Category education

Young Innovators emerge victorious at Ministry of Education’s Smart India Hackathon “Hardware Edition grand finale at VNR VJIET”

Bengaluru, Dec 17: The 8th edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 Hardware Edition successfully concluded at VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology (VNR VJIET), Hyderabad, with a grand Valedictory Ceremony. Hosted as a Ministry of Education–designated Nodal Centre, the event brought together 25 finalist teams comprising 150 students from 22 premier institutions across 10 states, making it one of the most significant national student innovation gatherings of the year.

Organised by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) in collaboration with AICTE, SIH 2025 focused on developing technology-driven solutions to critical national challenges. At the VNR VJIET nodal centre, 10 teams  MACGYVER (Chengalapattu, Tamil Nadu), Team Jayastra (Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh), Circuit Sentinels (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu), 818_Dhruva (Indore, Madhya Pradesh), CtrlAltDefeat.. (Bengaluru, Karnataka), Tech Mates 2025 (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), ECO GRID INNOVATORS (Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh), Team Innoventors (Jaipur, Rajasthan), AkashPankh (Pune, Maharashtra), and Sky Sentinels (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu) were declared Joint Winners across five problem statements. Each winning team received a cash award of ₹75,000. The solutions addressed key areas such as river water quality monitoring, renewable energy integration, power distribution safety, UAV-based surveillance systems and smart infrastructure, demonstrating strong potential for scalability, patenting and real-world deployment.

Engineer Peeyush Gupta, Information Specialist, NMCG, Ministry of Jal Shakti said,

“The solutions presented here by students have direct applicability on the ground, and the Ministry will explore collaboration with the winning teams to take these ideas forward. I do not want the students to let this journey end here.”

Dr. B Chennakesava Rao, Director, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, said

“Smart India Hackathon teaches students the true value of teamwork, time management and resilience under pressure. Hosting this national finale reflects our commitment to enabling young innovators to build solutions of real societal impact.”

The event received widespread appreciation for its scale, seamless execution and mentoring ecosystem, reinforcing VNR VJIET’s standing as a trusted national innovation host. The winning solutions are now expected to move into the post-hackathon development phase, with concerned ministries facilitating mentorship, refinement and potential pilot implementation. By successfully hosting the Hardware Edition Grand Finale, VNR VJIET reaffirmed its role in advancing youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building.

Mumbai,  Dec 16: IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab successfully concluded the grand finale of its national-level cybersecurity competition Capture The Flag today at its Powai campus. The event brought together some of India’s most promising young cybersecurity minds for a full-day challenge designed to mirror real-world digital threat scenarios.

 A Capture The Flag  is a cybersecurity competition where participants solve challenges to find “flags,” special strings serving as proof-of-hack. It tests skills across cryptography, reverse engineering, web security, forensics, and networking. Players analyse vulnerable programs or services, identify weaknesses, and submit the flags for points. In the IITB Trust Lab CTF, challenges covered Cryptography, Web Exploitation, Reverse Engineering, and Miscellaneous categories.

This initiative by IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab comes at a time when the demand for cybersecurity talent in India is rising sharply, even as nearly 50% of cybersecurity jobs reportedly remain unfilled reflecting an urgent need to strengthen the country’s talent pipeline.

The competition drew 480 teams from top engineering institutes, cybersecurity clubs, and technology universities across India. Participants competed individually or in teams of two. From this pool, the top 50 finalists were shortlisted for the on-campus finale, where they undertook a series of escalating technical challenges developed by cybersecurity researchers from Trust Lab.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, said;

“CTF competitions are globally accepted as one of the most effective ways to build hands-on cybersecurity capability. Participants are required to solve challenges across domains such as reverse engineering, cryptography, application security, digital forensics and system exploitation the skills crucial for combating online scams, financial fraud, phishing, ransomware, and emerging digital risks targeting individuals and institutions,” adding, “With India’s digital footprint expanding rapidly from UPI and fintech to smart infrastructure and AI-powered services the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab aims to nurture this talent through competitions, workshops, research collaborations, and real-world testing platforms.”

At the conclusion of the competition, the first place was secured by Team ‘Gingers’, followed by Team ‘Chatpata Vada Paav’ in the second place and Team ‘Daalbaatichurma’ in the third place, with all three teams representing IIT Roorkee. The fourth place was awarded to Team ‘fl4g0rD13’ from IIT Madras, while the fifth place went to Team ‘Deathwing’ from Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune.

