PM Modi to engage with participants of Smart India Hackathon 2023

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December 19, 2023

The grand finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) is scheduled from 19 December to 23 December 2023. This year’s edition witnessed the submission of 50,000+ ideas from 44,000 teams which is a multifold increase from its previous edition.

Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of youth-driven development, SIH is a nationwide initiative by the Ministry’s Innovation Cell. It provides students a chance to demonstrate their abilities and creative problem-solving techniques while tackling urgent issues that the government, departments, ministries, businesses, and other organizations are facing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to engage with participants during the Grand Finale on the first day at 9:30 pm through video conferencing. The Prime Minister will also address the participants on this important occasion.

The national grand finale, involving more than 12,000 participants and 2,500 mentors, will take place at 48 nodal centers. A total of 1282 teams have been selected to present solutions this year on a range of themes, including heritage and culture, robotics and drones, smart education, space technology, and disaster management.

The 231 problem statements (176 software and 55 hardware) submitted by 51 departments of 25 Union Ministers and State governments will be addressed by the participating teams, along with their solutions. The Smart India Hackathon 2023 has over Rs 2 crore in total prize money, with a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh per problem statement going to the winning team.

Balancing Theory and Practice in Architectural Education

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December 18, 2023

Technology is pivotal in architectural education, enhancing learning and preparing students for modern design and construction. It enables advanced 3D modelling, global collaboration, and sustainability integration. Additionally, it empowers students to develop sustainable design practices through digital tools and provides the ability to make data-driven design decisions, shared Dr. Anand Achari, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Architecture with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

How do you envision the future of architectural education, and what steps is your institution taking to adapt to these changes?

We anticipate a shift towards interdisciplinary education, promoting collaboration with fields like engineering, environmental science, and urban planning to comprehensively address future built environment challenges. This approach nurtures a holistic understanding of architecture. We also foresee a stronger focus on sustainable and technologically advanced design, aligning with industry’s environmental commitment and innovation.

VESCOA ((Vivekanand Education College of Architecture) proactively adapts by integrating multidisciplinary coursework, fostering departmental collaborations, and investing in cutting-edge technology. Our emphasis on real-world projects and emerging design methods equips students to be versatile, forward-thinking architects capable of creatively addressing evolving built environment challenges while prioritizing sustainability.

Can you provide an example and elaborate a successful student project you’ve led in your college and how it has helped the students.

One of the design studios was focused on proposing Net zero energy, Net zero water, and Net zero carbon emission building to mitigate the impact of climate change. The students were trained to develop an evidence-based solution that is also financially viable. They implemented various active and passive cooling systems, structural systems, drainage and plumbing systems, fire safety, lighting and acoustics etc to achieve the best practices in the industry. The technology and digital tools played a vital role in this project.

The students could develop 3D BIM models to visualise their design, and to prepare bills of quantities automatically. They also evaluated their and validated their concepts through advanced building energy simulation, Natural ventilation CFD simulation & Daylight Simulation using software tools such as Design Builder and Ladybug tools. The students also illustrated and presented their proposal using various 3D walkthrough rendering, and audio-visual animations. The students gained exposure to the latest tools and technologies available in the market, and feel confident to serve society as professionals in the near future.

What role does technology play in architectural education, and how is your institution keeping pace with technological advancements?

Technology is pivotal in architectural education, enhancing learning and preparing students for modern design and construction. It enables advanced 3D modelling, global collaboration, and sustainability integration. Additionally, it empowers students to develop sustainable design practices through digital tools and provides the ability to make data-driven design decisions. By integrating technology, architectural education keeps students aligned with industry advancements and equips them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.

VESCOA (Vivekanand Education College of Architecture) leads in tech adoption, updating curricula with cutting-edge software, supporting faculty training, and fostering industry partnerships. The institution maintains a top-notch infrastructure and encourages student research into emerging technologies. This commitment ensures VESCOA’s graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a dynamic architectural landscape.

