IIM Bangalore to open India-Japan Study Centre

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September 14, 2017

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore on Thursday will inaugurate the India-Japan Study Centre in its campus.

The Centre aims to strengthen economic and educational ties through teaching, research, and policy outreach efforts.

“The India-Japan Study Centre will act as a platform for intellectual gathering. Scholars, students, government agencies and industry leaders of the two countries will come together to promote bilateral understanding and research,” said Krishna Sundar D, IIMB Production and Operations faculty and Chair of the India-Japan Study Centre.

IIMB director G Raghuram said the India-Japan Study Centre will play a vital role in promoting cooperation and educational ties between the two countries. “There is a lot to learn from Japan on infrastructure and technology fronts management. And we can offer them insights of India’s startup culture.”

According to reports, IIMB is planning to offer dual degree programs in association with Hitotsubashi University and other universities in Japan. The institution is also planning to offer customised electives and immersion programmes for exchange students of the partnering universities. Moreover, An Executive General Management Program (EGMP) for executives in Japanese companies in India may also be offered.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam: Spectrum of education should diversify as per future need

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September 13, 2017

Technology is embracing all aspects of the society and its interface is diversifying industry needs and skill sets at a major level, according to Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

In order to make it relevant for future jobs, Dr Abdulla feels there is need to make education futuristic.

Last year, while addressing a session at the World Education Summit, Dubai, organised by Elets Technomedia Pvt Ltd, Dr Abdulla quoted the facts and the figures from a report called “Future of Jobs”- published by the World Economic Forum, he said, “By the year 2020, regular feature of our daily life would be self-driving cars, computers. Our devices would start communicating with each other. So your refrigerator will communicate with your phone and when you will be near the super market it will remind you to refill your groceries.”

“Advanced robotics, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are not too far away from now and in fact a lot of decision making and analytical skill that we have learnt to develop at school will be done by machines for us,” he added.

Dr Abdulla said it opens up a “new opportunity in the job market and this is the most important part of the report that says 65 per cent of children who are going to primary schools today will end up working in jobs that don’t exist now”.

“65 out of 100 kids will be working in jobs that we have actually no idea about,” he added.

“This report identifies the top skills the schools need to implement and the top three of them are problem-solving, critical thinking and last but the most important creativity,” he explained.

Explaining the importance of human connect, he said, “In an age where we have computers and machines to manage almost all our aspects of life, the skill we would need the most is about connecting closely to each other to experience of just being human,”

Mentioning about the motive of KHDA and the role of happiness in imparting education, he said, “When we are talking about education it is important to think about the happiness of kids. We do care about attainment and the numbers but building characters of our students is also pivotal for us.”

“Our recent survey shows 85 per cent of children in Dubai are happy. This includes students from all the curriculums across Dubai,” he added.

“Learning from an initiative being executed in Singapore, schools in Dubai are training their students to plant saplings in the school garden and grow their own vegetables. This is how we are establishing a relationship between them and the soil,” Dr Abdulla added.

UGC invites applications from institutes seeking ‘Institutions of Eminence’ status

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September 13, 2017

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is now accepting applications from varsities and institutes seeking the “Institutions of Eminence” status.

It is a part the flagship project of Ministry of Human Resource Development for internationalisation of Indian campuses and creating world class universities. The project envisions establishment of 20 world-class institutions, including 10 public and the rest private.

The application window will remain open for three months.

Kewal Kumar Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of HRD said, “By March-April 2018, 20 institutions – 10 each from public and private category will be according the status of “Institutions of Eminence” with a mandate to achieve world- class status over a period of 10 years.”

The institutions which can apply are divided into three categories – government educational institutions, private higher educational institutions and sponsoring organisation for setting up of private institutions.

The HRD Ministry will set up an expert committee to process the applications. The process of shortlisting the institutions is likely to be completed by March-April 2018.

The “Institutions of Eminence” are proposed to have greater autonomy compared to other higher education institutions.

According to reports, the government will invest Rs 10,000 crore in 10 public higher education institutions. The investment will be done over a period of 10 years, which is over and above the regular grants.

Develop Startup Culture, VTU tells its Engineering colleges

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Akash

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September 11, 2017

Engineering colleges, affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belgaum, are advised to follow best practices especially in incubating startup culture like renowned institutions like IIMs do.

Prof Karisiddappa, vice chancellor of VTU, has given a piece of advise to principals of engineering colleges affiliated to the university recently and also asked them to provide better resources and needful information to students and even help with necessary funds for eligible initiatives.

Colleges have also been asked to conduct monthly meetings with student startups and submit a report to the varsity. It is mandatory for all affiliated engineering colleges to initiate these measures.

