Category Archives: Education

IICT Concludes FRAMECRAFT 2025 Webinar Series with Global Animation Experts

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies successfully conducted FRAMECRAFT 2025: Journey from Story to Screen, a curated webinar series aimed at nurturing aspiring talent across comics, storytelling, animation, and character design. The multi-session series was held between 13 and 16 December 2025 and was open to participants from all backgrounds, with no prior experience required.

The series began on 13 December with Comic Creation: Slice of Life Comics and Marketing Your Art, led by Diana Fernandes, a multidisciplinary artist and comic creator with experience across animation, lighting, and compositing. The session focused on autobiographical and slice-of-life comics, character development, visual storytelling, and strategies for building a sustainable presence as a comic artist.

On 15 December, the second webinar, Foundation of Stop-Motion & Industry Formats, was conducted by Bismark Fernandes, a stop-motion fabricator and animator with over a decade of experience working with globally recognised stop-motion production teams. The session covered stop-motion fundamentals, frame rates, movement principles, essential tools, and professional production pipelines used in feature films, television series, and commercial projects for platforms such as HBO, Hulu, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.

The third session, Storytelling and Storyboarding Fundamentals  Basics of Storytelling, took place on 16 December and was led by Nityanshu Sharma, Story Artist at a globally leading animation studio. This webinar explored the foundations of compelling storytelling, including narrative structure, character motivation, conflict, emotional engagement, and the translation of written stories into visual sequences.

Later the same day, IICT hosted Character Design, a session led by Savio Mascarenhas, Group Art Director at Amar Chitra Katha. Drawing from decades of experience, Mascarenhas discussed character design principles, silhouettes, proportions, colour theory, and the creation of culturally authentic characters rooted in Indian mythology and storytelling traditions.

“At IICT, our vision is to create world-class creative technologists who can lead India’s narrative on the global stage,” said Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of IICT. “FRAMECRAFT 2025 exemplified our commitment to bridging academic learning with real-world industry expertise and the global perspective needed to succeed.”

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies was launched in May 2025 with support from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, FICCI, and CII as a national hub for creative technology education and innovation. Announced at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, IICT aims to strengthen India’s presence in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) ecosystem. The institute began admissions for its inaugural batch in August 2025, offering 18 specialised, industry-driven courses across gaming, post-production, animation, comics, and XR technologies. These programmes were developed in close collaboration with global technology partners such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, Adobe, NVIDIA, and others to ensure alignment with international standards and emerging industry trends. IICT’s first phase campus is operational in Mumbai.

Plaksha University Class of 2025 Achieves Strong Placements with Top Global Offers

India, Dec 19:- Plaksha University, one of India’s youngest technology and research universities built through a unique collective philanthropy model of over 100+ founders, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, announced strong career outcomes for its founding BTech Class of 2025. Plaksha’s unique education model has equipped students with future-ready skills, enabling them to secure top roles across diverse functions such as data science, AI/ML, business analysis, software engineering, product management, and consulting. Of the students who opted for industry roles 100% successfully secured job offers.

The average compensation for the cohort was INR 20 lakh per annum, with top offers reaching INR 65 lakh per annum and median at INR 17 lakh per annum, reflecting the high demand for engineering talent trained in computational and future-focused skills.

Leading recruiters included Arcesium, Boston Consulting Group , D.E. Shaw, Flipkart, Fractal Analytics, Info Edge, Jefferies, McKinsey & Company, Wayground  and Wayfair. Offers came from sectors spanning tech, start-ups, consulting, BFSI, Analytics and others.

Commenting on the placement outcomes of the founding cohort, Prof. Rudra Pratap, Founding Vice Chancellor, said, “Plaksha was built to create a new generation of engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of technology and society. These outcomes reaffirm our belief in interdisciplinary training for complex problem solving, experiential education, good communication skills, and a strong focus on research. Our students are stepping into roles that will influence India’s technological future, whether by joining global firms, advancing research at leading universities, or launching their own ventures. We are immensely proud of the purpose-driven paths they are choosing.”

In addition to placement outcomes, 27% of the cohort chose to pursue higher studies and research, securing admissions from leading global institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, University of California San Diego, King’s College London, New York University, TU Delft among others. This reflects the academic rigor and research-driven approach at Plaksha, preparing students for advanced studies in cutting-edge areas.

Moreover, two students have embarked on entrepreneurial journeys, launching their own ventures. Their determination is a testament to Plaksha’s emphasis on innovation and problem-solving, nurturing students not just as job seekers but as creators of groundbreaking solutions.

The diverse career trajectories of the BTech Class of 2025 reinforce Plaksha University’s mission to develop tech leaders and innovators who will drive meaningful societal impact and thrive in an evolving global landscape.

Career247 Partners with Kotak Mahindra to Launch SKY Banker Program for Bharat’s Youth

Career247 and Kotak Mahindra Bank partner to enable Bharat’s Youth with BFSI Careers: Brings Kotak’s SKY Banker Program to Emerging India

India, Gurugram,Dec 18: Career247, the skilling and higher education arm of Adda Education, has partnered with Kotak Mahindra Bank to bring the SKY Bankers Program to its platform. This partnership supports Adda Education’s vision of making India’s youth employable through practical, accessible, and industry-linked learning.

The SKY Bankers Program is designed to train aspiring professionals for the Virtual Relationship Manager (VRM) role, one of the fastest-growing positions in the banking sector. The role focuses on building and managing customer relationships virtually, enabling personalised banking experiences through digital channels.

The Kotak SKY Bankers Program offers specialised, job-linked training that combines practical learning with real-world banking exposure. Delivered through Career247’s platform, the program focuses on developing the right communication, sales, and relationship management skills needed to excel as a VRM, an evolving role central to digital-first banking.

Through Career247’s online learning platform and learner reach, the program will connect with aspiring candidates, particularly from emerging towns and cities. Learners will gain domain knowledge, industry-relevant skills, and the confidence to succeed in BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sectors.

The partnership benefits both learners and the industry. While learners receive structured, job-linked training and placement opportunities, Kotak Mahindra Bank gains access to a pool of job-ready professionals trained specifically for the VRM role. For Career247, this collaboration reinforces its positioning as a trusted bridge between leading organisations and skilled talent.

Commenting on the partnership, Bimaljeet Singh Bhasin, CEO – Skilling & Higher Education, Adda Education, said,

“The BFSI sector remains one of the largest employers in the country. The real challenge is not the availability of jobs but the readiness of candidates. Career247 bridges this gap by aligning training with real-world requirements. Our collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank is helping young professionals build sustainable careers and become industry-ready.”

With the BFSI sector rapidly evolving and digital banking becoming mainstream, initiatives like the SKY Bankers Program reflect the future of skilling, focused on real-world roles, practical training, and measurable employment outcomes.

Career247 remains committed to expanding such impactful partnerships, continuing its mission to prepare youth for meaningful careers and enable employers to access skilled, job-ready talent.

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.