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Apeejay School International, an IB World School, celebrates Graduation Day

Apeejay School International

 

New Delhi: Apeejay School International, an IB World School, recently celebrated the graduation ceremony for its programme for Primary, Middle and Diploma Students. For Diploma Programme graduates, it marked the completion of their school education. This school is Delhi’s first IB Continuum School.

Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman of Apeejay Education, said to the young graduates, “As you step out into the world, remember that true happiness comes not from material possessions but from striving for excellence and making meaningful contributions to society.”

HE Mr Cedrick C Crowley, Acting High Commissioner, Embassy of South Africa in India, was the Chief Guest. He urged students to leverage the 21st Century Skills and exposure to emerging technologies they received in the school. He lauded Late Dr Stya Paul – Founder and inspiration behind all Apeejay Education institutions – as a shining example of success against all odds. 

Also read: Apeejay School International Announces Admissions to DP Programme

The Guest of Honour, Mr Yahya Aldughaishi, Counsellor at the Sultanate of Oman Embassy in New Delhi, motivated students to be lifelong learners.  

Ananya Gupta, the ‘Dr. Stya Paul, Valedictorian’ expressed her deep gratitude for the school. Principal Mr Purshottam Dutt Vashist highlighted the transformative power of education.  

Apeejay School International, an IB World School, provides world-class learning & sports facilities in its over 6-acre campus. It comes under the aegis of Apeejay Education, with a legacy of more than five decades in quality education, comprising 26 educational institutions, more than 40,000 students, 65,000 alumni and 5000 educators & staff members.

IIM Guwahati is on the horizon, mentored by IIM Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad

In a significant boost to higher education in Northeast India, Assam is set to establish a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM), which the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad will mentor. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a staunch advocate for the project, confirmed the central government’s approval, heralding it as a transformative step for Assam’s educational landscape.

The announcement follows a concerted effort by the Chief Minister, who, during his tenure as Education Minister in the previous Congress government, persistently campaigned for an IIM in Guwahati. With this development, Assam will join the ranks of select cities that boast an array of premier institutions, including an IIT, AIIMS, and a National Law University.

“As evident from the swift transition from idea to execution, this initiative illustrates the power of effective governance,” remarked Chief Minister Sarma. He expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their pivotal roles in realising this vision.

The Chief Minister took to social media to share the news, stating, “Following our request in 2023, PM Modi has gifted Assam with its very own IIM, positioning Guwahati as a critical educational hub in Eastern India.” He highlighted that the decision came after 18 months of rigorous presentations and negotiations with the central government, which resulted in the allocation of prime land and logistical support for the upcoming institution.

Also Read:- Internet Is Amazed As Assam Gets Its First AI Teacher

The new IIM is expected to act as a catalyst for economic and educational growth in the region. “This institution will not only cater to the local demand for top-tier management education but also attract elite corporate organisations to invest in human talent,” added Sarma. He envisions a collaborative environment where these premier institutes and the industry will work together to foster multidisciplinary education.

In his correspondence with Prime Minister Modi, dated April 19, 2023, Sarma outlined Assam’s strategic importance as a hub for various industrial sectors and its proximity to South Asian countries, which enhances its potential to become a centre of modern management education.

The State Government has committed to providing a plot of land free from all encumbrances, equipped with excellent infrastructure and industrial linkages, conveniently located within an hour’s distance from the airport and well-connected by train. Four potential sites have been identified, and the final selection process is underway.

In a letter to the Director of IIM Ahmedabad, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education confirmed, “The proposal for the establishment of a new IIM in the State of Assam is under examination. The State Government has agreed to provide the required land free of cost.”

This new IIM in Assam is poised to enhance the region’s educational fabric and bring it to the forefront of management education nationally and internationally.

MoE launched the ToFEI guide on World No Tobacco Day, 2024

Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions

On World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2024, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Socio-Economic and Educational Development Society (SEEDS), unveiled the Implementation Manual for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) in New Delhi. This year’s WNTD theme, “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,” aligns perfectly with the manual’s objectives.

