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Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma outlines vision for a New Assam

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digitalLEARNING Network
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Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma called upon students to become the architects of a “New Assam,” embracing emerging sectors like semiconductors, green energy, information technology, and ecotourism. Speaking at the 32nd convocation ceremony of Gauhati University, Dr. Sarma also announced a major financial boost of ₹250 crore for the university’s holistic development.

Presided over by Assam Governor and University Chancellor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the convocation witnessed the Chief Minister highlighting Assam’s transformational journey over the past decade. He emphasized that students are increasingly becoming pivotal in leveraging the state’s investments in modern technologies.

Addressing the graduating class, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma urged them to rely on reason and conscience rather than being swayed by emotional rhetoric. He envisioned an Assam that, in the next twenty years, would surpass states like Maharashtra and Karnataka in economic and social development.

Reflecting on Assam’s parallel growth with the nation’s progress, he remarked that the state is steadily emerging as a hub of peace, prosperity, and opportunities. He emphasised the need for positive thinking and collective effort to establish Assam among the most dynamic states in India.

The Chief Minister assured graduates that the state government is actively working to create abundant opportunities within Assam, allowing young talents to realise their dreams without looking elsewhere. He underlined the importance of nurturing a new generation with entrepreneurial spirit and innovative skills, capable of leading the charge in startups and futuristic ventures.

Also Read: UGC launches new rules for UG and PG courses from 2025

Recognising academic and societal contributions, Gauhati University conferred honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished personalities — Dr. Amal Chandra Kataki, former Director of B. Borooah Cancer Institute; Tapan Saikia, Honorary Director of Oncoscience at Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital; and Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.

The event also celebrated the academic achievements of 3,593 students who received their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, alongside 148 scholars who were awarded their PhDs.

UGC launches new rules for UG and PG courses from 2025

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digitalLEARNING Network
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UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced major reforms for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes starting from the 2025 academic session. These changes, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, are aimed at making higher education more flexible, accessible, and student-friendly.

A key feature of the new regulations is the introduction of the multiple entry and exit system. Under this model, students can exit their course after completing one, two, three, or four years and still receive a recognised qualification, provided they meet the necessary credit requirements. A certificate will be awarded after completing 40 credits in one year, a diploma after earning 80 credits in two years, a general degree after 120 credits in three years, and an honours degree with research after completing 160 credits in four years. Students will also have the option to return later and resume their education from where they left off.

All credits earned during the course will be stored digitally in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), allowing students to accumulate, transfer, and redeem their credits across institutions nationwide. The UGC has laid down clear guidelines to ensure smooth management and tracking of credits.

Another important change is the blending of academic education with skill development. Students must complete at least 50 percent of their credits in their core subject, while the remaining can be gained through vocational courses, internships, or interdisciplinary studies. Students can even pursue two UG or PG programmes at the same time, either through different universities or by combining offline, online, and distance learning formats.

In addition, the UGC has permitted universities to conduct admissions twice a year, in July-August and January-February, giving students greater flexibility in starting their academic journey. Universities have been directed to implement these reforms without delay, and non-compliance could attract strict action, including restrictions on awarding degrees.

Also Read: Historic First: IIT-Delhi’s Prof. Manmohan Prasad Gupta Takes the Helm at IIM Lucknow, Redefining Academic Leadership

The UGC believes that these changes will not only make education more practical and inclusive but also bring India’s higher education system closer to international standards.

Historic First: IIT-Delhi’s Prof. Manmohan Prasad Gupta Takes the Helm at IIM Lucknow, Redefining Academic Leadership

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digitalLEARNING Network
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Manmohan Prasad Gupta

In a recent development towards India’s higher education ecosystem, Professor Manmohan Prasad Gupta, a distinguished academic from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has officially taken charge as the Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow. This marks the first time an IIT faculty member has been appointed to lead one of India’s premier business schools, ushering in a new era of cross-institutional leadership.

Prof. Manmohan Prasad Gupta, who most recently held the Modi Foundation Chair Professorship at IIT Delhi’s Department of Management Studies, succeeds Prof. Archana Shukla, who served as IIM Lucknow’s director for five years and continued in an interim role until his appointment.

A Scholar with Vision, Integrity, and Impact

An alumnus of HBTU Kanpur, Prof. Gupta holds both his M.Tech and Ph.D. from IIT Delhi and brings with him nearly three decades of academic and administrative experience. He began his academic career at IIT Roorkee before moving to IIT Delhi in 1997, where he has since served in numerous leadership roles, including Head of Department and Dean of Planning.

