Category Archives: Education

IIT Delhi Alumni Day 2025 – A Celebration of Legacy, Camaraderie & Excellence

New Delhi  Dec 18:The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Alumni Association  is set to host 12^thAlumni Day on 21^stDecember at the IIT Delhi campus. The annual flagship gathering will bring together alumni, leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, artists, and students to celebrate shared legacy, lifelong bonds, and future-forward ideas.

With a global alumni strength of nearly 65,000 graduates, the Annual Alumni Day has emerged as a powerful platform for networking, collaboration, mentorship, and nation-building through education and innovation.

Key highlights of ‘IITDAA Alumni Day 2025’ include;

• Inaugural Session &Discussions by with distinguished speakers
• Startup Club Showcase & Funding Pitch, connecting IIT Delhi Start-ups with leading investors and venture capital firms
• Cultural performances, comedy, poetry, and musical evenings
• Alumni networking sessions and campus nostalgia walks
• The 1^st Diamond Jubilee of a Batch – 1966 & 1967 Batches
• Silver Jubilee celebrations of the 2000 Batch, marking 25 years of memories and milestones

The event reinforces IIT Delhi’s commitment to fostering alumni engagement, entrepreneurship, and cultural expression beyond academics. The Motto remains ENGAGE ENRICH EMPOWER

MAHE Inaugurates HBSF Clinical Block to Strengthen Palliative Care at Manipal Hospice

Alumnus Philanthropy Drives Palliative Care MAHE Inaugurates Harish & Bina Shah (HBSF) Clinical Block at Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre, MAHE

Manipal, Dec 18:  The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, today inaugurated the ‘Harish & Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF) Clinical Block’ at the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC), Manipal. This initiative is very significant, where an alumnus of MAHE has collaborated with his alma mater in its continued commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure and compassionate patient care.

The ceremony was graced by Mr. Harish Shah, Chairperson of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation as the Chief Guest. Mr. Harish Shah, an esteemed alumnus of Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT Manipal, Batch 1975-80), has been an active supporter of MAHE’s initiatives in healthcare and education. Mrs. Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust, was also present during the event.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Harish Shah said,

 “I am indebted to MAHE for providing a values-based education journey, one which has shaped my life in significant ways. This new clinical block for palliative care amplifies our shared belief that every individual deserves dignity, comfort and respect, at all stages of life. It is an honour to support a cause which adds “life to days”. Additionally, under the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation-MAHE Edu Empower Scholarship, in the current year, 19 students have been awarded a full scholarship for pursuing their engineering program at MIT, Manipal, and Bengaluru. The foundation is also an active supporter of the Access Life Assistance Foundation, an initiative which provides accommodation and allied services for children undergoing bone marrow transplantation and ensures that their families are also well supported. HBSF supports multiple centres, including one in Manipal. 

Delivering Presidential address Dr. H. S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, highlighted,

“The naming of this Clinical Block represents far more than the creation of a physical infrastructure. The involvement of our alumni in this Endeavor reinforces the core value of our Founder, Dr TMA PAI, that the purpose of education is to empower and equip students to do good for society. We are deeply grateful to the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation for their vision and generosity in supporting this vital facility that will serve countless patients and families.

In his special address Lt. Gen. (Dr.)  M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, ,

“This day marks a major milestone in the history of any university when its Alumni come forward to support a societal cause, an amazing way to express gratitude.  The facility inauguration today underscores MAHE’s dedication to advancing healthcare that truly transforms lives. MHRC will serve as a ray of hope and healing, combining clinical excellence with the warmth of human compassion that defines quality palliative care”.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor – Health Sciences, stated,

“The integration of state-of-the-art facilities with our research initiatives at MHRC demonstrates the holistic approach to the healthcare ecosystem. This Clinical Block will provide our students and faculty with an exceptional environment to learn, practice, and innovate in the field of palliative and supportive care.” The event was followed by a special video presentation on MHRC. 

This ceremony comes at a pivotal time as MHRC continues to expand its role in palliative care research and education. In October 2025, MAHE established the ICMR-MAHE Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) at MHRC, supported by a ₹12.84 crore grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 

Dr. Seema Rajesh Rao, Director and Consultant, MHRC, provided an overview of the facilities at MHRC and delivered the Vote of Thanks. 

Dr. Anand Venugopal Chief Operating Officer, MAHE, Mr. Harinarayan Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Foundation, Bengaluru and Dr. Naveen Salins, Professor & Head, Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, KMC Manipal, were also present on the occasion.

