Category: Education

Tokyo, July 6 (UDN): OP Jindal Global University successfully hosted the Third India–Japan Higher Education Forum 2026 in Tokyo, bringing together eminent academics, policymakers, and representatives from leading institutions of higher education from both countries.

The forum served as a platform to strengthen academic cooperation between India and Japan, with discussions centred on expanding joint research initiatives, enhancing student and faculty exchange programmes, and deepening institutional partnerships across diverse disciplines, including law, public policy, international relations, and social sciences.

Participants engaged in wide-ranging deliberations on the future of global higher education, with particular emphasis on innovation, sustainability, governance, and cross-border academic collaboration. The discussions also highlighted the growing importance of international academic engagement in addressing shared global challenges.

Speakers at the forum underscored the need for stronger India–Japan academic linkages to foster knowledge exchange, build research capacity, and promote cultural understanding between the two nations.

The event reaffirmed OP Jindal Global University’s commitment to advancing global academic partnerships and strengthening its role as a bridge between Indian and international higher education ecosystems.

Organisers noted that the forum is expected to pave the way for expanded institutional collaborations, joint academic programmes, and increased mobility opportunities for students and scholars in the coming years.

 

Sri City, Tirupati District, AP — July 02 — Sricity International University (SIU) was formally launched today at its Interim Campus by the Hon’ble Minister Shri Lokesh Nara – Minister for HRD, IT E&C and RTG, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in the presence of SIU’s Global Advisory Council, Governing Board, and Industry Partners. 

SIU is pioneering a new education system of Work-Study Dual Model in India — designed from the ground up to ensure that every graduating student is employable with industry relevant skills.

The launch comes at a defining moment for Indian higher education. India produces more than nine million graduates every year, yet only about 42.6% are assessed as employable; more than half of those who do find work are in roles below their qualification, and over 80% of employers report serious skill gaps. SIU calls this the Bharat Employability and Jobs Challenge — and has been established to solve it..

In the Work-Study Dual Model, students spend roughly a third of their time learning on campus and the remainder working as interns with industry partners. While interning at Industry Partners, students are paid a minimum stipend of ₹10,000 monthly from the very first year. The Industry Partners are expected to increase the stipend amount as the student productivity improves with experience. At SIU, a four-year degree student graduates with about 2+ years of real work experience.

The curriculum is co-designed with industry partners and updated annually to keep pace with the rapidly evolving AI-driven industrial landscape, ensuring that students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies demanded by the future of work.

To promote Entrepreneurship, SIU has already set up an Incubation Center (Station-S) at its campus. Around 10 startups have commenced operations with the support of Station-S & Gnan Circle Ventures, a Cat-I Venture Capital Fund.

Andhra Pradesh leading the way on Employability Skills

“Our young people have the ability and the ambition; what they need is an education that connects directly to work… Andhra Pradesh is proud to lead the nation in solving this challenge.”—Shri Nara Lokesh -Hon’ble Minister for HRD, IT, E&C, and RTG, Government of Andhra Pradesh

 

An ecosystem that makes the model possible

What makes this model possible is the extraordinary ecosystem of Sri City, where more than 200+ companies from over 30 countries operate across a wide range of industries. Few places in the country — or the world — bring industry and education together so closely. Students at SIU will learn and work alongside leading global companies right where they study, and Andhra Pradesh is proud to be home to an institution that turns this advantage into real opportunity for our young people.

— Shri Nara Lokesh Hon’ble Minister for HRD, IT, E&C, and RTG, Government of Andhra Pradesh

Employable from day one

A four year degree student graduates with 2+ years of real work experience, earned through paid internships from the very first year — and combined with a curriculum designed together with the industry, that makes our students highly employable. Beyond industry aligned skills, we focus on building strong life skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, giving every student a firm foundation to build a career — or to create jobs for others.

— Srini Raju Chairman, Sricity Education Foundation & SIU Governing Board

Programmes and admissions

SIU is offering four undergraduate programmes for the 2026–27 academic year:

• B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering— School of Technology & AI

• B.Tech in Advanced Manufacturing— School of Advanced Manufacturing

• BBA in Finance & Accounts— School of Business

• BBA in Digital Media & Communications— School of Nova Media

Admissions for 2026–27 are now open.Students can apply online at www.thesiu.org. Admissions enquiries: +91 8977763331 / +91 8977763332

Email:admissions@thesiu.org

 

Tokyo, July 1: In a significant moment for India–Japan academic and diplomatic engagement, Prof Raj Kumar and Shashi Tharoor addressed Japan’s Parliament, highlighting the growing importance of international collaboration in education, research, and global policy discourse.

