Category Archives: Education

Digital Libraries: Transforming Access to Knowledge in the Modern Era

Libraries are undergoing a major transformation in the digital age, evolving from traditional book storage spaces into dynamic, technology-driven knowledge hubs. Digital libraries are now playing a key role in reshaping how information is accessed, shared, and preserved across education, research, and public learning systems.

Pic Credit: Pexel

A digital library is a collection of information resources—such as e-books, journals, research papers, audio-visual content, and archives—stored in electronic form and made accessible through computers and mobile devices. The primary aim is to make knowledge available anytime and anywhere, removing the limitations of physical location and opening access to a wider audience.

Experts say the objectives of digital libraries go beyond convenience. They are designed to preserve rare documents, improve information retrieval through advanced search systems, and support education and research by providing instant access to reliable academic content. They also help reduce costs associated with printing, storage, and physical maintenance of books.

In recent years, digital libraries have gained significant importance, especially with the expansion of online education and remote learning. Educational institutions, universities, and government initiatives have increasingly adopted digital platforms to ensure students and researchers can access updated learning materials without barriers.

In India, initiatives such as the National Digital Library of India have made millions of academic resources available to students across the country. Similarly, universities and public library systems are integrating digital catalogues and e-learning tools to enhance accessibility and improve learning outcomes.

Globally, institutions like the World Digital Library and academic databases such as JSTOR have expanded access to historical documents, research papers, and scholarly publications, supporting global knowledge exchange.

Digital libraries also play a crucial role in bridging the information gap between urban and rural learners. With the help of internet connectivity and mobile technology, students in remote areas can now access the same educational resources as those in major cities.

The rise of mobile applications such as Kindle has further simplified access to digital books and reading materials, making learning more flexible and personalized.

However, experts also point out challenges such as the digital divide, limited internet access in rural areas, and the need for digital literacy training. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure equal and effective use of digital library systems.

Overall, digital libraries represent a major step forward in modern education systems. By combining technology with knowledge sharing, they are helping build a more accessible, efficient, and inclusive learning environment for the future.

PM-Vidyalaxmi Emerges as a Key Gateway for Education Loans

The Government of India’s PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme has completed one year since its launch, emerging as a significant platform for students seeking financial support for higher education. The scheme has witnessed strong demand, with a large number of applications received from across the country and an approval rate of around 50 percent, indicating steady implementation.

Designed as a single-window digital portal, PM-Vidyalaxmi has simplified the education loan process by allowing students to apply to multiple banks through one platform. This has reduced delays, improved transparency, and made it easier for applicants to track their loan status without navigating complex procedures.

A key feature of the scheme is its focus on accessibility. By offering collateral-free loan options and reducing traditional barriers, it has opened up opportunities for students from middle-class and economically weaker backgrounds. The scheme supports those admitted to recognized institutions, ensuring that financial assistance is directed toward quality higher education.

In its first year, PM-Vidyalaxmi has contributed to strengthening a more inclusive and structured education financing system in India. With growing awareness and participation, it is expected to play an important role in helping students pursue their academic goals without being constrained by financial limitations.

Centre Launches Nationwide Drive via NIOS to Bring Dropout Children Back to School

New Delhi, March 21 (BNP): The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education has announced a nationwide initiative to strengthen the open schooling framework through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), with the aim of achieving 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030.

The move aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative focuses on identifying and enrolling out-of-school and dropout children across the country.

According to official data, nearly 2 crore children in the 14–18 age group are currently out of school, while around 11 per cent of children in Classes 3 to 8 remain unenrolled. Additionally, over 50 lakh students fail board examinations annually, highlighting the need for flexible and inclusive education pathways.

Officials said open schooling provides a practical alternative for students unable to attend regular schools due to socio-economic or geographical constraints. NIOS, the world’s largest open schooling board, offers flexible admission, multiple opportunities to clear exams, on-demand examinations, and vocational courses aligned with employability.