Known for his pioneering work in e-governance, digital transformation, and public sector innovation, Prof. Gupta has authored over 260 research papers, guided 38 doctoral students, and led multiple national and international research projects. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in shaping initiatives under the Digital India and Smart Cities missions, and was instrumental in establishing the School of Management & Entrepreneurship at IIT Jodhpur in 2020.

Bridging Tech and Management: A Strategic Shift

Prof. Gupta’s appointment is being hailed as a strategic move that signals a paradigm shift in Indian B-school leadership, integrating technology-driven management thinking at the highest levels. His vast experience in areas like cloud computing, mobile governance (m-governance), and public policy advisory has the potential to catalyse innovation and academic excellence at IIM Lucknow.

His contributions have been recognised globally, earning him accolades such as the Shastri Indo-Canadian Fellowship and the Best Professor Award at the World Education Congress. He also led the introduction of the FIWARE platform in India, an EU-backed initiative now in use in World Bank–supported Smart City pilots.

Industry Welcomes the Timely Move

The move comes at a time when several IIMs, including those in Kolkata, Kashipur, and Shillong, have been navigating transitions in leadership. The 2023 amendment to the IIMs Act—bringing the institutions under greater central oversight—has made appointments like these more consequential than ever before.

Also Read: Ministry of Education appoints Vineet Joshi as Interim UGC Chief

Charting a New Course for IIM Lucknow

With Prof. Gupta at the helm, IIM Lucknow is poised to strengthen its focus on digital leadership, entrepreneurial thinking, and global partnerships, aligning its offerings with the dynamic needs of the business world and government alike.

As India’s education sector continues its digital and global evolution, Prof. Gupta’s leadership symbolises a confluence of tradition, innovation, and governance—qualities that could well redefine the roadmap for management education in the country.

Dubai Hosts the 32nd Elets World Education Summit 2025: A Premier Platform for Global Education Innovation

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digitalLEARNING Network
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32nd Elets World Education Summit 2025

Dubai witnessed an inspiring gathering of global education leaders at the 32nd edition of the Elets World Education Summit (WES), which took place on 22-23 April 2025. Organised by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with Digital Learning Magazine, this prestigious summit once again solidified its reputation as the premier platform for education innovation and leadership in Asia and the Middle East.

Bringing together over 200 visionary leaders from top educational institutions worldwide, the summit focused on forward-thinking discussions around AI innovation, digital transformation, and academia-industry collaboration, among others. The event’s unique multi-forum format facilitated in-depth conversations on tackling challenges and seizing opportunities within different education sectors, aiming to make institutions more resilient, scalable, and student-centric.

Inaugural Ceremony

The summit was inaugurated by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder & CEO of Elets Technomedia and Editor-in-Chief of Elets Digital Learning Magazine, who delivered the welcome address. During the ceremony, a special edition of Digital Learning Magazine was unveiled, spotlighting initiatives shaping the future of learning worldwide. The edition features  comprehensive articles and insightful interviews, offering a deep dive into modern educational practices, innovative technologies, and thought leadership driving global learning advancements.

School Education Track

The School Education Track at the 32nd Elets World Education Summit brought together a diverse group of School Directors and Principals from renowned educational institutions around the globe. The focus was on strategic themes such as curriculum innovation, experiential learning, and digital readiness. This track also provided a dedicated forum for School Founders, Owners, and CEOs, diving into critical aspects of school operations, brand building, regulatory challenges, and financial sustainability. The track facilitated peer learning, shared valuable leadership insights, and facilitated high-level networking opportunities.

The summit featured a powerful keynote by Dr. Revathi Srinivasan, Director & Dean of Singhania Group of Schools, who addressed the future of education. The event also hosted impactful discussions on building world-class schools, AI in education, and early childhood education, with expert contributions from Nargish Khambatta, Principal of GEMS Modern Academy, and Dr. Anjuli Murthy, Director of Research at the Early Childhood Development Centre.

A major highlight was the special address by Ssarita Siingh, Managing Trustee of Priyadarshani Group of Schools, Maharashtra, who shared valuable insights into the evolving educational landscape in India and beyond. Her vision for advancing educational excellence provided a unique perspective on the role of institutions in shaping the future of learning globally.

