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In a shocking and distressing incident, a female student of Chennai University was allegedly sexually assaulted by a roadside vendor near the campus on December 24, 2024. The attack occurred as the student was walking back to her hostel, sending shockwaves throughout the academic community and raising serious concerns about student safety.

The accused, a roadside vendor in his mid-30s, reportedly assaulted the student in a bold and violent manner. Following the student's complaint, the police acted swiftly, arresting the vendor on December 25, 2024. A case has been registered under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to assault or criminal force used on a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty.

As the investigation continues, there is growing criticism of the Chennai University administration for its failure to provide adequate security measures on campus, despite numerous complaints from students about safety concerns. The lack of effective safety protocols has sparked outrage among both students and faculty members, who are now demanding not only swift justice for the victim but also improved security measures to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.

The incident has also led to broader discussions about the safety of women in public spaces, particularly near educational institutions. It highlights the urgent need for a systemic overhaul to address the alarming rise in violence against women. While the police have assured the public that they will conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served, many are questioning the underlying failures in addressing such issues at the institutional level.

This harrowing incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in society. It is not just a call for justice for the victim but also a reflection of the need for stronger measures to protect women and ensure their safety in both public and private spaces.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s leading educational institutions, has introduced 22 courses on the SWAYAM platform for the January 2025 session. This initiative aims to provide students across the country with flexible, accessible, and affordable learning opportunities through online education.

The SWAYAM platform, a government-backed Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) initiative, hosts these courses, which span a variety of disciplines. Students can enroll in these courses until January 15, 2025, and benefit from a learning experience that blends flexibility with academic rigor.

Key Features of the Courses

Duration: Courses range from 4 to 8 weeks.
Credits: Each course offers 2 to 4 credits, which can be added to a student’s academic record.
Flexibility: Students can complete the coursework at their own pace, making it ideal for diverse schedules.
Accessibility: Being entirely online, the courses are accessible to learners from any location.
Affordability: While the courses are free, students can opt for a certificate by paying a nominal fee.

Course Offerings

The 22 courses cover a wide range of subjects, including:

Arts and Humanities: 8 courses
Science and Technology: 6 courses
Commerce and Management: 4 courses
Social Sciences: 4 courses

This diverse selection ensures that students from varied academic backgrounds can find courses aligned with their interests and career goals.

Enrollment Process

Students can register for these courses by visiting the SWAYAM platform at swayam.gov.in. The platform requires users to create an account and select their desired courses for enrollment.

BHU’s decision to launch these SWAYAM courses aligns with the Government of India’s vision of promoting digital education. By offering free access to high-quality learning resources, the initiative aims to bridge educational gaps and make higher education more inclusive.

The program represents a significant move towards democratizing education, enabling students to gain valuable knowledge and skills irrespective of geographical or financial constraints.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have unveiled a minor program in Quantum Technologies, offering engineering students an exciting opportunity to delve into the cutting-edge field of quantum computing. This initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in industries driven by quantum advancements.

Program Highlights

Eligibility: Open to third-year engineering students at IITs and IISc.
Admission: Candidates are selected based on academic performance and a written test.
Curriculum: Covers quantum computing, quantum information, and quantum communication, along with research projects and internships.
Duration: The two-year program runs alongside the regular engineering degree.

The Future of Quantum Technologies

Quantum technologies are poised to revolutionize industries like finance, healthcare, logistics, and cybersecurity. With this minor, students gain a unique competitive edge, preparing them for careers in research, academia, and industry. Graduates can also engage in global collaborations, enhancing their professional prospects.

The IITs and IISc are at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies into education. By offering this minor, they aim to prepare students to lead the quantum computing revolution, setting a benchmark for innovation in engineering education. This initiative underscores the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving job market, where specialized skills in quantum technologies will be highly sought after.

Quantum computing is no longer just a concept—it’s a transformative technology with the potential to address complex global challenges. By introducing this minor, IIT and IISc are ensuring that Indian engineering students are prepared to lead in this pioneering field.

Aimed at fostering higher education, 44 students from Maharashtra have been selected this year to pursue studies abroad under the state government’s Sarathi scheme. Designed to support students from economically weaker sections, the program offers substantial financial assistance, helping them achieve their academic aspirations at top foreign universities.

Key Features of the Sarathi Scheme

Financial Support: Each selected student receives up to ₹20 lakh, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a family income below ₹8 lakh annually. Special consideration is given to students from rural backgrounds and those with disabilities.
Transparent Selection: The application process is conducted via the Maharashtra government’s portal, where a selection committee reviews applications and conducts interviews to finalize candidates.