To strengthen outreach, the Ministry will launch the “NIOS Mitra” programme, a technology-enabled initiative aimed at identifying, counselling, and enrolling out-of-school children, particularly from marginalised, tribal, migrant, and economically weaker sections. Trained facilitators will support students through enrolment and academic guidance, ensuring last-mile connectivity and measurable outcomes.

The Ministry also plans to expand infrastructure by establishing at least one NIOS Study and Examination Centre in every block. Existing institutions such as PM SHRI schools, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan schools, and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti institutions will be leveraged to support this effort.

Officials said the initiative will be implemented in coordination with States and Union Territories, using district-level survey data to identify dropout children and ensure targeted interventions.

The government emphasised that these measures aim to provide inclusive, flexible, and quality education while advancing universal school participation and reducing dropout rates nationwide.

Groundbreaking AI-Generated Documentary on Science and Faith Premieres April 8

DALLAS, Texas, March 21, 2026 — At a time when artificial intelligence is raising urgent questions about authenticity and truth, The Invisible Everywhere: Believing Is Seeing demonstrates how emerging AI tools can be used to explore enduring spiritual questions.

The 80-minute documentary might very well be the first feature-length motion picture created entirely by a single filmmaker using consumer-grade artificial intelligence tools on a standard home desktop computer.

The film chronicles former Harvard physics instructor and Emmy Award-winning ABC News Science Editor (1988-2002) Dr. Michael Guillén’s adventurous and surprising journey from atheism to Christianity — and his conclusion that modern science points beyond materialism.

“While AI raises many legitimate concerns about authenticity and truth, The Invisible Everywhere illustrates how AI is enabling ‘the power of one’ — liberating talented filmmakers from traditional Hollywood gatekeepers by democratizing the cinematic arts and sciences,” Guillén said.

As a scientist and committed atheist, Guillén used to believe that reality is limited to what can be observed and measured. His guiding principle was “seeing is believing.”

That conviction began to unravel when he looked to empirical science for answers to life’s biggest questions:

How did the cosmos begin? Where is the mind located?

How did life on Earth begin?

Is there life after death? Are we alone?

Does God exist?

Through physics, cosmology and rigorous inquiry, Guillén reached a conclusion that stunned him: Modern science does not eliminate God; it clearly points to Him.

“Modern science now believes that most of reality is not visible, not logical and not even imaginable,” Guillén said.

This unexpected revelation shattered his atheism and turned his lifelong motto on its head — from “seeing is believing” to “believing is seeing.”

Many documentaries explore the visible universe. The Invisible Everywhere explores what cannot be seen.

“If I still lived by the motto ‘seeing is believing,’ I’d be blind to most of what’s real,” Guillén said. “Today, because of what I’ve learned on my long, winding journey, I now can see the invisible creator — everywhere. It’s a journey that changed my life forever.”

The Invisible Everywhere premieres worldwide April 8 exclusively at www.theinvisibleeverywhere.com.

“Modern science is not the enemy of God,” Guillén added. “It might very well be His strongest ally.”

Creative Survival in the Algorithm Era: Veteran Showrunner Decodes Mechanics of Modern Storytelling Across Old and New Ecosystems

LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2026 — In a world where anyone can publish, attention spans are finite and platforms control distribution, talent is no longer the differentiator, explains writer and creative executive Daniel Cubillo, who has spent decades shaping stories for entertainment brands such as Top Chef, Fear Factor and Real Housewives.

“About 4 out of every 10 people on earth, between the ages of 14 and 35, want to be content creators, without knowing any details,” Cubillo said. “And, not surprisingly, most independent creators don’t last.”

In his new book, The Creative Mastermind Mind: From Roadrunner to Showrunner, Cubillo reveals the creative systems, behind-the-scenes insights and strategic frameworks that show how creators, storytellers and entertainment professionals can lead, adapt and endure in a landscape ruled by algorithms, audiences and rapid innovation.

Cubillo’s career spans nearly 2,000 hours of produced content across broadcast, cable, streaming and social platforms, including NBCUniversal, Discovery, MTV, Facebook Watch, Netflix and the Zeus Network. His unique experience in storytelling that performs across formats has positioned him at the intersection of legacy media and the emerging creator economy.

