6th Global Education Summit sees academicians from 30 countries participating at Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University working to make India a bridge between Developing and Developed World for transfer of knowledge & technology

Chandigarh University brings researchers and academicians from developed & developing world together on one platform

CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 6th edition of the Global Education Summit (GES) hosted by Chandigarh University brought together more than 90 renowned global academic leaders representing 69 leading global universities from 30 nations both from developed and developing worlds on a single platform with an objective to build an international alliance for exchange of ideas, knowledge and technology and advance joint research initiatives to enhance the global exposure and overall learning experience of students through greater engagement with universities and academic leaders from across the world. The five-day-long summit, being held from October 5 to 9, brought together ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, Chancellors, Rectors, Vice Chancellors, Presidents, Pro-VCs, renowned academicians, policymakers, think tanks and global education experts from across the world for academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, academic mobility and joint research across diverse academic domains.

Organized on the theme ‘Collaborations in AI-based Research and Innovations for Creating a Sustainable Global Village’, GES 2026 places AI-based research and innovation at the centre of this global collaboration platform to create opportunities for institutions to pursue joint research, share knowledge and technologies and address emerging academic, technological, societal and global challenges.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania to India as the Chief Guest and Alba Smeriglio, Deputy High Commissioner, Embassy of the UK in India along with Prof. (Dr.) Matilde María Olarte Martínez, Vice-Chancellor for Culture, Heritage, Sustainability University of Salamanca, Spain as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was also attended by Nadeska Imara Cuthbert, Ambassador of Nicaragua to India; Arlette Gabriela Bustamante Garcia, Chargé d’Affaires (CDA), Ambassador of Bolivia to India; Jason KM Hall, Ambassador of Jamaica to India; Dharamkumar Seeraj, Ambassador of Guyana to India; Karlito Nunes, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to India; Chandranath Singh, Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago to India; Alonso Correa Miguel, Ambassador of Panama to India and Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile to India as Guests of Honour, Pro-Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Damandeep Kaur Sandhu and Prof. (Dr.) RS Bawa, Advisor to Chancellor, Chandigarh University among other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania to India, said, “With technological advancements, distance has nearly disappeared and the idea of a global village, once only a metaphor, has become our daily reality. A student in Bucharest can now conduct research with a professor in Chandigarh, while researchers across continents can access the same tools, exchange ideas and collaborate almost in real time. AI is accelerating this transformation by enabling researchers to analyse shared data, test models across different contexts and build on each other’s results. Its potential extends beyond education and research to understanding climate patterns, managing water and energy resources, improving agriculture and delivering better healthcare to remote communities. These challenges affect us all, from Romania to Punjab, and therefore the search for solutions must also be global.”

Latif added, “A truly global village is not simply a connected world but one where shared opportunities are accessible to many, not just a few. AI can help build such a world through genuine collaboration among universities, governments and industry across borders and disciplines. Education cannot be separated from industry, nor climate from agriculture, as today’s challenges are deeply interconnected. India’s decision to double ITEC scholarships for Romanian students with a special focus on AI training reflects its leadership and growing global role in this field. Initiatives such as this Summit can help build the partnerships and interdisciplinary thinking needed to turn technological progress into shared opportunities and solutions for societies worldwide.”

Alba Smeriglio, Deputy High Commissioner, Embassy of the UK in India, said, “AI is transforming how universities conduct research how students acquire knowledge and how businesses innovate but the critical question is not simply how quickly we adopt these technologies it is how we ensure they are used responsibly, inclusively and in ways that contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity. No single country can address these opportunities and challenges alone, and progress will depend on trusted partnerships between governments, universities, researchers and industry. Universities are central to this effort because they are not only developing the technologies of the future but also educating the leaders who will decide how those technologies are used. As AI becomes more powerful, higher education must prepare graduates who are technically capable as well as thoughtful, responsible and committed to the public good. The UK-India partnership provides a strong foundation for this collaboration with education, research and skills forming a core pillar of the India-UK Vision 2035. The growing research and innovation corridor and expanding partnerships between UK and Indian universities are creating opportunities across AI, quantum computing, sustainable energy, genomics, semiconductors and advanced engineering.

