Over 10,000 Students from 120 plus Schools Upskilled in AI Through ‘Udaan’, a Future Skills Initiative Powered by Sunstone

New Delhi, Feb 18th: Udaan, a large-scale Artificial Intelligence education initiative powered by Sunstone, has equipped over 10,000 students from Classes 11 and 12 with early, practical exposure to AI and emerging technologies. The initiative was conducted across three campuses in North India, bringing school students into real college learning environments and helping them experience how future skills are applied in practice.

The sessions were hosted at HiTech Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ghaziabad; IITM Murthal, Sonipat; and the Institute of Technology & Management (ITM), Dehradun. Students experienced campus life firsthand while gaining exposure to AI tools and real-world applications that are shaping modern careers.

With Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforming how students learn, work, and build careers, Udaan was designed to address a growing gap in early exposure to industry-relevant skills. The initiative reached students across academic streams, school boards including CBSE and State Boards, and both government and private institutions. By introducing AI at the school level, the programme aims to build awareness, confidence, and readiness for a technology-driven future.

Commenting on the initiative, Ankur Jain, Co-Founder and CBO, Sunstone, said, “AI is no longer a future skill. It is a present necessity. Through Udaan, we wanted students from every background to understand how AI can shape their learning journeys and future careers.”

During the programme, students participated in a structured learning experience that included interactive workshops on AI tools, hands-on lab sessions, and short assessments designed to reinforce practical understanding. They also received certificates of participation and gained insight into how AI tools are used by college students to enhance productivity, research, and problem-solving.

The initiative witnessed strong participation across regions. At HiTech Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ghaziabad, 3,200 students from 48 schools across Ghaziabad, Hapur, and nearby areas attended the sessions, with particularly strong engagement during hands-on lab exercises. IITM Murthal, Sonipat hosted 2,500 students from 40 schools, where practical demonstrations helped students understand real-world applications of AI beyond textbooks. At ITM Dehradun, 2,300 students from 37 schools participated, creating awareness around technology-driven learning and AI-enabled problem solving.

As part of Udaan, a Faculty Development Programme on Artificial Intelligence in Education was also conducted to ensure educators remain equipped to guide students in a technology-enabled learning environment. The sessions were led by experienced trainers and industry professionals who shared practical insights on AI tools, classroom integration, and evolving skill requirements in the digital era.

More than 100 school teachers participated in the programme, gaining hands-on exposure to AI-driven teaching approaches and modern learning tools. By strengthening educator capability alongside student learning, Udaan aims to create long-term impact and support the development of a future-ready education ecosystem.

XLRI Jamshedpur Reinvents HR Education with Second-Year Specialisations in its Flagship HRM Programme

Jamshedpur, Feb 18th: XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, widely regarded as one of the finest institutions for Human Resource Management in the Asia-Pacific region, continues to reaffirm its leadership in HR education through a bold curricular innovation. Building on its rich legacy of producing HR leaders who occupy C-suite roles across national and multinational corporations—and academics who contribute to some of the world’s leading universities—XLRI’s flagship two-year HRM programme has introduced structured second-year specialisations.

Rather than resting on its formidable alumni legacy, XLRI’s HR programme has consistently evolved in response to the changing nature of work, organisations, and society. The newly introduced specialisations enable students to deepen their expertise in chosen domains such as Organisation Development, Compensation, Future of Work, Labour & Social Justice, and Employee Well-being, among others.

The first year of the HRM programme continues to provide a strong general management foundation. Students develop a comprehensive business perspective through rigorous engagement with Marketing, Operations, Finance, Strategy, and Information Systems, alongside core HR courses spanning Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, and Employee Relations. The second year now offers a deliberate choice: depth through specialisation or breadth through a wide range of electives across HR and allied disciplines such as Strategy, Economics, and Information Systems.

Speaking on the philosophy behind the change, Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, SJ, Director, XLRI Jamshedpur, said: “XLRI has always believed that relevance is the true test of academic excellence. The introduction of second-year specialisations reflects our commitment to preparing HR professionals who are not only grounded in strong values and business understanding but also capable of deep expertise in emerging and complex domains of people management.”

Prof. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), XLRI, highlighted the academic intent behind the redesigned structure: “The new specialisation framework gives our students meaningful choice. Some may wish to develop deep functional expertise, while others may prefer a broader, integrative perspective. Our curriculum now enables both pathways, without compromising the rigour and intellectual depth that XLRI is known for.”

