New AI Module Introduces ITI Students to Future Career Pathways Starting November

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October 30, 2024

In a significant advancement for skill-based education, students at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India can now explore career opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a new foundational module. This initiative, a collaboration between the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN), introduces a blended curriculum that brings AI skills and awareness directly to ITI classrooms.

The initiative integrates a 7.5-hour module titled “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” into the existing 120-hour Employability Skills curriculum. Designed to help students understand the impact of AI on jobs, industries, and daily tasks, the course covers topics such as “Understanding AI,” “Types of AI,” “Impact of AI on Jobs and Industries,” and “Using AI Responsibly.”

A chapter on “Exploring Careers with AI” allows students to explore career paths that align with their skills and interests, using AI-powered tools that suggest personalized job pathways and introduce career possibilities previously unknown to them.

Launched by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, this module will be implemented in over 14,600 ITIs nationwide starting November. Minister Chaudhary noted that this foundational course aims to spark curiosity and expose students to AI’s practical applications, saying, “The program will show students how AI enhances daily tasks, inspiring them to explore AI’s vast potential.”

Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, added that understanding AI’s real-world applications is crucial for the workforce of the future. “This curriculum lays a strong foundation, enabling students to smoothly transition from school to work while fostering a sense of responsibility in AI use,” he remarked.

In addition to career preparation, the module aligns with India’s National Programme on Artificial Intelligence (NPAI) Skills Framework. The curriculum’s interactive lessons provide insights into AI’s types, how it works, and its impact on global industries. Developed by the DGT and FRSN, a coalition of Accenture, Cisco, JP Morgan, and SAP Labs India, with support from Quest Alliance, this module strengthens the ITI ecosystem in India.

Also Read: India’s Education Sector Set to Drive 4 Billion Sq. Ft. Real Estate Demand by 2035, Says CBRE.

Nikita Bengani, Director of the Youth Program at Quest Alliance, emphasized AI’s growing role in the workplace, noting, “By understanding AI’s workplace potential, young learners gain early exposure to essential skills. Using AI as a tool to learn about AI offers a unique, transformative approach to education.”

Upon completing the module, students will utilize AI tools to create digital content, support academic learning, and explore career paths. This proactive approach aims to equip young learners with essential skills for the rapidly evolving job landscape, setting a strong foundation in AI and early career planning.

India’s Education Sector Set to Drive 4 Billion Sq. Ft. Real Estate Demand by 2035, Says CBRE

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October 30, 2024

India’s education sector will generate over 4 billion square feet of real estate demand by 2034-35, according to a Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) report. The report emphasises the sector’s growth potential, with India’s education market expected to reach a valuation of USD 313 billion by 2030, driven by supportive policy measures, increased urbanization, and the rise of private investments. CBRE is an American commercial real estate services and investment firm that is the world’s largest in its field.

According to the report, student enrolments across K-12 and higher education are anticipated to rise 1.2 times to surpass 360 million by 2035. CBRE’s real estate opportunity assessment projects significant demand for educational spaces as institutions seek to accommodate these growing enrolment figures. Currently valued at USD 117 billion, India’s education sector is witnessing remarkable expansion. The K-12 segment, with 1.49 million schools and a student population of approximately 265 million, is crucial to India’s education infrastructure.

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “The ‘flight-to-quality’ trend is impacting various asset classes, prompting schools, colleges, and universities to prioritize flexible, collaborative learning spaces, inclusive design, and health and safety in their building strategies. As the educational landscape evolves, stakeholders must adapt to these trends to shape the future of educational infrastructure in India.”

The country also boasts one of the largest higher education systems globally, with 43 million students across nearly 59,000 institutions. This growing demographic, coupled with the projected urban population of 675 million by 2035, signals a robust demand for accessible and quality educational facilities, aligning with India’s long-term real estate demand.

The report points to an increase in private sector investment, particularly with the government’s National Education Policy and progressive urbanization policies creating favorable conditions. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the education sector nearly doubled from 0.7 per cent in 2019 to 1.4 per cent by 2023.

Since 2000, India’s education sector has attracted USD 9.5 billion in FDI equity, with two-thirds of this investment occurring in the past four years, underscoring growing investor confidence.