“The future will not be determined by AI alone, but by the choices governments, businesses, universities and societies make about how it is developed and applied. We need stronger connections between academia and industry, greater international knowledge-sharing and young people equipped with both technical skills and the values and judgment to use those skills responsibly.”

Juan Angulo, Ambassador of Chile to India, said, “The challenge of artificial intelligence must be addressed as a shared global concern with equity, accessibility and openness, and ethics and transparency at its core. We must ensure equitable access to AI tools, infrastructure, data and computing capacity along with capacity building and technology transfer so that the benefits of the AI revolution are not concentrated in a small number of countries or companies. Collaborative and open approaches must also respect cultural diversity and multilingualism, particularly in the Global South.

“AI systems must be developed with inclusion, traceability and respect for human rights and dignity. AI is already creating opportunities to improve administrative efficiency by automating tasks such as attendance, grading and scheduling, while predictive analytics can help identify students at risk of dropping out and enable timely interventions. International collaboration is essential to ensure that AI-driven innovation in education is inclusive, responsible and beneficial to societies worldwide. Chandigarh University is helping show the path for innovation in education and the possibilities of meaningful international collaboration.”

Prof. Matilde María Olarte Martínez, University of Salamanca, Spain, said, “AI is not merely a technological advancement but a frontier of moral, cultural and social decision-making that must be guided by ethics and the common good. Innovation must respect cultures, diversity and local identities, while AI can help safeguard cultural heritage, reduce inequalities and advance sustainability. Its true potential lies in international academic collaboration, where communities share knowledge and work together. Technology alone cannot drive transformative change; it is the ability of academic communities to collaborate that can help build a more sustainable, inclusive and just global village grounded in human dignity ensuring global justice.”

As part of GES, an 11-member delegation from Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), USA (United States of America) comprising 11 students and two faculty members are visiting Chandigarh University from October 6 to 7. The visit will provide opportunities for students and faculty from both universities to interact, exchange academic perspectives and gain greater exposure to international learning environments.

The academic deliberations at GES 2026 focus on four key areas, covering the ethical use of AI for building a sustainable society, the restructuring of higher education to create socially sensitive professional leaders, healthy practices in deploying AI-oriented technologies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the development of AI-based pedagogies for a more equitable and inclusive education model.

The five-day programme includes panel discussions, academic and research meetings, institutional interactions, online GES sessions featuring international speakers and cultural immersion, providing participating university representatives multiple avenues to engage with peers and explore areas for future collaboration.

Deep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University, said, “The Global Education Summit provides an important platform to facilitate academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, academic mobility and joint research across diverse academic domains by bringing together renowned academicians, policymakers, think tanks and global education experts from across the developed and developing worlds with India serving as an academic bridge between the two to create greater opportunities for academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, technology transfer, academic mobility and joint research. Such global academic engagement also helps create more equal and inclusive opportunities for students to access global learning, gain international exposure, engage with diverse academic perspectives and benefit from knowledge and technology transfer. With over 540 international academic collaborations with top global universities and prestigious academic institutions in more than 100 countries across six continents, Chandigarh University (CU) has become the first Indian university to achieve this scale of international engagement. Aligned with the new National Education Policy (NEP-2020) guidelines, CU has been placing a strong emphasis on internationalization and foreign collaborations with leading global academic institutions.”

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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Bhubaneswar Police, Fire Services Tighten Safety Norms for 193 Durga Puja Pandals

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6 (UDN): Ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, the Commissionerate Police and Fire Services have stepped up preparations to ensure safe and orderly festivities across Bhubaneswar, with strict safety measures finalized for 193 puja medhas and pandals.

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The guidelines place particular emphasis on fire prevention, safe installation of temporary structures, regulated sale of fireworks and preparedness of puja committees to respond to emergencies.

Strict Checks on Firework Vendors

Authorities will conduct verification of identity documents and temporary licences of fireworks vendors operating during the festive period. Sellers will be required to comply with prescribed safety and location norms and can stock and sell only permitted green crackers.

