29, Jan 2024
Manipal Law School, MAHE, Bengaluru Calls for Presentation on Data Privacy Day
Bengaluru; 28th January 2024: Manipal Law School (MLS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru celebrated Data Privacy Day in its Bengaluru campus to aid to the learning of students aspiring for careers in Data Privacy Law/ Information Technology Law/ Cyber Law. The event featured call for presentations followed by the prize and reward announcements and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 200 students.
The awards were presented to the following students:
(i) First prize (INR 5000) – Chanakya Kene
(ii) Second prize (INR 3000) – Vishnu Sudhakar
(iii) Third prize (INR 1500) – Natasha Rama Rocha
(iv) Consolation prizes (INR 1000 each) – Sneha Nivedya Satheesan, Harshitha JS, Janhvi Tripathi, Stalin Manjaly, Anjana Ashok
Students were invited to submit abstracts on provision of new Indian data protection law (DPDPA 2023). The winners were given the opportunity to present their abstract before the community of privacy pros. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness, encourage specialized education information technology laws and privacy, and discuss possible career opportunities in this field. All attendees received certificates of participation.
For students and working legal professionals, Manipal Law School provides specialized LLM (master’s in law) courses: LLM in Data Privacy Law and Cyber Law and LLM in Information Technology Laws. To make these courses more inclusive in nature, MLS has designed the courses in both regular and blended modes.
In addition to the above, with the goal to bridge the gap between technical expertise and legal skills, MLS will also be introducing a LLM (Professional) for non-legal working professionals, starting from August 2024.
Excited about the event, Prof. (Dr) Avinash Dadhich, Director, Manipal Law School, MAHE, Bengaluru Off-campus said, “With information becoming a valuable commodity in the digital age, Data Privacy Day is a stinging reminder of the fundamental rights that we have in the online world. We understand that it is our duty as law schools to develop the next generation of legal scholars who will be able to successfully negotiate the intricate world of data protection. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our dedication to raising awareness, promoting critical thinking, and equipping our students to fight for privacy in a world that is becoming more linked. Informed consent is based on knowledge, thus on this Data Privacy Day, we’re setting out to shed light on the way to a more ethically and securely grounded digital future”.
MLS provides its students with the abilities and information required to successfully negotiate the complex world of data protection. Modern data privacy legislation courses are incorporated into the curriculum at MLS, giving students a thorough understanding of the ethical issues, technological ramifications, and legal frameworks related to information security.
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- By Rabindra
27, Jan 2024
Anurag Varsity to offer INR 6.5 crore in Scholarships to meritorious students of the CET
Hyderabad, January 27, 2024…Anurag University, a 25-year-old, Telangana State’s first private University with over 12000 students on its rolls, today announced AnuragCET 2024, a common entrance test for admissions into various bachelor, master and doctoral programmes in Engineering, Agriculture and Nursing courses and announced scholarships worth Rs 6.5 crore for the same.
The 1st to 10th rank holders of the AnuragCET 24 will get a 100% scholarship, the 11th to 25th 50% and the 26th to 100, 25%. Similarly, 1 to 10,000 rankers in EAPCET or 1 to 50,000 rankers in JEE will get 50% scholarship, 10,000 to 15,000 EAPCET or 50001 to 75000 JEE rankers will get 25% and EAPCET 15001 to 25000 or JEE 75001 TO 100000 rankers will get 10%. Besides scholarships, the first 500 students taking admission into University through AnuragCET with a 10+2 score greater than 75% will be presented Laptops. The merit scholarship of 50% tuition fee waiver based on EAMCET ranks will be extended up to 20000 Rank for students who have pursued intermediate education in Government Junior Colleges.
It introduced Sports Scholarships (up to 100 % concession in tuition fee) for admissions during the academic year 2023-24 and this year the same is extended to NCC (National Cadet Corps) and Performing Arts for the coming academic year.
Prof.Balaji Utla – Registrar; Mrs.S.Neelima – CEO; Prof.V.Vijaya Kumar – Dean, School of Engineering; Prof M Mutha Reddy, Dean Examinations; Prof V. Vijay Kumar, Dean School of Engineering; Prof. K.S. Reddy, Dean Academics and Planning; Prof G. Vishnu Murthy, Dean CSE; Prof. V. Srinivasa Rao, Dean Student Affairs; Prof. Sathees Kumaran, Dean, Research & Development and Dr. M. Srinivasa Rao Director, Admissions; Heads of the Departments have participated in the Press Meet.
