9.9 Education News Bulletin | 18/08

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This week, the higher education sector witnessed significant developments, both in India and at the global level. The University Grants Commission of India (UGC) introduced guidelines for the Institutional Development Plan for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), that intend to facilitate academic, administrative, and financial self-reliance amongst institutions. Meanwhile, Wipro joined forces with IIT Delhi to establish a pioneering Center of Excellence in generative AI, connecting academia and industry.

International higher education also took centre stage, as Deakin University unveiled plans to establish an international campus within the vibrant GIFT City in Gujarat, enrolling students from June 2024. Echoing India's new National Education Policy, the US introduced a program enabling Indian students to pursue specialised one-year STEM master's degrees at American universities, starting next fall.

Amidst global challenges, Afghan women emerged as passionate advocates for education rights in a compelling UN appeal. This steadfast plea, even in the face of adversity, poignantly exemplifies education's enduring power, reflecting the unyielding spirit of individuals and communities in their pursuit of empowerment.

To know more about each of these, keep reading!

UGC issues draft Institutional Development Plan for HEIs

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced guidelines for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) emphasising institutional development, including private-sector collaborations for fundraising, faculty ranking based on research indicators, and fostering "emotional infrastructure." The guidelines intend to facilitate academic, administrative, and financial self-reliance. HEIs are required to diversify funding sources, involving government grants, alumni donations, private partnerships, and more. A balanced revenue model is advised, integrating tuition fees, government funding, sponsored projects, and endowments. Faculty rankings based on research performance and incentives are proposed to encourage excellence and reduce oversight.

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Wipro launches centre of excellence on generative AI at IIT Delhi

IT major Wipro has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT Delhi) to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) focused on generative artificial intelligence (AI). This CoE within IIT Delhi's Yardi School of Artificial Intelligence aims to drive applied research in generative AI and enhance research and development capabilities in emerging areas. The collaboration will connect students with industry-relevant challenges and solutions, fostering growth opportunities. Wipro and IIT Delhi experts will collaborate on innovative solutions utilising AI, Machine Learning, and other technologies, contributing to India's technological advancement.

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Deakin University campus at Gujarat’s GIFT City to enrol students from June 2024

Deakin University will establish its first international branch campus at India's GIFT City, offering courses in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics starting in June 2024. With fees around 50% of Australian rates and a 50% bursary for deserving students, the campus will encompass 25,000 sq ft and emphasise a holistic learning-working model, integrating academics and industry partnerships. The move aligns with India's digital economic growth, providing networking opportunities and industry connections. The initiative, supported by Australian representatives and industries, signifies a notable stride in India's educational landscape and collaborative business models.

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Under New Education Policy, US Designs Specialised Courses For Indians

In line with India's new National Education Policy, the US has launched a program enabling Indian students to pursue a one-year specialised master's degree in STEM at American universities starting in the fall of 2024. Graduates can stay in the US for up to three years for work experience under existing visa rules. Over 20 US and 15 Indian universities are discussing implementation, facilitated by the US State Department. This initiative, designed by Akhilesh Lakhtakia, a Jefferson Science Fellow at the State Department's South and Central Asia (SCA) bureau, aligns with India's goal of offering inclusive and globally-oriented education, fostering a partnership-based learning approach, and advancing India's transformation into a knowledge-driven society.

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?Afghanistan women demand education rights in UN appeal: ‘Nothing allowed for us…'

Post coming to power in 2021, the Taliban government banned more than 1.1 million girls and women from schools and universities. Afghan engineering student Somaya Faruqi who fled to the US for her education is now the face of a UN campaign by the Education Cannot Wait fund, marking two years since Kabul's fall, advocating for Afghan women's right to education under #AfghanGirlsVoices. The operation is spearheading a global call to respect all Afghan girls' and women's right to have access to equal opportunities, and education. The Taliban's restrictions on women prompted global concern, with the UN calling it a potential "gender apartheid."

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