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D2L shines in G2’s 2025 best software awards

D2L

D2L has earned a prestigious spot in G2’s 2025 Best Software Awards, securing third place among the Best Education Software Products and ranking among the top software companies in Canada.

John Baker, CEO of D2L, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and user experience. “D2L Brightspace is honored to be recognized as one of the Best Education Software Products by G2, the world’s largest and most reputable software marketplace. This award speaks to D2L’s commitment to innovation and product design.”

This latest accolade builds on D2L’s track record of success, including its top ranking as the most user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) in G2’s 2024 summer rankings. The company continues to lead in multiple categories, spanning education, corporate learning, and mid-market segments, with a strong presence in Latin America.

D2L’s flagship LMS, Brightspace, is widely celebrated for its robust content creation tools, interactive modules, assessments, and communication features. Institutions such as Kennesaw State University have commended the platform for its ability to support multimodal online learning and enhance personalised education experiences.

Also Read :- IIT Mandi, NSDC & NCU collaborate to launch India’s first Specialised B.Tech in semiconductor design

G2, the world’s largest software marketplace, determines its annual rankings based on verified user reviews and market presence data. With a vast repository of over 180,000 product listings and nearly 3 million verified reviews, G2’s Best Software Awards highlight the industry’s most trusted and impactful solutions.

Godard Abel, Co-founder and CEO of G2, emphasized the significance of these rankings: “With over 180,000 product listings and nearly 3 million verified reviews, the G2 marketplace offers the most trusted insights software buyers can rely on. Our annual Best Software Awards showcase the best of the best among these solutions, rooted in the voice of authentic customer feedback. Congratulations to D2L and all 2025 Best Software Award winners for being among the less than 1% of vendors on G2 who earned a spot on this year’s lists!”

IIT Mandi, NSDC & NCU collaborate to launch India’s first Specialised B.Tech in semiconductor design

IIT Mandi

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s semiconductor talent pipeline, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and The NorthCap University (NCU), Gurugram, to launch a pioneering B.Tech program in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) with a specialisation in Semiconductor Design and Technology.

The agreement was officially signed today at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a significant step toward bridging the skill gap in the semiconductor industry. This jointly certified program will integrate cutting-edge academic learning with hands-on industry experience, preparing students for careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors.

Key Features of the Program:

Specialised Curriculum: The B.Tech ECE program at NCU will include 25 dedicated credits in semiconductor design and technology, delivered online by IIT Mandi’s expert faculty.

Expert-Led Learning: Courses will be offered through online, offline, and hybrid modes, ensuring accessibility to students across different locations.

Industry Integration: NSDC will play a crucial role in facilitating internships, skill loans, and industry partnerships, enhancing career opportunities for students.

Hands-on Training: Students will undergo immersive learning through campus visits to IIT Mandi’s state-of-the-art labs, gaining practical experience in semiconductor fabrication and design.

Also Read :- Sharp decline in school enrollments raises concern

Recognised Certifications: Students will earn certifications from IIT Mandi upon successful completion of specialized courses, adding value to their academic credentials.

This initiative is a significant step in India’s semiconductor roadmap, fostering innovation and enhancing the nation’s technological capabilities. By integrating academic rigor with industry-driven skills, this program is set to become a game-changer for aspiring engineers in the semiconductor domain.

Sharp decline in school enrollments raises concern

Education Crisis

India has witnessed a significant decline in school enrollment rates in the academic year 2023-24, particularly at the elementary level, according to government data presented in Parliament on Thursday. The figures indicate an alarming eight-percentage-point drop compared to 2021-22, raising concerns among policymakers and education experts.

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey, while responding to a query in the Lok Sabha regarding the living standards of tribal communities, highlighted that the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for tribal students at the elementary level declined from 103.4% in 2021-22 to 97.1% in 2023-24.

A similar trend was observed across all communities, where GER at the elementary level dropped from 100.13% in 2021-22 to 91.7% in 2023-24, pointing to a broader issue in the education sector.