Elaborating on the student experience, Prof. R. K. Premarajan, Chairperson – HRM Committee noted: HR roles today demand both strategic clarity and domain depth. By introducing specialisations, we are allowing students to align their learning journeys with their career aspirations—whether in advanced organisation development, rewards strategy, future-of-work challenges or socially responsible HR practice.”

With this initiative, XLRI reinforces its long-standing position as a thought leader in HR education—one that continuously re-imagines curricula to stay ahead of industry realities while remaining anchored in its mission of shaping responsible and impactful leaders. 

ASME Engineering Education Seminar on Drone Technology Highlights Industry-Ready Engineering Skills at REVA University

ASME Engineering Education Seminar on Drone Technology Highlights Industry-Ready Engineering Skills at REVA University
Bengaluru, Feb 17th: The ASME Engineering Education Seminar & Workshop on Drone Technology was held at REVA University as part of the Mechanical Engineering Education Summit (MEEd), focusing on bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry-led drone applications. Hosted in Bengaluru, a growing hub for aerospace, manufacturing, and deep-tech innovation, the seminar examined how engineering education must evolve to align with real-world deployment, regulatory requirements, and business-driven use cases in the drone ecosystem.

Organised by ASME Foundation India, the seminar emphasized  drone technology as an integrated, multidisciplinary system rather than a standalone technical skill. While access to basic drone assembly has become increasingly widespread, the seminar highlighted the growing demand for professionals who can combine mechanical design, electrical systems, digital intelligence, and business understanding to develop scalable, application-ready drone solutions. Through expert interactions and practical sessions, the programme highlighted the need for engineers to develop a broad, hands-on understanding of technology to build careers in drone manufacturing, testing, operations, and field deployment across sectors such as defence, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Madhukar Sharma, president and director of ASME India Private Limited, described the necessity of platforms such as MEEd and IMECE in keeping engineering education up to date with the realities of current engineering practice. “ASME is a not-for-profit, member-driven global engineering society committed to advancing industry-relevant learning and responsible innovation,” Sharma said. “Initiatives such as MEEd and global platforms including IMECE bring together academia, industry, and emerging technologies to shape future-ready engineers. India hosting IMECE outside the U.S. for the first time last year reflects the country’s growing contribution to the global engineering ecosystem. We look forward to the next edition of ASME IMECE India scheduled in Chennai this September.”

Setting the context of the Foundation’s work in relation to the seminar, MsAvni Malhotra, deputy director of  ASME Foundation India, highlighted the importance of application led engineering education. “At the ASME Foundation India, we focus on ensuring that engineering education translates into real-world impact—especially in contexts where access and opportunity are limited,” said Malhotra. “Through initiatives like MEEd, we work to connect students and educators with industry realities, social challenges, and innovation pathways, so that technology is developed not in isolation, but with purpose and relevance.”

Emphasising the role of industry exposure in preparing students for a rapidly changing job market, Dr. KS Narayana Swamy, pro vice chancellor, REVA University, noted that seminars and workshops such as the ASME MEEd programme help students remain relevant amid technological disruption. “Engineering careers today demand far more than academic credentials,” Swamy said. “Students must build problem-solving ability, communication skills, and adaptability, while engaging closely with industry to understand evolving expectations and future career pathways.

The seminar brought together professionals working closely with India’s growing drone and aerospace landscape. Industry leaders such as MrAbhishek Burman, co-founder and CEO, General Aeronautics Pvt Ltd; MrZain Saeed, co-founder and COO, Enord; DrAnanda CM, program director for Civil Aircrafts and head of the Aerospace Electronics Division, NAL; and DrSubrata Nayak, R&D technical lead, ideaForge Technology Inc., shared insights drawn from real industry experience. During the sessions, speakers broke down how drones move from concept to real-world use, covering design decisions, manufacturing processes, certification requirements, deployment challenges, and the regulatory landscape. The discussions also highlighted the blend of technical expertise and cross-functional skills needed to build sustainable careers in UAV-related fields.

Academic insights were shared by DrM. Sivapragasam, professor, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, and DrManjunath S V, associate professor and head of the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering. They spoke about the need to better align academic curricula with industry expectations and to strengthen hands-on, experiential learning within engineering programmes.

