Category: Education

 

EThames Business School announces TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana and seek entries from the school

Hyderabad, July 21: EThames Business School, Hyderabad’s premier AI-Native Business School, has launched the TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana. The initiative seeks to promote future-ready human skills such as public speaking, storytelling and debating—competencies that are becoming increasingly valuable in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

Announcing the challenge, Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames Business School and former Managing Partner of EY, said, “In a world where AI can write, calculate and analyse, what truly distinguishes people is their ability to communicate, persuade, collaborate and think independently. The future belongs not only to those who possess knowledge, but to those who can communicate it effectively.”

As AI takes over routine tasks, EThames launches statewide hunt for Human Skills.   Communication, not coding alone, will define tomorrow’s leaders. These are life skills that set them apart from the crowd stated V.V. Laxmi Narayana, IPS (Retd.), Chief Transformation Officer, EThames Business School

Seven out of ten students fear speaking before an audience. More than 80% of school students have never participated in a debate or public speaking competition. Despite scoring high marks, many students struggle to express their ideas confidently, he shared. 

Communication, analytical thinking, creativity and leadership are among the world’s fastest-growing workplace skills, adds Mr Ajit Rangnekar, former Dean of the Indian School of Business

The TeenOrator Challenge 2026, Mr. VV Lakshminaraya says is designed not merely as a competition but as a learning journey that identifies, nurtures and celebrates the next generation of confident communicators, storytellers and debaters. The championship aims to groom young minds into future leaders, innovators and changemakers through structured learning and healthy competition.

TeenOrator equips teenagers with Future Skills, Human Skills, AI-Proof Skills, Leadership Skills and Employability Skills—capabilities that no machine can replace, Kali Prasad added.

The championship comprises three distinct competition tracks. Oratoria is dedicated to public speaking, Narrativa focuses on storytelling, and Dialectica is centred on debating. Students are eligible to participate in any one of these three tracks.

Unlike conventional competitions that evaluate only the final performance, the TeenOrator Challenge follows a unique four-stage qualification process that places learning before competing. Students begin by self-studying the official guidebook for their chosen track. They then submit a one-minute video explaining the key concepts and insights they have learnt from the guidebook, demonstrating understanding rather than memorisation. Shortlisted students are invited to an online interaction with the EThames Selection Committee, where their communication skills, comprehension and potential are assessed. Only those who successfully complete this process qualify to register for the championship, ensuring that every participant enters the competition with a strong foundation in the art and science of effective communication.

The TeenOrator Challenge is more than a competition—it is a talent development initiative. EThames Business School is committed to making the programme inclusive by encouraging participation from both urban and rural schools, with special outreach to government schools. Another important dimension of the competition is that it does not have any language barrier.  Students can participate in any of the three languages such as English/Hindi/Telugu.

Each participating government school can nominate up to six students across the three championship tracks. All shortlisted participants will benefit from a structured learning and mentoring programme designed to enhance their confidence, communication ability and leadership potential before the championship.

Unlike conventional competitions that end with prizes, TeenOrator invests in the participants’ growth. Every shortlisted student will undergo a structured training and mentoring programme led by experienced communication professionals. The programme will help participants refine their public speaking, storytelling and debating skills, build confidence, receive expert feedback and maximise their impact during the championship and beyond making the TeenOrator Challenge an educational experience rather than merely a contest.

Many brilliant students remain unnoticed—not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack the confidence to express it. Confidence cannot be downloaded, outsourced or generated by Artificial Intelligence. It is earned through practice, perseverance and experience. TeenOrator is designed to provide exactly that experience.

Schools across Telangana are invited to nominate talented students and encourage them to participate. The nomination process is already underway, and schools and students can submit their nominations until July 28, 2026. Early registration is encouraged so that participants have adequate time to study the official guidebooks and prepare for the qualification process.

Participants are required to submit their one-minute learning video by August 2, 2026. Based on these submissions, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online selection interview and the list of qualified participants will be announced subsequently

To help students excel in the championship, EThames Business School will organise exclusive training workshops for all qualified participants before August 15, 2026. The Quarter Finals will be held on August 21, 2026, followed by the Grand Finale on August 22, 2026, at the EThames Business School campus in Raidurgam, Hyderabad.

Students can register by completing the online application form.

 

Hyderabad, July 12: More than 3,200 children aged between 5 and 14 years from across Telangana participated in the 22nd Telangana Regional Prodigy Championship 2026, organised by SIP Abacus, one of India’s leading children’s skill development organisations and a six-time Limca Book of Records holder. Held at Classic Convention Three, Shamshabad, the event is regarded as one of Telangana’s largest Mental Mathematics championships.

