General Awareness

GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION - June 2024

Jun 2024

Aug 17, 2024

UGC Introduces New Enrolment Process for ODL and Online Programmes

The University Grants Commission (UGC) unveiled a new enrollment process for students seeking admission to Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Programmes, starting from the academic year 2024-25. This change, effective from September 2024, aims to ensure that students enroll only in approved Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and to enhance transparency in the admissions process.
UGC Chairman, Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, announced the new procedure, emphasising that it aligns with the UGC (ODL Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, which set the minimum standards for such programmes. He noted that recent issues with unrecognised institutions admitting students prompted the need for a standardised admission procedure to safeguard student interests.
Under the new system, students must register on the UGC-DEB web portal and create a unique DEB-ID using their Academic Bank of Credit (ABC)-ID. This DEB-ID will be mandatory for all students enrolling in recognised ODL and online programmes, except for foreign learners, and will remain valid for their lifetime. HEIs are urged to implement and promote this new admission process efficiently to ensure its successful adoption.

India, Israel Join Hands for New Water Technology Centre at IIT Madras (17)

India and Israel joined hands for the establishment of a new water technology centre at IIT-Madras, which is expected to serve as a key contributor to India's efforts to achieve sustainable water supply for all.
The Embassy of Israel in India in its statement termed the deal a "significant milestone" in the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in the field of integrated water resource management.
This tripartite agreement, signed by the Embassy of Israel, IIT Madras, and the AMRUT mission of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, reflects a shared commitment to address the critical challenges of water management in India.
The Center of Water Technology aims to become a hub for innovation, research, and capacity-building in water technologies, particularly focusing on sustainable solutions for urban water supply.
To kickstart this initiative, a capacity-building course on '24/7 Water Supply in Urban Areas' was organised at IIT-Madras.

Aug 16, 2024

Sweden Confirms its First Case of the mpox Clade I Variant, Outside Africa

Sweden confirmed its first case of the mpox Clade I variant, marking the first occurrence of this more dangerous strain outside Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for enhanced surveillance, data sharing, and international cooperation to manage and control the outbreak.
Sweden's Health and Social Affairs Minister, Jakob Forssmed, announced the detection of the Clade I variant, a more severe form of mpox that spreads through close contact. This case represents a significant development as it is the first instance of this variant being reported outside the African continent.

Top 5 Agriculture and Allied Sector Colleges in India: NIRF 2024 Rankings

The Ministry of Education, announced the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024. This year (2024) under agriculture and allied courses, Delhi's Indian Agricultural Research Institute bagged the top spot followed by ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute, Punjab Agricultural University, Banaras Hindu University and Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar in second, third, fourth and fifth spots, respectively.
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi had also bagged the top spot in NIRF ranking in 2023, scoring 83.16. The second position in NIRF 2023 was secured by ICAR– National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana with a score of 70.45.

UK Partners with Uttarakhand Government to Provide Scholarships

The UK Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttarakhand Government to offer up to five fully funded scholarships in the state for the next three years.
It was signed in Dehradun in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh, Caroline Rowett.
The agreement will see up to five Uttarakhand scholars, each year, receive full financial support to pursue a one-year master's in the UK as part of the Chevening scholarships and fellowships programme.

CBSE Sets New Guidelines for Education of Children with Special Needs

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure that Children with Special Needs (CwSN) receive equal opportunities in education, sports, and recreation.
These guidelines are intended to promote inclusivity and ensure that schools provide an environment conducive to the academic and social development of CwSN students.
The CBSE's guidelines are aligned with the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016, particularly Section 16, which mandates that all educational institutions funded or recognised by the government must offer inclusive education to children with disabilities.
The official CBSE notification underscores that schools must admit CwSN students without discrimination and must strive to create an inclusive environment that caters to their specific needs.

Aug 15, 2024

IIT Guwahati Students to Soon Study Mandarin Language

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) partnered with the education division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India (TECC) to enhance cultural and educational exchange. An MoU was signed to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Taiwan through education and language and cultural learning.
Under this collaboration, TECC will assist IIT Guwahati in recruiting Mandarin teachers who are experts in designing curricula and evaluating foreign language courses. These teachers will conduct Mandarin language courses over the required semesters, helping to broaden students' linguistic skills and cultural understanding, specifically those interested in pursuing internships and careers in Taiwan semiconductor and agri-tech industries.