The seminar also featured a hands-on workshop on Drone Technology in Mechanical Engineering Using ANSYS Simulation, conducted by MrGokul Raj M, technical account manager at Infinipoint Technologies Pvt Ltd, and powered by ANSYS, part of Synopsys. The workshop gave participants a practical look at how simulation tools and AI-enabled UAV workflows are used in real engineering environments, from design validation to testing and operational planning. Two other workshops were also organised: Enabling Next-Generation Autonomous System Workflows: From Design to Deployment by MathWorks, led by Ms. Richa Singh, application engineer, MathWorks; and Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Drones/UAV by ASME Cyber Physical Systems India, conducted by Mr. Anand Nagarajan of Airbus and Mr. Unnat Mankad  of Baker Hughes.

Beyond the technical sessions, the seminar created space for open conversations between faculty members, students, and industry professionals on curriculum relevance, evolving skill expectations, and on-the-ground industry realities. Participants also used the platform to network with practitioners and technology experts, underlining the value of industry-connected learning pathways in drone technology and related engineering fields.

Over the past two years, the MEEd Summits in India have played a key role in bridging the gap between industry and academia, with support from the MEEd India Steering Committee,comprising industry leaders, vice chancellors, and leading researchers. The seminar was supported by technology and industry partners, including ANSYS (part of Synopsys)Infinipoint Technologies, and MathWorks, strengthening the programme’s focus on applied learning, AI driven engineering workflows, and career-oriented skill development.

Birla Global University Hosts HR Conclave Uniting Industry and Academia on AI-Driven People Strategy

Birla Global University Hosts HR Conclave Uniting Industry and Academia on AI-Driven People StrategyBhubaneswar, Feb 17th: Birla Global University (BGU) hosted a conclave on the theme “AI-Powered People Strategy: Balancing Technology and Empathy,” bringing together leading personalities from industry and academia to examine how Artificial Intelligence can enhance, not replace, the human dimension in Human Resource management.

The objective of the conclave was to explore how AI could augment the human touch in HR by reimagining talent practices, leadership behaviours, and organisational culture. The discussions delved into real-world applications of AI in recruitment, learning and development, performance management, and employee experience. The sessions also discussed the ethical, legal, and emotional implications of AI adoption for employees and managers.

The conclave featured an Inaugural Session, two Panel Discussions, and a Valedictory Session. The sub-themes included Human-Centred AI in Talent Management and Empathy, Well-being, and Psychological Contracts in an AI-Driven Workplace.

The event was graced by Satyanarayana Vinjamoori, Former Vice President (HR & Operations), ADP Private Ltd. and Board Member – Food 4 Thought Foundation; Richa Mehrotra, Director – Staffing, Alvarez & Marsal; Swetaali Pattnaik, CEO & Director, SAIntellect Solutions; Arya Vedabrata, Founder & CEO, ByteIQ Analytics; Hemant Rath, Principal Scientist & Distinguished Engineer, TCS; and  Sikha Nanda, HR Head, Integreon.

Speaking on the occasion, Richa Mehrotra, Keynote Speaker said, “AI-driven talent acquisition and workforce analytics must address concerns such as algorithmic bias, trust deficits, and change resistance through a ‘human-in-the-loop’ approach to ensure fairness and contextual sensitivity in HR practices.”

 Highlighting the importance of the conclave, Satyanarayana Vinjamoori , Chief Guest said, “AI has evolved over decades, and its present scale and accessibility call for responsible integration. Technology must complement, not replace, human judgment, and modern HR leadership must align mindset, skillset, and toolset.”

The conclave aimed to enrich students with a future-ready understanding of how AI was reshaping careers, skills, and people management practices. Through direct interaction with HR practitioners and experts, students gained practical insights into AI-enabled HR tools, emerging career pathways in HR analytics and people strategy, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI-driven decision-making.

The platform brought together HR practitioners, people analytics specialists, line managers, start-up founders, and consultants to exchange experiences and best practices in implementing AI-driven HR solutions. By fostering dialogue between industry and academia, the conclave encouraged thoughtful adoption of technology while preserving empathy, fairness, and human judgment in organisational decision-making.

18 Engineering & Science Students of Chandigarh University Designated as ‘NASA Citizen Scientist’ for Discovery of ‘New Asteroids’

Chandigarh University Students along with University Officials after receiving NASA Citizen Scientists certificates; initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Chandigarh University Students along with University Officials after receiving NASA Citizen Scientists certificates; initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Chandigarh, Feb 17th: Taking a giant leap in the global space-science research, the students of Chandigarh University have been designated as NASA Citizen Scientists under the internationally renowned International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC), a prestigious citizenscience initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently.

