Category Archives: Education

NIT Rourkela Hosts India-Sri Lanka Workshop On Sustainable Food Processing And Waste Valorisation

Rourkela, Sept. 29 (UDN): The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela hosted a seven-day India-Sri Lanka workshop aimed at advancing sustainable food processing technologies, reducing industrial waste and promoting the conversion of waste into value-added products.

Organised by the Department of Food Process Engineering from September 21 to 27, 2026, the workshop focused on “Advanced Thermal and Non-Thermal Sustainable Technologies for Food Industry Waste Reduction and Waste Valorization.”

The programme was sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and supported by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

Experts From India, Sri Lanka Participate

Convened by Prof. Winny Routray and Prof. Rachna Sehrawat, the programme was chaired by Prof. Sabyasachi Mishra, Head of the Department of Food Process Engineering.

The workshop brought together academics, researchers, students, experts and early-career professionals from both countries to exchange knowledge and explore collaborative solutions in sustainable food processing and waste utilisation.

The Sri Lankan delegation included experts from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University College Matara, University of Vocational Technology and BMS Campus. Dr Dulani Somendrika, Prof. Indira Wickramasinghe, Dr I. G. Gimanie Kasunmala and Chalani Akmeeman were among the participating delegates.

Focus On Emerging Food Technologies

Technical sessions were conducted by experts from NIT Rourkela, IIT Patna, IIT Kharagpur, NIFTEM Kundli, ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) and ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture.

Industry representatives from Biotez Agrinovation Pvt. Ltd. and Koel Fresh Private Limited also participated.

Discussions covered a wide range of emerging technologies, including zero-waste food production, biofertiliser generation from industrial waste, agricultural and aquaculture waste valorisation, sustainable packaging, smart sensing, protein and starch recovery, green drying technologies, membrane separation and extrusion.

Advanced processing of oilseeds and spices, crystallisation and bio-inspired engineering were among the other areas discussed, with emphasis on cleaner production, food safety, value addition and commercialisation.

Participants Get Hands-On Research Exposure

A major component of the workshop was practical exposure to advanced research facilities at NIT Rourkela’s Central Research Facility.

Participants received demonstrations of technologies and equipment used in electron microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal analysis, X-ray techniques, ICP-OES, 3D printing, liquid nitrogen applications and cold plasma technology.

Laboratory visits to the Department of Food Process Engineering further complemented the technical sessions and provided participants with an opportunity to understand ongoing research and applications.

NIT Director Highlights Academic Collaboration

Addressing the Sri Lankan delegation, NIT Rourkela Director Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao said such programmes provide an important platform for researchers and students to exchange knowledge, explore emerging technologies and develop academic partnerships.

He highlighted sustainable food processing and waste valorisation as important areas where scientific innovation can contribute to resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and value creation.

Scope For Joint Research

The workshop also explored ways to transform food and industrial waste into useful products, including biofertilisers and functional packaging materials.

The programme concluded with renewed academic and scientific engagement between participating institutions from India and Sri Lanka, with discussions paving the way for future joint research, institutional partnerships and continued knowledge exchange in sustainable food processing and waste valorisation.

OSSSC Reschedules Counselling For RI, ICDS Supervisor And Other Posts

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has rescheduled the counselling process for choice of post and district for several district cadre posts under CRE-2023(IV).

 Representational Image 

The counselling, earlier scheduled for September 30, 2026, will now be conducted on October 6, 2026, following the Odisha Bandh called by the Naba Nirmana Krushaka Sangathana on September 30.

Counselling For Five Posts Deferred

As per an OSSSC notice issued on September 28, the revised schedule applies to candidates appearing for counselling for the posts of:

Revenue Inspector (RI)
ICDS Supervisor
Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI)
Amin
Statistical Field Surveyor (SFS)

The Commission took the decision to defer the counselling in view of the bandh and has fixed October 6 as the new date.

Existing Intimation Letters Remain Valid

OSSSC clarified that candidates whose roll numbers were included in Annexure-XIV of its earlier notice, issued on September 22, 2026, are required to attend the counselling on the revised date.

Candidates do not need to download fresh intimation letters. The letters already downloaded for the September 30 counselling will remain valid for the rescheduled session on October 6.

Time And Venue Unchanged

The Commission further stated that the time and venue mentioned in the existing intimation letters will remain unchanged.

All other terms, conditions and instructions contained in the earlier counselling notice will continue to apply.

Candidates have been advised to take note of the revised date and attend the counselling process accordingly.