In addition, Shriyansh Gupta from Team ‘JEE is Tuff’ received a special mention for his exceptional performance. Notably, Shriyansh is an 11th standard student from Kendriya Vidyalaya Delhi, who competed alongside undergraduate students from some of India’s leading technical institutions.

Prof. G. Sivakumar, Principal Investigator of IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab;

 said, “Competitions like this are crucial for closing the gap between academic learning and the rapidly evolving threats confronted by industry. They force participants to think like real adversaries, apply core technical principles under pressure, and build the instincts that modern cybersecurity demands. The CTF finale also immersed students in IIT Bombay’s advanced cybersecurity research ecosystem offering direct interactions with faculty, exposure to cutting-edge defence frameworks, and insights into the latest global attack techniques.”

Mr. Mukul Joshi, Program Director of IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab, said,

“While Trust Lab has been fostering a community and culture of cybersecurity among students through CTFs, we are also witnessing growing interest from industry to conduct similar challenges for their employees. IIT Bombay’s Trust Lab has successfully collaborated with industry partners in the past and will continue to leverage this platform to enhance the skills of working professionals as well.”

Trust Lab has been a trailblazer in shaping India’s CTF culture. At a time when cybersecurity competitions were still emerging in the country, Trust Lab launched one of India’s earliest large-scale national CTFs, attracting exceptional talent from premier institutes. As one of the first institutions to actively sponsor and champion CTF initiatives, Trust Lab has played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and catalysing a competitive ecosystem that continues to strengthen year after year.

Chennai, Dec 16, : The Grand Finale of Avinya, a nationwide initiative by Veranda K-12 designed to foster innovation among students from Grades 8 to 12, concluded on a high note at IIIT-Bangalore. The event celebrated the creativity and determination of India’s young minds, who presented innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

The finale marked the culmination of an inspiring journey that began with over 385 entries from 15 cities across India. After a rigorous evaluation process, the finalists underwent specialized training sessions and mentorship, helping them refine and present their ideas effectively.

Top Winners of Avinya 2025

• Winner: Chitrashree C & Divyanshi Soo  Deeksha Stem School, Bangalore

• First Runner-Up: H Praveena Sri Dhurka  BVM Global Group of Schools, Perungudi, Chennai

• Second Runner-Up: S. Meena & R. Dharshine  Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Govt. Girls Hr. Sec School, Ambattur, Chennai

These participants showcased exceptional creativity, problem-solving skills, and innovative approaches to real-world challenges.

Empowering Changemakers of Tomorrow

Avinya’s mission is to inspire students to think creatively, solve pressing problems, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. For more information, visit: www.verandak12.com/avinya.

The finale featured live presentations judged by a distinguished panel, including:

• Mr. Chaitanya Shravanth, Founder & CEO  Circle Health

• Mr. Navratan Katariya, Director  Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IoT & AI), NASSCOM

• Mr. Prateek Madhav, Co-founder & CEO  AssisTech Foundation (ATF)

• Ms. Kalpana Subbarramappa, Program Manager  Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), IISc

Prior to the finale, participants attended an intensive Bootcamp, providing insights into ideation, implementation, and entrepreneurship, equipping students with tools to transform innovative ideas into actionable solutions.

Insights from Industry and Academic Leaders;

Mr. Deepak Paul, Managing Director, igus (India) Pvt. Ltd, Chief Guest at the Inauguration Ceremony, highlighted the importance of fostering innovation early.

“Clarity of thought, flexibility, and the ability to define problems correctly are the foundations of effective problem-solving and innovation,” he said, appreciating the initiative for nurturing future-ready young minds.

Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, Chief Guest at the Awards Ceremony, emphasized the role of purpose in innovation;

“Innovation is not merely about technology, but about responsibility and impact. Avinya provides a meaningful platform for young innovators across the country to address real-world challenges. At IIIT-B, sustainability is a lived practice, reflected in our commitment to clean energy, responsible resource use, and environmental stewardship. Initiatives like Avinya empower students to become problem-solvers and changemakers for a sustainable future.”

Mr. Rajesh Pankaj, Joint CEO, Veranda K-12, added;

“Avinya was conceived with a simple yet powerful belief: innovation and purpose must begin early. At the Grand Finale, we witnessed not just creativity, but deep thinking, empathy, and a genuine commitment to solving real-world problems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. At Veranda K-12, we are proud to provide a platform that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence to build solutions for a better tomorrow.”