Enrollment Rates Declining Across All Education Levels

The downward trend was also evident at the secondary and senior secondary levels. For tribal students in classes 9-10, the GER saw a slight dip from 78.1% in 2021-22 to 76.9% in 2023-24. Meanwhile, for students from all communities, it declined from 79.56% to 77.4% in the same period.

The situation was even more concerning at the senior secondary level (classes 11-12), where GER for tribal students fell from 52% in 2021-22 to 48.7% in 2023-24. Among students from all communities, GER decreased from 57.56% to 56.2%.

Also Read :- Tripura Government enhances education quality with key initiatives and teacher recruitment

Raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari demanded an explanation from the government regarding the sharp decline in school enrollments. Citing data from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), he criticized the Narendra Modi-led government, accusing it of neglecting the education sector and failing to secure the future of young students.

Tiwari further attributed the decline to widening economic disparity and financial mismanagement. He also pointed out infrastructure deficiencies, noting that classrooms in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam remain underutilized, while states such as Telangana, West Bengal, and Punjab struggle with overcrowding and lack of basic facilities.

With the enrollment rate dipping across all levels, concerns about accessibility, affordability, and quality of education continue to grow, making it a pressing issue for policymakers to address.

Tripura Government enhances education quality with key initiatives and teacher recruitment

Tripura

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted the state government’s proactive measures to improve education quality, including the recruitment of 4,656 teachers over the last five financial years. Speaking during the Tripura Assembly session, he emphasized the government’s commitment to foundational literacy and numeracy through the Nipun Mission, launched on November 18, 2022.

The Nipun Mission aligns with the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN), a central program ensuring that children acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills by Grade 3. Under this initiative, 10,182 primary teachers have been trained in foundational literacy, facilitating activity-based learning in schools. Furthermore, 200 Block and Cluster Resource Persons have been trained as master trainers to support primary teachers across the state.

To create engaging learning spaces, ‘Nipun Corners’ have been established in classrooms across all schools. Additionally, the state has been providing daily cooked meals under the PM Poshan scheme to government and government-aided school students from Class I to VIII. In a pilot initiative, breakfast is also being served to 47,792 students from pre-primary to Class VIII in Dhalai, an aspirational district.

Encouraging innovation in teaching, the government hosted a state-level teaching and learning aids exhibition and competition, featuring innovative teaching tools developed by educators. Over 7,000 teachers participated in this initiative, following 160 district-level competitions.

To help Class I students transition smoothly into school, the government introduced a nine-week bridge course called the ‘Vidya Setu Module’, modeled on NCERT guidelines. Additionally, parent-teacher conferences were organized to align families with the state’s educational objectives.

The Building as Learning Aid (BALA) project has transformed pre-primary classrooms with engaging decorations, significantly increasing student enrollment from 3,352 in 2020-21 to 12,253. Activity-based teaching has also been implemented at the pre-primary level, leading to improved attendance.

Also Read: Himachal Pradesh Government Collaborates with UNESCO

Reinforcing its commitment to quality education, the government has strengthened teacher recruitment through the Teachers’ Recruitment Board, Tripura (TRBT) via the TET examination.

With these initiatives, the Tripura government continues to enhance educational standards and ensure a brighter future for students across the state.

Himachal Pradesh Government Collaborates with UNESCO

UNESCO

The Himachal Pradesh government has collaborated with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to enhance the state’s education system. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, with Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar representing the state government. In contrast, UNESCO representatives Tim Curtis and Joyce Poan signed on behalf of the organisation.

This initiative focuses on modernizing education by improving teaching methodologies, upgrading curricula, enhancing teacher training, and refining assessment systems. The goal is to equip students with essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication while ensuring a more inclusive and future-ready learning environment.

A key aspect of the agreement is ‘Greening Education,’ which integrates environmental awareness and sustainability principles into school curricula. This will empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle climate change and environmental challenges effectively. Additionally, value-based education through sports will be promoted to foster holistic development.

Chief Minister Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to educational transformation, highlighting efforts to convert government schools into smart schools by expanding digital learning infrastructure and ensuring quality education reaches even the most remote areas. He noted that the reforms introduced over the past two years have already started yielding positive results.