Zarin Ali Recognised Among Research Paper Presenters at EGCON 2025

New Delhi, Dec 17:- Indian geologist, science communicator, science educator and researcher Zarin Ali has been recognised among the  Paper Presenters at the International Engineering Geology Conference  held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Ali received the recognition for presenting the research paper titled “Depth-Resolved Soil Anisotropy and Soil Variability: A Case Study from Delhi”, which examines how soil behaviour changes with depth, an essential factor influencing foundation safety, urban infrastructure planning and environmental risk assessment in densely populated cities.

The conference brought together geologists, engineers, researchers and academicians from India and across the globe to deliberate on sustainable, science driven approaches to engineering geology.

The Paper Presentation recognition was awarded following evaluation by an expert jury based on scientific merit, originality, relevance to real-world engineering and environmental challenges and clarity of presentation.

Commenting on the recognition, Zarin Ali said;

 “Understanding how soil behaves at different depths is fundamental to safe and resilient infrastructure in dense urban regions like Delhi. Engineering decisions are only as reliable as the geological understanding beneath them.”

The conference witnessed active participation from IAEG leadership, including its President and Vice Presidents, who delivered keynote addresses, engaged in technical sessions and supported initiatives promoting youth participation, women in engineering geology and international scientific collaboration.

The event also highlighted excellence in research, with a notable number of women receiving best paper awards at the closing ceremony, reinforcing India’s respected and evolving role in the global engineering geology community.

Interpretations of 2025: Srishti Manipal Institute unveils winter showcase

Bengaluru, Dec 17: Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology invites art enthusiasts to witness their interpretation of 2025 through distinctive exhibitions this December. The winter showcase, titled “Interpretations of 2025,” presents the creative explorations of students responding to contemporary complexities through crafting, critical thinking, and experimentation across multiple venues in Bengaluru from December 18–21.

“Practices of Attunement” themed art will be displayed on December 18–19, between 10 AM–7 PM at Bangalore International Centre, #7, 4th Main Road, Bengaluru, featuring the postgraduate students exploring trans-disciplinary research through engagements with bodies, narratives, and communities.

“Prologue – Make New Worlds” themed art will be displayed on December 20–21 between 10 AM–7 PM at Venkatappa Art Gallery, Kasturba Road celebrating the discipline-specific works of the graduating batch, demonstrating how art and design reveal fresh perspectives on the world and ourselves.

“Crafting our Actions 2025” will be held at the SMI campus at MAHE Bengaluru (Govindapura, Yelahanka) from December 18–20. This exhibition features collaborative works by undergraduate students and visiting practitioners created during the Institute’s ‘Interim’ program.

Brand Concepts Ltd. Partners with Project Nanhi Kali to Empower Girl Children

Mumbai, Dec 15: Brand Concepts Ltd. is pleased to announce a significant step in its CSR journey with the support of 65 young girl children through a long-term partnership with Project Nanhi Kali. This initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and community development, with a focus on creating opportunities that enable brighter futures.

As part of this collaboration, Brand Concepts Ltd. is contributing to the holistic development of these 65 girls, ensuring access to academic support, sports training, and essential life-skills coaching. Through this effort, the organisation aims to nurture talent, encourage aspirations, and strengthen pathways for young girls as they work toward their goals.

“Our aim is to ensure young girls have the support and opportunities they need to learn and progress. At Brand Concepts Ltd., we are committed to helping young girls access quality education and the skills they need to grow. Working with Project Nanhi Kali allows us to contribute to stronger futures for the communities we serve” said Abhinav Kumar, Co-Founder, Brand Concepts Ltd.

This partnership aligns with Brand Concepts Ltd.’s broader CSR vision of supporting impactful, community-focused initiatives. By joining hands with Project Nanhi Kali, an initiative of the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and Naandi Foundation, the company is contributing to one of India’s most respected programmes dedicated to girl child education.

Brand Concepts Ltd. acknowledges and appreciates the Project Nanhi Kali team for their continued dedication and for enabling the organisation to participate in this meaningful legacy.

Hetal Gada Talks On-Screen Chemistry in Amazon MX Player’s Aukaat Ke Bahar

“We tried our best to make every moment look as real as possible”: Hetal Gada on her on-screen chemistry with Elvish Yadav and Nikhil Vijay in Amazon MX Player’s Aukaat Ke Bahar

MUMBAI, Dec 15: College stories work when the friendships feel real, the experiences feel familiar, and the emotions ring true. Amazon MX Player’s Aukaat Ke Bahar taps right into that space. Set in a buzzing Delhi college, the series captures the thrill, conflict, and camaraderie that shape young adulthood. While the series explores ambition, identity, and the messy choices that define campus life, a huge part of its heartbeat lies in the trio of Rajveer (Elvish Yadav), Jogi (Nikhil Vijay), and Rajbala (Hetal Gada), whose chemistry shapes the emotional spine of the series. As Rajbala, Hetal brings a spark that sits somewhere between fierce loyalty and unfiltered honesty, grounding the boys while claiming her own space within the college’s clashing egos and emerging identities.

