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IIM Ahmedabad and FPSB India Join Forces for Capacity Building in Financial Planning

The Indian Institute of Management (IIMA), Ahmedabad, and FPSB India, the global standards-setting body for the financial planning profession and owner of the international CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification program, has announced a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a series of capacity-building initiatives for professionals in financial planning and investment advisory services.

This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the financial planning sector. Under the MoU, IIMA and FPSB India will jointly conduct training programs, applied research, and focused workshops on contemporary themes. These initiatives are designed to equip working professionals and students with the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in financial planning.

Krishan Mishra, CEO of FPSB India, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration with IIMA underscores our shared commitment to excellence in management education and our dedication to nurturing the next generation of professional financial planners equipped with a globally recognized CFP certification. With this association, we aim to fill the gap that exists in the industry for a skilled workforce in the financial planning sector.”

Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIMA, emphasized the institution’s dedication to academic excellence and collaboration, stating, “At IIMA, we believe in providing our students with holistic education and professional know-how that not only enriches their knowledge base but also empowers them with practical skills relevant to today’s dynamic and evolving financial landscape. This partnership with FPSB India is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in financial planning education.”

FPSB India, home to 2731 CFP® professionals in India and part of a global network representing more than 223,770 CFP professionals worldwide, aims to leverage this collaboration to set new benchmarks in financial education and certification. As part of the initiatives, IIMA and FPSB India will organize a workshop on asset allocation and factor models for certified financial planners at the IIMA campus in December 2024. This workshop will focus on the discussion of factor models and smart beta investing based on experience in the Indian market.

The collaboration between FPSB India and IIMA is poised to enhance the financial planning education and certification process in India, empowering individuals to pursue rewarding careers as Certified Financial Planners while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

Centre and UGC Unveil ‘ASMITA’ to Create 22,000 Books in Indian Languages

In a significant stride towards enhancing educational resources in Indian languages, the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have unveiled the ‘ASMITA’ project. This ambitious initiative, which stands for Augmenting Study Materials in Indian Languages through Translation and Academic Writing, aims to develop 22,000 books over the next five years. The project was announced at a launch event attended by Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of Higher Education, who underscored its potential to transform the educational landscape in India.

Key Objectives of ASMITA

ASMITA is a collaborative effort between the UGC and the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a high-powered committee established by the Ministry of Education. The primary objective is to promote and integrate Indian languages more deeply into the education system, thereby enriching the learning experience and making it more inclusive. This project is part of a broader strategy to enhance the accessibility and quality of educational materials across various Indian languages, ensuring that students have access to high-quality study materials in their native languages.

Education Minister’s Perspective

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the significance of ASMITA on social media. “Launch of three landmark initiatives — ASMITA, Bahubhasha Shabdkosh, and Real-time Translation Architecture, will give momentum to imparting learning in Bharatiya Bhashas, empowering learners in their academic pursuits and preserving and promoting India’s language traditions,” he wrote on X. He added that these initiatives, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), would help create a comprehensive pool of academic resources in 22 scheduled languages, bridge the linguistic divide, foster social cohesion and unity, and transform the country’s youth into socially responsible global citizens.

UGC Chairman’s Insights

UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the project’s goal of creating a robust ecosystem for translation and original book writing in Indian languages across various disciplines within higher education. “The goal is to produce 1,000 books in 22 languages within five years, resulting in 22,000 books in Bharatiya bhasha,” Kumar said, as per news agency PTI. Thirteen nodal universities have been identified to lead the project, along with member universities from various regions.

Kumar also detailed the standard operating procedure (SOP) developed by the UGC for the book-writing process in each assigned language. “The SOP includes the identification of nodal officers, authors, allocation of title, subject and programme, writing and editing, submission of the manuscript, review and plagiarism check, finalisation, designing, proofreading and e-publication,” he explained.

Launch of ‘Bahubhasha Shabdakosh’

In addition to ASMITA, the Ministry of Education also launched the ‘Bahubhasha Shabdakosh’, a comprehensive dictionary of words in all Indian languages and their meanings. This initiative, developed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in collaboration with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, aims to facilitate the use of Bharatiya words, phrases, and sentences in various modern domains such as IT, industry, research, and education. The UGC stated, “This Shabdakosh will help in using Bharatiya words, phrases and sentences for various new-age domains like IT, industry, research, and education.”

