Innovative Learning: UTS and Veranda HigherEd Unveil New Programs for Indian Workforce

CHENNAI, 21st OCTOBER 2024: Veranda HigherEd, a Veranda Learning enterprise, has announced the launch of two cutting-edge short courses in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) based in Australia. The offerings include courses in Digital and Social Media Marketing and Business Analytics, designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.

The Digital and Social Media Marketing course explores digital tools, channels, and opportunities shaping the marketing landscape. Students will learn to deploy these tools strategically at each stage of the customer journey, navigate changes in digital technologies, and leverage social media platforms to enrich the customer experience.

The Business Analytics course introduces students to essential techniques for tackling practical problems, enabling them to initiate and manage small-scale projects and communicate findings effectively. Participants will learn how data collection and analysis enhance customer and stakeholder insights, and practice methods to improve data-driven predictions to achieve business success.

Mr. Iain Watt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) of UTS, stated, “Our partnership with Veranda HigherEd marks an important milestone in our internationalisation engagement. We are proud to be collaborating with Veranda HigherEd to deliver two UTS programs that will empower learners in India to innovate and evolve global industries – where humans work together with advanced technology to improve business.”

Mr. Aditya Malik, Group COO of Veranda Learning, remarked, “In today’s fast-paced digital world, the need for professionals who are adept in business analytics and digital marketing is greater than ever. Our partnership with UTS underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality education that empowers individuals to excel in their careers.”

Corporations Propose Capacity Building and Digital Education to Enhance STEM at City Conference

Bengaluru, October 18, 2024 – Leading corporations have highlighted the need for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives to intensify capacity building and scaling-up resources to sustain and improve quality of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in schools across India. CSR representatives of these corporations made the suggestions at a Roundtable conference organised by Prayoga that examined the influential role of CSR in effective STEM education. Prayoga is recognized as a Science and Industrial Research Organization by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Union Ministry of Science and Technology.

CSR Representatives with Prayoga's team at Prayoga's Round table Conference

The roundtable delved into the challenges of the current education system, emphasising the importance of transitioning from traditional, theory-heavy teaching methods to interactive, experiential learning approaches. A key objective was to explore the dimensions of capacity building for teachers, especially in under-resourced and rural areas, where the education gap is most pronounced, ensuring that the students actively engage and understand the information they receive, while ensuring the social and emotional well-being of students.

“We have received highly positive feedback from participants,” said Dr. H. S. Nagaraja, Founder and Chief Mentor, Prayoga. “It was inspiring to see CSR stakeholders unite to discuss ways to enhance STEM education across India. One crucial missing element in our education system is research. Integrating research and inquiry-based learning into classrooms is essential to prepare a future-ready workforce. At Prayoga, we are dedicated to advancing this initiative, understanding that reaching our objective requires collective engagement. We are eager to leverage the momentum generated by this event to further our mission of enhancing STEM education in rural schools.”

The event underscored the significance of continuous professional development for educators, highlighting their dual role as knowledge providers and drivers of innovation. Participants stressed the necessity of investing in educational infrastructure, including STEM labs and digital resources, to enhance teaching effectiveness. Such investments, along with sustained teacher training programs, are deemed vital for the growth of STEM initiatives.

“Critical and creative thinking skills are essential in 21st-century education, particularly within STEM fields. Without fostering the ability to question, challenge, and innovate, we risk inadequately preparing students for their future. If students cannot seek, question, or innovate, then perhaps we are not preparing them for anything at all. Today, assessments must go beyond teaching methods and rote learning to assessing these very basic but powerful skills. Enhancing teacher capabilities and capacities is crucial, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives should significantly contribute to this effort. By implementing experiential learning and other such modern methods of teaching, to bridge the gap that continues to linger between mainstream education and the skills that students need to develop. Scaling up through CSR partnerships allows this model of effectiveness to be replicated in more schools, opening doors to sustainable improvement in STEM education,” noted Dr M Pundaleeka Kamath, Lead – Integrated Community Development Programs – Bosch India Foundation.

“STEM education extends beyond the four walls of a classroom, thriving within a community where students can actively apply their learning. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives play a key role in fostering such a culture by engaging schools, families, and other key stakeholders to provide essential support to students, providing materials that can help sustain this creative flow of knowledge. By collaborating with key stakeholders, CSR can improve the scale and impact of STEM programs. It is also essential to focus on the communication skills of the student as many have great knowledge but cannot present it well. It is thereby important for the school leadership and supportive households to empower students to advance and effectively utilise their educational experiences,” highlighted Mr. Nagabhushana K, Head- IR, SEG Automotive.