In The Creative Mastermind Mind, he distills decades of experience into actionable insights: mastering creative reinvention, understanding the inner workings of the industry and building resilience. Blending mentorship with candid behind-the-scenes stories, the book offers practical frameworks, real-world scenario analysis and a roadmap for anyone determined to make a living — and find meaning — through storytelling.

Readers will discover how to:

• Adapt and evolve in an industry defined by rapid change
• Balance creativity, strategy and resilience in high-stakes environments
• Navigate the realities of show business with honesty and professionalism
• Build a lasting career as a storyteller

“Whether you’re an aspiring creator, a content professional or a seasoned showrunner, this book is a guide to not just surviving — but thriving — in the content arena,” Cubillo said.

The Creative Mastermind Mind: From Roadrunner to Showrunner

Release Date: December 31, 2025

ISBN-13: 979-8993586809 (Hardcover)

ISBN-13: 979-8993586816 (Paperback) Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Mastermind-Mind-Showrunner-Showbusiness/dp/B0GBNLCDPK and https://thecreativemastermind.com/

Global Feminist, Therapist, and Powerlifter Barrie Zucal Delivers Bold Rallying Cry Against ‘Debilitating Goodness’

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 21, 2026 — Barrie Zucal is a powerlifter in more ways than one. Besides breaking records in the deadlift and bench press, she is a fierce advocate for women’s voices and rights, a global feminist, a former marriage and family therapist, and an executive coach to women in 75 countries. Now, she’s making a daring entrance into the self-help space with BOLD: How Women Play BIG by Leading Instead of Pleasing — a rallying cry against what she calls “debilitating goodness,” the quiet force that keeps many women from realizing their ambitions.

“Women worldwide are constrained by their conditioned conviction that they should serve others even at their own expense; as a result, they end up pleasing, performing, and perfecting instead of leading, living, and developing,” Zucal said.

A lifeline for women everywhere, BOLD blends inspirational stories, self-reflective exercises, and practical steps to help readers tap into their passion, trust their instincts, act on their behalf, and lead with courage and clarity. BOLD isn’t a diatribe; it’s a solution-driven antidote to the deeply rooted beliefs that have kept women playing small for generations.

“I want this book to inspire women everywhere,” Zucal said. “We were born for this moment. It’s time for women to claim their right to develop themselves and use their talents to create a rich future for themselves, their families, and their world.

More than a book, BOLD is a wakeup call — motivating women to explore who they exist for, why they exist, and how they will exist.

“The world needs more women leading unapologetically,” writes author and CEO of Few & Far, Sarah Dusek, in the book’s introduction. “Step into this book with courage, and I promise you will emerge with a stronger, bolder, more empowered version of yourself.”

Releasing in April 2026, BOLD arrives at a moment when women’s leadership is urgently needed — in boardrooms, classrooms, and communities worldwide.

IIT Mandi Invites Applications for Its First 2-Month Multi-Track Summer Residential Programme ‘HIMSHIKHAR 2026’

Mumbai, Mar 20: The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), one of India’s leading IITs, through its Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), invites applications for its first 2–month summer residential programme, HIMSHIKHAR 2026. The programme is designed to equip students and young professionals with industry aligned skills in emerging technologies and entrepreneurship, while bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The programme offers an immersive on-campus experience, enabling participants to live and learn within the IIT Mandi ecosystem while working on real-world projects under the guidance of faculty and industry mentors. Structured across 190 hours of engagement, the programme includes 100 hours of faculty-led sessions, 50 hours of tutorial sessions conducted by PhD scholars, and 40 hours of sessions delivered by industry experts.

Five Specialized Tracks Across Emerging Technologies:

1. Software Development with AI: Focuses on building intelligent applications by combining core software development skills with AI Driven capabilities.

2. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning : Covers key concepts of AI and ML to develop systems that can analyse data, learn patterns and solve real world challenges.

3. Agentic AI Systems: Introduces autonomous AI systems that can independently perform tasks and make decisions in dynamic environments.

