Category Archives: Education

INTERNATIONAL: SCIENE & TECHNOLOGY / RESEARCH: Indian-origin Professor Brajesh Singh of Western Sydney University ,Australia Honoured with the top Microbiology ‘2023 Dorothy Jones’ Award

An Indian-origin professor from Australia has been awarded the 2023 Dorothy Jones Prize for using microbiology to make a significant contribution to understanding of terrestrial life and preservation of global ecosystem.

Brajesh Singh, a global expert in the field of microbial functional ecology from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment in Western Sydney University, was presented the award at the British Medical Association (BMA) House in London last month.

Singh’s fundamental research provides solutions to global challenges, including environmental degradation and food insecurity.

This has been done by identifying the quantitative relationships between soil diversity and ecosystem functions and exploring how these are impacted by natural and anthropogenic pressures.

Findings from his research, identifying the causal link between soil microbial and faunal soil biodiversity and key ecosystem functions and services, have advanced crucial areas of ecosystem science, according to a Western Sydney University release.

The research findings have also informed multiple policy decisions at regional, national, and global levels, including providing key recommendations for bilateral engagements in agribusiness and trade between Australia and both India and the European Union.

He has developed innovations to boost the efficacy of existing microbial products and provided new tools for manipulating soil and plant microbiomes for an array of industries across Australia and the world, the release said.

Singh is currently working with multiple government and intergovernmental bodies, including the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to train farmers, consultants, and policy advisors in sustainable agriculture, and in the Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition, he works with the UN FAO’s Global Soil Partnership to boost the resilience of farming systems and ensure environmentally sustainable food security measures globally.

Having spent ten years honing his knowledge in Scotland before relocating to Australia, Singh also advises the European Commission on enhancing productivity in the bioeconomy.

He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science; the Soil Science Society of Australia; the Soil Science Society of America, the American Academy of Microbiology, and a Humboldt Research Awardee.

Named after Dr Dorothy Jones — who served as President of Applied Microbiology International from 1989 to 1991 — the prize is part of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards, which celebrate the brightest minds in the field promoting individuals and research shaping the future of applied microbiology.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: GREEN INITIATIVES: IIT Mandi Wins ‘Green University’ Award at COP28 UAE

IIT Mandi’s overall goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve zero carbon emissions within the next 10 years.

The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) has been honored with the Prestigious Green University Award in COP 28 UAE. This award was conferred by Green Mentors, a non-governmental organization holding special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in the United States.

At the global level, this recognition was attributed at the prestigious CoP 28 platform.

IIT Mandi claims its vision is to raise awareness among young students and campus residents about environmental issues, as well as the conservation of nature and natural resources in the surrounding area. To maintain ecological balance, IIT Mandi is actively engaged in conducting Environment Audits, implementing Green Audits, promoting vegetarian food options on campus, the institute said.

IIT Mandi’s overall goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve zero carbon emissions within the next 10 years. Also, the institution aims to create a model framework for an eco-conscious campus and explore revenue generation through carbon trading.

“This achievement is the result of the unwavering efforts, commitment, and groundwork carried out by the faculty, staff, and student community through various activities,” said Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL RECORDS: EDUCATION: India sends Record Number Students to U.S., Surpasses China: Report

Number of international students from India has increased by 35%, with an all-time high of 268,923 students.

India surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009-10, according to the Open Doors Report (ODR), published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. government’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

According to the report, released on Monday, a record number of Indian students travelled to the United States to pursue higher education for the third year in a row.

The report said the number of international students from India to the United States increased by 35%, numbering an all-time high of 268,923 students in the academic year 2022-23. “Indian students constitute more than 25% of the over one million foreign students studying in the United States,” said the US Embassy in India in a press release. The number of Indian graduate students rose by 63% to 165,936 students, an increase of nearly 64,000 students, compared to last year, while Indian undergraduate students also increased by 16%, the Embassy added.

As many as 69,062 students opted for optional practical training (OPT), a type of temporary work permission that allows eligible students to get real-world experience related to their field of study. “The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India issued record high numbers of student visas during the main student visa season of June-August 2023. Consular officers across India issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories. This is an 18% increase over 2022 during the same timeframe,” the release added.

U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti said that Indian students are bringing both countries closer together. “We celebrate the strength of the Indian educational system that prepares students to compete globally and look forward to seeing India continue to lead. We also look forward to balancing these record numbers. We want to see equal numbers of women pursuing studies in the United States and see more U.S. students coming to experience all that India has to offer,” he said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

IIT-Bombay researchers patent technology that will save crores for steel industry and reduce emissions

A groundbreaking energy-efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) capture technology has been developed, offering the potential to revolutionize the steel industry while advancing India’s aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Developed by the National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) at IIT Bombay with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), this innovation enables the conversion of CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO) under electrocatalytic conditions at ambient temperatures, even in the presence of water.

