Category Archives: Education

Stakeholder meet held in Goa to address rising Social Media risks for children

 “Children today are often introduced to mobile phones at a very young age, which can eventually develop into an addiction. It’s therefore important for parents to take responsibility, closely monitor their children’s activities and instill good cyber hygiene from an early age. As a State, we must bring together academia, industry and government to create a comprehensive document. Goa needs to strike a balance between enabling access to educational digital tools while identifying and regulating platforms that may be detrimental to children. Through the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, we will take these recommendations to the Central Government.”

WeNaturalists Mobilises 3,000 Students Nationwide Through Campus Champions Program and Expanding to 15 Plus Campuses

Mar 6: Across India’s campuses, a new wave of student-led sustainability action is quietly taking shape. Through its Campus Champions Program, WeNaturalists is enabling college students to lead environmental & sustainable initiatives that are rooted in real-world impact and long-term cultural change. What began just over a year ago has already grown into a pan-India movement, spanning more than 15 college campuses and reaching approximately 3,000 students across schools and colleges combined.

 The Campus Champions Program is designed around a simple idea: students are not just participants in sustainability conversations, but leaders of them. Each Campus Champion leads a group of students from their campus who work closely with the WeNaturalists team, receiving guidance, mentorship, resources, and access to digital tools that help translate ideas into on-ground action. The program is active across campuses in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, reflecting its reach beyond metro cities into diverse regional contexts.

Unlike conventional eco-clubs, the initiative focuses on building continuity and ownership. Campus Champions are supported to design and execute projects that respond to their campus context, while also gaining early exposure to sustainability-linked career pathways. For college students, the emphasis is on career exploration within the green economy, supported through one-on-one guidance, mentorship, and access to relevant networks, depending on each student’s area of interest and study.

The program is currently in its second year, shifting from proof of concept to scale. Students and Campuses that have completed their first year of participation are now positioned as peer mentors for newer students and institutions entering the ecosystem. Student-created content from these campuses gets amplified via  WeNaturalists’ growing media ecosystem and connects participants to a wider community of over 500,000 like-minded community members on the WeNaturalists’ digital platform.

Amit Banka, Founder & CEO of WeNaturalists said, 

“Through the Campus Champions Program, we’ve seen how powerful student ownership can be when it’s supported by the right structure and community. Our vision is to build sustainable cultures on campuses that don’t disappear when one student graduates, but continue to grow year after year. Over the last few years, students across different states have shown that meaningful climate action can begin right where they are. As we move forward, our focus is on scale with intention, bringing campuses together, amplifying student voices, and creating documented proof of grassroots action from an early age. We believe that when students are given trust, mentorship, and a platform, they don’t just participate in change, they lead it.”

Measurable outcomes have already begun to emerge through these efforts. At a Mumbai college, over 100 students conducted a campus water audit that helped reduce water wastage by nearly 20 percent, translating learning into tangible infrastructure impact. Campus Champions have also led awareness initiatives such as film screenings on plastic pollution and sustainable fishing, and environmental education sessions designed for differently-abled groups in Indore, extending sustainability action beyond campus boundaries. These activities have helped build visible, on-ground change while strengthening student ownership of environmental work.

Over the next three years, WeNaturalists aims to establish active Campus Champions on at least 50 campuses across India, ensuring that sustainability efforts continue beyond individual academic years. The long-term vision is to create a recognized credential for student-led environmental action, offering documented proof of contribution while strengthening the bridge between campus energy and long-term climate action.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Remains Among Top Institutions for NIH Funding

New York, Mar 05: The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, part of the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, continues to rank among the top institutions for National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding, sustaining its overall standing as No. 11  nationally.

Including grants and contracts, the School received $501.7 million from the NIH in the most recent federal fiscal year, placing it in the 99th percentile among private U.S. medical schools in research dollars per investigator, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Additionally, recently released department rankings published by the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) further underline the institution’s expanding prominence in biomedical research across multiple disciplines. The BRIMR rankings are derived from data gleaned from the NIH for the federal fiscal year ending in September 2025.

