Category education

Mumbai, Apr 22 (BNP): The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting scientific waste management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the state.

The policy envisions the development of biogas projects through public-private partnerships under a hybrid annuity model. To ensure smooth execution, district-level coordination committees will be established to oversee implementation and facilitate project development.

The initiative is expected to strengthen waste-to-energy infrastructure, improve waste disposal practices, and contribute to cleaner and more sustainable energy generation.

In addition, the Cabinet has approved the implementation of UGC-recommended pay scales for faculty in model colleges, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the quality of higher education and supporting academic professionals.

These decisions underline the state government’s focus on sustainable development and educational advancement, aiming to create long-term environmental and institutional benefits.

Roorkee, Apr 22: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), through its Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG), has successfully facilitated the transfer of innovative rural technologies aimed at enhancing sustainable livelihoods and strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship.

The initiative, supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, focuses on bridging the gap between rural needs and advanced technological solutions through demand-driven, sustainable innovations.

The technologies transferred include a multi-millet dehusking machine and a hemp decorticator machine, both developed by the RuTAG 2.0 team at IIT Roorkee. These technologies are designed to improve efficiency, reduce labour intensity, and enhance productivity in rural and small-scale processing sectors.

The multi-millet dehusking machine enables efficient processing of milletssignificantly reducing processing time, grain damage, and manual effort. The hemp decorticator machine facilitates the efficient separation of hemp fibers and woody core, supporting applications in textiles, composites, construction materials, and allied industries, thereby unlocking new economic opportunities for rural communities.

The technology transfer agreements were signed with industry partners including Indo Climate Lab Private Limited (New Delhi), Jai Maa Durga Engg Co. (Roorkee), and Dhiman Enterprises (Roorkee), in the presence of Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Sai Ramudu Meka, Associate Dean Innovation and (SRIC), along with the RuTAG team led by Prof. Sunil Kumar Singal (Principal Investigator) and Prof. Sonal K. Thengane from IIT Roorkee.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean (SRIC), IIT Roorkee, said,

“This technology transfer reflects IIT Roorkee’s commitment to translating research into real-world impact. By enabling industry participation in scaling these innovations, we aim to strengthen rural economies, promote sustainable technologies, and create meaningful livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level.”

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Prof. Sunil Kumar Singal, Principal Investigator, RuTAG IIT Roorkee, stated,

“The technologies developed under RuTAG are designed to address specific needs of rural communities. The transfer of these innovations to industry partners will ensure wider adoption, improved efficiency, and enhanced income opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.”

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said,

“IIT Roorkee, is committed to ensuring that technological innovations translate into meaningful products which have industrial and societal impact. Initiatives such as RuTAG exemplify how academic research can be effectively aligned with grassroots needs, enabling sustainable livelihoods, strengthening rural economies, and contributing to inclusive national development.”

The initiative has already garnered strong interest from multiple organizations, indicating significant potential for large-scale adoption and commercialization. By facilitating such technology transfers, IIT Roorkee continues to play a pivotal role in promoting inclusive innovation, supporting national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, and advancing sustainable rural development.

Bhubaneswar, Apr 21 (BNP): Bhavesh Patra has emerged as the top performer from Odisha in the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 examination, securing an outstanding All India Rank (AIR) 13, as per results announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Monday.

The examination witnessed strong competition nationwide, with over 11 lakh candidates appearing across India and abroad. A total of 26 students achieved 100 percentile scores in the exam.

The JEE Main 2026 Session 2 was conducted from April 2 to April 8 at 566 centres across 304 cities in India and 14 international locations. The provisional answer key was released on April 11, 2026, before the declaration of final results.

The achievement highlights Bhavesh Patra’s strong academic performance in one of the country’s most competitive engineering entrance examinations.

DALLAS and MINNEAPOLIS, Apr 18: The American Academy of Neurology and the American Heart Association have awarded the 2026 Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships for Brain Health to two neuroscientists, Sarah Kettlety, Ph.D., of Baltimore, Maryland, and Cali McEntee, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Each will receive a $150,000 two-year scholarship to support continuing scientific research in brain health. This is the third year this scholarship has been awarded.

The Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships in Brain Health, also known as the Sacco Scholars program, are made possible by a generous bequest to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, and the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, from the late Ralph L. Sacco, M.D., M.S., FAAN, FAHA. Sacco was the only neurologist to have served as president of both organizations. He passed away in 2023 from a brain tumor. 