The ASMITA project and associated initiatives mark a significant milestone in promoting linguistic diversity and inclusivity in Indian education, fostering a more comprehensive and accessible learning environment for students across the country.

Impact of Oracle Academy in Higher Education

oracle academy

Globally, Oracle Academy values educators as collaborators who are empowered to lead innovative student learning anytime, anywhere. We offer educators the technology education resources they need to help students learn, build, explore, develop, innovate, lead, and become career-ready across industries with relevant technology knowledge and hands-on skills, says Damian Haas, Senior Director, Oracle Academy, Asia Pacific & Japan.

Oracle Academy, Oracle’s global philanthropic educational program, is open to educators worldwide to advance technology education, skills, innovation, diversity and inclusion. We offer academic institutions and their educators free teaching and learning resources―including curriculum, cloud software, and professional development―that help them prepare students with knowledge, hands-on practice, and career-relevant skills.

About Damian:

  • Damian has over 18 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development in the IT industry across Australia/New Zealand and globally. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies and SMEs, specialising in market and business development.
  • Before entering the private sector, Damian served 20 years as an officer in the Australian Army, including a secondment to the PNG Department of Works and a posting to the MFO Peacekeeping mission in Sinai, Egypt. 
  • As the Regional Director of Oracle Academy, JAPAC, he oversees regional outreach, marketing, and member services. He leads the Oracle Academy team across JAPAC and collaborates with senior management and external stakeholders to achieve results.

What key elements does Oracle Academy offer tech education in today’s colleges?

Oracle Academy offers educators free technology resources for teaching and learning. This includes curriculum, learning resources, Oracle Cloud, Oracle APEX, Oracle NetSuite, Oracle Primavera, and a wide range of software, support, professional development, and other resources. Oracle’s leadership in emerging technologies and cloud development spurs Oracle Academy’s innovation-focused curriculum, resources, technology, and events.

For educational institutions with often limited funds, the fact that these high-quality, top-notch educational resources are free means that every institution and student will be included.

What benefits can colleges, faculty members, and students derive from Oracle Academy?

Oracle Academy requires Institutional membership for academic institutions and their educators who wish to access our free teaching and learning resources. This provides access to all resources, member recognition and discounts. View the latest membership benefits.

Members access all resources through the Oracle Academy Member Hub, an intuitive, state-of-the-art learning management system. Members simply log in on the home page of academy.oracle.com.

To engage students, educators need a robust academic curriculum that sparks curiosity and imagination while teaching critical knowledge and skills. Oracle Academy’s free modular curriculum, designed by professional educators for educators, has computing pathways spanning from one semester to three years.

How is Oracle Academy equipped to upskill the future generation in the rapidly evolving technology landscape?

Oracle Academy works with public and private collaborators to provide the tools and training educators need to engage, inspire, and prepare students for fulfilling careers. Learners cannot join Oracle Academy as members; those whose institutions are members have access to a wealth of resources, including curriculum, learning resources, a Career Center for further self-study, and cloud access for higher education students.

In addition to curriculum and software, we offer Oracle Academy Education Bytes, short, flexible learning modules that teach new concepts and enhance existing knowledge and skills, problem-solving, creativity, and learning retention. Education Bytes provide self-directed, diverse learning experiences at all skill levels in programming, database, data science, big data, Java, SQL, PL/SQL, Map/Reduce, R, Hadoop, Analytics, Cloud Services, Web Services, Machine Learning, Digital Assistant, AI, and more.

All Education Bytes include a content synopsis, recommended prerequisite knowledge and skills, level of difficulty, target age group, and required software or equipment. They include hands-on labs, projects and challenges, and videos and presentations.

What message would you like to convey to our readers, including academicians, colleges, faculty, and students?

Oracle Academy values educators as collaborators who are empowered to lead innovative student learning anytime, anywhere. We offer educators the technology education resources to help students learn, build, explore, develop, innovate, and lead. 

We also help educators keep abreast of ever-evolving technologies with the necessary resources to hone core knowledge and skills aligned with industry standards. Oracle Academy offers virtually integrated education and events to help them earn continuing professional development (CPD) education credits. 

