Author: Neel Achary

Google partners with S Chand to Integrate Google Lens in School Textbooks

New Delhi, 18 June 2025 – Google partners with S Chand, one of India’s leading education content providers to integrate Google Lens into school textbooks, revolutionising how students can learn and interact with educational content.

With the increasing complexity of curricula and the growing reliance on self-learning, students often struggle to find immediate, accurate solutions to their academic queries. Many lack access to tutors or additional resources, making it challenging to grasp complex concepts, solve intricate equations, or bridge language barriers. This integration with Google Lens directly addresses these gaps by turning textbooks into interactive learning tools, ensuring that students can easily access explanations, translations, and problem-solving assistance.

India has over 750 million smartphone users, which is expected to surpass one billion by 2025, according to a report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). With smartphones becoming an essential part of daily life, integrating Google Lens into textbooks delivers a more engaging, accessible, and efficient learning experience for students. By simply scanning their textbooks, students can unlock a range of interactive features, including:

• Easy access to explanations and engaging video lessons for subjects such as Mathematics, History, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, with access to relevant videos to better help students grasp challenging concepts.

• Step-by-step solutions for mathematical problems, including complex equations and concepts, to help clarify and simplify problem-solving by showing the underlying methodology.

• Translation of text into 100+ languages in seconds, allowing students to understand their study material in the language they are most comfortable with.

• Easy text transfer from books to digital devices, making note- taking and revision more efficient.

This initiative has already been integrated into over 300 textbook titles, reaching over 5 million copies in print. By enabling Google Lens functionality, S Chand is ensuring that students across the country have access to added support, fostering better understanding and retention of key concepts.

Himanshu Gupta, Managing Director, S Chand Group, commented on the initiative: “At S Chand, we have always been committed to transforming education through innovation. Our collaboration with Google is a step toward making learning more engaging and accessible for students. By integrating this powerful technology into our textbooks, we are equipping students with digital tools that complement traditional learning methods and enhance their academic journey.”

Saurabh Mittal, CFO of S Chand Group, highlighted the impact:”Education is evolving, and so are the ways students seek knowledge. With Google Lens, we are ensuring that millions of learners have instant access to explanations, translations, and step-by-step solutions directly from their textbooks. We have already seen inspiring success stories—like Ritika, a 10th-grade student from Uttar Pradesh, who struggled with algebra. With limited resources and no tutor, she used Google Lens to scan problems from her S Chand textbook and access step-by-step explanations. In just a few weeks, her confidence grew, and her math scores improved significantly. Similarly, Amit, a 9th grader from Maharashtra, faced language barriers in learning science. Using Google Lens, he could instantly translate complex English terms into Marathi, making learning far more accessible for him and thousands of other students. These stories reinforce our belief that the right technology and quality educational content can break barriers and empower students across the country.”

This initiative marks a major milestone in the evolution of education, ensuring that students are equipped with tools that make learning more innovative, easier, and more effective. As S Chand continues to innovate, this collaboration with Google is just one of many steps towards bridging the gap between traditional learning and the digital future.

Best 5 Indian Institutes Revolutionizing Online Finance Education

India’s financial education sector is progressing through a digital transformation. With the growing interest and need to study careers such as finance, investment, and accounting, more students and working professionals are turning to online learning platforms to increase their credibility and career-specific training. No matter what you’re aiming for—either to clear global certifications, master accounting standards, or simply understand global finance—these Indian edtech platforms are life-changing, offering structured programs, expert faculties, and industry exposure.

Here is a list of five institutes that are defining the future of Finance Education online:

1. Miles Education

A trusted name in finance and accounting, Miles Education has been offering globally recognized courses such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant). The platform provides experience-integrated learning with live classes, case-based studies, and mentorship by experts. Their global partners with Wiley and IMA add further credibility, while their placement support and alumni network make them a strong choice for aspirants aiming to break into international finance careers.

2. Zell Education

Zell Education stands out for its student-centred approach and industry-integrated curriculum. From courses like ACCA to CFA, and now even FRM and CPA, Zell offers a wide range of finance courses, which they deliver through flexible online modules. What makes Zell unique in this sector is its strong focus on career development services. Students receive personalized mentorship, placement support, and access to a growing community of finance professionals. Their well-structured LMS and insistence on developing soft skills ensure that students are job-ready after completing the course.

3. Indian Institute of Commerce Lakshya

With a decade-long presence in commerce education, IIC Lakshya has taken a bold leap into online learning, offering courses such as CA, CMA India, ACCA, and CS. Known for its rigorous academic support and highly qualified faculty, Lakshya blends traditional coaching values with modern online delivery. Their LMS offers structured video lectures, doubt-clearing forums, and regular assessments, making them a reliable partner for those looking to clear Indian professional finance exams.

4. LearninGT

LearninGT is another emerging platform in the edtech sector with its sharp focus on practical finance training. Whether it’s corporate finance, financial modeling, or investment banking, LearninGT’s programs are designed with industry application in mind. The platform is well-backed by mentors with real-world experience, which emphasizes skill-building over mechanical learning. They further provide interactive assignments, live projects, and mentorship, making LearninGT a convining choice for professionals at the early stage of their careers and college students as well.