Dr Arnab Dutta and Dr Vikram Vishal, along with dedicated researchers at the NCoE-CCU, have successfully patented the CO2-to-CO conversion technology. Moreover, their work is set to be published in the prestigious international journal, Nature Communications.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is widely used in the industrial sector, particularly in the form of synthesis gas (syngas). In the steel industry, CO is indispensable for converting iron ores into metallic iron within blast furnaces. However, the traditional method of CO generation involves the partial oxidation of coke or coal, leading to substantial CO2 emissions as a byproduct. 

The innovation developed by IIT Bombay’s NCoE-CCU offers a more sustainable approach by converting emitted CO2 into valuable CO. What sets this technology apart is its ability to function at ambient temperatures (25-40 °C) with minimal energy requirements.

This electrocatalytic reaction can efficiently harness energy from renewable sources, such as solar panels or windmills, ensuring a carbon-neutral process for converting CO2 to CO. Notably, this advancement aligns with India’s environmental goals and represents a critical pathway for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

The technology has immense potential for various industrial applications and is currently in the process of scaling up, thanks to the recent incubation of UrjanovaC Private Limited. The steel sector, in particular, stands to benefit from this breakthrough. Additionally, another technology for aqueous-based CO2 capture and conversion to calcium carbonate, originating from DST-supported NCoE-CCU activities, has been licensed to UrjanovaC Private Limited, incubated through SINE at IIT Bombay.

source/content: newsable.asianetnews.com

NATIONAL: SPACE INFORMATION / I.T. : Union Minister launches Web Portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ on ‘Mission Chandrayaan-3’ for School Children

Developed by NCERT under the aegis of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), the Ministry of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan also released 10 special modules on Chandrayaan-3.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday launched a web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ having activity-based support material, including colouring books, online quizzes, and jigsaw puzzles for school students on Mission Chandrayaan-3.

Developed by NCERT under the aegis of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), the Ministry of Education, Pradhan also released 10 special modules on Chandrayaan-3.

This offers a comprehensive overview of its various facets, including scientific, technological, and social aspects, as well as the emotional journey and team spirit of the scientists involved.

On the lines of the Mission Chandrayaan-3 module, the ministry plans to come up with more such modules on 14 different topics, including women empowerment, COVID-19 vaccination, India’s G20 Presidency, etc.

“Success of Chandrayaan 3 is one of the most significant achievements of the 21st century that has inspired the children of the country the most,” he said.

He suggested the development of the app of the web portal to make it more accessible in facilitating self-learning among students.

“Chandrayaan 3 has ignited confidence among students and inspired them to understand technology, which will help in developing scientific temperament among them,” Pradhan said.

He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman, of ISRO, and Secretary of the Department of Space, to take Chandrayaan 3 stories to the children of the country.

He also urged him to make science fun for the students.

“India will be the Viswa Guru sharing knowledge for the global good,” he said.

He suggested to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to bring out social stories that will make education accessible, affordable, and qualitative, and help in bringing gender parity.

At the occasion, Dr Somanath said India completed the Chandrayaan 3 Mission by using indigenous technologies and requested students to watch the launch of Gaganyaan on October 21.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: SOCIAL JUSTICE / COMMUNICATION : Online Self-Learning Course in Indian Sign Language launched; 260 Signs for Financial Terms

This initiative is aimed at bridging communication gaps between deaf and hearing individuals working in the financial and banking sector.

An online self-learning course in Indian Sign Language and a dictionary containing 10,000 ISL terms were launched on the International Day of Sign Languages on Saturday.

Around 260 signs for financial terms were also launched on the occasion.

In a statement, the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry said the primary objective of the online course is to facilitate the acquisition of basic communication skills in Indian Sign Language among a wide range of individuals, including parents of deaf children, siblings, educators, and anyone interested in gaining fundamental knowledge of ISL.

The course comprises 10 modules, covering 30 essential topics, to ensure that learners acquire a comprehensive understanding of basic ISL communication.

Furthermore, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), in collaboration with Societe Generale and V-Shesh, introduced a significant initiative by launching 260 signs for financial terms in Indian Sign Language.

This initiative is aimed at bridging communication gaps between deaf and hearing individuals working in the financial and banking sector.

The development of these signs is expected to enhance employment opportunities for deaf job seekers in these sectors, the statement said.

To provide an extensive resource for those learning ISL, the ISLRTC also announced the launch of a comprehensive ISL dictionary containing 10,000 terms.

