Category: Education

New Delhi, Apr 15 (BNP): The British School New Delhi hosted the first CIS India Institute on International Admission and Guidance from April 10 to 12, 2026.

Organised in collaboration with the Council of International Schools (CIS), the event brought together representatives from over 60 universities across 14 countries, along with 20 schools from India.

The institute served as a platform for interaction between Indian schools and global universities, aiming to strengthen guidance systems and create clearer pathways for students seeking higher education abroad.

Participants discussed international admissions processes, student counselling strategies, and opportunities for expanding global academic collaboration.

Chandigarh, Apr 13 (BNP): EduBlock Pro, a blockchain-based examination management platform developed by Antier Solutions, has been honoured by the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Incubation Center, Mohali, at TiECON Chandigarh 2026.

The award recognises the platform’s contribution to building secure and tamper-proof digital examination systems aimed at improving transparency and integrity in academic assessments.

The recognition was presented by the Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini, and received by Vikram Raj Singh, CEO and Founder of Antier Solutions, during a formal ceremony.

EduBlock Pro is designed to strengthen examination infrastructure using blockchain technology, ensuring data security and reducing the risk of manipulation in digital testing systems.

Astronomers have sought to measure the expansion rate of the Universe using two fundamentally different approaches. One method relies on measuring distances to stars and galaxies in the nearby Universe. The other uses measurements of the cosmic microwave background to predict what the expansion rate would be today under the standard model of cosmology.

These two approaches are expected to yield the same result, but they don’t. Measurements based on the nearby Universe consistently indicate a higher expansion rate — around 73 kilometers per second per megaparsec — while predictions derived from the early Universe yield a lower value, closer to 67 or 68. Although the numerical difference is modest, it is far larger than can be explained by statistical uncertainty. This persistent disagreement, known as the Hubble tension, has now been observed across multiple independent studies and techniques.

By bringing together decades of independent observations into a single, unified framework, an international collaboration of astronomers has achieved the most precise direct measurement to date of the expansion rate of the nearby Universe. In a paper published on 10 April in Astronomy & Astrophysics, the H0 Distance Network (H0DN) Collaboration reports a value of the Hubble constant of 73.50 ± 0.81 kilometers per second per megaparsec, corresponding to a precision of just over 1%.

The study, “The Local Distance Network: a community consensus report on the measurement of the Hubble constant at ∼1% precision,” is the outcome of a broad community effort launched at the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) Breakthrough Workshop, “What’s under the H0od?”, held at ISSI in Bern, Switzerland, in March 2025.

“This isn’t just a new value of the Hubble constant,” the collaboration notes, “it’s a community-built framework that brings decades of independent distance measurements together, transparently and accessibly.”

NSF NOIRLab contributed both expertise and observational data to this effort. John Blakeslee, astronomer and Director of Research and Science Services at NSF NOIRLab, is a member of the collaboration. The study includes data from telescopes at NSF Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile and NSF Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) in Arizona, both Programs of NSF NOIRLab. Those data were incorporated into a broader, collaborative framework spanning both ground and space-based observatories, helping to strengthen the overall result.

Rather than relying on a single method, the team constructed a “distance network” that links many overlapping techniques for measuring distances across the local Universe. These include observations of pulsating Cepheid variable stars, red giant stars that shine with a known brightness, Type Ia supernovae, and certain types of galaxies. This approach enables multiple independent paths to the same final result, and allows for a critical test: is the discrepancy caused by an error within a single method? The results indicate that this is unlikely. Even when individual techniques are removed from the analysis, the overall result changes only minimally. Independent measurements remain consistent with one another, reinforcing the robustness of the locally measured expansion rate.

“This work effectively rules out explanations of the Hubble tension that rely on a single overlooked error in local distance measurements,” the authors conclude. “If the tension is real, as the growing body of evidence suggests, it may point to new physics beyond the standard cosmological model.”

The implications are significant. The lower expansion rate inferred from the early Universe depends on the standard model of cosmology, which describes how the Universe has evolved since the Big Bang. If that model is incomplete — for example, if it does not fully account for the behavior of dark energy, new particles, or modifications to gravity — its predictions for the present-day expansion rate would be affected.

In that case, the Hubble tension may not be the result of measurement error, but rather evidence that the current model of the Universe is missing a key component. The local distance network also establishes a framework for future investigations. By making its methods and data openly available, the collaboration has created a foundation that can be expanded with new observations. With next-generation observatories expected to provide even more precise measurements, astronomers aim to determine whether this discrepancy will ultimately be resolved or continue to point toward new physics.

One of the most prominent universities in Hungary focuses on Indian students

Apr 11: Europe’s higher education landscape is being quietly but decisively reshaped. As traditional study destinations face growing saturation and rising costs, an increasing number of Indian students are turning their attention towards Central Europe as a region offering strong academic ecosystems, internationally recognised qualifications, and expanding research opportunities. Within this evolving map of global student mobility, Hungary has begun to stand out with particular clarity, especially in engineering, applied sciences, and technology-driven disciplines.

