Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Celebration of reading: Maharashtra unites 45 lakh students with statewide book review challenge





Mumbai: The new year will open with a symphony of words for students in Maharashtra. A govt resolution (GR) decrees that 45 lakh students, spread across 6,000 colleges and 83 universities in the state, embark on a shared literary journey: to read one book, cover to cover, and craft a thoughtful review.

The book reading and review initiative will be held from Jan 1-15.

The state's director of higher education, Shailendra Deolankar, said he was inspired to launch this "bold experiment in collective reflection, uniting campuses under a single narrative" after attending the Pune reading festival. Students can pick any book except a textbook related to the curriculum.

"The idea is to increase student engagement and to promote the habit of reading that is lost on the current generation. We have given students the freedom to pick a book they want: fiction, non-fiction, scientific, spiritual, self-help, or mystery. Before they start reading, teachers will counsel them on how to read a book and how they must review it," Deolankar told TOI.

College teachers lamented that a directive had to be passed to get students to read a book. "A habit that should have been cultivated at home and in school now requires the state to pass a GR. Yet, we are happy that a step has been taken," said a college teacher.

Deolankar said this will not be a one-off event, but a "continuous celebration" of reading.

After the book review, which will be either in the form of a written review or a presentation, colleges will choose the best student. Finally, after multiple rounds, colleges will whittle down to one student from each region who will be picked. Ten of them will be called to Pune and will be incentivised.

The state's 12,000 public libraries have also been roped in to lend books to students who may not have access to books.

Source: The Times of India dated 23 December 2024

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

GATE Exam 2025 Date, Schedule, Timetable: IIT-Roorkee releases dates; exams from Feb 1

GATE 2025 Exam Dates: Students can find the GATE 2025 timetable on the official website: gate2025.iitr.ac.in.


GATE Exam Timetable 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has released the timetable for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2025. The exam will take place on February 1, 2, 15, and 16, in two sessions each day. Students can find the GATE 2025 timetable on the official website: gate2025.iitr.ac.in.

GATE 2025 will be held in the forenoon and afternoon sessions over the weekends between February 1 and 16. The forenoon session will run from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon session will take place from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.


GATE 2025 Time table

Date9.30 am to 12.30 pm2.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Feb 1, 2025CS1, AG, MACS2, NM, MT, TF, IN
Feb 2, 2025ME, PE, AREE
Feb 15, 2025CY, AE, DA, ES, PIEC, GE, XH, BM, EY
Feb 16, 2025CE1, GG, CH, PH, BTCE2, ST, XE, XL, MN


GATE 2025 will offer a total of 30 test papers, and candidates may choose to appear for one or two test papers only.

The types of questions in GATE 2025 will include multiple choice questions (MCQ), multiple select questions (MSQ), and numerical answer type (NAT) questions. In MCQs, only one out of four options is correct. In MSQs, one or more than one out of four options is/are correct; and for NAT questions, the answer must be keyed in using a virtual keypad.

AICTE declares 2025 as ‘Year of AI’ to shape India as global leader

The initiatives will span across AICTE-approved institutions, impacting over 14,000 colleges and 40 million students nationwide

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has announced 2025 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” to shape India as a global leader in AI. The initiatives under this declaration by the technical education regulator will span across AICTE-approved institutions, impacting over 14,000 colleges and 40 million students nationwide.

“With this bold announcement, AICTE aims to embed AI within the fabric of higher education, fostering innovation, ethics, and leadership to position India as a global leader in AI-driven progress,” AICTE said in a statement.

AICTE chairman TG Sitharam in a letter has urged all its affiliated institutions to submit their AI implementation plans by December 31, 2024, which will be reviewed by its approval bureau, with top submissions featured as benchmarks for other institutions. He has urged the AICTE-approved institutions to adopt five measures to “affirm India’s leadership in AI”. Five measures include institutions taking pledge to make India a global leader in AI through innovation, ethics, and education, displaying this commitment prominently on campuses; launching AI awareness campaigns; updating curricula to include AI topic fostering interdisciplinary approaches; conducting workshops and certifications to equip faculty with AI teaching expertise; and partnering with AI-driven organisations to provide real-world exposure through internship, projects and mentorship.