Also Read: IIT Madras to open new sustainability-focused campus in Auroville

Education Minister Rohit Thakur emphasized that this collaboration with UNESCO reflects the state’s dedication to providing globally competitive education and preparing students for future challenges.

The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Director of Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet Sharma, Director of Elementary Education Ashish Kohli, and Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, among others.

IIT Madras to open new sustainability-focused campus in Auroville

IIT Madras

IIT Madras is set to establish its fourth campus in Auroville, near Puducherry, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovative technologies. Spanning 100 acres, the new campus will dedicate 20 acres to a test track for electric trucks under the Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking (CoEZET). Director V. Kamakoti announced that operations are expected to begin within the next two to three months.

This initiative aligns with Auroville’s vision of sustainable development and aims to advance research in electric vehicles (EVs). The campus will address key challenges in India’s EV sector, particularly battery technology and charging infrastructure. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Heavy Industries, emphasized the need for indigenous solutions to reduce dependency on imported components, highlighting India’s slow EV adoption.

Also Read: State University of New York partners with upGrad

IIT Madras has also introduced educational programs, including a web-enabled MTech in eMobility for professionals and a certificate course on eMobility. These initiatives aim to equip individuals with expertise in EV technology, supporting India’s shift towards sustainable transportation. This expansion strengthens IIT Madras’ role in pioneering research and education in sustainability and technological innovation.

 

State University of New York partners with upGrad

State University of New York

upGrad, one of Asia’s leading online learning and skilling platforms, has joined forces with the State University of New York (SUNY) Delhi to expand opportunities for Indian students aspiring to study in the United States. This partnership offers a unique pathway for students to begin their undergraduate education online with SUNY Global Academy (GA) and transfer seamlessly to any of the 64 State University of New York campuses, including prestigious institutions like Stony Brook University, University at Buffalo, and University at Albany.

For students, particularly from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, studying abroad often seems unattainable due to financial constraints, cultural differences, and complex credit transfer processes. This initiative makes higher education in the U.S. more accessible and cost-effective, eliminating many traditional barriers.

The program covers sought-after fields such as Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Nursing, Architecture, Law, Economics, and Liberal Arts. Students will receive academic guidance, career counseling, and mentorship from SUNY advisors and upGrad coaches, ensuring a smooth transition to life and studies in the U.S. The curriculum includes leadership development, Harvard Business Review case studies, and research opportunities to prepare learners for global careers.

Admission involves an entrance exam and two interview rounds to evaluate academic readiness.

Also Read: Gujarat & Punjab rank highest in the three-language policy

Sarah Bjorks, Executive Director at SUNY, said:
“This partnership is designed to equip students with academic preparedness and career foresight, ensuring a smooth transition to on-campus learning. Our collaboration with upGrad will help students make informed decisions about their majors and future careers, setting them up for long-term success in the U.S.”

Mayank Kumar, Co-founder of upGrad, added:
“With rising affluence and growing aspirations for global education in India, this collaboration bridges the gap for students seeking world-class learning experiences. By offering access to high-quality American education through a hybrid model, we are strengthening India’s position as a global talent hub.”

 

Gujarat & Punjab rank highest in the three-language policy

three-language policy

Gujarat and Punjab have emerged as the frontrunners in implementing the three-language policy, with over 95% of schools in both states adhering to it, according to data presented in Parliament by Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary.

As per the data, 97.6% of schools in Gujarat and 96.2% in Punjab offer three languages in their curriculum. This is followed by Sikkim (89.2%), making it the third-highest state in compliance. Gujarat has made Gujarati a mandatory subject, while Punjab has mandated Punjabi in its schools.

On a national scale, only 61.6% of schools follow the three-language formula. Among the southern states, Kerala (71.7%) and Karnataka (76.4%) have a significant percentage of schools implementing the policy. In the north, Uttar Pradesh (82.8%) is ahead, whereas Madhya Pradesh (55.4%) and Delhi (58.7%) fall behind.

