Category Archives: Education

Global Youth Action Fund 2026 applications are now open to all students

The International Baccalaureate (IB), a global leader in international education, has opened the annual application window for the Global Youth Action Fund, an award open to students enrolled in a secondary school aged 12 to 19 who have developed projects or initiatives aimed at creating a positive social impact in their communities.

The Global Youth Action Fund will be open to students, or student groups, from both IB and non-IB schools. The window to apply for the grant will remain open until 30 January 2026.

The fund is open to young people who are driven by purpose and a desire to make a difference. To date, the Global Youth Action Fund has awarded grants to over 290 projects led by more than 440 young people globally. Whether tackling climate change in Jakarta, advancing gender equity in Nairobi, or building digital inclusion in Lima, each project contributes to a shared movement of youth-led action and collective hope.

“Since its founding in 1968, the IB has been dedicated to building a better, more peaceful world,” said Dr. Nicole Bien, Chief Community Partnerships & Development Officer for the IB. “Young people today are showing great resilience and curiosity in the face of global challenges, starting from within their communities and working outwards to develop initiatives that drive meaningful change. We are delighted to support these young leaders in their inspiring efforts.”

The Global Youth Action fund is part of the IB’s commitment to support, elevate and empower youth voices. Designed to unite the global community in challenging moments, the Festival of Hope creates a space for young people to share their experiences and transform complex challenges into positivity and hope. Discover more pathways to action on the Festival of Hope website.

Every funded project must align with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is reviewed by an international panel of experts, educators, and youth leaders. Selection is based on:

• Purpose and vision – addressing meaningful global or local challenges.  
• Innovation and creativity – offering bold, original approaches to change.  
• Impact and sustainability – demonstrating measurable potential for long-term benefit.  
• Collaboration and leadership – engaging others to create shared solutions.  

Selected students will receive:

• Up to 3,000 USD in grant funding, as per project needs. Funding is dependent on what students request and what the IB Global Youth Action Fund committee decides. 
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with leading social entrepreneurs and other student awardees from around the world. 

“The most meaningful aspect of the programme was receiving firsthand insights from industry experts,” said Sadhika Kapoor, a student from Vietnam whose EcoPsych project promotes eco-friendly action in schools. “We felt genuinely honored to be in the presence of such highly accomplished individuals. Discovering that they began their changemaking journeys at the same age as us made them even more compelling role models.”

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Visits IICT–NFDC Campus to Explore Collaboration Opportunities

The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, visited the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) campus at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mumbai, on January 15, to explore avenues for institutional collaboration and student exchange between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

The visit was hosted by Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, along with Munjal Shroff, Governing Council Member, IICT, at the IICT–NFDC Campus.

During the visit, the Chief Minister was taken through a structured walkthrough of IICT’s academic and technology infrastructure. The programme included a curated audiovisual presentation at the Rangayan Preview Theatre, highlighting IICT’s vision, academic framework, and creative technology capabilities. This was followed by a live showcase at the Anubhuti Drishya Immersive Studio Lab, featuring demonstrations of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) applications, along with hands-on experiential interactions.

The visit also featured a Digital Twin demonstration at the Photogrammetry Studio, where a live 3D photogrammetry scan was conducted to create a digital avatar, showcasing the practical applications of immersive and emerging technologies.

A strategic discussion session followed, focusing on potential collaboration between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Key areas explored included student exchange and institutional cooperation, skill development and capacity building in AVGC and emerging creative technologies, digital heritage and cultural preservation through immersive tools, and the development of a collaborative startup incubation and innovation ecosystem aimed at empowering youth from the region.

Speaking during the interaction, the Chief Minister said,

“If we want Jammu and Kashmir to become an attractive destination for filmmaking, then human talent and post-production capability must be created locally, and that is where a relationship with an institution like IICT becomes important for us.”

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, IICT, said,

“We are grateful to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir for visiting the IICT campus. The interaction was valuable, and we look forward to exploring meaningful collaborations that can benefit students and young talent from Jammu & Kashmir by enabling skill development, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.”

Following the discussions, the Chief Minister visited the NFDC Bharat Pavilion and Museum, which chronicles India’s cinematic and creative heritage. The visit underscored the museum’s role as a national cultural repository and a platform for preserving, presenting, and celebrating India’s film and creative legacy, before he proceeded to onward engagements at the NFDC campus.

Mahindra Launches 12th Edition of Saarthi Abhiyaan to Support Truck Drivers’ Daughters

After disbursing 11,000+ scholarships to truck drivers’ daughters, Mahindra announces the 12^th edition of ‘Saarthi Abhiyaan’ Program 

Bengaluru, Jan 15: Mahindra’s Truck and Bus business, as a part of its much celebrated and renowned CSR Program, Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyan, has announced the onset of its 12^th edition, with plans to awards another 1000 scholarships of Rs. 10,000/- each to truck drivers’ daughters who have passed Std X exam and are pursuing further studies.

This program is aimed at saluting and honouring the exceptional spirit of the truck drivers in ensuring their daughters get an equal opportunity to rise in their lives and educating them beyond X Std. Mahindra is one of the first commercial vehicle manufacturers to pioneer this initiative and felicitate truck driver daughters who meet the eligibility criteria. This program was initiated in 2014. The selection of the eligible truck driver daughters will be done through a reach out program at 75+ transport hubs pan India with well-defined, transparent, and independent process. Until now, 11,029 young girls have already benefited from scholarships.

Mr. Vinod Sahay – President Trucks, Buses & Construction Equipment, Member of Group Executive Board, said,

“Through Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan, we are not just providing scholarships but opening doors to a brighter future for girls and instilling hope in young hearts. By investing in their future, we are cultivating a generation of empowered women who will contribute significantly to our communities and the economy at large.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Business Head Trucks, Buses & Construction Equipment, Mahindra Group, said,

 “Our sustained commitment through the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan not only uplifts the daughters of truck drivers, but also fosters a culture of new opportunities and motivation. Through this initiative, we wish to remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in their futures, and developing a stronger, more equitable society where every girl can aspire to fulfil her potential and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

The company will felicitate each girl selected for this scholarship with a direct bank transfer of INR 10,000 and a certificate in recognition of this achievement. The felicitation of 1000 daughters will be hosted between February to March 2026, at select locations by Mahindra Truck and Bus leadership.

Gita-Inspired Needonomics Emerges as a New Paradigm for Teaching Excellence at MH-MMTTC, Hansraj College

New Delhi, Jan 15:  Gita-inspired Needonomics is emerging as a transformative paradigm for teaching excellence and ethical education, said Prof. Madan Mohan Goel, Propounder of the Needonomics School of Thought, three-time Vice-Chancellor, and superannuated Professor of Kurukshetra University, during a Faculty Induction Programme (FIP) held at Mahatma Hansraj Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MH-MMTTC), Hansraj College, in collaboration with Miranda House, University of Delhi.

Prof. Goel delivered two insightful lectures on “Excellence Models for Teachers in a Changing Economic Scenario” and “Indian Knowledge System: Relevance of Gita-Guided Needonomics and Anu-Gita.” The programme was presided over by Dr. Ashutosh Yadav, Director, MH-MMTTC.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Ritu Pandey, Coordinator of the FIP, delivered the opening address and presented a citation highlighting Prof. Goel’s distinguished academic journey and significant leadership contributions to higher education.

Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, Prof. Goel emphasized that a truly wise person is one who “sees inaction in action and action in inaction,” remaining free from ego, attachment, and the fruits of action. He stressed that educators must cultivate humility, balance, and sensitivity while remaining street SMART—Simple, Moral, Action-oriented, Responsive, and Transparent.

Explaining the core philosophy of Needonomics, Prof. Goel highlighted the restoration of the natural sequence outlined in the Hitopadeśa—knowledge leading to humility, humility to worthiness, worthiness to wealth, wealth to dharma, and dharma to happiness. He noted that education must go beyond earning a livelihood to making life meaningful and fulfilling.

“The real genius,” he observed, “is one who can correctly differentiate what ought to be done from what should not be done.” He added that an average individual guided by values is far superior to a so-called genius who causes harm to others.

Prof. Goel further elaborated on Gita-guided Needonomics as a human-centric, ethical, environmentally friendly, and spiritually rooted approach. Citing the LIC of India motto “Yogakshemam Vahamyaham” (Gita 9.22), he explained that Needonomics promotes common sense economics focused on sustainable happiness and societal well-being.

The session resonated strongly with participating faculty members, reinforcing the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in shaping value-driven, responsible educators for a rapidly changing world.

Jaro Education and Delhi Technological University announceda collaboration to launch industry-focused online degree programs and strengthen workforce upskilling

New Delhi, Jan 15: Jaro Education, a publicly listed company and one of India’s leading EdTech players in higher education and upskilling company, has announced a collaboration with Delhi Technological University (DTU), one of India’s premier engineering and technology institutions, ranked 30th in Engineering by NIRF 2025.The two entities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch industry-relevant online degreeprograms, particularly in technology-driven domains, aimed at empowering learnersand enhancing the nation’s talent ecosystem.

Through this collaboration, Jaro Education and DTU plan to democratize access to high-quality higher education by offering flexible, modular, and digitally enabled degreeprograms that combine DTU’s academic excellence with Jaro’s deep expertise in learner outreach and technology-enabled delivery. These programs will cater to the growing need for tech-focused upskilling and create future-ready professionals aligned with evolving industry requirements.

Ranjita Raman, Chief Executive Officer, Jaro Education, said: “India’s growth story will be shaped by how effectively higher education responds to the needs of a changing workforce. Today, many capable learners are ready to advance but remain constrained by geography and rigid academic formats. This collaboration with Delhi Technological University addresses that challenge. DTU offers strong academic foundations in technology, and Jaro specialises in translating that excellence into accessible, industry-aligned online programs. Together, we are creating meaningful pathways that serves learners, meets industry needs, and aligns with the National Education Policy”.

Prof. S. Indu, Dean of Delhi Technological University, added: “DTU is committed to expanding its reach and impact by developing programs that respond to the evolving needs of industry and society. Partnering with Jaro Education allows us to offer our academic excellence to a wider audience and promote lifelong learning opportunities that foster innovation and employability.”

This collaboration reinforces both institutions shared vision of leveraging edtech innovation to scale quality education, promote industry-academia synergy, and upskill the Indian workforce for the digital economy.

Swiggy Announces Winners of Inaugural ‘Food for Thought Challenge’

Swiggy Announces Winners of the Inaugural Edition of ‘Food for Thought Challenge’ – Reinforces Commitment to Student Innovation

 Bengaluru, Jan 13: Swiggy (Swiggy Ltd, NSE: SWIGGY / BSE: 544285), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, today announced the winners of the inaugural edition of Food For Thought Challenge (FFTC) – its flagship case study competition. The Food for Thought Challenge (FFTC) gave the opportunity to thousands of students across campuses in the country to share fresh, disruptive ideas that could further strengthen Swiggy’s position as a trusted companion for every student during the campus years.

IIM Lucknow was crowned the Winner for their innovative ideas for more meaningful student engagement for food delivery and dining out. The team was rewarded pre-placement interviews and a cash prize of ₹1,50,000. IIM Indore ranked First Runner Up and was rewarded with a cash prize of ₹50,000. Teams from IIM Bengaluru and MICA Ahmedabad were also amongst the other 4 finalists of the competition.

The Food For Thought Challenge, which was launched in September 2025, saw an overwhelming response from the student community, receiving 2,600+ submissions from 600+ colleges across India, with more than 30% of the entries from IIMs, IITs, NITs, and other leading institutions. The Finale Round was chaired by Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace. Swiggy intends to make Food for Thought an annual platform with an objective of enabling innovation and connecting better with the student community.

Speaking on the entries and the initiative, Deepak Maloo, Vice President – Food Strategy, Customer Experience & New Initiatives, Swiggy, said,

 “College students are more than just our customers; they are a catalyst for innovation. With FFTC, we were keen to harness their disruptive, fresh perspectives to identify and unlock new growth levers and further enhance customer experience. The participating teams were impressive, demonstrating an incredible knack for turning data-driven insights into disruptive, actionable ideas.”

The Food For Thought Challenge had a rigorous evaluation process and all the submissions underwent a multi-stage evaluation. The submissions were graded on a 4-point framework (innovativeness, impact on growth, execution feasibility, cost effectiveness). The top 8 teams from the list advanced to a semi-final round with top Swiggy executives in the Jury Panel and 4 teams made it to the Grand Finale, hosted in Bengaluru.

By engaging with campuses, Swiggy aims to foster an ecosystem where young talent can contribute to the future of food tech and logistics, mirroring the company’s own journey as a market disruptor founded on bold ideas. Swiggy’s Student Rewards Program and Campus Streaks initiatives have already garnered attention amongst the student community and are in line with Swiggy’s larger effort to deliver greater value and convenience to young consumers across India. The Student Rewards program has received an overwhelming response and enables over 7 lakh college students across 3,600+ campuses today.

NIIT Foundation Receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification

“Receiving the ISO 9001:2015 certification is an important organisational milestone for NIIT Foundation. It reflects the rigour of our internal processes and our focus on delivering high-quality, consistent, and scalable skilling interventions. As we work across diverse geographies and communities, strong quality systems enable us to remain accountable to learners, partners, and the larger development ecosystem.”

Koncept Global Books Launches India-Centric, Future-Ready ‘Leapstone’ Series for Classes 6–8

Koncept Global Books, a modern educational venture dedicated to providing holistic learning support to the next generation, today announced the launch of its new middle-school catalogue, Leapstone, for students in Classes 6–8. Building on the 25-year publishing legacy of Arihant Publications, the initiative aims to redefine how students learn, think, and apply knowledge in the 21st century.

Koncept Global Books was established to address the growing need for textbooks that go beyond academic content and develop broader competencies essential for today’s rapidly evolving world. With a shift in education towards critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and real-world application, traditional textbooks often fall short. Leapstone bridges this gap by offering learning resources that are India-centric yet globally aligned, ensuring students develop strong cultural roots while cultivating a future-ready mindset.

As the first milestone of its ambitious Project 21 Agenda, Koncept Global Books has launched a comprehensive catalogue of 45 titles across 15 series for Classes 6, 7, and 8. The Leapstone series represents a fundamental shift from conventional textbooks. While anchored in India’s cultural, social, and educational context, the content integrates a global outlook, preparing students for opportunities on both national and international platforms. The series emphasizes conceptual clarity, critical thinking, experiential learning, and emotional development, aligning closely with the spirit of NEP 2020 and NCF 2023.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Atishay Jain, Managing Partner, Koncept Global Books, said:

“The ‘Project 21 Agenda’ is about transforming education from teaching ‘what to think’ to ‘how to think.’ We aim to nurture a generation of innovators and leaders who will shape the world rather than simply participate in it.”

The Leapstone series has been designed to support diverse school environments and student capabilities, ensuring accessibility and meaningful impact across different learning levels. By integrating inquiry-based activities, real-world tasks, and value-based learning, the books empower students to understand, question, apply, and internalize knowledge, moving beyond rote memorization.

The Leapstone series from Koncept Global Books is now available for schools and parents across India.

61st Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition 2026 Celebrates Creativity and Digital Detox Among Young Minds

Delhi NCR, Jan 12: The 61st edition of Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition 2026 was successfully held, reaffirming its legacy as one of India’s most prestigious and enduring children’s art events. With participation from over 5,000 children aged 5 to 16 years, the competition once again provided a vibrant platform for young artists to showcase their imagination, originality, and artistic talent.

Commenting on the significance of the competition, Navin Menon, Editor Publications, Children’s Book Trust, said:

“Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition has always championed the free and fearless expression of a child’s imagination. In today’s screen-driven world, this initiative is more relevant than ever, giving children an opportunity to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with their inner creativity. Seeing thousands of young minds absorbed in art reaffirms that creativity remains essential to emotional and intellectual growth.”

Since its inception in 1952, the competition has evolved into a cultural institution, encouraging creativity, self-expression, and artistic discipline across generations. The 2026 edition continued this rich tradition while addressing contemporary challenges faced by children today.

A key highlight of this year’s edition was its strong focus on digital detox. In an era dominated by screens and gadgets, participants were given three uninterrupted hours to immerse themselves in colors, ideas, and hands-on artistic expression. This initiative emphasized the importance of balancing technology with creative and mindful activities, fostering holistic child development.

The event also featured enthusiastic participation from several NGOs across Delhi NCR, including Vidya Foundation, Aarohan Foundation, and Katha Foundation, enabling children from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talent on a shared platform. This inclusivity reinforced the competition’s commitment to equal opportunity and nurturing creativity beyond social and economic boundaries.

The presence of esteemed trustees, Yamuna Shankar and Robinder Sachdev, added further significance to the occasion. Their interactions with participants, educators, and organizers highlighted the enduring vision behind the competition and its dedication to fostering creativity among young minds.

The 61st Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition 2026 stood as a powerful reminder that art is a timeless medium of expression. By blending tradition with contemporary relevance, the event celebrated artistic excellence while promoting mental well-being, focus, and imagination. As the competition continues its journey that began in 1952, it remains committed to inspiring future generations to think creatively, paint fearlessly, and grow beyond screens through the power of art.

KIIT World School Hosts CBSE Workshop on Art Integration

Gurugram, Jan 12: KIIT World School, Sohna Road, recently hosted a CBSE Capacity Building Programme (CBP) workshop focused on Art Integration, designed to equip educators with innovative strategies to make classroom learning more engaging, creative, and effective.

The workshop was led by CBSE Resource Persons Rama Shankar and Kalyani Voleti, both seasoned educators with extensive experience in teacher training. Kalyani Voleti, a specialist in Visual Arts Education, shared practical insights on embedding artistic approaches across subjects to enhance conceptual understanding and foster deeper learning.

Teachers actively participated in experiential activities, including role-playing exercises based on the Preamble of the Constitution and discussions aligned with the Multiple Intelligences theory. These hands-on sessions demonstrated how art can be seamlessly integrated into diverse disciplines, enabling students to connect better with academic concepts.

The workshop also emphasized the role of art-based learning in nurturing ethics, values, and emotional intelligence. Educators were encouraged to express ideas through acting, poetry, and visual storytelling, highlighting how every creative medium conveys meaningful narratives. Strategies to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills—key 21st-century competencies—were also discussed for immediate classroom implementation.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Neelima Kamrah said,

“Art integration has become an essential component of modern education. It not only nurtures creativity but also enables students to develop a deeper and more meaningful understanding of academic subjects.”