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Global hiring practices are undergoing a major transformation as leading companies such as Google, IBM, and Apple move away from traditional degree requirements, focusing instead on skills and experience. This shift reflects a growing belief that Ivy League degrees or prestigious educational credentials are no longer prerequisites for landing top jobs. Prominent industry leaders have openly supported this trend, with

Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasising the priority on skills over formal qualifications. Similarly, Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, labelled skills as the "new currency," while Apple’s Tim Cook stressed that their hiring process prioritises talent and experience over degrees.

This approach has been adopted by organisations including Ernst & Young and Penguin Random House, marking a significant departure from conventional hiring norms. The change addresses key challenges such as bridging the skills gap left by traditional education systems, promoting diversity by opening opportunities to a broader talent pool, and recognizing raw talent and potential over academic pedigree. Experts like Dr. Peter Cappelli from Wharton School argue that degrees are no longer reliable indicators of capability, while a Society for Human Resource Management survey reveals that 73% of companies plan to prioritise skills in recruitment.

Statistics further validate this trend, with 60% of employers viewing skills as more important than education, highlighting the need for practical experience and industry-relevant expertise. The implications are profound, signalling the need for educational reforms to align curricula with workplace demands. Meanwhile, employers are adopting innovative recruitment strategies, such as skills assessments and hands-on evaluations, fostering an equitable hiring environment that values merit over formal qualifications. As skills-based hiring gains momentum, the job market is evolving to prioritise adaptability, creativity, and technical expertise, reshaping the future of work and creating opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds. This shift challenges conventional norms and paves the way for a more inclusive and talent-driven workforce.

A global summit titled "Confronting the Climate Crisis: A Global Summit for Media and Social Change" is set to bring together media professionals, policymakers, and grassroots organisations to address the climate crisis and its outsized impact on women, girls, and marginalised communities. Organised by One World Media in collaboration with POPLab, the event will take place in both London and Mexico City in November 2024. The summit aims to harness the power of media to inspire awareness and promote action against climate challenges, focusing on the role of filmmakers and journalists in portraying ethical climate reporting.

The summit’s core objectives include fostering collaborations across diverse media and policy spheres, supporting impactful storytelling and investigative journalism, and enabling journalists to discuss strategies for accurately covering climate issues with an emphasis on justice. The event will feature a mix of panels, workshops, and networking sessions designed to equip participants with practical skills and insights into climate communication. Renowned journalists and filmmakers, along with grassroots organisation leaders, students, and researchers, will contribute to discussions on climate-induced issues such as displacement, human trafficking, community resilience, and girls’ education.

A special focus on climate justice will underpin much of the event’s programming, addressing critical themes such as the ethical considerations in reporting on vulnerable communities and the urgent need for policy reform to protect those most affected by climate change. Expert-led workshops on climate storytelling and policy influence will provide attendees with hands-on guidance to elevate their reporting on environmental issues. Additionally, attendees can network with peers, exchange ideas, and form alliances that could lead to sustained collaborative efforts in climate activism and advocacy.

The summit will be accessible to a global audience through livestreams, and all registered participants will have access to post-event resources. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request to ensure that the event is inclusive for all. 

The event’s organisers, One World Media, a UK-based charity focused on supporting global storytellers, and POPLab, a journalism collective focused on marginalised voices, aim to use this summit as a platform for media-driven change. Participants can engage in the conversation through #ClimateJusticeMedia on Twitter and follow updates on One World Media’s and POPLab’s social media channels.

In celebration of Children's Day on November 14, here is a list of five powerful young adult books that inspire resilience, self-discovery, and empathy in young readers. These books not only encourage children to dream big but also help them build social awareness and critical thinking skills, which are vital for the leaders of tomorrow. Starting with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, this memoir captures the resilience and strength of a young girl in the face of unimaginable adversity, making it a timeless read for ages 13 and up. Another popular pick, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, introduces readers to a dystopian world where bravery and strategic thinking are keys to survival, engaging young minds with its adventurous and thought-provoking themes. 

For younger readers aged 10 and up, Wonder by R.J. Palacio offers a heartwarming tale of kindness and acceptance through the experiences of a young boy with facial differences navigating the challenges of middle school. The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan brings in a fantastical twist with Greek mythology, while To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, recommended for ages 12 and up, addresses issues of social justice and moral courage.

Experts in child development emphasise the importance of empowering literature, as it significantly impacts a child’s mindset and can inspire positive changes in their worldview. Dr. Kumar, a child psychologist, states that exposure to such narratives helps children develop empathy and a broader social perspective. For parents looking to engage their children more deeply with reading, experts recommend shared reading sessions and open discussions about book themes, establishing an environment that fosters a love for literature. Book clubs, where children can express their thoughts and share insights, are also encouraged. Furthermore, statistics reveal that 75% of children read for pleasure regularly, and 60% of parents believe reading plays a crucial role in child development, according to data from the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House.

This Children's Day, these five empowering reads provide a meaningful way to celebrate by promoting a love for reading that can profoundly shape young minds. By nurturing children’s curiosity and resilience through stories, parents can contribute to raising socially aware, compassionate individuals prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has announced a significant change to the country’s higher education landscape: the introduction of an accelerated two-year undergraduate degree program. This groundbreaking initiative allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree in just two years, aiming to enhance accessibility, employability, and the overall quality of higher education. The UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, referred to the program as a “game-changer” for Indian education, emphasising its potential to transform the traditional education model.

