the cost per department is more economical in the long run. When our directories need an update, we use a USB drive with the content and an extension cord for power. The time it takes to update the directory is quicker than the time it takes to walk to the building.” 

PPDS Director of Education, Patrick VanTreese, added: “With sustainability now an important focus for businesses and in education, ePaper has become a real game changer, opening new opportunities to reduce wastage, save on costs, and create new opportunities to communicate. We’re delighted to have supported Duquesne University, delivering on their ambitions with our Philips Tableaux range.” 

To learn more about PPDS, please visit the website here, or contact your local PPDS sales manager.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and NEW YORK CITY – Udacity, part of Accenture LearnVantage and the leading provider of tech skills for the AI economy, announced the launch of a fully accredited Master of Business Administration degree programme designed specifically for the next generation of AI product leaders.

While traditional MBAs have long held a direct path into product management, they often lack the hands-on, technical training required in today’s AI-driven economy. This MBA focused on AI product management combines rigorous business fundamentals with applied, project-based training—equipping graduates with both the strategic foundation and practical experience required to lead in the AI economy.

“As AI continues to redefine the global workforce, the need for leaders who can bridge the gap between technology and business strategy has never been more critical,” said Kishore Durg, global lead of Accenture LearnVantage. “This innovative MBA programme directly addresses the advanced skills crisis by providing an affordable, accredited path for the next generation of AI product leaders. By democratising access to high-quality education, we are helping both individuals and organisations unlock the full potential of the AI economy.”

For the first time, learners can earn an MBA degree built around Udacity’s hallmark project-based curriculum at a fraction of the cost of traditional MBA programmes. Degrees are awarded by Woolf, a global leader in higher education innovation, and are recognised through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) across more than 60 countries—including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and 43 European nations. 

“Artificial intelligence is defining a new way of doing business, and MBAs need to prepare students for that new world,” said Woolf President and Rector Dr. Joshua Broggi. “We’re proud of this exceptional programme, which brings Accenture and Udacity’s depth of expertise to a degree that is affordable, practical, and rigorous.”

Answering the AI Product Skills Crisis
Young professionals are standing at a crossroads. 59% of executives believe AI automation is actively closing doors for new talent, according to Accenture’s January 2026 Pulse of Change report. Yet, most companies are still struggling to make AI work at scale, with only 32% reporting real enterprise-wide success.

This disconnect presents an outsized opportunity for professionals who retool. AI product management is powering the fastest-growing frontier in tech, with job openings surging nearly 90% last year. By mastering the intersection of AI and product development, professionals can secure roles that pay 36% more than traditional product manager roles while solving the C-suite’s biggest challenges.

An MBA Degree Built for the AI Economy
The Master of Business Administration programme from Udacity and Woolf addresses these critical gaps by providing a flexible, affordable path to advanced credentials for working professionals and career changers without sacrificing career momentum:

• Radically Affordable: Can be completed for less than ₹2 lakh—a fraction of private university MBA programmes with an average cost between ₹4 lakh – ₹25 lakh.
• Industry Relevant: Courses are project-based and developed with input from leading tech companies, helping graduates build portfolios that prove their capabilities.
• Fully Accredited: Degrees awarded by Woolf carry academic weight comparable to other leading higher education institutions in Europe, North America, and Australia—and are widely accepted for immigration, visa applications, and doctoral programmes in 60+ countries.
• Backwards Compatible: With “Recognition of Prior Learning,” Udacity learners can apply previously completed Nanodegree programmes toward a master’s degree, potentially accelerating their path to graduation.
• Highly Flexible: Students progress at their own pace through 14 Udacity Nanodegree programmes plus a capstone project—approximately 2,250 hours in total, the standard workload for a European master’s degree under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.

Pioneering the Future of AI Education

Udacity has pioneered large-scale AI education for over a decade, but its recent entry into accredited degrees has set a new industry benchmark. This MBA with a focus in AI product management follows the successful launch of its Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree programme, which amassed more than 1,500 learners in its inaugural cohort—demonstrating the industry appetite for high-rigor, high-ROI AI credentials.