In a remarkable achievement that marks a defining milestone in Chandigarh University’s space-science journey, showcasing their exceptional dedication, analytical skills and scientific temper as many as 18 students from Chandigarh University Astronomy Club have been officially recognized and certified as NASA Citizen Scientists. Out of 26 participating students, two teams earned this global distinction for their verified scientific contributions to international asteroid-monitoring efforts.

As part of an intensive 45-day programme under the International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC), the students engaged in rigorous deep-space data analysis using advanced astronomical tools and techniques. Demonstrating exceptional precision and scientific acumen, their sustained efforts culminated in the discovery of two new asteroids, provisionally designated ‘DIV/1111’ and ‘ANC/0505’, marking a remarkable achievement in student-led space-science research. These teams engaged with the provided datasets, analyzed images using Astrometric, a specialized software used to detect and measure asteroids and other moving celestial objects from telescope images and submitted reports as per IASC guidelines. The students at Chandigarh University who earned recognition as NASA Citizen Scientists comprise 15 from the Aerospace Engineering stream, two from the Science and one from the Computer Science Engineering stream.

It is pertinent to mention that the prestigious NASA Citizen Scientist recognition has been awarded in recognition of these students’ successful contributions made to the observation and analysis of near-Earth objects and Main Belt asteroids using real astronomical datasets generated by Pan-STARRS (Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System) which is one of the world’s most advanced sky-survey telescope systems supported by NASA. Their work involved analyzing high-resolution telescope images, identifying moving celestial objects and submitting precise measurements that contribute to global asteroid tracking and planetary-defense research.

Achieving NASA Citizen Scientist recognition signifies that the students’ findings met international scientific standards and were officially recognized under NASA-supported citizenscience initiatives, this recognition places them among a select group of the global space science community that has made significant contributions to the real-world space observation and astronomical discovery.

Elated over the marvelous achievement of Chandigarh University studentsDeep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University while congratulating the students said, “This marvelous accomplishment is indeed a proud moment not only for Chandigarh University but also for India’s expanding footprint in global space-science research. This achievement enhances Chandigarh University’s reputation as a hub for STEM excellence and space-science research that empowers students to work with authentic scientific data, advanced analytical tools and international research standards. By enabling our students to contribute meaningfully to the planetary-defense efforts and asteroid research which are critical fields for future deep space exploration, Chandigarh University has further strengthened its position as a hub of innovation, scientific discovery and global academic excellence.”

“The recognition of 18 students as NASA Citizen Scientists stands as a powerful inspiration for aspiring researchers and young science enthusiasts across the country. It highlights how dedication, mentorship and hands-on scientific exposure can enable students to achieve global recognition while they are still in academia. Chandigarh University remains committed to expanding opportunities in astronomy, space science, and emerging technologies, ensuring that its students continue to make meaningful contributions to global scientific discovery and reinforce India’s presence in the evolving frontier of space-science research,” added Sandhu.

Notably, the International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC) is a global astronomical citizenscience program affiliated with NASA, providing students and amateur astronomers worldwide with real telescope datasets to analyze and identify moving celestial objects such as asteroids. Through this initiative, participants gain hands-on experience with professional astronomical tools and authentic scientific data, contributing meaningfully to international asteroid-monitoring and planetary-defense efforts. The students whose analyses meet global scientific standards are formally recognized as NASA Citizen Scientists for their verified contributions.

IIM Kozhikode announces admissions for Strategic Management for CXOs with the S.T.A.R. Framework

IIM Kozhikode announces admissions for Strategic Management for CXOs with the S.T.A.R. Framework

Kozhikode, Feb 17: As AI reshapes competitiveness and decision-making pipelines tighten across sectors, the premium boardroom-ready judgement has never been higher. Against this backdrop, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, in collaboration with TimesPro, has launched the fourth batch of the Strategic Management for CXOs to empower current and C-suite aspirants, and entrepreneurs with the skills and insights needed to enhance strategic thinking, interpret global market dynamics and excel in execution.

The 10-month blended learning journey features a distinct S.T.A.R. Curriculum advantage, structured around four critical dimensions aligned to organisational goals: Strategic ThinkingTechnology Adoption, an All-Rounder Perspective and Responsible Managerial Competencies. The curriculum spans 18 contemporary modules, including business analytics, corporate strategy, digital transformation, AI and data science for leadership, cybersecurity and crisis management. Participants build future-ready, tech-enabled capabilities with a strong focus on decision-making, innovation and resilience, qualities professionals need to drive sustainable growth in today’s business ecosystem. The programme culminates in a capstone module and simulation, designed to test strategy and execution under real-world constraints.