The championship was inaugurated by Pannuru Prabhakar, Principal, ARCA Global International School, in the presence of Dinesh Victor, Founder and Managing Director, SIP Academy India.

 Addressing the gathering, Pannuru Prabhakar highlighted the timeless significance of Mathematics by quoting the renowned Sanskrit verse:

“Yathā śikhā mayūrāṇāṁ nāgānāṁ maṇayo yathā, tadvad vedāṅgaśāstrāṇāṁ gaṇitaṁ mūrdhani sthitam.”

 

Explaining its meaning, he said, “Just as the crest is the most distinguished feature of a peacock and the jewel is the most prized possession of a cobra, Mathematics occupies the highest position among all sciences and branches of knowledge. Ancient India recognised the importance of Mathematics centuries ago, and its relevance remains undiminished even in the era of Artificial Intelligence.”

Speaking on “Abacus Training in the Age of AI,” Dinesh Victor challenged the common misconception that children no longer need mental arithmetic because computers and Artificial Intelligence can perform calculations instantly.

“The reality is exactly the opposite. AI can provide answers, but Abacus training develops the mind that asks the right questions. AI gives information; Abacus builds brain power,” he said.

He explained that Abacus training strengthens concentration, memory, visualisation, analytical thinking and processing speed—fundamental human abilities that technology cannot replace.

“As AI becomes smarter, Mathematics becomes more important than ever. Artificial Intelligence can automate calculations, but it cannot replace reasoning, judgement, creativity or critical thinking. These are the skills children will need to succeed in the future,” he added.

Echoing the same view, Pannuru Prabhakar said, “AI makes calculations easier; Abacus makes thinking stronger. The objective of Abacus education is not merely faster arithmetic but training the brain to focus, process information rapidly and think systematically.”

He observed that in an AI-driven world, children require strong logical reasoning and mental discipline to evaluate information critically and determine whether an answer truly makes sense.

Highlighting the growing challenge of digital distractions, Dinesh Victor said today’s children are growing up surrounded by screens, instant answers and shrinking attention spans.

“Abacus training provides a powerful cognitive workout that enhances concentration, memory retention, visualisation, confidence, numerical ability and overall academic performance,” he said.

Drawing a powerful analogy, he remarked, “AI is like a high-speed vehicle. Abacus helps build a better driver. A powerful machine is useful only when guided by a well-trained mind. In the age of AI, the ability to think will be more valuable than the ability to calculate.”

Concluding his address, he said, “AI may replace manual calculations, but it cannot replace a well-trained mind. That is why Abacus remains relevant—and perhaps more important than ever—in the age of Artificial Intelligence.”

One of the championship’s most anticipated attractions was the Concentration Round, conducted immediately after the main competition.

Unlike conventional examinations that demand complete silence, this innovative challenge required children to solve complex mental arithmetic problems while loud music played in the background. Participants sang, danced, moved around and continued solving calculations with remarkable speed and accuracy.

The exercise tested the children’s ability to maintain focus and concentration despite continuous distractions—a cognitive skill that is becoming increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.

The Regional Prodigy Championship is SIP Abacus’s flagship annual competition, providing young learners with a platform to demonstrate the concentration, memory, speed, accuracy and analytical abilities developed through years of Abacus and Mental Mathematics training.

The record participation at this year’s championship reflects the growing recognition among parents and educators that while Artificial Intelligence can perform calculations, developing strong thinking skills, logical reasoning and mental discipline remains essential for children’s future success.

Jaipur, July 11: Rajasthan has recorded the highest female participation rate in colleges while overall college admissions in the state have declined for the second consecutive year, reflecting a significant trend in women’s access to higher education.

The latest data highlights the growing presence of female students in higher education institutions across Rajasthan, with women accounting for a substantial share of college enrollments. The increase in female participation indicates improved awareness, accessibility, and opportunities for women pursuing higher studies.

However, the state has witnessed a decline in overall student admissions for the second year in a row, raising concerns among education stakeholders about factors affecting college enrollment. Experts have pointed to changing demographics, economic challenges, and shifting education preferences as possible reasons behind the trend.

Education officials said efforts are being made to encourage more students to pursue higher education through improved infrastructure, scholarship support, skill-based programmes, and greater access to quality institutions.

The rise in female participation is being viewed as a positive development, highlighting the progress made in promoting women’s education and empowerment. Authorities are focusing on addressing challenges linked to declining admissions while ensuring continued growth in higher education opportunities across the state.

Ranchi, July 10: The Jharkhand government will organise ‘Chunav Pathshala’ at all polling booths across the state on July 14 to facilitate electoral roll verification and assist citizens in updating their voter details.

