Teachers ghosting classes: How FIITJEE centres across India closed down all of a sudden

An ongoing dispute between FIITJEE's faculty and management over unpaid dues and 'ghost teaching' has led to mass resignations and the abrupt closure of several centers across India. These closures, affecting cities like Delhi, Meerut, and Kolkata, have left students scrambling to find new coaching options as they prepare for crucial engineering entrance exams.

Read the full article at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/teachers-ghosting-classes-how-fiitjee-centres-across-india-shut-all-of-a-sudden/articleshow/117549123.cms?from=mdr

India Aims for 10,000 Geographical Indication Tags by 2030

 The Indian government is setting ambitious goals to enhance the country’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) ecosystem. At the recent GI Samagam in New Delhi, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, announced a target of achieving 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the year 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote and protect unique Indian products that have distinct geographical origins. The event was organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with the India Today Group. Currently, India has issued 605 GI tags, and the government aims to significantly increase this number through a coordinated approach involving various stakeholders.

Read the full article at: https://observervoice.com/india-aims-for-10000-geographical-indication-tags-by-2030-90869/#:~:text=The%20Indian%20government%20is%20setting,tags%20by%20the%20year%202030.

India Gears Up for 76th Republic Day Celebrations with Grand Parade and Cultural Extravaganza

Fifteen states and union territories will participate in the Republic Day parade, which will be held on Kartavya Path.

As India prepares to celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, the nation is abuzz with excitement and patriotic fervor. This year’s celebrations mark a significant milestone, commemorating 75 years since the enactment of the Indian Constitution in 1950. The grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi will be a spectacle of cultural richness, military prowess, and international solidarity.
The Republic Day parade will kick off with a unique cultural performance featuring 300 artists playing musical instruments from across the country. This year, the event will be graced by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between India and Indonesia. A 160-member marching contingent and a 190-member band contingent from Indonesia will participate alongside the Indian Armed Forces, adding an international flair to the celebrations. The overarching theme of the event is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress), reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage and its journey of development.
The Republic Day parade will take place on January 26, 2025, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This iconic venue will host a myriad of events, including the grand parade, cultural exhibits, and vibrant state tableaux.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations, marking a significant milestone in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia.
The parade will feature a 160-member marching contingent and a 190-member band contingent from Indonesia, along with contingents from the Indian Armed Forces. This international participation underscores the growing global ties and mutual respect between the two nations.
The theme for the tableaux this year is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress). This theme encapsulates India’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing journey of development. Fifteen states and union territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, and others, will present their tableaux, along with 15 ministries and departments of the Central Government.
A total of 31 tableaux from different states, Union Territories, and Central Government ministries/departments will participate in the parade. These tableaux will showcase the diverse cultural and developmental achievements of the participating entities.
The parade will begin with a unique cultural performance by 300 cultural artists playing musical instruments from different parts of the country. This performance will set the tone for the day’s celebrations, highlighting India’s vibrant cultural diversity.
Approximately 10,000 special guests, including sarpanches, disaster relief workers, handloom artisans, and paralympic contingents, have been invited to witness the event. These guests have been selected for their outstanding contributions to society and their role in building a stronger India.
The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. The President will arrive at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy and take the salute during the ceremonial march past, which will include units from the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS.
The event will conclude with a flypast by 47 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, a grand finale that will leave the audience in awe.
To ensure smooth and convenient access for invitees and ticket holders, free metro rides and special parking arrangements have been made. The Delhi Metro will commence operations at 4:00 a.m. on January 26, 2025, and ferry services will be available from designated parking areas. Additionally, Divyang-friendly facilities, including ramps and wheelchairs, will be provided to ensure inclusivity.

Source: https://goemkarponn.com/india-gears-up-for-76th-republic-day-celebrations-with-grand-parade-and-cultural-extravaganza/

AICTE recognition: BBA, BCA courses in 75 colleges uncertain

Indore: More than 75 colleges affiliated with Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) offering BBA and BCA courses are facing uncertainty as the Higher Education Department has yet to decide whether these courses should come under the purview of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

AICTE directed colleges to complete the recognition process and submit the required fees for the academic session 2025-26, creating confusion among institutions.

For several years, BBA and BCA courses were governed by the higher education department, with colleges obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the state govt and affiliating directly with the university. However, 11 months ago, AICTE issued an order bringing these courses under its purview, similar to MBA programs. Since the recognition process for the current session was already underway, many colleges did not apply to AICTE at the time.

With AICTE now reiterating its guidelines and setting deadlines for fee submission, colleges are seeking clarity from DAVV and the state govt. They are concerned about potential penalties or disruptions to their admission processes if they fail to comply with AICTE regulations.

There are approximately 14,000 BBA and BCA seats in Indore, and colleges fear that AICTE's stringent guidelines may lead to a reduction in seat availability. Additionally, compliance with AICTE norms could significantly increase operational costs, including hiring more faculty, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing facilities such as smart classrooms and computer labs. This could, in turn, lead to higher fees for students.

Despite concerns over increased costs, experts believe that AICTE recognition would add value to the courses by categorising them under the professional education domain, enhancing their credibility and improving placement opportunities for students. However, questions remain about whether the govt will enforce the AICTE guidelines or allow colleges to continue under the existing system.

DAVV assured colleges that it will write to the Higher Education Department to seek a clear directive on the matter. "We will approach the govt for clarity on whether AICTE recognition is mandatory," said Dr. Rajiv Dixit, Dean College Development Council, DAVV.

With the clock ticking, colleges are hoping for a prompt resolution to avoid last-minute disruptions in the admission process.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/aicte-recognition-bba-bca-courses-in-75-colleges-uncertain/articleshow/117497403.cms