Indian Universities, Colleges and Schools Round-Up | February 2024 | New cold war, climate, China, communications & collaboration to affect higher education internationalisation
This article seeks to illuminate recent advancements within Indian educational institutions, ranging from universities and colleges to schools. It aims to inspire educators and stakeholders to adopt effective strategies within their educational contexts. By spotlighting notable developments, the objective is to foster positive impacts for students and avid learners. Below are links to news articles from esteemed media outlets for further elucidation and reference. It's important to note that this article is based on these news articles, providing insights and references.
BITS Pilani steps into design education launches BITSDES in Mumbai
Mumbai: BITS Pilani announced the launch of BITS Design School (BITSDES), intending to create a future-focused design school that combines technology, business, and entrepreneurship in design education. According to a press release by BITS Pilani, the design school BITSDES will be set up in Mumbai and will introduce a four-year, residential, Bachelor of Design (Honours) programme in the academic year 2024-25, followed by a Master’s Degree programme and a Faculty Development programme for Design Educators over the next two years.
“Design is increasingly pivotal in addressing the complexities of the new age. From manufacturing to services and retail to technology, design is shaping the future of how businesses approach problem-solving and innovation. BITS Design School will reimagine design education with a bold, trans-disciplinary, competency-based approach and embrace avenues where design can positively impact people, businesses, and the world," said Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor, BITS Pilani.
Delegation from 17 US universities to visit 26 educational institutions in India
New Delhi: A high-powered delegation of 31 provosts, vice provosts, deans, and other leaders from 17 top American universities are travelling to India in a few days as part of their goal to strengthen India-US collaboration and student and scholar mobility between the two countries. The delegation from the American universities will visit 26 institutions in New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. The delegation builds on recent years of US and Indian government-led efforts to partner in pursuit of mutually beneficial strategies.
The IIE Leadership Delegation to India from February 25 to March 2 would have representations from California State University, Long Beach; University of California, Berkeley; DePaul University; University of California, Davis; East Tennessee State University; University of Houston; Florida International University; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Michigan State University; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Mississippi State University; University of Missouri; Montclair State University; University of Rochester; Oklahoma State University; University of Tulsa and Rutgers University.
More than 40 per cent of India’s 1.4 billion population is under the age of 25, and demand for education exceeds in-country supply. Apart from meeting Indian government officials, the delegates will visit US consulates, the Indian School of Business, IIT Hyderabad, Mahindra University, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, and Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Topics to be discussed include the setting up of international branch campuses in India, the impact of ed-tech in Indian higher education, and the higher education business landscape.
Kerala school students to get ‘water breaks’ as temperature soars
Kerala: With temperatures soaring by the day in the state, the Kerala government is planning to implement a “water-bell” system at schools to ensure that students drink adequate water to keep their bodies hydrated during summer. The state General Education Minister's office said Kerala is the first state to introduce this system in the country.
“We implemented it for the first time in 2019 in schools in certain areas due to the high-temperature levels there. Drawing lessons from us, states like Karnataka and Telangana implemented it later. Now, we are implementing it in schools across the state considering the rising mercury levels,” the office told PTI.
Under the new initiative, the bell would ring twice in all schools at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm to remind children to drink water. Climatic change is resulting in the unprecedented increase in temperatures in the state, so it is necessary to ensure children consume sufficient water during school hours, the education department sources said.
SSB inks MoU for free education of 100 children of force personnel
Bengaluru: Border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) recently inked an agreement with an IB curriculum offering private school in Bengaluru that will provide free education to 100 children of paramilitary personnel. The about 80,000 personnel strong SSB functions under the Union home ministry and is primarily tasked to guard unfenced Indian borders with Nepal and Bhutan, apart from rendering a variety of duties in the internal security domain of the country.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the SSB and the United World Academy, Bengaluru, will ensure 100 free seats for school-going children of serving force personnel and those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
New cold war, climate, China, communications & collaboration to affect higher education internationalisation: Philip Altbach, Boston College
Sonipat: The three-day World Universities Summit concluded at O P Jindal Global University with an on-site Higher Education Leaders Conclave. Over 100 university leaders participated, including Prof Philip Altbach, who delivered the keynote address focusing on internationalisation and the implications of climate change.
Prof Altbach spoke about the crisis of internationalisation and the six Cs: The new Cold War with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the challenges to mobility posed by Covid, Climate change, the rise of China as a regional higher education hub and new modes of Communications and Collaborations, particularly with IT and AI which will affect higher education internationalisation going forward.
The conclave concluded with a roundtable discussion on the theme “Universities of the Future: A Global Partnership for Social Justice and Sustainable Development”, with participation from several Vice-Chancellors, faculty members, and students.
Apex University, Jaipur, signs MoU with CRPF; extends scholarships and seats for Service Members
Jaipur: Apex University, Jaipur, a premier institution dedicated to academic excellence, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with a vision to foster educational opportunities for CRPF personnel and their families. In recognition of the immense sacrifices and contributions made by the CRPF to safeguard our nation, Apex University is extending a scholarship covering 40% of the tuition fee per year for eligible candidates. Additionally, two seats are explicitly reserved for the wards of CRPF personnel in the courses/programs offered by Apex University.
The scholarship program aims to facilitate access to quality education for the wards of CRPF personnel, empowering them to pursue their academic goals and contribute positively to society. By reserving seats and providing financial assistance, Apex University seeks to ease the educational burden on CRPF families and foster a supportive environment for their academic endeavours.
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The views and opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily represent those of QS-ERA India Private Limited and/or its employees, partners, shareholders, or other stakeholders.
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