AICTE will organise workshops and certifications to upskill faculty in AI education. Students will receive real-world experience through internships, projects, and mentorships through collaborations of their colleges with global companies like Adobe, Cisco, and International Business Machines (IBM). Top-performing institutions will be recognised with awards as models of AI excellence.

“As we dedicate 2025 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, let us unite to build a future-ready workforce. Together, we can shape India as a global leader in AI innovation, ethics, and education, fulfilling our shared vision of self-reliance and prosperity,” Sitharam said.

Officials at AICTE-approved institutions are adopting AI in their courses to prepare students for job markets. Institutions are also conducting teachers training by industry experts to empower them.

Dr Ankit Chaudhary, professor of Computer Engineering at the School of Engineering (SoE), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) said, “In the first year, all BTech students are introduced to Data Science. In the second year, they study Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. Third-year students are taught Machine Learning (ML) and Computer Vision, while fourth-year students explore Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Technology changes after every five years and we have to update ourselves accordingly. Students are needed to learn job-market relevant skills and usage of AI in BTech syllabus will boost their employability. We regularly take feedback from industry leaders and prepare curriculum to train our students for better jobs.”

SoE offers two BTech programs: Computer Science and Engineering (BTech CSE) and Electronics and Communication Engineering (BTech ECE).

Sujith Kumar, a professor at T John Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, said, “We have already added topics related to AI in some of our courses. As asked by AICTE, we are making plans to use AI to reshape education. We will organise seminars to raise awareness about AI among students”

Ashok Kumar Mittal, founder chancellor of Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara said that there are challenges in adopting new technologies due to less training opportunities, and resistance to change.

“To empower educators, LPU has established a comprehensive professional development program. This initiative includes workshops, seminars, and hands-on training sessions conducted by experts in the field of AI and education technology. Teachers are introduced to a variety of AI tools such as adaptive learning platforms, virtual tutors, and data analytics software tailored for educational use. They learn how to integrate these tools into their lesson plans to improve learning experiences for students,” he said.

LPU offers several AICTE-approved courses in engineering, management and pharmacy among others.


Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aicte-declares-2025-as-year-of-ai-to-shape-india-as-global-leader-101735055534296.html

Friday, December 20, 2024

AICTE and MyAnatomy Establish Strategic Alliance, Initiating a New Era for Skill Assessment and Development

In a groundbreaking move to enhance technical education and skill development, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and MyAnatomy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the evolving needs of India’s workforce. This strategic alliance signifies a substantial leap towards bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering a globally competitive talent ecosystem.

For nearly Eight Decades, AICTE has been at the forefront of technical education in India, driving innovation, excellence, and employability through visionary initiatives. The council’s internship and job portals have connected over 550 million students with opportunities across 76,000+ companies, while its Global Developer Corps (GDC) program and Post-Doctoral Fellowship scheme have further strengthened India’s position as a leader in AI technologies and cutting-edge research.

AICTE has taken a humble yet transformative initiative to incorporate skill assessments into its internship portal. By partnering with MyAnatomy, a leading AI-driven digital talent platform, AICTE aims to enhance skill diagnosis, competency mapping, and career progression. This collaboration leverages MyAnatomy’s advanced assessment technologies to create industry-aligned skill development programs, personalized learning paths, and job-role-specific assessments like the National Competence and Employability Test (NCET).

MyAnatomy is a cutting-edge digital talent platform that leverages AI and automation to seamlessly connect employers, job seekers, and educational institutions, revolutionizing the talent landscape. With a skill-first approach, MyAnatomy offers comprehensive solutions such as Skill Assessment, Recruitment as a Service and Learning-as-a-Service, along with an end-to-end Recruitment Process Management System. The platform empowers candidates by identifying skill gaps, creating personalized career roadmaps, and enhancing employability. MyAnatomy is committed to fostering a balanced and thriving talent ecosystem that meets the dynamic demands of today’s workforce.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in addressing the evolving needs of India's workforce. By combining AICTE's vast network and regulatory framework with My Anatomy’s innovative technology, the partnership aims to:
1. Empower individuals across various professional profiles with highly advanced, scientifically designed AI-driven assessments and interviews for accurate self-diagnosis of skills.
2. Enable professionals to create personalized career progress plans, paving the way for successful futures in an increasingly competitive job market.
3. Provide organizations with enhanced tools to identify the right candidates, ensuring a perfect match between skills and job requirements.
4. Bridge the gap between academia and industry by aligning skill development programs with current market demands.
5. Optimize campus placements, Internships and Career progression plans with well-designed Learning paths, enhancing the employability of fresh graduates.

