Category Archives: Education

Southampton & McGraw Hill Launch 2nd Edition for Civil Service IR

University of Southampton Delhi and McGraw Hill India unveil second edition of International Relations for Civil Service Aspirants

National, 07^th November, 2025: University of Southampton Delhi and McGraw Hill India, hosted the release of the second edition of the book International Relations For Civil Services and State Services Examinations, a comprehensive guide crafted to help aspirants strengthen their understanding of global affairs and excel in the international relations component of competitive exams. The book was unveiled by Governor of Haryana, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, in the presence of the authors Shri Ashok Kumar, IPS (Retd.), Former Director General of Police, Uttarakhand and Vice Chancellor, Sports University of Haryana, and Dr Rajesh Mohan, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Gurugram.

The ceremony also witnessed the gracious presence of Shri Dammu Ravi, IFS, Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, as Guest of Honour.

Professor Eloise Phillips, Academic Provost, University of Southampton Delhi said:

“We are delighted to celebrate the book launch with McGraw Hill India and the distinguished authors. International Relations is a valuable resource for civil service aspirants, equipping them with the knowledge and analytical perspective needed to interpret complex global developments and make informed decisions as future leaders in public services. University of Southampton Delhi plays a key role in nurturing such future leaders by providing them with the skills, global exposure, and academic foundation required to build impactful careers on the world stage.”

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Governor Prof. Asim Kumar Ghosh said, 

“I am delighted to be part of this meaningful occasion that celebrates knowledge, dedication, and public service. I wholeheartedly laud the authors for their academic contribution. This book will serve as a valuable resource for young learners and civil service aspirants, offering them clarity and perspective on global affairs.

International relations is a dynamic field, more relevant today than ever before. It enables us to understand the interconnected world we live in and to approach global challenges with balance and cooperation. India’s foreign policy today reflects confidence, balance, and strategic maturity, promoting global partnerships while safeguarding national interests.

Diplomacy, in its truest sense, is not just about politics but about values, vision, and global responsibility. A strong understanding of international relations encourages young minds to think critically, act wisely, and serve society with integrity and purpose. I also appreciate McGraw Hill for publishing such an insightful and timely edition that will guide aspirants and educators alike.  University of Southampton deserves appreciation for fostering such academic excellence and nurturing globally aware citizens.”

The authors shared their reflections on the motivation behind the book and its second edition. They highlighted the book’s role in connecting theoretical understanding with practical insights from diplomacy and strategy, positioning it as a meaningful contribution to public service education and civil services preparation. This session also provided an engaging opportunity for University of Southampton Delhi students to interact directly with the authors through a Q&A session, allowing them to gain valuable first-hand insights into the complexities of international relations and its relevance to contemporary global affairs.

The event also featured insightful discussions on leadership, collaboration, and the relevance of international relations in global management education.

Galgotias University Rises Higher in QS World Rankings 2026

Galgotias University Soars to New Heights in QS World Rankings 2026  Marking a Continued Global Rise

Greater Noida, 7th November 2025: Galgotias University continues its remarkable trajectory in global higher education, securing prominent positions in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds. The university has been ranked 15th among India’s top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities, both public and private, underscoring its growing reputation for academic excellence, global relevance, and research-driven innovation.

Building on this momentum, Galgotias University has achieved yet another milestone in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, where it has been placed at 116 in Southern Asia and 454 across Asia. This recognition marks Galgotias as one of the youngest and fastest-rising universities in the region, reflecting its steady progress toward becoming a hub for transformative education and international collaboration.

Adding to its growing list of accolades, Galgotias University has been honored with the prestigious QS Recognition Award for Global Engagement – Performance Improvement, acknowledging its sustained efforts in strengthening global partnerships, fostering cross-border learning opportunities, and continuously improving institutional performance on a global scale.

Commenting on the milestone, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, said,

“Our performance across global and regional rankings underscores Galgotias University’s evolution as a globally connected, research-led institution. These recognitions are the result of our faculty’s excellence, our students’ innovation, and our commitment to creating future-ready graduates who make a real-world impact.”

