Category education

Maharashtra: India’s first liberal professional university, Vijaybhoomi University hosted the fifth edition of the For Not For 2024 International Interschool Debate competition after the humongous success of the previous four editions. The aim of Vijaybhoomi for organizing this competition was to cultivate an open-minded attitude and encourage young minds to express themselves with confidence freely. FOR NOT FOR is an annual event designed on an international framework to get the youth across an international forum to ponder, seek, discuss, and debate issues of international interest.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 50 teams representing top international and CBSE schools across cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kolhapur, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Noida, and Pilani, showcasing a rich diversity of perspectives and eloquence. The semi-finals and finals were held on the university’s scenic campus attracting 30+ finalists and their supporters. This landmark event served as a platform for young debaters to exchange ideas, cultivate critical thinking, and exhibit exceptional oratory skills.

The competition culminated in outstanding performances by the students, with Cambridge Court World School, Jaipur, emerging as the overall winner in both the Senior and Junior categories.

Seniors

1st Prize: Nancy Uppal and Bhavini Khandelwal (Cambridge Court World School, Jaipur)

1st Runner-Up: Adit Upadhyay and Yahswant Singh (Birla School, Pilani)

Juniors

1st Prize: Saanvi Prakash and Meemansa Jaiman (Cambridge Court World School, Jaipur)

1st Runner-Up: Pranaya Jain and Khushi Raste (JBCN International School, Borivali, Mumbai)

Dr. A Parasuraman Pro-Chancellor and Dr. Ravikesh Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, Vijaybhoomi University were present during the event and presented awards to the winners. The winners received an amount of ₹85,000, and the runners-up received ₹45,000 in both the senior and junior categories.

Highlighting the importance of For Not For Debate Competition, Mrs. Kalpana Padode, Board Member, Vijaybhoomi University, said, “The idea of holding FNF is to allow young minds to understand others’ arguments, no matter how divergent their views may seem. FNF is a platform to debate contemporary topics freely, without any biases, and propagate their views among their peer group.”

Expressing her views Ms. Ujjwala, Community Engagement Manager said, “The For Not For International Interschool Debate Competition was an experience that left a lasting impression not just on the winners, but on every participant who joined us at Vijaybhoomi University. The students were thrilled to be part of an event that combined intense intellectual engagement with the serene beauty of our campus. The opportunity to engage with seasoned judges who provided detailed, constructive feedback was highly appreciated by all participants. They emphasized how FNF was not just a competition, but a platform for learning, sharing perspectives, and building confidence.”

Harshita Gupta, an entrepreneur, comic content creator, and emerging author, is making waves with her debut book, ‘Unloved: The Art of Moving On.’ Released on October 23, 2024, the book has already sold 10,000 copies within a few weeks, resonating with readers worldwide. Combining personal anecdotes and practical advice, Unloved is a powerful guide for transforming heartbreak into strength, inspiring resilience and emotional growth.

The book is poised to cross borders, making its highly anticipated international debut in January 2025. It will launch in the UAE, US, UK, Canada, and Pakistan, bringing its powerful story to readers worldwide. This global release highlights Harshita’s universal resonance and dedication to raising awareness about mental health and emotional well-being on a broader, international stage.
Harshita was recently featured in the Forbes India’s Top 10 Digital Stars of 2024 and became a voice of authenticity and empowerment for millions through her relatable storytelling and humor. Her book continues to receive widespread acclaim, with social media platforms buzzing with heartfelt messages of appreciation from her audience.
The book ‘Unloved’ is available for purchase online, inviting readers to dive into its compelling narrative and experience a powerful story.

Hyderabad, December 2, 2024,… Team The Trailblazers for their project ‘SonicScript’, converting Audio to Text, Vice Versa and Key Word Extraction emerged as the winner of the InnoQuest , a 30-hour-long Hackathon which concluded Saturday evening at Anurag University.

The Trailblazers team composed of K. Lakshmi Shreya, P. Sahiti Reddy and Sair Ruthwik developed this application under the problem statement “Ai Captioning and Transcription Tools”. They walked away with Rs 10,000 cash prizes besides Microsoft Merchandise

We wanted to pursue a master’s degree and secure a job in a very good company, said K. Lakshmi Shreya, responding after receiving the prize. The other teammates echoed with her.

The team Protathlitis emerged as runner-up and Team Lakshya as second runner-up and walked away with cash prizes of Rs 7000/-and Rs 5000/- for their projects Smart Sign Language Translator and Automated Accessibility Checker respectively

Earlier gracing the occasion Dr Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Chairman of Anurag University said Hackathons are very important and are one step short of securing an internship or placement. They are the order of the day in securing good jobs nowadays, he added.