Dr. Chandrasekhar Budha, CCO, AICTE stated, “Our partnership with MyAnatomy represents a significant technological leap in skills assessment. We're committed to preparing India's youth for tomorrow's workforce through holistic, diversified skill evaluation.”

Mr. Chinmay Kumar Dash, CEO, MyAnatomy, emphasized, “This collaboration combines innovative AI technology with AICTE’s educational expertise to nurture India’s talent ecosystem and drive global competitiveness.”

As India continues to cement its position as a global technology and innovation hub, this partnership between AICTE and MyAnatomy stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to developing a skilled, adaptable, and world-class workforce. This initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat by enhancing employability- building a developed, empowered and globally competitive India.

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Saturday, November 30, 2024

November 2024: Top News Articles

Ø गेट परीक्षार्थींना अर्ज सुधारण्याची संधी
    Maharashtra Times dt. 05/11/2024
 
Ø 'पेट' चे प्रवेश अर्ज भरण्यास अंतिम मुदतवाढ
      Loksatta  dt. 05/11/2024
 
Ø जेईई (मुख्य) चे ऑनलाईन अर्ज भरण्यास सुरुवात
    Loksatta  dt. 05/11/2024
 
Ø MU exams scheduled for Nov. 19, 20 put off
     The Times of India dt. 19/11/2024
 
Ø HEIs prepare a skilled workforce to support indigenous     
   semiconductor industry    
   The Times of India dt. 25/11/2024
 
Ø Times ascent: SFIT Ad-Hoc Post of full-time Assistant Professor for 
    term II A.Y. 2024-2025 In:
     The Times of India dt. 28/11/2024
 
Ø UGC to release soon SOPs for flexible duration of UG degrees  
    The Times of India dt. 29/11/2024
 
Ø AI is transforming PCs into more intuitive and creative devices.             
    The Times of India dt. 29/11/2024

Good Reads 6

Name of the Magazine :  Electrical India
Vol. No. 64 / Issue No. 11 / November 2024
 

Title: Greening the Power Hub of India

Author: Payal Saxena    

Article Page No.: 28-30

Abstract: Chhattisgarh can pioneer the transition of coal-dependent economies by utilizing national and international climate finance to retrain its workforce and attract new renewable energy industries, supported by programs like the Green Climate Fund and India's Coal Transition Fund, fair use of policy and ensuring community benefits...

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Title: Solar Assisted Bicycles Part 3

Author: Vithal Kamat

Article Page No.: 48-53

Abstract: This article is about solar assisted bicycles - a disruptive innovation in electric mobility to better the quality of our living, particularly in cities. It is a hybrid vehicle that combines solar energy with metabolic energy. These amazingly energy frugal vehicles with no travel distance limits are also important from the angle of climate change, health and environment. From the academic point of view, solar assisted bicycles offer an interesting platform that unifies different energy worlds with their varied forms and measurement units, namely, the physical science world with the nutritional world, kinanthropology world, electrical world and the solar world, together...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name of the Magazine :  DATAQUEST
Vol. No. XL / Issue No. 11 / November 2024

 

Title: Drones for Defence

Author:  Aanchal Ghatak

Article Page No.: 22-24

Abstract: The Indian government's policy reforms and regulatory framework have played a crucial role in fostering growth in the defence manufacturing sector. The "Make in India" initiative, coupled with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016, has encouraged domestic manufacturing and indigenization. The government's decision to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap to 74% under the automatic route has further facilitated foreign collaborations.

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Title: Can Al Truly Predict Crime? Insights from George Kailas

Author:  Aanchal Ghatak

Article Page No.: 38 – 41

Abstract: Argentina has announced its ambitious plan to emerge as a leader crime prevention through the launch of an innovative artificial intellige program. This initiative aims to leverage AI to predict future crimes, utilizing advanced technologies for surveillance, social media monitoring and facial recognition. George Kailas, CEO at Prospero.ai, points out, that the effectiveness of AI in this realm is a double-edged sword, fraught with ethical implications m and the risk of reinforcing existing biases. By analysing historical crime data, algorithms can identify patterns and trends, offering a proactive approach to policing.