How do you plan to engage with students and create a student-centered learning environment that supports their academic and personal growth?

At VESCOA, our commitment to a student-centered learning environment is paramount. We plan to engage with students through various strategies. Our approach includes maintaining small class sizes and accessible faculty to encourage personalized interactions, enabling students to seek guidance and build strong mentor-student relationships. We aim to create a dynamic curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences, internships, and practical projects, enhancing problem-solving skills and industry readiness. We also prioritize mental health and well-being, fostering a supportive ecosystem for personal development. Additionally, we encourage engagement in research, competitions, and community service, promoting a sense of responsibility and social consciousness. VESCOA strives to create a nurturing and student-centric environment that empowers students to excel academically and develop as well-rounded individuals.

Architecture is a field that requires hands-on learning. How would you balance theoretical knowledge with practical experience in the curriculum?

Balancing theoretical knowledge with practical experience is pivotal in architectural education. At VESCOA, we’ve crafted a curriculum that seamlessly integrates theory and practice. While theoretical knowledge forms a strong foundation in architectural principles, history, and contemporary trends, we emphasize design theory, environmental sustainability, and structural engineering. However, we equally prioritize hands-on learning.

Our curriculum includes integrated design studios, site visits, and internships with renowned architectural firms, bridging the gap between theory and practice. These experiences empower our students to apply their knowledge to real-world projects, fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity – essential skills for future architects.

How do you envision staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field of architecture and incorporating them into the curriculum?

Our commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends and advancements in architecture is a dynamic process at VESCOA. We foster strong industry connections, collaborating with professionals and organizations to gain real-time insights. Our faculty actively participates in conferences, workshops, and research, ensuring their knowledge remains current and relevant. We encourage student involvement in competitions and industry events to expose them to emerging ideas.

Additionally, partnerships with leading architectural institutions and organizations provide our students with access to the most recent resources and tools. By maintaining this robust feedback loop with professionals, prioritizing faculty development, and engaging with the industry and academic communities, ensures our curriculum is continuously informed and aligned with the latest trends and advancements in the architectural field, preparing our students for a competitive and ever-evolving profession.

UGC advises against enrolling in EdTech-facilitated foreign university collaborative online courses

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December 18, 2023

University Grant Commission has issued a warning for edtech companies and higher education institutions (HEIs) offering degrees in collaboration with foreign universities that are not recognised by it. UGC also announced that these will not be considered valid and advised students not to enroll for these courses.

Manish Joshi, Secretary, UGC commented that “It has been observed that many Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and colleges have entered into collaborative agreements with foreign-based educational institutions or providers not recognised by the commission and have been facilitating the issuance of foreign degrees to the students.”

“Any such kind of collaboration or arrangement is not recognised by the UGC and, accordingly, the degrees issued subsequent to such collaboration arrangement are also not recognised by the commission,” he added further.

According to Joshi, the UGC has also learned that certain edtech businesses are advertising in print media, social media, and television, promoting online degree and certificate programs in collaboration with a few overseas colleges and universities.

Such a franchisee arrangement is not acceptable, and the UGC will not recognize any program or degree of that kind. In accordance with applicable regulations, action will also be taken against all of the defaulting HEIs and edtech companies, Joshi continued.

“Students and the general public are advised to exercise due caution and any enrolment in such courses will be at their own risk,” Joshi stated.

UGC announces two key regulations for foreign HEIs

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December 16, 2023

University Grant Commission (UGC) has announced two key regulations for foreign higher education institutes (HEIs) in India. UGC has exercised its power under the UGC Act 1956 (as amended) and made the announcement of development for foreign HEIs.

These two key regulations are:

1. University Grants Commission (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Education Institutions — will offer Twinning Programme, Joint Degree, and Dual Degree Programmes) Regulations, 2022.
2. University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.