At the heart of Galgotias University’s success lies its transformative G-SCALE (Galgotias Student-Centric Active Learning Ecosystem). This innovative model emphasises experiential learning, research-driven education, and comprehensive student development. Guided by the visionary leadership of Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, the University continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s most dynamic institutions of excellence.

With consistent performance in global rankings and a growing footprint in international collaborations, Galgotias University is setting new benchmarks in quality education, research, and global engagement.

In the Age of AI, This Student’s Hand-Drawn Film Wins National Recognition for Its Human Touch

India, 06th November, 2025: At a time when even the Mahabharat on Netflix is generated by algorithms, 21-year-old Rachel Tom Antony decided to do something radical: draw every frame by hand. When Rachel found out that her grandmother’s handwritten journals had been burned, she didn’t imagine the loss would become the foundation of her first animated film.

Her project, Kannimanga a 14-minute hand-drawn film recently won the Best Student Film Award (2D Short Film category) at the ASIFA India Awards of Excellence, one of the country’s leading recognitions in animation.

A Film That Began With A Question

Growing up between homes and histories, Rachel often wondered what it means to inherit stories you’ve never been told. “My grandmother used to write journals. When I began this project, I wanted to read them for research but they’d been burned. My father simply said, ‘There are some things you shouldn’t know,’” she recalls.

That moment of silence and secrecy becomes the emotional spark for Kannimanga, a visual journey on family, memory and the nuances that get lost in translation across generations.

The Craft Of Remembering

Entirely hand-drawn frame by frame, Kannimanga weaves journal-style narration with muted color palettes and layered textures inspired by Kerala’s lush landscapes. Its slow, contemplative rhythm mirrors how memory unfolds uneven, tender and sometimes painful.

Iterations and Animation

Guided by Shaaz Ahmed, Associate Professor of Communication Design at IIAD Delhi, Rachel explored how animation could hold space for grief and reconciliation. Shaaz Ahmed has over a decade of experience mentoring animation projects that blend storytelling, cultural context and emotional nuance. Known for nurturing students to explore experimental techniques, Shaaz has been pivotal in helping IIAD become a hub where young animators not only create award-winning work but also push the boundaries of what Indian animation can be. Recently, his work was featured in the exhibition After the Assembly: Constituting India (held at the SOAS University of London Gallery) where he contributed animated films that engage with the making of the Indian Constitution and the living nature of constitutional culture.

The film, Rachel says, felt deeply personal a way to preserve emotions through animation.

More Than An Award

For Rachel, the ASIFA recognition is not just validation of craft, but of courage — of staying loyal to an old, meditative process in a world rushing toward AI-generated visuals. “It’s a handmade film. Every line, every movement carries my hesitation and hope.”

The project was developed at the Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD). Over the past few years, IIAD has emerged as a breeding ground for both national and international recognition in animation film design. Its students have earned accolades at prestigious platforms including the Animation Xpress ANN Awards in Mumbai, the Women’s Independent Film Festival in Los Angeles, and been officially selected at AniMela, India’s premier international animation, VFX, gaming and XR festival.

With a pedagogy that combines technical mastery, research-driven narratives and artistic freedom, IIAD offers students a supportive ecosystem to experiment, fail and innovate — something Rachel credits as a key factor in her creative journey.

Techno India Group Hosts Human Library Episode with Wildlife Photographer Rajarshi Banerj

Techno India Group Hosts The Sixth Episode Of Human Library – ‘Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow’ With Internationally Acclaimed Wildlife Photographer Rajarshi Banerji

Kolkata, 5^th November, 2025: Continuing its legacy of fostering experiential and holistic education, Techno India Group, Eastern India’s largest education provider, hosted the sixth episode of its acclaimed human library talk series, Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow, at the Techno India campus with Mr Rajarshi Banerji, the internationally renowned wildlife photographer celebrated for his exceptional contributions to nature and wildlife photography.