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Name of the Magazine :  Digit
Vol. No. 24/ Issue No. 11 / November 2024

 

Title: Unseen Complexities of Responsible Al : An eye-opening conversation with Intel's Lama Nachman

Author: Jayesh Shinde

Article Page No.: 60-61


Abstract: When we talk about artificial intelligence, the conversation often gravitates toward its tangible impacts. Yet, lurking beneath these visible advancements are intangible unknowns that most people don't fully grasp. To shed light on these hidden challenges, I interviewed Lama Nachman, Intel Fellow and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab at Intel. Nachman is at the forefront of Al research and development, steering projects that push the boundaries of what's possible while grappling with the ethical implications of these technologies.

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Title: Balancing Al innovation with responsibility : Infosys' approach to Ethical Al explained by Balakrishna D. R. (Bali)

Author: Jayesh Shinde

Article Page No.: 62-63

Abstract: As AI systems become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the ethical considerations surrounding their development and deployment have never been more critical. To delve deeper into this pressing issue, I interviewed Balakrishna D. R. (Bali), Executive Vice President and Global Services Head of Al and Industry Verticals at Infosys.

Bali's insights shed light on how a global leader like Infosys navigates the complex terrain of Al ethics, balancing the relentless pursuit of technological advancement with a steadfast commitment to responsible practices.

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Name of the Magazine :  Voice and Data
Vol. No. 31 / Issue No. 11 / November 2024


Title: Digital infrastructure: not the Achilles' heel but the jugular

Author: Pratima Harigunani  

Article Page No.: 38-42

Abstract: As cyber threats intensify, digital infrastructure faces rising risks, demanding vigilant, multi-layered defenses to ensure resilience for the future

Friday, November 15, 2024

Good Reads 5

Name of the Magazine :  PCQUEST
Vol. No. 37 / Issue No. 10 / October 2024


Title: City smarts: How AI, IoT, and big data are rewiring urban life

Author: Ashok Pandey

Article Page No.: 15-16

Abstract:  Smart cities powered by Al, loT, and big data are transforming urban life-optimizing traffic, boosting energy efficiency and enhancing safety. While challenges like privacy and cost remain, the future of connected, efficient cities is here.

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Title: Al in cybersecurity: A double- edged tool for modern threats

Author: PCQ Bureau

Article Page No.: 29-32

Abstract: As artificial intelligence becomes more entrenched in cybersecurity, it's changing the game for defenders and attackers alike

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Name of the Magazine :  VOICE & DATA
Vol. No. 31 / Issue No. 10 / October 2024

Title: From simple devices to smart ecosystems

Author: Rajesh Subramaniam

Article Page No.: 12-13

Abstract: The evolution of lot design introduces intelligent, secure, and edge-powered devices, transforming how technology interacts with the world

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name of the Magazine :  DATAQUEST
Vol. No. XL / Issue No. 10 / October 2024

 

Title: From PCs to Powerhouses: Inside Lenovo India's Al Strategy

Author: Aanchal Ghatak

Article Page No.: 34-35


Abstract: Shailendra Katyal, MD, Lenovo India, discusses the company's AI strategy, its shift from a PC player to a full-spectrum solutions provider, and how Lenovo is driving innovation in AI infrastructure, sustainability, and enterprise solutions in India.

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Title: The Big Five in a Technology Safari

Author: Pratima H

Article Page No.: 46-48

 

Abstract: Mobile banking, Blockchain, AI, IT Modernisation and? Wait, is Physical Banking the 5th one? Africa has, for long and quite-deservedly, been brave about exploring the wild forests of banking innovations and on-ground solutions that fit the region's limitations and untapped opportunities to the T. How do you make sure you stay gutsy, relevant and on the right track in such a region? How do you make IT your navigator when you want to be the top pan-African bank? Johnson Idesoh, Group Chief Information and Technology Officer at Absa Group takes us around and gives a peek on what customers here are actually hunting for.

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Name of the Magazine :  AUTOCAR INDIA
Vol. No. 26  / Issue No. 02 / October 2024

Title: New Skoda-VM electric SUVs for India

Author: Hormazd Sorabjee

Article Page No.: 10-13

Abstract: VW China’s CMP platform will underpin future Skoda, VWEVs; the first of these models is expected in showrooms by mid – 2027.

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