Greater Noida,  Dec 16: In a landmark moment reflecting Uttar Pradesh’s growing prominence on the global education map, Galgotias University received high praise from the  Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath ji, during a special interaction. Commending the University’s impressive performance in the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education the Chief Minister described Galgotias University as a leading example for higher education institutions across the state and a matter of pride for Uttar Pradesh. He further encouraged the University to continue its upward trajectory and blessed it to achieve even greater heights in global rankings in the years ahead.

During the interaction, the  Chief Minister emphasised the pivotal role of educational excellence, innovation-driven learning, and global collaborations in positioning Uttar Pradesh as an emerging knowledge hub. He noted that the progressive governance and development model of Uttar Pradesh is increasingly becoming a benchmark for other states across the country, particularly in advancing education, infrastructure, and global engagement. In this context, he appreciated Galgotias University’s consistent efforts to build a world-class academic ecosystem and observed that institutions like Galgotias inspire others across the state to aspire to international benchmarks and global recognition.

A key highlight of the interaction was the Chief Minister’s appreciation of Galgotias University’s pioneering student-centric education philosophy G-SCALE (Galgotias Student-Centred Active Learning Ecosystem). Recognised as a future-ready academic model, G-SCALE ensures immersive, personalised, and experiential learning aligned with global best practices. The University’s learning framework is further strengthened through academic inspiration drawn from the InsPIRE model at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, reinforcing its commitment to internationally benchmarked education.

The Chief Minister expressed particular satisfaction on learning about Galgotias University’s focused initiatives in emerging and strategic technology domains such as Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor education and research, and Drone technology. He noted that such forward-looking programmes play a crucial role in preparing students for next-generation industries while contributing to India’s vision of technological self-reliance and innovation-led growth.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the strategic advantage of Greater Noida’s rapidly evolving global infrastructure, including the upcoming Noida International Airport, which significantly enhances international connectivity, global faculty engagement, and student mobility. Galgotias University’s expanding network of global faculty, visiting professors, and international research collaborations was highlighted as a key contributor to its rising global academic stature.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said,

“We are deeply honoured by the encouraging words and blessings of  Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath ji. His recognition of Galgotias University’s achievements in the QS and THE rankings is a strong validation of our efforts. Through our G-SCALE learning ecosystem, academic inspiration from the InsPIRE model at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and focused initiatives in AI, Semiconductor, and Drone technologies, supported by active global faculty engagement, we are building a truly future-ready academic environment. Our mission is to contribute meaningfully to Uttar Pradesh’s vision of becoming a global destination for quality education while nurturing leaders who will drive India’s growth story.”

This recognition further energises Galgotias University’s mission to deliver globally benchmarked education rooted in innovation, research, and industry relevance. As the University continues to strengthen international partnerships, global faculty engagement, and future-focused academic initiatives, it remains steadfast in preparing students for opportunities in a rapidly transforming world. The milestone reinforces Galgotias University’s standing as one of India’s most progressive and future-ready institutions.

Mumbai, Nov 16:- As India strengthens its institutions through transparency and accountability, the need for professionally managed religious organisations is growing. Addressing this shift, Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), Mumbai, inaugurated Batch 2 of its Temple Management Programme on 13 December 2025, offering students a unique opportunity to apply management education beyond corporate settings.

The inauguration brought together leaders from academia, law, and public service, who underscored the importance of ethical and structured temple governance. The programme blends classroom learning with field immersion and practitioner insights, equipping students with capabilities across services management, perspective management, an understanding of the spiritual economy, financial frameworks, and community engagement, preparing them for responsible leadership in sacred institutions.

Welcoming the new batch, Advocate Shri S. K. Jain, Chairman  Managing Council, Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, and Chairman  College Development Committee, emphasised the importance of responsible trust governance in today’s complex environment; “Temple Trust Management goes far beyond administration. It involves balancing the interests of trustees, devotees, priests, government authorities, and society at large. This programme equips learners with the right mindset and managerial discipline to protect trust assets, ensure transparency, manage crowds sensitively, and uphold faith without compromising emotions,” he said.

Drawing attention to current challenges faced by religious trusts, ranging from regulatory compliance and financial accountability to crowd control and infrastructure utilisation, he added that structured education in temple management is no longer optional but essential for safeguarding India’s spiritual and cultural institutions.

Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool, highlighted the programme’s larger vision of nation-building through education; “For us, this initiative is about ‘Temple Management for Nation Building’. Temples are not only places of worship; they are social, cultural, and economic nerve centres of communities. By integrating modern management practices with Indian Knowledge Systems and value-based learning, we aim to create leaders aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said.

