15, Feb 2024
Ministry of Education Launches Historic Partnership Between TeamLease Edtech and NSDC
New Delhi, February 15: Marking a transformative moment in the landscape of Indian education and skill development, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, today officially inaugurates an innovative partnership between TeamLease EdTech and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). This strategic collaboration is designed to foster employability through skill development by endorsing work-integrated degree programs. Digivarsity, TeamLease EdTech’s pioneering tech-first platform, will now synergize with Skill India Digital, offering candidates enhanced access to higher education and employment opportunities, heralding a new era in education and skill development.
TeamLease EdTech, a leader in educational solutions in India, has launched Digivarsity, a revolutionary platform that integrates academic study with real-world work experiences. Aimed at redefining the realm of higher education in India, Digivarsity prepares students for successful careers by equipping them with necessary workplace skills in addition to academic knowledge. With partnerships established with India’s top 10 universities and more than 150 leading employers, Digivarsity introduces innovative work-linked degree programs that bridge the divide between education and employment. This initiative empowers students to make well-informed decisions regarding their educational paths while gaining invaluable practical work experience. Digivarsity reflects the vision for the future of higher education in India as envisioned by the National Education Policy 2020.
“Digivarsity is poised to initiate a transformative shift in the higher education sector of India. We are committed to investing INR 100 crore over the next five years to expand the platform and reach over 10 lakh students. We believe that the skills required by today’s employers are best learned through real-world learning environments, in collaboration with industry partners. Our objective is to furnish students with the skills needed by the job market, thereby shaping the workforce of tomorrow,” shared Shantanu Rooj, Founder, and CEO of TeamLease EdTech.
The launch of Digivarsity tackles the critical challenges faced by both employers and universities. Employers often express difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled talent, whereas universities grapple with providing both academic excellence and practical skill-building to render students employable upon completing their courses. This partnership between educational institutions and employers, facilitated by Digivarsity, promises to revolutionize the learning experience for students. By promoting work-integrated degree programs, Digivarsity not only aims to forge a future talent supply chain but also assists universities in broadening their scope and impact. The initiative is set to significantly contribute to the improvement of India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio, offering programs that emphasize:
- Earning while Learning
- Learning by Doing
- Learning with Enhanced Signaling Value
“Participants of the Work-Integrated Degree Programs will receive on-the-job internships or apprenticeships, granting them substantial skills and work experience upon graduation and a distinct advantage over fresh graduates. Furthermore, each student will benefit from a monthly stipend to support their education and living expenses, truly realizing the ‘Earn while you Learn’ concept,” highlighted Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, underlining the combined efforts with TeamLease EdTech to significantly advance youth employability. This partnership marks a crucial step forward in enhancing employability and skill development, introducing a novel category of embedded work programs that are set to markedly improve the employability prospects of India’s youth.
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- By Rabindra
14, Feb 2024
The International Conference on University Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Research in Nursing
Noida International University– Noida International University is established by U.P. LEGISLATURE ACT NO. 27 OF 2010 and under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956—a World Class University sponsored by the Maruti Educational Trust. The lush green campus of 75 acres with its uniquely designed architecture stands out as an infrastructure. The campus is strategically located near the Yamuna Expressway educational hub in Gautam Budh Nagar, Greater Noida. The University through its 12 schools is offering various multi-disciplinary programs in varied streams of Engineering, Management, Law, Medical, and Social Sciences. The students from more than 54 Nations place faith in the educational curriculum of the University. The Petals leading toward a star are an embodiment of the University’s cherished mission to provide education beyond the boundaries and to felicitate the students and faculty to achieve pinnacles of success throughout the world.
NIU also has a 350+ bedded Hospital and a Medical College named Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS). NIIMS is a Centre of Excellence that endeavors to develop a unique pedagogy for medical education. NIIMS’s greater focus lies on the pragmatic approach to learning that lets a student explore the deeper nuances of medical education.
14, Feb 2024
Zell Education Survey: Financial Analyst Emerges as Most Coveted Role
February 2024: Zell Education, India’s leading finance and accounts Ed-tech platform, has conducted a comprehensive survey to understand the preferences, motivations, and challenges faced by individuals seeking careers in finance and accounting. The survey, encompassing college students, recent graduates, and working professionals, sheds light on key trends shaping the finance education landscape.
The survey reveals that 68.57% of respondents are driven by their inherent interest in the financial field, while 56.19% are motivated by the earning potential it offers. Additionally, 47.61% cite opportunities for advancements as a significant motivator, highlighting the diverse factors influencing career choices in finance.
