Category Archives: Education

Gujarat Takes Classrooms to Children in Salt-Pan Areas

Ahmedabad, June 23: In a significant step towards expanding access to education, the Gujarat government has converted 28 retired state transport buses into mobile classrooms for children living in the state’s salt-producing regions.

The initiative, titled “School on Wheels,” is aimed at addressing the educational challenges faced by children of salt-pan workers, many of whom live in remote areas with limited access to schools. Frequent migration and long distances often disrupt the learning process for these children.

The refurbished buses have been equipped to function as classrooms and will travel to salt-producing belts, bringing education directly to underserved communities. The programme seeks to ensure that children can continue their studies without interruption, regardless of their location.

Officials said the initiative is part of broader efforts to promote inclusive and equitable education, particularly for vulnerable communities. By taking classrooms to students rather than requiring students to travel long distances, the programme aims to improve attendance, learning continuity, and educational outcomes.

The “School on Wheels” project has been widely viewed as an innovative approach to bridging educational gaps and ensuring that no child is left behind due to geographical or socio-economic barriers.

With the launch of the mobile classrooms, Gujarat is reinforcing its commitment to making quality education accessible to children in even the most remote corners of the state.

Odisha Publishes First UG Merit List for 2026–27 Admissions

Bhubaneswar, June 22: The Higher Education Department of Odisha has published the first merit list for undergraduate admissions for the 2026–27 academic session, with over 1.78 lakh students selected for admission across various colleges in the state.

The announcement marks the beginning of the UG admission process for the new academic year, enabling shortlisted candidates to proceed with the next stages of counselling, document verification, and seat allocation as per the admission schedule.

According to officials, the merit list has been prepared based on academic performance and eligibility criteria set by the department to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process. The admission system is designed to streamline enrollment across higher education institutions in the state.

Students included in the list will now be required to complete the necessary admission formalities within the stipulated timeline. Authorities have advised candidates to carefully follow official instructions to confirm their seats.

The department stated that subsequent merit lists will be released in phases to accommodate remaining seats and ensure maximum participation in the admission process.

Officials have also encouraged students to regularly check the official admission portal for updates regarding counselling schedules and further rounds of selection.

The initiative aims to facilitate a smooth, transparent, and efficient admission process for undergraduate education across Odisha.

IIT Roorkee, IvyCap Ventures and NuQuant Launch INR 1,000 Crore Super Endowment Initiative to Boost India’s DeepTech Ecosystem

Roorkee, June 22 :The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee , in collaboration with IvyCap Ventures & NuQuant, has announced the launch of a Super Endowment Fund with a target corpus of approximately INR 1,000 crore. As part of the Bharat Innovates initiative, Super Endowment Fund has been envisioned as a perpetual and self-sustaining source of capital to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by creating long-term and sustainable support for deep-tech startups. The Fund aims to support research excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology translation across IIT Network.

During Bharat Innovates 2026, an initiative of the Government of India, implemented by the Ministry of Education, at Nice, France, India is extending an invitation to leading global universities, research organizations, innovators, investors, philanthropists, and industry leaders to collaborate in the domains of Climate Technologies, Energy Systems, Semiconductors, Advanced Manufacturing, Critical Minerals, Healthcare, and other strategic DeepTech sectors, and to participate in the Fund and its associated innovation activities. The initiative aims to create a globally connected innovation platform that accelerates research translation, fosters cross-border partnerships, and enables the development of technologies with global impact.

Building upon IIT Roorkee’s distinguished 175-year legacy of academic excellence and innovation, the initiative seeks to create a transformative platform that mobilizes alumni, philanthropic, corporate, and institutional contributions towards advancing India’s knowledge economy. The Fund is expected to catalyze high-impact research and innovation in strategic sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, quantum computing, clean energy, climate resilience, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, circular economy and agritech.

The proposed endowment model aims to strengthen linkages between academia, industry, investors, and alumni networks, enabling sustained support for breakthrough technologies, startup creation, intellectual property generation, and societal impact. Through this initiative, IIT Roorkee aspires to contribute significantly to India’s vision of becoming a global leader in innovation, deep-tech entrepreneurship, and innovation-driven economic growth.