Addressing a press conference at its campus in Venkatapur in the city outskirts on Saturday, Mrs S. Neelima, CEO of Anurag University said the objective of its scholarship program is to attract talent and nurture the same for meaningful contribution to society and the country at large. The AnuragCET 2024 will begin on 11th February with an online test. The last date to submit for the same is 10th February. Desirous candidates can log into www.anurag.edu.in website, scan the QR code and apply for the same. Entry is free.
The Registrar of the college Prof Balaji Utla declared formal opening up of the registrations.
The tests will be both online and offline. The offline exams will be conducted at the Anurag University campus on alternative Sundays as well as in many districts in Telangana. The CET will also be held in some select private as well as Govt Intermediate colleges. Students from several states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and many other states are expected to write the exam. The CET saw 19500 students from six states writing in the last year. This year Anurag University Academic Leadership is expecting nearly 40,000 students from more than 10 states in the country to appear for it.
The Lalitha Degree and PG college turned Brownfield University from a mere 180 to 12000 students in the past 25 years, Anurag University has become a name to reckon with for infrastructure, academic leadership, and academic environment within India today. It aims to be one of the 50 universities in India in the next 7 to 8 years and subsequently a destination for overseas students.
The University comprises 6 Schools offering 22 Undergraduate, 19 Post Graduate and 14 Doctoral Programs in total. All the eligible programs offered by Anurag University have been accredited by the NBA and also has been accredited by NAAC. Spanning over 150 acres, built-up area exceeding 10 lakh sq. ft, in-house hostel facility, has a faculty roster of over 500 individuals, including more than 200 doctorates, 20 plus patents to their credit and 15 books as authors, 300 plus papers published. Its faculty received grants for more than 15 major projects over 4 years.
It’s B. Tech Computer Science and Engineering program got 6 year accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) while other B.Tech programs have been accredited for 3 years. Anurag is the first private university in Telangana to have that distinction.
Anurag is in the process of collaborating with foreign universities like Purdue, Indiana, Aalborg University, Denmark and MSOE, Wisconsin
Anurag University introduced the Honors and Minors program to enable its students for inter-disciplinary learning emphasizing Problem & Project-based learning. The Minors program was introduced to help core branches of Engineering lay their hands on computers and related disciplines to help them earn gainful employment in IT sectors besides opportunities in their core areas of specialization. Anurag is the only University in the Telangana state to introduce this program to promote core branches of engineering such as Mechanical, Automobile, Civil and Chemical Engineering.
26, Jan 2024
Anurag University’s innovative approach to celebrate India’s 75th Republic Day
Hyderabad, January 26, 2024: Telangana’s first private University, Anurag University celebrated the 75th Republic Day of our country innovatively by launching a unique initiative “Project Expo” showcasing 75 social impact projects.
Disclosing this unveiling immediately after flag hoisting and Republic Day celebrations, Registrar, Prof.Balaji Utla said Science and technology make life easier and more comfortable for humans. They save both time and money and open up new perspectives of understanding. They aid in the advancement of the human race. What could be a better celebration for the 75th Republic Day than creating a stage for students to unveil the next best ideas that solve some of society’s problems?
Earlier speaking to the students immediately after presenting awards to winners in various activities, the registrar said you must be problem solvers and not creators. We don’t want to see you as a country of ranters. Instead, we want you to be problem identifiers and solvers. This ‘Project Expo’ , the first in the series, is an opportunity created for the students to identify the pain points in the society we live in and then propose a solution. This is the prized skill that differentiates you from the rest of the world, he told the students.
Your immediate competition is not your classroom but China, Vietnam, and European nations. Your immediate competition is another country, and you should not allow them to snatch away your opportunities, lunches, and your jobs.