The MBA represents the next evolution of this success. By combining Udacity’s “skills-first” DNA with Woolf’s international accreditation, the company is transforming 15 years of AI innovation into an MBA designed for the next generation of technology product leaders.

“We’re not just adding credentials to existing learning, we’re democratising access to advanced education in one of the most important fields of the 21st century,” said Dr. Kai Roemmelt, CEO of Udacity and Dean of the Udacity Institute of AI & Technology. “This programme combines Udacity’s hallmark project-based curriculum with Woolf’s internationally recognised accreditation to offer an MBA degree that is both radically affordable and industry-relevant. It proves that you can break down traditional barriers to higher education while maintaining the academic rigor necessary to deliver immediate career impact for professionals in the AI economy.”

The creation of the MBA degree programme from Udacity and Woolf is a continuation of Accenture’s $1 billion investment in LearnVantage—a comprehensive learning and training service that helps individuals, organisations, and nations build the skills they need to grow in the AI economy. Since launching LearnVantage in 2024, Accenture has acquired Udacity, TalentSprint, Ascendient Learning, Aidemy, and Award Solutions, scaling Accenture’s deep capabilities as a world-class learning organisation helping clients meet their business growth objectives and enabling people to develop the relevant skills they need to make the most of the opportunities that technological change is bringing.

Enroll now and forge a new future in tech.

New Delhi: The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Roche Pharma India to promote academic collaboration and advance pharmaceutical education and research in India.

The MoU was signed at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

The partnership seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practices by providing students and faculty with practical exposure to the evolving pharmaceutical and regulatory landscape.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will jointly undertake several initiatives, including a certificate programme in regulatory affairs for students and industry professionals. The collaboration will also feature guest lecture series by industry experts, focusing on emerging areas such as AI-driven pharmaceutical research, drug development and healthcare innovation, aimed at enhancing industry-oriented knowledge and skills among students.

Speaking on the occasion, Joshi stressed the importance of strengthening India’s capabilities in regulatory sciences, biologics and artificial intelligence in pharmaceuticals to sustain global competitiveness. He noted that stronger partnerships between academia and industry would play a crucial role in achieving these goals and positioning India as a leader in advanced pharmaceutical innovation.

The collaboration aligns with the government’s broader development vision and initiatives such as #ViksitBharat and the BiopharmaShakti mission, which aim to transform India’s pharmaceutical sector from a volume-driven model to a value-driven innovation ecosystem.

The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of a future-ready workforce, while also supporting sustainable growth in India’s rapidly evolving life sciences and biopharmaceutical sector.

New Delhi — India’s unemployment rate fell to 4.9% in February 2026, down from 5% in January, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics. The decline reflects improvements in both urban and rural labor markets.

Pic Credit: Pexel

Among urban residents aged 15 and above, the unemployment rate decreased slightly from 6.7% to 6.6%. In rural areas, the overall rate remained steady at 4.2%. Female employment saw significant gains: urban women’s unemployment dropped from 9.8% to 8.7%, while rural women’s rate fell from 4.3% to 4%.

The labor force participation rate (LFPR) for the overall population remained stable at 55.9%, with rural and urban areas recording 58.7% and 50.4%, respectively. Among women aged 15 and above, participation improved to 35.3%, rising to 40% in rural areas, while remaining unchanged at 25.5% in urban areas.

The monthly unemployment figures were compiled in collaboration with the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), covering 3,74,879 respondents. Previously, India reported only quarterly unemployment statistics, but the government has shifted to publishing both monthly and quarterly data since January 2025 to provide a more timely picture of the labor market.

Analysts say the latest numbers signal steady recovery in employment opportunities across the country, with increased participation of women in the workforce contributing to the overall improvement.

Mar 17: Amity School of Economics, Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida campus is organizing its 9th National Conference on the theme “Integrating Diverse Indigenous Knowledge Systems for Dynamic Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals” from 16th-17th March, 2026.