The endowment will be managed by IvyCap Ventures, pioneer of India’s endowment ecosystem known for pioneering institution-linked investment and endowment models in India. Through this endowment model, IvyCap is enabling India’s premier institutions to generate world-class intellectual property from their own campuses – advancing India’s journey to becoming the IP capital of the world.

“The Super Endowment is the most exciting chapter yet in a journey we began with India’s first endowment fund at IIT Delhi,” said Vikram Gupta, Founder & Managing Partner, IvyCap Ventures. “What drives me is a simple conviction – that the wealth created by our institutions’ alumni must flow back to power the next generation of researchers and entrepreneurs. This fund makes that cycle of giving perpetual, and I believe it will redefine how India funds innovation.”
“This is more than a fund – it is a compounding engine for Indian innovation,” said Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee.

“Every rupee will work in perpetuity to turn ideas born on this campus into entrepreneurs and IP that the world builds upon. By bringing together the collective strength of alumni, industry, philanthropic organizations, and global partners, we aim to create enduring impact and empower future generations of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.”

Commenting on this, Kislay Kanth, Founder, NuQuant, said,

“India has the potential to emerge as a global leader in DeepTech innovation. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the connection between research, entrepreneurship, and global capital, enabling breakthrough technologies to scale and create meaningful impact. The Super Endowment Fund represents a powerful model for fostering long-term innovation and international collaboration.”

IIT Roorkee and IvyCap Ventures invite alumni, corporate leaders, philanthropists, institutional investors, global universities, and strategic partners to join this initiative and contribute towards building a sustainable, globally connected, and innovation-driven future for India.

From Antenna to Algorithms: Can Traditional Media Reclaim Its Lost Audience?

The Great Journey of Mass Communication: From Radio and Doordarshan to Digital Streaming

There was a time when information traveled slowly but carried immense value. Families gathered around radio sets to hear news bulletins, cricket commentary, and cultural programs. Later, television became the centerpiece of every household, bringing the nation together through shared experiences. Newspapers arrived every morning as trusted sources of information, while magazines offered in-depth analysis and storytelling.

Today, the media landscape has been completely transformed. Smartphones, fiber broadband, social media, YouTube, OTT platforms, podcasts, AI-powered tools, e-papers, and digital magazines have changed how people consume information.

Ironically, despite having more media platforms and content choices than ever before, traditional media is struggling to retain audiences.

The Evolution of Electronic Media

1. The Radio Era (1930s–1980s)

Before television became widespread, radio was the dominant electronic medium.

In India, radio connected millions through news bulletins, educational programming, music, dramas, and live sports commentary. Families relied on radio for information during elections, wars, natural disasters, and major national events.

For decades, radio was the fastest and most accessible source of news.

2. The Antenna and Doordarshan Era (1970s–1980s)

Television arrived as a revolutionary medium.

Viewers depended on rooftop antennas to receive signals from Doordarshan. Programming was limited but highly influential. Shows such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, Hum Log, Buniyaad, and Chitrahaar became national phenomena.

Television was not merely entertainment—it was a social experience that united families and communities.

3. The Cable Television Revolution (1990s)

Economic liberalization changed the Indian media industry forever.

Cable operators introduced private television channels into homes. Suddenly viewers had access to entertainment, sports, movies, music, and 24-hour news channels.

Networks such as Zee TV, Star TV, Sony, and numerous regional broadcasters transformed viewing habits.

For the first time, audiences had meaningful choice.

4. The DTH Era (2000s)

Direct-to-Home (DTH) technology improved signal quality and expanded access to hundreds of channels.

Consumers enjoyed better picture quality, wider channel selection, and greater viewing flexibility.

Television entered an era of intense competition.

5. The Fiber and Digital Streaming Era (2010s–Present)

The arrival of fiber broadband, smartphones, smart TVs, OTT platforms, social media, podcasts, and video-sharing platforms fundamentally altered media consumption.

Viewers no longer wait for scheduled programming.

News, entertainment, sports, documentaries, and live events are available instantly and on demand.