A total of 925 participants registered out of which 366 were shortlisted. After four rounds ten teams qualified for the final. Out of ten teams, three were adjudged as the top three winners and the remaining seven were declared as consolation prize winners. The consolation prize winning teams include Syntax Error, Mortals, Flame Spirits, Equicodtins, Quadracoders, Creative Codex and Elite Titans.

The prizes were given away by Ms Anuradha Sunku, Ms. Pavani Anne, and Ms.Shalina Nandiwada—all the three Technical Delivery Managers of Microsoft.

The participants were given expert guidance by 12 mentors and 3 judges from Microsoft offering specialized insights into AI, ML, Copilot, and accessibility-focused design. A pprecursor Boot camp was also organised.

The participants were given six problem statements such as 1. Automated Accessibility Checker; 2. Emotion Detection for Autism Support; 3. Indoor Navigation for the Visually Impaired; 4. Unified Accessibility Dashboard; 5. AI Captioning and Transcription Tool and 6. Real-Time Sign Language Interpreter. The participants had to work on any one of the above problem statements.

They had to come out with innovative solutions to real-world problems and challenges and create prototypes that redefine accessibility in 30 hours. The solutions that came out ranged from conceptual sketches and paper prototypes to advanced digital mock-ups, reflecting the diversity of participants’ creativity and technical expertise.

Dr G. Vishnu Murthy, Dean, Dr Siddartha Ghosh, Dr M. Srinivas Rao of Anurag University, faculty coordinators Dr B. Ravinder Reddy and Ms S. Deepika participated in the closing. Aditya Kulkarni and Dharani Meda, Student Coordinators announced that the next Hackathon will be held in January in partnership with Veltris Pvt. Ltd, a top AI company.

Sambalpur; December 2nd 2024; IIM Sambalpur, one of the premier management institutions, hosted a 5-Day Residential Capacity Building Programme for the 2nd Batch of Nurturing Future Leadership, under the aegis of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme (MMTTP) at its campus. There were 28 faculty members from 16 different Higher Education Institutes from all around the nation who have participated in this programme. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India and aligned with the vision of NEP 2020, the programme aims to empower faculty members in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop essential leadership capabilities by delivering a transformative learning experience, creating a deep understanding of the knowledge, skills and attributes, by identifying challenges and levers in managing and leading organizations.

During the welcome address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “National prosperity and international recognition through accreditations and rankings begin with strong grassroots education. We at IIM Sambalpur believe that leadership in education is about fostering innovation, integrity, and inclusiveness while enhancing governance. Our MMTTP programme aims to empower educational leaders to strengthen institutions, elevate standards, embrace technology, and drive systemic transformation, contributing to both national growth and global excellence. As the prosperity of a nation hinges not only on its talent and resources but on the ethical and transparent governance principles cultivated within its educational frameworks.”

He further said, “This MMTTP programme employs an interactive pedagogy that includes case study teaching methods, supplemented with reading, lectures and simulations among other interactive exercises that will help in enhancing cross-functional coordination, conflict resolution, and consensus-building techniques. This customized programme will empower educators and administrators to become effective leaders within their institutions and communities.

There were multiple sessions organized throughout the 5-day programme from IIM Sambalpur faculties, though one session on situational leadership was taken by Prof. Shyam Sundar Patnaik from OUAT University. The programme was introduced by Prof Ramakrushna Padhy, Programme Director, MMTTP and vote of thanks was given by Prof Poonam Kumar, Programme Director, MMTTP.

Delhi, November 2024 — ITM Business School, a flagship institution within the 34-year-old ITM Group of Institutions in Navi Mumbai, has initiated an accelerated placement drive for its PGDM Batch 2023-25, achieving significant traction among top corporate recruiters. Known for delivering future-ready talent through its 10 specialised programs, ITM continues to attract industry-leading companies across sectors for recruitment at its campus.

Offering cutting-edge specialisations in Marketing, Digital Marketing and Transformation, Retail Management, Fintech, Business Analytics, International Business, Financial Management, and more, ITM Business School prepares students for the evolving demands of the digital and analytics-driven marketplace. Through its extensive industry network, the institution consistently connects students with opportunities from aspirational organisations, facilitated by a dedicated 15-member Corporate Relations team of seasoned professionals.

“ITM’s rolling placement process spreads out company visits, reducing stress for students and enhancing decision-making for both students and recruiters,” stated Mr. Vishal Goyal, Director of Corporate Relations at ITM Business School. “With a strong strike rate and multiple top-tier organisations confirmed for the coming months, we are committed to securing dream opportunities for our students. Our diverse student pool from across India further adds value for organisations hiring for Pan-India roles.”

Each year, over 280 esteemed companies from sectors such as FMCG, Manufacturing, BFSI, Consulting, Technology, Analytics, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering, IT, and E-commerce actively recruit from ITM. Renowned brands like Mondelez, HUL, Deloitte, Kellogg’s, PWC, EY, Reliance, Godrej & Boyce, Aditya Birla, Asian Paints, Mahindra, TCS, L&T, Make My Trip, UBS, SBI MF, and DSP MF have a long-standing association with ITM, offering coveted roles to its graduates. Last year, ITM achieved an impressive average package of 8 LPA despite accommodating a large batch size.

In October 2024, ITM commenced the placement process for the 2025 PGDM batch, allowing students early access to exceptional employment prospects. With marquee recruiters like Deloitte, PWC, Aditya Birla Group, Flipkart, Zomato, Wockhardt, Tata AIG, Kotak, General Mills, Hafele India Pvt Ltd, ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, CBRE, Adani Wilmar, Atul Ltd, TCS, and many others already on campus, students are benefiting from high-profile recruitment experiences.

Raipur, 28th November – Learning Spiral, a leading provider of innovative educational solutions, has successfully conducted an online examination for over 100,000 students. The examination process was seamlessly managed from start to finish, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and robust infrastructure to ensure a smooth experience for all participants. This achievement was made possible through Learning Spiral’s strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), where the company has been recognized as an Advanced Tier Partner.

The examination process, which included everything from facial recognition for admit cards to the final declaration of results, showcased Learning Spiral’s capabilities in managing large-scale, secure, and efficient online assessments. With AWS’s advanced cloud infrastructure and services, Learning Spiral was able to scale its systems to meet the demanding needs of conducting an exam for such a large number of students, ensuring no disruptions and maintaining high levels of security.

“We are thrilled to have successfully managed an examination at this larger scale,” said Mr. Manish Mohta, Founder of Learning Spiral. “This achievement demonstrates our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for educational institutions and organizations. The partnership with AWS allowed us to implement powerful cloud-based technologies, such as facial recognition for identity verification, to guarantee a secure and fair process for all candidates. We are excited about the future of online education and look forward to continuing to innovate in this space.”

The success of this project underscores the importance of reliable, scalable technology in today’s digital education landscape. Learning Spiral’s partnership with AWS has empowered the company to provide a secure and efficient online examination experience, setting a new standard for large-scale assessments in the education sector.

Learning Spiral continues to lead the way in transforming the digital education ecosystem, with a strong focus on technology-driven solutions that improve both the student experience and operational efficiency for educational institutions.

November 28, 2024; New Delhi: School of Law, Lovely Professional University (LPU) hosted Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, for an enlightening session on using information technology in the judiciary. This engaging ‘Youth Talk’ brought together law students and faculty to explore how technology is transforming legal systems and the critical role of ethics in this evolution.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, alongside Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro-Chancellor of LPU, welcomed Justice Rajesh Bindal. Dr. Ashok Mittal stated, “LPU is committed to offering a dialogue that bridges academic learning with real-world challenges. The integration of technology in the judiciary is a topic of immense significance. Justice Bindal’s session will encourage students to think critically and approach technological advancements in the legal domain with responsibility and innovation.”

Justice Rajesh Bindal, whose distinguished career spans roles as an advocate, judge, and chief justice of high courts before being appointed apex court judge, shared his insights into the opportunities and challenges of technological integration in judicial processes. Drawing on real-world examples, Justice Bindal highlighted advancements such as e-Courts, the National Judicial Data Grid, and automated case management systems, which have significantly improved efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in the judiciary.

“Technology has enabled the judiciary to tackle longstanding issues like case backlog and complex data management. It has streamlined processes and allowed greater focus on substantive legal reasoning,” Justice Bindal described. Justice Bindal also emphasized the importance of ethical considerations, adding, “In the coming decades, AI could become more intelligent than humans. While it is crucial in enhancing efficiency, it is equally essential to ensure that its use aligns with the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability.” Justice Bindal also discussed the challenges posed by AI, such as potential bias in algorithms, synthetic data, threats to judicial independence, and data privacy concerns. Stressing the need for responsible use called for the establishment of regulatory frameworks, transparency standards, and comprehensive training for legal professionals to integrate these technologies effectively while safeguarding ethical and human values.

Addressing the students, Justice Bindal inspired them to embrace their role as torchbearers of justice and fairness, urging them to uphold ethical values in their professional and personal lives. “The youth hold the power to shape the nation. By combining your energy, responsibility, and commitment to ethical practices, you can drive meaningful societal change,” inspiring students to embrace responsibility and strive for societal betterment.

The event concluded with an audience gaining a comprehensive understanding of how information technology is reshaping the judiciary while addressing its ethical and procedural dimensions. LPU’s focus on providing such platforms ensures that students are prepared to lead in a world increasingly influenced by technological progress.

Mumbai, Date: Whistling Woods International (WWI) has announced its first entrance exam schedule for the July 2025 intake. Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in film, media & creative arts fields can apply for WWI’s full-time degree, postgraduate, and diploma programmes, which are offered in association with the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). With a strong alumni network of over 3,700 graduates excelling across the media and entertainment industry, WWI provides a solid foundation for aspiring professionals.