Dr. Suresh Haware, Chairman, Temple Management  Core Committee, congratulated WeSchool for being the first institution globally to launch a formal, structured programme in temple management; “WeSchool is the pioneer of Temple Management education. The first batch will always be remembered as the founding cohort of this movement, and the second batch carries forward that legacy. This programme addresses real-world challenges such as, temple economy and even the application of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence,” he said.

Adding a social perspective, Shri Sumant Amshekar, social worker and activist, spoke about temples as invisible yet powerful centres of management; “The best management is often the one that is not noticed. Temple management is about service, discipline, and creating an ecosystem where devotees experience dignity, order, and spiritual fulfilment. This programme has the potential to turn temples into centres of social transformation,” he said.

Dr. Suhas Pednekar, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai, highlighted the cultural significance of temples in India’s civilisational framework; “Indian society has always stood on four pillars, home, school, temple, and nature. Strengthening temples through knowledge and modern management is essential to preserving our cultural foundation while preparing for the future,” he remarked.

With the inauguration of Batch 2, WeSchool continues its mission to create socially responsible leaders capable of managing sacred institutions with professionalism, compassion, and accountability, ensuring that India’s temples remain resilient pillars of faith, service, and nation-building.

Greater Noida,  Dec 15: Galgotias University has taken a decisive and future-shaping step in transforming higher education in India with the launch of advanced Semiconductor and Drone Technology Labs, integrated with a powerful Experiential Simulation Learning ecosystem. This initiative firmly positions the university as a national leader in hands-on, industry-aligned education, setting a new benchmark for experiential learning across the country.

Moving beyond traditional classroom-based instruction, Galgotias University is enabling students to learn by building, experimenting, competing, and innovating. One of the most distinctive additions is the Advanced Drone Soccer Arena, where engineering education converges with competitive gaming. Here, students design and pilot drones in fast-paced matches, sharpening skills such as precision engineering, teamwork, strategic thinking, and real-time problem-solving. The Drone Soccer Arena was inaugurated by Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA), QS Quacquarelli Symonds, lending global academic recognition to this pioneering initiative.

As India rapidly strengthens its capabilities in semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, and unmanned aerial systems, Galgotias University has placed its students at the center of this national priority mission. These next-generation laboratories are designed to deliver industry-grade exposure, ensuring students acquire practical expertise rather than only theoretical knowledge.

The Semiconductor Lab provides comprehensive exposure to the chip ecosystem, covering design, simulation, fabrication processes, testing, and applications across artificial intelligence, automotive electronics, and consumer devices. By working on real-world problem statements and advanced simulation tools, students gain critical insights into a sector that is vital to India’s technological self-reliance.

Complementing this is the Drone Technology Lab, which offers immersive training in UAV design, assembly, flight control systems, payload integration, and real-time data analytics. Students engage with real-life applications such as precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, disaster response, surveillance, and defense technologies, equipping them for rapidly growing global industries.

What truly differentiates Galgotias University is its Experiential Simulation Learning framework. Through digital twins, virtual labs, real-time simulations, and scenario-based challenges, the university recreates industrial environments on campus. This approach decisively bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring graduates are industry-ready from day one.

University leadership emphasized that this initiative reflects Galgotias University’s commitment to becoming a future-ready, innovation-driven institution, aligned with evolving industry demands and national priorities. Faculty members have undergone specialized training to seamlessly integrate experiential methodologies into daily teaching.

Students have welcomed the initiative as a game-changer, citing increased confidence, stronger practical skills, and enhanced employability. Early industry feedback indicates that graduates trained under this model demonstrate superior readiness for high-technology roles.

With these pioneering laboratories and immersive simulation ecosystem, Galgotias University is not just upgrading infrastructure it is redefining engineering and technology education in India, setting a powerful example for universities nationwide.

New Delhi, Dec 15: Britannica Education hosted the National Celebration & Felicitation Ceremony of its flagship writing initiative, the Britannica Young Author Quest (Y.A.Q.) 2025, in Delhi on 13^th December 2025. Launched in September 2025, this first edition of the program engaged over 80, 000 students from 80+ schools across India, culminating in the recognition of the top 120 exceptional young finalists.

Britannica Y.A.Q. encourages students to express imagination, creativity, and empathy through original stories  helping them develop essential 21st-century skills such as literacy, communication, and critical thinking. The initiative empowers young minds to become confident communicators, reflective thinkers, and compassionate storytellers.

Finalists from grades 4 to 9 were recognized across three categories  Rising Quill, Creative Scriber, and Master Writer. These young authors were selected for demonstrating originality, clarity of thought, and purposeful storytelling shaped by compassion and creativity. Winners were felicitated with trophies, certificates, and prizes, including iPads, Lenovo Tablets, and Amazon Echo Dots.