A brainchild of Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group, Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow has become a dynamic platform where students interact directly with luminaries from diverse fields.

The session offered an awe-inspiring glimpse into Mr Rajarshi Banerji’s adventures across forests and wildernesses around the world. Through stunning visuals and captivating anecdotes, he shared the stories behind some of his most iconic photographs – from the dramatic Kaziranga Tiger on Rhino Kill to the globally acclaimed Black Panther Under the Stars, which earned him the Grand Prize of the 35th Memorial Maria Luisa Contest in Spain. His image was selected as the absolute winner among 18,684 photographs and 199 films submitted by 1,590 photographers from 95 countries, making him the first Indian and Asian photographer ever to win this prestigious honour.

Mr Banerji also spoke about his recent achievements, including his Golden Turtle 2025 (Russia) Award in the Animal Behaviour category for his captivating image of juvenile gharials perched atop a bull gharial in the National Chambal Sanctuary, and his recognition as the Second Winner in the Flora and Fauna Category at the Black and White Photo Awards 2025 for his striking portrait of Craig, the legendary tusker of Amboseli, Kenya.

The event concluded with an engaging interactive questionnaire session, where students eagerly posed questions about conservation, patience in the wild and the ethics of wildlife photography. Moderated by Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, the dialogue encouraged students to explore the intersections of art, science, and empathy for nature.

“The purpose of Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow is to inspire young minds to look beyond textbooks and discover the real stories that shape the world around us. Mr Rajarshi Banerji’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance and respect for nature. He creates wonders by the lens of his camera. His stories rekindle our connection with the natural world and remind us of the importance of sustainability and awareness – values that Techno India Group deeply upholds,” said Prof Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group.

Inspired by the global Human Library movement that began in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2000, Unwind – Boi Kotha Kow continues to “lend people instead of books,” giving students the opportunity to learn directly from living stories of inspiration and achievement.

Previous editions of Unwind have featured luminaries such as Film Director Mr. Sandip Ray, Dr. Pradeep Vyas, IFS (Retd), Ms. Rangina Hamidi, Former Minister of Education, Afghanistan, Ms. Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson & CEO, Salesforce India and Dr. Sumantra Chattarji, Clinical Psychology Expert and Neuroscience Advocate.

IIT Roorkee Researchers Create Life-Like Microscopic Self-Organizing Agents

Researchers from IIT Roorkee fabricate life-like microscopic agents capable of self-organization

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India, 04th November 2025: Researchers at IIT Roorkee fabricate microscopic hydrogels capable of hosting reactions within to power their self-organization at an oil-water interface. They show several life-like behaviours such as chemical fuel (food) dependence and asocial interactions with other colloids, perform microscale cargo logistics and precision colloidal assembly. Such soft microscopic robots (microbots) would play key roles in environmental remediation and targeted drug delivery. This research was spearheaded by Mr. Pankaj S. Patwal, PhD Research Scholar, under the supervision of Prof. Pavan Kumar Bosukonda and their work has been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals.

The study explores how model microcompartments can utilize chemical reactions hosted within to power outward fluid flow around themselves and regulate their local interactions. This enables them to produce an ordered state at the expense of chemical fuel, maintained away from equilibrium, which is a fundamental aspect of living cells. This research represents a significant step in the growing field of colloidal systems chemistry that seeks to understand how simple chemical components interact locally and produce emergent complex properties that are impossible to replicate in equilibrium conditions. These model colloids not only self-organise but can also control precisely other nearby inert microcompartments. When immobilised, they can collectively execute microscale cargo logistics and precision assembly of microcompartments to enhance chemical signaling between microcompartments.   

Beyond mimicking the fundamental aspects of living systems, the findings have meaningful implications for the future. This research is a step towards next-generation intelligent materials, soft robots and artificial cells that can sense, adapt and respond to their complex surroundings. In the future, such non-toxic enzyme-powered microbots could be used in environmental remediation, such as the cleanup of oil spills, chemical sensing, or even drug delivery, where microscopic agents need to move, assemble, and act autonomously without external control.  