Oracle Academy looks forward to continuing to delight our members in more than 135 countries globally with the technology education resources educators need to help students learn, innovate, and become career-ready.

Revolutionizing Tech Education: Kuhoo Edufintech and WOJ Education Join Forces

Kuhoo Edufintech and WOJ Education have announced a groundbreaking partnership to reshape tech education and empower students with unparalleled opportunities in India. This strategic alliance seeks to provide greater opportunities to students from all backgrounds, with a shared commitment to social impact and equitable access to education.

The partnership between Kuhoo Edufintech and WOJ Education is fueled by a mutual dedication to creating social impact by providing greater opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. The initiative aims to enable access to quality education and career opportunities, positively impacting the lives of numerous students who wish to enhance their education and skills but are still being determined by financial constraints.

As part of the collaboration, students will gain access to WOJ’s globally recognized speciality programs in Full Cycle Software Engineering, Full Stack Development, and AI Machine Learning. Kuhoo Edufintech will serve as the official lending partner, facilitating financial access for students pursuing these cutting-edge programs.

Prashant A. Bhonsle, Founder of Kuhoo Edufintech, commented on the development, stating, “Our collaboration with WOJ Education marks a significant milestone in our mission to make quality education accessible to all talented Indian students. By combining our innovative financing solutions with WOJ’s cutting-edge educational programs, we’re not just funding education; we’re investing in the future of India’s tech workforce. This partnership embodies our commitment to empowering middle-class families and ensuring that financial constraints never hinder a student’s potential.”

WOJ Education, led by Esther Wojcicki, the “Godmother of Silicon Valley,” revolutionizes education with decades of innovative methods. Her T.R.I.C.K. method—Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness—has transformed learning for thousands of students, fostering collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking.

Reflecting on the impact of the partnership, Esther Wojcicki, founder of WOJ Education, said, “My T.R.I.C.K method has yielded radical results for decades in Silicon Valley, and I am thrilled to launch WOJ Education Programs in India. Students in India have incredible potential, and believing in themselves is the first step. I founded WOJ Education to develop this potential, as many young people lack access to opportunities that build leaders and teach essential skills for today’s tech environment. Our cutting-edge computer science programs, implemented with my T.R.I.C.K method, will pave the way for success in tech and entrepreneurship for WOJ graduates. Our strong partnership with Kuhoo ensures no financial barriers for students and reinforces our shared commitment to scalable social impact.”

 

Union Home Minister Launches Rs 486 Crore College Initiative in Madhya Pradesh

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Colleges of Excellence, a significant educational initiative built at a cost of Rs 486 crore, covering all 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh. The inauguration took place in Indore, with notable dignitaries, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister Smt. Savitri Thakur, in attendance.

Addressing the inaugural event, Shri Amit Shah emphasized the crucial role of education in building a developed India by 2047. He highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s foresight in introducing the New Education Policy (NEP) in 2020, designed to cater to the nation’s educational needs for the next 25 years. The NEP aims to create a globally competitive educational environment while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and languages.

Shri Shah outlined the NEP’s emphasis on holistic development over mere degree acquisition. The policy integrates the ‘syllabus of academics’ with the ‘syllabus of life,’ encouraging students to think ‘out of the box’ and move away from traditional rote learning. Recognizing the digital age, the NEP includes provisions for practical, skill development, and vocational training, preparing students for careers in the Internet, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Analytics.

Congratulating the Madhya Pradesh government, Shri Shah lauded the state for being the first to implement the NEP and for translating engineering and medical science curricula into the mother tongue. This initiative has made higher education accessible to many students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The newly inaugurated Pradhan Mantri Colleges of Excellence offer students the flexibility to study multiple disciplines according to their interests, including Biotechnology, Computer Science, Culture, and Arts. Students can simultaneously pursue diplomas in diverse subjects, allowing a commerce student with an interest in technology to also study related courses.

Courses like B. Ed and B. Sc Agriculture have been introduced, linking youth with agriculture and self-employment opportunities. Collaborative efforts with institutions like IIT Delhi have connected various diploma and certificate courses, further enhancing the educational ecosystem. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy’s book centres have been established in all 55 colleges.