WWI is recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Media and Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) and has also been awarded the Excellence in Creative & Performing Arts at the 6^th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards in 2019. Additionally, WWI is globally acclaimed, having been listed among the ‘Top Institutes of Influence’ by Forbes India.

Applications are now open for all the programmes in Filmmaking, Animation & Game Design, Fashion & Costume Design, Visual Communication Design, Media Communication & Management, Acting, and Music. These courses combine hands-on learning with industryaligned education to prepare students for thriving careers in their chosen fields.

Entrance Exam Dates:

The entrance exams are scheduled for December 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2024, with dates allocated to specific courses as follows:

• 12^th December 2024 – BSc Filmmaking, MA Filmmaking, MA Screenwriting, Diploma in Screenwriting, BA Music Production & Composition
• 13th December 2024 – BDes Animation, BDes Game Design, BDes Fashion Design, BA Acting, MA Acting
• 14th December 2024 – BBA Media & Communication, MBA Media & Entertainment, BDes Visual Communication Design (VCD)

The Sports Department and Student Sports Council Team of Noida International Uninversity, NIU are thrilled to announce the triumphant conclusion of the much-anticipated Mega Internal Sports Event “Urja 2024”, held from 19th to 21st November 2024 at the university’s cricket ground.

The event was graced with the auspicious presence of Dr. Mukesh Parashar, Registrar, Dr. T. A. Wani, Dean Research & Development, Dr. P. K. Tomar, OSD NIU, and Lt. Pratima Pandey, Dean Student Welfare & Director of Sports, NIU under the vision of Dr. Vikram Singh, Chancellor NIU and Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor of NIU with the event beginning with the Torch Ceremony.

Dr. Parashar encouraged students in his address and said, NIU is offering various opportunities to grow and Urja 2024 is to see the talented students of the NIU family. Tournaments encourage students towards fitness and keep them engaged in physical workout. It also increases their ability to work with team spirit and with this NIU began the sport event Urja 2024.

This inter-school tournament brought together the brightest young athletes from schools across NIU, fostering sportsmanship, teamwork, and a spirit of healthy competition. With over 11 exciting games including Cricket, Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Kabaddi, Tug of War, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess, Carrom, and Athletics, the event buzzed with energy and enthusiasm throughout.

Highlights of the Event:

Grand Opening Ceremony: The event began with an electrifying opening ceremony at 11:00 AM, setting the tone for three days of intense competition and camaraderie.

Thrilling Matches: Participants showcased their remarkable talents, leaving the audience in awe with their skill and determination. Every game echoed the values of perseverance and teamwork.

Memorable Closing Ceremony: The event concluded on a high note of Lt. Pratima Pandey, with a grand closing ceremony celebrating the incredible achievements of all athletes.

Lt. Pandey extended heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants for their extraordinary performances and sportsmanship. A special appreciation certificate presented to the organizing team, referees, and volunteers for their seamless coordination and dedication that made this event a grand success. Lastly, thank all the dignitaries, faculty members, and spectators whose presence added to the excitement and encouraged the athletes to give their best.

IIM Bodh Gaya signed an MoU with PSI India on 26th November to strengthen the public health domain through the 2-year full-time MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) started by the institute in 2023. The MBA (Hospital & Healthcare Management) programme is designed to provide a holistic appreciation of the entire healthcare industry including large corporate hospitals, public health, health insurance, pharmaceuticals, digital health, health insurance and healthcare consulting.

Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya and Mr. Mukesh Kumar Sinha, Executive Director of PSI India, emphasized the strategic and futuristic nature of this collaboration, stating that the MoU aims to foster academic excellence and drive social impact. Prof. Swapnarag Swain, Chairperson of the MBA (Hospital and Healthcare Management) programme at IIM Bodh Gaya, highlighted the collaboration as a significant opportunity for students to gain exposure to public health issues and develop potential solutions for project implementations.

Under this MoU, subject matter experts from PSI India will deliver lectures on relevant topics and PSI India will provide opportunities for community immersion, internship and final placements to the students of MBA-HHM. It is to be noted that the summer internship under the MBA-HHM programme is of a 4-month duration which brings uniqueness to the programme. In addition, IIM Bodh Gaya and PSI India have agreed to conduct joint research, and events such as round table discussions, seminars, workshops and conferences aiming to foster knowledge-sharing, innovation and discussions on pertinent issues in the public health domain.

The institute is constantly taking strategic steps to make a significant contribution to the healthcare industry and is committed to establishing itself as a centre of excellence for healthcare management education and research. The MoU helps the institute make strides in academic excellence in healthcare management education by bridging the gap between industry and academia.