Dr. Ilaria Bosi, Pedagogical Director at Argenta City Hall, Italy, delivered an engaging special address on innovative pedagogical approaches, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education in Italy. The summit also featured Dr. S. Reshma, Principal at Regent’s Gulf Indian High School, Dubai, who addressed the importance of empowering students for the future and enhancing academic excellence.

Higher Education Track

The Higher Education Track continued to bring forward crucial discussions, with a focus on AI, global rankings, sustainability, and innovation, shaping the future of education across K-12 and higher education sectors. Uniting Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Presidents, Founders, and Deans from top universities and colleges worldwide, it facilitated a high-impact platform for decision-makers to exchange valuable insights and build strategic alliances to shape the future of global higher education.

The track featured panel discussions on key topics including UAE’s Vision 2030, AI in Higher Education, International Alliances, and Global Job Market Alignment, with contributions from leading academic figures such as Prof. Dr. N. R. Parasuraman, Director of SDMIMD, India; Prof. Dr. Dinesh Babu T., Vice Chancellor of REVA University, India; and Dr. Muneer M. Al-Madhoun, Director of Quality Assurance & Accreditation, Ahlia University, Bahrain. These panels provided a comprehensive view of how higher education institutions can adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape.

The summit also featured a special address by Prof. Yusra Mouzughi, Provost of the University of Birmingham, Dubai, UAE, who offered valuable insights into the evolving nature of higher education and the need for institutions to adapt their dialogues to meet modern challenges. Dr. Rupa Vasudevan, Chancellor and Founder of Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University, India, followed with a compelling address on the intersection of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the future of higher education, emphasising the role of innovation and responsibility in shaping educational growth.

Special Attraction 

One of the major attractions of the summit was RIA, the AI-powered humanoid by Xarpie, which showcased its impressive capabilities. Attendees were captivated by RIA’s ability to engage in dynamic conversations and perform tasks, allowing them to explore the potential of AI in real-world applications. The humanoid’s interactive demonstrations provided a glimpse into the future of AI-powered technologies, sparking lively discussions and debates among participants on the role of AI in transforming various industries.

Elets World Education Awards 2025

The summit also hosted the 32nd Elets World Education Awards 2025, a prestigious platform dedicated to recognising outstanding leaders and institutions for their contributions to educational excellence and innovation. 

Expo 

The 32nd Elets World Education Summit Expo featured new innovations in education technology, showcasing the latest advancements in EdTech solutions. Attendees explored next-gen tools and platforms, engaging in live demonstrations and discussions that highlighted the future of digital learning, AI integration, and educational transformation across the globe.

The World Education Summit was co-powered by Xarpie, with Turnitin serving as the Gold Partner. De Montfort University Dubai joined as the Skilling Partner, while StockGro was the Experiential Learning Partner. Shri Connect supported as the ERP Solution Partner, and Leadsquared enhanced AI Admissions & Data Compliance.

Also Read: Global Education Leaders to Converge in Dubai for the 32nd Elets World Education Summit 2025

Other notable partners included Singhania Quest Plus as the School Edtech Partner, Meritto as the Enrollment Technology Partner, and iSchool as the Online Tech Learning Partner. Ganpat University and Shoolini University contributed as University Partners, with Demont Institute of Management & Technology as the Institute Partner. EnnobleIP was a Silver Partner, and Burlington English, MongoDB, MiBOT, RMB Group, and Rocksport were Associate Partners.

Exhibitors such as Application UNI, Aspirational Editech, Cub Coders, Junior Duke, Otomatiks, Schoolay, Smarts-Shapes, and TTS were also part of this prestigious event. MFZ was the Government Supporting Partner, with UAE Sahodaya as the Supporting Partner.

Global Education Leaders to Converge in Dubai for the 32nd Elets World Education Summit 2025

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-

The world of education is set to witness a convergence of global education leaders as Elets Technomedia presents the 32nd edition of the Elets World Education Summit (WES), scheduled for 22–23 April 2025 in Dubai. Organised in collaboration with Digital Learning Magazine, WES has become the foremost platform for education innovation and leadership across Asia and the Middle East.  

This exclusive, invite-only summit will bring together over 200 visionaries from premier institutions across the world for two days of insightful knowledge exchange and networking.

This edition of the World Education Summit introduces a purpose-driven, multi-forum format to tackle the distinct challenges and opportunities within different segments of the education ecosystem. The summit is crafted to bring forth forward-thinking ideas on A innovation, digital transformation, innovative leadership, and academia-industry collaboration, and more, all with the goal of making institutions more resilient, scalable, and student-centric.