The audience now controls what to watch, when to watch, and where to watch.

From One Channel to Thousands

The media industry has evolved from scarcity to abundance.

We moved from:

• One television channel to thousands.
• One radio station to thousands of digital audio streams.
• A handful of newspapers to countless digital publications.
• Scheduled programming to personalized content feeds.

Yet paradoxically, more choice has not guaranteed more engagement.

Instead, audiences have become fragmented across multiple platforms.

Why Are Viewers Leaving Television News?

Television news once dominated public attention. Today, many viewers are turning away.

Several factors contribute to this trend:

Declining Content Quality

Investigative journalism and original reporting have often been replaced by repetitive debates and sensational discussions.

Loss of Credibility

Audiences increasingly question the neutrality and independence of many news organizations.

Ethical Concerns

Many viewers feel news coverage is becoming overly influenced by political, commercial, or ideological interests.

Technical Negligence

Frequent spelling mistakes, inaccurate graphics, poorly edited tickers, and rushed presentation standards create a perception of declining professionalism.

Endless Live Coverage

Many channels devote hours to repetitive live broadcasts with little new information, reducing the value of the viewing experience.

Rise of Independent Digital Journalism

YouTube channels, digital-first news organizations, podcasts, and independent creators often provide faster, more diverse, and more interactive coverage.

As a result, audiences increasingly seek information outside traditional television.

What Happened to Radio?

Radio remains relevant in automobiles, rural areas, and emergency communication.

However, younger audiences increasingly prefer:

• Podcasts
• Music streaming platforms
• Audio books
• On-demand content

The challenge facing radio is not merely retention but adoption. Many younger consumers never developed the habit of listening to traditional radio in the first place.

Newspapers: Declining but Still Trusted

Unlike television and radio, newspapers continue to enjoy a relatively high level of trust.

Their strengths include:

• Editorial discipline
• Fact-checking processes
• Structured reporting
• In-depth analysis
• Professional accountability

However, print circulation faces significant challenges as younger readers increasingly consume news digitally.

Many readers still trust newspaper brands but choose to access them through websites, mobile applications, and e-paper editions rather than physical copies.

The Slow Disappearance of Magazines

Perhaps no traditional medium has been affected more dramatically than magazines.

Weekly and monthly magazines once occupied a unique space between newspapers and books. They provided long-form reporting, interviews, analysis, and specialized content.

Today, demand for printed magazines has declined significantly due to:

• Instant digital access
• Free online content
• Social media platforms
• Specialized websites and blogs

Many readers now prefer e-magazines and digital subscriptions that offer convenience, portability, and real-time updates.

The future of magazines is increasingly digital rather than print-based.

The Rise of E-Papers and E-Magazines

Digital editions are becoming the new normal.

Readers appreciate:

• Instant availability
• Mobile accessibility
• Lower costs
• Search functionality
• Environmental sustainability

For younger generations, reading news on a smartphone or tablet often feels more natural than reading a printed publication.

The future of print media may depend less on paper and more on the strength of trusted journalism delivered through digital formats.

Can Traditional Media Make a Comeback?

Yes—but only through meaningful reinvention.

Restore Trust

Credibility must become the industry’s highest priority.

Invest in Journalism

Original reporting, investigative work, and field journalism should once again define news organizations.

Improve Editorial Standards

Accuracy in language, graphics, headlines, and presentation remains essential.

Embrace Digital Platforms

Traditional media must meet audiences where they already are—on mobile devices, social media, streaming platforms, and digital ecosystems.

Focus on Public Interest

Issues affecting ordinary citizens should receive greater attention than manufactured controversies.

Engage Younger Audiences

Explainers, data journalism, podcasts, short-form video, and interactive storytelling can help bridge the generational gap.

The Future of Media

Traditional media is not dying—it is evolving.

Television, radio, newspapers, and magazines may no longer dominate public attention as they once did, but their core strengths remain valuable.

The future belongs to organizations that combine the credibility of traditional journalism with the speed, accessibility, and innovation of digital technology.

Audiences have not abandoned information.

They have abandoned formats that no longer meet their expectations.