Elaborating on his point Prof. Balaji gave examples of two companies FOXCONN, the world’s largest contract manufacturer of electronics and Apple Inc., an American manufacturer of personal computers, smartphones, tablet computers, computer peripherals, and computer software. FOXCONN, the contract manufacturer of the iPhone in India has a 50 bn US $ market value and Apple Inc has 3 a market value of $3 trillion. Its market value is almost equal to India’s GDP. Apple Is the World’s First $3 Trillion Company. Between both these companies which is more valuable? Prof Balaji asked the gathering.
It was only possible for Apple Inc. to be what it is today through innovation, Intellectual Property and problem-solving ability. So, keep a problem-solving mindset, he told the gathering.
Registrar Prof. Balaji Utla along with the Deans and Heads of the Departments launched the ‘Project Expo’ at the respective departments of the college.
Speaking about ‘Project Expo’, which will be an annual affair after that, Prof Balaji said, I gave all the departments an almost impossible task for this project at the last August 15 celebrations. In response to my call, they have come out with 160 plus ideas of which some 120 are shortlisted. All these are now being exhibited. It has 75 major ideas. These will be showcased to the public from the 29th, he added.
Some of these projects include the Smart EV Campus Mobility Car, an Automatic Motorised Cover for two and four-wheelers, Smart Toilets, Anurag Operating Systems(AOS) on the lines of the Windows Operating System; Solar Smart Dustbin; Anurag GPT; an Image Caption Generator; A Smart Chair and others
Smart EV Campus Mobility Car was an attraction at the campus as it was ferrying VIPs, Guests and others and making campus mobility effortless and smooth. Developed by students of EEE, this EV carries three plus one and a driver. It is a five-seater with 1200 kgs motor capacity. It has a body weight of 450 kg and a load bearing of 750 kg. It had a test ride of over 100 km on the campus already without any major problems. It is fitted with a lithium-ion battery and a Smart Battery Management System. One charge can enable 80 km of travel within the campus. It is made from scrap, Nanya electric parts, steel rods and fitted with Auto suspension. The chassis was designed and developed with local help. The idea of the team behind the development is to propose this as the best Campus EV Mobility Vehicle. The invention has received accolades. They made this vehicle for Rs 1.8 lakh rupees investment in one and a half months. The 12-member team worked on it.
Smart Shelter Cover for Two, Three and Four Wheelers is another attraction. The students named it Automatic Motorized Cover for the Vehicle. It is a multipurpose cover. Students of ECE have conceptualized it. It is easy to use, smart, foldable and multipurpose. It is fitted with sensors. They have used PVC Pipes, SMPS, Window Motor, Micro Controller. They spent Rs 12000/- to build it. Six team members worked on it for a month.
Computer Science students of Anurag developed Anurag Operating Systems(AOS) on the lines of the Windows Operating System. Microsoft Windows is a commercial operating system and purchasing licenses for Windows can add to the overall cost. Although Microsoft Windows has made great improvements in reliability in recent years, it is still considered less reliable than Linux. Anurag Operating System was an attempt to overcome shortcomings in Microsoft Windows and make it more accessible at least cost, said the students associated with the project.
Some of the other ideas or projects on display were Smart toilets for promoting better hygiene by reducing the need for manual contact and ensuring a cleaner toilet environment. It also incorporates water-saving technologies and Image caption generation using deep reinforcement learning. This will enable to generate captions from any image with high accuracy
Anurag University is a private University. It is the first private university in the state of Telangana. It is located in Venkatapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri district. It offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral Programs through its Schools of Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Nursing and Medical Sciences.
24, Jan 2024
Scaler appoints Tapan Jindal as their Chief Financial Officer
Mumbai, 24th January 2024: Scaler, one of India’s fastest-growing tech education start-ups, announced today the appointment of Tapan Jindal as the chief financial officer at InterviewBit and Scaler. In his new role, Tapan will assume overall responsibility for the organisation’s financial health and growth.
Tapan’s immediate focus will be to spearhead corporate strategy and financial operations. He will also closely collaborate with existing teams to strengthen the overall financial framework and restructure specific systems to prepare the company for its next phase of growth and achieve profitability.
Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-Founder of InterviewBit & Scaler, said, “At Scaler, we are committed to providing the best possible tech education experience available to aspiring engineers and software professionals in the country. To ensure we can achieve this critical nation-building mission, it is imperative that we work with the brightest minds across all business verticals. With that in mind, we have over 1600 people who work with us, and all are equally committed to our vision statement. The next few years are very crucial in our journey. While we have created a solid foundation with our product offerings, we want to strengthen our bottom line and attain profitability. Tapan is perfectly positioned to help us in our endeavour. We are excited to work with him as we continue building the best tech education company to come out of India.”
With close to 20 years of experience, Tapan has worked across diverse sectors within the country’s financial industry, including investment banking and corporate finance for both large conglomerates as well as new-age start-ups, including SugarBox Networks (Part of Zee Entertainment Group), Baazi Games, Den Networks and CarDekho Group, which includes Insurance Dekho and Rupyy.
Tapan Jindal, CFO at InterviewBit and Scaler, said, “Education is close to my heart, and having run an education venture early in my career, I feel Scaler is my new home. It is an exciting time to join the young brand as it continues to make solid progress. I look forward to building momentum and delivering on their growth strategy. We will endeavour to strengthen the financial and governance practices as we work towards creating a globally admired tech education company out of India.”
The year 2023 saw Scaler achieve positive cash flow and were also profitable in the JAS (Jul-Aug-Sep) quarter. The aim for the year 2024 is to maintain this over the next few quarters and lead to annual profitability. While several ed-tech and start-up brands let go of employees and shrunk their existing operations, Scaler was able to post such promising growth without reducing its headcount and rolled out several initiatives, such as the GPT-4 powered AI teaching assistant that not only enhanced learner experience but also aided in cost efficiency.
Scaler partnered with NSDC and joined the #SkillIndia mission to help the country meet its growing demand for Software Development Engineers, Data Scientists, and Machine Learning specialists through its unique and effective upskilling programs. Scaler launched Scaler Topics, a gamified free learn-to-code platform that can provide quality technical content for anyone interested in software-related subjects. Scaler also introduced its ambitious undergraduate program, the Scaler School of Technology, early in 2023, and the program saw phenomenal uptake, with over 54,000 applications coming in for its first batch. Scaler’s upskilling programs – Scaler Academy and Scaler DSML – also saw significant growth, with the brand aiding over 30,000 working professionals with their career goals.
23, Jan 2024
UniScholars and ObserveNow Host Higher Education Leaders Roundtable
Mumbai, 23rd January 2024: UniScholars, a one-stop student mobility platform, in collaboration with ObserveNow, hosted the Higher Education Leaders Roundtable on January 19th in Mumbai. This event brought together influential figures from the education sector to engage in an insightful discussion on “Fostering an Enhanced Study Abroad Ecosystem.” The gathering marked a significant milestone in shaping the future of Indian students in international education.
The event, hosted at The Sofitel, witnessed active participation from Dr. Monica Kennedy, Minister-Counsellor, Commercial and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner from the Australian Government, alongside esteemed representatives from various renowned institutions including the University of Mumbai, St. Xavier’s College, K. J. Somaiya, NMIMS, R.A. Poddar College, Mithibai College, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Jai Hind College, Universal AI University, FP Schools & The Free Press Journal School, and many more. The discussion was led by Amit Singh, Founder of UniScholars, and centered around the evolving landscape of international education, as leaders explored strategies to enhance study abroad programs, cultivate global competence among students, the growing interest of Indian talent abroad, and addressed financial barriers through scholarships and funding initiatives.
Key Highlights:
𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲-𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐩: Emphasised the need to strengthen connections between industry and academia.
𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲-𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Explored the vital role of collaborations in enhancing educational, career, and employability outcomes.
𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥: Highlighted the vast opportunities study abroad programs offer for career and research development.
𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡: Explored the significance of study abroad programs in providing quality education and ample research opportunities.
𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲: Participants applauded the Government of India’s National Education Policy as a valuable framework for academic institutions.
The discussion also focussed on the need to help students adopt innovative courses in tech & AI as well as entrepreneurship/management studies preparing them for the evolving demands of the global landscape and which could further enhance their job prospects in the Indian and international market.