This research resonates strongly with global scientific and policy priorities. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). It is also in step with India’s strategic emphasis on strengthening the bioeconomy, enabling green technology innovation, and advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in science and engineering. More broadly, the work contributes to the worldwide movement toward low-energy, biologically inspired technologies that are smart, sustainable, and future-ready.

Prof. Pavan Kumar Bosukonda (Supervisor) remarked, “This research advances our understanding of dynamic self-organization processes at interfaces that is a fundamental feature of living systems. The insights gained here provide a basis for developing autonomous microscale assemblies without external actuation to address challenges in environmental remediation.”

Research Scholar Mr. Pankaj S. Patwal expressed his thoughts, stating, “Our goal is to build smart materials that are capable of organizing and responding like living systems, but made entirely from simple materials.” I am grateful to my advisor, my research group, and IIT Roorkee for fostering an environment that encourages scientific curiosity and interdisciplinary exploration.”

Director, IIT Roorkee, Prof. K.K. Pant, congratulated the team and said, “This achievement reflects the strong research culture at IIT Roorkee and the Institute’s commitment to advancing frontiers in fundamental and applied sciences.”

In simple terms, this research showcases how small biomimetic systems can transiently form and organise themselves without any external trigger in the presence of the chemical fuel that mimics the fundamental behaviour of living systems.  This research will provide future direction for self-operating miniature machines and help create life-like materials that is a current challenge for the scientific community. This breakthrough highlights IIT Roorkee’s growing role in shaping the future of advanced scientific research.

WeSchool Hosts AICTE and Ministry of Education Innovation Cell’s Capacity Building Workshop on Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship

Mumbai, October 31, 2025: Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), today hosted the “Capacity Building Workshop on Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE)” for District Education Officers and DIET Members under the aegis of the Department of School Education and Literacy, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC).

The two-day workshop, being held on 30th – 31st October 2025, aims to strengthen district-level leadership by enhancing their understanding of innovation, creativity, design thinking, and entrepreneurship, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Govind Kamble, State Project Co-ordinator, MPSM, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Sachin Kore, Director, VJTI, who graced the event as Guest of Honour. Also, present were Ministry officials Mr. Ajay Kakade and Mr. Sachin Bane, State Nodal Officers, along with senior faculty members from WeSchool.

Mr. Govind Kamble said, “Maharashtra has consistently been at the forefront of national education initiatives, from the Viksit Bharat program to several state-led innovation efforts. Over 73% of our eligible schools have already registered under Viksit Bharat, and with the continued commitment of our education officers and field teams, I am confident we will maintain this leadership by ensuring greater student participation and project submissions.”

He further added, “The state government is also introducing several new initiatives to nurture scientific curiosity, from strengthening science exhibitions to launching Vigyan Vaari, which aims to give students advancing to the state level an opportunity to visit institutions like NASA. I urge all district officers and educators to take the learnings from this IDE workshop back to their schools and encourage students to think innovatively and pursue excellence”

Dr. Sachin Kore remarked that “creativity is something AI cannot generate it must originate through human innovation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool said, “Only education has the power to truly transform a nation. At WeSchool, we believe innovation must begin with educators, those who shape young minds and drive systemic change. This workshop reflects our commitment to nurturing an innovation mindset among District Education Officers and DIET members, empowering them to become edupreneurs who can lead India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

He further added, “Our DNA is experimentation. For decades, WeSchool has championed design thinking and entrepreneurship in education, and we are proud to collaborate with AICTE, the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell, and the Wadhwani Foundation to build a culture of creative problem-solving and co-creation across districts.”

Organized in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation, renowned for its initiatives in entrepreneurship education, the IDE bootcamp marks Phase 1 of the IDE training program for PM SHRI schools, spanning 25 states and 2 union territories.