PMO Seeks Odisha Govt Response Over Alleged Textbook Printing Irregularities

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has sought a response from the Odisha government over allegations of large-scale irregularities in the printing and distribution of school textbooks in the state.

 Representational Image 

The development follows a complaint submitted by RTI activist and whistleblower Pradip Pradhan, who alleged financial irregularities, conflict of interest and lapses in the textbook printing process.

Education Ministry Seeks State Response

Following the complaint, the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education reportedly sought a response from Odisha’s School and Mass Education Department.

The state department has been asked to examine the allegations and take appropriate action, according to reports.

Pradhan has alleged that a deputy director-level official associated with the government press has been involved in overseeing textbook printing work since 2022 despite the responsibility, according to his complaint, falling under the School and Mass Education Department.

Conflict Of Interest Alleged

The whistleblower has further alleged that the official facilitated printing and supply contracts involving a private agency allegedly operated by the officer’s wife.

Pradhan has sought a detailed investigation into the matter, alleging that such an arrangement could constitute a conflict of interest and have financial implications for the state exchequer.

He has also alleged that lapses in quality control resulted in error-filled textbooks being supplied to students across Odisha.

The allegations are subject to examination by the concerned authorities.

1,741 Errors Found In School Textbooks

The controversy comes amid disclosures made by the Odisha government in the State Assembly regarding errors in school textbooks.

According to a written reply by School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, as many as 1,741 errors were identified in textbooks for Classes 1 to 8.

The government informed the Assembly that around Rs 175 crore had been spent on the printing and publication of these textbooks.

The PMO’s intervention has now brought renewed attention to the textbook production process, with the state government expected to respond to the allegations and clarify the steps taken to address the reported irregularities.

Puri Beach Waste Turned Into Record-Breaking Art Installation, Enters India Book of Records

Puri, Sept. 29 (UDN): Discarded fishing nets and other marine waste collected from the Puri coastline have been transformed into a large-scale art installation, earning a place in the India Book of Records for promoting coastal and marine conservation.

The record, titled “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness,” was achieved by Spandan in partnership with HCL Foundation as part of an initiative to highlight the growing threat posed by marine waste.

The installation was created using waste recovered during a major coastal cleanup drive held at Puri on September 19, coinciding with International Coastal Cleanup Day.

10,000 Kg Of Waste Collected

Around 700 marine activists, volunteers and members of various organisations participated in the cleanup along the Bay of Bengal coast.

The participants included personnel from the Indian Coast Guard, Puri Mahanagar Nigam, women self-help groups, Scouts and Guides, the Puri Cricket Association, members of the Fishery Association and other local volunteers.

The drive resulted in the collection of more than 10,000 kg of solid waste from the beach.

Among the waste were abandoned fishing nets and discarded fishing gear, which can pose significant risks to marine animals and affect coastal ecosystems.

Waste Transformed Into Art

Following the cleanup, the collected material was segregated and handed over for an innovative community art initiative.

Young members of the local community used the discarded materials to create a large artistic installation aimed at drawing attention to marine pollution and the impact of fishing-related waste on marine biodiversity.

The artwork was displayed at Penthakotta in Puri on September 28.

India Book Of Records Recognition

The unique installation was formally recognised by the India Book of Records under the category of “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness.”

India Book of Records adjudicator Sanjay Kumar Bhola attended the event and presented the record recognition to members of the team.

He also appreciated the efforts of Spandan and HCL Foundation in using collected coastal waste to create awareness about marine conservation and the protection of India’s coastal ecosystem.

The initiative has given discarded beach waste a new purpose—turning material that threatened the marine environment into a public artwork carrying a message of conservation.

University of Michigan Health-West Expands Use of Canopy’s Wearable Safety Technology, Adding to its Commitment to Staff Safety

Nearly 1,900 additional employees at UM Health-West’s Village campus to receive wearable safety devices, building on the Canopy program already in place

WYOMING, MI– Sept. 29, 2026 — Canopy, the leader in connected safety technology for healthcare, is announcing that University of Michigan Health-West (UM Health-West) has deployed Canopy Protect, Canopy’s workplace safety platform, to nearly 1,900 employees across its Village campus. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 24, UM Health-West is distributing 1,875 wearable safety devices, giving staff a fast, discreet way to alert security and nearby colleagues the moment they need support. 

With two quick presses of the wearable device, the Canopy Button instantly sends the employee’s name and location to security dispatch and alerts nearby colleagues, enabling a faster, more coordinated response before a situation escalates. The rollout is supported by the LocationID Network, with indoor and outdoor gateways providing coverage across the hospital, surrounding parking lots, and walking paths.