The manual is designed to help schools comply with ToFEI guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, promoting a healthier, tobacco-free student environment. It empowers stakeholders to adopt and enforce these guidelines, safeguarding students from the dangers of tobacco.

Before the event, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of DoSEL, stressed the importance of educational institutions taking proactive measures to discourage tobacco use and protect children from addiction, transforming schools into tobacco-free zones.

During the unveiling, Shri Anandrao V. Patil, Additional Secretary, DoSEL, underscored the moral and health imperatives of protecting children from tobacco. He emphasised the need for a tobacco-free educational environment. He urged stakeholders to implement the ToFEI manual to reduce tobacco’s harmful impact on students, noting the high mortality rate linked to tobacco use.

Dr Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to combat tobacco use among students. She referred to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019, which revealed that 8.5% of students aged 13 to 15 consume tobacco.

Reaffirming their commitment, all dignitaries took an oath against tobacco use, aiming to create a healthier, tobacco-free future for the nation’s youth. Senior officials from the Ministry of Education, autonomous bodies, and States/UTs attended the event, along with Dr Rana J Singh and Shri Deepak Mishra of SEEDS.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri U.P. Singh, Director, DoSEL, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, partners, and participants for their support and contribution to the successful launch of the ToFEI Implementation Manual.

Scaler Invests ₹50 Crore In Its Business School To Build Future Leaders

Scaler School of Business

Scaler, a leading Indian education provider, is investing heavily in its new Scaler School of Business (SSB) with a ₹50 crore commitment. This funding aims to improve offline facilities, curriculum development, and industry partnerships and attract top-tier instructors.

Deloitte India’s recent study highlights the need for business schools to adapt. Traditional programs often need more practical skills training, leaving graduates unprepared for the modern business world.

Scaler School of Business tackles this challenge. Built by industry leaders for future leaders, it offers a unique program that blends theory with real-world application. Students benefit from industry-driven assessments, real-company case studies, practical internships, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies like AI.

This program goes beyond traditional MBAs. The Scaler Innovation Lab allows students to develop prototypes and showcase their entrepreneurial talents to leading investors.

“Future leaders need a strong foundation in business principles alongside deep tech knowledge,” says Scaler senior executive Bhavik Rathod. “Current MBA programs often lack industry relevance or real-world problem-solving, leaving graduates unprepared. Our program is designed to address this gap.”

The program caters to technical and non-technical roles and suits working professionals and recent graduates. The first cohort will begin in August 2024 with a selective intake of 75-100 students. Scaler’s extensive network of over 900 employer partners, including tech giants like Google and Microsoft, will be leveraged to help graduates secure strong careers.

Located in Bengaluru’s Electronic City, the SSB campus co-locates with the Scaler School of Technology, fostering collaboration between management and technology students and enriching their learning experience.

Internet Is Amazed As Assam Gets Its First AI Teacher

AI Teacher

Technology has surpassed its projected scope, from learning about Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learning from AI robots. Assam recently got its first AI tutor ‘Iris’, whose appearance might misguide you for once. Adorned in traditional saree and authentic jewellery, this humanoid robot does what a teacher must.

You may ask a question, which will respond with great description and conviction. The question can be about anything from anywhere and ‘Iris’ has the answer to all. Programmed with a voice-controlled assistant, ‘Iris’ can answer all the curiosities of a child’s brain. This robot is not just exciting the students but also taking the teachers on board.

This AI robot goes far beyond your vision of an AI teacher. This intelligent machine also engages students in a friendly learning pattern with its hand gestures like handshakes. This AI robot is the result of a collaborative effort of Makerslabs Edu-tech under the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) project initiated by NITI Ayog.

While this comes as a significant development for the North-Eastern state, India eyes further such developments for the backward regions of the nation where competent teachers and infrastructure are scarce.