Commenting on the successful event, Amit Singh, Founder of ASL – UniScholars, UniCreds & UniAcco, said, “The roundtable wasn’t just a discussion; it was a collective vision for the future of international education, particularly for Indian students. We at UniScholars, envision a world where boundaries blur, where education becomes a transformative force, and where students don’t just graduate but evolve with a global perspective.”
Hailing from a finance background, Amit emphasised, “Understanding the significance of meticulous planning, especially in the realm of international education, we aspire to be facilitators of countless dreams that often face the hurdle of financial constraints. Our goal is to pave the way for thousands of students to pursue their aspirations abroad without financial barriers hindering their journey.” Amit added.
The roundtable encapsulated a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, paving the way for a future where international education transcends traditional confines. UniScholars envisions to organise similar events in the future, further strengthening the bond between Indian institutions and fostering innovation in international education.
20, Jan 2024
Seth M. R. Jaipuria School launches CBSE School in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan
Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, January 20, 2024: Seth M. R. Jaipuria Schools, India’s most respected education brand, renowned for its exceptional K-12 educational approach, has begun operating a CBSE school in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. This expansion aims to provide a unique educational experience, blending modern perspectives with traditional values. This would be the group’s first K-12 School in Rajasthan, and 55th overall across the country. The legacy of the group has been for 7 decades in education.
Mr. Shreevats Jaipuria, Vice Chairperson of Jaipuria Group, emphasized the group’s historical commitment to elevating the quality of education in India. He expressed optimism about further impact in Rajasthan. “Our denim manufacturing unit, Ginni International, runs very close from here in Neemrana; we have been running internationally acclaimed MBA college at Jaipur under name Jaipuria Institute of Management. And now, setting up of a K12 School in Rajasthan validates our commitment towards national transformation PAN India, and I am glad that we’ve come to Bhiwadi”!
Mr. Jaipuria emphasized the significance of focusing on social skills alongside academic excellence. He stressed that “holistic development rests upon a foundation of curricular and co-curricular learning, grooming students to be not only accomplished professionals but also compassionate human beings. Our best-in-class educational pedagogies, training, and facilities will make this a School of Choice in the region. Our experience of working with 42,000+ students and 2,500+ educators shall pave way for excellence in Rajasthan as well. This is the start; we envision operating at least 10 more top-of-the-line K-12 schools in Rajasthan in the near future”. Further he emphasise on the purpose of education towards societal development. India, that is Bharat will benefit and become world leader through focus on Ruchi, Yogyta, and Vishwas.
Dr. Priti Ojha, Principal outlined the school’s progressive, co-educational vision. “With overall vision of the Jaipuria Group, the school is set to provide a robust educational foundation, centered on activity-based learning, holistic development, and a child-centric approach. The CBSE Affiliated School from Nursery to 12, features top-tier facilities and initiatives, interactive digital classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, library, and a global curriculum aligning with NEP 2020. The school also plans to offer 40+ activities, including sports, arts, and more” said the Principal. “We are probably the only K-12 School offering conversational Sanskrit curriculum – Devabhasha – from pre-primary levels. Music labs, video labs, coding, and all will happen, but I am mostly committed to holistic development of students along with values enhancement”.
Addressing the gathering, The Chief Mentor of the School, Mr. Harit Sharma said “The school shall function with focus on educational expertise, and with the constant supervision of the Jaipuria Group Corporate Office from New Delhi, we would be able to provide for the foundation of a great building block for the future. I am looking forward to the group’s strength of events such as Crescendo, Pinnacle, Siddhi, Upskill and others. Jaipuria will enhance the quality of education in the region”.
Mr. Kanak Gupta- Director of Jaipuria Group said, “The response from parents and students has been overwhelming since news of the school spread. This has reaffirmed our faith in our vision. We believe the child should be at the centre of the teaching-learning process, we believe in activity-based learning, we believe there should be a good mix of academic and co-curricular activities for overall development of the child, and at Jaipuria, we will provide each and every child with such opportunities. Over decades, we’ve had 99% first divisioners in Board exams. Our students get access to sports, cultural and activities to enhance their 21st century skills”.
Mr. Jaipuria concluded saying “My vision for the Bhiwadi Campus is one of eminence and global impact. We’ve often believed Jaipurians don’t merely read history, but create history, and I am sure that students of Bhiwadi are destined for greatness and creating history”!
