13, Jan 2026
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.
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- By Neel Achary
12, Jan 2026
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.
12, Jan 2026
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.”
12, Jan 2026
IIT Bombay Launches Certificate in Generative AI
Kochi, Jan 12: IIT Bombay is pleased to announce the launch of the Certificate in Generative AI, offered by the Technocraft Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence. Delivered in collaboration with Great Learning as the edtech partner, this five-month, online, hands-on certificate programme is scheduled to commence in 2026, with registrations now open.
Designed and delivered by IIT Bombay faculty, the certificate features an industry-aligned curriculum that equips professionals with the skills to design, adapt, and deploy Generative AI (GenAI) applications. The programme follows a practical, LLM-first approach across five modules, taking learners from the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and large language models to prompt design, model adaptation using proprietary data, and the development of copilot tools and multi-step workflows.
The programme culminates in the deployment and security of GenAI solutions, reinforced through practical projects that ensure learners gain hands-on experience in building scalable, real-world AI applications.
Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from IIT Bombay, recognising their proficiency in building and deploying reliable GenAI applications.
Talking about the collaboration, Prof Manjesh K. Hanawal from IIT Bombay said,
“Generative AI marks one of the most significant technological shifts of our time, reshaping how ideas are created, knowledge is built, and work is organised. As the focus moves from curiosity to capability, it’s vital that professionals understand and apply this technology responsibly and effectively. This certificate course underscores IIT Bombay’s commitment to enhance conceptual understanding with practical implementation by imparting learning from foundational AI to the emergence and adoption of GenAI. It also equips learners to not just use AI tools, but to understand which Gen AI model is best suited for their use cases and be able to design and deploy reliable GenAI solutions. Learners will reinvent how they looked at AI and Gen AI and emerge more confident in handling AI driven decision making, productivity enhancements and building innovative solutions across industries.”
The certificate programme is tailored for software engineers, data scientists, analysts, product owners, technology professionals, product managers, STEM graduates, and GenAI enthusiasts who seek to build and operate GenAI systems, integrate them into workflows, and unlock new career opportunities.
Speaking about the Certificate, Mohan Lakhamraju, Founder and CEO, Great Learning, said,
“Generative AI has evolved from a niche technology to a core professional skill, and those who can design and apply these systems responsibly will drive the next wave of innovation and business impact. This program helps professionals move beyond experimentation to truly understand how GenAI works, what it can achieve, and how to apply it meaningfully to real-world challenges. This program deepens our collaboration with IIT Bombay, reflecting our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of AI talent.”
Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university, with a minimum aggregate of 50% or equivalent CGPA, are eligible to register for the programme.
9, Jan 2026
Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and Heartfulness Launched a Novel Net-Zero Residential School Pilot Programme at APSWREIS Residential School
Vijayawada, Jan 09: Heartfulness, in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, today launched a landmark Net-Zero Residential School pilot project at the APSWREIS Residential School in Kuntamukkala, near Vijayawada. The initiative emerged from discussions between Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Reverend Daaji, Global Guide of Heartfulness, reflecting a shared vision for sustainable and environmentally responsible education and aims to serve as a scalable model of an Integrated Ecological Campus.

The campus will include green belts, a rainforest, wetlands, and microgreens, thereby closing the Net-Zero loop. It seeks to create an environment conducive to learning while grooming students to take responsibility for ecology through student-led green governance, with scope for scaling across Andhra Pradesh.
The launch was graced by Sri Vasantha Venkata Krishna Prasad, MLA, Mylavaram, NTR District; Sri Prasanna Venkatesh V., IAS, Secretary, APSWREIS; Dr Ramakantha, Chairman, Forests by Heartfulness; and Mr Saravanan Subramanian, Director, Forests by Heartfulness. This initiative is based on the discussions Hon CM Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu had with Reverend Daaji, Global Guide, Heartfulness. The event was marked by a mass plantation drive, with green enthusiasts coming together to set a new national benchmark for climate-positive educational infrastructure.
The need for the pilot project was identified as a long-term, low-energy, sustainable solution for residential schools, where there is higher resource usage, increased water consumption, and significant wastewater generation. Larger campuses offer scope for ecological regeneration, development of Net-Zero and water-positive campuses, creation of carbon assets, and integration of sustainability into daily student life. The project also aims to develop a scalable model for Andhra Pradesh while helping students identify their role in environmental stewardship.
