College student elected as mayor of Thiruvananthapuram

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December 28, 2020

College going, twenty-one-year-old Arya Rajendran became the next Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram on Monday after tasting victory in the recent civic polls in Kerala.

Arya, now a second-year graduation student of a city college, became the youngest-ever Mayor in the country.

The Thiruvananthapuram district secretariat of the ruling CPI(M) had recommended Arya Rajendran’s name for the post of mayor.

Arya had walked into the prestigious council hall of the capital city’s Municipal Corporation building six days ago to take oath as a Councillor of the ruling Marxist party. She had won from the Mudavanmughal ward of the city corporation, bagging 2,872 votes, 549 more than the rival Congress candidate.

Also read: Kerala CM dedicates 90 Schools as Centres of Excellence

Daughter of CPI(M) activist K Rajendran, an electrician by profession, and Sreelatha, a LIC agent, Arya is a B.Sc Maths second-year student at the All Saints College.

A state committee member of the Students Federation of India (SFI), she is also the state president of Balasangam, the children’s wing of the Left party, which she had joined at the tender age of six.

As a Mayor, her top priority would be waste management in the capital city, which has been a challenging task for her predecessors also.

“Our city is beautiful. To keep it like this, it should be free of waste. Besides a scientific waste management system, a thorough awareness is needed among people not to dump waste on the waysides,” Arya said.

Karnataka to reopen schools for Class 10 and 12 from Jan 1

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December 28, 2020

Karnataka Schools would reopen from January 1, 2021 for students of classes 10 and 12. The decision taken by the government was today formally shared by the Karnataka Minister for Primary & Secondary Education S Suresh Kumar with the various districts. Class 6 to 9 students from rural areas would resume their continuous learning by means of the Vidyagama programme. Attendance would not be mandatory.

The government had decided on reopening of schools for board classes for the SSLC and PUC students in a high level meeting conducted on December 19. As per the recommendations of the technical committee, the government had decided to make a final call soon. The decision has now been confirmed and the schools would resume from Friday – January 1, 2021.

Also read: Karnataka to reopen schools from January 1 for Class 6 onwards

As many as 5.9 lakh students are enrolled in these two classes in the state in government and other aided schools. The studies of many in the rural area have been impacted by the school closure. With the number of COVID19 infections steadily dropping, the government has decided to go ahead with the plan to reopen schools. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has also given his nod.

In the formal letter sent out to all district in-charges and minister MLA’s/MLCs, the government has asked to ensure all COVID19 guidelines are followed. Detailed SOPs would be shared with the schools including the maximum number of students allowed in the class, proper temperature check and sanitisation routine.

Karnataka Government has shared its willingness to resume classes as the number of cases continue to drop. The state recorded 911 infections on Sunday, December 27, 2020.

UGC offers 100 PG and UG online courses

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December 28, 2020

University Grants Commission has offered more than 100 online postgraduate and undergraduate courses for students. The MOOCs courses in January Semester 2021 is available on the SWAYAM platform. Students who are enrolled in Universities and affiliated colleges can apply for it. The list of courses can be checked on the official site of UGC on ugc.ac.in.

UGC took his official Twitter page to announce the same. 78 UG & 46 PG Non-Engineering MOOCS to be offered in the January-2021 semester on the SWAYAM Platform.

As per the official notice released by the Commission, a total of 78 UG and 46 PG Non-Engineering courses can be enrolled by candidates which are ready to be offered in January Semester 2021. The list can also be seen at the SWAYAM portal on swayam.gov.in. The tentative exam dates for these courses are May 8 & 9, 2021, which will be conducted by the National Testing Agency.

Also read: IGNOU begins registration for SWAYAM Courses

The students from any universities or colleges will be allowed to avail the credit transfer benefits from the course. The courses are beneficial for academic fraternity and, working professionals. Also, SWAYAM courses may be approved and adopted on the recommendation of Dean Academic/ Heads of Department for credit transfer and ratified by the Academic Council.

The Commission has further advised the universities to initiate urgent necessary steps for credit transfer and also intimate the action taken at econtent.ugc@gmail.com.

Taking World Education Summit & Awards legacy forward

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digitalLEARNING Network

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December 28, 2020

World Education Summit & Awards-recognised as Asia’s Biggest Event on Innovation in Education –boasts of a rich legacy of innovation and creativity.

The 17th edition of World Education Summit & Awards, Which was held in two parts – 26-30 November 2020 for Higher Education and 10-14 December 2020 for School Education is aimed at exploring groundbreaking innovations, and encourage steps to ensure significant improvements in the global education sector.