Key Highlights

  • Participation of 200+ global education leaders from the K–12 and higher education sectors
  • Curated forums targeting distinct leadership roles and challenges
  • Exclusive product launches and cutting-edge EdTech demonstrations
  • Closed-door strategy sessions fostering candid, confidential dialogue
  • The prestigious 32nd Elets World Education Awards 2025, celebrating excellence in over 20 categories across school and higher education

Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder & CEO of Elets Technomedia and Editor-in-Chief of Elets Digital Learning magazine, will inaugurate the summit with a welcome address. To mark the occasion, a special edition of the magazine will be unveiled, celebrating global education leadership, innovation, and transformative initiatives shaping the future of learning across borders.

School Track Highlights

The school education track will bring together School Directors and Principals from leading global educational institutions to explore strategic themes such as curriculum innovation, experiential learning,and digital readiness, etc. 

Additionally, the summit will serve as a dedicated space for School Founders, Owners, and CEOs, offering a deep dive into critical aspects of school operations, brand building, regulatory challenges, and financial sustainability. This forum will foster peer learning, provide valuable leadership insights, and facilitate high-level networking opportunities.

Day 1 will begin with registration and opening remarks, followed by a key panel on Shaping the Future of Education in the UAE and Beyond, moderated by Dr. Brijesh Karia, Chief Operating Officer of Singhania Education. Thought leaders, including Dr. Maya AlHawary, Director of the UAE Ministry of Education, and Priti Agarwal, Founder of MindCET, will discuss visionary leadership and school ownership.

Dr. Revathi Srinivasan, Director & Dean of Singhania Group of Schools, will deliver a keynote address on the future of education.

The day will also feature discussions on building world-class schools, AI in education, and early childhood education, with contributions from leaders like Nargish Khambatta, Principal of GEMS Modern Academy, and Dr. Anjuli Murthy, Director of Research at Early Childhood Development Centre. Afternoon sessions will focus on global collaboration and overcoming regulatory hurdles with speakers including  Dr. Pramod Mahajan, Director-Principal, Sharjah Indian School, Sharjah, UAE;  Dr. Beno Kurien, Principal, International Indian School, Abu Dhabi, UAE;  Daizy Paul, Principal, Ryan International Private School, Sharjah, UAE; Sheela George, Principal, ASPAM Indian International School , Sharjah, UAE, etc. 

Ssarita Siingh, Managing Trustee, Priyadarshani Group of Schools, Maharashtra, India, will deliver a special address, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education and the role of institutions in shaping the future of learning in India and beyond. Her expertise and vision will provide a unique perspective on advancing educational excellence.

Day 2 of the school education track will open with a panel on Shaping the Future with STEM Education, moderated by Vivek Dilip, CEO of miBot, discussing the importance of industry-academia collaboration. Piyush Khandelwal, Co-founder of Rocksport, will lead a session on dynamic curriculum creation.

Panels on the economics of K-12 education, building global education networks, and smart schools will continue, with contributions from Dr. Thakur S. Mulchandani, Managing Director of EdTech Solutions; Dr. Layne Hunt, Director of Global Education Partnerships at Pearson, and more. 

Dr. Ilaria Bosi, Pedagogical Director at Argenta City Hall, Emilia Romagna, Italy, will deliver a special address at the World Education Summit, offering valuable insights on innovative pedagogical approaches and the evolving landscape of education in Italy. Her address will provide a unique perspective on the integration of educational practices and strategies to foster global learning ecosystems. 

Dr. S. Reshma, Principal – School Director, Regent’s Gulf Indian High School Dubai, and Executive Director, Regent Middle East, Regent Education UAE, will also deliver a special address, sharing valuable perspectives on enhancing academic excellence and empowering students for the future.

Higher Education Highlights

Running across both days of the summit, the Higher Education track is crafted for Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, Presidents, Founders, and Deans from top universities and colleges. The forum will lead robust conversations around AI integration, global rankings, cross-border collaborations, tech innovation, and future-ready pedagogy. It aims to create a high-impact environment for decision-makers to exchange insights and form strategic alliances that will shape the future of global higher education.

Day 1 will commence with inaugural insights by Dr. Ahmed S. Yamani, President, Prince Sultan University, followed by a keynote on future-readiness by Sreekanth K Arimanithaya, CEO, Xarpie Labs. 