Financial Analyst emerges as the most sought-after role, capturing the interest of 58.09% of respondents. Following closely are Accountant (49.52%) and Investment Bankers (38.09%), indicating a strong inclination towards analytical and financial management roles.
A notable insight from the survey is the significant portion of college students (65.90%) who have not pursued any finance-related courses or certifications. This underscores the existence of knowledge gaps and the need for targeted educational initiatives to bridge them.
Challenges in networking (46.66%), lack of relevant education or training (40.95%), and limited job opportunities (24.76%) are identified as the top hurdles faced by individuals pursuing careers in finance. Addressing these challenges is crucial for facilitating a smoother transition into the industry.
The survey highlights a preference for online courses and webinars among 42.85% of respondents, while 40.95% still favor in-person classes or workshops. This indicates the importance of offering a diverse range of educational resources to cater to varied learning preferences.
Mr. Pratham Barot, Co-Founder & CEO of Zell Education, “Our survey findings underscore the need for targeted education initiatives. It’s surprising to see that a significant percentage of students aren’t still aware of the finance courses and their impact indicating a strong knowledge gap. This is closely followed by 46.6% of students citing networking as a challenge while pursuing their career in Accounts or Finance. All such findings provide insights into why students are not actively pursuing finance knowledge thereby acting as a guidepost for education providers to ensure that programs are tailored to address specific barriers”
Based on the survey results, Zell Education proposes several actionable points for the industry such as developing programs for specific roles like Financial Analyst and addressing industry needs and knowledge gaps. Facilitate mentorship programs and industry events to overcome networking challenges for students and recent graduates. Acknowledge diverse learning preferences by offering both online and in-person resources for a well-rounded educational experience. Emphasize earning potential and offer practical solutions for common challenges like networking difficulties and limited job opportunities.
14, Feb 2024
Global Education Leaders Converge at 2nd Annual ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit
New Delhi, February 14, 2024: The 2nd Annual ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit convened today, bringing together a diverse array of global leaders committed to advancing education and skills development across the “Pre-K to Gray” spectrum.
Held at The Oberoi Hotel in Gurugram, the Summit opened with a dynamic address by Michael Moe, Founding Partner and CEO of GSV, setting the stage for an insightful exploration into the transformative potential of the “East.” In his opening remarks, Moe articulated a compelling vision for the ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit as the premier gathering of minds driving innovation and progress in education and skills development. Emphasizing the pivotal role of regions including India, MENA, Africa, and SEA, he underscored the importance of harnessing the collective power of these regions to drive global transformation.
The Summit commenced with a thought-provoking discussion featuring Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, and a leading advocate for governance reform and policymaking. Kant delved into India’s remarkable growth trajectory and the critical role of its youth in shaping the nation’s future. Their fireside dialogue illuminated the imperative of nurturing a robust education system that seamlessly integrates academic knowledge with skill development, propelling India toward becoming a global leader in higher education.
Kant shared insights from his experience as a key architect of the country’s startup ecosystem. Exploring themes of innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, Kant’s perspective offered invaluable lessons for fostering a culture of innovation and propelling India’s economic narrative forward.
The Summit also featured a captivating fireside chat between Dr. Chris Howard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Arizona State University, and Eric Garcetti, the U.S. Ambassador to India. Delving into Ambassador Garcetti’s multifaceted journey — from Rhodes Scholar to Mayor to diplomat — the conversation underscored the importance of servant leadership, technology, and global sustainability in today’s interconnected world. Highlighting the significance of India in the global landscape, Ambassador Garcetti emphasized the pivotal role of partnerships between nations and institutions in driving progress and innovation.
Ambassador Garcetti also shared, “One of the remarkable aspects shared between India and the US extends beyond mere brilliance or operational technological entrepreneurial spirit. The 4Ps: Peace, prosperity, planet, and people are central to the US mission in India, supplemented by the 5th P, which is the principle. Presently, what eludes us is the construction of a robust social community. I highly value education that fosters social cohesion—a space for learning discourse, engaging in debate, and respectfully acknowledging disagreement. Cultivating a sense of belonging is paramount; we must actively cultivate it.”
The event saw panel discussions on topics like Exporting EdTech of the East to the World, AI’s Potential to Transform Education: GSV Spotlight, Students of the East – Driving Global Higher Education Demand, Skilling at Scale for the New Age of Work, Reimagining K-12 Education in India, Back to the Future: New-age EdTechs Going “Offline”, Transforming Online Higher Education at Scale and more. The 2nd Annual ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit is a testament to the power of collaboration and dialogue in advancing education and skills development worldwide.