5. Plutus Education

Plutus Education is gaining grip in edtech, especially among finance aspirants, for its comprehensive coaching programs in CA, CS, and other Indian professional finance qualifications. The platform offers both live and recorded classes by also allowing flexibility for working professionals and full-time students. What sets Plutus apart is its exam-oriented approach—syllabus coverage, revision strategies, and mock test series are well designed to help learners succeed in their attempts. Their affordable pricing and regional language support further widen their accessibility.

vivo India Awards 35 Lakh Scholarships to Winners of Ignite 2025 for Tech Social Innovations

vivo India Announces National Winners of vivo Ignite 2025, Scholarship of Around INR 35 Lakhs for Tech-Driven Social Innovations

17^th June, 2025, New Delhi – vivo India announced the winners of its countrywide scholarship initiative – ‘vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Initiative’, in partnership with CIET-NCERT, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and UN Global Compact Network India. The event was held on June 15^th at The Ashok, New Delhi, spotlighting groundbreaking solutions from students in grades 8–12. It witnessed the presence of over 250 guests, including participants, students from diverse schools, and their families.

The third edition of vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Initiative received over 37,000 registrations from 9,000+ schools across 660+ districts—marking a two-fold increase from the previous edition. The initiative culminated in the submission of over 5,600 innovative ‘Tech for Good’ project ideas. Following a rigorous three-stage evaluation process—including regional shortlisting of Top 200 ideas, mentorship-led prototype development with academicians and practitioners, and the National Finale—the program celebrated the creativity, ingenuity, and social commitment of India’s next generation of youth innovators.

The AI Powered Criminal Activity Detection through Sensor-less Sensing prototype by Prateek Sethi from Odisha won the first prize, taking home a scholarship worth INR 4 lakhs, for its innovative, cost-effective Wi-Fi-based system that detects suspicious activity without intrusive surveillance.

 Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, congratulated all participants, saying, “vivo Ignite stands as a testament to our belief that technology, when placed in the hands of young minds, can spark real and lasting impact. The remarkable participation and ingenuity we’ve witnessed this year reaffirm the untapped potential that exists across India’s schools. As vivo India’s flagship Technology and Innovation Initiative, vivo Ignite reflects our commitment to creating joyful, purpose-driven opportunities for students to explore, innovate, and solve real-world challenges. We are dedicated to expanding this platform further—to reach every corner of the country and empower the next generation of changemakers.”

The 10 ideas, submitted by 19 finalists, showcased scientifically innovative and socially impactful prototypes. The Top 5 were awarded the title of National Winners, while finalists ranked 6–10 were honoured as National Finalists.

The runners up included several impressive student innovations. The ArmX – Smart Rehabilitation System for One-Hand Paralyzed Individuals, developed by Devarsh Patel (Class-X), Veer Manvar (Class-X), and Kavan Patel (Class-X), secured a scholarship worth INR 6 lakhs. The GRGS – Green Run for Green Souls (From Wind to Wheels) prototype by Safin Mallick (Class-XI), Sirsa Naskar (Class-X), and Agamani Pandey (Class-X) won a scholarship of INR 4.5 lakhs. An Arduino-based LPG Gas Leakage Detection and Prevention System by Kushaal Abhay (Class-X), Vamshikha K S (Class-X), and Dhriti Kannan (Class-X) received a scholarship worth INR 3 lakhs, while Trevive, a project by Abeer Gosain (Class-XII), was awarded a scholarship of INR 75,000. The remaining Rank holders from 6-10 earned title of National Finalist and received Scholarship of INR. 25,000/- each child for their innovative ideas to encourage them to pursue this journey.

This year’s evaluation process was led by a distinguished jury comprising leading academicians and industry experts from partner organizations, who assessed the projects on criteria including creativity, scientific application, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential for social impact. The diversity and caliber of submissions underscores the initiative’s growing relevance and effectiveness in nurturing innovation at the grassroots level. With each edition, vivo Ignite continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact—solidifying its position as a strategic enabler in India’s innovation and education ecosystem.

The Grand Finale was graced by eminent dignitaries including Prof Indu Kumar Head, ICT & Training, CIET-NCERT; National Coordinator, DIKSHA, Mr. Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director- UNGC Network India, Mr. Rajendra Mootha, Head- Strategic Initiative Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Former COO, IIT Madras Innovation Park and Mr. Mahabir Singh, Founder Director- Science Olympiad Foundation. The programme was anchored by India’s ‘Tech Guru’ Rajiv Makhni who brought his trademark charisma and insight to the stage, , demystifying complex innovations and engaging the audience in a celebration of young talent and bold ideas.

vivo India also felicitated beneficiaries of its flagship initiative, vivo KanyaGyaan—dedicated to empowering women in STEM by breaking financial and societal barriers for young women from underserved communities. The initiative provides scholarships, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and industry exposure to support their academic and professional journeys. To date, it has empowered over 175 scholars—60% from families with annual incomes below ₹1 lakh and 15% raised by single parents, helping many become first-generation graduates and gain admission to premier institutions. vivo KanyaGyaan not only imparts critical STEM skills, but also builds confidence, resilience, and ambition among its participants.