PM Modi Inaugurates Permanent Campus of IIM Sambalpur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Management-Sambalpur. The permanent campus is located in Basantpur. The foundation stone for the institute was also laid in January 2021. The campus was designed and supervised by DDF Consultants in association with NBCC India.
The campus boasts several key structures, including the Koutilya - Administration Building, Thakshasila 1 and 2 - Academic Blocks, Konark - Auditorium Block, I2 Hub: Incubation, Innovation and Library, Faculty Block, and MDP Block, which includes a Guest House.
The campus has multiple lecture halls, video conferencing facilities, and eleven hostels with accommodation for 600 students. It comprises dedicated blocks for faculty and staff residences, a lecture hall equipped with traditional chalkboards, digital boards, blended boards, a computer centre, and an extensive library open 24X7.
Bihar Government Makes Competency Test Must for Contractual Teachers
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) slammed the ruling Janata Dal United-led Bihar government for making it mandatory for contractual teachers in the state to pass the competency examinations conducted by it.
As per a notification issued, contractual government teachers who fail to clear the eligibility test in three out of four permissible attempts will face termination from their service.
The first eligibility test for contractual teachers in Bihar is scheduled for February 26, followed by three successive exams.
Odisha Signs MoU with JNU for Odia Studies Centre Named after Biju Patnai
Students at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, can now take up a masters' programme on Odia studies, and research programmes. The Odisha government announced a special centre for Odia studies at the varsity to be named after former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
The announcement coincided with the first world Odia language conference organised by the Naveen Patnaik government to showcase the evolution and development of Odia language, one of the six classical languages in India with a history of 2,500 years.
Odisha's higher education department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JNU according to which the state government will provide a one-time corpus of Rs. 10 crore for establishment of the special centre. It will offer a master's programme covering various facets of Odia studies. The focus will also be on international teaching and research in Odia language and literature, exploring historical maritime linkages of ancient Kalinga (a region that encompassed modern-day Odisha) empire with South east Asia, diasporic connections and promoting contemporary Odia culture through publications and collaborative research.
Biju Patnaik, father of incumbent CM Naveen Patnaik, had served as the CM of Odisha twice — from 1961 to 1963 and from 1990 to 1995.
St. George's University School of Medicine Introduces Scholarship for International Students
St. George's University (SGU) School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies introduced a merit-based scholarship exclusively for its international students. The SGU Academic Award is extended to all incoming, new international students and is determined by their academic performance upon acceptance.
The newly introduced academic merit scholarship award is available to incoming international students, alongside the existing International Peace Bursary and Global Scholars Bursary. Eligible students can qualify for multiple awards. Determined by predicted academic performance, the merit-based scholarship aims to acknowledge and reward students' academic accomplishments.
Feb 04, 2024
BHU Launches Human DNA Bank under Make in India Initiative
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) initiated two groundbreaking endeavors: the establishment of the Human DNA Bank and the imminent completion of the Wildlife DNA Bank. These initiatives, powered by cutting-edge technologies such as the Automated DNA Extractor Machine, epitomise India's commitment to innovation and indigenous manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
BHU's Human DNA Bank and Wildlife DNA Bank represent pivotal milestones in genetic research. The Automated DNA Extractor Machine, a testament to Indian ingenuity, expedites the extraction of genetic material from diverse biological sources, facilitating comprehensive studies in personalized medicine, wildlife conservation, and beyond.
IIM Ahmedabad Launches New Two-year MBA Programme
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) launched its new two-year online MBA programme for working professionals and entrepreneurs in blended mode.
As per IIM-A, the online MBA programme in hybrid mode combines an on-campus, in-person session and live interactive online sessions. The programme is meant for a seasoned cohort of participants with a minimum experience of three years. It will primarily be delivered in an online synchronous mode, complemented through five distinct on-campus modules.
In tune with the IIM Ahmedabad pedagogy, the programme predominantly follows a case-based approach that focuses on applied learning to ensure that the participants gain the knowledge and skills required for success in today's dynamic business environment.
Feb 03, 2024
IIT-Kharagpur, Ericsson Partner for Joint Research in AI, Compute, Radio
The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) and Ericsson announced a cooperation for joint research in the area of AI, compute and radio. As part of this collaboration, two agreements were signed between the organisations to allow researchers from the institutes to join towards developing novel AI and distribute compute technology towards 6G research.