Reflecting on how she approached Rajbala’s dynamic with Rajveer and Jogi, Hetal Gada shares,

 “The approach was pretty clear to me. The audience should feel like these three have been friends since childhood. That was the goal from day one. Even Elvish and Nikhil had this clarity that our friendship had to feel real. And we tried our best to make every moment look as real as possible. We spent time hanging out, reading scenes together, messing around between shots, so by the time the camera rolled, the friendship already had a rhythm. When I see the edits fans make today, calling us Jogi Bala or saying Bala Rajveer is fire, it feels like we really managed to bring that bond alive.”

Talking about Rajbala’s place in the group, she adds,

 “Rajbala will always speak up for what is right. She stands her ground, she stands by her boys, and she understands the situation for what it is. That honesty comes naturally to her, and exploring that was super fun to me. It was a very, very fun experience overall.”

Aukaat Ke Bahar is now streaming for free exclusively on Amazon MX Player across the MX Player app, Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV and Airtel Xstream.

AESL Signs MoU with Indian Army to Support Personnel and Their Families

Bangalore,Dec 15:- Aakash Educational Services Limited  the national leader in test preparatory services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Army to support the welfare of Army personnel and their families, including serving members, retirees, gallantry awardees, personnel with disabilities, and families of those who have died in service.

Under this MoU, AESL will provide benefits to Indian Army students who wish to enroll in its courses across its pan India centres and branches. The agreement was signed by Colonel, Ceremonial & Welfare 3&4, Indian Army, and Dr Yash Pal, Chief Academic & Business Head, Delhi-NCR, AESL.

The MoU focuses on promoting the welfare of Indian Army personnel and their families, including offering scholarships for courses at AESL centres nationwide:

• Only registration feepayable i.e. 100% waiver on all other fee components for the wards of personnel who died in service
• 100% tuition fee waiverfor the wards of personnel with more than 20% disability and gallantry awardees
• 20% tuition fee waiverfor the wards of serving and retired personnel, applicable after other scholarships are deducted

These scholarships are in addition to AESL’s existing scholarship programs, which are available to all students seeking admission.

Mr. Chandra Sekhar Garisa Reddy, (MD & CEO), Aakash Educational Services Limited, said;

 “At AESL, we believe education is the strongest foundation for a brighter future. Partnering with the Indian Army allows us to honour the sacrifices of our brave soldiers by empowering their families with quality education and guidance. Through scholarships, mentoring, and counselling, we aim to ensure that the wards of our heroes are equipped to achieve their fullest potential and become leaders in their own right.”

During the tenure of the MoU, AESL will also provide comprehensive mentoring and counselling support to the wards of Indian Army personnel, addressing academic and career-related queries through both virtual and physical platforms.

AESL also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the recent past with the Central Reserve Police Force Family Welfare Association (CWA) to provide comprehensive academic support, scholarships, and career guidance to the children and families of CRPF personnel across India.

UWA Announces Major MedTech Partnership, Establishes First India Centre in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, Dec 15: The University of Western Australia one of the world’s top 100 universities, today unveiled a landmark collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) and leading institutions across Andhra Pradesh -positioning Visakhapatnam as a major Indo-Pacific hub for MedTech innovation, global research exchange, underwater domain awareness, and future-ready workforce development.

At the heart of today’s announcements is a strategic MedTech partnership between UWA and AMTZ, designed to accelerate innovation, enhance clinical capability, and strengthen industry-ready training. Through joint research, clinical trial knowledge exchange and pathways for internships with India’s top MedTech companies, the partnership will open new opportunities for students and researchers while solidifying Visakhapatnam’s position as a global center for health technology cooperation.

In parallel, aligned to Vizag’s significant defence base, through UWA Defence Security Institute, UWA’s growing role in regional maritime security and blue economy transformation through its ongoing work in Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is a critical component of India Australia Indo-Pacific cooperation. UWA is a core partner in the 24-month initiative, Enhancing Australia India Underwater Domain Awareness Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a joint effort between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under its SATP Initiative and New Delhi’s Council for Strategic and Defence Research (CSDR). The program strengthens bilateral capability across anti-submarine warfare, uncrewed undersea vehicles, deep-sea awareness, and undersea search and rescue, contributing to regional security and expanding India’s technological leadership in the Eastern Indian Ocean. Visakhapatnam – home to some of India’s most advanced maritime and naval infrastructure  will play an important role as UWA deepens its engagement in India’s ocean science and underwater systems ecosystem.