VTU is one of the largest technological Universities in India with 19 years of Tradition of excellence in Engineering and Technical Education, Research and Innovations. It came into existence in 1998 to cater the needs of Indian industries for trained technical manpower with practical experience and sound theoretical knowledge.

The University has very successfully achieved the tremendous task of bringing various colleges affiliated earlier to different Universities, with different syllabi, different procedures and different traditions under one umbrella. The university having 202 affiliated colleges, 1 constituent college and 17 Autonomous colleges with undergraduate courses in 35 disciplines, PG programme in 94 disciplines and Ph.D and M.Sc (Engg.) with research programmes in 592 departments, over 4 lakhs Engineering students study in the various institutes affiliated to the University.

On infrastructure, Prof Karisiddappa suggested e-lounges with comfortable seating for students, computer or laptop facilities and high speed Wi-Fi. This space will not be limited to students of that particular college in which it is built. Students from different colleges should be encouraged to brainstorm in these e-lounges.

However, apart from funding, even proving required infrastructure and teaching guides to nurture young startups will require hefty investment from colleges.

“It is the responsibility of colleges to provide the necessary infrastructure and financial assistance so that startups in colleges work like a mini-industry,” the VC said.

The VTU has also signed MoUs with international institutions such as Bosch Rexroth AG-Germany, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of California, T&R Consulting Pvt Ltd. Australia and corporate houses such as Autodesk, Deshpande Foundation-Startup Center, India Electronics and semiconductor Association, IBM India Ltd, Bengaluru, Intel Asia. Bengaluru, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Ltd. Bengaluru, ISRO, United Telecoms Ltd, Bengaluru, Infosys, Honeywell, Wipro, RGUHS, Air force test pilot School, Karnataka State Bio Fuel Development Board, Karnataka State Pollution Board, Construction Industry Development Council. New Delhi, International Institute of Industrial Safety Management College.

CGWB, IISc Bengaluru joins hands for development of ground water model

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September 9, 2017

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Water Resources, RD & GR, has inked an Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore for ‘Development of ground water flow models and preparation of aquifer management plans for parts of Karnataka’.

This mathematical model is being developed as a part of the aquifer mapping and management programme.

“It will render better understanding of existing ground water scenarios, predicting response of ground water system to various stress conditions expected to arise in the future,” the Ministry of Water Resources said, adding that it would also help develop effective management plans incorporating different demand and supply side interventions.

The study will cover an area of 48000 sqr.kms comprising Chikballapur and Kolar districts and parts of Bagalkot, Bangalore Rural, Belgaum, Bellary, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Gadag, Gulbarga and Yadgir districts.

The study has to be completed within a year. IISc will present an inception report and a final comprehensive report.

The ministry further said the inception report will include detailed work plan and timelines specific to the study area keeping in view the objectives, scope, methodology, timeline and deliverables outlined in the agreement.

Must use technology to make literacy programmes more effective: Vice-President

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September 8, 2017

Indian Parliament Budget Session 2015 — NEW DELHI, INDIA - FEBRUARY 25: Union Minister of Parliamentary affairs M Venkaiah Naidu at the Parliament House during Budget session on February 25, 2015 in New Delhi, India. After introducing the controversial Land Acquisition Bill, Government looks set to bring the Coal and Citizenship Bills in Lok Sabha that will replace the ordinances brought by it in this regard earlier. (Photo by Arvind Yadav/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

On the occasion of International Literacy Day 2017, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu urged to use technology for more effective literacy programmes.

“We must use technology to make the literacy programmes more effective. Digital learning materials can address the diverse learning needs of different age groups more effectively, the Vice-President said while addressing an event.

Talking about literacy as the first essential step towards building a participative, vibrant, and a more inclusive democracy, Naidu said Literacy Day reminds us the importance of literacy in the development architecture of all countries.

The Vice-President also suggested ways to achieve universal literacy. He emphasised on improving the quality of pre-primary and school education. We must provide opportunities for learning to those who have never been to school or have dropped out of school, he added.

International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on 8th September with a vision to highlight improvements in world literacy rates, current challenges and plan for future growth.

The first International Literacy Day was celebrated in 1967. This year, the theme is ‘Literacy in a Digital World’.

Govt, private sector partnership essential for literacy in digital world: UNESCO

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September 8, 2017

The Government and private sector partnership is essential for promoting literacy in digital world, UNESCO’s Director General Irina Bokova said on the occasion of the International Literacy Day on Friday.

Bokova opines that partnerships between governments, civil society and the private sector are essential today to promote literacy in a digital world.

“Digital technologies permeate all spheres of our lives, fundamentally shaping how we live, work, learn and socialise,” said Bokova.