Overall, 13 departments representing basic and clinical science at Mount Sinai placed within the top 10 nationwide for NIH funding, a strong indicator of sustained institutional momentum in high-impact research.  Notably, the Department of Pharmacology moved up to No. 1 in the standings from No. 2 in 2024.  The Department, part of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, succeeded in the standings largely due to its advances into understanding the mechanisms of disease, in addition to leveraging these discoveries for the development of novel therapeutics.    

“I am tremendously proud of our faculty, staff, and trainees whose relentless pursuit of discovery continues to elevate Mount Sinai’s research enterprise,” said Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine and Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Mount Sinai Health System. “These NIH rankings reflect our enduring commitment to scientific excellence and the translational impact of our work across basic science, clinical research, education, and patient-focused innovation.” 

Highlights of NIH Funding Performance and Departmental Standings

• Overall, eight clinical and five basic science departments or fields were ranked among the top 10 across the United States. The clinical departments/fields were Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Medicine, Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine, Psychiatry, Public Health, and Urology; in the basic sciences, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Twelve departments moved up in the standings in 2025, reflecting strong progress year over year.

• Mount Sinai is now ranked No. 1 in Pharmacology; No. 2 in Neuroscience; No. 3 in Dermatology, Microbiology, and Psychiatry; and No. 4 in Public Health funding.

• The Department of Microbiology secured the largest dollar increase, adding $8.1 million to its funding base for a total of $26.5 million last year.

• The Department of Dermatology’s continuing excellence in skin biology and translational research propelled the Department in securing high-level NIH funding and a top spot in the rankings.

Mount Sinai’s No. 4 ranking in Public Health reflects the established excellence of the Department of Environmental Medicine along with a department established just two years ago, the new Department of Public Health. The former is led by Robert O. Wright, MD, MPH, Ethel H. Wise Professor of Community Medicine, Chair of the Department of Environmental Medicine, and Co-Director of the Institute for Exposomic Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. And the Department of Public Health, which emphasizes a transdisciplinary team approach in understanding and treating disease, underscoring a deeper integration of public health and translational sciences, is led by Rosalind J. Wright, MD, MPH, the Horace W. Goldsmith Professor in Children’s Health Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. 

In addition to institutional ranking success, Icahn School of Medicine researchers continue to secure targeted NIH awards that advance discovery across health priorities. Recent support includes multimillion-dollar grants for studies on neurological aging, congenital heart disease outcomes, and several translational research programs that bridge basic science with potential new interventions.  

Women’s Day Story: The Mumbai-born woman who broke barriers in medicine in the 1800s

Mar 6: The first cohort of students on the University of Glasgow and Biocon  Academy partnership MSc successfully graduated today (27 February), marking a  significant milestone for the industry-integrated programme.  

 Born in Bombay in 1868, Dr Vakil was a pioneering figure in women’s education at a time  when women in India – and across the world – faced significant barriers to formal study,  particularly in medicine. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at Wilson College in  1888, she pursued medical training at the London School of Medicine for Women before  joining Queen Margaret College Medical School in Glasgow in 1893. She graduated MB CM  in 1897, becoming a trailblazer for Indian women in medicine and international education. 

Following her graduation, Dr Vakil worked for two years in Glasgow hospitals as a  postgraduate, before returning to Bombay to serve in local hospitals. Her medical career later  took her to Aden where she worked in both Government service and private practice until  1941.  

Dr Vakil’s achievements highlight the enduring partnership between the University of  Glasgow and India. Indian students have been part of the University community since the  late 19th century, and today India remains one of the University’s most significant  international partners, with collaborations spanning health, engineering, the arts, global  challenges and student mobility. 

Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University  of Glasgow, said:

“Dr Merbai Ardesir Vakil’s story is one of courage and determination. At a  time when opportunities for women in medicine were scarce worldwide, she crossed borders  in pursuit of her ambition and went on to serve communities in India and beyond. As we  continue to expand our partnerships across India, we do so inspired by trailblazers like Dr  Vakil, whose brilliance helped open doors for generations of women who followed.” 

The University continues to build on its historic links with India through joint research  initiatives, academic partnerships, alumni networks and programmes that expand  opportunities for students from across the region.  