Also Read: Zinc Raises $25.5 Million in Seed Funding to Drive Edu-Wealth Solutions for Indian Families.

The study also reveals that education-focused real estate is expanding beyond traditional classrooms. Current designs prioritize adaptive spaces that encourage collaborative learning and sustainable features, such as natural lighting and energy-efficient systems.

As more educational institutions invest in flexible, eco-friendly infrastructure, demand for suitable land, particularly in Tier I, II, and III cities, is expected to surge, supported by urban expansion and local government policies.

Rami Kaushal, Managing Director – Consulting & Valuation Services, India, Middle East & Africa, said, “Some of the proactive policies undertaken by the government will further fuel demand for quality educational realty assets, boosting the investment ecosystem that has already gained significant momentum.”

Zinc Raises $25.5 Million in Seed Funding to Drive Edu-Wealth Solutions for Indian Families

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October 29, 2024

Zinc, an edu-wealth startup focused on helping Indian families plan for overseas education, has secured $25.5 million in seed funding. Nexus Venture Partners led this investment round, which also included Quona Capital, EDBI, Global Ventures, and Credit Saison. Zinc aims to use the funds to secure essential financial licenses, fuel product development, and launch custom investment solutions for Indian families.

As the demand for global education accelerates, Zinc’s mission is to provide families with tailored financial tools to bridge the gap between saving in rupees and paying in foreign currencies. Zinc’s platform enables families to save and invest in foreign currencies, shielding their savings from rupee depreciation and offering protection against currency fluctuations. This is particularly important as education costs continue to rise, and more Indian students opt to study abroad, with an estimated 2 million projected by 2025.

The startup’s flagship offering, Zinc Honors, provides a comprehensive suite of tools that simplify the planning and financing of overseas education. The suite also features Ada, an AI-powered edu-counselor designed to guide families through the complexities of global education planning. Ada assists users in selecting the right universities and provides ongoing support, making overseas education more accessible and financially feasible for Indian families.

Prashanth Ranganathan, Founder & CEO of Zinc, said, “At Zinc, we are tackling one of the biggest challenges faced by Indian families: navigating the rising costs of international education. We’re moving beyond traditional savings approaches and helping families adopt global strategies that offer better financial security. Zinc is committed to building a comprehensive ecosystem where parents can plan, save, and invest wisely for their children’s education.”

With the newly raised capital, Zinc is also expanding its infrastructure. The company has received approval for a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) license from SEBI and an in-principle approval for the Payment Service Provider (PSP) license. These licenses will allow Zinc to offer personalized investment advice, cross-border payment solutions, and secure access to international markets.

Also Read: Delhi DoE Enforces Inclusive Practices Across Special Schools by November 5.

Anup Gupta, Managing Director at Nexus Venture Partners, added, “India is a growing hub for students seeking global education. We are thrilled to support Prashanth and the team in their vision to create a transparent and effective financial planning platform for families investing in global education.”

Zinc’s vision is to become a full-stack cross-border financial services provider, empowering Indian families to achieve their overseas education dreams while alleviating the financial strain of global tuition costs.

Delhi DoE Enforces Inclusive Practices Across Special Schools by November 5

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October 29, 2024

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has mandated that all 12 special schools serving students with disabilities implement comprehensive inclusive practices by November 5. The directive, issued on October 22, 2024, requires school administrators to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR), documenting their compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, and the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The order by DoE outlines 19 essential provisions for promoting inclusive education, such as placing students in appropriate classes, providing online assessments, and offering free aids, appliances, and smart classrooms. Schools are also instructed to offer specialised training in Braille, sign language, and other communication skills.

Further, schools must establish detailed schedules for special education teachers, maintain accurate records of students’ disability certificates and Unique Disability IDs (UDID), and conduct regular case studies and assessments for each student.

Also Read: Errol D’Souza, Former Director of IIM Ahmedabad, Appointed New VC of GITAM Deemed University.

To support the physical, psychological, and social well-being of students, schools are also directed to create recreational spaces, multipurpose halls, emergency rooms, and time-out zones, along with installing CCTV cameras to enhance student safety.

