Category Archives: Education

Anti-Drug Awareness Drive Reaches MCM DAV College, Hundreds Take the Drug-Free Pledge

Chandigarh | August 5, 2026

Arya Yuva Samaj National President Yogi Suri called on young people to play an active role in building a drug-free India, urging them to “become the sword of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and destroy the demon of addiction.” He delivered the message as the Chief Guest at the ‘No Nasha Nation’ awareness programme organised during Induction Week 2026 by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and the Victory Against Drug Abuse (VADA) Club at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women (MCM), Chandigarh.

The programme aimed to make newly admitted students aware of the growing risks of substance abuse and digital addiction while encouraging them to lead disciplined, responsible and value-based lives. Mr Amanjeet Singh, IRS, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chandigarh, attended as the Guest of Honour. Also present were Dr Anoop Kumar Vats, National Coordinator (Colleges), DAV College Managing Committee; Ms Mona Narang, Principal of MCM DAV College; and Mr Navdeep Singh, Deputy Director, Higher Education Department.

Welcoming the students, Yogi Suri said, “True freedom lies in learning to make the right and responsible choices.” He said drug abuse and digital addiction have become major challenges for young people, affecting their health, time, goals and future.

He said ‘No Nasha Nation’ is not just an anti-drug campaign but a national movement that encourages young people to choose discipline over addiction, purpose over distraction and values over temptation. He added that a drug-free India can only be achieved through the combined efforts of students, parents, teachers and society.

Using a simple analogy, Yogi Suri said that just as people stay away from a poisonous snake to avoid its venom, the safest way to avoid addiction is to stay away from drugs altogether. He said social evils must be addressed at an early stage before they become larger challenges. Calling drug abuse a national concern, he urged young people to face it with courage, determination and self-confidence. He added that values, self-discipline and the teachings of the Vedas provide protection against addiction.

Appealing to the students, Yogi Suri said, “Become the sword of Swami Dayanand Saraswati that destroys the demon of addiction.” He also said women have an important role in bringing positive change to families, society and the nation, and can contribute significantly to the goal of a drug-free India.

At the end of his address, Yogi Suri administered the ‘No Nasha Nation’ pledge to hundreds of students. They pledged to lead a drug-free life, encourage others to do the same and spread the campaign’s message in society. Arya Yuva Samaj also screened a short film highlighting the importance of a disciplined and value-based life.

Guest of Honour Mr Amanjeet Singh, IRS, spoke about the growing problem of drug abuse and addressed common misconceptions. He cautioned students that even a single instance of drug use can have long-term consequences. He said timely treatment and counselling can help people recover from addiction and encouraged those in need to seek support through the Tele-MANAS mental health helpline.

Dr Anoop Kumar Vats said ‘No Nasha Nation’ has become a nationwide movement and urged students to take its message to their families, friends and communities and become ambassadors of the campaign.

During the programme, the college presented IQAC scholarships to students who performed well at Panjab University. Students also staged a street play on the impact of drug abuse. Acting Principal Ms Neena Sharma said such programmes help develop social responsibility, moral values and positive thinking among students. She expressed confidence that initiatives like ‘No Nasha Nation’ would continue to encourage young people to become responsible citizens and contribute to nation-building.

One-Day Hindi Workshop Held at Drug Proving Unit, CCRH Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, July 30:  A one-day Hindi workshop was successfully organized on Tuesday at the Drug Proving Unit, Bhubaneswar, under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.

Shri Abinash Dash, Librarian Rajbhasha Officer In-charge, Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar, and Shri Ashish Kumar Shah, Console Controller, Office of the Chief Manager, East Coast Railway, Railway Sadan, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, graced the occasion as Chief Speaker and Chief Guest respectively.

All staff members of the unit actively participated in the workshop. The program began with a brief introduction by Sashmita Pati, Hindi Assistant.

The dignitaries delivered insightful presentations on the rules and regulations of Rajbhasha Hindi and also highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in promoting and using Hindi in official work.

The workshop proved to be highly beneficial for all employees in enhancing their understanding and practical use of Hindi in administration.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sujata Choudhury, Hindi Officer, followed by closing remarks by Dr. Umakant Prusty, Officer incharge.

Tamil Nadu Sets Benchmark in Digital School Infrastructure Across Southern India

Chennai, July 30: Tamil Nadu has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening digital education, emerging as the leading state in southern India for the implementation of ICT laboratories and smart classrooms under the Centre’s Samagra Shiksha programme.