In a significant milestone for UWA’s Indo-Pacific engagement, the University also announced the creation of its first-ever UWA India Centre, established in Visakhapatnam in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Andhra University. The Centre will act as a platform for academic exchange, industry collaboration and innovation programs supporting joint research, faculty partnerships and deep engagement between institutions across India, Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific. It will bring together MedTech, oceans, defence, sustainability, agriculture, data science and quantum computing to address shared global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Speaking at the announcement, Professor Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Australia, said:

“Visakhapatnam represents one of India’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems, and we are proud to strengthen our engagement with the region. The UWA India Centre will enable long-term collaboration in areas that matter most to both our nations healthcare innovation, oceans and underwater systems, sustainability and global skills development. Our partnership with AMTZ and our ongoing work in underwater domain awareness will empower students, researchers and industry partners to co-create solutions with real-world impact across borders.”

The Centre will offer year-round programs that prepare students and professionals for future workforce needs across MedTech, maritime technologies, defence systems, agriculture, sustainability and advanced computing. Students from UWA Perth and its upcoming Chennai and Mumbai campuses will gain hands-on exposure to AMTZ’s cutting-edge MedTech manufacturing and testing facilities, as well as India’s rapidly expanding ocean, marine and defence sectors. Through internships, applied research and immersion programs, students will benefit from one of the world’s most robust industry–academia ecosystems.

With the launch of this Centre and the expansion of UWA’s Indo-Pacific agenda, today’s announcements mark a significant step toward cultivating a skilled talent pipeline, strengthening India–Australia cooperation and driving transformative innovation across health, oceans, security, and technology sectors.

Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna Strengthens Management Education in Bihar

Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna Bihar, in collaboration with UNICEF and the School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, successfully organized the 5th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility  2025 under the CIMP Centre for CSR & ESG Studies Foundation. The conference convened policymakers, academicians, corporate leaders, development practitioners, and students to explore emerging pathways for socially responsible and impact-driven CSR in Bihar.

In his welcome address, Professor Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, highlighted the evolution of CSR spending in India, from an initial estimate of INR 20,000 crore to nearly INR 2 lakh crore by 2020. He stressed the need to move beyond chequebook philanthropy toward evidence-based, outcome-focused interventions aligned with Bihar’s development priorities.

Dr. Indranil De, Axis Bank Chair Professor, delivered the keynote address, describing CSR as a mechanism for private firms to support public goods where state capacity is limited. He emphasized CSR’s potential to link corporate profitability with citizen welfare through targeted investments in health, sanitation, education, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, while advocating transparency, monitoring, and third-party evaluation to maintain credibility.

Ms. Margaret Gwada from UNICEF praised Bihar’s improving governance and called for deeper collaboration among government, corporates, and civil society. She highlighted UNICEF’s sanitation and community-based initiatives, urging Bihar to become a model for child-centric CSR innovation.

Dr. Hishmi Jamil Hussain emphasized CSR’s role in ensuring fundamental rights such as clean water, health, and dignity through multi-stakeholder partnerships. Mr. Lakshman Kumar of NABARD outlined CSR initiatives in climate resilience, health, education, water, and entrepreneurship, implemented via 43 partners across nearly 300 projects funded with over INR 2,000 crore. He highlighted the importance of addressing Bihar’s CSR location bias.

Policy expert Mr. Mathew Cherian connected CSR to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that Bihar receives only 1% of national CSR funds. He stressed principles of “do no harm,” focus on aspirational districts, and sustainability.

In a special address, Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, architect of India’s CSR framework, described CSR as a “bloodless revolution” built on a triangular partnership between corporates, civil society, and government. He highlighted India’s current CSR mobilization of INR 35,000 crore from 28,000 companies, projected to reach INR 1 lakh crore by 2035, positioning Bihar as a rising contributor.

The event also featured a CSR Roundtable on the newly gazetted Bihar CSR Policy with representatives from Palladium India, Apollo Medskills, TERI, ICICI Foundation, Dulux Paints, WABTEC, and Nalanda Charitable Trust, followed by the presentation of over 15 research papers from scholars across India.

IIT Roorkee Successfully Hosts the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 – Hardware Edition Grand Finale

Roorkee, Uttarakhand | Dec 13: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee successfully conducted the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 – Hardware Edition as a Nodal Centre for the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell. The five-day national event (8–12 December) brought together top hardware innovators from across India to develop implementable solutions to critical national challenges.