This online resource will serve as a valuable tool for individuals seeking to expand their vocabulary and fluency in Indian Sign Language.

In addition to these initiatives, the ISLRTC announced the launch of ISL courses specifically designed for special schools catering to the hearing-impaired population, further strengthening the educational support available for this community.

To enhance communication accessibility and promote inclusivity, a video relay service for the deaf community was introduced, allowing individuals to use WhatsApp video calls to communicate with remote sign language interpreters, the statement added.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: INDIAN MEDICAL EDUCATION RECOGNITION: Indian Medical Graduates can now Practise Abroad. Medical Colleges to become World Federation for Medical Education (WEME) Accredited.

All 706 existing medical colleges in India will become WFME-accredited. Medical colleges that will be set up over the next 10 years will also receive WFME accreditation.

Medical graduates from India will now be able to practise and pursue post-graduate studies abroad as the National Medical Commission, India’s top regulatory body for medical education and professionals, said it has received the coveted World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Recognition Status for 10 years.

“The National Medical Commission (NMC) has achieved the remarkable feat of being granted the coveted World Federation for Medical Education Recognition Status for a remarkable tenure of 10 years,” the Union health ministry said in a statement.

All 706 existing medical colleges in India will become WFME-accredited. Medical colleges that will be set up over the next 10 years will also receive WFME accreditation. Medical graduates from India can now practice or pursue post-graduation in countries like the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the health ministry statement said. 

“With NMC being WFME accredited, all the Indian medical students will become eligible to apply for the Education Commission on Foreign Medical Education (ECFMG) and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The recognition will further enhance the quality and standards of medical education in India by aligning them with the global best practices and benchmarks,” the ministry said. It will also facilitate academic collaborations and exchange, the statement said.  

“WFME’s recognition underscores that the quality of medical education in India adheres to global standards. This accolade empowers our students with the opportunity to pursue their careers anywhere in the world,” Dr Yogender Malik, member of the Ethics and Medical Registration Board and head of media at NMC, said.

The WFME is a global organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of medical education worldwide. Its accreditation programme plays a pivotal role in ensuring that medical institutes meet and uphold the highest international standards of education and training.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: AMAZING INNOVATION IN AI: Indian engineering student builds AI model for real-time ASL sign language translation into English words

An Indian engineering student has developed an innovative AI model that can translate American Sign Language (ASL) into English words.

An Indian engineering student has developed an innovative AI model that can translate American Sign Language (ASL) into English words.

The model can recognize and translate six fundamental ASL signs like ‘Hello’, ‘I Love You’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Please’, ‘Yes’, and ‘No’.

The AI model, developed by Priyanjali Gupta, a student of Vellore Institute of Technology, was built using TensorFlow Object Detection API, utilizing transfer learning with the ssd_mobilenet model.

Gupta captured ASL gestures through a webcam that formed the basis for her AI model. In response to inquiries, Gupta acknowledged the complexity of building a dedicated deep learning model for sign detection. 

As part of a comment on a LinkedIn post, Gupta stated “You are absolutely right there’s a long long way to go to make a perfect model which can be implemented in real life. Hopefully this happens in our lifetime”.

Gupta’s AI model helps people communicate across barriers, providing a more accessible way to connect with the world. In her GitHub post, she has shared her project and code.

source/comments: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: 05 September – TEACHERS DAY / Exploring the Pinnacle of Education, the Greatest Teachers of all time.

Top Indian teachers: Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Savitribai Phule, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Chanakya, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekananda.

Teaching is one of the most noble professions. It is a career that not only helps a child gain knowledge about various subjects and domains but also helps a child recognise his strengths and weaknesses, helping him/her to become a better human being.

India has a deep-rooted history as far as the field of education is concerned and the contribution, talent and skills of our very own educationalists, teachers and lecturers have been acknowledged globally. Here are the top teachers of all the time.

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Each year, on September 5th, India observes Teachers’ Day in honour of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the country’s inaugural Vice-President and its second President. Dr. Radhakrishnan was a renowned scholar and was bestowed with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award. This date holds significance as it commemorates his birthday.

Dr. Radhakrishnan was an ace student and received various scholarships throughout his life. He studied philosophy at the Christian College, Madras.

After Dr. Radhakrishnan completed his degree, he became a Professor of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College and then subsequently a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Mysore.

He served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936. In 1936, he was named Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford and was also elected a Fellow of All Souls College.

Savitribai Phule

The first female teacher at India’s inaugural women’s school, she is also acclaimed as the pioneer of contemporary Marathi poetry. In an era when women’s capabilities were often undervalued, she passionately advocated for the empowerment and education of women throughout the nation. Collaborating with her husband, she established a school specifically for girls belonging to the untouchable caste.

