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High School Students Tackle Educational Inequality Through Free Android App

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App enables self-study, with 10,000+ questions, chapter summaries, and videos

Of the 265 million students in India, close to twenty percent drop out before Grade 10 mostly because of educational inequality. Lack of access to good quality educational resources is one of the key facets of this inequality, leading to significantly lower educational success and social mobility for the impacted students. While students with access to paid online courses and/or teacher support can make progress, millions of students without these resources fall behind.

To address this gap, Vedanth Nandivada, and Siddanth Nandivada, Grade 12 and 9 students respectively, built a free Android app called “IndiaExamPrep”  (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.indiaexamprep.app ). The IndiaExamPrep App helps students prepare for Indian exams (CBSE / State syllabi) on their own, by first reading the summary of each chapter and then answering chapter-wise questions without the help of teachers. Additionally, for Grades 9 and 10, chapter-wise videos are available too. This provides students with a great way to learn step-by-step by repeating the practice tests till they are comfortable with each chapter. In addition, the app can also help organizations assess performance to identify high-scoring students for awarding merit-based scholarships or offering additional support in the form of teaching assistance to those scoring low.

“There are so many students in India who don’t have access to high-quality education that can help them understand concepts taught in class. Digital solutions can play a big part in helping them learn and score better. While there are many free open-source apps available, they do not cater to the Indian syllabi completely. Commercial apps are, of course, too expensive for many,” said Vedanth Nandivada, who along with his younger brother Siddanth and family resides in Bangalore.

To build the app, Vedanth and Siddanth went through NCERT books, Exemplar websites, and YouTube, and collected chapter summaries, relevant videos, and more than 10,000 Indian CBSE and State Boards questions for Grades 6 to 10 organizing them by subject and chapters. They then programmed the app to enable advanced quizzing. They have made the IndiaExamPrep app available in English, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi using Machine Learning. The IndiaExamPrep App has a 4.6-star rating in the Android Play Store with over 70 reviews and many testimonials on YouTube. The App has over 17,000 downloads and 6,000 hours of usage.

Vedanth and Siddanth are hoping that free apps like IndiaExamPrep will help in reducing educational inequalities in our society.  They are working towards improving the content of the app, while also creating awareness so that it reaches more students who can benefit from it.

Source: LifeBeyondSchool Foundation

Related links: http://indiaexamprep.lifebeyondschool.in/

Education

Governor of Jharkhand inaugurated NIT Jamshedpur Hosted 2nd Industry-Academia Conclave (IAC-2024)

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At National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jamshedpur, the 2nd Industry-Academia Conclave (IAC-2024) from November 15-17, 2024 was inaugurated by the Governor of Jharkhand, Santosh Gangwar, under the visionary theme “Viksit Bharat – Viksit Jharkhand: 2047.”

Organized in collaboration with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, IIT Patna, NIT Mizoram, IIT Bhilai, NIT Raipur, NIT Agartala, NIT Manipur NIT Arunachal Pradesh and NIT Nagaland the conclave brought together leaders from industry and academia to address key challenges, foster innovation, and develop actionable solutions that align academic research with industrial needs.

Inaugural Ceremony Highlights

In his address, the Governor congratulated the organizers and participants, emphasizing the importance of events like IAC-2024. He highlighted the critical need for industry-academia collaboration in addressing industrial challenges through collaborative -advanced academic research. The Hon’ble Governor also underscored the importance of designing academic curricula that reflect the evolving demands of industries and urged the event’s organizers to share their success story as a model for future collaborations.

Prof. Goutam Sutradhar, Director of NIT Jamshedpur, welcomed the gathering and stressed the importance of creating a robust bridge between industry and academia. He pointed out how emerging fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and VLSI could benefit from efficient industry-academia partnerships.

S.K. Behera, President of CII, shared an example of a successful collaboration between Tata Steel and IIT Mumbai that has led to innovations in green steelmaking, reducing carbon footprints. He elaborated on the mutual benefits of such partnerships, from advancing research and development in academia to preparing students for industry and fostering startups.

The Director of IIT ISM Dhanbad Prof Sukumar Mishra in his talk stressed on the much needed synergy between academia and industry for sustainable growth of the nation. Further the Director of IIT Bhilai Prof. Rajiv Prakash praised the organizing committee of the conclave for bringing academia and industry together under one umbrella. The day ended with a two hour culture extravaganza featuring performances highlighting tribal culture and popular music.