ICAI Launches Data Protection Compliance & Audit Certification (DPCAC) at Centre of Excellence, Hyderabad

New Delhi, Mar 05: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), through its Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (DAAB), has launched the inaugural batches of the Data Protection Compliance & Audit Certification (DPCAC) programme at the ICAI Centre of Excellence. The certification programme received an overwhelming response from members, with over 100 registrations from 16 states in its very first offering.

Due to the strong participation, two batches were commenced simultaneously, highlighting the increasing professional demand in the fields of data protection, governance, and digital assurance.

The DPCAC course has been designed in line with the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which establishes a structured compliance framework for the processing and protection of digital personal data in India. The certification aims to build professional capacity in data protection compliance, governance frameworks, consent management, technical safeguards, and audit methodologies.

Speaking on this milestone, Prasanna Kumar D, President of ICAI, emphasised the importance of strengthening professional capabilities in emerging domains such as data protection and digital governance.

He said,

“DPCAC is a forward-looking initiative designed to build capacity in compliance, digital governance and emerging practice areas such as data protection audits and Virtual DPO services. Through a blend of legal insight and practical application, this certification will strengthen professional competence, enhance stakeholder trust and reinforce the profession’s role in nation-building.”

Mangesh Pandurang Kinare, Vice-President of ICAI, added,

“The launch of DPCAC marks an important step in strengthening the profession’s preparedness for emerging regulatory frameworks. Data governance is no longer optional; it is integral to organisational accountability. Chartered Accountants are uniquely positioned to provide assurance and advisory services in this evolving landscape, and this programme equips members with the competencies required to lead in this domain.”

The three-day programme includes structured modules, application-based use cases, and a capstone project, supported by assessment mechanisms designed to ensure both conceptual clarity and practical competence.

Alongside this initiative, ICAI is also developing Information Systems Audit Standards (ISAS) to strengthen audit processes within India’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. As the first accounting body globally to introduce such standards, ICAI aims to empower Chartered Accountants to deliver world-class digital assurance. The ISAS framework will cover key areas such as IT governance, risk management, internal controls, cybersecurity, and digital data protection, including dedicated auditing standards on cybersecurity and digital data.

These initiatives underscore the evolving role of Chartered Accountants in the digital economy, extending beyond traditional financial reporting to strategic governance advisory roles. Through programmes such as DPCAC, ICAI reaffirms its commitment to equipping members with future-ready skills aligned with India’s rapidly advancing digital and regulatory landscape.

ISB Online’s Certificate Programme in IT Project Management: Shaping Future Talent in an AI-Driven Landscape

March 05: As artificial intelligence continues to transform business operations, new industry research shows that AI is rapidly reshaping how projects are planned, executed, and delivered. AI-enabled project management tools are now driving significant improvements in delivery speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency. According to analyses citing Gartner data, AI-assisted planning can achieve up to 82% greater timeline prediction accuracy compared with traditional manual methods. Meanwhile, McKinsey’s State of AI Report reveals that 23% of organisations are already scaling agentic AI systems—AI capable of planning and executing multi-step workflows—across at least one business function, while another 39% are actively experimenting with these technologies.

These advancements are increasingly supporting key project management functions such as planning, scheduling, risk detection, and cross-team coordination in complex environments.

Recognising this shift, ISB Online, the digital learning platform of the Indian School of Business (ISB)—ranked #1 in India and #12 globally in the FT Global MBA Rankings 2026—has introduced its Certificate Programme in IT Project Management, designed to equip professionals with the capabilities needed to succeed in AI-enabled project ecosystems.

Now entering its 22nd batch, the programme focuses on building end-to-end project lifecycle expertise, covering project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, risk management, and closure. The curriculum aims to prepare professionals to deliver projects that generate measurable business outcomes in increasingly technology-driven environments.

Participants gain hands-on exposure to emerging technologies and industry-standard tools through live masterclasses on Agentic AI and Generative AI, along with practical training on platforms such as MS Project, JIRA, Asana, and @RISK. This combination enables learners to develop data-driven decision-making capabilities while strengthening project execution skills.

Designed for professionals looking to transition into or advance in project leadership roles, the programme blends structured frameworks with real-world case studies, collaborative peer learning, and a capstone project focused on practical application. Delivered by experienced faculty with both academic and industry expertise, the programme emphasises workplace relevance and strategic thinking.