“As we learn more about the importance of the cognitive and physical aspects of the heart-brain connection, it’s critical to grow the body of evidence that can help us reduce risk and improve health,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, executive director of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health in New York City. “We look forward to seeing the work of these two scholars as these research projects build upon Dr. Sacco’s decades of work in saving and improving lives.” 

“Dr. Ralph Sacco inspired many physicians and researchers through his remarkable career, and his legacy lives on through the Ralph L. Sacco Scholarships in Brain Health,” said American Academy of Neurology President Natalia S. Rost, M.D., M.P.H., FAAN, FAHA. “This program that supports talented researchers in advancing preventive neurology is a testament to his generosity in mentorship and passion for science. We are thrilled to welcome two new researchers to the Sacco Scholars community — a growing group of researchers whose valuable work brings us closer to achieving the future of brain health for all.” 

Kettlety is a postdoctoral researcher at Kennedy Krieger Institute and at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. She is being awarded the scholarship to study the impact of childhood concussions on long-term health. Specifically, she will look at how a child’s heart rate changes when they exercise after a concussion. These heart‑rate responses can follow different patterns, and those patterns may give clues about whether the nervous system — which controls things like heart rate and breathing — isn’t working quite right after the injury. One of the patterns researchers see may signal a problem with this automatic nervous system. Kids who show this pattern could be more likely to have concussion symptoms that last longer than usual. The goal of Kettlety’s study is to find out whether these heart‑rate patterns can help doctors predict which young patients will have a slower recovery. If doctors can identify those patients early, they may be able to offer more customized treatments to help them recover more quickly and fully. 

McEntee is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. Her research project will look at the connection between exercise and brain health. As people get older, it’s common for the brain to change, which can make learning and memory harder. Scientists know that exercise helps keep the brain healthy and can improve memory, but they don’t fully understand why it works. McEntee is looking at small substances that the body releases during exercise, called exerkines. These tiny messengers are released from muscles and fat when we move, and they may travel to the brain and help it work better. She wants to determine which of these substances are most important and how they help the brain stay sharp as we age. By understanding this, McEntee hopes to find new ways to protect and improve brain health — not only for older adults, but also for people with conditions like diabetes or obesity, and even for people who can’t exercise due to illness or disability. The goal is to help everyone maintain better brain health throughout their lives. 

“Robust research funding is critically important to support innovative ideas that can lead to scientific breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatments for a variety of conditions,” said American Academy of Neurology Chief Executive Officer Mary E. Post, M.B.A., CAE. “With this collaborative partnership through the Sacco Scholars program, and the American Academy of Neurology’s Brain Health Initiative, we are committed to improving lives and making a meaningful impact on the landscape of brain health.”  

“Dr. Ralph Sacco was the first neurologist to ever serve as the volunteer president of the American Heart Association and he was a dedicated volunteer for more than 20 years as a champion for our work in recognizing the importance of brain health,” said Nancy Brown, the American Heart Association’s chief executive officer. “He spent much of his life mentoring young scientists just like the recipients of this year’s scholarships. More importantly, he was a dear friend and I am so proud to see his lifesaving legacy live on to continue influencing the growing body of scientific research into the connection of heart and brain health.” 

Kettlety and McEntee begin their two-year research projects on July 1, 2026. 

Apr 17 (BNP): Paytm Foundation has launched its second “Wisdom on Wheels” mobile learning bus in Odisha, expanding its effort to bring digital and computer education directly to rural and school communities.

 Pic Credit: Pexel

The initiative is designed to reach students in remote areas where access to computer labs and digital infrastructure is limited. The specially equipped mobile bus will travel across villages and schools, offering hands-on training in basic computer skills, digital literacy, and financial awareness.

The bus functions as a fully functional mobile classroom, equipped with computers, internet connectivity, and learning tools, allowing students to practice real-world digital skills during sessions.

According to officials, the programme aims to:

• Improve digital literacy among government school students
• Bridge the urban–rural technology gap
• Promote basic coding and computer skills
• Support financial and internet awareness in rural communities

This is the second such bus in Odisha, indicating an expansion of the programme after earlier success in reaching students through mobile learning units.