4. Data Science: Emphasizes data analysis, visualization and predictive modelling to derive  actionable insights for decision-making.

5. Entrepreneurship & Venture Building: Develops entrepreneurial skills, focusing on start-up ideation, business model creation, and innovation-driven growth.

Speaking on the launch, Prof. Tushar Jain, Head of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Mandi, said, “HIMSHIKHAR 2026 programme combines academic rigor, national skilling infrastructure, and outcome-driven training for learners. Every module emphasises building, problem-solving, and working with real tools, guided by practitioners, and faculty who understand industry demands.”

Eligibility and Admission Process:

• Minimum Eligibility: Candidates are eligible to apply for various specialization tracks, with the starting minimum entry requirement being passed in Class 12 or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board.
• Application Submission: Interested candidates are required to fill out the online application form through the official website of HIMSHIKHAR 2026.
• Entrance Test: Applicants must appear for an entrance test assessing reasoning and analytical abilities.
• Counselling Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for counselling, where they can select their preferred track and receive provisional admission details.
• Final Admission: Candidates must confirm their seat by completing the admission formalities and fee payment within the stipulated timeline. 

Total Seats Available: 250 seats in each track (1250 seats in total)

The programme will commence in May 2026, with reporting starting from May 16, 2026, followed by the beginning of classes from May 18, 2026.

Through this initiative, IIT Mandi continues to strengthen its commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by equipping young learners with future-ready skills in emerging technologies and innovation-driven domains.

Ariel University to Confer Honorary Doctorate on Grandmaster Boris Gelfand

The Ariel University Senate has resolved to confer an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) upon Grandmaster Boris Gelfand, recognizing a career defined by world-class competitive performance, intellectual leadership, and enduring contribution to Israeli and international chess.

Gelfand is a Chess World Cup winner and a World Chess Championship finalist, widely regarded as one of Israel’s most accomplished chess figures and a leading representative of Israeli excellence on the global stage. 

The conferral ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at Ariel University. 

Professor Ehud Grossman, President of Ariel University, said:

“Boris Gelfand is a benchmark for sustained excellence, disciplined preparation, clear decision-making under pressure. By awarding this Honorary Doctorate, the University is recognizing not only extraordinary achievement, but the broader public value of a life that elevates Israel’s standing in the global arena.” 

Professor Albert Pinhasov, Rector of Ariel University, added:

“For me personally, as a chess player, it’s a great privilege to honor Grandmaster Boris Gelfand, not only for what he has achieved, but for how he has achieved it. Across decades his outstanding results while representing Israel in international arena have inspired both established players and young talents, setting and maintaining the highest standards of this intellectual game. In recent years, Boris has become a close friend of the University, supporting our Annual Memorial Chess Championship. His presence reinforced what chess at its best represents: character, responsibility, and the commitment to carry a heritage forward. Ariel University is proud to confer this Honorary Doctorate in recognition of a legacy that continues to inspire.”

KL Deemed to be University Opens UG & PG Admissions for Academic Year 2026–27

Mar 19: KL Deemed to be University, has officially announced the commencement of Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) admissions for the academic year 2026–27 across all its campuses.

Campuses Open for Admission

• Vaddeswaram (Main Campus)

• KLH Aziznagar

• KLH Bachupally

• KLH Global Business School

Programs Offered

Undergraduate Programs:

• B.Tech – via KLEEE 2026

• B.Tech (Lateral Entry) – via KLECET 2026

• B.Sc (Agriculture), B.Pharm, B.Sc Food Technology, B.Sc Animation & Gaming, BCA – via KLSAT 2026

• BA (Economics), B.Com (ACCA) – via KLHAT 2026

Postgraduate Programs:

• MBA, MCA, M.Pharm, M.Sc (Chemistry) – via KLMAT 2026

Important Dates

• Last Date to Apply: March 27, 2026

• Admit Card Release: March 27–30, 2026

• Phase 3 Exam Dates: March 28–31, 2026

Application Process

Applicants can apply online by following these steps:

