IIT-G-Mizoram U concordat
Guwahati, july 29. The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G, estb.1994) has signed an agreement with Mizoram University to jointly develop academic programmes. The two institutions will also cooperate in pedagogy development and R&D activities, and promote exchange of students.
Under terms of the agreement, IIT-G and Mizoram U will encourage contact and cooperation between their faculty members, departments and research facilities. The institutions will cooperate through faculty exchanges to deliver lectures, conduct seminars, discussions, research and supervise students’ projects. Students will be encouraged to attend courses offered by the partner institutions and collaborate in research projects.
“Signing this MoU is an important step in enhancing the relationship of both institutes and provides a valuable opportunity for students of Mizoram U in teaching and research. It will help our students to get exposure in advanced instrumentation and facilities available at IIT-G,” said Prof. K.R.S. Sambasiva Rao, vice chancellor, Mizoram University, speaking on the occasion.
AISECT-NSDC-Microsoft project
New delhi, july 23. The skills development focused AISECT Group which includes the Rabindranath Tagore and C.V. Raman universities in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand has been commissioned by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Microsoft India to implement their rural development projects.
In association with NSDC, Microsoft has initiated a project for developing women data entry executives in rural and peri-urban India. “The project’s objective is to develop ICT (information communication technology) skills of women residing in rural areas to generate employment. AISECT will implement the project in seven locations — Bemetara, Rajgarh, Narayanpur, Bijapur, Durg, Jhansi and Chitrakoot,” says an AISECT spokesperson.
IDP-IELTS takeover
New delhi, july 1. The Australia-based IDP and British Council, hitherto partners of IELTS, the world’s most popular English language proficiency test, have announced that the council will sell its IELTS business in India to IDP. This means that henceforth, all IELTS tests in India will be administered by IDP.
Under terms of the agreement, IDP will acquire 100 percent of British Council’s India IELTS business for £130 million (Rs.1,341 crore) on a debt-free, cash-free basis. The agreement terms state that British Council employees employed in IELTS India will be absorbed by IDP. “This agreement will see us move forward with a bigger team of experts, a strong strategy and a larger geographic footprint across India,” said Andrew Barkla, chief executive of IDP, speaking on the occasion.
“Distributing IELTS solely through IDP in India will simplify and improve the customer experience for IELTS test takers. As IDP already delivers IELTS in India, the high-quality service provided to IELTS customers will remain the same,” added Kate Ewart-Biggs, interim CEO of British Council.
Coke’s India Case Challenge
Bengaluru, july 28. More than 17,000 students from several B-schools and engineering colleges countrywide will vie for top three awards at the inaugural edition of India Case Challenge organised by Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB). The objective of this digitally-enabled competition is to write up case studies relating to HCCB’s business experience in India for use in B-schools and education institutions.
Until August 20, registered participants will compete in several elimination rounds with Top 5 teams qualifying for the final round where each team will present a comprehensive business plan to the HCCB leadership.
The winning team will receive a prize purse of Rs.3 lakh with pre-placement interviews at HCCB. The runner-up teams will also be awarded purses of Rs.2 lakh and Rs.1 lakh with pre-placement interviews.
“The competition has been designed to enable students to use their analytical skills, deep dive into problem statements and devise solutions best suited to address business challenges,” says Kamlesh Sharma, chief public affairs and communications officer at HCCB.
Jain U-Apollo agreement
Bengaluru, july 5. In collaboration with Apollo MedSkills (ASML), Jain, Deemed-to-be-University (JU) will train students of the university’s School of Allied Healthcare and Sciences. Under the agreement, JU students will acquire practical experience of paramedical vocations in ASML labs, and on-the-job training/clinical internships in Apollo Group and associated hospitals. Science and allied healthcare students of JU are eligible for all ASML programmes.
“There is a big future for paramedical sciences graduates. India urgently needs professionals to support the medical fraternity and also serve society. This association with Apollo MedSkills will enable JU to expand the national pool of healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Chenraj Roychand, chancellor of JU, speaking on the occasion.
“Consistent with our vision of building future healthcare leaders for India, JU and ASML have collaborated to deliver programs in healthcare management,” added Dr. Srinivasa Rao, CEO of Apollo MedSkills.