The regulations stipulate that approval from the Commission is a prerequisite for any Foreign Higher Educational Institution seeking to offer a program in India. Additionally, the regulations explicitly prohibit Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) from providing programs through franchise arrangements, and programs operating under such arrangements will not receive recognition from the UGC.

The notice stated that “The University Grants Commission has observed and has been informed that many HEls/colleges have entered into collaborative agreements/arrangements with foreign-based educational institutions/providers not recognised by the Commission and have been facilitating the issuance of degrees to the students enrolled in those institutions/colleges from such foreign-based educational institutions/educational providers.”

It further added, “Any such kind of collaboration/ arrangement is not recognised by the University Grants Commission, and accordingly, the degrees issued subsequent to such collaboration/ arrangement are also not recognised by the Commission.”

“It has also come to the notice of UGC that some EdTech companies are giving advertisements in newspapers/social media/television etc. offering degree and diploma programmes in online modes in association with some foreign universities/institutions. Such a franchisee arrangement is not permissible and any such programme/degree shall not have UGC recognition,” the UGC informed clearly.

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development KSA collaborates with NSDC to enhance skill development

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December 15, 2023

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development – KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) signed a conference with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship India to significantly increase cooperation in skill development.

This strategic partnership aims to enhance the importance of international cooperation in skills, professional standards and sectoral councils. The conference was signed in the presence of Dr. Ahmed Alzahrani, Deputy Minister of Skill & Training, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development – KSA.

The National Skill Development Corporation India (NSDC) was set up as a one of its kind, Public Private Partnership Company with the primary mandate of catalysing the skills landscape in India. NSDC is a unique model and by far has trained more than 5.2 million students. Additionally, 235 private sector partnerships for training and capacity building were established, each to train at least 50,000 persons over 10 years.

Earlier, NSDC solidified its partnership with DP World with the broader aim of skill development and strengthening the India-UAE relationship. Also, DP World has established a robust partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation, resulting in the upgrade of the Skill India International Centre in Varanasi last year.

Vedantu announces expansion with 30+ offline centres across India

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December 14, 2023

Vedantu has announced its expansion with a plan to open 30+ offline centres for JEE, and NEET in multiple cities across the country, according to the official release from the company.

The company states that these offline centers will be located in Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy, Puducherry, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Delhi, Patiala, Pune, Nagpur, and Muzaffarpur. These new facilities hope to provide students with a nurturing learning environment that will enhance their overall educational experience by utilizing state-of-the-art infrastructure and professional guidance.

Vamsi Krishna, Founder, CEO, Vedantu expressed his thoughts and said “At Vedantu, we recognize that we’re not just coaching students for exams; we’re preparing them for life, and throughout this journey, we promise to stand by their side, offering unwavering support and care and inspiring them to unlock their true potential. Vedantu expanding its services to Oﬄine centres across India was the obvious next step in our journey to make quality education accessible for all. Vedantu plans on expanding even more in the future and supporting students from the remotest parts of our nation.”

The company promises that all of its offline locations will have high-tech classroom amenities to offer a dynamic learning environment and guarantee student participation. Students are able to freely explore, ask questions, and learn around the clock in this welcoming environment. It is a complete learning toolkit that includes a Doubt App that allows questions to be answered in real-time, one-on-one sessions, and a Pedagogy app that provides access to a huge book library, a ton of practice questions, personalized flashcards, and adaptive practice that guarantees individualized growth.

AICTE, NSDC collaborates with Bajaj Finserv to launch certification progarmme in BFSI

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December 13, 2023

All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) & Bajaj Finserv join hands to launch certificate programme in BFSI (Banking, Finance and Insurance) to prepare young graduates for employment opportunities in the financial service sector.

Speaking on the occasion Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education expressed his happiness and said, “The partnerships forged will build competencies at scale in the financial sector and empower our youth to participate in the transformation happening in the financial and digital space. The Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, the Voice of Youth program launched yesterday elicits the ideas of youth for a developed India, the role of skill development, and the financial sector in the making of a developed India.”