Sri Vasantha Venkata Krishna Prasad, MLA, Mylavaram, shared his thoughts:
“Andhra Pradesh will become a hub of environmentally aware youth through initiatives like this. With the support of our Government and inspired by the guidance of Revered Daaji, we hope this pilot project will have a ripple effect throughout the state by introducing the Net-Zero concept in residential schools.”
“The seven-year project aims to achieve negative carbon emissions, improve soil health and biodiversity, and reduce freshwater usage. When sustainability becomes a way of life in residential schools, it becomes a lifelong habit. This is a commendable initiative by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Heartfulness,” said Sri Prasanna Venkatesh V., IAS, Secretary, APSWREIS.
Dr Ramakantha, Chairman, Forests by Heartfulness, added,
“We are delighted to partner with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. This pilot project will not only help raise environmentally conscious leaders but also create a replicable and sustainable model for schools that will have long-term impact.”
Mr Saravanan Subramanian, Director, Forests by Heartfulness, said,
“By planting a tree and caring for it over time, each student nurtures life itself. This is the most beautiful aspect of the initiative. We are confident that this pilot will succeed in creating a beautiful, conducive, and spiritually enriched environment for students.”
The Integrated Campus Zoning concept includes a small rainforest; one ‘Sandalwood Legacy’ tree per student; dense plantations for boundary protection and carbon sequestration; wind and sound buffers for hostel comfort; a pollinator garden for biodiversity learning; a herbal garden for traditional knowledge; and microgreens with Net-Zero nutrition for low-water food production, skill development, and health—spread across seven distinct zones.
Student Green Clubs have also proposed to monitor trees, wetlands, and waste systems; promote daily sustainability practices in residential life; conduct quarterly reporting and audits; manage microgreens; integrate kitchen waste composting; and oversee recycled water usage.
Aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) goals, the pilot project is expected to deliver a Net-Zero carbon campus within 5–7 years, achieve a 40–70% reduction in freshwater usage, enhance biodiversity and soil health, and nurture environmentally responsible residential students. Over the seven-year project phase, the Net-Zero pathway is projected to transition from a +180 high carbon emission level to a carbon-negative status by the seventh year through interventions such as wetlands, sustainable food systems, composting, biochar, rainforest development, boundary plantations, sandalwood cultivation, canopy growth, soil carbon build-up, mature tree cover, solar power, and LED lighting.
The Net-Zero Residential School pilot is scientifically robust and financially transparent, serving as a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for long-term ecological and educational assets, with pilot implementation followed by district-wise scaling.
2, Jan 2026
SRCC’s 100-Year Journey: Centenary Curtain Raiser Reflects Enduring Impact on Indian Economy
New Delhi, Jan 2: Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), one of India’s most influential institutions in commerce and economics education, formally commenced its centenary celebrations on Friday with a landmark Curtain Raiser ceremony at its North Campus, bringing together academic leaders, policymakers, and distinguished alumni from across sectors.
As SRCC enters its 100th year (1926 2026), the institution reflected on a legacy that has closely tracked the evolution of India’s economic and governance architecture. The centenary curtain raiser outlined a year- long programme of academic conclaves, policy dialogues, alumni engagements, and global collaborations aimed at positioning SRCC for the demands of the next century.
Tribute to Founder and Institutional Legacy
The event was presided over by Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, who attended as Chief Guest, along with Mr. Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman, SRCC Governing Body. The ceremony opened with a floral tribute to Sir Shri Ram, the visionary industrialist who founded the institution in 1920 as The Commercial School to nurture indigenous business leadership in pre-Independence India.
A commemorative coffee table book, Timeless Frames, chronicling SRCC’s journey from its early years in Daryaganj to its emergence as a globally recognised centre of excellence, was also released on the occasion.
Vice Chancellor highlights SRCC’s Nation Building Role
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Yogesh Singh described SRCC as a “globally recognised academic brand” and said the college’s contribution went far beyond rankings or reputation.
“Hundred years is long enough to build institutions, shape generations and influence the journey of a nation. SRCC has done all three,” he said, adding that the University of Delhi took pride in the college’s role in producing economists, administrators, judges, and business leaders who continue to shape India’s growth story.
Referring to India’s recent economic milestone of becoming the 4th largest economy, the Vice Chancellor said the country’s emergence as a USD 4 trillion economy underscored the importance of institutions like SRCC in producing world class economists, entrepreneurs, and policy thinkers. He urged the college to focus its next phase on entrepreneurship, business incubation, and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and digital finance.