The higher education track will  include in-depth panel discussions on UAE’s Vision 2030, AI in Higher Education, International Alliances, and Global Job Market Alignment, featuring academic leaders such as Prof. Dr. N. R. Parasuraman, Director, SDMIMD, India; Prof. Dr. Dinesh Babu T., Vice Chancellor, REVA University, India; Dr. Muneer M. Al-Madhoun, Director, Quality Assurance & Accreditation, Ahlia University, Bahrain; Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad, Dean – School of Engineering, Amity University, Dubai; Prof. Amruth Raj, Dean, Srinivas University, India; Prof. Dr. Shauli Mukherjee, Director, School of Education, Adamas University, India, and more.

Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost, University of Birmingham, Dubai, UAE, will deliver a special address, offering a forward-thinking perspective on the evolving nature of higher education and the importance of adapting dialogues to meet the challenges of modern times.

Dr. Rupa Vasudevan, Chancellor and Founder, Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University, India, will present a special address on the role of sustainability and entrepreneurship in shaping the future of higher education, focusing on the intersection of innovation, responsibility, and growth.

Day 2 will delve into themes such as Global Sustainability in Education, EdTech Innovations, and the future of learning spaces through Holograms, Metaverse, and Virtual Classrooms. Noteworthy speakers include Dr. Nader Ghazal, Director of Institutional Research, Abu Dhabi University; Prof. Dr. Paulson Mathew, Director, Planning and Development, Gulf Medical University, UAE; Dr. Simon Mak, Executive Director, Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship, SMU Cox School of Business, USA; Prof. William Cornwell, Professor of Management, University of Indianapolis, USA

Dr. Nader Ghazal, Chairman of the African-Asian Council for AI & Cybersecurity, UAE, will address a critical topic in his special address, offering insights on the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and global security challenges. 

Dr. Simon Mak, Founding Vice Chancellor of Universal AI University, India, will also deliver a special address, sharing his vision on the future of AI-driven education and its transformative impact on learning ecosystems.

Honouring Visionaries: Elets World Education Awards 2025

The summit will also host the 32nd edition of the  Elets World Education Awards, a platform to recognise leaders in educational excellence and innovation. Institutions and leaders from across the globe are participating to showcase their impact in education.

Summit Partners 

The World Education Summit is co-powered by Xarpie, with Turnitin serving as the Gold Partner. De Montfort University Dubai joins as the Skilling Partner, while StockGro is the Experiential Learning Partner. Shri Connect supports as the ERP Solution Partner, and Leadsquared enhances AI Admissions & Data Compliance.

Other notable partners include Singhania Quest Plus as the School Edtech Partner, Meritto as the Enrollment Technology Partner, and iSchool as the Online Tech Learning Partner. Ganpat University and Shoolini University contribute as University Partners, with Demont Institute of Management & Technology as the Institute Partner. EnnobleIP is a Silver Partner, and Burlington English, MongoDB, MiBOT, RMB Group, and Rocksport are Associate Partners.

Exhibitors such as Application UNI, Aspirational Editech, Cub Coders, Junior Duke, Otomatiks, Schoolay, Smarts-Shapes, and TTS are also part of this prestigious event. MFZ is the Government Supporting Partner, with UAE Sahodaya as the Supporting Partner.

Also Read: 31st Elets World Education Summit Champions Innovation, Creativity, and Future-Ready Learning

Join the Global Education Platform 

With 31 successful editions held across India, the UAE, and Africa, the Elets World Education Summit continues to connect global educators, EdTech innovators, and policy leaders, creating a powerful platform for shaping the next era of education. The 32nd edition in Dubai is set to be a landmark moment in the global education calendar, bringing together the brightest minds to reimagine the future of learning.

Ministry of Education appoints Vineet Joshi as Interim UGC Chief

By
digitalLEARNING Network
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Vineet Joshi

The Ministry of Education has entrusted Vineet Joshi, currently serving as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, with the additional responsibility of Chairperson of the University Grants Commission (UGC). This interim appointment comes in the wake of the retirement of former UGC Chairman, Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar. Joshi will carry out the duties of the UGC head until a permanent replacement is named or until further instructions are issued.

Vineet Joshi is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he earned his BTech in Mechanical Engineering. Recognised as an Institute of National Importance, IIT Kanpur consistently ranks among India’s top educational institutions. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it was placed at 263 globally, while the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 ranked it 5th overall and 4th in the engineering category.