McKinsey has highlighted how the advent of AI has compelled business professionals to re-examine value creation, productivity and growth at scale, noting that organisations with leading digital and AI capabilities can outperform lagging competitors by two to six times on total shareholder returns. The same perspective underscores the rising importance of capabilities such as cybersecurity risk management, data governance, analytics and machine learning in the new age of business. In parallel, India’s Global Capability Centres continue to face a shortage of experienced senior professionals who form the backbone of the GCC ecosystem, creating a leadership bottleneck and intensifying demand for future-ready business leadership across sectors.

Speaking at the announcement, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode said, “Strategy today sits at the intersection of market volatility, digital acceleration and responsible governance. With the fourth batch of our Strategic Management Programme for CXOs, we help senior professionals sharpen strategic judgement, interpret global signals and execute with discipline. The S.T.A.R. framework anchors learning in strategic thinking, technology adoption, an all-round perspective and responsible decision-making, capabilities that boardrooms demand now across industries worldwide.” 

Sridhar Nagarajachar, Business Head – Executive Education, TimesPro said, “Senior professionals cannot delegate digital literacy or strategic execution; they must own both. This programme with IIM Kozhikode gives CXOs a structured, practical route to lead AI-enabled transformation, strengthen cybersecurity and data governance and make better decisions under uncertainty. Through simulations, cases and the capstone, participants convert concepts into action, building resilience, innovation and measurable business impact for complex enterprises.”

The programme serves as a career catalyst for senior professionals who aim to recalibrate their competencies, lead large-scale organisational transformations and step confidently into broader enterprise mandates. This has attracted participation from senior professionals holding designations such as Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Director Generals, Managers and Heads. Over 70 per cent of past learners brought more than 15 years of professional experience and represented diverse industries, including automotive, IT and ITES, healthcare and BFSI, among others.

The programme delivers a highly interactive learning experience through live lectures, simulations, case studies, in-class exercises and capstone simulations. The curriculum draws on globally respected academic research and real-world case studies from recognised sources, including Harvard Business School (HBS), Harvard Business Review (HBR) and Stanford. Faculty and experts will deliver sessions through TimesPro’s state-of-the-art Interactive Learning (IL) platform in Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode.

In addition, learners will participate in an exclusive three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode, designed to deepen learning, build meaningful peer connections and spark fresh perspectives. Applicants need a minimum of 10 years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree to apply. Upon successful completion, IIM Kozhikode will award participants the institute’s prestigious alumni status.

JK Lakshmipat University Design Students Felicitated by Union Tourism Minister for ITDC Systems Design Project

JK Lakshmipat University Design Students Felicitated by Union Tourism Minister for ITDC Systems Design Project

New Delhi, Feb 16:  Five students from the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) were felicitated by the Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on 13 February at The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi, for their Systems Design project developed for the Taj Restaurant under the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The recognition marked a significant moment for the university, highlighting the impact of industry-linked academic projects and the role of design-led thinking in addressing complex, real-world systems.

The project was undertaken by an interdisciplinary team comprising Harsh Warrier, Susnitha Sivaraju, Yashika Bhatt, Rashi Bhagre, and Ritika Malik under the mentorship of Binil Mohan, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Design, JKLU. The team collectively carried out the initial research for both the Taj Mahal and ITDC, forming the foundation for the design interventions proposed as part of the project. The final presentation was structured into three parts, reflecting a collaborative approach with clearly defined areas of contribution.

The first segment of the project focused on research related to the Taj Mahal, followed by the development of a solution framework by Harsh Warrier, Rashi Bhagre, and Susnitha Sivaraju. The second segment presented research for ITDC along with a detailed set of solutions developed by the same team members. The final segment highlighted the specific solution work and contributions undertaken by Ritika Malik.

“The felicitation is a proud moment for the university and underscores the impact of industry-linked, research-driven design education in addressing complex systems,” said A Balasubramaniam, Director, Institute of Design, JKLU.

The recognition stands as a testament to the quality of work being carried out by students at the Institute of Design and reinforces the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, academic excellence, and strong engagement with industry partners.