The engagement comes as O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) deepens its academic and institutional ties with Japanese counterparts, aiming to expand cooperation in areas such as higher education exchange, legal studies, public policy, and global governance.

During the address, the speakers emphasized the role of universities in fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening people-to-people connections between India and Japan. They also underlined the importance of academic institutions in shaping dialogue on global challenges.

The initiative reflects JGU’s continued efforts to build strong international partnerships and enhance its global academic footprint through collaborations with leading institutions and policy forums worldwide.

The visit is expected to further open avenues for student exchanges, joint research programmes, and academic cooperation between India and Japan in the coming years.

 

Ras Al Khaimah, July 01: The University of Greater Manchester Academic Centre Ras Al Khaimah officially opened its new campus in Sheikh Khalifa City, marking another significant milestone for British higher education in the Northern Emirates. It is one of the first international universities established in Ras Al Khaimah to operate from its own dedicated campus.

The new launch marks the university’s long-standing partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). The University of Greater Manchester, earlier known as the University of Bolton Academic Centre – Ras Al Khaimah was established in 2008. The institution has grown alongside the emirate’s evolving higher education landscape, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to internationally recognised British education while supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s vision of developing knowledge, talent, and innovation.

The campus opening ceremony brought together education leaders, government representatives, and partners from the UAE and the UK to celebrate not only the opening of the new campus, but also nearly two decades of collaboration in advancing internationally recognised British higher education in Ras Al Khaimah.

Present at the event were Dr. Sudhir Kartha, Chairman of the Knowledgucate Group; Andrew Clark, Deputy Consul General of the British Embassy in Dubai; and representatives from the RAK Department of Knowledge and RAKEZ. The university’s UK-based executive leadership, including Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Greg Walker and Head of the Off-Campus Division Yusuf Giga joined the celebrations virtually.

Dr. Sudhir remarked, “Today marks a proud and historic milestone in our journey to expand access to world-class higher education in the Northern Emirates. This new campus reflects our commitment to creating a learning environment that brings internationally recognised qualifications closer to students in the UAE and the wider region. We are deeply grateful to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to the Department of Knowledge, RAKEZ, our partners at the University of Greater Manchester, and everyone who has supported this vision. This inauguration is not just the opening of a campus — it is the beginning of new opportunities, stronger partnerships, and a brighter future for our students.” He also announced the development of phase II by next academic year, 2027 that will expand the opportunities for the academic community.

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad commented, “We are proud to have been part of University of Greater Manchester’s journey since its establishment. Over the past 18 years, we have seen the institution grow from one of the emirate’s pioneering international higher education providers into a well-established academic centre that continues to expand its contribution to Ras Al Khaimah.”

He added, “This new campus represents far more than a physical expansion. It reflects the confidence that long-standing partners have in Ras Al Khaimah as a place to invest, innovate and grow. At RAKEZ, we remain committed to supporting institutions that strengthen the emirate’s education ecosystem, nurture future talent and enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a destination to live, learn and build successful careers.”

The new campus features purpose-built academic facilities designed to support interactive lectures, practical workshops, research activities and personalised student engagement, creating a modern learning environment for students across a range of disciplines and levels of study. The new campus offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes spanning business, accountancy, law, psychology, engineering, artificial intelligence, data analytics,  cloud and network security and construction management. With the capacity to accommodate up to 1,750 students in its first phase, the campus combines modern learning facilities with industry-focused education, career guidance, internships, annual career fairs and strong employer engagement to help prepare graduates for successful careers in the UAE and beyond.

This expansion reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s continued development as a destination for internationally recognised higher education, broadening opportunities for students to pursue British qualifications locally while supporting the emirate’s ambitions to develop a highly skilled workforce aligned with future economic grow.

Academic Excellence, Social Impact and National Leadership: Ariel University Awards 2026 Honorary Doctorates to Efrat and Hanoch Daum, Avigdor Kahalani, Adi Altschuler, Prof. Yonina Eldar, Prof. Avraham Gover and Grandmaster Boris Gelfand

 

The seven recipients embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, leadership, and commitment to Israeli society.