Errol D’Souza, Former Director of IIM Ahmedabad, Appointed New VC of GITAM Deemed University

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October 28, 2024

Errol D’Souza, a distinguished academic and former Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, has been appointed as the new Vice Chancellor of GITAM Deemed University. Mathukumilli Sribharat, President of GITAM University and Member of Parliament, announced via LinkedIn, expressing confidence in D’Souza’s alignment with the university’s vision of becoming an exceptional knowledge-driven institution that emphasises honesty and compassion.

Errol D’Souza, who served as Director at IIM Ahmedabad from 2017 to 2023, is expected to assume his new role in early February. His extensive academic journey began at the University of Mumbai, where he earned his M.A. in Economics, receiving the prestigious Kashinath Trimbak Telang gold medal for his exceptional performance. He went on to obtain his Ph.D. as a University Grants Commission National Research Fellow from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Throughout his career, D’Souza has held key academic positions, including Chair Professorships at esteemed institutions both in India and abroad, such as the University Sciences Po in Paris and Columbia University. His research spans crucial areas like macroeconomics, development finance, and public policy, making him a valuable asset to GITAM University as it aims to enhance its academic and research initiatives.

Also Read: APAAR, 12-Digit ID System, to Track Students’ Academic Journey: NETF Chief

D’Souza’s leadership is anticipated to advance GITAM’s commitment to creating a transformative educational environment that prepares students to make a difference in the world. With a vision rooted in integrity and empathy, he aims to cultivate a culture that not only prioritises academic excellence but also focuses on the holistic development of its students.

APAAR, 12-Digit ID System, to Track Students’ Academic Journey: NETF Chief

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October 28, 2024

India’s education system is set for a transformation with the introduction of the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR), a 12-digit unique ID designed to track student progress across institutions. Anil D Sahasrabudhe, chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum and National Board of Accreditation, announced this at Anna University’s 45th convocation. He shared that APAAR IDs have already been issued to over four crore higher education students, with plans to expand to school students.

Created in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, APAAR will offer a secure, digital record of a student’s academic history, including grades, certifications, and coursework across institutions.

To obtain an APAAR ID, students require parental consent and Aadhaar verification. Integrated with DigiLocker, the system enables easy sharing of academic records for college admissions or job applications, allowing institutions and recruiters to access verified documents directly.

Sahasrabudhe highlighted that while APAAR remains optional, it offers benefits like streamlined data handling. An upcoming initiative, One Data, One Nation, will centralise educational data for agencies by 2024-25. He also underscored that while AI may assist in education, it cannot replace teachers’ roles in fostering original, analytical thinking.

Also Read: Mazhar Asif of JNU Appointed as Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia

During the convocation, Higher Education Secretary K Gopal presented a report on Anna University’s achievements, while Governor R N Ravi presided. A total of 503 students attended the ceremony to receive their degrees, with over 1,14,890 degrees awarded overall.

Mazhar Asif of JNU Appointed as Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia

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October 25, 2024

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday appointed Professor Mazhar Asif of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi as the Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia. This announcement, made by Union Ministry of Education officials, marks a new chapter for the university following the end of Najma Akhtar’s tenure in November 2023. Asif, who currently serves as a professor in the School of Languages at JNU, will hold the position for a term of five years or until he reaches the age of 70, whichever comes first.

A distinguished alumnus of JNU, Professor Asif has contributed significantly to India’s academic landscape, including his involvement on the drafting committee for the National Education Policy, 2020. He has served on the Executive Councils of both JNU and the Maulana Azad National Urdu University, and he has held notable positions within the National Institute of Open Schooling and the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language.

Professor Asif has authored nine books in Persian, English, and Assamese, including a Persian-Assamese-English dictionary that highlights his linguistic prowess. His academic engagement is further demonstrated through over 20 research papers presented at prestigious national and international conferences, underscoring his active participation in advancing educational discourse.

The Vice Chancellor position at Jamia Millia Islamia has been vacant since November 2023 following Najma Akhtar’s term conclusion. The appointment of Professor Asif is widely seen as a step toward continued academic excellence and reform at Jamia Millia Islamia, with expectations high for his leadership to drive innovation and inclusivity in one of India’s foremost universities.

CBSE Invites Schools to Apply for Prestigious ‘PM SHRI’ Designation on SARAS Portal

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October 25, 2024

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that eligible schools can soon apply online to add the “PM SHRI” prefix to their names. Schools meeting the requirements for this prestigious update can register on the CBSE SARAS portal under the “Change in Name of School” category, with applications reopening in the 2025-26 academic session.