Despite facing ridicule and even physical attacks by orthodox upper-caste individuals who opposed her efforts, she remained steadfast in her commitment to education. Her dedication eventually garnered recognition from the British government, which honoured her for her exceptional contributions to the field of education.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

A P J Abdul Kalam, the ‘missile man’ who came to be known as ‘People’s President’, a distinguished scientist and the 11th President of India, he fervently championed education as the foremost catalyst for individual development. His conviction lay in the notion that education should not solely revolve around acquiring academic qualifications but should also encompass the enhancement of personal skills and capabilities, which play a pivotal role in shaping one’s career and life.

In addition to his presidential duties, he served as a guest lecturer at esteemed institutions such as IIM Shillong, Ahmedabad, and Indore. He also held the honorary status of a fellow at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.

 Moreover, he shared his expertise by teaching Information Technology at IIIT Hyderabad and technology at both Banaras Hindu University and Anna University.

Chanakya

Renowned by the alias Kautilya, this distinguished figure stands as India’s earliest celebrated scholar. His academic journey began as a professor of political science and economics at Takshila University, situated in the region that is now part of Pakistan. Subsequently, he continued to impart knowledge as a teacher at the same prestigious institution.

He is best known for his authorship of two influential texts: “Arthashastra” and “Neetishastra.”

Swami Dayanand Saraswati

The founder of the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement rooted in the Vedic tradition, was a renowned scholar deeply versed in the Vedic scriptures and Sanskrit language. His efforts were dedicated to advocating for gender equality, including women’s rights to education and access to Indian scriptures. His commentary on the Vedas, presented in both Vedic Sanskrit and Hindi, remains highly acclaimed.

Swami Vivekananda

The individual responsible for establishing the ‘Ramakrishna Mission,’ an organization that united monks and laypeople in the dissemination of Practical Vedanta and diverse forms of social service, was a visionary leader. His teachings and philosophical outlook applied this reimagined interpretation to numerous facets of education, faith, character development, and pertinent social matters in India.

He was also an advocate for the Gurukula system, which emphasized the integration of educational institutions and the home environment. In this system, teachers and students coexist in close and harmonious relationships, fostering holistic learning and growth.

source/content: hindustantimes.com(headline edited)

NATIONAL: LANGUAGE: 31 August -World Sanskrit Diwas 2023: Know the date, history, significance and more

Sanskrit is thought to be around 3500 years old, making it part of the ancient Indo-Germanic or Indo-Aryan language family.

Sanskrit Diwas, also known as Vishwa Samskrita Dinam, is celebrated annually on the full moon of Shravana. The 31st of August is Sanskrit Diwas this year. This annual event honours Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest living languages and a cultural treasure in India.

Sanskrit, sometimes called the “Mother of All Languages,” is an important part of human history and culture. The traditional works in several disciplines, including Literature, Philosophy, Mathematics, and Science, were originally written in Sanskrit, giving the language immense importance.

History

The Government of India’s Ministry of Education proclaimed the World Sanskrit Day. In 1969, on the day of Shraavana Poornima, people began commemorating this special day. Sanskrit is thought to be around 3500 years old, making it part of the ancient Indo-Germanic or Indo-Aryan language family. It is the source of the Latin and Greek languages and has the most extensive vocabulary. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, not only in India, consider it to be their native tongue.

Sanskrit has influenced Europe as much as the Indian subcontinent. Sir William Jones, an English scholar who admired Indic languages, travelled to India in 1783 and started researching the language. This makes Sanskrit one of the oldest languages throughout the globe.

Sanskrit linguist Panini developed the Ashtadhyayi, the eight-chapter grammar manual. He led the world in spoken Sanskrit. India honours Panini on World Sanskrit Day. This day sees several Kavi Sammelan activities for authors and students throughout and beyond.

Significance

The historic event in India honours Sanskrit’s rich cultural history and scientific accomplishments. It tries to expand the language beyond Vedas and other Hindu religious texts. World Sanskrit Day promotes this ancient form of communication. Sanskrit Diwas is celebrated to bring attention to and revitalise the ancient language for the modern world.

The Europeans also gave the day its importance in the language. William Jones established the Asian Society and created the English translation of works including Kalidasa’s Abhijnana Shakuntala, Ritu Samhara, and Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda.

In addition, harmony and acceptance are honoured on this special day. Sanskrit is a powerful tool for unity and connecting individuals across the globe.

Sanskrit is fading in India despite its significance in history. The language existed from 1500 to 500 BCE, although it is now lost. Therefore, Sanskrit Diwas was created to restore the language.

source/content: newsroompost.com (headline edited)