Not just that, private schools look at the AI robot as a new attraction pointer to attract children and bring them closer to technology. This robot has endless capabilities which can be utilized in multiple ways.

IIT Madras and Sambalpur University Partner to Advance AI Research

Advance AI Research

Breaking new ground in research and academics, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Sambalpur University, Odisha, have announced a powerful partnership. This collaboration focuses on key areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber security, chip design, and green technology.

The MoU, signed on May 4th, 2024, brings together the expertise of both institutions. This will foster:

  • Joint Research: Faculty will collaborate on groundbreaking research in areas of mutual interest.
  • Student and Faculty Exchange: Exchange programs will allow students and faculty to gain valuable experiences at each institution.
  • Curriculum Development: Collaboration on curriculum development will ensure students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
  • Skill Development Programs: Joint programs will focus on developing in-demand skills for the future workforce.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Collaborative seminars, workshops, and academic meetings will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

This partnership signifies a major step towards the “Viksit Bharat” vision, promoting collaboration between higher education institutions for national advancement.

Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the importance of such collaborations, while Prof. Basant Kumar Mohanty, Director of SUIIT, Sambalpur University, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities this partnership presents.

This initiative holds immense potential to propel India’s technological leadership in critical fields.

Affordable AI for Academic Excellence, Discover ChatGPT Edu for Universities

OpenAI

AI is transforming education and research, and ChatGPT Edu from OpenAI is a game-changer for universities. Building on their successful enterprise version, OpenAI designed this specifically for universities to responsibly use AI across campus activities.

Why ChatGPT Edu?

Inspired by universities like Oxford, Wharton, and Columbia who saw amazing results with ChatGPT Enterprise, OpenAI created this specialized version. These universities boosted student engagement and improved efficiency by integrating AI into their systems.

What Can ChatGPT Edu Do?

It’s more than just a tool; it’s a powerful AI solution powered by GPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest language model. Here’s what it offers:

  • Smarter AI: ChatGPT Edu excels at understanding text, coding, and math, making it a valuable resource for many academic and research needs.
  • Advanced Features: Data analysis, web browsing, and document summarization tools are included, allowing for a more integrated approach to research and information management.
  • Customization and Teamwork: Universities can build and manage custom AI models tailored to their specific needs, fostering collaboration among students, faculty, and researchers.
  • Security and Accessibility: Enterprise-level security, strong data privacy, and comprehensive administrative controls ensure a safe and secure learning environment.

Real-World Examples of Success

  • Columbia University: Professor El-Bassel uses AI to develop community strategies for reducing overdose deaths. The AI analyzes vast datasets in seconds, saving weeks of research.
  • Wharton School: Professor Mollick uses ChatGPT in his classes for AI-powered discussions, allowing students to engage deeply with the material and develop critical thinking skills.
  • Arizona State University: Professor Reves is creating a “Language Buddies GPT” to help students learn German through personalized conversations and feedback, showcasing the potential of AI in language learning.

The Future of AI in Education

As universities prepare for the new academic year, ChatGPT Edu is ready to help them take AI integration to the next level. Its advanced features and customizable options promise to revolutionize how educational content is delivered, experienced, and managed.

Arizona State University is excited about the possibilities: “Integrating OpenAI‘s technology accelerates our transformation. We’re collaborating to use these tools as a model for other universities,” says an ASU spokesperson.

ChatGPT Edu is a turning point for universities. It allows them to leverage AI to enhance learning and improve campus operations. With its robust features and secure environment, it’s a valuable asset for universities aiming to incorporate cutting-edge technology into their curriculums and daily activities. This initiative not only prepares students for an AI-driven future but also sets a new standard for educational innovation worldwide.

IIM Bangalore Offers New Online Bachelor’s Program In Digital Entrepreneurship

IIM Bangalore

IIM Bangalore has announced the launch of an undergraduate programme in ‘Digital Business and Entrepreneurship’, delivered online through its digital learning initiative, IIMBx.