Additionally, Pradhan emphasized that our youth will play a key role in making of a Viksit Bharat driven by knowledge, competencies, skills, and the right attitude. He said that we are building a super highway of knowledge and competencies and India can become the hub for global financial services market.

Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE expressed on the signing of MoU with Bajaj Finserv and said, “It will further usher to new collaboration in education and industry-academia linkages. It will strengthen AICTE ‘s vision to bridge a gap between Industry and Academia, by rolling out immense opportunities for education, internships and job trainings for students in finance, banking and insurance sector.”

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International said, “India’s financial sector has seen significant growth and development in recent years. At NSDC, our dedication lies in empowering youth by offering diverse opportunities through skill development initiatives, and partnering with Bajaj Finserv marks a strategic move towards aligning our skilling endeavours with the industry’s changing in the financial sector.”

Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv Ltd., said. “The partnership with NSDC and the Ministry of Education will help us make a difference to young people by providing them with greater access to skilling which opens infinite possibilities of success. It will also build economic resilience and an inclusive workforce for the future, in line with the theme of Kaushal Bharat, Kushal Bharat.”

As part of the partnership, Bajaj Finserv will advance skill-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of 20,000 candidates via its 100-hour Certificate Program in Banking, Finance & Insurance (CPBFI), which was created in conjunction with training partners, industry experts, academic institutions, and psychological health centers. Currently, CPBFI operates in more than 160 towns, 100 districts, and 350 colleges spread across 23 states. Its goal is to develop the abilities, mindset, and knowledge of recent graduates and MBA hopefuls, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This will empower them to pursue employment opportunities and make wise choices regarding their long-term careers in the financial services industry.

The goal of both collaborations is to develop dynamic curricula that incorporate the most recent developments in technology, industry trends, and best practices while also adapting to the constantly changing environment of banking, insurance, and finance. The collaboration with NSDC will be strengthened on Skill India Digital (SID), the all-inclusive information portal for all government-led initiatives related to entrepreneurship and skill development. This will guarantee that students are not only academically prepared but also flourish in the real-world applications of these fields.

In order to provide the students with priceless opportunities, strategic industry partnerships will also be formed with reputable banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies. Through these collaborations, opportunities for internships, on-the-job training, and a firsthand look at actual industry practices are made available. This will allow for an effortless transition into professional roles by bridging the knowledge gap between what is taught in the classroom and what is required by the industry.

Special Olympics UAE signs MoU with American University in Dubai to boost sports infrastructure

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December 12, 2023

Special Olympics UAE and American University in Dubai have collaborated to boost cooperation and exchange valuable experience and knowledge related to sports for People of Determination.

The MoU increases public awareness of the benefits of inclusion in society as well as strategies for achieving it. The terms of the Memorandum of Understanding also include providing AUD students with volunteer opportunities during competitions, tournaments, events, and initiatives that Special Olympics UAE hosts throughout the Emirates.

Dr. Lance De Massey, President, The American University in Dubai, and Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, signed the Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement’s extensive provisions cover a range of cooperative efforts, such as conducting workshops in association with AUD’s College of Education for coaches, technicians, and administrators employed in the sports industry.

Talal Al Hashemi expressed his thoughts and said, “This MoU marks a strategic extension of Special Olympics UAE’s ongoing efforts to integrate People of Determination in society. The training programs, offered within the framework of this MoU, will open new horizons of knowledge for coaches and trainers, and we are proud of this remarkable collaboration with the American University in Dubai.”

The MoU increases public awareness of the benefits of inclusion in society as well as strategies for achieving it. The terms of the Memorandum of Understanding also include providing AUD students with volunteer opportunities during competitions, tournaments, events, and initiatives that Special Olympics UAE hosts throughout the Emirates.