The initiative has helped transform learning environments across government schools by introducing technology-enabled classrooms, digital learning resources, and improved access to modern educational tools. These facilities are supporting teachers in delivering more interactive lessons while helping students develop essential digital skills for the future.

The expansion of ICT infrastructure reflects Tamil Nadu’s continued commitment to improving the quality of school education and ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have access to technology-driven learning opportunities. By integrating digital tools into classrooms, the state is working towards creating a more inclusive, engaging, and future-ready education system.

The progress under the programme highlights the growing importance of technology in education and demonstrates how investments in digital infrastructure can enhance teaching methods, encourage student participation, and prepare young learners for a rapidly changing world.

India Moves to Tighten Exam Security with New Anti-Paper Leak Legislation

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, marking a major step towards strengthening the security and credibility of public examinations across the country.

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/DrJitendraSingh

The legislation aims to tackle the growing challenge of examination malpractice, including paper leaks and unfair practices, by introducing stronger safeguards and improving accountability within the examination system.

During the discussion in the Lok Sabha, the government said the amendments are focused on protecting the interests of millions of students who appear for competitive and recruitment examinations every year. Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the need for a robust framework to ensure transparency, fairness, and trust in the examination process.

The bill was passed through a voice vote amid disruptions and a heated debate in the House. Despite the political differences, the government maintained that preventing exam-related fraud remains a priority to safeguard students’ hard work and ensure merit-based selection.

The move comes after concerns over examination irregularities in recent years, with students and aspirants demanding stronger measures to prevent leaks and ensure a fair opportunity for all.

With the new amendments, the government aims to build a more reliable examination ecosystem where transparency, accountability, and student confidence remain at the centre of the process.

Central University of Karnataka Faculty Member Appointed Consultant for International Digital Library Project

Kalaburagi, July 26: A faculty member of the Central University of Karnataka (CUK) has secured an international industry consultancy assignment, marking a significant milestone for the university’s recently established Department of Library and Information Science.

Assistant Professor Raghavendra B. Bonal has been appointed as Project Consultant for Digital Library, Knowledge Management and Information Science Initiatives by Pune-based Calyonix Infotech Pvt. Ltd. The appointment is the department’s first major industry-sponsored consultancy project and includes participation in an international offshore Library and Information Science (LIS) initiative.

Under the consultancy, Dr. Bonal will provide technical expertise in digital library development, knowledge management systems, library automation technologies and project implementation. His portfolio includes work on KOHA and DSpace platforms, RFID-based library automation, solution design, project planning, proposal development, technical reviews, capacity building and implementation support.

As his first assignment, Dr. Bonal has been designated Technical and Library Information Science Project Consultant for an international offshore LIS project valued at approximately ₹25 lakh. He will oversee project conceptualisation, technology assessment, solution architecture, implementation planning, quality assurance and execution support throughout the project lifecycle.

The company clarified that the engagement is consultancy-based and assignment-specific, and does not constitute regular employment. Consultancy terms, including project duration, deliverables and remuneration, will be finalised separately for individual assignments.

Calyonix Infotech has also expressed interest in collaborating with Dr. Bonal on the future application of his patented innovation, “AI-Powered Interactive Smart Book: Text-to-Animation with Language Customisation.” The proposed collaboration aims to explore research, technology transfer and product development for educational technology, digital learning and library innovation.

Congratulating Dr. Bonal, CUK Vice-Chancellor Battu Satyanarayana described the appointment as a matter of pride for the university. He said the consultancy reflected the growing recognition of the university’s academic expertise and demonstrated its ability to contribute to international, industry-driven projects.

The Vice-Chancellor said such collaborations are in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes innovation, multidisciplinary research, industry-academia partnerships, entrepreneurship, skill development and experiential learning.

He added that the achievement reinforces the university’s commitment to research-based consultancy, global collaborations and providing students and research scholars with greater professional exposure through industry engagement.

Meghalaya Pushes Education Reform with School Rating Framework

Shillong, July 25: The Meghalaya government has launched a new school grading framework covering nearly 11,000 educational institutions across the state, marking a significant step towards improving education standards, strengthening school performance, and creating better learning opportunities for students.