This is the biggest knowledge-sharing platform where top leaders from Schools, regulatory bodies and Corporate sectors evoke discussions on best practices in innovation in education and showcase latest technologies. With the implementation of NEP 2020, education has seen a drastic change in the coming days.

We are also releasing the eighth edition of ‘Top Schools of India Ranking 2020’ in the special issue. Keeping in mind the crucial role played by schools during the Corona pandemic, we ranked the top-notch schools of India based on a range of parameters. The outcomes of the ranking will help the parents in making an informed choice about the school where they can get their ward enrolled.

Our cover story highlights the usage of ed-tech solutions in the new age education system. Besides, we also have a special feature emphasising on the importance of teachers in the system.

The issue also features numerous interviews and opinion pieces of school principals, owners, CEO’s and industry leaders, which will give an insight into the evolving education system in the country. We hope this issue will arouse great interest among the readers and induce an optimistic outlook.

Balancing Health in COVID Times

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digitalLEARNING Network

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December 28, 2020

A whopping 40 % increase in obesity amongst children, cardiac issues in adults, a dire shift in what you eat and when you do, descent of vision are a few to call to mind says A. Murali Mukund, Chairman, Jubilee Hills Public School in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

“Every cloud has a silver lining” and so does this perplexing situation humanity is stuck with – battling its way against the pandemic that has shaken the roots of our very existence. There may be numerous to have a chinwag on the lines of how to be wary of being affected, how the pandemic has affected your lives and many such subjects. But there is hope in the grimmest of situations and it is the need of the hour to focus on those viva cities.

This period has put most of you indoors over an uncertain period of time like never before. This has caused most of you an unconscious shift towards stress and strain both in your physical and mental well being. As you are glued to your couches and plugged to your screens for almost 80% of your wake time, there has been a drastic increase in concerns regarding physical fitness. A whopping 40 % increase in obesity amongst children, cardiac issues in adults, a dire shift in what you eat and when you do, descent of vision are a few to call to mind . The schedule has altered and there is a paradigm shift in the outlook of life. In order to overcome these ordeals, you could have favorable practices like developing a healthy diet plan that includes all the nutrients in a balanced proposition, sticking to your habitual routine just like when it was before, having regular off screen breaks, having a talk with your loved ones or people of your close knit circles and be a wee bit more sanitized than usual.

Also read: Higher Education in the times of COVID-19

Let alone the physical nuisances, the psychological facet is the most affected in many of you. The abrupt cut off from the outside world has led to shooting up of fretfulness, startling behavioral disparities, pulsing exasperation quotient, building up of pressure, flattened attention levels, bearing elevated expectations from family members, and above all, dealing with a very new-fangled mode of working where you are the solitary self handling the whole lot without any peer abet. Fumbling with the novel shift into the online world, it is for all time a first-rate undertaking for you to stay focused to redeem yourself of the rational complexities.

You must labor to clout equilibrium linking your inner and physical wellness. Stay unruffled and optimistic as perturbing does not spring solutions, rather exhausts us of our tranquility. Have a cadence in life and ace it. There is none other than yourself to care about you in an enhanced comportment.. As students, you have to safeguard your strength and interest in edification till the school reopens and you step into a safe new world to stride.”

Centre forms panel for common entrance test for admission to central universities

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December 28, 2020

In a major move, the central government has set up a panel to recommend the modalities and implementation of a common aptitude test for admissions to undergraduate level programmes in Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and all other central universities.

The seven-member panel, headed by the Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, RP Tiwari will explore the possibilities of holding a single entrance test from the upcoming session and will put up its recommendations within a month.

The committee includes the DG-NTA, joint secretary, Ministry of Education and the vice-chancellors of Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Central University of Bihar, and Central University of Mizoram. The new National Education Policy 2020, approved by the union cabinet has proposed a common entrance test for higher educational institutes.

Also read: MHRD puts common engineering entrance examination on hold

If the committee charts out a conducive plan to implement this proposal, the sky scraping cut offs of Delhi University will become a matter of the yesteryears. As per a report by the Times Now, “The computer-based common aptitude test would evaluate the students in basic aptitude including verbal aptitude, logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude.”

The test will be mandatory for all candidates who wish to apply for admissions to these varsities. The common aptitude test is likely to be held from the admission session 2021-22 by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Pokhriyal: CBSE class 10 and 12 date sheet to be released on 31st Dec

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December 28, 2020

Providing huge relief to students, the Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank will formally release the CBSE 10th and 12th Board Exam 2021 Datesheet for the upcoming exams on 31st December. The Date Sheet for CBSE Board Exams would be released late evening, at around 6 PM by Education Minister. The Board Exam Schedule will also be made available online on official website i.e. cbse.nic.in

Like all major announcement made by Education Minister, the announcement about the declaration date for the CBSE Board Exam 2021 Time Table was also confirmed by him on social media. Pokhriyal took to his official twitter handle to announce that he will be making some ‘Major announcements for students & parents’ which includes the start date for the upcoming board exams.