“These new technologies are opening vast new opportunities to improve our lives and connect globally, but they can also marginalise those who lack the essential skills, like literacy, needed to navigate them,” Bokova further added.

The day was celebrated across the world under the theme of ‘Literacy in a Digital World’, highlighting improvements in world literacy rates, current challenges and plan for future growth.

According to the United Nations (UN), the main objectives of International Literacy Day 2017 are:

To reflect on what it means to be literate in increasingly digitally-mediated societies
To explore effective policies and programmes for literacy skills development in a digital world
To explore how digital technologies can support progress towards the sustainable development

The 2017 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes awards ceremony was also held to recognise and reward excellent literacy practices from around the world in connection with this year’s theme.

“The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the issue of literacy as a key component.

UNESCO declared 8th September as International Literacy Day by at the 14th session of its general conference on 26 October 1966.

Fact File:

Despite the significant literacy progress made in the past decades, the world was still home to 758 million illiterate adults and 263 million out-of-school children of primary and secondary school age in 2014.
Around 250 million children worldwide, including those who are in school, are failing to acquire basic skills. Considering the nature of the data, however, these figures, based on indirect measurement, could be an underestimation of the degree of literacy challenges and their complexity.

Read detailed report here.

Friday’s #LiteracyDay highlights the opportunities in our digital 🌏 to help tackle remaining literacy challenges: https://t.co/IVLRZQJZne pic.twitter.com/50dzSg4KrV

— United Nations (@UN) September 8, 2017

UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2017: List of qualified candidates released

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September 7, 2017

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has declared the list of candidates who have qualified for interview/personality test in Combined Medical Services Examination 2017.

The examination was held on August 13 this year. The candidature of selected candidates is provisional subject to their being found eligible in all respects.

Candidates can check their results by clicking here.

According to the rules of examination, the selected candidates are required to fill up the Detailed Application Form (DAF), which will be available on the commission’s website – http;//www.upsc.gov.in – from 14-26 September till 6:00 pm.

The candidates, who have been declared successful, have to first get themselves registered on the official website.

Important instructions regarding filling up of the DAF and submitting the same online to the commission will also be made available on the website.

Over 1,600 schools in Gujarat to have e-classrooms: Vijay Rupani

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Akash

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September 6, 2017

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has said that over 1,600 state government-run primary schools will have e-classes for students of class VII and VIII.

Under the Gyankunj Project, classrooms will be equipped with projectors, smart-boards, infrared cameras, laptops, speakers and wi-fi routers.

“Instead of reading books, children like to watch TV. They will sit in front of TV even for five hours, be it for Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma or other soaps. The reason being, television is an audio-visual medium. So the state government decided that in order to ensure that children take interest in studies, the blackboards be turned into screens where history and geography can be seen,” he said.

He also said that in comparison to traditional way of teaching, lectures with audio-visual descriptions help students to remember the concepts more effectively.

UNESCO announces winners for Girls’ and Women’s Education Prize 2017

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Akash

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September 6, 2017

s121127-1: World Vision Helps to Rebuild a School in a Flood-Ravaged Village in Northwest Pakistan — Nowshera School Rehabilitation project - Girls in school. Summary: In 2010, Pakistan experienced its worst flooding in 80 years, affecting approximately 20 million people. Story talks about a young girl - how her school was affected and her education was disrupted. Her school is one of 14 to benefit through WVs Early Recovery Project, which addressed the rehabilitation, refurbishment and improved professional capacity of teachers. Central Asia

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced the winners of 2017 edition of the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova has announced the names of the two projects from Peru and Thailand recommended by an International Jury. In order to recognise their innovative and sustainable projects in advancing girls’ and women’s education.

The Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities Centre in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (DEPDC/GMS) of Thailand is awarded for its project entitled “Education and Life Skills Training Programme to Help Stateless Children and Women Migrating from Shan State to Thailand”.

Under the project, migrant girls and women are being educated and provided skill training to protect them from the risks of human trafficking and sexual or labour exploitation. It also helps the girls and women in their rehabilitation who are victim of any such abuses. The project is a globally recognised model that can be replicated in the country and as well as anywhere in the world.

The second one is “Mobile MaCTec Bus Labs/Mini Academy of Science and Technology” project of Mini Academy of Science and Technology – MaCTec Peru. It is recommended for the award due to its efforts in reducing the gender gap among the girls of rural areas in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The project is scalable and has been developed in partnership with state authorities, private donors and the academic community. It can be replicated in other countries as well.

Each of the two organisations has received an award of $ 50,000 at an official ceremony held in Xiamen, People’s Republic of China, on 5 September 2017.

The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education rewards innovative was established in 2015 by the UNESCO’s Executive Board. Funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the prize was first awarded to projects from Indonesia and Zimbabwe in 2016.

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