Dr. Lance De Massey, President, The American University in Dubai, and Talal Al Hashemi, National Director, Special Olympics UAE, signed the Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement’s extensive provisions cover a range of cooperative efforts, such as conducting workshops in association with AUD’s College of Education for coaches, technicians, and administrators employed in the sports industry.

Enrollment in HEIs increases by 9 million since 2014

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December 11, 2023

Enrolment in higher education institutions (HEIs) has increased by nine million reaching a total enrollment of 4.32 crore. Also, the enrollment of female students has increased to a great extent.

“Approximately two crore female students are part of this total enrollment in higher educational institutions”, said Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education.

He further said, “Compared to 2014, there is a 31.6 per cent increase in the number of female students studying presently. Pradhan said that, in 2014, the total enrollment of students in higher education was 3.42 crore, representing 23 per cent.”

According to the survey for 2021–2022, the enrolment has risen to 4.32 crore, or 28%. The Education Ministry reported that compared to prior years, higher education institutions’ resources have significantly increased. The Ministry claims that there are an increasing number of colleges and universities. 43,796 colleges and 1,113 universities exist in the nation as of right now.

States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan, which have performed exceptionally well in the education sector and are among the top six states, have the highest enrollment rates in higher education.

In addition to offering insights into the trend of students pursuing higher education, the ministry report notes that 12.3 lakh candidates applied for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) this year, setting a record. With 3.7 lakh more candidates applying for JEE Mains than the previous year, this represents a notable increase.

The report also shows that the proportion of female applicants has increased significantly.

Approximately 79% of students pursuing higher education including those enrolled in technical colleges, B.Tech programs, and MBBS programs are at undergraduate level. Twelve percent of them are also postgraduate students. The vast majority of graduate students are enrolled in the arts program.

UGC introduces guidelines for short-term skill courses in HEIs

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December 9, 2023

University Grant Commission (UGC) has approved the guidelines for introducing Short-term Skill development courses in HEIs (Higher Education Institutes). These guidelines are in alignment with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 which emphasis more on skill-based learning.

To address the skills gap, the goal is to introduce certificate courses, which are short-term, industry-relevant courses, and to establish the framework for the integration of skilling into higher education at all levels. These courses will focus on practical training and offer a holistic, specialised education that will allow students to gain real-world experience.

Anybody who has passed the 10+2/senior secondary examination, or equivalent, is qualified to apply to any undergraduate programme of HEI.

HEIs will offer credit-linked, three- to six-month certificate programmes in skill development as per the draft guidelines. HEIs will use a credit approach to establish the course structure. The minimum duration of a short-term skill development course in any stream is 12 credits, and the maximum credit count is 30 credits. The practical learning component of the short-term skill development course has to be given more attention.The institutes will also be required to create a strategy for helping the successful students who complete the short-term skill development course find jobs and internships.

Additionally, the guidelines stated, “The HEI may collaborate with the relevant Sector Skill Councils/Awarding Bodies and industries to gain credibility, access to placement opportunities, funding schemes and training, and ensure up-to-date course content.”

UGC underlined that the minimum faculty-to-student ratio in each HEI should be 1:30, and the maximum number of students allowed to enrol in a single short-term skill development course should not exceed 60 for each cohort.

According to the guidelines, HEIs can introduce short-term skill development courses in the below-mentioned areas:

Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning
Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics
IoT (Internet of Things)/ Industrial IoT/Smart Cities
Data Science and Analytics
Cloud Computing
Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Extended Reality,
Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
5G Connectivity
Digital Fluency/ Digital Transformation
Industrial Automation and Robotics Process Automation (RPA)

Along with the above-mentioned courses, there were also courses like Electronic System Designs/ VLSI Designs, Electronic Manufacturing, Basic Coding in Computing Language, 3D Printing, Digital Marketing, soft skills, health and wellness, Mobile Communication, Mobile Repairing and Basics of DTH Installation, Yogic Sciences, Fashion Technology, Fashion design, stitching, etc.

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