 

Ariel University held its annual Honorary Doctorate ceremony this morning, Wednesday, on the university campus. The ceremony was attended by Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman; Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov; representatives of the Board of Trustees; members of the academic faculty; and public figures.

This year, Honorary Doctorates were awarded to seven prominent individuals from the fields of science, security, education, public service and culture. In recognition of outstanding achievements, values-based leadership, and long-standing contributions to the resilience of the State of Israel and the advancement of human knowledge.

Recipients of Ariel University’s 2026 Honorary Doctorates:

Prof. Yonina Eldar: One of the world’s leading researchers in the fields of signal processing, computer vision and artificial intelligence, and recipient of the Israel Prize in 2025. Prof. Eldar was recognized for her development of the field of sub-Nyquist sampling, a scientific breakthrough with applications in medical imaging, radar systems and smart sensors, and for mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Israeli scientists and researchers.

Adi Altschuler: A leading social entrepreneur and changemaker.

The degree was awarded to her for founding and leading groundbreaking national and international initiatives, including the Krembo Wings youth movement, the civic commemoration initiative Zikaron BaSalon, and the Inclu network of inclusive schools, which have helped promote the values of inclusion, equality and mutual responsibility.

Prof. Avraham Gover: An internationally renowned researcher and physicist in the field of applied physics. The degree was awarded to him for decades of groundbreaking research in laser, electron and radiation technologies, combining basic science with advanced engineering developments that have industrial and defence applications, and positioning Israel at the forefront of global research in his field.

Grandmaster Boris Gelfand: One of the world’s leading chess players, who has represented the State of Israel on the international stage for more than three decades, including his historic challenge for the title of World Chess Champion in 2012. The degree was awarded to him for his extraordinary achievements, which placed Israel at the top of the global chess world making him a symbol of excellence, strategic thinking, and perseverance.

Efrat and Hanoch Daum: Efrat is a social entrepreneur, and Hanoch is a journalist, satirist and bestselling author whose books have dealt extensively with Israeli identity. The degree was awarded to them in recognition of their contribution to strengthening social cohesion and their wide-ranging civic activity, led by the national emergency initiative “Embracing Reservists,” which supported thousands of reservist families and businesses impacted by the war.

Brig. Gen. (Res.) Avigdor Kahalani: One of the outstanding heroes of the State of Israel, recipient of the Medal of Valor and the Medal of Distinguished Service. The degree was awarded to him for his many years of contribution to the security of the state, his exemplary leadership on the battlefield, and his public service as Minister of Internal Security, Chairman of the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers, and as an author and lecturer on leadership and national responsibility.

Hanoch Daum, who spoke on behalf of the Honorary Doctorate recipients, first turned to his mother, who was seated in the audience, and apologized to her for not having a matriculation certificate. “At least now I am a doctor,” he said with a smile. He then thanked Ariel University for the recognition and addressed the President of the University, saying that he was not surprised by the impressive figures regarding the high proportion of reservists among Ariel University students. He added: “I believe Ariel University is cultivating the next generation of leadership for the State of Israel.”

Ariel University President, Prof. Ehud Grossman, and Rector, Prof. Albert Pinhasov, congratulated the recipients and emphasized their extraordinary contributions. 

President of Ariel University, Prof. Ehud Grossman:

“This year’s recipients represent excellence across a range of fields: science, security, society and culture. Each of them has shown that personal achievement gains its greatest significance when it serves society, the State of Israel, and the advancement of humanity. In their own way, this year’s recipients have shaped reality, expanded the boundaries of what is possible, and left a significant mark on Israeli society and on their respective fields.” 

Rector of Ariel University, Prof. Albert Pinhasov:

“When looking at this year’s recipients of our Honorary Doctorates, it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride. These are individuals whose achievements continue to drive Israel’s growth, innovation, and progress. For academia, the privilege of honoring them is also an opportunity to present the next generation with a model of excellence, leadership and commitment to society.”

Bhubaneswar: Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers came together at the Odisha MSME & Enterprise Stakeholder Connect, held at KIIT Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI). The event was jointly organised by BCKIC and the Pernod Ricard Foundation under the Enterprise Odisha initiative to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the state’s MSME ecosystem.

A key highlight of the programme was the panel discussion on “Understanding the Enterprise Ecosystem in Odisha,” which brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the current landscape of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. The discussion focused on identifying growth opportunities, addressing existing challenges, and developing collaborative strategies to foster innovation and sustainable enterprise development.