Although the SARAS portal is currently closed, CBSE has assured schools that the application link will be accessible next session. The board emphasizes that all applicant schools must upload an official approval letter from the Ministry of Education to validate their eligibility for the PM SHRI prefix.

The PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme, launched on September 7, 2022, by the Government of India, seeks to transform select schools into models of excellence, providing quality education that equips students with 21st-century skills. With a substantial budget of Rs 27,000 crore allocated over five years, the initiative aims to upgrade 14,500 schools under central and state administration, including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Also Read | CBSE and ISTM Conduct Training Programme to Empower Educators

Schools chosen under the PM SHRI scheme will exemplify NEP 2020 implementation, serving as benchmark institutions for quality education and modern pedagogical approaches across the country.

Dharmendra Pradhan Spotlights NEP 2020’s Global Influence at Australian Education Conference

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October 24, 2024

Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, underscored the growing educational collaboration between India and Australia while delivering a keynote address at the Australian International Education Conference in Melbourne. Pradhan emphasised education as a key pillar in strengthening the bilateral relationship, highlighting the untapped potential in this dynamic partnership. He pointed to the recent establishment of Australian university campuses in India as the first step in a promising journey for higher education cooperation between the two nations.

During the conference, Pradhan held discussions with Australian Education Minister Jason Clare MP, focusing on areas such as skill development and early childhood education. Both leaders explored opportunities for expanding cooperation, including initiatives like school twinning programs and the possibility of more Australian universities setting up campuses in India.

Pradhan also highlighted India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a transformative force shaping the country’s education system to meet 21st-century demands. The policy’s focus on digital literacy, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary studies is seen as essential in preparing Indian students for the global job market.

NEP 2020: Addressing Global Challenges

Pradhan further emphasised India’s role as a “Vishwa-Bandhu” or global partner, committed to fostering human-centric development. He stressed that education, technology, and innovation would be key areas where India and Australia can collaborate to address global challenges, unlocking new opportunities for students in both countries.

Also Read :- India Allocates Up to 4.6% of GDP to Education, More Than Many Countries in Region: UNESCO Report

Australian Education Minister Jason Clare echoed Pradhan’s sentiments, commending India’s fast-growing education system. He projected that by 2035, one in four university graduates globally will come from India. Clare also highlighted successful partnerships, such as those with Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, and expressed enthusiasm about deepening ties in the future.

Earlier, Pradhan met with Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan MP, and visited South Melbourne Primary School, where he explored innovative early childhood education techniques. He also toured cutting-edge research facilities at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and Monash University, discussing ways to further collaboration between Indian and Australian institutions, especially in emerging technologies and innovation.

India Allocates Up to 4.6% of GDP to Education, More Than Many Countries in Region: UNESCO Report

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October 24, 2024

Between 2015 and 2024, India consistently allocated 4.1% to 4.6% of its GDP to education, aligning with the global targets set by UNESCO’s ‘Education 2030 Framework for Action,’ which recommends countries allocate 4-6% of GDP for education. A new series of reports from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics on global education spending reveals that India’s government expenditure on education during this period ranged between 13.5% and 17.2% of its total public spending. This meets the countries’ Education 2030 goal of 15-20% of public funds to education.

India’s sustained investment in education exceeds that of many of its Central and Southern Asian neighbors, as the region grapples with a global trend of declining average education spending. The report highlights that while nations like Nepal and Bhutan allocate a similar 4-6% of GDP, countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan lag in education funding.

In 2022, India’s education expenditure was only surpassed in the region by Bhutan (7.5%), Kazakhstan (7.2%), Maldives (4.7%), Tajikistan (5.7%), and Uzbekistan (5.2%). India’s spending is also notably higher than other Asian giants like China and Japan.

Also Read: UGC Calls on Higher Educational Institutions to Participate in ‘Data Innovation Lab’ Initiative

In a concerning development, education spending has declined globally, dropping from 13.2% in 2010 to 12.5% in 2020, with a significant decrease following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these global trends, India’s investment in education remains stable, reinforcing its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on providing inclusive, equitable, and quality education.

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