“Institutions like SRCC must now prepare leaders who create enterprises, not just join them, and who see leadership as a moral responsibility,” he said.
Chairman’s Address
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman, SRCC Governing Body, said the centenary curtain raiser marked both a moment of reflection and a roadmap for the future. Recalling SRCC’s journey from its modest beginnings in Daryaganj to becoming one of India’s foremost centres for commerce and economics education, he said the occasion was an opportunity to recognise achievements while planning ahead.
Paying tribute to late Arun Jaitley for his enduring contribution to the institution, Mr. Shriram said SRCC’s greatest strength lay in its people, its faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Outlining the path forward, he said the college would focus on academic excellence, research, infrastructure expansion, AI enabled learning, entrepreneurship, inclusion, sustainability, and deeper alumni engagement. “Our responsibility now is to ensure that SRCC not only preserves its legacy, but remains relevant, ethical, and nationally significant in the century to come,” he said.
Principal emphasises values and purpose
Welcoming the guests, Prof. Simrit Kaur, Principal, SRCC, said the centenary was a collective achievement shaped by generations of faculty, students, administrators, and alumni.
“For a hundred years, SRCC has stood for purpose over profit and ethics over expediency,” she said, adding that the college remained committed to nurturing socially responsible leaders grounded in ethical business practices, sustainability, and national service. She also acknowledged the continued support of the University leadership and the Governing Body in strengthening the institution’s academic and research framework.
Distinguished alumni reflect on SRCC’s impact
Several eminent alumni and well-wishers attended the ceremony, underscoring SRCC’s enduring influence across public life, industry, and civil society.
Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of late Arun Jaitley, former Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, recalled the profound impact SRCC had on his life and public journey. “He often spoke about the formative years he spent at this college and how deeply it shaped his thinking and values,” she said. Congratulating SRCC on completing 100 years, she added, “This is a proud moment. I wish the college many more centuries of producing leaders who excel in their own spaces and serve the nation with distinction.”
Justice A.K. Sikri, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, was also present at the event.
Sunit Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India, said SRCC’s alumni success across sectors was rooted in its academic culture. “It is a matter of great pride that SRCC alumni are doing exceptionally well in every field. Much of this credit goes to the college’s versatile, forward-looking faculty,” he said.
Sminu Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal SAW Limited and Founder Chairperson of Svayam, reflected on the institution’s inclusive ethos. “I feel extremely proud to be part of SRCC. As a person on a wheelchair, the college gave me the opportunity to study in an accessible and enabling environment, something that stayed with me throughout my life,” she said.
Vijay Goel, alumnus and former Union Minister, said SRCC played a defining role in shaping his life and leadership journey. “Whatever I am today, I owe to Shri Ram College of Commerce. The values of leadership, discipline, teamwork, and public engagement that I learnt here through academics, sports, student politics, NCC and NSS shaped not just my career, but my character,” he said.
Neeraj Ghei, Co-founder and Promoter of Select Citywalk and Select Synergies and Services Private Limited, highlighted the institution’s role in shaping professional confidence. “SRCC instils a sense of discipline, curiosity and integrity that stays with you long after you leave the campus. It prepares you not just for careers, but for leadership,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the illumination of the heritage campus, symbolising the dawn of SRCC’s next century, followed by a cultural presentation featuring a Kathak Bharatanatyam jugalbandi and a musical tribute reflecting the eras the institution has witnessed.
30, Dec 2025
ICAI Conducts Convocation Across 15 Locations; Inducts Nearly 20,000 New Chartered Accountants

24, Dec 2025
Lancers Army Schools Celebrate Creativity & Curiosity Through Four Engaging Events

“At Lancers Army Schools, we believe education isn’t just confined to textbooks. These activities, from science experiments to creative competitions, ensure the holistic development of students by cultivating essential life skills like communication, problem solving, and teamwork. We will continue to organise such innovative and engaging initiatives to ensure that every child grows into a future‑ready individual,” said Ms Preethi Rajeev Nair, Principal CBSE and Dr. Riddhish Bhatt, Principal – GSEB Lancers army Schools.
