Education Technology | Innovations and Insights - Edinbox

At Vasavi Education Trust (VET) First Grade College, college students are realising that having artificial intelligence (AI) skills is not merely a matter of choice, but a must for their future careers, as brought out during a recent interaction.

Students of VET First Grade College on Thursday learned first hand how Artificial Intelligence can be used as a tool to make one more productive during a Times of India in Campus (TOIC) Partnership Talk at the school's JP Nagar campus. The session was led by Shankar G Rao, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Bosch India, who pointed out that AI is becoming more and more significant in all sectors.

Rao told students that they should have a good understanding of data and be able to analyze it since these are the skills that will be in demand in jobs where AI is used. He drew a diagram showing how AI, machine learning, and deep learning are related, thus explaining the basics of artificial intelligence. Consequently, the students could comprehend better how different technologies are integrated in real world scenarios.

Rao stressed the significance of people learning without getting in a certain time and referred to how AI is being used in various areas such as manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and services."The value you bring to the table is essentially a reflection of what AI enables you to do, rather than what you can do that AI cannot, " he told the students after he had pointed out AI as a partner tool to them and not a threat to their jobs.

He went on to encourage the students to take the initiative in gaining new skills so that they can remain relevant in the rapidly evolving digital world. He said that the future successful career individuals will be those who can adapt and solve the problems. "The factor that determines your value is not what you are capable of doing that AI cannot, but rather what AI enables you to do, " he said to the students, urging them to view AI as a tool partner instead of a threat to their jobs.

Moreover, he advised the pupils to take the initiative to gain new skills so that they can still be relevant in the rapidly changing digital world. He pointed out that the ones who will be successful in their careers in the future are those people who can adapt and solve problems.

The speaker and students had a lively discussion on various topics which was made possible by R Parvathi, Principal and Academic Advisor, VET First Grade College, through a moderated session. The participants raised issues related to career readiness, ethical usage of AI, and the key skills that employers are starting to value more and more in fresh graduates.

The conference showcased how crucial it is for the industry and academia to work hand in hand in preparing the students with the right skill set to stay relevant amidst technological changes. It also pointed out that colleges should integrate AI consciousness and skills acquisition into their main curriculum.

On World Cancer Day, IIT Madras launched an unprecedented cancer genome database that encapsulates paediatric leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, the diseases that have a heavy mortality burden in the country.

This effort was a response to India's chronic omission from international cancer genome research and it also hopes to facilitate better diagnosis and treatment outcomes by leveraging population, specific genomic data.

The public database (bcga.iitm.ac.in) developed under the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) and clinician, oriented Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2) offers anonymous whole genome sequencing data of Indian cancer patients thus granting researchers and clinicians in India and worldwide an opportunity to investigate the genetic mutations of the Indian populace.

Currently, the database contains genomic information for nearly 1, 500 cancer samples that were sequenced and the whole genome sequencing took place at IIT Madras.

Approximately 30% of the samples came from hospitals in Tamil Nadu, whereas the rest of the samples were obtained from medical institutions located in different regions of the country, including the North, East, such as Mizoram, thus capturing the genetic diversity of India.

Indian Council of Medical Research has recently reported that one out of nine people in India will develop cancer over their lifetime, and the cancer incidence rate has been increasing at a rate of almost 13 per cent annually since 2022.

In spite of this increasing problem, India does not have genomic datasets that comprehensively represent the country's genetic diversity, thus, at times, Indian doctors have to depend on treatment protocols based on data from Western populations.

Project coordinator S Mahalingam, Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics at IIT Madras, told TNIE that with the help of the database it would be possible to identify actionable mutations which in turn will guide targeted therapies.

Identifying the mutated gene in a patient helps us to not only prevent unnecessary chemotherapy and its side effects but also to use different drugs, which are already available, if they match the gene, he said. Besides, 57% of Indian cancer patients have clinically significant mutations that are still being analysed for their treatment potential.

Depending on sequencing depth, the cost of whole genome sequencing of one patient is currently between Rs 60, 000 and Rs 1 lakh.

Mahalingam said, initially, the expense of high, throughput sequencing and panel, based tests will be high, but gradually, as more Indian, specific recurrent mutations are identified, the costs will come down.

The project team already has nearly 8, 000 patient samples, and they are planning to keep increasing the database.

Director of IIT Madras, V Kamakoti, remarked that Indian cancer patients are genetically unique in many ways and, therefore, they possibly have higher mortality rates for some cancers such as breast cancer.

"Western therapies may not always be efficacious for Indian patients since the drugs are targeted to Western genomic data only. This atlas helps to fill a major gap and will facilitate better diagnosis, treatment, and drug development, " he remarked.

Dr SG Ramanan, a senior medical oncologist at Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the importance of training doctors to utilize complex genomic data.

Isnt it obvious that education is the key? Molecular tumour boards, where experts determine which mutations are drivers and which are passengers, will undoubtedly play a critical role in seeking to agree upon clinical decisions, he added.

