SWAYAM AI courses
Chennai, may 5. Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-Madras) has launched five courses on Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the SWAYAM Plus online portal. These 25-45 hour courses can be accessed free-of-charge by students, academics and working professionals. The prime intent of these courses is to make AI learning accessible, as no prior AI knowledge is required to sign up for these courses.
“These courses, which are aligned to the National Credit Framework, can also be accessed by higher education institutions as a credit program for the academic year. Our objective is to make AI accessible across disciplines — not only to engineering students but also to those from arts, science, commerce, and other streams,” says Prof. R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning), IIT-Madras and SWAYAM Plus Coordinator, IIT Madras.
Edovu’s preschools venture
New delhi, may 10. The Gurgaon-based Edovu Ventures Pvt. Ltd announced a plan to launch 120 standalone preschools under its EduGlobal Junior brand. These schools will offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework of the Geneva-based International Baccalaureate (IB) exam board. This announcement was made following an agreement signed at the IB Global Centre, Singapore.
“This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term journey to make international-quality education more accessible and impactful,” said P.K. Samal, Founder-Managing Director of Edovu Ventures, addressing the media.
Added Amandeep Singh Dhaliwal, CEO of EduGlobal Junior: “Having already built a strong presence in K-12 schools, online education, and senior schooling, Edovu Ventures is now poised to redefine primary education in India. Through this collaboration with IB, we intend to bring about meaningful transformation in preschool education nationwide.”
Bharati AXA apprentices
Mumbai, may 20. Bharti AXA Life Insurance launched BIMA BHARTI, under the Central government’s National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). Under this program, Bharti AXA Life which has already onboarded 200 apprentices, will hire an additional 600 apprentices with a special focus on recruiting women.
“By aligning with the government’s apprenticeship schemes, we aim to empower youth, foster career growth, and build a future-ready workforce that will drive excellence in our services. Our customised onboarding and mentoring programmes will equip young talent for impactful roles in industry and the economy,” said Dhanashree Thakkar, Head of Human Resources and Distribution Training at Bharti AXA Life, speaking on the occasion.
The duration of the apprenticeship is six months. On successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be certified by the Government of India with this qualification recognised in employment exchanges countrywide.
AUO-Hockey India accord
Noida, may 20. Amity University Online (AUO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hockey India to provide comprehensive education opportunities to India’s hockey players of international, national, and state levels. The purpose of this MoU is to support the holistic growth of players by enabling them to pursue higher education without compromising their sports training and careers.
“Under this partnership, Amity University Online will offer a robust educational scholarship program designed specifically for sportspersons. Most of them experience difficulties in balancing sports training with academic learning. Our MoU promises to create a supportive environment where both aspirations can be pursued simultaneously. We will be offering meritorious sportspersons full scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. AUO will also provide selected sportspersons free access to our three-month certificate course in sports psychology to enhance their mental health and performance,” said Ajit Chauhan, Chairman of Amity University Online, speaking on the occasion.
The event also marked the formal enrolment of Indian Women’s Hockey team captain Salima Tete and defender Jyoti into AUO’s Bachelor of Arts program, making them the first beneficiaries of this collaboration agreement.
WSAAIIS launch
Kanpur, may 1. The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) launched the Wadhwani School of Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems (WSAAIIS). The school will offer study programmes in advanced AI, cyber-security, robotics and nurture interdisciplinary teams of faculty, researchers and students in state-of-the-art laboratories.
Formally inaugurating the Wadhwani School, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Today, super hubs of artificial intelligence, intelligent systems, bioscience, biotechnology, health and medicine are being launched at IIT-Kanpur and IIT-Bombay. I congratulate the Wadhwani Foundation, our IITs and all stakeholders for this effort.”
Added Dr. Ajay Kela, President and CEO of the Wadhwani Foundation: “By combining IIT-Kanpur’s academic excellence with the Wadhwani Foundation’s focus on scalable impact, we aim to create a truly global hub of AI innovation. Our investment will support not only the school’s physical infrastructure, but also long-term programs, scholarships and entrepreneurial pathways for students. WSAAIIS will function as a SuperHub of the Wadhwani Innovation Network.”
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