Over 60 participants from across districts attended the opening day, engaging in group activities, immersive working sessions, and hands-on workshops designed to ignite creative thinking and problem-solving. The sessions encouraged participants to explore the “why,” “what,” and “how” of innovation in education, while uncovering strategies to drive meaningful change and foster entrepreneurial thinking within their institutions.

The two-day bootcamp will conclude with participants presenting actionable frameworks to integrate IDE concepts into district-level initiatives, aligning with the broader national vision of “Innovation for All” under NEP 2020.

ISB Launches AI Factory Building as India’s Launchpad for Responsible AI Innovation

India, 29th October, 2025: The Indian School of Business (ISB) has launched the AI Factory, a pioneering initiative under the AI Venture Initiative (Aivi)  a first-of-its-kind platform aimed at translating India’s vast AI potential into impactful, market-ready, and responsible solutions.

The launch event, held recently at the ISB Hyderabad campus, brought together over 650 entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, corporate leaders, and innovators, showcasing the full spectrum of India’s AI ambitions  from tackling societal challenges to strengthening industries and shaping global AI leadership.

The event featured over 30 distinguished speakers, including:

Shri Abhishek Singh, CEO, India AI Mission; Prof. Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB; Prof. Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, ISB I-Venture; Deepa Nagraj, Global Head of Communications, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem, ESG & CSR, Mphasis; Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog and Former President, NASSCOM; Prof. Sanjiv Das, Santa Clara University; Piyush Shah, Co-Founder, InMobi & President, Glance; Sriram Santhanam, Head of Startups, India, AWS; Kavirut, CEO, T-Hub; and Dr. Anil K. Bhat, Dean, KMC, Manipal  among others.

Accelerating AI from Research to Real-World Impact

The AI Factory is designed to help innovators, startups, and researchers transform breakthrough AI ideas into scalable, responsible, and high-impact solutions that revolutionize industries and improve lives. The platform integrates ISB’s academic excellence with practical market relevance through six key engines:

• AI Labs and Testbeds

• Discovery Marketplace

• Go-to-Market and Scale Support

• Infrastructure Access

• Responsible AI Frameworks

• Research-to-Venture Translation

Already, the AI Factory is working with high-potential AI startups addressing real-world challenges  from predicting Alzheimer’s through biological modelling to developing enterprise AI agents, agricultural robotics, and vernacular AI tools that enhance inclusivity and accessibility.

As ISB launches the AI Factory, it extends an open invitation to startups, enterprises, policymakers, and research institutions to collaborate on building responsible, scalable, and inclusive AI ecosystems for India and beyond.

Research. Collaboration. Real-World Impact.

At its core, the AI Factory embodies ISB’s cross-disciplinary DNA, combining research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The initiative is supported by leading ISB faculty and experts, including Professors Bhagwan Chowdhry, Sarang Deo, Deepa Mani, Manish Gangwar, Sudhir Voleti, Madhu Viswanathan, Vishal Karungulam, Sumeet Kumar, Vandith Pamuru, Sandeep Rath, Vijaya Sunder M, and Subhav Sinha, Entrepreneur in Residence. Together, they are driving responsible AI applications across healthcare, business operations, and behavioral systems.

“The AI Factory represents a landmark moment for ISB, where we aim for a convergence of talent, research, and industry to turn cutting-edge breakthroughs into solutions that create tangible impact across India’s AI ecosystem,” Prof. Bhagwan Chowdhry, Faculty Director, ISB I-Venture.

Partnerships Driving the Future of AI

To strengthen its ecosystem, ISB I-Venture has partnered with leading innovation enablers, including:
Mphasis Foundation, AWS, T-Hub, T-AIM (powered by NASSCOM), Jupyter AI

Foundation, IIIT Hyderabad, KMC Manipal, and internal ISB research centers such as SRITNE, IIDS, and MIHM.

These collaborations will collectively drive responsible AI research, entrepreneurship, and deployment  positioning ISB as a central hub for India’s AI-led growth.