Addressing the students during the Inaugural Session, Ms. Shikha Rai, MLA(Delhi), Bhartiya Janta Party, averred, “Sustainability cannot exist without wisdom and therefore, every citizen needs to be extremely careful, wise and responsible, so as to safeguard the planet. Tribal communities have developed agricultural and ecological practices that sustain both livelihoods and ecosystem. These communities inherited sustainability as a way of life. India is building ancient sustainable systems into modern governance. Under the visionary leadership of our Prime Ministers, India has taken crucial steps in combining ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Therefore, India has launched global missions like “Mission Life” which encourages sustainable living inspired by traditional values. The well- being of humanity and the well-being of nature are inseparable, this is why India model of development is based on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas.”

Mr. Rajeev Kumar, Director, National Accounts Division, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), said, “If we have to make things sustainable, we must go local and focus on indigenous development, at grassroot level. Traditional knowledge needs to be combined with policy framework, which can be helpful in removing the challenges and obstacles. We need to work on rediscovering traditional medicines since we know the harmful effects of antibiotics on human body. Also, there is a need to brainstorm about how we can revive ancient wisdom and apply it in the present context.”

Mr. Antony Cyriac, Additional Economic Advisor, Ministry of Finance, stated, “When a country is capital deficient, skilled labour cannot flow. Therefore, skill development is essential for making the country economically strong and we need to develop our own systems of resilience. We must know the stage of development in order to make further development in all areas. Ancient wisdom is important, however, we should not be dependent on ancient wisdom for development, rather we must integrate it with modern practices.”

Mr. Atul Kharate, Chief Operating Officer, Indian Oil Adani Ventures, opined, “There is only 6.8% contribution by India in cleaner use of fossil fuels which needs to be increased. Conservation of fossil fuels, biogas and renewable energy are required to achieve a sustainable economy. We should be committed to holistic energy conservation system which includes a comprehensive approach to saving energy, thereby contributing to sustainability.”

Keynote Speaker, Ms. Tanushri Roy, Policy Consultant, Niti Aayog, asserted, “It is important to align traditional medicine with Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the initiatives which have been taken by the government to achieve sustainability include building traditional knowledge digital library, bringing back ayurveda and ancient systems of medicine, establishment of National Innovation Foundation which is working to strengthen technological innovations by integrating it with traditional knowledge, adopting chemical-free agriculture practices, participation of tribal communities in various sectors and many other initiatives. We all must support these initiatives of the government and make our own contribution towards achieving sustainability.”

Welcoming the guests, Prof. (Dr.) Kavita Indapurkar, Assistant Director, Amity School of Economics, said “The Conference will demonstrate the role of Indigenous Knowledge systems for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. It will also help in facilitating interdisciplinary studies between heritage, science and sustainability in the light of Indian ethos, by providing a national platform to bring together policymakers, practitioners and innovators towards achieving SDGs.”

During the two-day Conference, Technical Sessions on “Integrating Diverse IKS for Dynamic Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals: A Global and Inclusive Approach”, “Enabled Digital Finance and Accounting: Inclusion, Sustainability, and Transparency, “Inspired Governance and Public Service Innovation: Sustainability, Inclusion, and Digital Transformation in a Global Framework”, “Infused Tech Solutions for Sustainable Socio-Economic Progress”, and many others will be conducted.

New Delhi, March 17: The National Mission on Libraries (NML) is progressing across multiple components aimed at strengthening library infrastructure, digital access to knowledge, and capacity building of library professionals across India, the government informed in the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, said the mission operates through four key components, including the National Virtual Library of India, model libraries, library surveys, and capacity-building programmes.

Digital Knowledge Access through NVLI

Under the National Virtual Library of India (NVLI) component, the Indian Culture Portal was launched in December 2019 to provide unified digital access to resources related to India’s cultural traditions, history, literature, arts and heritage.

The Version 2.0 of the portal, launched on March 5, 2026, introduces a modern architecture with a React-based frontend and Drupal backend, improving performance and scalability.