The newly introduced framework aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and challenges of schools by evaluating key areas such as academic progress, teaching practices, infrastructure, student support services, learning environments, and institutional development.

Officials said the initiative is designed not only to assess school performance but also to provide guidance and support for continuous improvement. The framework will help identify areas requiring attention, enable targeted interventions, and encourage schools to adopt innovative approaches to enhance the overall quality of education.

By introducing a transparent and structured evaluation system, the government aims to build a more responsive and student-centric education ecosystem. The assessment process is expected to support teachers, school leaders, and administrators with valuable insights that can help improve classroom practices and strengthen educational delivery across the state.

The initiative places special focus on ensuring that schools in both urban and remote areas receive the necessary support to overcome challenges and provide students with a more inclusive and effective learning experience.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, highlighting the importance of data-driven planning and continuous evaluation in building a stronger education system. The government has reiterated its commitment to empowering schools, supporting educators, and creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

The launch of the school grading framework represents Meghalaya’s broader vision of transforming education through innovation, accountability, and sustained improvement, paving the way for a stronger foundation for future generations.

EThames Business School announces TeenOrator Challenge 2026…

EThames Business School announces TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana and seek entries from the school

Hyderabad, July 21: EThames Business School, Hyderabad’s premier AI-Native Business School, has launched the TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana. The initiative seeks to promote future-ready human skills such as public speaking, storytelling and debating—competencies that are becoming increasingly valuable in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

Announcing the challenge, Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames Business School and former Managing Partner of EY, said, “In a world where AI can write, calculate and analyse, what truly distinguishes people is their ability to communicate, persuade, collaborate and think independently. The future belongs not only to those who possess knowledge, but to those who can communicate it effectively.”

As AI takes over routine tasks, EThames launches statewide hunt for Human Skills.   Communication, not coding alone, will define tomorrow’s leaders. These are life skills that set them apart from the crowd stated V.V. Laxmi Narayana, IPS (Retd.), Chief Transformation Officer, EThames Business School

Seven out of ten students fear speaking before an audience. More than 80% of school students have never participated in a debate or public speaking competition. Despite scoring high marks, many students struggle to express their ideas confidently, he shared. 

Communication, analytical thinking, creativity and leadership are among the world’s fastest-growing workplace skills, adds Mr Ajit Rangnekar, former Dean of the Indian School of Business

The TeenOrator Challenge 2026, Mr. VV Lakshminaraya says is designed not merely as a competition but as a learning journey that identifies, nurtures and celebrates the next generation of confident communicators, storytellers and debaters. The championship aims to groom young minds into future leaders, innovators and changemakers through structured learning and healthy competition.

TeenOrator equips teenagers with Future Skills, Human Skills, AI-Proof Skills, Leadership Skills and Employability Skills—capabilities that no machine can replace, Kali Prasad added.

The championship comprises three distinct competition tracks. Oratoria is dedicated to public speaking, Narrativa focuses on storytelling, and Dialectica is centred on debating. Students are eligible to participate in any one of these three tracks.

Unlike conventional competitions that evaluate only the final performance, the TeenOrator Challenge follows a unique four-stage qualification process that places learning before competing. Students begin by self-studying the official guidebook for their chosen track. They then submit a one-minute video explaining the key concepts and insights they have learnt from the guidebook, demonstrating understanding rather than memorisation. Shortlisted students are invited to an online interaction with the EThames Selection Committee, where their communication skills, comprehension and potential are assessed. Only those who successfully complete this process qualify to register for the championship, ensuring that every participant enters the competition with a strong foundation in the art and science of effective communication.

The TeenOrator Challenge is more than a competition—it is a talent development initiative. EThames Business School is committed to making the programme inclusive by encouraging participation from both urban and rural schools, with special outreach to government schools. Another important dimension of the competition is that it does not have any language barrier.  Students can participate in any of the three languages such as English/Hindi/Telugu.

Each participating government school can nominate up to six students across the three championship tracks. All shortlisted participants will benefit from a structured learning and mentoring programme designed to enhance their confidence, communication ability and leadership potential before the championship.

Unlike conventional competitions that end with prizes, TeenOrator invests in the participants’ growth. Every shortlisted student will undergo a structured training and mentoring programme led by experienced communication professionals. The programme will help participants refine their public speaking, storytelling and debating skills, build confidence, receive expert feedback and maximise their impact during the championship and beyond making the TeenOrator Challenge an educational experience rather than merely a contest.