14, Feb 2024
British Council Unveils GREAT Scholarships 2024
Hyderabad: February 14, 2024: The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, has announced the GREAT Scholarships 2024, in partnership with the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign. The GREAT Scholarships offer students from India the opportunity to undertake postgraduate taught studies in the UK from autumn 2024, across various fields of study.
This year 25 UK universities are offering 26 postgraduate GREAT scholarships to Indian students as part of the programme, across a variety of subjects like Finance, Marketing, Business, Psychology Design, Humanities, Dance and more. Amount will be paid towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course in the UK for the 2024-25 academic year.
The GREAT Scholarships Programme 2024 also offers two scholarships for Justice and Law studies, to Indian students, in partnership with the Ministry for Justice. These scholarships are offered at two participating higher education institutions, delivering outstanding programmes in the legal field. Indian students interested in pursuing various courses such as human rights, property law, criminal justice, commercial law and more can apply for these scholarships.
Additionally, for the 2024-25 academic year, there are four Science and Technology scholarships available across four UK Universities. Indian students have the opportunity to apply for courses covering a variety of science and technology-related subjects, such as artificial intelligence, sustainable engineering, and psychology, among others, at any of the participating higher education institutions.
The GREAT Scholarships aim to widen access to UK education in India and celebrate the diverse range of institutions in the UK that offer a vast number of courses for students to choose from. With over 133,237 Indian students choosing to study in the UK each year, the GREAT Scholarships aim to build on the strong links between the UK and India and continue to welcome all Indian students to the UK.
Students intending to apply for the scholarships must have received an offer of entry from one of the participating universities and must satisfy all entry requirements for the chosen course as stated by the respective university.
14, Feb 2024
Manipal School of Architecture Participates in Prestigious iDiDe Program in Hanoi, Vietnam
Bengaluru, 14 February 2024: Manipal Academy of Higher Education’s (MAHE) esteemed Manipal School of Architecture and Planning (MSAP) proudly participated in the Intercultural Dialogue through Design (iDiDe) program, a collaborative initiative held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from the 7th to the 28th of January 2024. The event was organised in partnership with Deakin University, Australia, and Hanoi Architectural University, marking a significant endeavour in fostering global educational experiences.
The program selected IV semester Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) students from MSAP based on their outstanding academic credentials and keen interest in intercultural design solutions. The iDiDe-2024 studio focused on “The Story of Hanoi’s Artisan Craft Village,” emphasising intercultural dialogue and community-based design approaches. It aimed to explore the rich intangible heritage traditions and practices that characterise the peri-urban regions of Hanoi.
Participants had the unique opportunity to engage in lacquer workshops conducted by skilled artisans from the local community. These workshops were instrumental in developing the students’ ability to articulate the intricate relationships analytically and visually between art, artisan craft, architecture, heritage, and cultural and social sustainability in contemporary Hanoi.
The iDiDe initiative strives to enrich educational experiences by immersing students in diverse cultures and encouraging collaboration among international peers. It serves as a vital platform to equip future architects and professionals in the built environment with the essential skills needed to thrive as global citizens. By transcending national and cultural boundaries, iDiDe offers a unique opportunity for students to collaborate on sustainable solutions that are culturally inclusive. The culmination of the students’ diligent efforts over the three-week program was showcased in an exhibition at Hanoi University on the 26th of January 2024. The exhibition, attended by several distinguished bureaucrats from Australia, India, and Hanoi, highlighted the innovative projects developed by the students. Mr. Subhash Prasad Gupta, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, graced the event, expressing admiration for the students’ hard work and dedication.
Representing MSAP-MAHE at this prestigious event were Prof. (Dr.) Nandineni Rama Devi, Director of MSAP, Prof. (Dr.) Pradeep Kini, Joint Director of MSAP, Prof. Sahana Ganesh, Academics Head of MSAP, alongside fourteen dedicated MSAP students. Their participation underscores MSAP’s commitment to providing its students with unparalleled global exposure and learning opportunities.
The iDiDe program represents a significant milestone for MSAP in its ongoing mission to nurture architects and built environment professionals who are not only adept in their field but also possess a deep understanding of the cultural and social dimensions that shape our world.