The need for creating a supportive ecosystem—where parents, teachers, and students are engaged in the learning process—is essential for fostering a mindset of lifelong learning and innovation. CSR programs were seen as instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and practice by providing schools with the resources and expertise needed to integrate STEM into everyday learning.

Looking ahead, Prayoga plans to strengthen collaborations with corporate partners to build sustainable, scalable solutions that transform STEM education at the grassroots level. These efforts will ensure that students not only receive quality education but are also equipped with the skills and competencies necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex world. Through such initiatives, Prayoga continues to achieve its vision of nurturing scientific curiosity and developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Shell Launches New EdTech Initiatives to Enhance STEM Education in India

October 18, 2024: Shell India has announced the launch of new EdTech initiatives, aimed at providing the next generation a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. The programmes use advanced digital learning tools and leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to identify individual learning gaps and provide customised learning interventions. Developed in collaboration with Pratham Infotech Foundation, Education Initiatives, and Khan Academy, the new initiatives build on the success of Shell’s global flagship programme, NXplorers, which is implemented by Learning Links Foundation and Smile Foundation and has benefitted over 3 lakh students across India.

STEM education programs in India_ October 18_2024

Introducing the new programmes, Latika Taneja, Head of Corporate Relations, Shell India added, “At Shell, we are more than just advocates for STEM education; we are its passionate champions! With these new innovative programmes, we are excited to harness the power of digital technology to design personalised learning curriculum and make learning more fun and interactive. Our new partnerships, coupled with our ongoing association with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission for NXplorers, are pivotal to our mission of fostering inclusive growth and empowering the next generation.”

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, Mission Director, AIM, NITI Aayog, said, “When systems thinking is harnessed effectively, it can spark transformative movements. Shell’s NXplorers programme demystifies complex systems thinking, transforming it into engaging workshops that empower students to become innovative problem solvers. As we are expanding our partnership with Shell India, we aim to reach more students, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to India’s growing innovation ecosystem.”

In the coming years, these programmes will be implemented in multiple schools across Delhi NCR, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Comprehensive teacher training will accompany these efforts to create a dynamic and personalised learning environment, enabling students to overcome foundational learning gaps and gain access to advanced STEM skills.

Shell India will further expand its ongoing NXplorers programme, which aims to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Building on the successful pilot in partnership with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, the programmes will now scale to more schools over the next three years.

Woxsen University Announces 2025 MBA Scholarships; Scholar’s Round Open for Meritorious Students

Hyderabad, 18 October: “Woxsen University has announced scholarships for its flagship MBA programs for the academic year 2025 intake. In its effort to support top-tier talent in accessing the best management education, the institution has announced the Scholar’s Round, represents a unique opportunity for academically outstanding students.” Exceptional students qualifying for this round will receive additional scholarships, over and above the regular scholarship.

Aspiring students can apply for the MBA (General), MBA (Business Analytics), MBA (Financial Services) & MBA (General) for Experienced Professionals programs. Eligible students, will be selected based on Composite Scoring (Entrance Test + Personal Interview), and will be awarded an additional 10% merit scholarship over the regular scholarship, which can be up to 50%. Woxsen University is also committed to supporting sports talent across the country, offering sports scholarships of up to ₹1 lakh for eligible students.

Talking about the advantage of the Scholar’s round, alumni J Dhanashree ( MBA 2021-2023) emphasised “If you’ve always been a scholar, this is your chance to step up, prove yourself and not let the stiff competition of getting into Woxsen University drain you out.”

Notably, Woxsen’s MBA programs are EFMD Global Accredited, placing the institution among the top 1% of business schools worldwide. Additionally,  Woxsen MBA Programs are ranked 101+ in Asia by QS Business Masters World Ranking 2024 and has acquired Rank 6th in Asia Pacific by Bloomberg Best B-Schools Ranking 2024.

“Here at Woxsen, we constantly strive for excellence, and we are looking for MBA students who share our passion for high achievement. We offer MBA scholarships to deserving candidates who demonstrate academic prowess and strong domain knowledge.  This is a great opportunity for meritorious students who are decisive and focused on pursuing their MBA from a top-ranked, world class B-School.” – said Dr. David J Meyer, Executive Dean of School of Business, Woxsen University.

The MBA (General)  This is more than  a regular MBA program, comprising five specializations for students to choose from – Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, and Data Science & AI, for the students. Students can specialize in 2 domains by either selecting two major subjects or one major and minor, according to individual preferences and career goals. This program is for students who desire to excel across multiple domains.