Beyond technical training, participants also benefit from a diverse peer network that includes professionals from IT services, consulting, finance, retail, and other sectors—creating opportunities for cross-industry insights and collaborative learning.

Through the programme, participants will be able to:

• Apply agile practices and governance models to manage complex projects effectively

• Prepare for PMP certification through a module offering the 35 Professional Development Units (PDUs) authorised by PMI

• Use industry-relevant project management tools and software to plan and track project progress

• Build end-to-end project plans across the full software development life cycle

• Strengthen capabilities in scheduling, monitoring, risk control, and performance evaluation

• Apply learning through a hands-on project management simulation aligned with real-world scenarios

Graduates also become part of the ISB Online Network of more than 49,000 professionals, gaining continued access to networking opportunities, industry events, and career support.

In an era where AI is redefining how projects are managed and evaluated, the programme aims to equip professionals not only to adapt to change but also to lead digital transformation initiatives with confidence and strategic impact.

Programme Details

• Start Date: 31 March 2026

• Duration: 12 Weeks

• Format: Online (4–6 hours of weekly effort)

• Eligibility: Any graduate or diploma holder

Today’s IT project leaders are expected to do far more than manage timelines and budgets. They must influence stakeholders, navigate uncertainty, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable business outcomes in rapidly evolving environments.

The ISB Online Certificate Programme in IT Project Management aims to bridge this gap by providing professionals with the tools, frameworks, and leadership mindset required to move from execution to strategic influence in modern project ecosystems.

Tiger Analytics Launches AI Enablement Initiative Across Engineering Colleges in Bihar

Muzzfarpur,  Mar 05: Tiger Analytics, a global enterprise AI and analytics consulting firm, in partnership with Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Utthan Evam Samaj Kalyan Sansthan (ABYUESKS) & Enqurious, a next-gen Data and AI skilling and talent enablement company, conducted a two-day Data Analytics workshop at  Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology (MIT) on  February 10th and 11th, 2026.

 The workshop, attended by over 100 students, marks the first step in Tiger Analytics’ broader  vision to train and enable thousands of students from engineering colleges across Bihar in AI technologies over the next two years. Mahesh Kumar, Founder and CEO of the company, and a native Bihar, has been a strong advocate of this initiative. Several additional workshops are planned across engineering institutions in the state in the upcoming months.The workshop curriculum was jointly designed and delivered  by Tiger Analytics and Enquirous. It focused on strengthening analytical and AI foundations, developing structured problem-solving capabilities, and  exposing students to real-world industry use cases. The sessions were led by Sunil Kumar of Enqurious & Rakesh Sriramula of Tiger Analytics.   Students responded enthusiastically, particularly appreciating the hands-on exercises and practical industry insights.

“Bihar has always been a powerhouse of intellectual talent,” said Mahesh Kumar, CEO of Tiger Analytics. “Our goal is to ensure that these students are not only academically strong, but also industry-ready to thrive in the global AI and data economy.”

“Partnering with MIT Muzaffarpur has been an incredible experience,” said Amit Choudhary, CEO and Founder of Enqurious. “By combining the industry depth of Tiger Analytics with the enablement frameworks of Enqurious, we are empowering students to solve complex, real-world problems from day one.”

First Industry-Integrated MSc in Industrial Biotechnology Graduates in Bengaluru

University of Glasgow and Biocon Academy Celebrate First Graduating Cohort of Industry-Integrated MSc in Industrial Biotechnology

Bengaluru, Mar 02: In a landmark India-UK higher education collaboration, the first cohort of the MSc in Industrial Biotechnology, jointly delivered by the University of Glasgow and Biocon Academy, graduated in Bengaluru on 27 February 2026.

 The programme is designed to bridge academic excellence with practical industry experience, combining rigorous classroom learning with structured immersion at Biocon. Graduates gained hands-on exposure to biopharma manufacturing, industrial scale-up, and applied biosciences, equipping them with skills aligned to the needs of India’s growing biotechnology sector.