The winners across categories included Ilyan Shamin (1st), Arham Kapasi (2nd), and Abhijith Kumar (3rd) in the Rising Quill category; Taijasi Santra (1st), Mihika Singal (2nd), and Anika Srivastava (3rd) in the Creative Scribes category; and Maya Davele (1st), Siddhi Tyagi (2nd), and Koshika Bishit (3rd) in the Master Writers category.

A stellar jury shortlisted the winners and champions of literature, including Ms. Angeline Chauhan, Instructional Mentor, Writer & Editor, Podcaster, Ms. Shabnam Dohutia, Executive Editor, Encyclopedia Britannica, and Ms. Pragya Pandita, Product & Academic Head, Britannica Education India. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Kiran Bedi, a former IPS Officer, Social Reformer, and Author, whose presence deeply inspired participating students, educators, and parents. In her address, she encouraged young authors to write with empathy, awareness, and responsibility, reinforcing the power of words as a tool for transformation and social impact.

Speaking about the success of the initiative, Utkarsh Mishra, Commercial Director, India & South Asia, Britannica Education, said,

 “The Young Author Quest embodies Britannica’s mission to nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every learner. Seeing over 80,000 students use storytelling as a medium to express ideas, emotions, and purpose has been truly inspiring. This first edition reinforces our belief that when young minds are given the right platform, their voices can spark meaningful change. We are proud to celebrate these young authors and the educators who guided them and hope to scale up the initiative even further next year.”

The initiative brought together students and educators nationwide, fostering creative expression, strengthening writing proficiency, and deepening reflective thinking across participating schools. It nurtured students’ confidence by enabling them to see themselves as storytellers and potential published authors, while also encouraging purpose-driven narratives grounded in compassion, courage, and positive action.

The event hosted 24 finalists along with their parents, educators, school leaders from Delhi NCR, and the Britannica Education team. As the first edition of the program, launched in September 2025, the celebration marked a milestone in Britannica Education’s efforts to nurture young voices and promote purposeful storytelling across the country.

Dec 15:- Satyam School of Journalism & Mass Communication is set to host its flagship Annual Media Fest, IGNITE 2K25, on 19th December 2025, reaffirming its commitment to holistic media education and experiential learning. The institute has partnered with Media Maniacs Group as the official PR Partner to amplify student voices and extend the fest’s outreach to a wider academic and professional audience.

Themed “Virasat Uday: The Rise of Our Heritage,” IGNITE 2K25 is envisioned as a dynamic platform that blends India’s rich cultural legacy with contemporary media practices. The fest aims to provide students with hands-on exposure to real-world media environments while nurturing creativity, collaboration, and leadership key competencies for future media professionals.

The event is poised to bring together young media aspirants from across the region, offering a space where talent meets opportunity. IGNITE 2K25 will feature a diverse selection of engaging competitions, including RJ Hunt, Walk Off (Fashion Show), Click-O-Mania (Photography), Foot Loose (Group Dance), Step Up (Solo Dance), Halla Bol (Nukkad Natak), Saptak (Solo Singing), and Flickit (Mobile Filmmaking). With cash prizes for winners, participation certificates for all, and support from esteemed sponsors such as Uneek World, Revlon, Media Maniacs, and Supercharged, the fest promises a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and communication.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. Alam, Dean, SSJMC, stated;

“IGNITE 2K25 reflects SSJMC’s vision of integrating education with creativity and cultural awareness. Through this fest, our students gain invaluable experiential learning that prepares them for the evolving media industry. The theme ‘Virasat Uday’ allows young minds to explore heritage through modern communication tools. Such academic-cultural platforms build confidence, professional discipline, and creative expression, which are essential for students pursuing careers in journalism and mass communication.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Surabhi Trivedi, Founder & CEO, Media Maniacs Group, stated, “We are honored to serve as the PR Partner for IGNITE 2K25. Supporting young media professionals aligns perfectly with our ethos of nurturing voices that will shape the future of communication.” She further shared, “This partnership is a celebration of creativity, cultural identity, and youth leadership, and we are thrilled to amplify the energy and vision of SSJMC’s students.”

IGNITE 2K25 stands ready to become a highlight in the academic media calendar, celebrating heritage with a contemporary lens. The partnership between Media Maniacs Group and SSJMC underscores a shared commitment to inspiring, elevating, and empowering the next generation of media innovators.