The upgraded portal features an AI-powered chatbot “Bharti”, integrated with the Government of India’s Bhashini language platform, enabling assistance in 22 Indian languages. It also offers advanced multi-level search, operates as a Progressive Web App, and includes 3D walkthroughs, virtual tours, 46 curated cultural categories, and interactive learning activities.

Model Libraries Across States

Under the Setting up of NML Model Libraries component, financial assistance has been sanctioned for 28 State Central Libraries, 41 District Libraries, and five libraries under the Ministry of Culture to upgrade facilities and services.

Libraries upgraded under the scheme are spread across states and union territories including Port Blair, Itanagar, Ambala, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram and Bhubaneswar, among others.

For instance, in Rajasthan, financial assistance has been provided to Dr. Radhakrishnan Rajya Kendriya Pustakalaya, Jaipur with ₹183.51 lakh sanctioned (₹94.81 lakh released) and Rajakiya Sarvajanik Mandal Pustakalaya, Kota with ₹63.46 lakh sanctioned (₹63.21 lakh released).

Survey and Capacity Building

The Quantitative and Qualitative Survey of Libraries component has been completed and the report has been accepted by the Ministry.

Under the Capacity Building Programme, 54 training programmes have been organised so far, training 2,465 library professionals from across the country.

State Responsibility for Libraries

The government clarified that libraries fall under the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, and therefore public libraries are managed by respective State and Union Territory authorities.

However, the NML scheme provides financial assistance for upgrading one State Central Library and one District Library in each State or Union Territory, based on recommendations from the concerned state authorities.

According to the government, a total of ₹8,671.01 lakh has been sanctioned under the mission, of which ₹6,716.56 lakh has been released so far for library development across the country.

The initiative aims to modernise India’s library ecosystem, expand digital knowledge access, and strengthen the country’s reading and research infrastructure.

Delhi NCR, Mar 16: Sunfeast Bounce of Joy (BOJ), ITC Foods’ flagship initiative promoting outdoor play and physical activity among children, celebrated the successful conclusion of its year-long edition with a grand closing event in Delhi NCR. The program underscores the brand’s commitment to fostering confidence, teamwork, and holistic development through sports.

The finale event, held at St. Mary’s School, Mayur Vihar Phase III, brought together government representatives, sports professionals, educators, and community stakeholders to commemorate the program’s impact. Chief Guest Dr. Parvez Ali, District Sports Officer, G.B. Nagar, lauded the initiative, stating,

“Sports play a critical role in shaping confident, disciplined, and healthy young citizens. Initiatives like Sunfeast Bounce of Joy bring sporting opportunities to children who may otherwise not have access to them, encouraging participation and promoting nation-building values.”

The program, spanning across 250 schools, has reached over 1 lakh students and more than 1.2 lakh beneficiaries in communities across Gautam Buddha Nagar and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Muzaffarpur and Munger in Bihar, and Ranchi in Jharkhand. Activities included the provision of sports equipment, structured coaching sessions, and capacity-building workshops for school physical education teachers.

Indian National footballer Jyoti Chauhan, who has represented the National Women Football Team and Croatian Women’s Club Dinamo Zagreb, participated in the event, inspiring children to embrace sports as a part of their lifestyle.

Kavita Chaturvedi, BU Chief Executive, Biscuits & Confections, ITC Ltd., emphasized,

“At ITC, we believe that sports can be a powerful catalyst for holistic development. Through Sunfeast Bounce of Joy, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for children and communities to engage in physical activity while building life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and leadership. Sports, along with academics, are essential to nurturing well-rounded individuals.”

Highlighting the educational value of physical activity, Pratik Kumar, CEO, Sashakt Foundation, added,

“Structured play is essential for healthy development and effective learning. Physical activity supports attention, memory, and problem-solving, helping students concentrate better and engage more actively in class.”

The closure event also featured participation from school principals, teachers, students, and community elders, including women participants, who shared experiences and acknowledged the positive influence of the program on their schools and communities.