The real crisis facing media today is not a shortage of content.

It is a shortage of trust.

And trust can only be rebuilt through accuracy, ethics, accountability, professionalism, and a renewed commitment to serving the public interest.

The journey from radio to television, from antenna to cable, from DTH to digital streaming, and from newspapers to e-papers tells the story of media’s past.

The next chapter will belong to those who understand that technology may change, but the public’s need for trustworthy journalism never will.

Govt Removes Domicile Certificate Requirement for SC and OBC Scholarships

New Delhi, June 19: The government has removed the requirement of domicile certificates for students applying for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) scholarships.

The move is aimed at simplifying the application process and making it easier for eligible students to access financial assistance without facing unnecessary documentation hurdles.

Officials said the decision will help reduce delays in processing scholarship applications and ensure faster delivery of benefits to students.

The step is expected to improve accessibility and encourage greater participation from eligible students belonging to SC and OBC communities.

The reform is part of ongoing efforts to make welfare schemes more efficient, student-friendly, and easier to access through simplified procedures.

VU Researcher Develops AI Models to Assessthe Emotional Impact of Art and Advertising

June 19: Researchers from the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University have developed a theoretical model that allows atoms to be “pre-programmed” by light alone to reshape laser beams that carry both a twist and a polarization.

The study by master’s student Dharma Prasetya Permana, alongside Mažena Mackoit-Sinkevičienė, Julius Ruseckas, and Hamid Reza Hamedi from the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy, opens a magnet-free route to controlling structured light for quantum technologies. The research was recently published in Physical Review A.

Twisted Light

The team’s research focuses on optical vortices—special light beams whose structure twists as they propagate.

“Unlike whirlpools in water, where the matter itself spins, optical vortices are twists in the wave structure of light. As the beam travels, its wavefronts form a helical, spiral-like structure,” explains Permana.

At the center of such a beam, the light intensity drops to zero, leaving a small dark core. The size of this region depends on a quantity called the topological charge, which counts how many full twists the wavefront makes around the beam’s axis.

“A topological charge of zero means there is no twist. When the charge increases to one, a small dark core appears at the center. As the charge grows, the structure becomes more pronounced. You can think of it like the thread of a screw—the higher the charge, the tighter the twist,” Permana explains.

 

In theory, this number has no upper limit; it can take any integer value, positive or negative. That makes optical vortices particularly attractive for encoding information in many distinct states. In practice, it is possible to create up to 10,000 distinct states.

“Researchers have already begun using these light vortices to build advanced quantum communication channels,” adds Hamedi. “Instead of a standard quantum bit, or qubit, which holds only two states, light vortices allow information to be encoded in higher-dimensional quantum states, called qudits, dramatically increasing how much data a single photon can carry.”

Spin and Swirl in Light

Light travels as a wave, and there are two distinct ways it can be manipulated: polarization and vortices. Normally, light from a bulb or the Sun is chaotic, with waves vibrating in many directions at once.

“Polarization is how the wave vibrates. Imagine tying a rope to a wall and shaking it. Shake your hand up and down, and the wave vibrates vertically; shake it side to side, and it vibrates horizontally. This direction of vibration is what physicists call the wave’s polarization. Polarized sunglasses act like a fence with vertical slats: they let through vertically vibrating light and block the horizontal glare bouncing off roads or water.

“A vortex, on the other hand, describes the overall shape of the beam. Instead of traveling as a flat wall of waves, the light is twisted into a spiral staircase as it moves forward,” says Mackoit-Sinkevičienė.

When scientists combine these two concepts, they get a vector vortex—a beam with both a structured shape and structured polarization.

“Imagine a spiral staircase where the direction of the steps changes as you climb. At the bottom, the steps face north—that is, vertical polarization. As you walk up the spiral, the steps gradually turn to face east—horizontal polarization. In a vector vortex, the light beam is twisting like a whirlpool, and the direction in which the light waves vibrate changes depending on where you are inside that whirlpool,” explains Mackoit-Sinkevičienė.

“Programmable” Atoms

To manipulate vector vortices and harness them for advanced information processing, the researchers studied how these beams interact with an atomic gas. They chose a medium of three-energy-level atoms, a standard model in quantum optics.