It got support of Rs 56 crore as principal CSR from Hyundai Motor India under its Hyundai Hope for Cancer program and an additional Rs 3 crore to be used for treatment of the children from the economically weaker sections.

Officials of IIT Madras hailed the programme as a landmark for personalized, cost effective cancer care in India.

Berhampur University on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), ministry of Ayush, to digitise, catalogue and publish rare Ayurvedic manuscripts and palm, leaf documents preserved at its South Odisha Cultural Study Centre (SOCSC).

The MoU was signed between Berhampur University vice, chancellor Geetanjali Dash and CCRAS director, general Rabinarayan Acharya in Bhubaneswar. National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Hyderabad, a peripheral unit of CCRAS, will take the lead in the collaboration. There are plans to preserve more than 2, 000 palm, leaf manuscripts which contain priceless Ayurvedic knowledge by employing sophisticated digitisation methods, according to the research. In addition to that, the rare Ayurveda books and periodicals will be preserved as well.

Digitised copies will be provided to Berhampur University. Moreover, a catalogue titled ‘Descriptive Catalogue of Ayurveda Manuscripts of SOCSC-BU, Odisha’ will be prepared, featuring 44 distinct data fields for the benefit of researchers. The project is scheduled to be completed within two years.

Curtains fall on UTSAH fest

The valedictory ceremony of UTSAH2026, which is the 39th Inter, University East Zone Youth Festival by the Association of Indian Universities, was most enthusiastically held at Fakir Mohan University in Balasore on Saturday. The festival was a platform for the young people from eastern India to showcase their talents, creativity and cultural unity.

The event saw the Chancellor of Fakir Mohan University, Santosh Kumar Tripathy, speaking very highly of the students from the various institutions who, in his opinion, exhibited the perfect combination of unity, discipline and artistic excellence. He emphasized that youth festivals are one of the most influential tools for the promotion of cultural values, leadership qualities and national integration among the youngsters.

The chief guest, collector of Balasore Suryawanshi Mayur Vikash, in his address mentioned the role of cultural venues in bringing up socially responsible and imaginative citizens. Members Manish Jangra and Deepak Mishra, from the Association of Indian Universities, appreciated the top notch performances, the fair judging method and the good organization of the festival. UTSAH was attended by more than 700 students from 19 universities of Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Victory for tribal youth

A team of students of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Hirli in Nabarangpur district, have become the runner up in the national Model Youth Gram Sabha competition which was held recently. The competition was played by a team of 10 students from the school and is an annual event organised by the ministries of panchayati raj, education and tribal affairs.

The initiative intends to develop leadership qualities in students by familiarizing them with the democratic processes at the village level. More than 28, 000 students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and EMRSs were involved this year in the simulated gram sabha and gram panchayat sessions..

In the EMRS category, EMRS Hirli won the second position, while EMRS Kosambuda in Chhattisgarh clinched the first place.

IIM-Sambalpur annual fest

ETHOS 2026, the three day annual fest of IIM Sambalpur, that ended recently, was a wonderful show of excellence, innovation and creativity.

The three, day event, inaugurated by its director, Mahadeo Jaiswal and entrepreneur and founder of Sattva Consulting Debranjan Pujahari, had engrossing business competitions, cultural displays and Utkrishtha, a mega intra, college sports tournament. More than 800 students participated in football, badminton, volleyball, chess, table tennis, and athletics. A friendly faculty, staff match was also there to strengthen the bond and add to the spirit of camaraderie.

Cultural performances brought energy and colour to the campus, with highlights including the ‘Styloholic’ fashion walk, dance and music events, stand-up comedy by Kumar Varun and a musical evening by Javed Ali and his band, followed by performances by Anurag Halder and DJ sets by DJ Partho and DJ Swattrex.

The valedictory ceremony honoured outstanding performers and acknowledged the collective efforts of students, faculty, partners and volunteers.

About 50, 000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be created in the coming five years to foster scientific thinking in students. Besides this, the government is planning to set up five national training centres with global expertise.

A total of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be established in the country in the next five years with the idea of cultivating a scientific temper in young minds. While presenting Budget 2025 Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Atal tinkering labs will help in providing the scientific temper in youths.

Along with it, five national centres for training would also be set up with the expertise of global experts. The tinkering labs will help in research in the STEM field where students can practise oin new ideas and approaches.

The Indian government will also launch the Bhartiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme with the objective of providing a digital form of indigenous language books that will remain helpful for schools and higher education.

The finance minister also emphasised the importance of infrastructure in educational institutes that will be created in five IITs. Atal Innovation Mission is a flagship program of the Indian government, which aims at building and nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. The mission has been constituted through NITI Aayog. ATL is a workspace where young minds can shape their ideas through hands-on learning and innovation.

The objectives of the AIM are to create and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country via interventions at school, university, research institutions, MSME and industry levels.

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary has brought out the Government's plan for utilising Artificial Intelligence in the education and skill development sectors at Google's AI for Learning Forum held at New Delhi.

The Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, initiated the series of announcements on a historic partnership between MSDE, Google Cloud and Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut, making CCSU India's first AI, enabled state university pilot, a strategic move to realise the Prime Minister's vision of a technology, powered Viksit Bharat 2047.

There was presence at the event from top Google executives such as Preeti Lobana, VP & Country Manager, Google India; Chris Phillips, VP & Global Lead for Education, Google; Wilson White, Vice President, Government Affairs & Public Policy, Google APAC and Yolynd Lobo, Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy, Google Cloud, besides other senior officials.

Delivering the keynote perspective during a fireside chat moderated by Ms Yolynd Lobo, the Minister emphasised the need to break silos between education and skilling, noting that technology-especially AI-serves as the critical bridge between classroom learning and industry needs.

Under the pilot, CCSU Meerut will function as a living laboratory for AI-led institutional reform. The university plans to deploy personalized AI tutors to students, skill, gap analysis powered by AI, and use smart document processing to make administrative work more efficient. The project aims to create an expandable system that can be used by the whole higher education sector in India.

The Minister emphasized that the affiliated colleges of CCSU would be the first to get the benefit of the pilot, and the knowledge gained would be utilized to spread the idea to more than 45, 000 colleges and over 1, 200 universities in India. He further pointed out that the Model ITI Scheme worth Rs.60, 000 crore of the Government is in perfect sync with these developments. This scheme would allow vocational institutions to combine AI, driven education with their existing infrastructure, which has been modernized.

Among the various initiatives, Google's grant of Rs.85 crore (around $10 million) to Wadhwani AI will be used to integrate AI tools in national platforms like SWAYAM and Poshan Tracker, aiming to reach nearly 750 million learners.

On a call for greater attention to the ground level, the Minister exhorted Google to extend AI facilitation to Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas, pointing out that teacher empowerment in these schools is the secret to opening up digital avenues in far, flung areas.

Thoroughly emphasizing India's leading position, Shri Jayant Chaudhary expressed that products developed jointly for India's extensive linguistic and geographical diversity can become prototypes for the Global South.

"When we solve for India, we solve for the world. The AI tools being built for low-cost devices and vernacular users are global public goods. India stands ready to share these 'Made in India' education models with partner nations across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America," he said, reaffirming India's commitment to Vishwa Bandhu-friendship with the world.

Phillips outlined Google's approach to responsible AI in education, emphasising learning science, productive struggle, and tools such as Gemini, Search and NotebookLM showcased during live product demonstrations at the forum.

Drawing from CCSU's implementation, MSDE will develop a National Best Practice Framework enabling colleges and universities to self-credentials as "AI-enabled institutions." CCSU will also function as a Centre of Excellence, hosting knowledge-sharing sessions across the Ministry's network.

The forum concluded with a joint photo opportunity with Shri Jayant Chaudhary and Google leadership, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards integrating AI across education and skilling systems.

The collaboration reinforces the Government's commitment to ensuring that every learner - regardless of background or location - graduates not only with a degree, but with future-ready skills aligned to the demands of the AI-driven economy.

Indian Institute of Technology, Madras led learning platform SWAYAM plus has launched 'AI for All' courses in Hindi. The platform has launched 6 free online courses that will help learners from across the country to acquire essential AI skills in their preferred language.

The last date to apply for these courses is January 26, 2026. The link to apply is available on the official website of SWAYAM Plus at swayam-plus.swayam2.ac.in.

According to the press release by IIT Madras, these courses are designed by the experts from the IIT Madras ecosystem who have thorough academic and industry experience. The courses highlight working on hands, on activities, real datasets, and case study, based learning with a major focus on employability. No prior knowledge of AI or coding is necessary for the courses. Basic digital literacy and willingness to learn are enough, so the program is not only for first time learners but also for educators and faculty members. Each course takes between 25 and 45 hours and is freely available.

Attending the event Prof. R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning), IIT Madras, said, “With the launch of the Hindi versions, all six ‘AI for All’ courses are now accessible to a wider and more diverse learner base, including students and professionals from arts, science, commerce and allied disciplines. The initiative is designed to remove language barriers, deepen conceptual understanding and broaden participation in AI education across regions and academic backgrounds.”

The AI for All courses available in Hindi include:

1. AI for Educators: Open to aspiring teachers and K–12 teachers, focusing on AI-enabled teaching strategies, assessment and student engagement
2. AI in Physics: For UG and PG students and faculty members, exploring AI applications in solving real-world physics problems
3. AI in Chemistry: For UG and PG students and faculty members, covering AI-driven molecular predictions and chemical reaction modelling using real datasets
4. AI in Accounting: For commerce and management learners, linking accounting principles with AI-based automation using practical datasets
5. Cricket Analytics with AI: Introducing sports analytics through real-life cricket data, case studies and visualization techniques
6. AI/ML using Python: A foundational course covering Python programming, statistics, linear algebra and data visualization for AI and ML applications