At the bottom of the list, states like Arunachal Pradesh (0.3%), Nagaland (2.5%), and Tamil Nadu (3.2%) have the lowest adoption of the three-language policy. Additionally, nine other states and one Union Territory report less than 50% implementation, including Andhra Pradesh (43.5%), Assam (33.6%), Bihar (49.8%), Jharkhand (39%), and West Bengal (48.5%).

Tamil Nadu has long opposed the three-language formula, arguing that it could lead to the imposition of Hindi. The DMK-led state government has been vocal against its implementation under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which mandates that at least two of the three languages should be native to India.

Also Read: Delhi Government allocates ₹100 crore for CM Shri Schools

Responding to another query in the Lok Sabha, Chaudhary highlighted the third-language options available in key states. Uttar Pradesh offers Urdu or Sanskrit, Madhya Pradesh provides Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, or Marathi, while Bihar allows Urdu or Sanskrit as additional language choices.

With stark differences across states, the implementation of the three-language policy continues to be a topic of debate and regional preference.

Delhi Government allocates ₹100 crore for CM Shri Schools

Delhi Government

In a significant move to elevate the standard of education in the capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has introduced the ‘CM Shri Schools’ initiative as part of the Delhi Budget for 2025-26. With an initial allocation of Rs 100 crore, this ambitious program aligns with the New Education Policy and focuses on improving learning environments across the city.

The launch of CM Shri Schools aims to enhance educational infrastructure, ensuring students have access to advanced learning resources and a conducive academic atmosphere. These institutions will provide a holistic learning experience, fostering intellectual and personal growth.

To further promote digital literacy, the Delhi government has announced the distribution of free laptops to 1,200 Class 10 students, equipping them with essential technological skills. Additionally, 100 new language laboratories, dedicated to Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, will offer courses in French, German, English, and Spanish, broadening students’ linguistic capabilities and preparing them for global opportunities.

While the initiative benefits students across Delhi, it is particularly focused on empowering economically weaker sections by providing access to quality education and modern learning tools. The government’s approach aims to bridge the educational divide and ensure inclusivity in learning opportunities.

Also Read: Maharashtra to adopt CBSE curriculum in all schools by 2028

Beyond the CM Shri Schools, the Delhi government has rolled out several other key initiatives to strengthen the education sector:

  • Education Hub in Narela – A Rs 500 crore allocation has been earmarked to develop an education hub in Narela, creating a centralized learning ecosystem for students.

  • Startup Support Centres – To nurture entrepreneurial spirit, these centers will provide financial aid and mentorship to young innovators.

  • Boost to Technical Education – The government has set aside Rs 230 crore for Delhi Skill Entrepreneurship University and Rs 57 crore for Netaji Subhas University of Technology, emphasizing skill development and professional training.

With these initiatives, the Delhi government reiterates its commitment to creating an inclusive, technology-driven, and skill-oriented education system. The focus remains on empowering students, promoting innovation, and ensuring access to quality education for all segments of society.

Maharashtra to adopt CBSE curriculum in all schools by 2028

CBSE

Maharashtra is set to transition all its schools to the CBSE curriculum by 2028, a move aimed at aligning state education with national standards under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The announcement was made by Education Minister Dada Bhuse during the state assembly session on Monday.

The transition will commence in 2025 with Class 1 and gradually extend to other grades in phases. Classes 2, 3, 4, and 6 will follow in 2026, while Classes 5, 7, 9, and 11 will shift in 2027. The final phase, covering Classes 8, 10, and 12, will be implemented in 2028.

Bhuse emphasised that the initiative goes beyond traditional examinations, focusing on continuous and comprehensive evaluation. The revamped curriculum will foster soft skills, enhance practical knowledge, and integrate technology-driven learning. The state government has already begun preparations for Class 1 textbooks under this transition plan.

Also Read: Government launches Baalpan ki Kavita initiative to revive Indian nursery rhymes

The shift is expected to improve educational quality, ensuring students receive a standardised and skill-based learning experience. By aligning with CBSE standards, Maharashtra aims to prepare students more effectively for national-level entrance exams and future career opportunities.

This major reform is expected to create a uniform education framework across the state, equipping students with better academic and professional prospects while fostering a more competitive learning environment.

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