“We developed a theoretical model showing how these atoms can be ‘pre-programmed’ to modify the shape of optical vector vortices. When such light passes through the prepared atomic medium, the atoms respond in a highly structured way. They effectively inherit the spatial pattern of the light, forming regions where they absorb strongly and regions where they become almost transparent to the light,” says Hamedi.

This creates a feedback mechanism between light and matter: the light shapes the atomic response, and the atomic response reshapes the light.

As the beam propagates, it transforms. Instead of a simple ring-shaped intensity profile with a dark center, it evolves into a petal-like pattern, where light concentrates in several bright lobes arranged around the center. At the same time, the beam’s polarization structure evolves, demonstrating that the medium actively controls both its spatial shape and its spin properties.

“This demonstrates that by preparing the atomic medium in advance, we can control not only how complex light structures evolve in space, but also how their polarization changes as they pass through matter,” says Ruseckas.

Applications in Quantum Technologies

The study positions pre-programmed atoms as a powerful tool for manipulating light, with implications for quantum computing and high-density data transfer.

“Until now, controlling structured light in this way required strong external magnetic fields. Generating those fields takes complex, bulky, and often expensive equipment, which limits how easily these systems can be integrated into compact technologies,” says Permana.

“Our method is entirely optical. By using light itself to ‘program’ the atoms, we eliminate the need for magnetic fields. This offers a much more flexible, scalable, and elegant way to control light–matter interactions. Ultimately, it paves the way for faster quantum processors, highly secure quantum communication networks, and incredibly precise optical sensors,” says Hamedi.

Sambhav Launches First-Ever Sustainability E-Book for Students After Odisha Olympiad Success

Bhubaneswar, June 19: In a pioneering step to promote environmental awareness among schoolchildren, Sambhav has launched a first-of-its-kind E-book on Survival and Sustainability following the successful completion of Odisha’s inaugural Olympiad on Survival and Sustainability in Bhubaneswar.

The Olympiad was held at DAV Public School, Unit-8 Campus, and saw enthusiastic participation from 147 students representing both Odia- and English-medium schools from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The event highlighted growing interest among young learners in environmental issues and sustainable living practices.

As a key outcome of the initiative, Sambhav introduced an interactive digital learning resource titled the “Info-Action Picture Book.” Available in both Odia and English, the E-book is designed to go beyond traditional learning formats by integrating concepts, practical insights, and activity-based guidance. It aims to encourage critical thinking, environmental awareness, and reduced screen dependency through experiential learning approaches.

Students who emerged as winners of the Olympiad were felicitated with certificates and trophies during the 5th Memorial Programme of Padma Professor Radhamohan. In addition, each winner will receive an Experiential Learning Fellowship of ₹10,000, enabling hands-on exposure to nature-based learning and sustainability practices.

Speaking on the occasion, noted environmentalist and Padma Shri awardee Sabarmatee said the initiative is intended to inspire children to become active environmental stewards rather than passive learners. She emphasized the importance of nurturing young minds that can think critically, act responsibly, and contribute to environmental protection.

The E-book will be distributed across schools in Odisha to support environmental education and help students develop a deeper understanding of ecology and sustainability. Volunteers Tushar and Prapti, who were instrumental in the initiative, noted that the project aims to bridge classroom learning with real-world environmental action.

Through this initiative, Sambhav hopes to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious students equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to address future sustainability challenges.

Talents for Tech to Bring Free AI Skills Training to Thousands Across Central and Eastern Europe Through Google.org Support and Local NGOs

Vilnius, Lithuania,June 18:  Talents For Tech, an organization set to empower careers through mentorship programs and career guidance, announced it will lead a major regional AI upskilling initiative supported by Google.org as part of AI Works for Europe and the AI Opportunity Fund. With more than $2.7 million (€2.3 million) in funding, the program will help thousands of people across Central and Eastern Europe build practical AI skills and prepare for the future of work.