Shri Amit Shah urged the youth to set clear goals and work diligently to achieve them, stressing that time wasted without a purpose is lost forever. He encouraged students to embrace hard work, which is essential for laying the foundation of success. Highlighting the NEP’s focus on innovation over memorization, he called on the youth to aim for comprehensive personal and academic growth.

Indore, already recognized for its achievements in various sectors, is now poised to become an education hub. Shri Shah acknowledged the city’s advancements in pharma, automobile, textile, and food processing industries, with education joining the ranks as a new frontier of excellence.

The inauguration of the Pradhan Mantri Colleges of Excellence marks a significant milestone in India’s educational journey. With the NEP at its core, these institutions aim to nurture a generation ready to lead India to global prominence by 2047. As Shri Amit Shah concluded, today’s youth are the torchbearers of tomorrow, and their education is the foundation of a developed and prosperous India.

Kerala’s Visionary AI Program to Train 80,000 Teachers

The Kerala government is making history with an ambitious initiative to train 80,000 secondary school teachers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by August 2024, marking a first-of-its-kind effort in India. Under the guidance of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), this groundbreaking program aims to revolutionise education across classes 8 to 12.

Transforming Education with AI

The comprehensive training program covers various aspects of AI to enhance the teaching experience. Teachers will learn:

  • Summarisation Techniques: Simplifying complex documents to make information more accessible to students.
  • Image Generation: Creating and editing subject-specific visuals to aid learning.
  • Prompt Engineering and Machine Learning: Utilizing AI tools effectively in the classroom.
  • Data Visualization: Enhancing presentations with animations, tables, graphs, and charts.
  • AI in Assessments: Designing diverse question formats to improve student evaluations.

Responsible AI Usage

A critical component of the training is responsible AI usage. Teachers will gain insights into:

  • Privacy Concerns: Understanding and addressing data privacy issues.
  • Algorithm Bias: Recognizing and mitigating biases in AI algorithms.
  • Practical Exercises: Engaging in hands-on activities such as creating avatars and exploring deepfakes.

Preparing for the Future

With 180 Master Trainers already prepared, this initiative is set to transform Kerala’s educational landscape. By equipping teachers with the necessary AI expertise, Kerala is paving the way for a future-ready educational system.

This pioneering effort marks a significant stride towards integrating advanced technology into education, ensuring our teachers are well-prepared for the future. Let’s celebrate this milestone and look forward to a brighter, AI-empowered educational system in Kerala.

Empowering Futures: Assam Grants Free Higher Education to 95,000 Students

In a significant move to promote inclusivity and access to higher education, nearly 95,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds have been granted free admission to colleges and universities across Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this on Wednesday, highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting education for students from Class 11 through to post-graduation.

As part of the ‘Pragyan Bharati Scheme,’ Sarma distributed Rs 68.44 crore among 349 colleges and universities to cover the costs of higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and commerce streams. At an official function, he emphasized the importance of this initiative in empowering students from economically disadvantaged families.

“Today, nearly one lakh students have secured a pathway to free education. This scheme aims to foster higher education and promote inclusivity by empowering students from the underprivileged sections,” Sarma stated.

For the 2024-25 academic year, 94,838 students from poor and middle-class families have already benefited from the first phase of this scheme. The initial Rs 68.44 crore disbursement will be followed by subsequent payments in the coming months after document verification.

“The next round of spot admission and 3rd and 5th-semester fee waivers for CUET and non-CUET candidates will be disbursed in September,” Sarma added.

Education Minister Ranoj Pegu also noted changes to the scheme’s eligibility criteria. Previously, students with a parental annual income of up to Rs 2 lakh were eligible for free admission. This limit has been raised to Rs 4 lakh, making more students eligible for the scheme. Additionally, colleges now accept ration cards as proof of family income instead of income certificates.

Since its inception, the Pragyan Bharati Scheme has benefitted a total of 22,30,257 students, with a cumulative disbursement of Rs 826.36 crore up to the last academic year, officials reported. This initiative underscores Assam’s dedication to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder students’ educational aspirations.

 

NCVET and Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. Sign Agreement for Awarding Body Recognition

In a significant development for vocational education and training in India, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) signed an agreement with Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. on July 5, 2024. This agreement grants NCVET recognition to Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. as an Awarding Body (AB – Standard).