The initiative, aimed at strengthening the accuracy of electoral rolls, will provide voters an opportunity to verify their information, raise corrections, and seek assistance regarding voter registration-related processes.

Officials associated with the election administration have been directed to ensure effective coordination and public participation during the programme. Booth-level officers will be present at polling stations to guide citizens through the verification process and address their queries.

The ‘Chunav Pathshala’ initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve voter services, increase awareness, and ensure that eligible citizens are properly included in the electoral database.

Authorities have appealed to voters to participate in the programme and verify their details to help maintain updated and error-free electoral rolls ahead of future elections.

New Delhi, July 10: RSI-India, supported by the Adani Group, has announced efforts to encourage scientific learning and nurture the next generation of Indian scientists through advanced educational opportunities and research exposure.

The initiative aims to identify and support talented students by providing them with access to mentorship, innovation platforms, and opportunities to engage with scientific research.

Through its programmes, RSI-India seeks to strengthen India’s science and technology ecosystem by encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving among young learners.

The initiative highlights the importance of developing scientific talent and creating a strong foundation for future innovations in areas critical to the country’s growth.

RSI-India’s efforts are expected to inspire more students to pursue careers in science, research, and technology while contributing to India’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation.

Guwahati, July 10: The Assam government has informed the state Assembly that more than 60,000 teaching positions remain vacant across schools, while over 30,000 schools have an enrolment of around 30 students each.

The government said the figures highlight key challenges facing the state’s education sector, including teacher availability and declining student numbers in several schools.

Officials stated that efforts are being taken to address vacancies, improve the quality of education, and ensure better utilisation of school infrastructure. The government is also reviewing school-level requirements to strengthen teaching resources and academic facilities.

The issue was raised during the Assembly session, where legislators discussed the need for effective measures to improve school education and provide students with better learning opportunities.

The government reiterated its commitment to filling vacant posts and enhancing the overall education system across Assam.

Mandi, July 8: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) have developed an operational landslide early warning system to improve disaster preparedness in the Indian Himalayan region.

The newly developed system will help monitor landslide risks and provide timely alerts, allowing authorities and communities to take preventive action before major incidents occur.

The Himalayan region often faces landslide threats due to heavy rainfall, steep slopes and changing weather conditions. The new technology is expected to support better disaster management, protect lives and reduce damage to infrastructure.

The initiative reflects the growing role of science and technology in addressing natural disaster challenges. The system can help government agencies and local authorities make faster decisions during emergencies.

July 7: The Natural History Museum of Mizoram University has been awarded the Designated Repository status, recognising its contribution towards preserving and documenting the region’s rich biological diversity.

The recognition allows the museum to function as an authorised facility for the conservation, storage, and management of biological specimens collected during scientific research and biodiversity studies.

The new status is expected to strengthen research activities by providing scientists, researchers, and students with better access to valuable natural history collections. It will also support biodiversity documentation and conservation initiatives in Mizoram and the northeastern region.

Officials said the designation reflects the importance of preserving natural heritage and building scientific resources for future research and education.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for Mizoram University and highlights the growing role of academic institutions in advancing biodiversity conservation and environmental studies.

 

 

Manipal, July 06: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, congratulates Dr Judith Angelitta Noronha, Professor and Dean, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal, who has been selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) as part of its distinguished Class of 2026 Fellows.

The American Academy of Nursing announced the 2026 Class of Fellows on June 25, 2026, recognising accomplished nursing leaders from across the world for their outstanding contributions to health outcomes through excellence in education, research, innovation, leadership, and health policy. Widely regarded as one of the highest distinctions in the nursing profession, the AAN Fellowship recognises individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on healthcare and the nursing profession globally.

The 2026 cohort comprises eminent nursing leaders representing 39 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries, reflecting a diverse and influential community of professionals dedicated to transforming healthcare through scholarship, evidence-based practice, policy, and innovation. Dr Noronha’s selection places her among this distinguished international network of nursing leaders.

Congratulating Dr Noronha on this achievement, Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “Dr Judith Angelitta Noronha’s selection as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing is a matter of immense pride for MAHE and the Indian nursing fraternity. This prestigious international recognition acknowledges her outstanding contributions to nursing education, research, and leadership over several decades”.

Expressing her gratitude, Dr Judith Angelitta Noronha, Professor and Dean, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the collective efforts of my colleagues, students, and mentors who have been part of my academic and professional journey”.

The formal induction of the 2026 Class of Fellows will take place during the American Academy of Nursing’s Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., from October 8 to 10, 2026, with the induction ceremony on the final day of the conference.