The beautifully designed campus (Nursery to K-12) of Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Bhiwadi is well equipped with world-class infrastructure, which includes interactive digital classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including language labs, a well-equipped library, and a global curriculum benchmarking very well with Sweden, Finland and the USA. There are provisions and plans for 40+ activities at the School, including swimming pool, archery, a variety of sports and games, dance, drama, horse-riding etc.
19, Jan 2024
Makoons Play School Honored with ‘Excellence in Early Childhood Education
New Delhi, January 19, 2024: In a significant recognition of its commitment to early childhood education, Makoons Play School has been bestowed with the prestigious ‘Excellence in Early Childhood Education’ award. The accolade, presented by Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Brajesh Pathak, is a testament to the institution’s dedication to innovative and superior early education practices.
The ceremony, held in the historic city of Lucknow, was attended by an illustrious assembly of education sector luminaries, government officials, and distinguished personalities. Representing Makoons Play School, the Lucknow team accepted the award, reflecting their collective zeal and commitment to nurturing young minds in an enriching environment.
This award is more than a mere symbol of recognition; it represents the trust and confidence of parents who choose Makoons Play School for their children’s foundational educational journey. It also highlights the unwavering dedication and hard work of the school’s educators and staff, who are committed to fostering a supportive and enriching learning atmosphere.
The team at Makoons Play School is further inspired to continue their mission of providing a space where children can engage in learning and growth. This honor reinforces the school’s steadfast commitment to excellence in early childhood education.
Mr. Vijay Kumar Agarwal, Founder and CEO of Makoons Group of Schools, expressed his gratitude, “Receiving the ‘Excellence in Early Childhood Education’ award is an honor, and we are deeply thankful to Shri Brajesh Pathak ji for this recognition. This achievement mirrors the trust parents have in us and the dedication of our remarkable team. We are committed to nurturing young minds and ensuring a holistic learning experience for every child at Makoons Play School.”
As Makoons Play School celebrates this notable achievement, it invites the community to partake in the festivities and share in the joy of this momentous occasion. The institution rem
19, Jan 2024
Anant National University Opens Registrations for Anant Design Entrance and Proficiency Test
Ahmedabad, 19th January 2024: Anant National University announces the commencement of registrations for Anant Design Entrance and Proficiency Test (ADEPT), formerly recognised as the Design Entrance Test (DET). This design entrance test is set to be conducted online on 25th January 2024 at 6 pm. ADEPT offers a unique opportunity for aspiring students seeking admission to the Bachelor of Design program at Anant National University upon completing their Class XII education. The initial registration for Round 1 will be accepted until 20th January.
Prof. Bhaskar Bhatt, the Director of the School of Design at Anant National University said, “ADEPT goes beyond traditional assessments, rigorously evaluating a candidate’s critical skills. It encompasses a holistic approach, scrutinising both creative aptitude and the depth of awareness regarding societal and global dynamics. This innovative approach sets ADEPT apart, aligning with our vision to nurture not just proficient but also socially conscious and impactful designers in their endeavours.”
The one-hour-long ADEPT will be conducted in English, evaluating candidates on their design aptitude, creativity, problem-solving abilities, logical skills, and general awareness, placing particular emphasis on their motivation to drive positive change and contribute to a better world.
From the Bachelor of Design program to specialised master’s degrees, Anant National University provides a comprehensive education that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in their chosen fields. With a holistic approach to learning, the university aims to produce visionary professionals equipped to tackle global challenges.
17, Jan 2024
Study uncovers potential origins of life in ancient hot springs
Scientists at Newcastle University found that mixing hydrogen, bicarbonate, and iron-rich magnetite under conditions mimicking relatively mild hydrothermal vent results in the formation of a spectrum of organic molecules, most notably including fatty acids stretching up to 18 carbon atoms in length. The Natural Environmental Research Council of the United Kingdom provided funding for the research team, which examined how the Earth’s first life
systems formed from inert geological components over 3.5 billion years ago.
Their discoveries, which were published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment, may clarify how some important molecules required to generate life are derived from inorganic substances. This knowledge is crucial for comprehending an important phase in the formation of life on Earth billions of years ago. Their research could offer a believable explanation for the origin of the organic molecules that make up ancient cell membranes, which were possibly picked at random by early biochemical processes on the primordial Earth.