13, Feb 2024
Emeritus’ success story now a Harvard Business School Case Study
Mumbai, February 13, 2024: The success story of edtech unicorn Emeritus, a global leader in delivering accessible and affordable high-quality education, is now a case study by the prestigious Harvard Business School (HBS), the company announced today. ‘Emeritus: Achieving Impact, Providing Access’, traces the first phase of the company’s founding journey by co-founders Ashwin Damera and Chaitanya Kalipatnapu, showcasing its innovative approach to education which has expanded opportunities to learners globally, and previews the road that lies ahead.
The case study, which will serve as a guide for mission-driven entrepreneurs and professionals, and be used in courses offered by Harvard, follows the journey of Damera, an HBS alumnus, and Kalipatnapu, an alumnus of INSEAD, who shared a dream of making societal impact by bringing access to high-quality education. Authored by HBS senior lecturer Ashish Nanda and research associate Zack Kurtovich, it intricately chronicles the origins of Emeritus’s transformative journey from idea to achieving global scale, made possible by a team united by the mission, and through the strength of strategic partnerships with world-class universities.
Emeritus, a pioneer in online executive education, led the way by offering Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs), cohort-based programs with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous elements, high-touch student support, and live faculty interactions. On how the company’s offerings came to life, the case study states, “…participation in executive education programs was often not feasible for individuals from developing regions, as they typically were prohibitively expensive and required participants to travel to the university campuses. Both Damera and Kalipatnapu were eager to address the unmet need among emerging market professionals for quality executive education at affordable rates”.
The study further notes that as the company’s growth accelerated in collaboration with top universities around the world, Damera and Kalipatnapu’s “leadership in tandem was critical to maintaining a sense of momentum and a strong culture within the firm”. Setting the company distinctly apart from competitors, the case notes the success metrics for the Emeritus co-founders are not valuations or financial returns, but the impact on individuals, companies, and society.
Announcing this milestone of being featured as an HBS case study, Ashwin Damera, Co-Founder and CEO, of Emeritus, said, “Chaitanya and I embarked on this journey to break down barriers to high-quality education. It is humbling to see our endeavor recognized as a case study by Harvard, a world-leading institution. This journey has been a whirlwind, and we hope that our approach to building Emeritus can offer some learnings to other entrepreneurs building mission-driven teams. We remain thankful to our team, university partners, and professionals around the world for placing their trust in us. This is a great achievement as we continue to work towards driving positive change through education.”
The case study also dives into the plans of the company to continue to expand and revolutionize the executive education and upskilling segment. Emeritus is prepared to navigate new markets, expand its product offerings, and forge newer strategic partnerships. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact, Emeritus remains committed to redefining the landscape of executive education.
13, Feb 2024
Mudrex Launches PRIME: Premium OTC Services For Institutions And HNIs
BENGALURU, 13th February: Mudrex, the leading global crypto investment platform announced the official launch of Mudrex Prime, an exclusive Over-the-Counter (OTC) services division catering to institutional and high-net-worth individuals. During its pilot phase in the last quarter of 2023, Mudrex Prime achieved a transaction volume surpassing $100 million catering to a diverse clientele of 200+ institutions in India and the European Union.
Mudrex Prime offers extensive asset coverage including USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, and many more, ensuring instant liquidity with swift fulfillment of large orders at the best OTC rates. Currently, Mudrex Prime supports major currencies such as INR, GBP, EUR, AED, SGD, CHF, and more, allowing users to trade premier assets at zero transaction fees and execute orders with minimal spread.
The OTC services provided by Mudrex Prime are fully compliant with regulatory standards. The platform is registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in India and holds a Virtual Asset Service Provider license in the European Union. The platform prioritizes KYC(B)/AML checks to guarantee the legitimacy and security of all transactions. Headquartered in Bengaluru and San Francisco, Mudrex is backed by Y-Combinator, Nexus Ventures, Arkham Ventures, and Tribe Capital.
Mudrex Prime places a strong emphasis on personalized relationship management, offering users tailored OTC solutions with dedicated tax filing assistance for a seamless experience. The platform is committed to multi-time zone dedicated support, ensuring users receive assistance around the clock.
Commenting on this, CEO and Co-founder, Mr Edul Patel, said, “We are incredibly excited to introduce Mudrex’s OTC services, a significant step towards fulfilling the evolving needs of institutional and family businesses in the crypto space. We aim to empower our users, whether they are seasoned institutions or individuals, with the flexibility to trade across a diverse range of crypto assets. The launch of OTC services is a testament to our commitment to serve all types of clients”.