“There isn’t one single piece of technology or one security program that can address every situation we encounter,” said Gary Gorski, director of security at UM Health-West. “That’s why we’ve built this system in layers. Our K9 teams provide a visible presence and can help de-escalate situations. Weapons detection helps us keep dangerous items out of the ED and hospital, and Canopy gives our employees a way to discreetly call for help and tell us exactly where they are at a time when seconds matter.”

UM Health-West first piloted Canopy Protect in its Emergency Department in 2023. Following the success of that pilot, the hospital is now expanding the technology system-wide across its Village campus, making it available to clinical and non-clinical staff alike.

The deployment marks the latest expansion of Canopy’s presence within University of Michigan Health. University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, part of the same health system, has equipped thousands of staff with wearable duress buttons since introducing the program, and in May 2026 extended the technology to its hospice and home care teams, allowing clinicians who work inside patients’ homes to call for help just as discreetly as staff on hospital floors. UM Health-West’s rollout extends that same connected safety infrastructure to another University of Michigan Health community, reflecting a system-wide investment in giving frontline staff a fast, reliable way to call for help. 

“Healthcare workers and frontline staff deserve to feel safe every time they step onto the floor, and we’re proud to partner with organizations like UM Health-West that are making workplace safety a priority,” said Shan Sinha, CEO and founder of Canopy. 

Workplace violence remains one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges, with frontline caregivers frequently facing verbal threats and physical aggression on the job. By giving staff a direct line to security and colleagues, UM Health-West is equipping employees with a solution to intervene before situations escalate, complementing the training and response protocols already in place.

1,741 Corrections Flagged in Odisha SCERT Textbooks, Minister Tells Assembly

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 25 (UDN): A total of 1,741 errors and suggested corrections have been identified in Class I to VIII SCERT textbooks introduced during the current academic session, Odisha’s School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond informed the Assembly on Friday.

 Representational Image 

Responding to a question from MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, the minister said the issues have been documented through an official corrigendum that has already been circulated to schools.

Majority Were Language and Printing Errors

According to the minister, the identified issues include:

5 factual or conceptual errors
1,075 grammatical, typographical and spelling errors
661 suggestions for improvement

He said the textbooks had undergone preparation through workshop-based drafting, followed by proofreading and a one-day review by subject experts before receiving final approval from the Core Committee.

Corrections Issued to Schools

Among the significant mistakes detected were errors related to a photograph of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the location of the Niyamgiri Hills, and the identification of the Konark Sun Temple.

The minister said a corrigendum containing the corrected information has been distributed to schools to help teachers and students refer to the revised content.

Officials Face Action

The government has taken disciplinary action over the lapses. The former Director of DTE & SCERT and three Assistant Directors have been suspended, while disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against six other Assistant Directors of DTE & SCERT.

Measures to Improve Future Editions

Gond told the House that the department has initiated measures to strengthen the textbook review process and improve quality control before publication. He said future revised editions would place greater emphasis on ensuring the accuracy of Odisha’s history, geography, language and cultural heritage.

Odisha Teacher Turns Moss-Covered School Walls Into Lifelike Portraits

Balasore, Sept. 23 (UDN): What appears to be ordinary moss growing on the walls of a government primary school in Odisha’s Balasore district has become an unconventional medium for art, thanks to the creativity of a teacher.

Ajay Kumar Ghosh, a primary school teacher at Sri Krishnapur Primary School in Remuna block, has been using naturally grown moss on the school walls to create lifelike portraits of freedom fighters and other eminent personalities—without paint, brushes or chemical colours.

Moss Becomes An Unusual Art Medium

Instead of removing the moss, Ghosh uses it to shape portraits on the walls. The green layer provides the basic outline, while carefully scraping portions of the moss exposes the white surface underneath, helping him bring out facial features, hair and other details.

The approach has given the school walls a distinctive appearance while turning them into an informal learning aid for students.

Ghosh said the initiative also reflects a lesson he wants children to understand—that even seemingly insignificant things can have value when used creatively.

The idea gained momentum after a lack of funds made it difficult to construct a boundary wall around the school. Rather than allowing the existing walls to remain plain, the teacher used them as a canvas to create portraits of personalities familiar to students from their textbooks.

From Textbooks To The School Walls

The artwork has transformed the school surroundings into a more visually engaging space for children. Figures such as Gopabandhu Das, Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, whom students read about in their lessons, have been represented through Ghosh’s wall art.