A symposium on radio and network research was also organised at GS Sanyal School of Telecommunications (GSSST) where leaders from Ericsson Research and IIT Kharagpur participated and discussed the developments and advancements for the future of networks and communication.
AI and compute research are instrumental to Ericsson's 6G networks as the compute offload needs to be managed dynamically at the edge and the policies would primarily be driven by AI.
The themes of research are well-aligned with IIT Kharagpur and both organisations view this partnership as a way to push the boundaries of fundamental and applied research in the radio domain.
Imperial College London Appoints Manvinder Banga as its Chair of Council
Imperial College London appointed Manvinder Banga as its Chair of Council from April 1. As Chair, Banga will lead Imperial's governing body. Imperial's Council is responsible for appointing the Imperial's President and Provost; and retains overall responsibility for the business and strategic direction of the university.
Banga brings substantial global corporate leadership experience to this role, including more than three decades at Unilever plc, where he served as President of the Global Foods, Home and Personal Care businesses, as well as sitting on Unilever's Executive Board.
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan launched the 'Ministry of Education – AICTE Investor Network'. The MoE – AICTE Investor Network is an initiative jointly established by AICTE and the Ministry of Education's Innovation Cell (MIC) to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in the education sector.
The network aims to provide crucial financial support, mentoring and strategic guidance to early-stage student or faculty-led start-ups. Through this the Ministry of Education seeks to encourage private investment in student- and faculty-led start-ups. The platform aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create a vibrant ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Andhra Pradesh Ties up with IB Board to Design New Curriculum
The Andhra Pradesh government signed an MoU with the International Baccalaureate (IB), which is set to become a part of the State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) to design the new curriculum. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
An IB office was established within the premises of the SCERT office in Vijayawada. This marked the second IB office in South Asia.
The plan is to go ahead with a phased approach:
The collaboration will be rolled out in stages, beginning with capacity building and training for teachers in 2024-25.
Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, IB will be incorporated for Grade 1, with subsequent grades adopting the curriculum progressively.
By 2034-35, all students up to Grade 10 will benefit from the IB approach, culminating in joint IB and state board certifications in April 2035.
In 2036-37, IB will be extended to Grade 12, with dual certifications awarded in April 2037, ensuring a seamless transition.
UGC Allocation Halved, Central Varsities Outlay Up
In the Interim Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the University Grants Commission's (UGC) allocation saw a cut of little over 50 per cent with just Rs. 2,500 crore allocation for the financial year 2024-25 from Rs. 5,360 crore in 2023-24 budget estimate.
This came at a time when the government plans to bring in a new regulator — the Higher Education Commission of India.
With UGC allocation halved, central universities grants saw an increase of over Rs. 4,000 crore with Rs. 15,928 crore allocated for FY 2024-25.
IIT Indore's Ujjain Satellite Campus Secures Central Government Approval
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announced the green light for IIT Indore's Ujjain satellite campus, marking a pivotal moment for education and skill development. With approval from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, this project promises substantial benefits for the region.
The approval of IIT Indore's Ujjain satellite campus underscores the government's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. CM Yadav highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing its potential to empower students, teachers, and industrial workers.
Feb 01, 2024
IIMC Gets Deemed University Status
The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), a renowned institution for Journalism and Mass Communication, achieved the status of a deemed university. This significant development empowers the institute to confer degrees, marking a shift from its previous diploma-granting authority.
The deemed university status extends to IIMC New Delhi and its five regional campuses located in Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir), Amravati (Maharashtra), Aizawl (Mizoram), Kottayam (Kerala), and Dhenkanal (Odisha). With this new designation, IIMC is now authorised to offer degrees, including doctoral degrees, marking a substantial stride in its academic capabilities.
Established under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, on August 17, 1965, the IIMC stands as one of the premier institutions in the country, providing high-quality training in journalism and engaging in meaningful research in the field of media and mass communication.
IIM Sambalpur, NSE Academy to Introduce PG programme in Fintech for Working Professionals
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur signed an agreement with the NSE Academy Limited to offer joint certification programmes for working professionals. NSE Academy Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange (NSE).
This collaboration is designed to introduce specialised certification courses addressing the dynamic needs of the financial and technology sectors.
As part of the MoU, IIM Sambalpur will launch programmes including the first MBA in Financial Technologies (Fintech) and a PG in Management at the Sambalpur and Delhi ISID campuses. These programmes will be facilitated jointly by distinguished faculty members and industry experts from IIM Sambalpur and NSE Academy.