New Scholarship for IIT Bombay Women Students

Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Bombay to support the academic journeys of the institute's women students hailing from underserved communities. The Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay scholarship provides financial support of Rs. 2.85 lakh per year till the completion of their professional graduation course/degree. Besides, financial assistance, the scholarship facilitates the holistic development of the scholars through student engagement and finishing school activities, claimed the institute.
The scholarship has a holistic approach and to make student ready for the professional world.
Under the scholarship, selected student will get engagement support such as mentoring sessions, life skill and mental well-being sessions in collaboration with finishing school organisations.
To support students in their academic journey KEF will also provide engineering and medical students with additional subscription of Unstop and Marrow respectively.

Aug 14, 2024

IIT Gandhinagar & IIT Indore Launches cNARMADA

Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) set up the Centre for Narmada River Basin Management (cNARMADA) at its campus to conduct the Condition Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) of the Narmada River basin. IITGN joined hands with Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IITI) for the assessment undertaken by the Ministry of Jalshakti.
cNARMADA will assess and identify existing conditions affecting the river ecosystem. It will also prepare a road map for comprehensive rejuvenation and conservation of the riverine ecosystems in their entirety by analysing anthropogenic impacts on them in detail and suggest future course of actions.

IIM-Raipur & SIDBI Introduce Advanced Certificate Programme on Entrepreneurship, New Venture Crea...

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur announced an advanced certificate programme on entrepreneurship and new venture creation, Swavalamban Skill to Enterprise Model (STEM). This 18-month-long programme is developed by IIM Raipur in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and aims to empower 30 early-stage entrepreneurs with the requisite skills and knowledge to build and scale successful business ventures.
Swavalamban is an integrated, blended-curriculum course that would impart academic and professional mentorship to its participants free of cost. It brings thirty aspiring professional entrepreneurs on board who want to equip themselves with practical training to ensure class-apart experience in terms of mentoring under industry stalwarts and exposure to real-time case studies.

Aug 13, 2024

NIRF Ranking 2024: IIT Madras Tops for the Sixth Time

The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Rankings 2024 were released and can be accessed on the official website of NIRF at nirfindia.org.
A total of 10,885 institutes participated in the ninth edition of the NIRF Ranking Framework, a 200% increase since the first edition in 2016.
This is the sixth year that IIT Madras maintained its top position in both the 'Overall' and 'Engineering' categories in the NIRF Rankings. It has been ranked first in the engineering category every year since the inception of the rankings in 2016, i.e. for nine years.
Similarly, AIIMS Delhi clinched the top position in the Medical category for seven years straight and IIM Ahmedabad has consistently held the top rank in the Management category for five years consecutively.
Also, maintaining the order of the previous year, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru once again secured the top position among universities in the NIRF rankings 2024, while JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia followed in the second and third spots.
IISc Bangalore was also recognised as the second-best institution in the 'overall' category.

IIM Kozhikode to Host 'Coop Pitch 2024' for Youth Entrepreneurship

The Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K) is all set to host 'Coop Pitch 2024' from October 16-18, 2024, a competition designed to foster cooperative entrepreneurship among young individuals.
According to an official statement, the competition will focus on five key areas: agri-tech and safe food, the care economy and social sector, platform cooperatives, sustainability and the green economy, and education and skills.
Participants will take part in hands-on activities under the guidance of experts in cooperative business models. The top three teams will be awarded cash prizes totalling Rs. 1,00,000, with Rs. 50,000 for the first prize, Rs. 30,000 for the second, and Rs. 20,000 for the third. This event, organised by ICA Domus Trust (IDT) and Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) Limited, is part of ULCCS' centenary celebrations.

IIT Kharagpur Collaborates with Sathya Sai Hospital for AI Powered Anemia Screening

Anemia, a widespread health concern characterised by a deficiency in red blood cells or haemoglobin, affects millions globally, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other severe health complications. Recent research spearheaded by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in collaboration with Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital has brought new insights into this condition, particularly in its diagnosis and treatment.
This joint effort focuses on developing innovative solutions to address the challenges of anaemia in underprivileged populations. IIT Kharagpur's expertise in biomedical engineering and cutting-edge technology, combined with the clinical insights and extensive healthcare network of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals, has paved the way for advancements in non-invasive diagnostic tools and cost-effective treatment methods.
Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospitals, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, is set to revolutionise maternal and child health with the launch of an AI-based anaemia screening initiative. This groundbreaking technology will be deployed across Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Mother & Child Hospitals (Mamatva centres) in several states of India.

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