The numbers reflect this momentum. Across Europe, around 90,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in higher education, a figure that has grown by nearly 80 per cent over the past five years. Hungary’s position within this broader trend is becoming increasingly visible: in 2023–24, approximately 1,127 Indian students were studying in Hungarian universities, placing India among the country’s top ten source nations for international enrolment. With English-taught programmes, EU-accredited degrees, comparatively moderate living costs, and a stable, secure environment, Hungary is emerging as a compelling destination for Indian families seeking both quality and value.

At the heart of this shift stands Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), Hungary’s leading institution for engineering and technology. The university continues to consolidate its standing internationally: BME came in 246th, improving its position by one place compared to the previous list, while maintaining its 12th place in the Eastern European region in the widely acknowledged latest QS European rankings, compiled by Quacquarelli Symonds, a global university ranking organisation.

The growth of the Indian student community at BME has been particularly striking. In the 2015/16 academic year, the university enrolled only 15 students from India; by 2024/25, this number had risen to 89 full-time Indian students – a nearly six-fold increase in less than a decade. The demographic profile mirrors global STEM patterns, with 77 per cent male and 23 per cent female students. Crucially, the expansion has been matched by strong academic outcomes: since 2016, 96 Indian students have graduated successfully from BME, including eight PhD recipients, underscoring the university’s ability not only to attract talent but also to support students through to high-level degree completion.

“My BME degree has given me a strong technical foundation, international exposure, and research experience, preparing me to work in global engineering environments and tackle sustainability, structural and infrastructure challenges,” says recent BME graduate Salman Ali.

BME’s appeal lies in its distinctive integration of education, research, and innovation. The university’s mission extends beyond classroom teaching into the full innovation chain, encompassing fundamental and applied research, technological development, and the real-world application of scientific results. Its academic strengths align closely with strategic global priorities shared by Europe and Asia alike: digital transformation, sustainable energy systems, industrial innovation, and the engineering foundations of the green transition. For Indian students, this translates into an environment where theoretical excellence is inseparable from hands-on research engagement and industry relevance.

As Vice Rector for Internationalisation András Nemeslaki notes, “Indian students contribute significantly to the academic and cultural life of our university. Their strong presence in engineering and technology programmes reflects BME’s strengths and the global relevance of our degrees.” This relevance is reinforced by the university’s expanding international profile: BME currently offers 13 bachelor’s, 24 master’s and 11 doctoral programmes in English, supported by Budapest’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and reputation as one of Europe’s safest capitals.

Among the programmes drawing the strongest interest from Indian applicants, the BSc and MSc in Computer Science Engineering stand out as particularly strategic choices. At undergraduate level, the Computer Science Engineer BSc is designed to train engineers capable of developing solutions across a wide spectrum – from advanced web services and artificial intelligence-based applications to high-reliability industrial software systems. With a rigorous theoretical foundation and early opportunities for specialisation in Software Engineering or Infocommunication, students graduate prepared for both high-impact employment and advanced academic pathways.

The MSc in Computer Engineering deepens this trajectory further. Structured around independent work, research and development projects, and a mandatory industrial or faculty-based placement, the programme reflects the expectations of a global technology labour market increasingly shaped by AI, data infrastructure, and complex software ecosystems. Graduates are positioned either to enter competitive international careers or to continue into doctoral research – a route already taken by a growing number of Indian alumni at BME.

Hungary’s strengthening ties with India provide an additional layer of strategic context. Economic cooperation has intensified, with bilateral trade exceeding one billion euros in 2023 and major Indian companies such as Tata Consultancy Services, Motherson, and Apollo establishing significant operations in Hungary. More than fifty Indian firms now employ over ten thousand people in the country, creating an industrial environment in which internationally trained engineers are in rising demand. Student interest is accelerating accordingly: in 2023, a record 2,400 Indian applicants competed for 200 Hungarian scholarships.

Against this backdrop, Hungary – and BME in particular – is increasingly recognised as a serious European hub for Indian talent: academically rigorous, research-driven, internationally connected, and positioned at the intersection of education and innovation. As Europe and India move toward deeper cooperation in trade, technology, and mobility, institutions such as BME are becoming platforms for long-term global engineering careers.

Excessive internet use and prolonged time on social media among young children, instead of playing and studying, has become a growing global concern.

Apr 10, (BNP): Global concern is intensifying over the adverse effects of excessive internet and social media use on children’s overall development. Experts highlight that prolonged screen time—particularly exceeding three hours daily—can significantly increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and poor sleep quality.

Studies indicate that excessive engagement with social media platforms exposes children to cyberbullying, unrealistic body image standards, and harmful or inappropriate content. These factors can negatively influence emotional well-being and psychological stability at a crucial stage of development.

In addition to mental health concerns, overuse of digital platforms is also linked to reduced face-to-face social interaction, leading to weaker communication and interpersonal skills. Educators have further observed declining attention spans and a noticeable impact on academic performance among students who spend extended hours online.