Also read: CBSE Board Exam 2020: Class 10 & 12 exams rescheduled in North East Delhi

The update about CBSE 10th and 12th Board Exam 2021 dates from Education Minister has come across as major relief for the CBSE students who have been waiting patiently for the Board Exam Time Table since December.

Earlier on 22nd December, in a live webinar that was dedicated to teachers, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ had announced that Board Exams would be postponed owing to the exceptional circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic.

In the same webinar, he had also added that CBSE Board Exam 2021 would not be conducted till February 2021.

Seven Personal Skills to Succeed as a Manager

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December 28, 2020

It is up to the infrastructure development manager to oversee every activity in compliance with the project requirements, while additionally keeping up a safe and effective workplace environment says Dr Pratima Sheorey, Director – Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD) in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

Infrastructure development is the backbone of the global economy; naturally, the project managers for these projects need to be competent and well-versed with the processes. Let’s take a look at the 7 most prominent qualities that a manager must possess to succeed in infrastructure development and construction management.

Whether we talk about the development of private residential structures, business structures, or building bridges, infrastructure managers need to possess knowledge and skills related to the development and management of the built infrastructure.

It is up to the infrastructure development manager to oversee every activity in compliance with the project requirements, while additionally keeping up a safe and effective workplace environment. They likewise need to deal with the financial plans, create and manage deadlines, strategise and coordinate for feedback and updates with all the involved stakeholders.

Also read: Personalised Learning Paving Way for Quality Higher Education

Aspirants desirous of developing a career in infrastructure development and related industries must remain focused on the following 7 skills, along with possessing experience and the technical know-how:

1. Basic Technical Skills: Technical skills in the areas of engineering (civil, mechanical and electrical) will help students understand the ground details of projects and create innovative solutions, aligned with industry expectations and recent developments in the sector.

2. Contract Management: Given the multi-stakeholder nature of infrastructure projects, a single infrastructure project can have multiple contracts in force. A skilled infrastructure professional must possess the acumen to identify potential contractual defaults ahead of time, and recommend/prepare the most cost effective mitigation strategy. Thus creating water tight contracts and subsequently managing the contracts must come naturally to contract professionals.

3. Project Management: Infrastructure projects span across several years and are usually multi-stakeholder projects, including government, private investors and impact local citizenry. Thus effective project management skills are essential, such that time delays, resulting cost overruns and resulting risks can be managed, to minimize social and economic costs.

4. Financial Structuring: Due to the large scale of investments coupled with paucity of funds with the government, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) based projects are likely to continue to be at the front and centre of Infra projects. Within PPP projects, new and innovative financing modules are emerging such as the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in road projects, amongst others. Thus students need to stay abreast of financial innovations in the sector.

5. Risk Management: With large infrastructure projects, come higher risks. Risks such as construction risks, operational risks, change in force majeure, change in law, and other environmental risks need effective planning, mitigation and monitoring.

6. Communication Skills: The ability to concisely yet transparently communicate their requirements and ideas is another most significant skill that students must learn. Good communication skills ensure that no detail is lost in comprehension. However, when we talk about communication, it not only includes prowess in expressing oneself but also the patience to listen to what the client or other members of the team have to say.

7. Entrepreneurial and Leadership Mindset: Managing any project is like running a business. Each project that you manage will have its own set of challenges. So, having an entrepreneurial and leadership mindset is a huge advantage.

Teaching-Learning Ethos at HVB Global Academy

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December 28, 2020

HVB Global Academy founded in 1963 by visionary educationists and eminent industrialists who are committed to empower learners with future-ready skills and attitudes. Under the exemplary leadership of Dr (Ms) Chandrakanta Pathak, Principal & CEO, the legacy of quality education continues at HVB – a fully authorized and affiliated to Cambridge Assessment International Education School.

HVB global academy offers the complete Cambridge Pathway from Cambridge Primary to Cambridge Lower Sec., Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge Advanced Level. HVB GA has an exemplary reputation as an International School where students benefit from an education enhanced with diverse global perspectives and a heightened focus on personal and social values.

The expansion of educational institutions in order to enhance Gross Enro The teaching-learning ethos at HVB Global Academy is shaped by the realization that we live in a fast-changing world where existing knowledge is being rendered obsolete and new knowledge is being created at a dizzying pace never seen before in the history of mankind. This raises serious questions as to how relevant and useful our knowledge and skills will remain in future, and thus, makes our place in the world precarious and uncertain.