Through this initiative, Talents For Tech will train at least 11,000 people across seven countries: Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Poland.  The program focuses on expanding what people can do with AI, equipping workers in fast-changing fields: routine administrative, clerical, and cognitive roles, such as customer service, call centre operations, sales support roles, basic finance and accounting (e.g. bookkeeping, payroll), logistics coordination, junior marketing positions, and others.

As AI reshapes workplaces across CEE, the skills needed to use it effectively require more than knowing how to write a prompt. According to IPSOS research, workers need a broad mix of capabilities to truly benefit from AI, from data analysis and cybersecurity to change management and responsible AI use. Most employers, particularly smaller ones, simply don’t have the resources to train their entire workforce adequately.

The Digital Coalition report on AI challenges in CEE supports that by highlighting a lack of competence as one of the key barriers to AI adoption across the region.

Generative AI could boost CEE’s annual GDP by €90-100 billion if widespread adoption is achieved.

As AI transforms workplaces across Europe, many workers still lack access to the training needed to adapt. Talents For Tech was selected to lead this regional effort because of its mission to create inclusive pathways into the digital economy and ensure that technological progress benefits more people.

“This initiative is not only about learning new tools. It is about helping people stay competitive, improving economic resilience, and making sure the benefits of AI are shared across the region,” said Jarune Preiksaite, CEO of Talents For Tech.

“At the moment, too many people risk being left behind simply because they have not had the opportunity to learn. With Google.org’s support, we can now open practical and accessible pathways for thousands of people across Central and Eastern Europe to build confidence with AI and use it in their careers.”

The learning program will be built around practical, Google’s real-world application of AI tools, delivered through Coursera, and backed by a supportive community and networking opportunities across countries.

“AI is not just changing the nature of work; it is redefining what it means to be workforce-ready. By equipping our workforce with practical AI skills today, we aren’t just filling current job openings—we are unlocking a massive wave of economic productivity and ensuring that no worker is left behind in the digital economy,” said Liza Ateh, Head of Google.org EMEA.

Talents For Tech will coordinate the initiative across all participating markets, managing strategic direction, shared communications, and central infrastructure. Local partner organizations in each country will support learner outreach, recruitment, and delivery tailored to local workforce needs.

The program will run until January 31, 2028, and is designed to create a lasting impact by improving employability, supporting career transitions, and strengthening digital inclusion.

By working with trusted local partners under one regional framework, Talents For Tech aims to create a scalable model for AI workforce development across Europe.

NIT Rourkela Develops Low-Cost Ceramic Adsorbent for Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Rourkela, June 18 (UDN): Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an innovative and cost-effective ceramic adsorbent capable of removing harmful dyes from industrial wastewater, offering a sustainable solution to one of the most pressing environmental challenges.

Representational image

The research team from the Department of Ceramic Engineering, led by Associate Professor Sunipa Bhattacharyya along with scholars Susanta Mohapatra and Sourav Ranjan Satpathy, designed the adsorbent using industrial by-products such as fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and kaolin clay.

Industries such as textiles, dyeing, and printing generate large volumes of coloured wastewater containing toxic chemicals that can contaminate rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, posing serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health. Conventional wastewater treatment methods are often expensive, energy-intensive, and generate additional waste.

To address these challenges, the NIT Rourkela team developed a ceramic adsorbent specifically engineered to remove Methylene Blue, a commonly used dye found in industrial effluents. Laboratory tests demonstrated remarkable performance, with the material achieving more than 95 percent dye removal efficiency.

A key innovation of the research lies in the use of raw kaolin clay instead of heat-treated metakaolin, eliminating an energy-intensive production stage. This not only reduces manufacturing costs but also makes the process more environmentally sustainable.

Researchers estimate that the adsorbent can be produced at a cost ranging between ₹25 and ₹50 per kilogram, making it an economically viable option for large-scale industrial wastewater treatment applications.

The findings of the study have been published in the reputed journal ChemistrySelect and support global efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, sanitation, and responsible production practices.

The breakthrough is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable wastewater management and reinforce NIT Rourkela’s reputation as a leading centre for innovative research addressing real-world environmental challenges.

New Book on Property Tax in Europe Spotlights Lessons with International Relevance