The MBA (Financial Services) Students in this MBA program have the unique opportunity to train on the largest Bloomberg Finance Lab, gaining real-time market insights. The curriculum offers a comprehensive understanding of financial services and investment strategies, emphasizing the context between finance and business. It delves deeply into various aspects of management while ensuring a practical approach to finance in the corporate world. This program equip students with essential skills for careers in finance, banking, capital markets, insurance, and investment.

The MBA (Business Analytics) At Woxsen University, integrates key principles of management, and business  with analytics. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage the latest advancements in Business Analytics for data-driven decision-making in everyday business scenarios. In addition, with a solid grounding in core business functions such as marketing, HR, finance, and operations, the program is designed to equip students with two of the industry’s most sought-after qualifications, business and analytical expertise, ensuring they are fully prepared for their profession.

The MBA (General) program for experienced professionals Woxsen has tailored this program for individuals with over three years of professional experience. It encourages them to integrate AI concepts, which will facilitate them to adapt the emerging trends and technology. With AI-driven solutions in the organisations, MBA for Experienced Professionals is apt for this rapidly evolving business landscape.

Admission ProcessFor admission to the MBA programs through the Scholar’s Round, students must follow Woxsen University’s 3 Step admissions process.

  • Apply online on Woxsen University website
  • Applicants can appear for WAT (Woxsen Aptitude Test) to qualify in the Scholar’s Round.
  • Personal Interview will be the final round

Placements and Career Growth: Woxsen University has recorded the highest  and Top 20% Average ,Over the last 2 years, Students have received placement offers from leading corporate brands, including Morgan Stanley, Arcesium, Deloitte, Standard Chartered, Aditya Birla, Swiggy, TVS, UBS, Piramal, Tech Mahindra, Siemens, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), among others.

International Opportunities: Woxsen University has over 150 global partner universities across 50 countries. Most of the partner institutes are World FT ranked, QS Ranked, and Triple Crown Universities. Through its exclusive Student Exchange Program and Progressive Studies, talented students at the university have the opportunity to study abroad with partner institutions, broadening their knowledge and deepening their understanding of the globalized business environment.

Eligibility: The MBA program students must have an undergraduate degree from any discipline with a minimum of 60% aggregate from a recognized university/college/institute. Candidates are advised to check the detailed eligibility criteria on the official website.

Woxsen’s Scholar’s Round is highly sought-after due to limited scholarships in this round. Students already preparing for CAT/NMAT, Woxsen’s Aptitude Test (WAT) aligns with similar pattern. The University encourages ambitious students to take on the challenge of this prestigious Scholar’s Round and earn their seat for 2025 Admissions.

LeapScholar Announces Pune’s Largest Study Abroad Fair: Gateway to Global Education

Pune, India, 18th October 2024: LeapScholar, a leading platform offering comprehensive study abroad services, has announced its upcoming Study Abroad Fair in Pune. The event will provide an opportunity to aspiring students to connect directly with university representatives from 60+ international colleges. The event will take place on Saturday, 19th October 2024 from 10 am to 5 pm at JW Marriott Hotel, Pune.

With more than 1500 students and parents expected to attend, the event will engage the attendees in one-on-one sessions with university representatives, gaining exclusive insights into courses, admission processes, scholarships, and student life in various countries. Some of the top countries from which the universities will be participating include the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, and Dubai.

With offline branches in various cities across India including Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Nagpur, and Ludhiana, Leap Scholar is committed to making the study abroad experience accessible to aspiring students. The recently opened Pune branch at Fergusson College Road is already doing a tremendous job of guiding students through the complexities of applying for international universities.

Additionally, the event will feature various partners to aid students. Firms like Leap Finance, Avanse, HDFC Credila, Auxilo, ICICI, IDFC, TATA Capital, Axis, Capital India Finance Ltd and UBI will be present to help students finance their study abroad dreams, while Casita will be present to assist with accommodation. Lastly, Easy Transfer will also be present for any payment gateway or Forex requirements students might have.

Arnav Kumar, Co-founder, LeapScholar, stated that “We want to meet students, talk with them and understand their needs while giving them access to the best possible partners to assist them with everything needed in their study abroad journey. It’s a very exciting time for us. With Maharashtra being one of the top states where students opt to study abroad, this fair will not only connect students with international universities, but will also open doors to new opportunities. As we establish offline centers across multiple cities in India, our goal remains clear: to help students seize the right opportunity and navigate their global education journey.”

University experts will provide personalized counseling to guide students and families in choosing the right path for their study abroad journey. This is complemented by value-added services such as IELTS preparation, financial counseling & education loans, accommodation, and more for all attendees.