Addressing the graduates, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon, emphasised the importance of integrating academic knowledge with real-world industry experience to develop globally competitive biotechnology professionals.

The programme reflects a pioneering model of employability-focused education, positioning Bengaluru as a hub for biotech innovation and advanced life sciences training. Graduates of the course now possess a unique combination of theoretical understanding and practical expertise, preparing them for leadership roles in the biopharma and industrial biotechnology sectors.

Navonmesh 2026 – A Grand Innovation Carnival at Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal

Mar 02: Navonmesh 2026, the largest student festival in Central India, will be hosted at SCOPE Global Skills University, the region’s first skills university. Organized in collaboration with the Atal Incubation Centre – Rabindranath Tagore University (AIC‑RNTU), the festival is envisioned as a premier platform to foster entrepreneurship, creativity, and technology‑driven solutions among youth.

With over 10,000 participants expected, including students, startups, business leaders, investors, policymakers, and members of the startup ecosystem, Navonmesh 2026 promises to be a vibrant celebration of innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to win awards worth up to INR 5 lakh.

Innovation League Highlights

• InoMaker – Product Showcase: UG/PG students present cutting‑edge prototypes with expert guidance and incubation opportunities
• PlanX – Business Plan Battle: A pitch competition where students and startups refine business ideas before an investor jury.
• Binary Battle – Software Hackathon: A 24‑hour coding challenge with mentorship from industry professionals.
• Ad Mad Show: Creative advertising competition for startups and social causes.
• Robo Warriors: Robotics contest testing engineering and strategic skills.
• Controller Clash: Mobile gaming e‑sports tournament for teams of four (players under 24 years).

Creative League Highlights

• Solo Spotlight: Dance championship.
• Crew Clash: Group dance competition.
• Tellers: Storytelling championship.
• Chef’s Arena: Cooking championship.
• Mic Drop: Music championship.
• BizAI Quiz: Business and AI quiz.

International Conference on Emerging Technologies in Artificial Intelligence

As part of Navonmesh 2026, SCOPE Global Skills University will host an international conference on March 12–13, focusing on emerging technologies in AI.

Categories:

• Research Paper Competition (8–10 pages)
• Poster Competition (A1 size, structured presentation)
• AI Tool/Product Competition (1,000‑word write‑up with 5–7-minute demo video)

Themes:

• Core AI Technologies: Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, Computer Vision, Robotics, Generative AI, Ethical AI
• AI in Science & Technology: Biotechnology, Agriculture, Healthcare, Sustainability, Engineering Design, Smart Manufacturing
• AI in Society & Governance: Media, Art, Culture
• Cross‑Cutting Issues: AI Ethics, Law, Human Rights, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, Human‑AI Collaboration, AI for SDGs
• AI in Defense: Cybersecurity, Information Warfare, Training & Simulation, Security & Intelligence, Enhanced Defense Technologies

CMR University Announces CAUSE 2026: A Global Design Thinking Competition for Students

Bengaluru, March 02:  CMR University (CMRU) has officially launched CAUSE 2026, its flagship global Design Thinking Challenge, as part of the Design Thinking Day celebrations. The announcement was made by Dr. H.B. Raghavendra, Vice Chancellor, who highlighted the University’s continued commitment to nurturing innovation, creativity, and socially responsible leadership among students.

Building on the success of previous editions that saw participation from 1,500+ teams representing 214+ institutions across 13+ countries, CAUSE 2026 returns with the theme “The Future is Local.” The challenge invites students to reimagine innovation through the lens of local communities, indigenous knowledge systems, and everyday lived experiences. Participants are encouraged to develop context-driven, sustainable solutions across key areas including Community, Urban Infrastructure & Everyday Systems, Health & Wellbeing, Environment & Sustainability, and Learning, Skills & Livelihoods (including crafts).

With a total prize pool exceeding INR 1,50,000 (USD 1,600), CAUSE 2026 offers young innovators a global platform to showcase their ideas, gain mentorship from industry leaders, and collaborate with changemakers from around the world.

The online submission window closes in the last week of March 2026. Finalists will be announced in early April, followed by the Changemakers Bootcamp & Grand Finale to be held at CMR University, Bengaluru, on April 23–24, 2026.