Shriram Life Awards Scholarships to Telangana Govt School Toppers

Shriram Life awards scholarships to govt school toppers from all constituencies of Telangana

Hyderabad, 29th October, 2025: Shriram Life Insurance Company has awarded scholarships to 10th class toppers from government schools across 119 assembly constituencies in Telangana for the academic year 2024-25. As part of the scholarship initiative, each constituency topper will receive a one-time scholarship of INR 30,000, while the top three students at the state level will each be awarded INR 1 lakh.

The scholarships are expected to partly fund the students’ expenses in their intermediate course.

As part of the eligibility criteria, only government-run state board schools are covered. The list of students has been provided by the Department of School Education, Government of Telangana.

• Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT, Electronics and Communications, Industries and Commerce, and Legislative Affairs was among the key dignitaries present at the event. The minister handed over the scholarship cheques to the students. KRC Sekhar, MD, Shriram Life; R. Duruvasan, Director, Shriram Life; and Srinivas Reddy, Executive Director, Shriram Life also attended the event. 

This scholarship initiative is part of Shriram Life’s ongoing CSR initiatives, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting the education of children from underprivileged communities.

“D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT, Electronics and Communications, Industries and Commerce, and Legislative Affairs has emphasised the need for value-driven education and he urged the students to develop self-confidence and sharpen their skills needed for the job market to take great opportunities that will come up in Telangana”

“This initiative closely aligns with our purpose of serving the community. We look forward to more students getting motivated through this programme and aspire for higher achievements in their academics and in their overall well-being,” said Casparus J.H. Kromhout, MD and CEO, Shriram Life Insurance. 

Birla Open Minds Launches Experiential Learning Books for Grades 5 to 8

Mumbai, 27th October 2025: Birla Open Minds today unveiled its Experiential Learning Books, a pioneering initiative designed to make education active, engaging, and connected to the real world for students in Grades 5 to 8 (ages 10–14). The launch was held at Gopi Birla Memorial School, with educators, students, and stakeholders witnessing the introduction of this first-of-its-kind program tailored to middle schoolers at a pivotal stage of cognitive and social development.

The Experiential Learning Books aim to empower students to move beyond rote learning by integrating theory with practical application. Rooted in David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle and enriched with design thinking, the books encourage students to explore, reflect, and innovate while solving real-life challenges.

Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds, said, “In today’s rapidly changing world, education cannot be limited to memorizing facts. Students need to think critically, solve problems, and connect classroom learning to real-life challenges. Our Experiential Learning Books have been designed to do exactly that, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving. With these books, learning becomes an active, engaging process, preparing students not just for exams but for the complexities of life itself. Experiential learning is no longer a choice; it is essential to shaping confident, capable, and future-ready individuals.”

Grade-wise Experiential Learning Books

Grade 5 – Decoding Food Labels
India faces a growing challenge of childhood obesity, with over 14 million affected children. Yet, only 16% of Indian consumers read food labels regularly. This book turns students into food detectives, teaching them to understand nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and marketing claims. Through hands-on activities and real-life investigations, students learn to make healthier choices and even guide family and friends.
Example engagement questions:

• How many teaspoons of sugar are in a tetra-pack juice? (Often 6–8, more than a soft drink)
• How much real fruit is in “fruit-flavoured” candy? (Usually none)

Grade 6 – Chemical Footprint: What We Use, What We Risk
From personal care products to cleaning sprays, synthetic chemicals are everywhere, yet many are untested for long-term safety. This book helps students identify chemicals in everyday life, understand health and environmental risks, and explore safer alternatives. It’s a journey of awareness and responsibility, empowering students to make informed choices.
Example engagement questions:

• How many chemicals have you touched today? (Hundreds, many untested in combination)
• Can your home-cleaning products pollute the air you breathe? (Yes, through VOCs)

