Category education

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Seekers by Jack Bartley, the second volume in the Hilo Dome series. This book is published by Histria YA, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for teens and young adults.

The Seekers takes the framework of a post-apocalyptic survival story and roots it entirely in Hawaiian mythology and Polynesian wayfinding. Generations after a devastating global war, isolated communities on the Big Island must set aside bitter rivalries when the volcano goddess Pele awakens. To escape impending lava flows, a small crew builds a traditional double-hulled sailing canoe to chart a course into the unknown Pacific.

Jack Bartley’s second Hilo Dome novel trades standard dystopian action for a focus on cultural reclamation. The true tension comes not just from navigating a ruined world, but from the painstaking effort of relearning lost ancestral skills. The book asks what happens when a community must resurrect ancient traditions to save its future. It is a localized, community-driven approach to the end of the world that feels vital for readers tired of lone-wolf survival tropes.

Praise for The Seekers:

“The Seekers: Hilo Dome by Jack Bartley is a brilliant, nail-biting adventure that is full of action. It is one of the rare gems that take place on the water, where explorers must navigate uncharted territory to survive. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys an adventure full of suspense, thrills, and the awe of discovery.” — Readers’ Favorite

Jack Bartley is a U.S. Navy veteran, retired University of Delaware ecology professor, and the author of several books, including the 2025 naval memoir Smoke on the Water (Koehler Books) and the young adult series Hilo Dome (Histria Books). His extensive time spent in Hawaiʻi, both during his military service and while leading academic ecology expeditions, heavily influences his writing. Also an accomplished musician and former newspaper columnist, Jack now lives in Ocean View, Delaware, where he focuses on writing, music, and environmental volunteer work.

The Seekers by Jack Bartley, 214 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-733-8, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is also available as an ebook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

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Mumbai, May 05: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, one of India’s premier IITs, has announced the commencement of PRAYAS 4.0, a one-month residential programme offered by its Centre for Continuing Education (CCE). The programme, focusing on emerging domains such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), is scheduled to be held in July 2026 at the IIT Mandi campus.

RAYAS, an acronym for “Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Students,” is an initiative of the CCE, IIT Mandi, aimed at nurturing future-ready talent. Since its inception, the programme has played a pivotal role in inspiring hundreds of students through experiential and application-oriented learning opportunities.

Continuing its legacy, PRAYAS 4.0 seeks to foster innovation, enhance technical competencies, and strengthen problem-solving skills among young learners. The programme is open to participants from diverse academic backgrounds and does not require prior technical experience, thereby making it inclusive and accessible to aspiring innovators.

The residential programme will comprise 5–6 hours of daily sessions conducted by faculty members from IIT Mandi. The curriculum is designed to combine theoretical lectures with hands-on laboratory work, enabling participants to gain practical exposure to AI, robotics, and IoT technologies.

Over the four-week duration, participants will progress from foundational concepts to advanced topics, including embedded systems, basics of artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and intelligent automation. They will also have access to the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, providing an immersive environment for innovation and skill development.

Commenting on the initiative, Tushar Jain, Head, Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), IIT Mandi, said,

“PRAYAS 4.0 is aligned with IIT Mandi’s mission to democratise access to advanced technologies across all sections of society. By integrating academic learning with practical project-based exposure, we aim to empower young minds to emerge as innovators in areas such as AI, robotics, and IoT.”

The programme will offer on-campus boarding and dining facilities, ensuring a holistic residential learning experience. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded certificates by the CCE, IIT Mandi, recognising their training in advanced technology domains.

 

 Hyderabad, May 05: DEEP (Disease Eradication Through Education and Prevention) Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventive healthcare, health education, community health screenings, education and livelihood support, and environmental sustainability initiatives, has announced the launch of its flagship initiative — “Happy Wheels.”

As part of this initiative, the Trust will donate a TATA Winger 18-seater school transport vehicle to Sri Vidhyas Centre for Special Children, Hyderabad, at a special function to be held on Wednesday, May 6, at the Centre’s premises in Mahindra Hills, Secunderabad. This meaningful initiative has been made possible with the generous support of Hexagon AB/Octave, the CSR partner sponsoring the vehicle.