Students aspiring to build international careers, as well as parents interested in gaining deeper insights into overseas education, are welcome to attend the fair. Registration is free and can be done through the website or directly by walk-in.

University of Manchester Opens Applications for MSc in International Disaster Management

October 17th, 2024: The University of Manchester is inviting applications from Indian students for their MSc in International Disaster Management for the 2025 session.  

The MSc in International Disaster Management at the University of Manchester offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the theories, policies, and practices essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by disasters on a global scale. Over the course of one year, students will delve into key concepts such as vulnerability, resilience, governance, and sustainable development, gaining the critical skills needed to analyse and respond effectively to complex disaster scenarios. Led by an expert team drawn from diverse fields including geography, politics, development studies, and medicine, this program provides a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to engage with cutting-edge research, foster innovative solutions, and prepare for impactful careers in disaster management.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will emerge equipped with a Master of Science degree, ready to embark on careers in government agencies, non-profit organisations, international development agencies, or research institutions. With a focus on academic rigour and practical application, the MSc in International Disaster Management prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the field, addressing the urgent challenges posed by disasters and helping to build more resilient and sustainable communities worldwide.

Programme Delivery: “The MSc in International Disaster Management at the University of Manchester employs an innovative approach to programme delivery, combining traditional classroom instruction with practical learning experiences.” Through a series of lectures, seminars, and workshops led by experts in the field, students gain a comprehensive understanding of disaster management theory, policy, and practice. Additionally, hands-on activities, fieldwork opportunities, and research projects enable students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective collaboration.

Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust Hits 100 Crore, Serves 20 Lakh More Children

Bengaluru/ New Delhi: Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, the force behind the world’s largest morning nutrition programme, has declared that at least 20 lakh additional children were served with 30 days under its Nutrition Month initiative. Even as the initiative, a part of Sri Madhusudan Sai’s global humanitarian mission, benefits over 1 crore school-going children across India, its scope has now been expanded to cover younger children that may not be going to schools. At least 5 lakh Anganwadi children in Telangana and 15 lakh Anganwadi children in Karnataka were included during the Nutrition Month, and in the process, the Trust completed 100 crore servings since its beginning.

children

During the Nutrition Month, which complemented the Government of India’s call for Poshan Maah, the Annapoorna Trust initiated collaborations with State governments in Telangana and Karnataka. To extend the reach and impact of the programme, the Trust also partnered with at least 35 leading corporate entities, including the likes of Amazon, Bangalore International Airport Ltd, Big Basket, Concord Biotech, CreditAccess India Foundation, Dell Foundation, Infosys Foundation, JCPenney, Kellogg’s India, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Volvo, Zoho and Zomato, among others. This effort brought much-needed nutritional support to underserved areas and enhanced the reach of the programme, targeting children in Anganwadis and government schools.

An event titled ‘Power of Poshan‘ was also held recently to commemorate the Nutrition Month at Sathya Sai Grama near Bengaluru. The event was graced by Global Humanitarian and Spiritual Leader – Sri Madhusudan Sai, and the attendees included more than 50 corporate leaders and government officials from 20 States, Mr Jonty Rhodes – Legendary Cricketer being it’s one of the chief guests. The programme was to felicitate the partners who enabled reaching out to 1 Crore children in 1 lac plus schools across 25 States and 4 UTs. Annapoorna Trust is focused on scaling the Morning Nutrition Programme across more regions in India, particularly in States with high levels of malnutrition. The Trust is also exploring global opportunities, leveraging its successful model to expand into countries facing similar nutritional challenges. Additionally, there are plans to introduce more innovative nutritional solutions, such as SaiSure, a fortified health mix, and collaborate with international partners to bring holistic solutions to the issue of child malnutrition.

Bharti Airtel Foundation Celebrates 282 Students at Scholarship Investiture Ceremony

bharati airtel

17 October 2024, Bangalore: In a momentous gathering, Bharti Airtel Foundation recently hosted Investiture Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 282 deserving students under Bharti Airtel Scholarship program in New Delhi. These Bharti Scholars hail from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, pursuing technology courses at top 50 NIRF Engineering institutions in India. The ceremony highlighted the inspiring journeys of these scholars and featured esteemed dignitaries underscoring the importance of education in shaping the nation’s future and the transformative impact of the scholarship in the lives of the scholars.

The Foundation has been consistently dedicated to empowering young minds through education. In celebration of its 25th year of philanthropic journey, this prestigious scholarship has been designed with the goal of expanding reach to 4,000 scholars, with an outlay of INR 100+ crore per year as the Program reaches its full potential.