The initiative was showcased at an event at VSS University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla, as part of broader collaborations between industry and educational institutions in the state.

(Left to right: Bejoy, Dipu, Krishna Kumar, Neena Prasad, and Karthik)

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 16: The Asian School of Business is launching three new courses for the 2026-2027 academic year. Admissions have commenced for the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Design (B.Des), and Master of Computer Applications (MCA). These programs are specifically designed to equip students for both high-level employment and entrepreneurship.

BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts)

As the first Performing Arts course in South Kerala, this program offers specializations in Mohiniyattam and Bharatanatyam. Led by the renowned Indian classical dancer Dr. Neena Prasad, this 4-year degree is offered in collaboration with CUSAT. Beyond artistic training, the comprehensive curriculum covers performance, production, digital outreach, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

B.Des. (Bachelor of Design)

The Bachelor of Design is a fully multidisciplinary program. Its highlights include a “Studio + Industry + Technology” model and futuristic specializations. The learning approach features:
* Studio-based experiential learning.
* Live industry projects and design challenges.
* Mentorship from design experts and industry veterans.
This CUSAT-approved course is ideal for those aspiring to be UX/UI Designers, Visual Communication Specialists, Product Designers, Creative Strategists, or Design Entrepreneurs.

MCA (Master of Computer Applications)

This MCA program is tailored for those seeking careers in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The curriculum is perfectly suited for high-demand fields such as AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Full-Stack Development.
Key Features: Project-based learning, continuous coding assessments, and technical evaluations.
Practical Experience: Includes mandatory internships and capstone projects.
Career Paths: Prepares students for lucrative roles such as Software Developer/Engineer, Data Scientist, Cyber Security Analyst, Cloud Architect, and Tech Entrepreneurship.

Participants / Key Personnel in the Press Meet:
Dr. Neena Prasad: Renowned Artist and Chief Mentor
Mr. Karthik Raja: CEO, Faceprep
Dr. C. Krishna Kumar: Director, ASB
Prof. Dipu Babu: Head of Operations, TRINS Group
Prof. Bejoy Thomas Kuruvilla: Coordinator – New Programmes, ASB

For information on admission:
Phone: 9847563334, 9961439966, 9363747099
Email: admission.asb@gmail.com, admissions@asbindia.org.in
Website: www.asb.ac.in

Bhubaneswar, Apr 16 (BNP): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that the Odia language will be made compulsory in all schools across the state, reinforcing efforts to strengthen linguistic heritage and cultural identity.

The announcement was made during the concluding ceremony of the ‘Odia Paksha’ celebrations, highlighting the state government’s focus on promoting the mother tongue among students from an early age.

The Chief Minister stated that the directive will be implemented across all educational institutions in Odisha. As part of the initiative, more than 18,000 copies of Odia Barnabodha and Shishu Lekha Pustak will be distributed to students to deepen their understanding of the language and its cultural significance.

Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening students’ connection with Odia language, literature, and traditions, while ensuring its wider usage in academic learning.

The government also reiterated its commitment to expanding educational infrastructure and promoting inclusive learning through initiatives aligned with national education objectives.

Gurugram, Apr 16:  KIIT World School, Gurugram has once again demonstrated academic excellence in the Class 10 board examinations, the results of which were declared today by the Central Board of Secondary Education. The school recorded a 100 percent pass result, with all students successfully clearing the examination, reaffirming its strong academic standards and commitment to quality education.

The school’s top performers secured exceptional scores this year, bringing pride to the institution. Shreyansh Jha secured the first position with 98.2 percent, followed by Akshara Shekhawat with 97.6 percent in the second position, and Ishan Kumar with 97.4 percent in the third position. Notably, Ishan Kumar scored a perfect 100 out of 100 in Hindi.

Dr. Neelima Kamrah, Principal of the school, congratulated the students, parents, and teachers on this remarkable achievement. She stated that the success reflects the hard work of the students, the dedication of the teachers, and the continuous support of the parents. She emphasized that the 100 percent result is not just a number, but a reflection of each student’s perseverance and consistent efforts. She further added that the school’s aim goes beyond academic excellence, focusing on nurturing responsible, confident, and capable individuals ready to excel in all aspects of life.

The school management attributed this success to a collective effort and expressed confidence in maintaining such high standards of performance in the future.