Sri Vidhyas Centre for Special Children has long faced transportation challenges despite its dedicated efforts in nurturing and educating children with special needs. For many families, lack of safe and reliable transport has been a major barrier to consistent education and therapy support.The “Happy Wheels” initiative is not merely about donating a vehicle — it is about restoring dignity, independence, accessibility, and opportunity for children with special needs.

The new TATA Winger school vehicle will safely transport children between their homes and school, enabling them to attend classes regularly and participate in educational trips and social outings. The initiative will also significantly reduce the burden on parents and caregivers while improving attendance, continuity in education, and overall access to learning opportunities for children with special needs.

As outlined in the agreement, the vehicle will be used exclusively for the transportation of children with special needs, ensuring that its purpose remains focused and impactful.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rakesh Kalapala, Founder & Trustee, DEEP Trust, said:“Every child deserves access to education, regardless of their challenges. ‘Happy Wheels’ is our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind simply because they cannot reach school.”

Dr. Madhu Vasepalli, Founder & Trustee, added: “This initiative is about compassion in action. When we remove barriers like transportation, we unlock the true potential of these children.”

Ms. Swati Mohanty, CEO, DEEP Trust, said: “‘Happy Wheels’ is a step towards building a more inclusive society where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered.”

While this marks a proud beginning, DEEP Trust emphasized that many more children across India continue to face similar challenges. Lack of transportation and accessibility infrastructure often prevents children with special needs from accessing education and therapy services.

Calling upon corporates, philanthropists, and the public to support the cause, Ms. Swati Mohanty urged greater participation in providing school transport vehicles, improving accessibility infrastructure, and supporting education and therapy for special children.

“A small act of giving can create a lifetime of opportunity for a child,” she added.

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Bengaluru, May 4 (BNP): Chanakya University has inaugurated a new academic block at its Global Campus near Kempegowda International Airport.

The facility was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the presence of Sudha Gopalakrishnan and Kris Gopalakrishnan, along with university officials.

The newly built block is designed to support modern teaching and research, with classrooms, laboratories, and learning spaces for over 3,600 students. It also includes an auditorium named after K. Kasturirangan.

Speaking at the event, Pradhan said institutions must focus on skills, innovation, and research to prepare students for the future. Gopalakrishnan highlighted the importance of technology and critical thinking in higher education.

The new block aims to strengthen the university’s academic infrastructure and support future-ready learning.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 30 (BNP): The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has declared the ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) examination results for 2026 on Thursday at 11:00 AM, as per the scheduled timeline.

Students can access their results through the official CISCE websites by selecting the ICSE Result 2026 or ISC Result 2026 links and entering the required credentials to view their scorecards.

In addition to the official portal, results are also available through DigiLocker, where students can log in using their registered mobile number and Aadhaar details to download digital marksheets. Candidates can also check results via SMS by sending their unique ID in the prescribed format to the designated number. The UMANG mobile application further provides an option to view results by entering the student’s UID and index number.

The council is expected to release detailed statistics soon, including pass percentages, subject-wise performance, and toppers’ lists.

Ghaziabad, Apr 29 (BNP): Silverline Prestige School, a leading private school in Ghaziabad, has hosted the global leadership team of Google, marking a notable milestone in the institution’s engagement with international organisations.

The visit highlights growing collaboration between educational institutions and global technology leaders, with a focus on innovation, digital learning, and future-ready education practices.

According to the school, the interaction provided students and faculty with exposure to global leadership perspectives and emerging trends in technology-driven education.

The engagement is seen as an important step in strengthening industry-academia connections and encouraging the adoption of modern learning tools in schools.

Officials said such initiatives aim to inspire students to develop digital skills and prepare for future opportunities in a technology-driven world.

Rourkela, Apr 29 (BNP): The National Institute of Technology Rourkela has secured the 186th position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2026, strengthening its position among leading higher education institutions in Asia.

The latest rankings assessed 929 universities across 36 countries and territories, where NIT Rourkela continued to maintain a strong presence, reflecting its steady academic and research progress.