This accelerated program is designed to provide a rigorous, condensed curriculum, allowing students to complete their degrees faster. By intensifying the coursework and focusing on skill-based learning, the program aims to deliver a comprehensive educational experience within a shorter timeframe. Students will benefit from multiple entry and exit points, flexible credit transfers, and the option to move between programs and institutions, which provides a high level of flexibility and customization to their academic journey.

According to the UGC, key advantages for students include reduced tuition fees and living expenses due to the shorter program duration, which can make higher education more accessible to a wider demographic. Furthermore, the program enables an earlier entry into the workforce, providing a boost to career prospects and improving employability. The initiative aligns with international education standards, making Indian degrees more competitive globally and offering students greater opportunities in both local and international job markets. Dr. S.C. Sharma, an education expert, highlighted the program’s potential to make Indian higher education more globally competitive, saying it is an essential step toward aligning with international trends and enhancing India’s global educational standing.

The program’s implementation will follow a phased approach, initially launching in select institutions to test and refine the curriculum. The UGC plans to work closely with these institutions to train faculty in adapting to the new curriculum and teaching methodologies required for the program. Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted by the UGC to ensure that the quality of education remains uncompromised, and that the program meets its objectives of providing a rigorous, skill-focused education.

This change is expected to have a positive impact on higher education metrics in India. Projections suggest a 20% increase in student enrollment rates, as the program’s shorter duration and reduced costs make it an appealing option for students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, dropout rates are anticipated to decline by 30%, as the flexibility of multiple entry and exit points allows students to adapt their education to their personal circumstances. Employability rates are projected to rise by 25%, as the program’s emphasis on skill-based learning aligns closely with industry demands.

Students have responded enthusiastically to the initiative, with many viewing it as an opportunity to fast-track their education and careers. Prospective student Rohan Singh shared his excitement about the program, calling it a “fantastic opportunity” to accelerate his academic journey and future job prospects.

The UGC plans to release further details, including specific guidelines and eligibility criteria, in the coming months. Institutions and students are encouraged to stay updated on this new development, which marks a significant step toward a more efficient, flexible, and skill-focused higher education system in India.

The latest forecast from Design-India highlights the top trends set to shape the design industry in 2024, revealing a powerful fusion of creativity, technology, and sustainability. Neumorphism—a modern take on skeuomorphic design—is expected to pair with minimalism to define the design landscape, emphasising simplicity, intuitiveness, and visual appeal. Alongside aesthetic trends, sustainability and accessibility are gaining prominence. Eco-friendly practices and inclusive design principles are anticipated to lead as designers strive to create experiences that accommodate diverse user needs and have a lower environmental impact.

Advances in immersive technology and personalization will also play a major role, as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) are used to create engaging storytelling experiences. Additionally, AI-driven designs are projected to enhance personalization, creating tailored interactions to boost user engagement. In the realm of graphic design, bold typography, abstract illustrations, and gradient colors are set to bring vibrancy to branding, advertising, and digital media.

User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design will continue to evolve with the rise of voice-activated interfaces, micro-interactions, and asymmetrical layouts, providing users with more intuitive and responsive experiences. Earthy tones, bright hues, and monochromatic palettes are expected to dominate colour schemes, as neo-traditional designs combine modern aesthetics with classic sensibilities.

Supporting this shift, statistics show that 80% of designers are prioritising accessibility, 70% of brands are adopting sustainable practices, and 60% of users are engaging more with immersive storytelling. With these trends, 2024 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the design industry, focused on innovation that balances creativity with purpose.

This Children’s Day, the spotlight shines on two talented army kids from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who have displayed extraordinary achievements in the world of sports. Chinmayi Kasodekar and Zara Swittens, daughters of army officers, have overcome challenges and dedicated themselves to their respective sports, emerging as role models for young athletes across India. Their stories reflect the influence of supportive parents, hard work, and passion for excellence.

Chinmayi Kasodekar, daughter of Colonel Ajit Kasodekar, has made waves in lawn tennis since she began playing at the age of eight. With a keen sense of discipline and persistence, Chinmayi has competed in district-level tournaments, securing silver and bronze medals in both 2023 and 2024. Her accomplishments extend beyond sports, as she scored an impressive 90% in her 12th-grade board exams and successfully passed the NIFT entrance exam in the open category, demonstrating her well-rounded abilities. Among her many achievements, the silver medal in a state-level team event and her selection to represent Rajasthan in national tournaments stand out as testaments to her skill and dedication. Colonel Kasodekar is proud of her journey, emphasizing that her commitment inspires army kids nationwide.

Meanwhile, Zara Swittens, guided by her father, Lieutenant Colonel D Swittens of the 61 Cavalry, has shown a natural affinity for equestrian sports, developing a strong bond with horses that has driven her remarkable success. Zara’s journey in show jumping and dressage has been nothing short of impressive; she has earned three national medals and numerous regional awards, including an outstanding second place in the FEI World Children’s Classic Show Jumping. Her hard work has even earned her a spot in the world rankings, and she is set to compete in the Junior Nationals in December 2024. Lt. Col. Swittens, her dedicated coach and father, attributes Zara’s achievements to her determination and natural connection with horses, which fuels her accomplishments in a sport that requires skill, patience, and trust.

The achievements of these young athletes underscore the powerful role of parental guidance and support in fostering talent and resilience in children. Both Colonel Kasodekar and Lt. Col. Swittens believe that their daughters’ successes are grounded in dedication and passion, showing that army kids can excel in both academics and sports with the right encouragement. On this Children’s Day, the inspirational stories of Chinmayi and Zara highlight the potential within every young mind, demonstrating how hard work and perseverance can create bright futures for India’s youth.