The students were felicitated during the double commemoration event celebrating the 60 years of ITDC and 70 years of the Ashok Hotel. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, also graced the ceremony with his presence.

IIM Bodh Gaya Hosts International Research Conference on Mindfulness, Advancing Global Dialogue on Mindfulness in Research and Leadership

Bodh Gaya, Feb 16: The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya inaugurated the International Research Conference on Mindfulness (IRCM) 2026, the third edition of its flagship biennial conference dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research on mindfulness. Held over two days in a hybrid format, the conference brought together academicians, researchers, practitioners, and students from across India and abroad, including participants from Japan, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

The conference witnessed a global response, receiving over 255 paper submissions, reflecting a more than threefold increase from its previous edition. The strong participation underscores the growing relevance of mindfulness-based research across management, social sciences, and allied disciplines.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, in the presence of conference conveners Dr. Remya Lathabhavan and Dr. Teena Bharti. Distinguished speakers, including Dr. Jyoti Bachani, Saint Mary’s College of California, Dr. Vishal Gupta, IIM Ahmedabad, and Dr. Ramya Tarakad Venkateswaran, IIM Calcutta, delivered keynote addresses emphasising the integration of contemplative practices with modern research to enhance organisational effectiveness and societal well-being.

In her address, Dr. Vinita S. Sahay underscored the enduring value of contemplative traditions, noting that the “acid test of the greater good is the test of time,” and describing mindfulness as a time-tested philosophy that continues to guide meaningful ways of living and leading. Dr. Jyoti Bachani stated, “Wisdom is eternal, while AI is ephemeral,” and highlighted the importance of convening such dialogue in Bodh Gaya, the land historically associated with the origins of mindfulness.

Organised around 12 thematic tracks, the conference explored mindfulness in leadership, organisational behaviour, finance, education, decision-making, and sustainability. Scholars presented empirical and conceptual work that examined how reflective awareness can bridge research gaps and generate solution-oriented outcomes across disciplines.

 Pre-conference workshops featured applied learning sessions. Mr. Shishir Arya, an IIT, IIM alumnus-turned mindfulness coach, conducted experiential sessions linking professional effectiveness with mindful living. Dr. Surbhi Dayal, faculty at IIM Indore and an expert in Madhubani art, facilitated an interdisciplinary dialogue connecting mindfulness, artistic expression, and lifestyle transformation. These workshops encouraged participants to align theoretical frameworks with lived emotional and cognitive experiences.

 The conference concluded with addresses by Dr. Oleg Medvedev, University of Waikato, New Zealand, Dr. Prachi Thakur, JAGSoM, India & Sunway University, Malaysia, and Dr. Yanki Hartijasti, Universitas Indonesia, who highlighted emerging global research collaborations and the role of mindfulness in shaping resilient institutions and societies. The valedictory session included an expression of gratitude to contributors, participants, and the organising committee for fostering a vibrant platform for dialogue and discovery.

 As the world accelerates in complexity, IRCM 2026 reaffirmed the importance of reflection, clarity, and conscious engagement. Mindfulness remains a core value of IIM Bodh Gaya, and the institute is committed to embedding it across teaching, research, and leadership development to nurture responsible, self-aware, and socially conscious leaders.

IIT Delhi opens admissions for its Online PG Diploma in Healthcare Product Development and Management

Feb 11: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has announced admissions for the second batch of its Online Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Product Development and Management. Offered by the Centre for Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi, the programme delivers a multidisciplinary learning experience spanning biomedical innovation, regulatory science, commercialisation strategy and product management. Through a carefully designed curriculum, it enables learners to build the capabilities required to translate healthcare solutions into market-ready products.

IIT Delhi_3

The 12-month Online Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Product Development and Management suits professionals and aspiring specialists across the healthcare product ecosystem, whether they work in biotechnology research, healthcare entrepreneurship, medical technology or regulatory functions. The programme builds role-ready competencies for careers in biotech, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare IT and digital health innovation. It also strengthens foundational understanding of human anatomy and disease pathways to inform product conceptualisation, develops practical knowledge of materials and mechatronics for healthcare applications and sharpens the ability to evaluate emerging research directions and innovation opportunities in healthcare product development.

