PM Modi Chairs First Governing Board Meeting of Newly Formed ANRF (13)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first governing board meeting of the newly formed Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The meeting of the foundation, which acts as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction towards scientific research in accordance with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), was attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Senior officials, including the government's principal scientific advisor Ajay Kumar Sood, also participated.
The ANRF aims to seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India's universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
Assam Enacts Public Examination Act to Ensure Fairness in Recruitment Exams
The Assam government introduced the Assam Public Examination (Measures for Prevention of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2024, to promote transparency and fairness in public recruitment exams. The law imposes stringent penalties, including up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to Rs. 10 crore, for malpractice during recruitment tests. Offenders may also be barred from future exams, underscoring the state's commitment to merit-based recruitment.
Sep 12, 2024
To Boost Research in Higher Institutes, the PAIR Programme Launched
The government will launch the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme designed to elevate research capabilities in higher education institutions (HEIs) by linking top-tier research institutions with those where research capability is limited, creating a collaborative mentorship environment.
The decision was taken during the inaugural Governing Board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Through PAIR, ANRF will link top-tier research institutions with those where research capability is limited, creating a collaborative mentorship environment," he said.
The goal is to create a "Hub and Spoke" framework that will enable these institutions to systematically enhance their research excellence.
Bengaluru Teen Suyash Manchali Wins Silver at World Youth Scrabble Championship
In a historic achievement at the World Youth Scrabble Championship (WYSC), two Indian players made it to the top five for the first time. 14-year-old Suyash Manchali and 13-year-old Madhav Gopal Kamath achieved remarkable success at this year's (2024) tournament, securing second and fourth places, respectively. Their impressive results represent the highest-ranking finish ever for India at the WYSC.
The Indian team, consisting of 13 players—nine boys and four girls—also saw strong finishes from other participants. Triambak Eashwar from Chennai placed 17th, Aarush Jotwani from Mumbai took 20th place, and Ahana Goyal from Delhi finished 27th.
The 2024 championship, which was held in Sri Lanka, saw 136 players from 15 countries competing for top honours.
The World Youth Scrabble Championship is an annual event organised by the World English-language Scrabble Players Association (WESPA), bringing together the most talented youth Scrabble players from across the globe.
Sep 11, 2024
British Council, Karnataka Govt. Launch 4 New Programmes to Enhance Higher Education, Skilling In...
The Government of Karnataka and British Council, UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, announced the launch of four new programmes. These new programmes have been launched under the signed MoU between British Council and Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC).
These four new programmes are 'Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent (SCOUT) programme by GREAT' for the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), 'English Skills for Youth' an initiative by British Council and Microsoft India to empower students in Karnataka Government Engineering Colleges, 'Capacity Building Training for International Officers', and a 'Freemium Digital Library Wall' inauguration at Bengaluru City University.
Indian-origin Teen Wins Gold at Toughest Coding Olympiad
Agastya Goel, an Indian-origin teenager based in California, won a gold medal at the prestigious 36th International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), held in Egypt. This victory marks Agastya's second gold at the world's toughest programming contest for high schoolers, where he ranked fourth overall with an impressive score of 438.97 out of 600.
This year's gold medallist, Kangyang Zhou from China, achieved a perfect score of 600 out of 600, securing first place.
The International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) is regarded as one of the five toughest International Science Olympiads.
Established in 1989 by UNESCO, it tests participants' programming skills and their ability to solve complex algorithmic problems. The contest spans two days, with problems that challenge even the best high school coders worldwide.
Sep 10, 2024
IIM-Calcutta, TalentSprint Collectively Launch 'AI for Leaders' Programme
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta and TalentSprint, a hybrid digital learning platform, unveiled a new programme: AI for Leaders.
This is a 12 months course which follows case study-driven learning method. The course will have 120 hours immersive learning supported by live interactive sessions by IIM Calcutta faculty, best-in-class course content, insightful industry sessions, quizzes, case studies, assignments and capstone projects.
Civic Body Launches 'Central School Control Room' to Enhance Student Safety
The Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in Maharashtra's Thane district launched a new 'Central School Control Room' to bolster the safety of students by monitoring CCTV footage across the civic schools.
The move came after two four-year-old girls were sexually assaulted allegedly by a male attendant in the washroom of a school in Badlapur area of the district.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the MBMC's 'Central School Control Room' via video conferencing.
The facility, located at the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium in Mira Bhayander area, is designed to monitor CCTV footage across municipal schools to enhance student safety.
IIT Jodhpur Launches AI and Data Science BSc/BS Degree with Multiple Exit Options
IIT Jodhpur, in collaboration with Futurense, unveiled a BSc/BS in Applied AI and Data Science, designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the field of AI.
This groundbreaking programme, tailored for both students and working professionals, addresses the surging demand for AI experts in an evolving technological landscape.
The BSc/BS in Applied AI and Data Science offers a unique next-gen learning model, featuring both online and on-campus components.
Its flexible format allows learners to gain certifications at various stages like the multiple entry-exit format suggested by NEP: a certification in the first year, a diploma in the second, a BSc degree in the third, and a BS degree at the end of the fourth year. This stackable approach ensures students can progress at their own pace while enhancing their practical skills.
Sep 08, 2024
SBI Foundation Announces Asha Scholarship Programme 2024
The State Bank of India (SBI) announced the third edition of its flagship Asha Scholarship programme guaranteeing support to 10,000 meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds nationwide.
Students from Class 6 to postgraduate level can now access scholarship ranging from Rs. 15,000 to 20 lakh in a year. The programme offers specialised categories for school students, undergraduates, postgraduates, as well as those enrolled in IITs and IIMs in India.
The Asha Scholarship program is dedicated to identifying and supporting meritorious students from the most underserved backgrounds, with a mission to make quality higher education accessible for young Indians. Since its inception in 2022, the scholarship programme has provided timely financial support to the tune of Rs. 3.91 crore to 3, 198 students.