Conclave Objectives and Key Themes

IAC-2024 aimed to strengthen connections between academia and industry, advancing research and innovation while promoting entrepreneurship. The event will focuse on:

* Enhancing industry-academia partnerships to drive sustainable growth.

* Developing industry-relevant academic programs.

* Encouraging entrepreneurship through mentorship and funding opportunities.

* Leveraging advanced research to tackle industrial challenges.

Key panel discussions and activities critical topics, include

* Renewable Energy Integration with the Grid for a Sustainable Energy Future.

* Strategic Approach for Social Development through Academic-Corporate Partnerships.

* Applications of Industry 4.0: Robotics, IoT, and Cyber-Physical Systems for Sustainable Manufacturing.

* Digital Twin Technology in Smart Manufacturing: Cost, Benefits, and Adoption.

* Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability in Mining.

The conclave would also highlight Jharkhand’s local culture with exhibits on the state’s art and crafts, discussions on waste-to-wealth solutions, and collaboration opportunities for MSMEs.

Day 1 Highlights

The first day of IAC-2024 featured:

* MoUs signed between NIT Jamshedpur and institutions like IIT Jodhpur and RVSCET Jamshedpur to promote mutual growth.

* A panel discussion on Renewable Energy Integration with the Grid, attended by students and professionals.

* Exhibition stalls by participating industries like TATA STEEL, NTPC, Greeko, Power Grid Corporation, Midhani, GAIL, BCCL, ONGC, DVC, Coal India, Braithwaite & Co Ltd., Adhunik, Janyutech, Laxmi Associates, CCL and Rail Vikar Nigam Limited. SBI, Canara Bank, HDFC, Elsevier, Springer-Nature, Cambridge Press, Taylor& Francis., showcasing their products and services.

* The day concluded with a vibrant cultural program featuring tribal-Chhau and Odissi dance performances. The vocal troupe led by Mrs Indrani Sutradhar of NIT Jamshedpur sang the well known national integration song ” Mele Su Mera Tumhara”

Impact and Future Prospects

Through IAC-2024, NIT Jamshedpur reinforced its commitment to fostering partnerships that will pave the way for a sustainable, innovative, and self-reliant India by 2047. By focusing on collaboration, research, and entrepreneurship, the event set the stage for addressing India’s industrial and academic challenges.

Dr Suvokamal Dutta, Director (I), MDS Indocan Ottawa Canada a renowned personality is the honorary Chief Adviser of the Conclave. Prof. Amaresh Kumar and Prof. M.K. Sinha, the organizing secretaries, along with coordinators Dr. Kanika Prasad, Dr. Ashok K. Mandal, and Dr. Om Hari Gupta other committee members, played pivotal roles in ensuring the success of this event.

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Dr. S. S. Chaudhary’s Key Tips on Cracking UPSC CSE in the First Attempt

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The atmosphere was charged with inspiration as students and aspirants gathered at the prestigious Vajirao & Reddy IAS Institute campus for a highly anticipated seminar led by none other than the institute’s founder, Dr. S. S. Chaudhary. With over 30 years of experience in mentoring and guiding UPSC aspirants, Dr. Chaudhary has been a pivotal figure in shaping the careers of countless successful IAS officers. His insights, based on decades of experience, carried immense weight and provided a clear roadmap for those aiming to crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) in their first attempt.

Opening the Seminar: The Importance of Mindset and Strategy

Dr. Chaudhary began his speech by addressing the gravity of the UPSC CSE exam, which is considered one of the toughest competitive exams in the world. He highlighted that success in this examination isn’t just about intelligence; rather, it requires a unique combination of mindset, discipline, and a well-crafted strategy.

“Clearing UPSC is not just about hard work; it’s about working smart and maintaining consistency. The first thing aspirants need is the right mindset. You must believe that you can clear the exam in your first attempt and prepare with that focus in mind,” he stated.

Understanding the UPSC Exam Pattern

Dr. Chaudhary emphasized the importance of understanding the structure of the UPSC CSE, which is divided into three stages: the Preliminary Exam (Prelims), the Mains Exam, and the Personality Test (Interview).

“The Prelims is all about screening, but it should not be taken lightly. It’s a test of both knowledge and speed. The Mains, on the other hand, tests your depth of understanding, analytical skills, and expression. Each stage requires a different strategy,” he said. Dr. Chaudhary stressed that students must focus on balancing their preparation for both the Prelims and the Mains from the beginning, ensuring they are well-versed in both factual and analytical dimensions.

