Category education

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): School enrollment in government institutions has declined to 49.24% in the 2024–25 academic year, while the private education sector continues to expand rapidly, according to concerns highlighted by NITI Aayog.

The findings point to a steady shift in student preference toward private schools, reflecting changing perceptions around quality of education, infrastructure, and learning outcomes. The trend indicates that private institutions are gaining a larger share of new enrollments compared to government schools.

According to the assessment, the decline in government school enrollment raises important concerns for the public education system, particularly in terms of equity and access. Since government schools play a crucial role in providing affordable education, especially in rural and lower-income segments, a continued drop in enrollment could widen educational disparities.

The report notes that the rapid growth of private schooling is reshaping India’s education landscape, with increased household spending on education and rising demand for alternative learning environments.

It further suggests that improving infrastructure, teacher availability, and learning outcomes in government schools will be critical to reversing the trend and restoring confidence in public education.

Overall, the data highlights a structural shift in India’s schooling system, where the balance between public and private education is gradually evolving, raising policy-level concerns about long-term accessibility and inclusiveness in the education sector.

May 6 (BNP): Students from Chandigarh University delivered a standout performance at Culinary Art India 2026, bringing home a total of 13 medals and earning recognition on a national stage.

Competing against participants from leading institutes across the country, the student chefs impressed judges with their strong technical skills, creativity, and attention to detail. They took part in a variety of categories, ranging from live cooking challenges to display-based events, where presentation and innovation played a key role.

The team’s success reflects rigorous training, consistent practice, and exposure to real-world culinary standards. Faculty mentorship and hands-on learning also played an important role in helping students refine their techniques and perform under competitive conditions.

This achievement not only highlights the talent of the students but also strengthens the university’s position in culinary education, showcasing its focus on developing industry-ready professionals with both skill and creativity.

May 6 (BNP): The Ministry of Education is expected to write to the Chief Secretaries of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, urging them to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the earliest for implementing the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme in state-run schools.

The scheme aims to upgrade selected schools into model institutions aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on improved infrastructure, modern teaching practices, and overall quality enhancement in education.

Officials said the Centre is hopeful of faster progress in adopting the scheme and plans to send formal communications soon. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen school education and improve learning outcomes across states through NEP-based reforms.

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Crimson Crown by Edith Layton. This novel is published by Histria Romance, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding books in the romance genre.

Set against the paranoid early years of Henry VII’s reign, The Crimson Crown follows Lucas Lovat, an exiled spy summoned back to a cold, unfamiliar England to investigate the royal pretender Perkin Warbeck. But what sounds like a traditional Tudor thriller actually reads like a claustrophobic psychological mystery where the locked room is the royal court itself. Edith Layton strips away the usual pageantry to expose the sheer exhaustion of surviving a regime built entirely on surveillance. Lucas is a brilliantly realized lead. He is cynical, deeply observant, and distinctly unheroic in his ambitions. The novel feels startlingly modern in its exploration of espionage, performative loyalty, and the emotional toll of political manipulation. 

Readers hungry for historical fiction that prioritizes sharp dialogue and moral ambiguity over battlefield glory will find a refreshing, intensely atmospheric, and razor-sharp story that breathes genuine life into a famously treacherous era.

Edith Layton (1938-2009) began her career as a freelance journalist before publishing her debut novel, The Duke’s Wager. She went on to write over 30 novels, winning numerous accolades including the Romantic Times Award for Best New Regency Author. Today, her classic backlist is being brought back to a new generation of readers, along with several never-before-published works.

The Crimson Crown by Edith Layton, 360 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-721-5 is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is available as print on demand through Simon & Schuster. This title is also available as an eBook. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

Histria Books

7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA

HistriaBooks.com

(561) 299-0802

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Broken Fence by James J. Antonio. This story is published by Histria Kids, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for children that both educate and entertain.

The Broken Fence follows a ten-year-old boy who inherits an unexpected foal on his grandfather’s thoroughbred farm, tracing their years-long journey from the birthing stall to the starting gates of a high-stakes race. But rather than leaning on the familiar beats of a sports triumph, James J. Antonio’s novel strips away the glamour of the track to focus on the dirt, sweat, and quiet patience of raising a difficult animal. 

 
In a culture obsessed with instant gratification, this book offers a vital retreat into the slow, deliberate rhythm of barn life and intergenerational mentorship. The author writes with an unsentimental precision that captures the tactile reality of mucking stalls and the genuine frustrations of training an anti-social filly. It is a story about the unglamorous daily work of nurturing potential. Readers looking for a grounded, deeply felt exploration of discipline and animal connection will find something remarkably anchoring here.

James J. Antonio, a former French teacher and produce business manager, is now retired and dedicated to his passion for storytelling. Known for his works on numismatics, James has published numerous stories in Canadian coin publications, including the CNA Journal and the Ontario Numismatic Association Journal. His story “Miss Daisy” received an Editor’s Choice Award in Winning Ways, the journal of the Ohio State Numismatic Association. He is the author of Roads Here and There (two novellas in one book) and Stories for Coin Collectors and Everyone, both available on Amazon. 

The Broken Fence by James J. Antonio, 114 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-599-0 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.

Histria Books

7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA

HistriaBooks.com

(561) 299-0802

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.

Histria Books

7181 N. Hualapai Way, Suite 130-86, Las Vegas, NV 89166 USA

HistriaBooks.com

(561) 299-0802

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.