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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the introduction of a groundbreaking credit-based system for undergraduate programs, set to begin in the 2025-26 academic session. This initiative is designed to offer students a more flexible and personalized education experience, empowering them to pursue their interests and develop diverse skills.

The new system introduces unique ways for students to earn academic credits beyond traditional coursework:

• Credits for Hobbies: Up to 4 credits can be earned for pursuing extracurricular interests like music, dance, or sports.
• Internship Credits: Students can gain up to 8 credits for internships completed during semester breaks or as part of their academic program.
• Peer Learning Credits: Students engaging in peer learning activities, such as mentoring or tutoring, can earn up to 2 credits.

The credit-based system reflects the UGC’s commitment to fostering flexibility in higher education. By allowing students to explore a wide array of interests and skills, the system aims to create a more well-rounded academic experience. It also emphasizes experiential learning through internships and peer engagement, preparing students for real-world challenges.

The system will be rolled out in the upcoming 2025-26 academic session, providing universities and colleges ample time to align their curricula with the new framework. Educational institutions are expected to integrate these credit-earning opportunities into their existing programs seamlessly.

The UGC’s initiative is a significant stride towards modernizing India’s higher education landscape. It aligns with global education trends that prioritize interdisciplinary learning and student autonomy. By recognizing non-traditional learning experiences, the system encourages students to take ownership of their education and fosters a culture of continuous skill development.

This reform underscores the UGC’s vision of creating a dynamic education ecosystem that nurtures talent, creativity, and practical expertise. By introducing this credit-based approach, the UGC aims to enhance the quality of undergraduate education in India, paving the way for a more skilled and versatile workforce.

As the 2025-26 academic year approaches, universities and students alike eagerly anticipate the transformative potential of this innovative educational framework.

 The Delhi government’s Education Department has announced an ambitious initiative to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) labs in select schools across the city. This move aims to familiarize students with cutting-edge technologies and equip them with essential skills for the evolving job market.

The AI lab program will commence as a pilot project in select schools, providing students with hands-on learning experiences in AI and machine learning. By integrating these technologies into the school curriculum, the initiative seeks to enhance students’ understanding of emerging fields and their practical applications.

To ensure effective implementation, teachers will undergo specialized training to incorporate AI concepts into the classroom. This professional development component is designed to enable educators to guide students in exploring the fundamentals of AI, including coding, data analysis, and algorithm development.

The Education Department plans to collaborate with a private organization to set up the AI labs, leveraging industry expertise to create a robust infrastructure and comprehensive learning modules. This public-private partnership underscores the government’s commitment to providing quality education in advanced technologies.

While the initiative will initially target select schools, there are plans to scale it up to include more institutions in the coming years. This phased rollout aims to gradually expand access to AI education, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can benefit from the program.

The AI lab initiative aligns with the Delhi government’s broader vision to modernize education and prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. By fostering innovation and technological fluency, the program aspires to empower the next generation with critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in a tech-driven world.

The introduction of AI labs in Delhi’s schools represents a significant leap forward in integrating emerging technologies into the education system. As the pilot project takes shape, it has the potential to inspire similar initiatives across the country, setting a benchmark for future-ready education.

Kolkata-based chess coach and FIDE-rated player, Taranga Banerjee, recalls a transformative moment in his chess journey: meeting Gukesh Dommaraju in 2021 at the Tata Steel Rapid & Blitz tournament. Gukesh’s intense focus and magnetic personality struck a chord, fueling Taranga’s passion for the game. Today, as Gukesh becomes the 17th World Chess Champion, Taranga finds himself reflecting on how this young prodigy and other Indian chess stars have shaped his aspirations and coaching philosophy.

A Personal Encounter with Legends

“I was fortunate to meet not just Gukesh but also other young Indian stars like Pragnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin at the Tata Steel Rapid & Blitz in 2021,” Taranga shared, his voice brimming with excitement. “I even got to meet the legend himself, Vishwanathan Anand, and had him autograph his autobiography Mind Master. That book has been a constant source of inspiration.”

This year, Taranga added another unforgettable memory to his collection: meeting Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history.

Gukesh’s Victory: A Milestone for Indian Chess

Gukesh’s recent triumph as the 18th World Chess Champion has stirred excitement across the Indian chess community. For Taranga, the victory is more than a historic moment—it’s a testament to the rise of India’s new generation of chess masters. “Gukesh’s win is monumental, bringing the World Champion title back to India after Vishwanathan Anand. It’s a moment of pride and motivation for all of us,” Taranga said.

Inspiration for Bandel Chess Academy

At Bandel Chess Academy, which Taranga runs with dedication, Gukesh’s success was celebrated in style. “We solved critical positions from Gukesh’s World Championship match during our classes,” he explained. “It wasn’t just about analyzing games; it was about feeling the intensity and strategy that goes into such high-level chess. And yes, we also celebrated with chocolates!”

The academy, which caters to budding chess enthusiasts, thrives on inspiration from India’s growing dominance in chess. “India is doing what the Soviet Union did back in the day—total domination. And we chess enthusiasts are just loving it!”