The improved ranking highlights the institute’s growing focus on academic quality, research output, and institutional development. It also reflects its expanding reputation in engineering education and innovation at both national and regional levels.

According to the ranking framework, universities are evaluated on parameters such as teaching standards, research performance, industry engagement, and international outlook. NIT Rourkela’s position indicates positive progress across these key areas.

Overall, the result reinforces the institute’s standing as one of India’s leading technical education institutions, with ongoing efforts to further enhance academic excellence and global competitiveness.

Dehradun, Apr 29 (BNP): The Tula’s Institute hosted the Uttarakhand Chhatra Sansad 2026 on April 25, 2026, bringing together around 7,000 student delegates in what is being described as the largest edition of the event so far.

Held under the theme “Voices of Bharat,” the conclave saw participation from students across the state and beyond, making it a major platform for youth engagement and dialogue.

The event brought together a wide range of speakers, including policymakers, spiritual leaders, journalists, entrepreneurs, and civil society representatives, who interacted with students on topics such as leadership, governance, innovation, and social change.

Organisers said the gathering was designed to give young people a stronger voice in national discussions and encourage active participation in shaping India’s future.

The large turnout reflected growing youth interest in public affairs and nation-building, with the event positioning students as active contributors rather than passive observers.

In essence, the conclave reinforced the idea that India’s youth are an active force in the country’s present and future development journey.

Amity University Uttar Pradesh Noida campus organized a one-day Symposium on “Recent Advances in Quantum Science & Technology”. The Symposium aimed to bring together leading experts, scientists, academicians, and industry stakeholders to discuss recent advancements in quantum technologies, including quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials.

Highlighting the significance of Quantum Science & Technology, Dr. Poornendo Chaturvedi, Scientist G, DRDO, averred, “Quantum Technology is extremely crucial in today’s scenario. It includes principles like superposition, entanglement, and interference to create capabilities which are impossible for classical systems. Quantum Technology speeds up the processing and its impact can been in every key economic sector, creating new job opportunities and driving economic growth, however, many problems and challenges need to be addressed. The youth must come forward and work on new innovations based on Quantum Technology since the future lies here.”

Providing information about the National Quantum Mission, Dr. L. Venkata Subramaniam, CEO, Qbit Force (Ex-IBM India Quantum Head), opined, “All mobile chips are designed by Indians and India has the largest talent pool in the area of Quatum Technology, however, India lacks products. Under the National Quantum Mission, it is our aim to create a vibrant ecosystem in Quantum Technology and give India a “quantum jump” by developing homegrown technology. The government is providing funding of Rs25 crores for startups and the youth must launch their own ventures. Institutions like Amity must take the lead and new talent must develop new technologies, which wil make India a developed country.”

Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor Amity University, stated, “Amity has been at the forefront fo research and innovation. It is Amity’s mission to nurture the youth who wil take our country ahead of all the other countries in the world. India has the best brains in the world, however, we need to become a product nation. There is a need to translate research into real-world applications.”

Dr. Chauhan announced 30 fellowships in the area of Quantum Technology and also launched the Amity Quantum Mission website on this occasion.

Explaining the history of Quantum Technology, Mr. Atul Gupta, Scientist G & Head, CoE Quantum Technologies, C-DOT, stated, “Quantum Technology is not new and was discovered 125 years ago. The first Quantum Revolution took place in 1940s which included transistors, semiconductors, lasers, solar cells, etc and the second revolution is taking place now which includes Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Quantum Materials, resulting in a paradigm shift in computation, communications, sensing and device technology. The reason for a sudden Quantum boom is technological advancement and use of Quantum technology in various areas such as Drug Discovery, Logistics & Supply Chain Optimisation, Climate Modelling and Weather Prediction, and many others. Under the National Quantum Mission, the government is actively investing in quantum R&D, infrastructure and ecosystem building. Quantum Technology has also been included in AICTE Curriculum and UG & PG curricula in Quantum Technology have been launched to build India’s quantum-ready talent across institutions. C-DOT is keen on partnering with academia and industry to build, secure and advance India’s Quantum Future.”

Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President-ASTIF, stated, “The insightful symposium will deliberate upon emerging trends, foster collaborations, and strengthen the quantum ecosystem across academia, industry, and government. Eminent organizations such as DRDO, IBM Quantum, QNu Labs, NXP Semiconductors, C-DAC, and leading academic institutions are participating in the Symposium, reflecting a strong convergence of academia–industry-government collaboration.”

Dwelling upon DRDO’s contribution in Quantum technology, Dr. Santu Sardar, Director (DYSL-QT), DRDO, noted, “DRDO is working on building expertise in the area of Quantum Technology and building technologies for import substituion. Therefore, it is engaging with industries, coordinating with National Quantum Mission and working on upskilling the scientists. DRDO Young Scientists Lab for Quantum Technologies( DYSL-QT) was established in the year 2019 and DRDO is closely working with the academia and start-ups, thereby extending joint activities. it is also offering paid internships to Junior Research Fellows(JRFs), Research Assisants, and providing them with employment opportunities.” He called upon the young aspiring scientists to join DRDO and contribute to nation-building.

Stressing upon the need for “Quantum Accelerators for enabling Quantum Computing on Supercomputers”, Dr. Abhishek Tiwari, Associate Director, Scientist F, C-DAC Noida, asserted, “There is a need for Quantum Accelerator since classical computers are not able to solve the problems at a fast rate. Physical quantum computers are expensive, error-prone and limited and our country lacks the indigenous access to quantum hardware for researchers and students. Therefore, when Quantum Accelerators, are used in Quantum Computing, they make the process faster and the job easier.”

On this occasion, a Panel Discussion on “Industry–Academia–Government Partnership for Leadership in Quantum Technologies”, was organized wherein experts such as Dr. Anindita Banerjee, Sr. Quantum Technologist, C-DAC Pune, Dr. Harish Sahu, Scientist F, SAG, DRDO, Dr. Abhijeet Mitra, Assistant Professor, IIIT Delhi and others participated. In addition, student presentations were also held as part of the Symposium.

XIM University, Bhubaneswar marked its Tenth Undergraduate Convocation on 22nd April 2026 with elegance and solemnity, celebrating an important milestone in the academic journeys of its students. During the ceremony, degrees were awarded to 554 undergraduate students across multiple disciplines, recognizing their years of commitment, perseverance, and academic excellence.

The convocation was graced by Mr. Shubhranshu Patnaik, Partner and Industry Leader for Government and Public Services, Deloitte South Asia. Mr. Patnaik, an alumnus from the batch 1994-1996 of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar, has more than 25 years of consulting experience in advising Governments and clients in the Energy & Utilities sector. He is the National Leader for Power & Utilities sector and leads the Core Business Operation practice for Deloitte India.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Patnaik shared the importance of genuine friendships as strong personal and professional support systems. He encouraged continuous learning through curiosity, adaptability and openness to new ideas. Mr. Patnaik also emphasized sincere, ethical work (karma) over chasing immediate rewards. Lastly, he urged an interdisciplinary mindset and responsible use of AI for future leadership.

Among the distinguished dignitaries present were Dr. Fr. K.S. Casimir, S.J., Vice Chancellor of XIM University, Fr. S. Antony Raj, S.J., Registrar, Fr. Arokiyadass Vanathaian, S.J., Chief Finance Officer; Prof. V.R Sathish Kumar, Controller of Examination, Deans of various Schools, senior officials, and distinguished members of the Board of Governors.

Prof. Sutapa Pati, Dean, School of Sustainability, extended a warm welcome to the students, parents, dignitaries, and guests, setting the tone for the momentous occasion.

Dr. Fr. K.S. Casimir, S.J., Vice Chancellor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shri Shubhranshu Patnaik for his presence at the convocation and for delivering an eloquent and insightful address to the entire XIM University community.

The meritorious students were awarded gold medals for Academic Excellence in various specialisations in their respective schools by the Chief Guest.

Fr. S. Antony Raj, S.J., Registrar of XIM University, delivered the vote of thanks, conveying deep appreciation to all.

XIM University, Bhubaneswar, remains dedicated to nurturing academic excellence, ethical leadership, and a strong sense of social responsibility, preparing the next generation of leaders and change-makers.