Panelists shared valuable insights on creating a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs through stronger institutional partnerships, access to resources, capacity building, and policy support. The session also underscored the importance of nurturing startups and empowering local enterprises to contribute to Odisha’s economic growth.

The stakeholder connect witnessed active participation from representatives of industry, academia, incubation centres, development organisations, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The gathering reflected a shared commitment to strengthening Odisha’s enterprise ecosystem through collaboration and collective action.

Participants appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and contribute to discussions aimed at enhancing the state’s entrepreneurial landscape. The event concluded with a renewed focus on fostering innovation, supporting MSMEs, and accelerating inclusive economic development across Odisha.

New curriculum integrates AI, experiential learning, industry projects, and emerging business practices across Marketing, Finance, Analytics, and HR

BENGALURU, June 27 — As Artificial Intelligence reshapes industries and redefines workplace expectations, management education is undergoing a significant transformation. Reflecting this shift, the International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bengaluru, convened its Annual Board of Studies (BoS) meeting, bringing together 19 senior industry professionals and 23 faculty members for a comprehensive redesign of its Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) curriculum, embedding AI across all specialisations while strengthening industry integration, experiential learning and real-world business exposure.

As part of the redesign, ISME has introduced two new courses, AI for Management and Indian Knowledge System. The programme also places greater emphasis on practical learning through increased internship exposure, live projects and industry engagement. Summer internship credits have been increased from 3 to 6, every term will include a field project, and students will continue to participate in the institution’s Industry Trajectory Program, which enables them to work with organisations on real business challenges while pursuing their studies.

Dr. Nitin Garg, Founder & Director, ISME Bangalore, said, “The revised curriculum has been developed to align management education with the realities of a rapidly evolving business landscape where employers increasingly seek professionals who can combine technological fluency, analytical thinking and human decision-making. Rather than treating AI as a niche specialisation, the new framework integrates AI concepts, tools and applications throughout the learning journey, ensuring students understand how technology influences decision-making across business functions.”

Dr. Shampa Nandi, Convener of BOS, mentioned, “The Board of Studies for the PGDM programme goes well beyond a once-a-year compliance formality. BOS members contribute meaningfully to the programme’s academic quality by reviewing session plans for content currency, assessing select student assignments and projects, and engaging as mentors and guide for students across functional specialisations.”

The curriculum has been redesigned to reflect emerging industry trends and employer expectations in all functional domains. The Marketing curriculum now incorporates areas such as quick commerce, direct-to-consumer business models, Omni channel strategy, AI-driven advertising, prompt engineering and attribution models, ensuring students gain exposure to the tools and practices shaping modern marketing. The Finance curriculum moves beyond traditional transaction-focused learning to emphasise financial analysis, business decision-making and AI-enabled financial modelling. Embedded NISM certifications and contemporary case studies will help students connect financial concepts with real business scenarios.

In Business Analytics, the curriculum adopts a business-first approach that makes analytics more accessible and relevant for management students. New components include AI governance, DPDP compliance, analytics storytelling, Agentic AI and MLOps, enabling students to understand how data and technology can drive business outcomes.

The Human Resources curriculum has been strengthened with greater emphasis on workplace application and organisational effectiveness. Students will gain exposure to Labour Codes, Human Capital Management platforms, competency modelling, change management and AI-driven talent management practices, reflecting the evolving role of HR in modern organisations.

The revised curriculum was shaped through extensive consultation with industry leaders and academic experts. Recommendations were finalised by Dean Dr. Rony G Kurien and Dr. Shampa Nandi, Assistant Dean & Principal (PG), Prof. Sanjit Ghosh, Co-Convener and Dr. Rajni Pathak, Program Coordinator. Along with 19 senior industry professionals from organisations including JP Morgan & Chase, Coforge, Grant Thornton, Reliance Retail, Reliance JioMart, Godrej, Biocon, Acer, Aon and IISc, alongside faculty members, to review workforce trends and future skill requirements.

With this transformation, ISME aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations while ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven business environment.

 

June 25: The Ministry of Education has announced that online applications for the National Teachers’ Awards 2026 are now open and will remain available until July 10.

The awards aim to recognize and honor outstanding contributions by teachers across the country who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, innovation in education, and commitment to student development.