23, Dec 2025
Global Schools Group Hosts 800+ Students at Global One Championship 2025
Bengaluru, Dec 23: Global Schools Group successfully concluded its first-ever multi-sport inter-school tournament, the Global One Championship, which brought together 800+ students from across India, representing more than 25+ schools, for three days of energetic competition and collaboration. The event was held in Bengaluru, with students participating from Global Indian International School (GIIS), One World International School (OWIS), Witty International School and Glendale, showcasing remarkable teamwork, competitive spirit and sportsmanship.

The championship featured eight sports, including athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, football, swimming, and table tennis. Students competed in the under-14 and under-17 categories for both boys and girls, with cricket conducted exclusively for boys. All events were live-streamed, allowing families across India to follow the action in real time.
The Opening Ceremony was hosted at OWIS Sarjapur, which set a positive and enthusiastic tone for the days ahead. The championship was conducted over three days of competitive sporting events, followed by a Closing Ceremony and prize distribution on the fourth day, held at GIIS Whitefield, where students, coaches and school leaders came together to honour the exceptional performances and highlight the values of fair play and discipline that marked this year’s championship. The tournament also included a dedicated sightseeing day for students travelling from outside Bengaluru, giving them an opportunity to experience the culture and landmarks of the city.
The ‘Number 1 Sports School’ title for 2025 was awarded to GIIS Whitefield, with OWIS Sarjapur and GIIS Ahmedabad securing the second and third positions, respectively. Across individual sports, GIIS Whitefield emerged as a dominant performer, winning top honours in athletics, badminton, cricket, football and table tennis. OWIS Sarjapur claimed leading positions in basketball and swimming, while both GIIS Ahmedabad and OWIS Sarjapur shared top honours in chess.
“The successful completion of the Global One Championship reaffirms our belief in the power of sports to build confidence, discipline and resilience among young learners. Bringing students from across our India campuses onto a single national platform created an atmosphere of purpose, camaraderie and healthy competition,” said Mr. Rajeev Koul, Deputy COO, Global Schools Group. “Season 1 lays a strong foundation for a unified sporting culture within GSG, and the passion, talent and sportsmanship demonstrated by our students throughout the tournament has been truly encouraging,” he added.
The Global One Championship is a signature sports event by Global Schools Group that promotes physical fitness, teamwork and character development. It reinforces the belief that education goes beyond academics and that sporting experiences play an essential role in shaping confident and well-rounded individuals.
22, Dec 2025
Modern Public School Shalimar Bagh Launches International Exchange Programme with Malta
Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, Strengthens Global Ties Through International Exchange Programme with Maltese Leadership
New Delhi, Dec 22: Modern Public School (MPS), Shalimar Bagh reaffirmed its strong commitment to global education and cultural harmony by hosting a distinguished International Exchange Programme focused on fostering cross-border understanding, shared values, and future collaboration.

The event was marked by the distinguished presence of H.E. Dr. Joseph Muscat KUOM, the Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta, and H.E. Mr. Reuben Gauci, the High Commissioner of Malta to India, who visited the campus as part of a significant Intercultural Exchange Programme. Their presence marked a remarkable step towards enhancing people-to-people and cultural linkages between India and Malta. The students benefited immensely from the encounters, which offered them insights into international cooperation, leadership, and the role of the youth in creating a peaceful and sustainable world.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, several prominent leaders were also present in the programme, including Shri Rajkumar Bhatia ji, MLA, Adarsh Nagar; Smt. Anita Jain, Metropolitan Councillor, Shalimar Bagh; Shri Naresh Jain, Mandal Head, (BJP) Shalimar Bagh.
The dialogue was anchored around the theme of “Breaking Barriers, Promoting Globalisation.” The exchange programme was largely aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically quality education, global partnership, and peace and strong institutions. It also resonated with India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat,” highlighting the importance of global exposure in nation-building.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Alka Kapur, Principal, Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, emphasized the need to create globally responsible citizens through education. She said,
“Education is the mightiest bridge between different countries. Such events help students think beyond boundaries and stay grounded in their values. Learning should happen not only in schools but should reach out to world leaders. This will help in creating socially responsible youth focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and Viksit Bharat,” she added. Madam Principal reflected the institution’s long-standing philosophy of encouraging international engagement and embracing diverse cultures as an integral part of holistic education at MPS.
The programme concluded on an inspiring note, reinforcing the vision of Modern Public School of nurturing globally connected students who value collaboration, cultural respect, and shared progress, truly learning beyond borders.