Transforming Lives Through Education

The Sarathi scheme underscores the Maharashtra government’s dedication to leveling the playing field for underprivileged students. By addressing financial barriers, the initiative opens doors for bright minds to gain international exposure and world-class education. Selected students are expected to return with enhanced skills and knowledge, contributing to the state’s development across various sectors.

This year’s selection of 44 students is a testament to the success of the Sarathi scheme and its potential to inspire more students to pursue higher education abroad. The program not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the state’s global academic footprint. Officials believe that such initiatives will motivate more students, especially from rural and economically disadvantaged areas, to dream big and work towards achieving international qualifications.

The Sarathi scheme sets an example for how targeted financial assistance can bridge the gap in access to higher education. By equipping underprivileged students with resources and opportunities, Maharashtra is paving the way for a more inclusive and competitive education system.

As 2024 comes to a close, we look back at some of the most unforgettable ads that captivated audiences throughout the year. From nostalgic reunions and action-packed moments to clever humor and star-studded collaborations, these ads not only entertained but also left a lasting impact. Here are the 15 ads that stood out in 2024, showcasing the perfect blend of creativity, emotion, and innovation.

Rohit Shetty for Snickers: A Hilarious Transformation

In one of the most talked-about campaigns of the year, Snickers teamed up with filmmaker Rohit Shetty, who took on the role of a driving instructor. The ad humorously showed how Shetty’s calm persona suddenly transforms into an action-packed, high-energy character when he gets hungry. This clever portrayal perfectly aligned with Snickers’ famous slogan, "You’re not you when you’re hungry."

Dream11's Nostalgic Spin: Reuniting the 3 Idiots Cast

Dream11 struck a powerful emotional chord by bringing together the iconic cast of 3 Idiots for a reunion ad. The ad recreated famous scenes from the film and even sparked conversations about a potential sequel. Nostalgia was at its peak, as fans of the movie relished seeing their beloved characters back together, while Dream11 effectively connected its brand to this cherished cultural moment.

OPPO Reno11 & Wake Up Sid Connection: Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma Reunite

In a heartwarming ad for OPPO Reno11, Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma reunited, bringing back fond memories of their time together in Wake Up Sid. Their natural chemistry reignited fans’ hopes for a potential sequel to the beloved film, while the ad itself highlighted the phone’s features in a relatable and emotional context.

CRED's Blockbuster Collaboration: SS Rajamouli and David Warner's Cinematic Ad

CRED made waves with its blockbuster collaboration between director SS Rajamouli and cricketer David Warner. The ad was packed with playful banter and cinematic flair, bringing the drama and spectacle of Rajamouli's film-making style into a commercial setting. This collaboration not only entertained but also showcased how brands can creatively merge entertainment and product promotion.

Arshad Warsi Revives Golmaal for Flipkart: A Hilarious Throwback

Arshad Warsi delighted fans by reviving his iconic character from the Golmaal series in an ad for Flipkart’s Black Friday deals. His comedic timing and recognizable persona brought humor and relatability to the campaign, making it a memorable moment in the world of advertising. The ad effectively tied in Flipkart’s deals with nostalgia and humor, resonating strongly with viewers.

The Delhi government has announced a winter break for all government schools in the national capital from January 1 to 15, 2025. To ensure that senior students, particularly those preparing for board exams, do not lose valuable study time, remedial classes will be held for students in Classes 9 to 12 during this period.

The Directorate of Education has confirmed that the remedial classes will be scheduled from January 1 to 10, with a focus on subjects critical for board exams, such as English, Science, and Mathematics. These classes will be offered in two shifts—morning and evening—allowing flexibility for students to attend based on their individual schedules.

The move is aimed at ensuring that students, especially those in Classes 10 and 12, stay on track with their syllabus and are well-prepared for upcoming board exams. The remedial classes will provide a platform for students to clear doubts, revise key topics, and practice pre-board question papers. Teachers will be available to guide students through their revisions and address any academic challenges.

While students will be on winter break, the remedial classes will offer a valuable opportunity for focused academic work, particularly for students who may have struggled with certain subjects during the regular term. The classes will also help students who may need additional support ahead of their final exams.

To ensure that the classes reach as many students as possible, the schools have been instructed to notify students and their parents about the class schedule in advance. It has been made clear that attendance in these remedial sessions will be mandatory, ensuring that students take full advantage of this additional academic support.

The Delhi government's initiative reflects its commitment to providing quality education and ensuring that students are not left behind academically, especially during critical times like the lead-up to board exams. By offering these remedial classes during the winter break, the government aims to equip senior students with the necessary resources and support to succeed in their exams and achieve their educational goals.