The administration has also stressed that fireworks outlets must maintain the required distance from sensitive locations, including residential areas and educational institutions, as stipulated under applicable safety regulations.

Fire Safety Clearance for Pandals

Puja committees have been directed to comply with mandatory fire-safety requirements, particularly for larger temporary structures.

Pandals are required to use fire-resistant materials and maintain adequate open access routes so that fire tenders and other emergency vehicles can reach the premises without obstruction. Organisers must also ensure that temporary structures and decorative installations maintain safe clearance from electrical power lines.

Firefighting Equipment Mandatory

Every puja venue must have basic firefighting arrangements readily available throughout the celebrations. These include functional fire extinguishers, sand-filled buckets and adequate water storage facilities.

Organisers have been advised to ensure that firefighting equipment remains easily accessible and is not blocked by decorations, stalls or crowd-control barricades.

Volunteers to Support Emergency Response

Puja committees will also be required to deploy trained volunteers to assist with crowd management, emergency communication and evacuation procedures.

Volunteers are expected to remain familiar with designated exit routes and help guide visitors to safety in the event of a fire or other emergency until professional responders arrive.

Focus on Safe and Orderly Celebrations

The Commissionerate Police and Fire Services have urged puja committees, vendors and visitors to strictly follow the prescribed safety norms and cooperate with enforcement personnel.

The measures are aimed at preventing fire-related incidents, ensuring smooth movement of emergency vehicles and protecting devotees and visitors during the festive rush.

Authorities have indicated that violations of the prescribed safety requirements may invite action under the applicable rules. Organisers have been advised to complete all required safety arrangements well before the celebrations begin.

Odisha Government Announces Major OAS Reshuffle, 20 Officers Get New Assignments

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6 (UDN): The Odisha government has carried out a major reshuffle in the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), transferring and assigning new responsibilities to a number of officers across key departments and districts.

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The transfers were notified by the General Administration & Public Grievance Department, with several officers moving to important positions in the state secretariat, district administration, revenue administration and other government institutions.

Senior OAS officers shifted

Among the senior-level changes, Subhasis Mansingh, OAS (SAG), currently Additional Commissioner, Settlement and Consolidation in the office of the RDC (Central Division), Cuttack, has been transferred and posted as Additional Secretary, Women & Child Development Department.

Bibekananda Sahoo, OAS (SAG), who was serving as Additional Secretary in the Women & Child Development Department, will now take charge as Additional Commissioner, Additional Revisional Court, Bhubaneswar, under the Member, Board of Revenue.

Basudev Nayak, OAS (SAG), Deputy Collector, Jajpur, has been posted as Additional Commissioner, Settlement and Consolidation, RDC (Central Division), Cuttack.

Meanwhile, Pratap Pritimaya, OAS (SAG), Additional District Magistrate, Angul, has been transferred as Additional Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department.

Ashutosh Samal, OAS (SAG), Additional Commissioner of the Additional Revisional Court, Bhubaneswar, has been appointed Secretary, Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

Changes in key urban and departmental assignments

Saroj Kumar Swain, OAS (SAG), Additional Secretary, Tourism Department, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA).

At the district level, Mayadhar Behera, OAS (S), Sub-Collector, Angul, has been appointed Additional District Magistrate, Angul. The government has also formally vested him with the powers of Additional District Magistrate under the applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

New postings for several OAS Grade A officers

A number of OAS Grade A (Senior Branch) officers have also received fresh assignments.

Ashok Kumar Das, formerly Sub-Collector, Bonai, Sundargarh, and recently posted to the GA & PG Department, has been appointed Deputy Secretary, Higher Education Department.

Umakanta Parida, Sub-Collector, Champua, has been transferred as Deputy Secretary, Tourism Department.

Anup Panda, formerly Sub-Collector, Paralakhemundi, has been posted as Deputy Secretary, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department.

Parakshit Sahoo, Sub-Collector, Deogarh, will now serve as Deputy Secretary, Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell (CMGC), Bhubaneswar.