Key Tips for Clearing UPSC CSE in the First Attempt

1. Focused Study Plan

According to Dr. Chaudhary, a detailed and well-structured study plan is essential. He advised aspirants to break down the syllabus into manageable parts and create a daily, weekly, and monthly plan to cover each topic systematically. “The syllabus is vast, but not unmanageable. What matters is how you approach it. Devote time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses,” he advised.

2. Smart Use of Resources

With a sea of study materials available, aspirants often get overwhelmed. Dr. Chaudhary recommended sticking to a few standard books for each subject rather than jumping between too many resources. “The NCERTs form the backbone of UPSC preparation. Along with that, aspirants should refer to selective, high-quality reference books and Vajirao & Reddy’s class notes to stay on track.”

3. Importance of UPSC Current Affairs

Dr. Chaudhary pointed out that current affairs are crucial for both Prelims and Mains. He advised students to read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express regularly and complement it with monthly current affairs compilations. “Make it a habit to stay updated on national and international events. Link current affairs with static topics, and this will give you an edge,” he suggested.

4. Practice and Revision

One of the cornerstones of Dr. Chaudhary’s preparation strategy is continuous practice and revision. He encouraged students to solve previous years’ question papers and take regular mock tests. “Mock tests will help you identify your weak areas and give you the confidence to tackle the actual exam. Revising your notes and solving test papers regularly is key to retaining information and refining your exam strategy,” he explained.

5. UPSC Answer Writing Skills

Dr. Chaudhary highlighted the importance of answer writing practice, especially for the Mains exam. “In Mains, it’s not just what you know, but how well you present it. Your answers should be concise, clear, and to the point. Practice writing answers every day, and focus on structuring them properly with an introduction, body, and conclusion,” he said.

6. Time Management

Time management, according to Dr. Chaudhary, plays a pivotal role in cracking the UPSC exam. He emphasized the need for students to manage their time effectively, both during preparation and while writing the exam. “The exam tests not just your knowledge, but also how efficiently you can use your time. Develop a habit of sticking to deadlines and managing your time wisely,” he urged.

7. Staying Motivated and Positive

In his final piece of advice, Dr. Chaudhary focused on the psychological aspect of preparation. “UPSC preparation is a marathon, not a sprint. You will face moments of doubt and fatigue, but you need to stay motivated and believe in your potential. Surround yourself with positive energy, and don’t compare yourself with others. Everyone’s journey is unique,” he concluded.

Conclusion: A Roadmap to Success

Dr. S. S. Chaudhary’s seminar was a treasure trove of actionable insights for UPSC aspirants. With his vast experience, he broke down the complex process of preparing for the Civil Services Examination into simple, practical steps. His emphasis on strategic preparation, disciplined study routines, and a positive mindset provided students with both the inspiration and the tools needed to succeed.

As the seminar ended, students left with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence, ready to embark on their UPSC journey with the expert guidance of Dr. Chaudhary and the Vajirao & Reddy IAS Institute team. Vajirao IAS is the amongst best IAS Coaching in Delhi India.

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Techno India University Becomes First Educational Institution in India to Be Featured in a Google Cloud Case Study

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 Techno India University, a trailblazer in merging education with cutting-edge technology, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first educational institution in India to be spotlighted in a Google Cloud case study. This prestigious recognition highlights the university’s groundbreaking implementation of Google Cloud solutions, transforming teaching and learning through digital innovation and reshaping the future of education.

This case study, as it appears on the official Google Cloud platform, demonstrates how Techno India University has grasped the opportunities provided by cloud computing and digital innovation to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, successfully onboarding 15,000 students to the Google ecosystem in just 20 days. The university embraced tools such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics from Google Cloud for the students to learn and actually apply these technologies in real-world settings. That makes an initiative of this kind position the university at the very forefront of transforming education through technology.

Meghdut RoyChowdhury, Chief Innovation Officer, Techno India Group, said, “This recognition by Google Cloud is a testimony of how hard we are working to innovate education through technological upgradation. This partnership has enabled our students to use the cutting-edge tools and best-in-the-business methodologies to make their classrooms innovation labs. We want to arm future generations for the digital economy.”

Being a partner of Google Cloud, this in turn enables the students with hands-on experience in solving complex challenges using the advanced cloud technologies that also bring to students an environment which is about innovative, creative and entrepreneurial cultures. Several success stories that students have undertaken using Google Cloud in order to create impactful solutions are presented here in the case study, reasserting Techno India University as one of the pioneers in education.