Many brilliant students remain unnoticed—not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack the confidence to express it. Confidence cannot be downloaded, outsourced or generated by Artificial Intelligence. It is earned through practice, perseverance and experience. TeenOrator is designed to provide exactly that experience.

Schools across Telangana are invited to nominate talented students and encourage them to participate. The nomination process is already underway, and schools and students can submit their nominations until July 28, 2026. Early registration is encouraged so that participants have adequate time to study the official guidebooks and prepare for the qualification process.

Participants are required to submit their one-minute learning video by August 2, 2026. Based on these submissions, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online selection interview and the list of qualified participants will be announced subsequently

To help students excel in the championship, EThames Business School will organise exclusive training workshops for all qualified participants before August 15, 2026. The Quarter Finals will be held on August 21, 2026, followed by the Grand Finale on August 22, 2026, at the EThames Business School campus in Raidurgam, Hyderabad.

Students can register by completing the online application form.

Kalyan Schools have enthusiastically joined nationwide cultural milestone commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram

AIR-34 to Raushmit of Allen Classroom Mumbai – 4 students from Allen Mumbai in 1000

Mumbai, July 17:  The results of NEET-UG 2026, the country’s biggest medical entrance exam, have been announced. Students from Allen Career Institute Mumbai have once again demonstrated their excellence in the results. Allen Mumbai classroom student Raushmit Gupta achieved an All India Rank of 34, scoring 700 out of 720. Additionally, four Allen Mumbai students are ranked in the 1000.

Allen Mumbai Center Head Nehchal Singh Hanspal stated that four students secured ranks in AIR 1000, including Raushmit Gupta AIR 696, Anvi Goyal AIR 696, Manish Gupta AIR 718, and Aarushi Gupta AIR 724. Similarly, 11 students in the top 5000 are from Allen.

He stated that Aryan Gupta and Panshul Bansal jointly scored 715 out of 720 in the national results. Based on the tiebreaker rule, Aryan Gupta was declared All India Rank 1 and Panshul Bansal was declared All India Rank 2. Panshul Bansal has been a regular classroom student at Allen for two years, and Aryan Gupta is a distance learning student at Allen Career Institute.

Additionally, Allen Classroom student Ayush Bhalotia secured All India Rank 4 with 710 marks. Allen Online Test Series student Aryan Dubey secured AIR 7, while Allen Classroom student Gaurav Singh secured All India Rank 9.

Allen CEO Nitin Kukreja congratulated all students and their families on the excellent results. Allen has proved its excellence in the results. In the results seen so far, 5 of the top 10, 10 of the top 20, 23 of the top 50, and 46 of the top 100 students are from Allen. Of these, 36 students are from classroom programs, one from online live classes, and 10 from distance learning and online test series. The NTA released the list of the top 138 students with scores of 690 and above in a press release. Of these, 63 students are from Allen. This includes 50 classroom programs, one from online live classrooms, and 13 from distance learning and online test series.

Bound by Love by Edith Layton now available from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of Bound by Love by Edith Layton. This novel is published by Histria Romance, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding books in the romance genre.

Set in 1745 Virginia and England, Bound by Love follows Jared St. Andrew Bellington, a boy stripped of security and status, whose life becomes entwined with the Kensington family after an act of courage at the docks. What begins as a story of survival grows into an intimate historical romance about identity, class, memory, and the difficult work of deciding who gets to belong.

The novel’s freshness lies in its refusal to treat the past as decorative. Its colonial world is physically vivid and morally unsettled, shaped by indenture, inherited privilege, trade, and the damage done when people are treated as property. Jared’s voice brings real emotional force to questions historical romance often leaves at the edges: how does someone rebuild a self after being denied control over his own life? With its warm family relationships, sharply felt social pressures, and romance rooted in mutual recognition rather than fantasy, Bound by Love offers readers a more searching kind of escapism.

Edith Layton (1938-2009) began her career as a freelance journalist before publishing her debut novel, The Duke’s Wager. She went on to write over 30 novels, winning numerous accolades including the Romantic Times Award for Best New Regency Author. Today, her classic backlist is being brought to a new generation of readers, along with several never-before-published works.

Bound by Love by Edith Layton, 268 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-641-6 is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is available as print on demand through Simon & Schuster. This title is also available as an eBook. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.