For the children, the portraits offer a different way of connecting classroom lessons with their everyday surroundings.

A student, Dinesh Kumar, said Ghosh had also introduced them to several forms of art, including techniques involving sand and clay, apart from drawing portraits using moss.

Encouraging Children To Explore Art

Ghosh’s efforts extend beyond decorating the school walls. He regularly encourages students to practise drawing and develops their interest in different forms of creative expression.

The teacher also uses art-based activities to make classroom learning more engaging, helping students become familiar with notable personalities while developing their own artistic abilities.

What began as an innovative response to limited resources has consequently given Sri Krishnapur Primary School a distinctive visual identity. The moss-covered walls, instead of being treated simply as part of the school structure, have become an unconventional canvas showcasing both art and lessons from history.

University of Houston Continues to Rise Among Nation’s Top Public Universities in U.S. News Rankings

HOUSTON, Sept. 22 – The University of Houston ranked No. 67 among public universities nationwide and No. 4 among Texas public universities in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, continuing UH’s rise toward its goal of becoming a Top 50 public university.

The rise comes as UH posted gains in several measures of student success. The university’s first-year retention rate increased to 87%, its six-year graduation rate climbed to 66%, and the graduation rate for students receiving federal Pell Grants rose to 64%.

“I’m incredibly grateful for our faculty and staff who keep moving the needle to elevate our students’ success,” said UH President Renu Khator. “Together, we’ve risen in the rankings, and each move reflects our steady trajectory as a nationally recognized, Tier One university. Most significantly, it demonstrates our dedication to academic excellence and the communities we serve.”

Gains in Student Success, Strength Across Key Rankings

Once again, UH ranked among the nation’s Top 50 universities for social mobility at No. 40, highlighting the University’s success in expanding opportunity and helping students earn their degrees. The University earned Top 100 rankings in several other key categories, including Most Innovative Schools (No. 65), Best Value Schools (No. 78) and Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 96).

UH also ranked among the nation’s Top 100 universities — No. 96 nationally — for the reach and impact of its research publications and citations. 

Research impact and student outcomes, including graduation and retention rates, account for more than half of the U.S. News ranking methodology. 

Building National and Global Recognition

As UH approaches its centennial next year, the rankings add to the momentum and growing recognition for the University nationally and around the world.

Earlier this year, UH ranked No. 52 among public research universities nationwide in the U.S. News Best Global Universities rankings. UH also placed 19 programs in the Top 50 of U.S. News’ Best Graduate Schools rankings, including four in the Top 10.

NMIMS Bengaluru Celebrates Graduating Students at UG Degree Distribution Ceremony

Bengaluru, Sept 09: SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bengaluru campus, hosted its UG Degree Distribution Ceremony, celebrating the academic achievements of its graduating students across diverse undergraduate programmes.

The ceremony brought together graduating students, faculty members, academic leaders, parents and distinguished guests to mark an important milestone in the students’ academic journey and recognize their accomplishments.

The UG Degree Distribution Ceremony celebrated graduates from the School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Mathematics, Applied Statistics and Analytics, and School of Law, covering programmes including BBA, B.Sc. Finance, B.Com, B.Sc. Economics, B.Sc. Data Science, B.A., LL.B. Hons. and B.B.A., LL.B.

The ceremony was graced by Mr. Suresh Narayanan, Former Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India Limited, as the Chief Guest for the School of Commerce and C. K. Nandakumar, Senior Advocate and Practice Head, Law Chambers, who served as the Chief Guest for the School of Law. Ms. Sharda Balaji, Founder, NovoJuris Legal, was the Guest of Honour for the School of Law.

Mr. Suresh Narayanan, Former Chairman and Managing Director, Nestlé India Limited, said,

 “Success and long-term integrity are guided by a strong internal compass. In an era of rapid technological change, power lies in simplicity, credibility, and compassion. Be the generation that leads not just with intellect and competence, but with character, empathy, and courage under fire.”

C. K. Nandakumar, Senior Advocate and Practice Head, Law Chambers Chief Guest, School of Law, said,

”Balance what you think is your entitlement with an expectation. It is important for you to assert a right, but equally important to fulfil your duty.  ”

Ms. Sharda Balaji, Founder and Managing Partner, NovoJuris Legal, Founder, LexCapital Ventures & PaperKlips Business Solutions said

“You are entering a profession which is changing faster than you predict. Your job is not to predict the future; your job is to become the kind of person who can thrive in whatever future that arrives”

A key highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Harjas Gulati, a graduate of the B.A., LL.B. programme, who secured the 3rd Rank across NMIMS campuses, reflecting academic excellence and commitment throughout the programme.

The UG Degree Distribution Ceremony celebrated the students’ academic accomplishments while marking their transition into the next phase of their professional and personal journeys. The occasion reflected NMIMS Bengaluru’s continued commitment to academic excellence, holistic development and preparing future-ready graduates equipped to navigate an evolving world with knowledge, integrity and purpose.

Board Of Practical Training, Eastern Region, Ministry Of Education, Government Of India Commemorates Regional Apprenticeship Day 2026

Photo Caption:  Image 1: (L-R) Prof. Dr. Sadhan Chandra Ray,  FIE, Kolkata; Shri R. N. Lahiri, Hon’ble BoG Member, BOPT (ER); Shri Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University ; Dr S.M. Ejaz Ahmad, Director, Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Ministry of Education, Government of India; Prof. Dr N K Agarwal, Director, Department of Higher Education, Government of Bihar; Shri Sandipan Chakraborty, Ex-chairman BOPT(ER) & Tata Motors Logistics Ltd.; Dr. Ratna Sinha, HR Advisor, Kolkata  were present on the occasion of Regional Apprenticeship Day 2026 in Kolkata.  

Kolkata, Sept 06: The Board of Practical Training, Eastern Region, BOPT(ER), Kolkata, an organisation under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, commemorated Regional Apprenticeship Day 2026 in Kolkata today. The event was organised around the theme “Empowering MSMEs through NATS: Catalyzing Regional Growth via Structured Apprenticeships” and focused on highlighting the importance of apprenticeship training and the role of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) in creating job opportunities, building skills and empowering youth for a future-ready workforce. The programme also highlighted the role of structured apprenticeships in supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and contributing to regional growth, in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Prof. Dr. Sadhan Chandra Ray, FIE, Kolkata; Shri R. N. Lahiri, Hon’ble BoG Member, BOPT (ER); Shri Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University; Prof. Dr N K Agarwal, Director, Department of Higher Education, Government of Bihar; Shri Sandipan Chakraborty, Ex-chairman BOPT(ER) & Tata Motors Logistics Ltd.; Dr. Ratna Sinha, HR Advisor, Kolkata & Dr S.M. Ejaz Ahmad, Director, Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Ministry of Education, Government of India were present on the occasion and addressed the media.

BOPT(ER) has been working towards strengthening apprenticeship opportunities for graduates and diploma engineers through NATS, enabling them to gain practical industry exposure and improve their employability. During FY 2025-26, BOPT(ER) trained 1,45,449 apprentices under the NATS programme, of these, 1,15,193 apprentices secured employment after completing their apprenticeship, accounting for around 79% of the total apprentices trained.

“Regional Apprenticeship Day celebration intends to mobilize graduates and diploma engineers to come forward and get their skill honed to meet the current industry demand and improve their employability. It is observed that 1,15,193 apprentices are either absorbed in the same industries or secured employment in other establishments post completion of their training”, added by Dr S.M. Ejaz Ahmad, Director, Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Ministry of Education, Government of India.

For FY 2026-27, BOPT(ER) has set a target of training around 1.5 lakh apprentices under the NATS programme. This is part of the overall target of training around 6 lakh apprentices across all BOATs/BOPTs during the financial year. The initiative is aligned with the theme “Empowering MSMEs through NATS: Catalyzing Regional Growth via Structured Apprenticeships”, with a focus on strengthening apprenticeship opportunities and supporting MSMEs through a skilled and industry-ready workforce.

As per the NILERD report, around 79% of apprentices secure permanent employment after completing their apprenticeship under NATS each year. The findings highlight the role of apprenticeship training in providing practical workplace exposure and improving employment opportunities for graduates and diploma engineers.

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) provides practical training opportunities to graduates and diploma engineers across industries and establishments. The programme enables apprentices to gain hands-on experience and develop industry-relevant skills, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements.

BOPT(ER) has also been conducting Apprenticeship-cum-Job Melas throughout the year to connect students and graduates with industries and establishments offering apprenticeship and employment opportunities. These initiatives are aimed at creating a direct link between skilled youth and industry requirements.

The Regional Apprenticeship Day 2026 also emphasised the alignment of apprenticeship training with the vision of NEP 2020, particularly its focus on skill development, vocational education, practical learning and improving the employability of young people. The initiative seeks to encourage more students, graduates and diploma engineers to take up apprenticeship opportunities and develop skills that are relevant to the evolving employment landscape.