Grade 7 – The True Cost of Fast Fashion: Think Before You Wear
Fast fashion drives over 80 billion clothing purchases globally every year, creating massive waste and environmental damage. Students explore the hidden journey of their clothes, from production to disposal, uncovering impacts on people and the planet. The book encourages creative, sustainable choices and challenges students to rethink consumption habits.
Example engagement questions:

• How many litres of water does it take to make a cotton t-shirt? (Over 2,700 litres)
• How much of your wardrobe do you wear regularly? (Often only 20%)

Grade 8 – Fast Tech: The Life Cycle of Your Gadget
Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are indispensable, but their production and disposal involve significant ethical and environmental considerations. This book traces the full life cycle of gadgets, from raw materials to e-waste, exploring mining practices, labor conditions, and recycling challenges. Students learn to make responsible tech choices and understand their role in a sustainable future.
Example engagement questions:

• How many raw materials are mined for a single smartphone? (Over 75 pounds, including rare elements)
• How much e-waste is properly recycled? (Only 17%)

The Experiential Learning Books will be followed by the launch of the Learners Kit on 29th November 2025, offering additional resources and activities to extend learning beyond the classroom.

Benjamin Franklin’s adage, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”, captures the vision of Birla Open Minds. These books aim to transform classrooms into spaces of curiosity, creativity, and exploration, preparing students not just academically but for life.

University of Winchester and Oxford International forge strategic partnership to expand global reach

India, 23rd October 2025: In a strategic move to enhance global engagement and attract a more diverse student body, the University of Winchester has announced a new partnership with Oxford International.  It is a significant addition to the growing number of universities taking advantage of Oxford International’s rapidly growing Education Services offer.  As a result a substantial first intake of students began their studies in September 2025 and there is a strong pipeline of applications for January 2026.

The University of Winchester will benefit from Oxford International’s comprehensive international market development services – spanning student recruitment, overseas marketing, admissions, enrolment, and compliance – all tailored for institutions to enhance and complement their existing in-house international infrastructure. Oxford International’s proprietary Admissions Engine will credibility check and support the application process from end-to-end enhancing effectiveness for students and the University.

By leveraging Oxford International’s global network and technology, Winchester gains a turnkey solution to compete more effectively on the world stage, while ensuring robust quality controls and exemplary student support. This model helps our academic partners remain globally competitive and enhances sustainability, even as the higher education sector faces intensifying international competition and policy changes.

The partnership with Winchester joins a series of new contracts with forward-thinking institutions that Oxford International has launched in our Education Services division. These include Health Sciences University (HSU) – a specialist health university with a 60-year legacy that partnered with Oxford International to expand its international reach and global impact – and Lincoln Bishop University (formerly Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln), which recently rebranded and opened to international students under the same model. Together, these collaborations demonstrate how smaller universities can be empowered to attract talent worldwide and thrive amid global demographic and market shifts.

As part of this strategic expansion Andy Cook, former Vice-Chancellor of Ravensbourne University London, will work closely with Oxford International’s team to ensure academic partners to maximise the benefits of these alliances.

Ravensbourne University was Oxford International’s first Oxford Direct partner and a flagship success story – under Andy Cook’s tenure, the university’s international student intake grew dramatically through the partnership. His first-hand experience in leveraging Oxford International’s model to transform Ravensbourne’s global student community will be invaluable in guiding Winchester and other partners to similar success.

David Pilsbury, Chief Development Officer at Oxford International, said of the partnership: “This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for the University of Winchester and for our Education Services portfolio. By combining Winchester’s academic excellence and community ethos with Oxford International’s global reach and recruitment expertise, we are opening up new opportunities for students and ensuring the University thrives internationally. We’re proud to support Winchester’s ambitions and help sustain its success in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.”

Sam Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of Winchester stated: “We’re thrilled to partner with Oxford International to welcome more students from around the world into our inclusive and values-driven community. Together, we’re creating new pathways to success for the next generation of global graduates.”

The new partnership’s first cohort of international students has begun their studies in September 2025, with additional programmes and intakes being developed for the coming academic year. Applications for the January 2026 intake are open and growing strongly.