For Taranga, Gukesh’s rise symbolizes the potential within India’s young chess players. It also reaffirms his commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level through his academy. “Seeing Gukesh and others excel motivates me to push harder as a coach and player,” he said.

As the chess world turns its spotlight on India, Taranga believes it’s just the beginning of a golden era for the game in the country. “Gukesh’s victory isn’t just his alone—it’s a victory for Indian chess and everyone who believes in the power of this incredible game,” he concluded.

Cheers to Gukesh, and cheers to the inspiring journey of chess enthusiasts like Taranga Banerjee, who continue to spread the magic of the game one move at a time.

Nikita Singhania, a 32-year-old software engineer, tragically ended her life on December 10, 2024, in Bengaluru. Her family has accused her husband, Atul Subhash, and his family of dowry harassment and physical abuse.

Nikita, a software professional, had been married to Atul Subhash, also a software engineer. According to her family, she endured relentless harassment and violence over dowry demands from her husband and in-laws. They allege that Atul and his family pressured Nikita for ₹50 lakh and a car, subjecting her to physical assault when these demands were unmet.

Following Nikita’s death, the Bengaluru police detained Atul Subhash and his family members for questioning. A case has been filed under Section 304(B) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to dowry-related harassment and deaths.

Authorities have conducted a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of Nikita's death, with results awaited. The investigation remains ongoing, as the police work to gather evidence and verify the allegations.

Nikita's grieving family has expressed deep anguish, stating that she suffered regular abuse during her marriage. They demand stringent action against the accused, seeking justice for their daughter.

This incident highlights the persistent issue of dowry harassment in India, despite laws against it. The case has sparked renewed conversations about the need for stricter enforcement of legal provisions and societal awareness to prevent such tragedies.

The Bengaluru police have assured a thorough investigation, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring accountability. Nikita’s death serves as a grim reminder of the importance of addressing gender-based violence and dowry harassment, urging collective action from authorities, communities, and families to bring about meaningful change.

The Italian government has announced significant changes to its visa policies for international students and individuals applying for long-term D Visas, effective January 10, 2025. The new regulations will require applicants to attend individual appointments at Italian consulates for fingerprint collection, introducing additional steps in the application process.

Impact on International Students

The updated visa requirements are expected to impose increased costs and logistical challenges for prospective students. This has sparked concerns among educational stakeholders, particularly those promoting study-abroad programs.

Repercussions for US Study Abroad Programs

The revised policy has also raised alarms among US-based study-abroad providers. Programs that rely on batch processing may face financial strain due to the need for individual appointments, potentially leading some organizations to reconsider their presence in Italy.

Key Details

Effective Date: January 10, 2025
New Requirement: Fingerprint collection through individual appointments at Italian consulates
Challenges: Increased costs and logistical hurdles for applicants
Potential Outcome: A decline in applications from US students and study-abroad companies

Currently, Italy holds the top spot as the most popular destination for American students studying abroad, with a 37% surge in interest over the past year. However, the new visa regulations risk reversing this trend, as students may explore alternative destinations with more accessible visa procedures.

While the intention behind the new rules is likely to enhance security and streamline visa procedures, the implications for international students and educational organizations remain significant. Industry experts urge the Italian government to consider measures that could mitigate the impact on the international education sector.

As the changes approach, universities and study-abroad programs are advising students to prepare for the additional requirements and plan their applications well in advance. Whether Italy can maintain its position as a top choice for international students amid these challenges remains to be seen.

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the appointment of a 33-year-old woman as a Civil Judge, marking the end of her five-year-long legal battle. The woman, identified as Janhvi, had been fighting for justice after she was denied the post of Civil Judge due to a discrepancy in her exam results.

Janhvi had appeared for the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Service Civil Judge (Junior Division) Examination in 2018. After the exam results were declared, she discovered that her marks in the English language paper had been incorrectly calculated, leaving her short by just two marks for the required cut-off. Despite fulfilling all other eligibility criteria, Janhvi was denied the position of Civil Judge due to this minor discrepancy.

In 2021, Janhvi approached the Allahabad High Court, seeking a re-calculation of her marks and the subsequent appointment. Her legal team argued that the denial of her appointment was unjust, particularly given the minor difference of just two marks, which had kept her from securing the position she had rightfully earned.

A division bench of Justice Saumitra Dayal Singh and Justice Donadi Ramesh delivered a landmark judgment, ruling in favor of Janhvi. The court observed that the judicial appointment had been wrongfully denied to the Scheduled Caste (SC) candidate through no fault of her own. The bench highlighted the importance of ensuring fairness in public service appointments and noted the undue delay caused by the examination process.

In its order, the court also recommended the creation of a supernumerary post for Janhvi, considering the six-year delay since the examination was conducted. This recommendation ensures that she will be appointed as a Civil Judge without further delay, even if there are no immediate vacancies available.

This ruling marks a momentous victory for Janhvi and sets an important precedent in the fight for justice, particularly in cases involving discrepancies in examination results. The judgment underscores the importance of transparency, fairness, and accountability in public service appointments, especially when it affects an individual’s career and future prospects.