This recognition enables Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. to award and certify learners who receive training directly from the company in its owned or fully managed campuses and training centres. The certifications will pertain to qualifications that are either approved or adopted by Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd., ensuring a high standard of vocational training and certification.

The collaboration marks a significant step forward in the efforts to enhance vocational education in India, leveraging Microsoft’s expertise and resources to provide top-notch training and certification to learners. This partnership is expected to benefit a large number of students by equipping them with industry-relevant skills and recognized qualifications, thereby boosting their employability and career prospects.

The recognition by NCVET underscores the importance of private sector involvement in vocational training and highlights Microsoft’s commitment to contributing to the educational ecosystem in India. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of improving the quality of vocational education and training in the country, ultimately contributing to the development of a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the modern economy.

UP Implements App-Based Attendance in Primary Schools

In a significant move towards digitisation, primary schools across Uttar Pradesh have begun implementing digital attendance systems starting today. This new initiative mandates that teachers in all primary schools register their attendance twice daily—once in the morning and again in the evening—using a dedicated application.

The transition to digital attendance aims to streamline the attendance process, ensure accuracy, and enhance accountability among educators. By leveraging technology, the state government seeks to improve administrative efficiency and monitor teacher presence more effectively, ensuring that students receive consistent and quality education.

Enhanced Monitoring and Accountability

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to modernise the education system and integrate digital solutions into daily operations. The application-based attendance system is expected to reduce discrepancies and provide real-time data on teacher attendance, which educational authorities can monitor.

A senior official from the Uttar Pradesh Education Department stated, “The implementation of digital attendance is a step towards enhancing the transparency and efficiency of our education system. It ensures that teachers are present in the classrooms, which directly impacts the learning outcomes of our students.”

Benefits for the Education System

The digital attendance system is designed to be user-friendly, allowing teachers to mark their attendance using their smartphones or tablets. The app records the time and location of the check-in and check-out, providing precise data to the education department. This system is also expected to facilitate the timely disbursement of salaries and other benefits linked to attendance.

Teachers have expressed mixed reactions to the new system. While some appreciate the move towards modernization, others have raised concerns about the potential technical challenges and the need for adequate training to ensure smooth implementation.

Also read: Prayagraj Making 48 Public Primary Schools “SMART”

Future Prospects

The introduction of digital attendance in primary schools is seen as a pilot project that, if successful, could be extended to secondary schools and other educational institutions across the state. The government is committed to addressing any challenges that arise during the initial phase and is working on providing necessary support and training to the teachers.

As Uttar Pradesh takes this leap into digital education management, the success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states in India, highlighting the potential of technology in transforming the education sector.

 

Thapar Institute and NVIDIA Collaborate to Establish AI and Data Science School

Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with American chipmaker NVIDIA to establish the Thapar School of Advanced AI & Data Science (TSAAI). The memorandum of understanding was signed by R R Vederah, Chairman of the Board of Governors at Thapar University, and Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director – Asia South at NVIDIA.

The TSAAI will be located on the TIET campus in Patiala, Punjab. “We are excited about the opportunity to establish this AI school, in technical collaboration with NVIDIA. This work will not only bridge the gap in AI (artificial intelligence) expertise but also pave the way for cutting-edge research and innovation in this transformative field. This also establishes our vision of providing education that creates future-ready students,” stated Padmakumar Nair, Director of Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology.

As part of this collaboration, TIET will set up a dedicated data centre leveraging NVIDIA DGX systems. According to a statement from TIET, the infrastructure will be ready by the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, supporting a full undergraduate AI degree program, AI mandatory/elective courses across all disciplines, technical training for faculty and staff, research collaborations, and the establishment of an AI startup ecosystem powered by NVIDIA edge computing. The institute aims to ensure that within 2-4 years, any graduating student will be ‘AI literate’ by implementing necessary curriculum changes and additional requirements.

Read more: NVIDIA joins hands with IIT-G, IIT-R.

In addition, NVIDIA plans to extend the benefits of its inception program, which is designed to support startups, to qualifying TIET-incubated AI startups. This collaboration is set to position TIET at the forefront of AI education and innovation, fostering a new generation of AI experts and entrepreneurs.

This partnership marks a significant step in the advancement of AI education in India, promising to deliver future-ready students equipped with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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