Also read: Plan of action for the new normal post covid-19

The brunt of this uncertainty is felt most acutely by the youth which has resulted in much anxiety in regard to their future career and prospects. We address these concerns by effecting, measuring and tracking growth and development of students along four key dimensions: Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Digital Quotient (DQ) and Social Quotient (SQ).

While IQ and EQ are popularly known, DQ and SQ are new additions in keeping with the current tides of time. DQ refers to the awareness of and competence in tools and skills of the digital world; whereas SQ refers to the state of mind and skills required to collaborate in groups, form reliable long-term social relationships in a world where social media has made life increasingly disconnected and isolated. Together, these form the components of what we refer to as the Happiness Quotient (HQ)—the thrust of all of our teaching-learning activities at HVB GA. We thus ensure a well rounded development of our learners so that they may survive and thrive in an uncertain and mercurial world.

Consistent with the notion of “Samajik Chetna Kendra” outlined in the National Education Policy 2020, we envision HVB GA as a place of learning where all individuals, children and adults alike, can partake in the joy of learning, discover their passions, and grow into self-actualized, informed and productive members of the society who are able to leverage their knowledge and skill to contribute to common good.

Our collective effort in this direction has culminated in the founding of the Center for Research and Innovation (CRI) at HVB GA where we research and develop teaching methods that conform to international pedagogical standards but are also aligned with our native cultural values and sensibilities. In addition, at CRI we also develop courses and programmes for students, parents and teachers that educate them on various technical and practical aspects of life such as money management, emotional and physical health, nutrition, robotics, coding, advanced science and mathematics.

Our persistent efforts and striving in being agents of progressive changing in the society enabled us to be among the first institutes in the city to go fully online in March at the onset of COVID-19 induced lockdown and subsequently train over a thousand teachers from across India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in setting up virtual classrooms and delivering effective instruction virtually.

TUK aims to develop awareness within children

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December 28, 2020

Apart from the online learning programme, we also rolled out an indigenously made online assessment solution – TUK Assessment Portal says, Manmeet Khurana, Founder & CEO, The Ultimate Knowledge in an interview with Elets News Network (ENN).

What is the idea behind The Ultimate Knowledge and how it is better than others?

Our mission is to make education affordable and accessible for all. At The Ultimate Knowledge, we aim to develop awareness in the minds of children right from an early age.

The TUK platform is like a dynamic encyclopaedia which is updated every day. Consisting of 900+ topics and eight categories, our online learning programme is available for students from Classes 3 to 12. Plus, the platform is interactive, informative and imperative.

Other significant features of the platform which set it apart from the competition are that it is child-safe, free from plagiarism, user-friendly, compatible on all devices, and contains 100% verified content.

Also read: NITI Aayog, AIM launches ATL App development platform for school children

How TUK helped students and parents during the pandemic?

When schools got shut down due to pandemic, we, at TUK, made sure that learning continues. Our ‘TUK Integrated Online Learning Programme helped the parents in keeping their kids engaged. Plus, our smart and safe learning solution enhanced the knowledge and skill-set of the students, as they learnt from home.

Apart from the online learning programme, we also rolled out an indigenously made online assessment solution – TUK Assessment Portal. It helped the students in giving the examination online and access their learning with in-depth report analysis. They could do all this right from the comfort of their home, without having to step out.

With dynamics changing in education how technology will have an impact on it?

The prevalence of technology has drastically affected many areas of society in a positive manner that includes education as well. In today’s world, students not only have computers to help them with their schoolwork but also have access to the internet for research.

Even teachers are using technology to replace old models of standardized, rote learning and creating more personalized, self directed experiences for their students.

How did you overcome challenges posed Covid-19?

“A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well”. And I am glad that my team at TUK stood up through the storm and helped us turned the challenge into an opportunity.

Our team worked closely with various reputed schools of the country to understand the needs and requirements of the education sector. Working (from home) on those inputs, we delivered apt solutions to make sure that the teaching and learning process doesn’t get affected, even if the schools are closed and we are confined inside our homes.

On one hand, our Integrated Online Learning Programme bridged the learning gap while TUK Assessment Portal, on other hand, helped the schools in conducting cheat-proof online examinations anytime..

What are future business plans?

At The Ultimate Knowledge, our focus is on creating. Premium quality products which can enhance the learning, knowledge, and skill-set of the students. We are looking forward to launching some of the best products in the ed-tech industry.

Our aim is to make the children future-ready by providing them with a perfect blend of concept-based learning and the right exposure to technology.

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