Child development specialists, educators, and health professionals are calling for urgent measures to address the issue. They emphasize the need for increased parental supervision, the promotion of healthy digital habits, and encouraging children to engage in physical activities, reading, and real-world social interactions.

Authorities and stakeholders are urged to collaborate in creating awareness and implementing guidelines that ensure a balanced and responsible use of technology among children, safeguarding their future well-being.

For 30 years, Dr. Diptimayee Mohanty has been at the helm of Aryavart Ancient Academy, shaping an educational environment that seamlessly blends Gurukul traditions—discipline, wisdom, and holistic values—with the modern CBSE curriculum.

Her leadership has empowered thousands of students, especially those from modest backgrounds, helping them overcome personal and societal challenges to reach their full potential. Every achievement of her students stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and personal growth.

Under Dr. Mohanty’s guidance, Aryavart Ancient Academy has become more than a school—it is a place where tradition meets modern education, fostering resilience, character, and lifelong learning. Her legacy is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and vision can transform lives through education.

As part of the ongoing celebrations of Odia Pakhya, Shishu Katha Diwas was observed today with the aim of nurturing creativity among children and strengthening their connection with the Odia language.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha

‘ଓଡ଼ିଆ ପକ୍ଷ’ ଅବସରରେ ଶିଶୁମାନଙ୍କ ସୃଜନଶୀଳ ପ୍ରତିଭାର ବିକାଶ ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ମାତୃଭାଷାର ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ପରମ୍ପରା ସହ ଅନୁପ୍ରାଣିତ କରିବା ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟରେ ‘ଶିଶୁ କଥା ଦିବସ’ ଓ ‘ବର୍ଣ୍ଣବୋଧ ବଣ୍ଟନ’ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ଆୟୋଜିତ ହେଉଛି। ଶୈଶବର କଳ୍ପନାପ୍ରସୂତ ଜଗତକୁ ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ଗଳ୍ପର ରଙ୍ଗରେ ରଞ୍ଜିତ କରିବା ସହ ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ିକୁ ଆମ ସାହିତ୍ୟ ଓ… pic.twitter.com/xLHOYOkOr6

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 7, 2026

The initiative focuses on encouraging children to engage with storytelling, helping them develop imagination while fostering a deeper appreciation for their mother tongue. Various activities were organized to make learning interactive and meaningful, bringing together students, teachers, and community members.

In addition to storytelling sessions, Varnabodha—basic learning materials designed to introduce young learners to the Odia language—were distributed among children. The effort seeks to build a strong foundation in language skills while also introducing them to the richness of Odisha’s literary and cultural traditions.

Organizers emphasized that storytelling plays a vital role in shaping young minds by passing down values, traditions, and cultural identity. By connecting children with folk tales and traditional narratives, the program aims to keep Odisha’s heritage alive for future generations.

The event also highlighted the importance of collective participation. Parents, educators, and communities were encouraged to actively engage with children, motivating them to read, listen, and express themselves in their native language.

Through such initiatives, Shishu Katha Diwas serves as a meaningful step toward preserving linguistic heritage while inspiring the next generation to stay rooted in culture and creativity.

A new study published in Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), finds that children with tympanostomy tubes who swim in treated pools are not at increased risk of ear drainage, while those exposed to untreated or natural bodies of water face significantly higher odds of developing recurrent otorrhea.

Tympanostomy tube placement, commonly known as ear tube surgery, is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in children in the United States, typically recommended for those with recurrent ear infections or persistent fluid in the middle ear.

“The role of water precautions in tympanostomy tubes has been extensively debated, yet empirical evidence regarding the impact of water type and otorrhea risk is limited,” said Kavita Dedhia, MD, MSHP, Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “We identified an association between increased otorrhea episodes and exposure to untreated water. Although this is not a definitive study, it can guide providers to counsel families on when to consider water precautions.”

These findings are consistent with the AAO-HNSF’s 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline on Tympanostomy Tubes in Children (Update), which are specified in Key Action Statement 15, Clinicians should not encourage routine, prophylactic water precautions (use of earplugs or headbands, avoidance of swimming or water sports) for children with tympanostomy tubes. The CPG notes that water precautions are best reserved for select children rather than applied routinely, with the preferred approach being to allow unrestricted water activity first and introduce precautions only if problems arise. Exceptions include children with recurrent or persistent otorrhea — particularly those with P. aeruginosa or S. aureus in middle ear cultures — those with immune dysfunction, those who experience ear discomfort during swimming, and those exposed to heavily contaminated water or engaging in deep diving.

The authors acknowledge several limitations, including the potential for recall bias among caregivers and the observational nature of the study design, which limits causal conclusions. They call for prospective studies and interventional trials to further clarify the biological mechanisms underlying water-related ear drainage and to identify additional modifiable risk factors. The study also found that younger children were more likely to experience recurrent ear drainage regardless of water exposure type, consistent with prior research on acute otitis media in early childhood.

The authors call for prospective studies and interventional trials to further clarify the biological mechanisms underlying water-related ear drainage and to identify additional modifiable risk factors.