Dr Graham Purvis, the study’s lead author, is a postdoctoral research associate at Durham University and carried out the research at Newcastle University. He said, “The results suggest that the convergence of hydrogen-rich fluids from alkaline hydrothermal vents with bicarbonate-rich waters on iron-based minerals could have precipitated the rudimentary membranes of early cells at the very beginning of life.”
Fatty acids in the early stages of life
Long chemical molecules called fatty acids have sections that both attract and repel water. As a result, these molecules would naturally form cell-like compartments in water, and these molecules may be the source of the first cell membranes. However, in the early stages of life, the origin of these fatty acids remained unknown, despite their significance. One theory is that they may have developed at the hydrothermal vents, which are areas where hot water and hydrogen-rich fluids from underwater vents combine with CO2-containing seawater.
The group replicated critical components of the chemical environment present in early Earth’s oceans and the mixing of the hot alkaline water from around specific kinds of hydrothermal vents in their laboratory. They found that the kinds of molecules required to build primitive cell membranes were produced when hot, hydrogen-rich fluids were combined with carbon dioxide-rich water in the presence of iron-based minerals that were present on early Earth.
Dr Purvis added, “Central to life’s inception are cellular compartments, crucial for isolating internal chemistry from the external environment. These compartments were instrumental in fostering life-sustaining reactions by concentrating chemicals and facilitating energy production, potentially serving as the cornerstone of life’s earliest moments. The results suggest that the convergence of hydrogen-rich fluids from alkaline hydrothermal vents with bicarbonate-rich waters on iron-based minerals could have precipitated the rudimentary membranes of early cells at the very beginning of life. This process might have engendered a diversity of membrane types, some potentially serving as life’s cradle when life first started. Moreover, this transformative process might have contributed to the genesis of specific acids found in the elemental composition of meteorites.”
Principal Investigator Dr Jon Telling, Reader in Biogeochemistry, at the School of Natural Environmental Sciences, added, “We think that this research may provide the first step in how life originated on our planet. Research in our laboratory now continues determining the second key step; how these organic molecules which are initially ‘stuck’ to the mineral surfaces can lift off to form spherical membrane-bounded cell-like compartments; the first potential ‘protocells’ that went on to form the first cellular life.”
Interestingly, the scientists also suggest that membrane-forming processes like these might still be occurring in the oceans beneath the ice moons in our solar system today. This suggests that these far-off worlds may have different life origins.
16, Jan 2024
1,338 students from Aakash BYJU’S score above MAS (Minimum Admissible Score) – in National Standard Examination 2023; 319
Mumbai/New Delhi, January 16, 2024: Yet again inking another stupendous result, an impressive 1,338 students from Aakash BYJU’S, the national leader in test preparatory services, have scored above MAS (Minimum Admissible Score) in the prestigious National Standard Examination (NSE) 2023 out of which 319 students will now be competing in INO 2024.
National Standard Examination (NSE) conducted by IAPT in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Astronomy is the first stage for the international Olympiad. All further stages are conducted by Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai. While in the case of Junior Science, IAPT conducts all the stages of the Olympiad. After NSE, the next step for the eligible students is the Indian National Olympiad (INO) examination in the respective subjects.
Marking a significant jump in the total number of selections for INO, this year a whopping 148 students from Aakash BYJU’S cleared Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO), 68 students cleared Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO), 32 students cleared Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO) Group – A, 29 students cleared Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO) Group – B, 21 students cleared Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO) and 21 students cleared Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO).
In comparison to last year, this year’s result of students of Aakash BYJU’S shows an increase of more than 50%.
Congratulating the students on the impressive results, Mr Anup Aggarwal, CBO, Aakash BYJU’S said: “We are very proud of our students who have cleared the NSE 2023-24. This will be a path breaking step towards achieving their NEET/JEE dreams. We would also like to thank the parents for extending support. The credit goes to the hard work put in by our students and faculties as well as the quality test preparation imparted at the institute. I wish them all the best for the next round.”
Aakash BYJU’S aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash have proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams, Competitive exams, and Olympiads.