12, Feb 2024
Burlington English to develop Early Years Educational Kits
New Delhi, 12th February 2024: Burlington English, a leading global education provider, onboarded Dr. Swati Popat Vats, the President of the Early Childhood Association of India, as an advisor for the Burlington English Early Years Programme.
The recent National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022 stresses play-based learning materials for children aged 3 to 8, an area Dr. Swati has extensively worked on throughout her career. Dr. Swati’s philosophy of ‘Kiducation’ binds the realms of education and entertainment. Aiming to manifest the same vision, Burlington English, with its 40-year-old legacy of language education amongst all age groups, is dedicated heart and soul to making education less daunting and delightful for the learners.
The recent collaboration with Dr. Swati Popat Vats will pave the way for alleviating the effectiveness of the company’s Early Years Educational Kits. Mr. Amit Baveja, the Managing Director of Burlington English India & South Asia, said: “Burlington English’s vision has always been to keep up with the latest developments in the field of education and not only make it accessible to all but also enjoyable to learners of all ages. The collaboration with Dr Swati is a significant move. We believe bringing together like-minded experts with a deep passion for education will enable young learners with top-notch, high-quality products and services.”
Dr. Swati Popat Vats, President ECA-APER, stated, “As President of the Early Childhood Association, I am honoured and proud to be the advisor for Burlington English for their Foundational Years Programme books. Burlington English is known for its quality and excellence in materials for students and teachers, and now they are creating quality teaching- learning tools for foundational years. Foundational years are the brain development years and require inquiry-based, play-based learning materials, be it for literacy, numeracy, cognitive skills, or socio-emotional development. The Burlington English Early Years Educational Kits will be in sync with the NCF 2022, thus supporting schools in ensuring that young children get the best start in holistic education. Proud of this association.”
Ms. Leena Singh, Publishing Director, Burlington English said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Swati as our adviser. Her expertise will be invaluable in creating developmentally appropriate learning materials for students in the foundational stage and designing research-backed curriculum support materials for our teachers in line with the NCFFS, 2022. It’s an absolute honour and truly feels magical!”
Early childhood education demands sensitivity, understanding, and impact-based research, all of which Burlington English has striven to embody in its learning modules and products. The collaboration between the two pioneers in early education promises an innovative and impactful encounter, which we eagerly await!
12, Feb 2024
Hebrew Uuniversity of Jerusalem visits India to Foster Academic Ties
New Delhi, 12th February 2024 – A distinguished delegation from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem recently visited India to strengthen academic ties with several Indian universities. The visit explored opportunities for research collaboration, student and faculty exchanges, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise in various academic disciplines.
Led by Prof. Oron Shagrir, Vice President for International Affairs, the delegation comprised esteemed faculty members and administrators from the Hebrew, University of Jerusalem including Prof. Shlomo Magdassi, Chair of the HUJI Innovation center, the Institute of Chemistry, and the Center for Nanoscience andNanotechnology, Prof. Saul Burdman, Dean of the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment and Prof. Michal Goldberg, Vice Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Sciences
The visit included engagements with representatives from several prominent Indian universities including Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and Indian Institute of Management Bengaluru(IIM-B), fostering a spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange.
Key objectives of the delegation visit included:
Research Collaboration: The Israeli delegation explored avenues for joint research projects and partnerships with Indian universities, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing global challenges.
Student and Faculty Exchanges: The delegation aimed at exploring and establishing frameworks for student and faculty exchanges, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and enriching the academic experience for both Israeli and Indian scholars.
Workshops and Seminars: Collaborative workshops and seminars were conducted during the visit, providing a platform for academic discussions, idea exchange, and the exploration of potential joint initiatives.
“We are excited about the opportunity to strengthen our ties with top Indian universities and explore avenues for collaboration. This visit represents a commitment to fostering academic ties, promoting cultural exchange, and contributing to the global knowledge ecosystem. We believe that by working together, we can create meaningful opportunities for students and faculty from both Israel and India” said Prof. Oron Shagrir.
Talking about the existing ties with Indian universities, he added, “Our thriving collaboration with esteemed Indian institutions of higher education has significantly enriched the academic
landscape at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Through strategic institutional partnerships, our leading researchers and entrepreneurs engage in meaningful collaborations with their Indian counterparts, seamlessly blending their academic pursuits with practical innovation.”
The delegation visit underscores the importance of global partnerships in advancing education, research, and cultural understanding. As both nations strive to excel in various academic disciplines, the collaboration between the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and esteemed Indian universities is poised to make a positive impact on the international academic landscape.