Indeanta E-Mobility Partners with Cautio to Ensure Safe Mobility for Students Across Leading Campuses

Bengaluru, 17 October 2024: EMobility, a leading provider of eco-conscious and innovative transportation solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with a Bengaluru-based startup in the dashcam and video telematics space. This partnership is set to enhance the safety and reliability of student transportation across major campuses like Chandigarh University, Manipal University, and IIT, among others.

With this, Cautio’s AI-powered dash-cams and operating system will be integrated into Indeanta’s fleet of electric buggies, ensuring that students, faculty, and families benefit from a safer and more sustainable mobility solution. Currently, 100% of the vehicles across 4 campuses in India are equipped with this technology, and the partnership plans to double the number of campuses covered in the next three months. The technology offers real-time insights into driver behaviour and patterns, promoting safe driving, road safety and environmental sustainability.

The dash cams will monitor driver behaviour, vehicle surroundings, and road conditions, identifying potential risks real-time. With this integration, fleet operators can improve safety standards and operational efficiency through real-time data analytics. Cautio‘s technology offers real-time insights into driver behaviour and driving patterns, resulting in a significant reduction in phone usage among drivers while ferrying students, improvement in driving behaviour, and 100% utilisation of the fleet due to enhanced safety and optimisation.

“At Indeanta, we are driven by the mission to provide clean, efficient, and safe mobility solutions. Our partnership with Cautio strengthens this commitment by ensuring that our fleets not only reduce carbon emissions but also set new benchmarks for safety and reliability. By integrating Cautio, we are able to offer students, faculty, and families peace of mind, knowing that their trips are being protected by the best safety systems available today.” says Gaurav Chainani, Co-Founder of Indeanta.

Ankit Acharya, Co-Founder & CEO of Cautio, says: “This partnership with Indeanta marks a significant step towards transforming student transportation into a safer, smarter, and more sustainable experience. At Cautio, we are committed to leveraging the power of AI-driven video telematics to ensure that every journey is protected, every driver monitored, and every trip optimised for safety. Together with Indeanta, by enabling eco-friendly mobility we are setting a new standard for safety & trust in transportation.”

This initiative is not just limited to campus transportation. There is a larger vision to expand these advanced mobility solutions into high-traffic venues such as hotels, private properties, and residential complexes, enhancing safety for all users.

As cities like Chandigarh continue to develop as smart cities, leveraging advanced mobility solutions like Cautio can significantly enhance safety in mobility across various vehicle types. This partnership is also poised to bring these solutions to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that safe and sustainable transport is accessible to a broader audience.

This initiative has been warmly welcomed by students, faculty, and families, who have shown strong support for this step towards improving both safety and sustainability in campus transportation.

Aakash Educational Services Launches Aakash Breakroom Podcast: Your Guide to NEET & JEE Success

National/Mumbai, October 16, 2024: Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), the national leader in test preparatory services for NEET and JEE, is proud to announce the launch of its podcast series, “Aakash Breakroom” to motivate and educate students, offering actionable strategies to enhance their NEET and JEE exam preparation. This podcast is designed to support and meet the needs of students preparing for competitive exams, offering academic insights and guidance on personal growth and well-being.

The Aakash Breakroom podcast will feature a wide range of topics, focusing on helping students excel academically and navigating exam preparation pressure. It will cover effective strategies for success in competitive exams, providing proven academic tips and tricks to aid students in their study process. In addition to academic advice, the podcast will address the critical issue of stress management, sharing techniques to help students manage pressure and maintain their focus during high-stress periods.

Recognizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle, the podcast will also offer insights on how students can maintain their well-being while pursuing their academic goals. Beyond academics, the podcast will provide a platform for sharing personal stories and insights from experienced individuals, helping students feel supported in both their academic and personal journeys.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Deepak Mehrotra, MD & CEO of Aakash Educational Services Limited (AESL), said, “At AESL, we believe that success in competitive exams goes beyond academic knowledge—it requires resilience, balance, and emotional strength. With the launch of the Aakash Breakroom podcast, we’re providing students with not just the tools to excel in exams, but also the mental and emotional support they need to thrive in this demanding journey. Our aim is to inspire, motivate, and equip students with strategies that prepare them for both the rigors of the exam and the challenges of life beyond it.”

AESL is recognized for offering thorough and effective preparation programs for students aiming to excel in high-stakes medical (NEET) and engineering entrance exams (JEE), as well as competitive exams like NTSE and Olympiads. The institute is dedicated to delivering top-quality test preparation services that empower students to realize their full potential and succeed in their academic pursuits.