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New La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor strengthens ties during India visit

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Australia’s La Trobe University has identified key areas to further strengthen its longstanding commitment to Indian Research and Education partnerships during a visit by the University’s New Vice-Chancellor. Professor Theo Farrell, who began as Vice-Chancellor in February this year, has met with a range of Industry, Government and Trade Representatives during a five-day visit to the country.

La Trobe has a proud and successful history in India, partnering with tertiary institutions and organisations on projects that benefit both countries, and helping develop India’s brightest minds through joint education opportunities.

During his visit, Professor Farrell convened several Roundtable discussions with Partners, Industry and Government Representatives, on opportunities to collaborate on areas of mutual interest that address national priorities and that are important for Industry Innovation and Development.

Professor Farrell said there were several priority areas for La Trobe that presented opportunities for deepening relationships in India and developing new partnerships.

These include continuing to support and expand student exchanges in India and Australia; developing research focussed on digital technologies and skills innovations; research commercialisation opportunities, and linkages with industry partners. Deepening mutual industry partnerships play to La Trobe’s strengths in areas including smart cities, sustainable agriculture and food security, bio innovation, and in health and care innovation.

“Some of La Trobe’s most important university partners are in India, and we are building important partnerships with industry and businesses in India that leverage our significant expertise in areas including sustainable food and agriculture, health and wellbeing, technology and bio-innovation, “Professor Farrell said.

“Our expertise in bio-innovation has recently been recognised by BioNTech, one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, who have chosen La Trobe’s Melbourne campus as the base for its new mRNA manufacturing facility to develop and test cancer treatments. “In addition, we’re committed to institutional cross-learning, joint intellectual programs and research, collaborative approaches that address industry challenges and joint educational partnerships that provide important valuable learning opportunities for students.”

Opportunities for further collaboration and engagement were also discussed at a Leadership Roundtable of all member Universities of the Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network (ASCRIN), which was founded by La Trobe University in 2019 and is now its Single Largest Research Internationalisation Initiative with joint investment of more than AUD $43 million (Rs 235 crores)

ASCRIN brings together a network of researchers, global industry partners, government collaborators and start-ups to advance research into smart city-related projects, helping to improve sustainability, liveability and efficiency of cities and towns in the region.

“The Network, with over 250 researchers, has already made significant strides in curating a strong portfolio of impact-based projects aimed at enhancing sustainability, liveability, and efficiency of cities and towns in the region. Our vision is now to build on this and accelerate engagement with industry and government to fast-track commercialisation and adoption pathways,” said Professor Aniruddha Desai, ASCRIN Founder and Co-Director of IIT Kanpur – La Trobe University Research Academy.

The Network has over 50 projects underway that will make a tangible difference in the lives of people in India, including:

* Data-driven decision making to improve Dairy supply chains.

* Re-using construction and demolition waste to reduce landfill.

* Intelligent planning of energy grids to optimise consumption and reduce costs.

* Using sensors to improve indoor growing conditions of medicinal crops.

* Real-time crash prediction in traffic on urban roads and intersections to increase safety of all road users.

The Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) last year joined other leading tertiary institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) and Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS-Pilani) as partners in the Network, which already includes more than 250 researchers and over 70 Joint-PhD projects.

Professor Farrell and Pro Vice Chancellor of TISS, Professor Shankar Das also announced a Joint- PhD program, which will support Indian students to conduct research addressing the growing challenges of urbanisation in Asia.

The La Trobe delegation will celebrate the finalists and winners of the Annual Technology Infusion Grand Challenge, which is designed to encourage undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and Business fields to be confident in their skills and knowledge to produce a solution and solve a concrete problem using next generation smart technologies.

Over 130 students in some 67 teams from 18 universities in the region submitted innovative entries.

Professor Farrell will also visit Mahindra University, where La Trobe has launched a joint Bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering.

The collaboration, initiated in 2023, aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2023 and Australia’s Education Strategy for India, offering a unique opportunity for students to pursue their Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with two years at Mahindra University and two years at La Trobe University. Students will receive a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from both Universities.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

La Trobe University and India

* La Trobe University is ranked in the top 1 per cent of Universities worldwide

* Times Higher Education (THE), 2021, World University Rankings 2022; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), 2021, Ranking Web of Universities.

* La Trobe has a proud record of educating students from India, with almost 11,000 people born in India amongst our alumni.

* Dignitaries La Trobe University has hosted from the Indian subcontinent include Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi, Kapil Dev, Malaika Arora Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi and, most recently, actor, producer and women’s equality advocate, Shah Rukh Khan.

* La Trobe offers the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, providing a life-changing opportunity for an aspiring female researcher from India to make a meaningful impact in the world.