India’s healthcare sector continues to expand rapidly, driven by population density, access gaps and an accelerating push towards technology-led delivery. Estimates indicate India requires 2.4 million additional hospital beds, translating into approximately 2 billion square feet of healthcare infrastructure to move towards global standards. Brickwork Ratings has projected that India’s hospital sector could reach USD 202.5 billion by 2030, from an estimated USD 122.30 billion in 2025, supported by rising demand, private investment, government initiatives and the adoption of technologies such as AI and telemedicine. AI’s share of the healthcare market is projected to exceed 30% by 2030, up from approximately 15% currently. In parallel, the wearable medical devices market is projected to grow to USD 184.75 billion by 2033, from USD 42.1 billion in 2024, propelled by consumer adoption, healthcare digitalisation, and intelligent monitoring technologies.

Speaking on the announcement of the second batch Prof. Arnab Chanda, Programme Coordinator, IIT Delhi said,

 “India’s healthcare growth demands professionals who can build products with scientific depth and real-world viability. This diploma trains learners to move from unmet clinical needs to validate, compliant and commercially scalable solutions. We bring together engineering, clinical perspective and product strategy through rigorous coursework, practical projects and expert-led teaching, so participants can deliver innovations that stand up to regulatory and market expectations.”

Graduates, postgraduates and working professionals with BE/BTech/BCA/BIT in any engineering discipline or equivalent, BSc (or equivalent) in life sciences and related basic sciences, and MBBS, BDS, BPharm or allied disciplines can apply. The programme also considers professionals from healthcare, biomedical, biotech or related industries with BE/BTech/BSc/Diploma in Engineering/MBA/MCA qualifications. Participants can pursue roles such as Healthcare Product Manager, Medical Technology Consultant, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Health Data Analyst, among others.

The year-long programme includes 450+ hours of learning, comprising 200 hours of live online sessions, 120 hours of practical work and projects and a two-day campus immersion. The curriculum spans 18 academic credits across two semesters and includes eight modules, covering topics such as Mechanics of Biomaterials, Biofabrication, Research Techniques in Biomedical Engineering, Soft Tissue Characterisation and Applications, Healthcare Wearables Design and Applications, and Healthcare Entrepreneurship and Management, among others. Learners also work with tools such as Pick 3D Printer, AutoCAD, and UX/UI platforms.

Delivered by IIT Delhi faculty and industry experts, including eminent healthcare industry experts, the programme runs through live, interactive online classes and combines academic rigour with practical application. Participants engage in real-time simulations, case-based analyses and hands-on projects, with an optional two-day campus immersion designed to deepen peer learning and professional exchange. On successful completion, learners receive Affiliate Alumni Status.

Delhi CM Inaugurates 100 Advanced ICT Labs in Government Schools to Boost Digital Learning

New Delhi, Feb 10: In a significant step toward strengthening digital education in government schools, Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, inaugurated 100 advanced ICT labs across Delhi government schools today. The labs were set up under the Digital Equalizer Program by the American India Foundation (AIF) in partnership with Ladli Foundation Trust. The inauguration took place at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Mansarovar Garden.

Images (5)

The ceremony was attended by Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood, Director of Education Ms. Veditha Reddy, AIF CEO Mr. Nishant Pandey, Ladli Foundation Founder Devendra Kr. Gupta, along with senior education officials, school principals, teachers, and students.

Each of the 100 schools has been equipped with a state-of-the-art ICT lab, featuring 20 computers and one Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD). To ensure effective usage, a trained resource person will be available in each school to assist teachers and students in digital learning.

Key Highlights of the Initiative:

  • 100 advanced ICT labs across Delhi government schools

  • 20 computers and 1 IFPD per school

  • Dedicated on-ground resource person support

  • Focus on digital inclusion and practical hands-on learning

CM Smt. Rekha Gupta said,

“Before completing one year of our government, we have delivered a century of computer labs for Delhi’s marginalised students. We thank the American India Foundation and Ladli Foundation for partnering with us in this important mission.”

Education Minister Shri Ashish Sood added,

“This initiative strengthens digital education and equips students with essential computer skills for higher education and future careers.”

Mr. Nishant Pandey, CEO of AIF, commented,

“Through the Digital Equalizer Program, we aim to reduce learning inequities by expanding access to technology and building digital confidence among students. These labs will open new learning and career pathways for thousands of young learners.”

Mr. Devendra Kumar, Founder of Ladli Foundation, said,

“This initiative bridges the digital divide for marginalised students, ensuring they can compete equally in a rapidly digitising world.”

The launch marks a major milestone in promoting digital inclusion and practical learning, enabling government school students to gain hands-on experience with technology and preparing them for the demands of the 21st century.