Category education

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.

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.