Joshi further pursued an MBA in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi, where he graduated as a gold medalist. He later completed his PhD in Quality Management from the same institute. IIFT’s global reputation in trade and business education is reflected in its 63rd position in the QS International Trade Rankings 2025 for its MBA and Master’s programmes.

Also Read: Pramath Sinha announces launch of Jetri as Next Chapter in transforming Indian education

Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, who led the UGC since February 2022, played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of India’s higher education landscape. His tenure saw major reforms, including the launch of the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. He also oversaw the integration of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across higher education institutions, driving structural and academic transformation in line with the policy’s vision.

Pramath Sinha announces launch of Jetri as Next Chapter in transforming Indian education

By
digitalLEARNING Network
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Jetri

In a significant development set to reshape India’s education landscape, noted institution-builder Pramath Raj Sinha has announced the evolution of 9.9 Education into a bold new avatar — Jetri.

Marking a decade of impactful work in building pioneering institutions and driving education reform, Jetri represents a renewed commitment to pushing boundaries and creating lasting change. The new platform will continue to focus on launching progressive schools and colleges, revitalizing existing academic institutions, fostering high-caliber faculty, and contributing to national education discourse through original research and strategic insights.

“This is more than just a rebrand. Jetri symbolizes our ambition to take everything we’ve learned and achieved, and scale it with sharper intent and deeper impact,” Sinha shared in his announcement.

Jetri’s journey begins with a strong foundation, powered by an exceptional leadership team comprising Shreyasi Singh, Nidhi Reddy, and Lokesh Anand — individuals known for their unwavering passion for transformative education and systemic change.

Also Read: Punjab announces ₹4.25 crore school projects under 54-day Sikhya Kranti

The team at Jetri envisions not just building institutions but shaping the very narrative of what quality education means in India today. With a focus on excellence, collaboration, and innovation, the initiative is set to influence policy, pedagogy, and practice in meaningful ways.

Jetri is not just a new name — it’s a renewed promise to reimagine education for a better, brighter India.

India launches ‘Skills Accelerator’ with WEF

By
digitalLEARNING Network
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Skills Accelerator

In a strategic move to address the growing skill gap in India’s workforce, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has joined hands with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to launch the India Skills Accelerator — a collaborative national platform designed to reshape and strengthen the country’s skilling ecosystem.

The initiative was unveiled during a high-level roundtable held at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from government, industry, and academia to chart a future-ready roadmap for India’s talent development.

At its core, the India Skills Accelerator aims to achieve three pivotal goals: increasing awareness of emerging skill demands, promoting stronger public-private partnerships, and upgrading institutional frameworks to build a more adaptive and resilient skilling environment.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education. He is joined by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education and Development of the North-Eastern Region, who will serve as the co-chair. From the industry, Shobana Kamineni, Executive Chairperson of Apollo HealthCo, and Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and MD of Bajaj Finserv, will provide strategic guidance as private sector co-chairs.

In his opening address, Minister Chaudhary highlighted the importance of aligning India’s skilling strategies with global trends, citing the nation’s demographic strength, digital momentum, and developmental drive as key enablers. “India is at a historic crossroads—where our youth population, technological evolution, and policy focus converge to offer a transformative opportunity. To unlock this potential, our skilling system must be dynamic and globally attuned,” he remarked.

Echoing this vision, Dr. Majumdar emphasized India’s capability to become a global talent hub, especially in high-demand sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud technology. He noted that the National Education Policy has already laid the groundwork by enabling vocational and digital skilling pathways.

WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the initiative. “Strengthening synergy across India’s skill development landscape will not only help close critical talent gaps but also accelerate the nation’s digital and innovation-driven economy,” she stated.

Also Read: Punjab announces ₹4.25 crore school projects under 54-day Sikhya Kranti

Participants of the roundtable proposed a structured approach, including the identification of 10 to 12 strategic priorities with measurable outcomes. They also recommended forming dedicated working groups to oversee implementation and track milestones through WEF’s Global Learning Network, facilitating both peer learning and international benchmarking.

The session saw participation from key stakeholders, including senior representatives from MSDE, WEF, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Directorate General of Training (DGT), the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), CBSE, and NCERT.