According to a press release from IIM Bangalore, applications for the programme will open on June 15, 2024, with classes scheduled to begin in September 2024. The course will be directed by Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, a senior faculty member in the Entrepreneurship area at IIMB. This three-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme will offer students internship opportunities and practical projects.

The BBA programme is designed to integrate digital technology with business management principles and an entrepreneurial mindset, providing a comprehensive foundation for students aiming to thrive in the competitive business environment. IIM Bangalore emphasized that this programme aligns with the education policy, featuring a flexible exit option. The courses will be delivered online and asynchronously, with recorded content to accommodate students from various streams. Admission to the programme will require an entrance test.

Also Read:- Futuristic approach towards design education and student innovations in 2024

“We have structured the programme to be as engaging and interactive as possible. It is designed to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds while ensuring flexibility and quality education,” said Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore.

Cambridge Education Lab Plans To Serve Tier 2 And Tier 3 Cities In India

Cambridge Education Lab

To bring the prestigious Cambridge University education to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, Cambridge Education Lab (CEL), a U.K.-based education services company, has begun partnering with various schools nationwide.

CEL has introduced an aptitude test specifically designed for Indian students in grades 9 to 12, focusing on those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. According to CEL, top achievers in this test will receive full funding for a one-week exploration trip to Cambridge to provide these students with invaluable international exposure.

In addition to this initiative, CEL has announced upcoming educational tours to Finland and Japan. They have also launched an affordable teacher training programme curated by Dr. Sue Brindley, a senior professor at Cambridge University.

Furthermore, CEL has successfully conducted educational tours to three countries and completed two additional tours, including one to Cambridge University and another to Finland in 2023. Founded by Suyash Bhatt, an alumnus and current Fellow at the University of Cambridge, CEL is dedicated to expanding global educational opportunities for Indian students.

Also Read:- Internshala & AICTE Join Forces To Provide Internships & Enhance Student Skills

Since its inception, CEL’s programmes have directly impacted over 60 schools and more than 100,000 students across various states in India.

NAAC Revamps College Accreditation System With Binary Model, Aiming For 90% Coverage In 5 Years

National Assessment and Accreditation Council

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) will introduce a new ‘binary accreditation’ system in June, replacing the current multiple-grading assessment for colleges and universities in India, as reported by News18. This major reform focuses on evaluating institutions based on processes, outcomes, and impacts rather than merely on inputs received.

Anil Sahasrabudhe, chairperson of the NAAC Executive Committee, announced that the binary accreditation system would be implemented before the end of June, with nine committees working on its rollout. All new accreditation applications will subsequently be assessed using this new system.

The binary accreditation system will assign institutions an “accredited” or “not accredited” status, encouraging broader participation in the accreditation process and fostering a culture of quality in higher education. This represents a shift from the current input-focused grading system to an outcome-based approach.

Read More:- NAAC accreditation now in binary terms

These reforms are outlined in the report “Reforms for Strengthening Assessment and Accreditation in Higher Education Institutions,” released by the Ministry of Education on January 28. The changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for a transparent ranking and accreditation system for higher education institutions.

The report, prepared by a panel led by K Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO, was submitted in November 2022. The NAAC’s executive committee decided in January to implement the reforms in two stages: the binary system within the next four months and a maturity-based grading system (multi-level) from December 2024.

Officials stated that implementing binary accreditation is a priority for the council within the first 100 days of the new government and aims to cover at least 90% of institutions within the next five years.

Currently, NAAC accreditation is not mandatory, with only about 30% of India’s 1,200 universities and 15% of over 50,000 colleges seeking accreditation. The goal is to increase this to 90% to ensure high-quality education across these institutions.

After the new system is established, NAAC committees will focus on defining multi-level grading parameters to be introduced by December. The maturity-based grading will involve multiple quality levels, from level 1 to level 5, encouraging institutions to continually improve and evolve, eventually reaching levels of global excellence.

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