Deogarh, Panposh and Nayagarh get new Sub-Collectors

The reshuffle has also brought changes in several sub-divisional administrations.

Rashmi Ranjan Mahanta, formerly Sub-Collector, Rairakhol, has been posted as Sub-Collector, Deogarh and appointed Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of the subdivision.

Prabhat Kumar Parida, formerly Sub-Collector, Bhawanipatna, has been posted as Sub-Collector, Panposh and appointed SDM of Panposh.

Kishor Kumar Panda, Additional Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, Bargarh, has been transferred as Sub-Collector, Nayagarh and appointed SDM of the subdivision.

Following the reshuffle, Chandrakant Mallick, Sub-Collector, Panposh, has been transferred to the state secretariat as Deputy Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department.

More district-level changes

Jadumani Naik, formerly Sub-Collector, Jeypore, has been posted as Additional Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, Boudh.

Asish Ranjan Sahoo, formerly Sub-Collector, Talcher, has been appointed Sub-Collector, Angul and vested with the powers of SDM.

Premlal Hial, formerly Sub-Collector, Koraput, has been posted as Deputy Secretary, Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission (OUSSSC), Bhubaneswar.

In another important change, Pranaya Ranjan Behera, Sub-Collector, Kaptipada, Udala, who was also holding additional charge as PA, ITDA, Baripada, has now been posted as Project Administrator, ITDA, Baripada, Mayurbhanj.

Administrative focus

The latest reshuffle brings changes across women and child development, revenue administration, tourism, higher education, skill development, culture, human rights and district administration.

The movement of officers is expected to strengthen administrative responsibilities at both the state and district levels, while placing experienced OAS officers in key operational and policy positions.

October Heat Intensifies in Bhubaneswar, ‘Feels Like’ Temperature Soars Amid High Humidity

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6 (UDN): Bhubaneswar is witnessing an unusual spell of October heat, with daytime temperatures climbing to around 34°C to 36°C, several degrees above the seasonal normal.

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The combination of elevated temperatures and persistent coastal humidity has made the weather particularly uncomfortable, with the heat index or ‘feels-like’ temperature in some conditions reaching significantly higher levels.

Humidity levels hovering between 70% and 90% are adding to the discomfort by slowing the evaporation of sweat from the body, making the heat feel more oppressive than the actual air temperature.

Unusual warmth during the post-monsoon transition

The October heat comes during the transition from the southwest monsoon to the drier post-monsoon season.

With clearer skies and stronger sunshine during the daytime, the land surface can absorb substantial solar heat. The resulting warming is particularly noticeable across densely built-up parts of Bhubaneswar, where concrete structures and paved surfaces retain heat.

Urbanisation adds to the discomfort

The city’s expanding built-up landscape is another factor contributing to local heat.

Reduced vegetation, extensive concrete surfaces, traffic and dense construction can create an urban heat island effect, in which urban areas remain warmer than surrounding less-developed regions.

During the afternoon, this accumulated heat can make outdoor conditions feel considerably harsher, particularly for people working or travelling in direct sunlight.

Humidity makes the heat harder to tolerate

High humidity is a major reason why residents may feel considerably hotter than the thermometer reading suggests.

When atmospheric moisture is high, the body’s natural cooling mechanism—evaporation of sweat—becomes less efficient. As a result, prolonged exposure to the heat can increase the risk of dehydration, exhaustion and other heat-related discomfort.

Children, elderly people, outdoor workers and those with existing health vulnerabilities should take particular care during the hottest part of the day.

Residents advised to take precautions

People in Bhubaneswar are advised to remain hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours and wear light, breathable clothing.

Outdoor workers and commuters should take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas and remain alert to symptoms such as excessive sweating, dizziness, weakness or headache.

The current spell serves as a reminder that October, despite marking the onset of autumn, can still bring intense heat to coastal Odisha, especially when high temperatures combine with substantial humidity.

As Bhubaneswar continues to urbanise, the impact of rising daytime temperatures and the urban heat island effect is also likely to remain an important issue for the city’s planners and residents.