* La Trobe University is one of only two universities in Australia teaching Hindi, and the only Australian University to teach a subject on the history, music, and storytelling of popular Hindi cinema.

* La Trobe University is one of the founding members of the Australia India Institute.

* The IIT Kanpur – La Trobe Research Academy was established in 2020.

* La Trobe has several long-standing teaching partnerships, including with Lady Shri Ram College, which has been running for more than 25 years.

* The La Trobe Library collection houses more than 38,000 volumes of monographs, journals, magazines and government publications from India, one of the largest collections in Australia.

* La Trobe has been a proud sponsor of the Indian Film Festival in Melbourne since it began in 2010.

About Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai:

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is one of India’s top social science institutions to study non-engineering, technology disciplines that include post graduate degrees in Public Health, Labour, Development, Urban and Public Policy, Cities and Governance, Social Work, Climate Change, Media Studies, and Rural Development among others. Many of their graduates are first generation learners from less wealthy communities and have been active participants in revitalising local communities post disasters.

With TISS’ unique study offerings combined with their students’ lived experience of environmental and social issues in the region, this partnership will further contribute to La Trobe’s ASCRIN goals. La Trobe’s humanities and social sciences academics will now have connections to their counterpart researchers at TISS, with opportunities for collaboration with local government and industries in India and Sri Lanka.

Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network

ASCRIN, an initiative led by La Trobe, works with research focused groups, government, global industry partners and start-ups to develop solutions and evaluate implementation strategies, to improve the sustainability, liveability and efficiency of Asian regions. This also includes a dedicated IIT Kanpur-La Trobe University Research Academy (ASCRIN’s largest node in India).

The Network has more than 250 researchers from ASCRIN partner organisations, with more than 70 Joint-PhD projects approved and 45 students so far engaged in those projects, which are exploring issues like the socioeconomic costs of road crashes in India, and how to make data driven quality management accessible to small dairy cooperatives in India.

About La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell

Professor Theo Farrell commenced as Vice-Chancellor and President of La Trobe University in February 2024. He brings a deep commitment to advancing academic excellence, building inclusive communities, forging external partnerships, and leading transformative change.

Website – www.latrobe.edu.au.

Media enquiries: Australia – Charisse Ede, M: +61 (0)404 030 698 or contact media@latrobe.edu.au India – Achal K Paul, achal@buzzcomm.in, M: +91 98101 62377

Education

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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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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ALIET Marks World Food Day: A Fusion of Community Support and Food Technology Innovation

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Andhra Loyola Institute of Engineering and Technology –  ALIET Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh commemorated World Food Day with impactful community outreach and educational initiatives. The event commenced with a substantial contribution from students and faculty, who collectively gathered a large quantity of rice, dal, sugar, pulses, oil, and other provisions to support families residing in a nearby slum area.

As a mark of innovation, Rev. Fr. Dr. B. Joji Reddy, S.J., Director and Secretary of ALIET, inaugurated an innovative e-food website designed by Roshan and his team from IV – ECE-2. This platform aims to connect surplus food from various events with individuals in need, thereby reducing food waste. Fr. Joji Reddy emphasized the importance of sharing food and extending support to those in need within the community. He also reminded students about the poor who lack food and are homeless, touching upon the joy of giving and sharing. Rev.Fr. D. Balaswamy, S.J,  Assistant Director of ALIET encouraged the student to express his views and opinion on the e-food website. Dr. O. Mahesh, Principal of ALIET greatly appreciated the innovative idea of the student and his team. Dr. K. Prasanthi Jasmine, HoD of ECE along with the student were present for the inaugural ceremony of the e-food website.

The celebration also included a guest lecture organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell in collaboration with the Department of Science and Humanities. A speaker with a B. Tech in Biotechnology and a Master’s in Food Technology from KU Leuven – Belgium, discussed the critical role of food technology in minimizing waste and enhancing nutrition. The lecture addressed common misconceptions about the field, highlighting its integration of science and technology to ensure food safety and sustainability.

Focusing on India’s significant post-harvest losses – especially the 31% waste of tomatoes- the speaker advocated for a cultural shift towards accepting processed foods as a practical solution. They introduced the app “Too Good to Go” as a model for reducing waste by facilitating discounted sales of near-expiry food. The event was coordinated by Mr. E. Kalavathi and Mrs. M. Archana, while Dr. Y. Sudhakar, HoD of S&H, reminded the students of the day’s importance. Mrs. N. Dyva Krupa offered valuable feedback on the lecture on behalf of the department.