Techno India University’s Digital Campus 2.0 on Google Cloud empowers students with specialized training and certifications to thrive in the cloud-first job market. Programs like the Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer equip students with essential skills in deploying, monitoring, and maintaining projects on Google Cloud. Successful completion of the Associate Cloud Engineer exam grants students access to the Google Cloud Career Fair, where they can connect with potential employers. These certifications validate their cloud expertise and unlock exciting career paths in the tech industry.

This milestone illustrates that Techno India University is keen to adopt international best practices and brings the difference between conventional teaching and learning. Techno India University has continued to emphasize adopting digital tools to raise students for the molding of the future of industries around the world.

Techno India University

Techno India University is a premier educational institution in India, known for its commitment to innovation, research, and academic excellence. The university has been at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies into education, preparing students for the global challenges of tomorrow. With a focus on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking, Techno India University continues to set new benchmarks in higher education.

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ITM SLS Baroda University Hosts CRE8-24: A Celebration of Innovation and Science

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ITM (SLS) Baroda University, Vadodara, successfully organized CRE8-24: The Art and Science of Innovation at its university campus on Friday, 4th October. The event witnessed participation from over 1,000 students hailing from more than 30 prestigious schools.

CRE8-24 featured a diverse lineup of activities aimed at promoting science, technology, and innovation among young students. Key competitions included Working and Static Model Displays, Shark Tank Junior, Scavenger Hunt, and a Management Quiz. In addition, workshops on trending topics such as ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, and Eco-Craft were conducted, providing participants with hands-on learning experiences.

The event was judged by an esteemed panel, including Dr. A. K. Tiwari (Ph.D., IIT-Bombay), Shri Jaimin Desai (Deputy Director, SAC-ISRO), along with other distinguished academicians and senior industrialists from Vadodara.

Students showcased innovative models ranging from robotics, wind turbines, earthquake detectors, water purification systems, to automated irrigation systems. CRE8-24 was designed to ignite a passion for science and innovation at an early age, encouraging students to continue their journey toward making significant contributions to the nation’s progress in these fields.

After a comprehensive evaluation, cash prizes totaling Rs51,000, along with trophies and certificates, were awarded to the winning participants. All attendees received participation certificates.

The event concluded with a closing address by Shri Jaimin Desai, Deputy Director of SAC-ISRO, who expressed his gratitude to the university’s management, congratulated the participants, and extended an open invitation for them to visit SAC-ISRO in Ahmedabad.

University President Shri Kanupriya Singh remarked, “The students have showcased tremendous potential and are ahead of their time in terms of their passion for science and innovation. These students can make a mark on the global stage, provided they are given platforms like CRE8.”

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Education

A New Creative Diwali Book to Unleash Technological Concepts

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Diwali, the Festival of Lights, has transcended cultural boundaries, bringing its warmth and joy to communities worldwide. In a unique celebration of this spirit, Yeeshtdevisingh Hosanee has authored “DIWALI CELEBRATION IN PYTHON,” a groundbreaking book that bridges the gap between technology and traditional festivities.

Since 2009, Yeeshtdevisingh Hosanee has been at the forefront of promoting computer literacy through various self-funded initiatives. Her volunteering projects include financing laptops for programming education to young children, developing an open-source e-ticketing website during the Covid-19 pandemic by volunteering to assist blood donation events and libraries avoidance of COVID-19 long queues, and spearheading Industry Voice 5.0, a global platform encouraging dialogue on the impact of technology on society and the environment.

“DIWALI CELEBRATION IN PYTHON” is Hosanee’s latest book publication, designed to make computer programming accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The 47-page book introduces readers to the similarities and differences between human and machine communication, using practical examples that can be followed with just paper and pencil before transitioning to a computer. The aim of the book is to THINK LIKE COMPUTERS BUT TALK LIKE HUMANS!

Hosanee’s innovative approach encourages the development of written skills, making the book particularly valuable for parents and children who may not have access to computers. “DIWALI CELEBRATION IN PYTHON” is an ideal resource for children aged 8 and above, teenagers, and adults looking to learn the basics of computer programming. The book leverages the metaphor of Diwali to demystify complex programming concepts, using Python as the language of instruction. The will be available for purchase from 21st October 2024, both on www.evincepub.com and through Amazon channels. Additionally, a French translation will also be available for sale by end of October 2024.

“DIWALI CELEBRATION IN PYTHON” promises to be a pioneering work, fostering a deeper understanding of computer programming while celebrating the universal appeal of Diwali. Hosanee’s passion for technology and education shines through in this innovative publication, making it a must-read for anyone looking to explore the intersection of culture and computer science.

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