The Smart India Hackathon, launched by the Government of India and guided by the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has grown into one of the world’s largest open-innovation platforms for students. It empowers young minds to solve real-life challenges posed by ministries, industries, and public-sector organisations. SIH plays a pivotal role in advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and the national innovation mission by encouraging indigenous design, rapid prototyping, and technology-led problem-solving. The Government’s continued support for SIH reflects its commitment to positioning India’s youth at the forefront of hardware, software, and deep-tech innovation.

This year, IIT Roorkee hosted five major hardware problem statements issued by two key ministries:

· Ministry of Home Affairs (NSG & BSF): Surveillance during extreme weather; Handheld radio set with satellite-based personal tracking.

· Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW): Sugarcane maturity prediction device; Low-cost cotton-picking machinery; Advanced jute ribboner machine for in-situ retting.

A total of 23 shortlisted teams from leading institutions across Tamil Nadu, Haryana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh participated in the event. They represented institutions such as the University College of Engineering, Kancheepuram, Chennai Institute of Technology, IIIT Sonipat, Shri Shankaracharya Professional University, and Samrat Ashok Technological Institute, among others. Teams worked intensively through day-and-night sessions involving design, prototyping, simulation, testing, and continuous mentoring by ministry representatives, including the National Security Guard, Border Security Force, and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

The Grand Finale concluded today with final evaluations and the valedictory ceremony. Winners for each problem statement category are structured as follows (to be filled upon official declaration):

PS-wise Winners (Hardware Edition – IIT Roorkee Nodal Centre)

PS ID: SIH25196 – Surveillance during extreme weather conditions (MHA–NSG)

Joint Winners: Impact Innovators and Fenix

Solution Highlight: Developed an all-terrain, weather-resilient surveillance system integrating thermal imaging, autonomous drone patrol, and real-time alert analytics. The solution ensures continuous monitoring even in heavy rain, fog, or low-visibility conditions, supporting NSG teams with faster response and enhanced situational awareness.

PS ID: SIH25255 – Handheld Radio Set with Satellite Personal Tracking System (MHA–BSF)

Winner: Megatron

Solution Highlight: Built a rugged handheld radio device equipped with low-power satellite communication and GPS-based personal tracking. The system offers encrypted voice communication, SOS beaconing, and real-time location sharing—significantly improving border patrol safety and coordination during operations.

PS ID: SIH25264 – Prediction of Optimum Maturity of Sugarcane Crop (MoA&FW)

Winner: Farmedge

Solution Highlight: Designed a portable, farmer-friendly digital scanner that uses multispectral sensing and AI models to predict sugarcane maturity. The device gives instant field-level insights on harvest readiness, improving yield quality, reducing losses, and enabling data-driven decision-making for farmers.

PS ID: SIH25266 – Low-Cost Machinery for Cotton Picking (MoA&FW)

Winner: Mindsmiths

Solution Highlight: Created an affordable semi-automated cotton picking machine with soft-grip mechanical arms and debris-reduction technology. The innovation boosts picking speed, minimizes waste, and reduces labor dependency – offering a scalable solution for small and marginal cotton farmers.

PS ID: SIH25267 – Jute Ribboner Machine for Enhanced In-situ Retting (MoA&FW)

Winner: Caffeinated Coders

Solution Highlight: Engineered a lightweight, energy-efficient jute ribboner machine capable of uniform ribbon formation to accelerate in-situ retting. The solution improves fibre quality, reduces manual effort, and supports sustainable jute production by optimizing the traditional retting process.

Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, congratulated the participants and said, “SIH 2025 demonstrates the remarkable innovation capability of India’s youth. IIT Roorkee is proud to enable this national platform and support the development of hardware solutions that will contribute to India’s technological growth and competitiveness.”

The Chief Guest for the valedictory ceremony, Prof. V. K. Malik, Dean SRIC, IIT Roorkee, said, “The solutions developed during this five-day finale demonstrate exceptional clarity, commitment, and technical depth. The participating teams have shown how real-world challenges can be addressed through indigenous hardware innovation, and we are proud to serve as a platform for such national talent.”

Prof. Varun Sharma (SPOC, SIH 2025) and Faculty Coordinator Tinkering Lab, IIT Roorkee shared, “The passion, discipline, and engineering depth exhibited by students across the five-day event were exemplary. The ideas presented reflect the next generation of indigenous hardware innovation.”

With the successful hosting of SIH 2025 – Hardware Edition, IIT Roorkee reinforces its leadership in fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and empowering young technologists to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth.