Category Archives: Education

vivo India Awards 35 Lakh Scholarships to Winners of Ignite 2025 for Tech Social Innovations

vivo India Announces National Winners of vivo Ignite 2025, Scholarship of Around INR 35 Lakhs for Tech-Driven Social Innovations

17^th June, 2025, New Delhi – vivo India announced the winners of its countrywide scholarship initiative – ‘vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Initiative’, in partnership with CIET-NCERT, IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, and UN Global Compact Network India. The event was held on June 15^th at The Ashok, New Delhi, spotlighting groundbreaking solutions from students in grades 8–12. It witnessed the presence of over 250 guests, including participants, students from diverse schools, and their families.

The third edition of vivo Ignite: Technology and Innovation Initiative received over 37,000 registrations from 9,000+ schools across 660+ districts—marking a two-fold increase from the previous edition. The initiative culminated in the submission of over 5,600 innovative ‘Tech for Good’ project ideas. Following a rigorous three-stage evaluation process—including regional shortlisting of Top 200 ideas, mentorship-led prototype development with academicians and practitioners, and the National Finale—the program celebrated the creativity, ingenuity, and social commitment of India’s next generation of youth innovators.

The AI Powered Criminal Activity Detection through Sensor-less Sensing prototype by Prateek Sethi from Odisha won the first prize, taking home a scholarship worth INR 4 lakhs, for its innovative, cost-effective Wi-Fi-based system that detects suspicious activity without intrusive surveillance.

 Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, vivo India, congratulated all participants, saying, “vivo Ignite stands as a testament to our belief that technology, when placed in the hands of young minds, can spark real and lasting impact. The remarkable participation and ingenuity we’ve witnessed this year reaffirm the untapped potential that exists across India’s schools. As vivo India’s flagship Technology and Innovation Initiative, vivo Ignite reflects our commitment to creating joyful, purpose-driven opportunities for students to explore, innovate, and solve real-world challenges. We are dedicated to expanding this platform further—to reach every corner of the country and empower the next generation of changemakers.”

The 10 ideas, submitted by 19 finalists, showcased scientifically innovative and socially impactful prototypes. The Top 5 were awarded the title of National Winners, while finalists ranked 6–10 were honoured as National Finalists.

The runners up included several impressive student innovations. The ArmX – Smart Rehabilitation System for One-Hand Paralyzed Individuals, developed by Devarsh Patel (Class-X), Veer Manvar (Class-X), and Kavan Patel (Class-X), secured a scholarship worth INR 6 lakhs. The GRGS – Green Run for Green Souls (From Wind to Wheels) prototype by Safin Mallick (Class-XI), Sirsa Naskar (Class-X), and Agamani Pandey (Class-X) won a scholarship of INR 4.5 lakhs. An Arduino-based LPG Gas Leakage Detection and Prevention System by Kushaal Abhay (Class-X), Vamshikha K S (Class-X), and Dhriti Kannan (Class-X) received a scholarship worth INR 3 lakhs, while Trevive, a project by Abeer Gosain (Class-XII), was awarded a scholarship of INR 75,000. The remaining Rank holders from 6-10 earned title of National Finalist and received Scholarship of INR. 25,000/- each child for their innovative ideas to encourage them to pursue this journey.

This year’s evaluation process was led by a distinguished jury comprising leading academicians and industry experts from partner organizations, who assessed the projects on criteria including creativity, scientific application, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential for social impact. The diversity and caliber of submissions underscores the initiative’s growing relevance and effectiveness in nurturing innovation at the grassroots level. With each edition, vivo Ignite continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact—solidifying its position as a strategic enabler in India’s innovation and education ecosystem.

The Grand Finale was graced by eminent dignitaries including Prof Indu Kumar Head, ICT & Training, CIET-NCERT; National Coordinator, DIKSHA, Mr. Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director- UNGC Network India, Mr. Rajendra Mootha, Head- Strategic Initiative Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Former COO, IIT Madras Innovation Park and Mr. Mahabir Singh, Founder Director- Science Olympiad Foundation. The programme was anchored by India’s ‘Tech Guru’ Rajiv Makhni who brought his trademark charisma and insight to the stage, , demystifying complex innovations and engaging the audience in a celebration of young talent and bold ideas.

vivo India also felicitated beneficiaries of its flagship initiative, vivo KanyaGyaan—dedicated to empowering women in STEM by breaking financial and societal barriers for young women from underserved communities. The initiative provides scholarships, mentorship, skill-building workshops, and industry exposure to support their academic and professional journeys. To date, it has empowered over 175 scholars—60% from families with annual incomes below ₹1 lakh and 15% raised by single parents, helping many become first-generation graduates and gain admission to premier institutions. vivo KanyaGyaan not only imparts critical STEM skills, but also builds confidence, resilience, and ambition among its participants.

MGM University Chemistry Student Gets Patent for Groundbreaking Research

Galgotias University Partners with Tata Technologies to Launch Industry-Aligned Learning Centre

National, 17 June 2025: Galgotias University and Tata Technologies have announced the launch of a Learning Centre focused on Product Development, marking a significant milestone in industry-academia collaboration aimed at building future-ready engineering professionals.

Inaugurated by Mr. Pawan Bhageria, Global President – HR, IT & Education, Tata Technologies, and Dr. Dhruv Galgotias, CEO, Galgotias University, the state-of-the-art Learning Centre will empower students from Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering backgrounds through hands-on training in MCAD/PLM, Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies, and emerging domains. The initiative is aligned with Tata Technologies’ globally acclaimed I GET IT platform to deliver practical, job-oriented technical knowledge.

To maintain high standards in teaching and relevance to real-world practices, Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) and Subject Matter Expert (SME) sessions will be regularly conducted by Tata Technologies. These sessions aim to enhance faculty capabilities and provide students direct access to industrial insights and mentorship.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, stated, “This Learning Centre represents our deep commitment to delivering practice-based, globally relevant engineering education. Through our partnership with Tata Technologies, we are fostering an environment where students can gain the skills and exposure needed to lead in a dynamic global industry.”

Mr. Pawan Bhageria, Global President – HR, IT & Education, Tata Technologies, added, “At Tata Technologies, we are passionate about enabling future engineers with industry-aligned skills. Our collaboration with Galgotias University will ensure students are trained on next-gen technologies and are well-prepared for careers in the high-growth engineering sector.”

The partnership will also include placement support, enhancing students’ access to career opportunities with leading companies in the tech and manufacturing sectors.

This initiative further strengthens Galgotias University’s mission to offer a real-world, innovation-led education ecosystem, designed to prepare students for leadership in global engineering and technology landscapes.

Shrewsbury School India Launches Transformative Summer Programme for First Batch

17th June 2025: Bringing a 473-year-old globally renowned educational legacy, Shrewsbury International School India is set to open its doors in Bhopal on August 8, 2025. As it prepares to welcome its first batch of students, the school has organised The Shrewsbury Leadership Programme from June 8 – June 15 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

The fully-residential programme offers hands-on workshops focused upon fostering essential soft-skills such as leadership, creativity, innovation, communication and strategic thinking. During evenings, students will savour sports, music, games and recreational activities while connecting with their peers as part of a vibrant community of learners.

In collaboration with Educis, a premium educational consultancy, the programme also provides innovative learning modules on topics such as creative writing, storytelling, public speaking, logical reasoning and media communication.

Oliver Russell, the Deputy Head of Strategy and School Development remarks, “This camp is designed for pupils aged 11 to 18 and offers a range of engaging activities designed to encourage personal development. This will help them get familiar with each other and forge friendships before the academic session begins in August.”

Mr. Dominic Tomalin, Founding Headmaster at Shrewsbury, adds, “Transitioning into a new academic environment can often feel overwhelming, and this initiative aims to inspire confidence, build comfort, and create a sense of community before the first day of school. Through the activities offered within this programme, we seek to set a positive tone for the year ahead.”

The Shrewsbury India Leadership Programme offers students a glimpse into the school’s world-class curriculum adopted from the Cambridge International Programmes of study, leading towards IGCSE and A-Level qualifications. As students join from other countries as well, this will provide a strong foundation for cross-cultural collaboration

“At the core of the Shrewsbury credo is warm pastoral care, strong peer relationships, as well as meaningful, collaborative experiences. This introductory programme not only offers an insight into the engaging curriculum of the school, but also reflects its strong ethos and the whole-person education philosophy that it brings to India for the first time,” remarks Mr. Peter Willett, Deputy Head – Pastoral.

The programme is also designed to introduce students to the creative and performing arts, helping them develop confidence and self-awareness. It also aims to nurture ethical decision-making, emotional intelligence and future-ready thinking skills essential to thrive in today’s evolving educational landscape.

“This programme is only the beginning of a thrilling academic journey that lies ahead for each Salopian. By the time they walk into the school campus, they will be ready for the transformative future that awaits their presence at Shrewsbury International School India,” concludes Mr. Russell.

Optometry Students at ITM Institute of Health Sciences Gain Hands-On Training with Shamir Lens Workshop

Navi Mumbai, 7 June 2025 – Optometry students at ITM’s Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) participated in an insightful and interactive dispensing workshop conducted by Shamir Lens, a global leader in innovative lens technologies. The students benefited from hands-on experience in modern dispensing techniques and technologies that integrate the theory with practice.

Topics addressed in the workshop included important component aspects of dispensing such as lens selection, lens fitting, and lens adjustments. Shamir’s exhibition team introduced their latest lens designs and tints; thus, students received a balanced, thorough review of the wide range of choices for lenses in today’s optical market.

One of the key highlights of the session was a live demonstration of Spark 4, Shamir’s state-of-the-art digital measurement tool. Students had the opportunity to witness how eye care professionals use this high-tech tool to fit lenses with great precision and speed, a skill that’s becoming more and more crucial in today’s optometry field.

“It was a highly productive and engaging session for our students,” said Dr. Sankalp Rao, Director at ITM IHS. “Workshops like these not only enhance practical learning but also expose students to the latest industry innovations, preparing them to deliver high-quality eye care in the future.”

This partnership of ITM Institute of Health Sciences (Institute) with Shamir Lens demonstrates the institute’s dedication to industry exposure in its academic program and ensuring its students leave with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the world of optometry.

Warwick University Commemorates 60-Year Journey with Special Event in Delhi

New Delhi, 1 June 2025

The University of Warwick marked its 60th anniversary on 1 June 2025 with an exclusive media event at The Shangri-La, New Delhi, celebrating six decades of academic and research excellence, innovation and global influence.

The high-profile event brought together Warwick’s senior leadership, including the Global Chief Communications, Marketing and Content Officer Ajay Teli, and Director of Communications – Corporate Brand, Satnam Rana-Grindley, who travelled from the UK to engage with Indian media and reaffirm the university’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering impactful international collaborations.

The milestone celebration of the university’s growing legacy of excellence and influence, both in the UK and India, highlighted pioneering research, world-class education and longstanding industrial partnerships, including a 25-year collaboration with Tata Group. The event also paid tribute to the university’s vibrant alumni community whose achievements continue to bridge continents and industries, creating meaningful change across borders and giving back to India in powerful, entrepreneurial ways.

Mamta Marasini exemplifies the global reach and creative spirit of Warwick alumni. A graduate of Warwick Business School with an MSc in Business with Marketing, Mamta has channelled her education, entrepreneurial drive, and creative acumen into founding Roar Corp, a boundary-pushing creative agency headquartered in both New Delhi and Kathmandu.

Launched in November 2023, Roar Corp specialises in strategic brand consulting, event production, social media marketing, and influencer campaigns. In less than a year, Mamta as CEO has led Roar Corp to deliver bold, high-impact campaigns for global brands that blend technology, data, and storytelling to create lasting audience connections.

Known to her clients and team as the ‘Chief Lioness’, Mamta’s vision for Roar was born not from convenience but from conviction. “Roar was built on pure passion and relentless hard work—no shortcuts, ever,” she says. “Every project we take on is rooted in a deep commitment to curating experiences that are bold, thoughtful, and strategically aligned with our clients’ goals. Whether it’s designing a high-energy launch, building a content engine, or orchestrating influencer-led storytelling, our focus remains the same: to move people and build brands that matter.”

Her campaigns are data-informed, human-led, and creatively daring. By combining cutting-edge tools like AI with human insight, Roar delivers results that are measurable and memorable. Mamta has also successfully delivered events and activations for renowned lifestyle brands including Superdry, G Star Raw, Yamaha, and Mothercare. Her approach is holistic, blending research, media coordination, and creative design into marketing strategies that resonate.

Mamta’s Warwick journey was the catalyst that gave her the confidence to lead. “I stepped into Warwick unsure of how to begin, but I walked out a changemaker,” she reflects. “It was Warwick that gave me the clarity to pursue the service side of marketing and eventually take the leap to build my own agency.”

Warwick’s impact remains close to Mamta’s heart. “Warwick truly cleared the fog for me,” she says. “The education, the peers, the challenges: all of it helped me understand what I wanted to do, and more importantly, why I wanted to do it.

“I feel super proud to be a part of the Warwick community. I have great stories to tell to my friends and family: what a stellar institution I got my knowledge from!”

At the helm of Roar Corp, Mamta’s just getting started. With a team of passionate creatives, a cross-border footprint, and a belief that marketing should move people, Mamta is building a brand that helps others do the same.

Roar’s mission is clear: to be your brand’s BFF—and to make some serious noise doing it.

Odisha Governor Inaugurates NSDC International Academy, Flags Off ‘Skill on Wheel’ at SDI Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, 16th May 2025: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) launched an international academy at the Skill Development Institute (SDI), Bhubaneswar, campus today with an aim to empower the youth of Odisha and neighbouring states with skills for international career opportunities.

The NSDC International Academy, which will train the youth in skills that are in demand globally, in global languages, was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. This is the first NSDC International Academy in Bhubaneswar.

The Governor also flagged off the ‘Skill on Wheel’ mobile training unit, designed to take skill development to the doorsteps of youth in rural and remote regions.

The NSDC International Academy has been started by NSDC, in collaboration with the SDI to prepare the Indian youth for global employment opportunities through comprehensive foreign language training and pre-departure support. Through this initiative, NSDC and SDI Bhubaneswar aspire to equip youth with the competencies required to succeed in overseas job markets.

The ‘Skill on Wheel’ is a state-of-the-art mobile training unit designed to deliver doorstep skilling to students across Odisha. This initiative is another innovative step to democratize access to skill training, bringing modern infrastructure and industry-aligned programs directly to the doorsteps of learners across the state.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, commended the role of Skill India Mission and NSDC in empowering youth and praised the achievements of SDI. He said, “This world-class campus, developed with an investment of Rs. 500 crore over 47 acres at the foothills of the historic Barunei Hill, stands as a model for skill training excellence. With multiple Centres of Excellence and strong industry collaboration, SDI Bhubaneswar has already emerged as a finishing school for Engineering, Polytechnic, and ITI graduates.”

“I hope SDI Bhubaneswar will continue to rise as a Skill Academy of National stature and bring greater pride to our state, Odisha,” he added.

Hon’ble Minister of State for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha, Shri Sampad Chandra Swain praised the initiative and reaffirmed the Odisha Government’s commitment to building the state as the Skill Hub of Purva Bharat. He referred to SDI Bhubaneswar as the “Bati Ghara” (lighthouse) for the youth of Odisha as well as Eastern India.

The launch event also witnessed the presence of Shri Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department; Shri Ranjan Bhowmick, CEO of SDI Bhubaneswar, and Shri Rajesh Kumar Tripathy, COO of SDI Bhubaneswar; Smt Rasmi Govil, Director (HR), Indian Oil Corporation; along with senior officials from NSDC and other dignitaries from the skilling ecosystem.

NSDC International Academy is operational in other key regions including Pune, Amritsar, Bhatinda, and Greater Noida as well.

Jayant Chaudhary Chairs ‘Skill Milan’; Five NSTIs Chosen as Centres of Excellence

Mumbai, May 16, 2025: The Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, chaired a high-level interaction titled Skill Milan with the heads of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) selected for transformation into National Centres of Excellence under the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation approved by Union Cabinet of 07^th May 2025. During the Skill Milan interaction with five(5) selected NSTIs focused on strategic alignment to guide India’s skilling ecosystem toward future-readiness and global relevance.

The discussion centered on the strategic upgradation of the five NSTIs, with the goal of increasing the availability of qualified instructors. These institutes will be strengthened for instructor training, offering standardized, high-quality. As National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) for skilling, these NSTIs will also address sector-specific skilling needs. Positioned at the forefront of India’s skilling ecosystem, these institutions are a cornerstone of the ?60,000 crore scheme recently approved by the Union Cabinet.

Calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” the Minister emphasized the initiative’s potential to reshape the technical training landscape of India—creating institutions that not only meet today’s workforce demands but also anticipate and prepare for the needs of the future. “These NSTIs will set the pace of skill development in India,” said Shri Jayant Chaudhary. “We must move beyond infrastructure and focus on institutional excellence—by embedding work-based learning, training of high-quality instructors, and close industry collaboration. These Centres should become the anchors of innovation, employability, and global competitiveness in technical training.”

During the discussion, the Minister underlined the importance of building these institutions around real industry needs—through sectoral focus areas such as Automotive, Manufacturing, Textile and new age skills like Artificial Intelligence, EV and advanced manufacturing. The Centres will also aim to support entrepreneurship, research, and lifelong learning, while offering a full vertical pathway from certificate to advanced diploma levels in alignment with the National Credit Framework.

The Hon’ble Minister highlighted the need to maximize industry participation in the upgradation of NSTIs with strong coordination with State Governments to ensure that industry-institution partnerships are locally relevant, sustainable, and aligned with regional economic priorities.

Representatives from the five NSTIs—located in Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana—shared their vision for the upgradation process. They spoke about aligning the curriculum with local industrial clusters, enhancing instructor capabilities through global exposure, and creating Centres for Industrial Collaboration to facilitate on-the-job learning and recruitment partnerships. Several representatives emphasized the importance of residential campuses to attract top faculty and learners from across the country.

The upgraded NSTIs will be provided with academic, financial, and administrative autonomy and will operate under a strengthened governance framework. These institutions are envisioned to serve as hubs of excellence that support the broader ITI network with curriculum redesign, pedagogical innovation and multiple entry multiple exit options to the trainees.

Premia Academy Achieves 100 Percent CBSE Results and Launches Grade 11 Scholarship Test

Hyderabad: 16^th May, 2025: The Premia Academy, a premium educational institution known for its resilience, responsibility, and love towards its students, achieved a 100% success rate in the 10^th and 12^th CBSE results.  This achievement is proof of holistic learning, passionate teaching, and the relentless spirit of the team Premia. They have announced a scholarship test for admission in the 11^th grade, by which the school wants to provide a holistic learning environment to deserving students.

Grade 10 students of CBSE achieved an excellent milestone in history with a 100% pass rate. The highest percentage among everyone is 97.2%. 26 students achieved distinction. Seven students scored more than 90%. The subject-wise performance percentages are as follows: 96% in Telugu, 96% in English, 98% in Hindi, 99% in mathematics, 94% in science, 97% in social sciences, and 99% in Artificial Intelligence.

12th-grade students also achieved a 100% pass rate, with most among them scoring above 90% in all subjects. The subject-wise percentages are as follows: accountancy scored 90%, economics 90%, business studies 92%, physical education 93%, physics and English core 94%, mathematics 96%, mass media and psychology 97%, and entrepreneurship 98%.

The Premia Academy has announced a scholarship test for grade 11 students on May 17^th, May 24^th  & May 31^st, 2025. They will cover science (MPC& BIPC). The test is going to be conducted at The Premia Academy campus.

The results are outstanding, and the management has received an overwhelming response from students and their parents. The school focuses on not only academic excellence but also instills values, knowledge, skills, builds self-confidence, and helps create wonderful opportunities for future growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sindhuri Reddy, Founder and Managing Director, The Premia Academy, said, it is heartening to receive an overwhelming achievement from the students. The achievement is not just about academic scores, but a reflection of our school’s ethos. Their hard work and perseverance have paid off, and we are too proud. These outcomes reflect the dedication of our students, the unwavering support of parents, and the relentless efforts of our teaching faculty.”

Adding to this, Ms. Trupti Rao, Principal, The Premia Academy, said, “The Premia Academy is standing firm and indomitable in imparting great education. We are extremely delighted with the performance of our students in both the 10^th and 12^th exams. We appeal to students to participate in the scholarship test and grab the wonderful opportunity.

Adding to this, Ms. Sunita Saripally, Head Mistress, The Premia Academy, said, “The remarkable success of our students in the CBSE 10th and 12th grade examinations is a testament to their hard work, the dedication of our experienced faculty, and the supportive learning environment at Premia Academy. We believe in explaining the full potential of every child, fostering both academic rigor and personal growth to ensure they excel in all their endeavors.”

LPU Ends MoUs with Türkiye, Azerbaijan Citing National Security

New Delhi, May 16, 2025 In a bold and principled move reflecting national solidarity, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has become the first private university in India to terminate all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan. The university has formally ended six academic partnerships with institutions in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, citing recent geopolitical developments that it deems contrary to India’s national interest.

This unprecedented decision includes the immediate termination of student and faculty exchange programs, joint research projects, dual degree initiatives, and all other forms of academic collaboration with institutions from the two countries. The move comes in response to the pro-Pakistan stance of Türkiye and Azerbaijan during a recent period of heightened Indo-Pak tensions.

Announcing the decision, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, stated, “When our brave armed forces are risking their lives—whether in covert operations, air defence, or patrolling our borders—we, as an institution, cannot remain indifferent. Dr. Mittal remarked, “LPU’s mission has always been aligned with the growth and integrity of India, and we will never associate with any institution that undermines India’s sovereignty.”

While diplomacy is the domain of governments, LPU’s action sends a powerful message: the academic world, too, bears a moral responsibility. National security is not safeguarded solely at the borders—it must be defended in every classroom, boardroom, and international collaboration.