1. Register online

2. Verify mobile number and email

3. Fill the application form

4. Pay the application fee

Key Highlights

• 100+ UG, PG, Doctoral & Post-Doctoral Programs

• Industry-oriented curriculum with a global career focus

• State-of-the-art infrastructure and experiential learning environment

• Open to NRI/PIO/OCI candidates

• Application editing facility (except email & mobile number)

• Final program selection during counselling

Entrance Exams Overview

• KLEEE 2026: Gateway to B.Tech programs

• KLECET 2026: Lateral entry into 2nd-year B.Tech

• KLMAT 2026: Admission to MBA, MCA, and other PG programs

• KLHAT 2026: For Humanities and Commerce programs

• KLSAT 2026: For Science and Technology UG programs

US University Boosts Sustainability with 21 Philips ePaper Displays for Energy & Paper Savings

Leading US university reinforces commitment to sustainability with installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper displays for instant energy and waste paper reductions 

Creating a more sustainable campus: Pittsburgh-based Duquesne University – one of the nation’s top Catholic colleges – turned to PPDS to seize the sustainable and financial benefits of its groundbreaking ‘zero power’ Philips Tableaux ePaper displays, eliminating paper waste while enhancing communications to its 8,000 students. 

Amsterdam, March 2026: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the successful installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper signage displays at Duquesne University, with the range bringing instant energy savings and waste cutting benefits, as well as delivering on a more informed and sustainable campus. 

Founded in 1887, Duquesne is among the top 15% educational institutions in the United States. A top ranked private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, it caters for 8,000 students from 80 countries and over 3,000 faculty and staff. 

As the university continues to experience exponential growth, both in appeal and in size, its scenic 49 acre (198,300 m²) campus overlooking downtown Pittsburgh continues to evolve, with the university placing a growing focus on enabling students with the latest technologies both in and outside of the classrooms. 

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and with a commitment to sustainable ecologies – which saw them recently named on the Princeton Review List of Green Colleges – the team researched the global ePaper market and turned to PPDS to seize the opportunities of the technology to replace the tired paper directories used around its campus. 

Concluding the in depth analysis, Philips Tableaux ePaper displays were selected as the standout choice to achieve the team’s ambitions, with a fleet of 21x 32” 5150 and 25” 4050 Philips Tableaux installed in classrooms, study areas, and hallways. 

As with other installations of Philips Tableaux ePaper displays – most recently inside the Institut Pasteur’s HQ in Paris – the Philips Tableaux range provides Duquesne University with incredible levels of flexibility and adaptability, interchangeable for a wide range of uses – from wayfinding and safety notices, cafeteria menus and event information, and many more. This includes in areas with limited power sources. 

Light in weight and fully portable, Philips Tableaux models used on campus are capable of displaying full colour imagery for days, weeks, months, or even years without using a single kilowatt of energy, only requiring a small amount of electricity (0.0025 kWh for the 25” model) during content changes. 

Instant benefits

Running on an Android SoC, Philips Tableaux displays can be managed and updated remotely via a content management or remote display management system such as Philips Wave or as chosen by the team at Duquesne, content can be updated manually via a USB drive. 

The project has been deemed a major success, and a second rollout phase is set to include Philips Tableaux displays in other buildings around the campus, including the School of Nursing, the School of Liberal Arts, and the College of Medicine. 

Lauren Turin, Director of Classroom Technologies, Duquesne University, commented: “We have eliminated the need for complicated installation, and we are saving on the cost of paper, printing, and time. So, the cost per department is more economical in the long run. When our directories need an update, we use a USB drive with the content and an extension cord for power. The time it takes to update the directory is quicker than the time it takes to walk to the building.” 

PPDS Director of Education, Patrick VanTreese, added: “With sustainability now an important focus for businesses and in education, ePaper has become a real game changer, opening new opportunities to reduce wastage, save on costs, and create new opportunities to communicate. We’re delighted to have supported Duquesne University, delivering on their ambitions with our Philips Tableaux range.” 

To learn more about PPDS, please visit the website here, or contact your local PPDS sales manager.