Eligible teachers from schools, colleges, and other educational institutions can submit their applications through the official online portal within the specified deadline. The selection process will evaluate candidates based on their teaching methods, innovation in pedagogy, community engagement, and overall impact on students.

The initiative seeks to encourage excellence in the teaching profession and highlight the critical role of educators in shaping the nation’s future. It also aims to promote innovative practices and inspire educators to adopt modern and effective teaching techniques.

Officials have urged eligible candidates to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues and ensure smooth submission of applications.

The National Teachers’ Awards continue to serve as one of the highest national recognitions for educators, celebrating their dedication and contribution to the field of education.

June 25: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has achieved outstanding global recognition in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026, securing the World No. 1 position for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality.

This remarkable achievement highlights MAHE’s continued commitment to promoting inclusivity, gender equity, and empowerment of women across all levels of its academic and institutional ecosystem. The ranking reflects the university’s strong performance in implementing policies, initiatives, and practices that support equal opportunities and foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

According to the THE Impact Rankings assessment, SDG 5 evaluates institutions based on their contribution to gender equality through teaching, research, leadership representation, institutional policies, and community engagement. MAHE’s top global position underscores its leadership in advancing these critical parameters on an international scale.

University officials attributed this milestone to sustained efforts in strengthening diversity-focused policies, enhancing participation of women in education and leadership, and integrating gender equality principles into academic and administrative frameworks. The recognition also reflects MAHE’s broader vision of aligning higher education with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Experts note that this achievement further strengthens MAHE’s global academic reputation and reinforces India’s growing presence in international sustainability-focused university rankings. It also positions the institution as a leading contributor to global conversations on equality, inclusion, and sustainable development in higher education.

MAHE’s success in the THE Impact Rankings 2026 demonstrates its ongoing commitment to academic excellence combined with social responsibility, innovation, and global impact.

DENVER, COLO – 24 June 2026 – Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), the nonprofit, standards-setting body for the global financial planning profession and owner of the international CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER certification program, is pleased to announce the release of its new Practice Guidance Note: Use of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Planning, designed to help financial planning professionals use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly while meeting their ethical and professional obligations.

As AI adoption accelerates across the financial planning profession, the guidance provides practical direction on how financial planners can use AI to support efficiency, insight and client service while reinforcing the importance of professional judgment, human oversight, transparency and confidentiality.

The guidance note comes as FPSB’s 2025 global research on the Impact of AI on Financial Planning found that two in three financial planners report their firms are using AI or planning to do so in the next 12 months. The research, based on responses from more than 6,200 financial planners across 24 territories, also found that 78% believe AI will help them better serve clients, while 60% say it will enhance the quality of financial advice.

“AI is reshaping the practice of financial planning, but trust, professional judgment and accountability remain essential,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “This new practice guidance note is designed to help financial planners embrace the benefits of AI while reinforcing that they remain responsible for the advice and recommendations they provide to clients.”

The guidance note was developed to help financial planning practitioners better understand their professional and ethical obligations, as set out in FPSB’s Global Financial Planning Standards, when using AI across the financial planning process, including in client communication, data gathering, and research. It also highlights key areas requiring special care, such as privacy, cybersecurity, and the accuracy and reliability of outputs. FPSB’s guidance stresses that AI should support — not replace — professional expertise and critical thinking.

“As technology evolves, FPSB’s global standards continue to guide the level of practice expected of financial planning professionals,” said FPSB Chief Professionalism Officer Paul Grimes, CFP. “This guidance note helps financial planners understand how their professional and ethical obligations evolve as AI becomes part of professional practice.” 

According to FPSB’s research on AI, financial planners are already using AI in practical ways, including client communications (41%), client data collection (33%) and client risk profiling (30%), as well as operational functions such as marketing (35%) and client onboarding (34%). At the same time, planners identified data privacy and cybersecurity (47%) and the accuracy and reliability of AI outputs (42%) among their top concerns.

The development of the practice guidance note was led by FPSB’s Professional Standards Committee in consultation with FPSB’s network of organizations, representing more than 236,000 CFP professionals across the world.

“AI can enhance how financial planners serve clients, but it must be used with care, transparency and professional oversight,” said FPSB Professional Standards Committee Chairperson Darren McShane. “FPSB’s new guidance note helps financial planners understand how to use AI responsibly while keeping professional judgment and client interests at the center.”