Punjab announces ₹4.25 crore school projects under 54-day Sikhya Kranti

By
digitalLEARNING Network
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Sikhya Kranti

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has stepped up efforts under the ongoing ‘Sikhya Kranti’ initiative by launching new educational projects worth ₹4.25 crore in the border districts of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. The move is part of a larger state-led push to modernize government schools, especially in remote and underserved areas.

During his visit, he inaugurated upgraded facilities at schools in the Rajasansi and Attari constituencies. In Tapiala village, Government Senior Secondary School (Girls) received seven refurbished classrooms and a new toilet block costing ₹23.38 lakh, while the nearby Government Primary School saw the addition of a new classroom and toilet block valued at ₹8.64 lakh—bringing the total investment in the area to ₹32.02 lakh.

In the Attari region, three new classrooms were opened at the Government Senior Secondary School, Jheeta Kalan, built at a cost of ₹48.7 lakh. A boundary wall and toilet block worth ₹8.14 lakh were also unveiled at the local elementary school.

These inaugurations are part of the 54-day ‘Sikhya Kranti’ education campaign launched earlier in the week, which aims to roll out new infrastructure across 12,000 government schools, backed by a massive ₹2,000 crore investment. Bains noted that education remains a top priority, with 12% of Punjab’s upcoming budget earmarked for this sector.

He also announced ₹29.32 lakh in funding for building two classrooms, a toilet block, and a basketball court at the Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), Mahan Singh Gate, in the Amritsar East constituency.

Also Read: PhysicsWallah eyes UPSC prep market with potential acquisitions amid IPO push

He assured that border-area schools will continue to benefit from upgraded facilities and additional teaching staff, noting that more than 300 teachers have already been deployed in the last two years. He also addressed criticism from political rivals, stating that visible progress in education is now empowering students from ordinary families to aim for professional success.

Wrapping up his visit, the minister toured schools near the international border in Khemkaran, Tarn Taran, where he inaugurated modern facilities, including smart classrooms, science labs, and secured boundary walls, together worth ₹3.07 crore.

PhysicsWallah eyes UPSC prep market with potential acquisitions amid IPO push

By
digitalLEARNING Network
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PhysicsWallah

Edtech giant PhysicsWallah is reportedly gearing up to expand its presence in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) test prep domain through strategic acquisitions, as part of its broader growth and IPO ambitions.

According to sources, the unicorn is currently assessing seven to eight coaching institutes for potential buyouts, including notable names such as Chaitanya Academy, Drishti IAS, and Rau’s IAS Study Circle. These evaluations mark the startup’s deepening focus on capturing a larger share of India’s booming government exam preparation market.

Recently, a report by Entrackr claimed that PhysicsWallah was in advanced talks to acquire Drishti IAS for around INR 2,500 Cr. However, Drishti IAS CEO Vivek Tiwary dismissed the news, calling it mere speculation.

This potential acquisition spree follows a massive funding round last year, where PhysicsWallah raised $210 million (approx. INR 1,818 Cr) from marquee investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners, GSV Ventures, and WestBridge Capital, pushing its valuation to $2.8 billion. Co-founder Prateek Maheshwari had stated then that the funds would be used for expansion and key strategic acquisitions.

Since its humble beginnings as a YouTube channel in 2016 by Alakh Pandey, PhysicsWallah has evolved into a multi-category edtech platform. It accelerated its growth trajectory in 2020 following its first institutional fundraise and co-founder Maheshwari’s entry. The company has since completed 11 acquisitions and now caters to aspirants preparing for IIT-JEE, NEET, SSC, and UPSC exams—both online and through physical centers.

In 2023, PhysicsWallah also entered a joint venture with Utkarsh Classes, a Jodhpur-based coaching institute specialising in central and state government exams. The edtech firm had announced plans to invest INR 100 Cr to strengthen its UPSC vertical further.

Also Read: IIT Kanpur launches free 30-day NEET 2025 crash course on SATHEE platform

India’s test prep market is projected to hit $17.2 billion by 2029, and PhysicsWallah is positioning itself to become a leading force in this space. Despite a significant surge in operational revenue—jumping 2.6X to INR 1,940.4 Cr in FY24 from INR 744.3 Cr in FY23—the company reported a net loss of INR 1,131.2 Cr in FY24, up from INR 84.06 Cr the previous year. The widening losses are attributed mainly to increased employee-related expenses and valuation changes of its compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS).

As it prepares for an IPO, PhysicsWallah has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) confidentially and aims to raise $500 million through its listing. It has onboarded Axis Capital, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan as lead bankers for the offering.

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