The events received enthusiastic participation from ALIET students, reflecting the dynamic leadership of Rev. Fr. Dr. B. Joji Reddy, S.J Director and Secretary of ALIET. This celebration not only highlighted the importance of food security but also demonstrated the potential of food technology in addressing global challenges. The faculty and students of ALIET had a wonderful opportunity to share and care for their fellow brethren. Dr. Sr. Candy D’Cunha, IQAC Coordinator, along with her team, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the management of ALIET for facilitating such an enriching experience at ALIET.

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The Dream of UPSC: A Gateway to Serve the Nation

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For many, the UPSC Civil Services Examination represents more than just a prestigious job—it is a dream, a chance to serve the country, and a way to bring meaningful change to society. The allure of becoming a civil servant, contributing to nation-building, and representing the government in various capacities draws thousands of aspirants each year. This noble pursuit, however, is far from easy and comes with a series of hurdles that test not only one’s knowledge but also mental resilience.

A Journey Filled with Academic and Non-Academic Challenges

When students embark on the UPSC journey, they quickly realize that it’s a long and demanding path. The preparation can span multiple years, involving extensive study across a vast range of subjects. While the academic challenges are widely acknowledged, what often goes unnoticed are the non-academic challenges that can make or break an aspirant’s journey. These challenges add layers of complexity, intensifying the already daunting task of exam preparation. It includes –

  • Fear of Failure: Aspirants invest significant time, resources, and the prime years of their lives—often the most economically viable stage—into UPSC preparation. This creates an overwhelming fear of failure, as the stakes are incredibly high.
  • Stress and Anxiety: The multifaceted nature of the UPSC exam—with its vast syllabus, multiple subjects, and different stages—leads to a great deal of stress and anxiety. Balancing preparation for different stages can overwhelm even the most dedicated students.
  • Lack of Motivation and Confidence: Often, aspirants set ambitious study targets, but when these targets are not met, their confidence can take a hit. This failure to meet self-imposed goals leads to a gradual decline in motivation, making the journey feel even more arduous.
  • Family and Peer Pressure: Aspirants frequently experience unintentional pressure from family members and peers. The constant question of “How is your preparation going?” or seeing others succeed can intensify the sense of urgency and stress.

Mental Resilience: A Key Component of Success

What’s often overlooked in the UPSC preparation journey is that academic goals cannot be achieved without the right mindset and strong emotional health. While mastering subjects like Polity, Economics, or History etc. is crucial, success in UPSC is not just about absorbing information—it’s about how well an aspirant can handle stress, pressure, and uncertainty.

Here’s why focusing on mental resilience is essential for aspirants:

  • Conflict Management: Learning to handle internal and external conflicts is vital. Aspirants must manage disagreements with themselves (like balancing study hours with personal needs) and external pressure (family, peers, or even mentors).
  • Stress and Anxiety Management: Learning to manage stress and anxiety helps maintain clarity and focus, ensuring better retention and decision-making during both preparation and exams.
  • Decision Making and Crisis Management: UPSC isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about applying it in high-pressure situations. Building crisis management and decision-making skills will help you stay composed during difficult times.
  • Balanced Preparation: A healthy mindset allows aspirants to approach their studies with a calm and focused demeanor, making it easier to handle setbacks and maintain consistent progress.

Thus, mental resilience is not just an add-on; it is an integral part of the preparation strategy. A sound mind is the foundation of sound preparation, and those who develop this aspect are better positioned to handle the inevitable ups and downs of the UPSC journey.

VISION IAS Student Wellness Cell: A Beacon of Support for Aspirants

Recognizing the need for emotional and psychological support in the UPSC preparation, Vision IAS established the Student Wellness Cell to provide a non-judgmental and safe environment where aspirants could openly discuss their struggles, fears, and challenges with trained mental health professionals.

Since its inception, the Wellness Cell has provided counselling to over 700 students. With professional psychologists on board, the cell has been instrumental in helping students to gain access to emotional support, learning techniques to manage pressure, build resilience, and maintain focus during their preparation.

Students can easily connect with the VISION IAS Student Wellness Cell for support by reaching out via email at student.wellness@visionias.in or by calling 9311799223.

Antarbodh: A Step Further

Building on the insights gained from the Student Wellness Cell, Vision IAS introduced Antarbodh—a structured program focusing on psychological well-being and personality development. It is designed specifically for UPSC aspirants to ensure their mental and emotional wellness is prioritized, providing them with necessary tools to better handle the challenges of this journey.

The UPSC journey is demanding, and achieving success hinges not only on academic skills but also on cultivating mental resilience. As the saying goes, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” With the right mind set and emotional well-being, you can navigate the ups and downs of this journey with confidence.

Visit us at: https://visionias.in/antarbodh/

Or Call us at: 8468022022, 9019066066

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