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The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has unveiled a pioneering MBA programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving domains of technology and business.

The two-year MBA programme merges management principles with advanced techniques in data science and AI. Its interdisciplinary approach aims to equip students with both technical expertise and strategic insights into the applications of AI and data science in business settings.

Key Features

• Comprehensive curriculum encompassing data science, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and business analytics.
• Industry-aligned coursework developed in collaboration with domain experts.
• Opportunities for hands-on learning through practical projects and internships.

Eligibility Criteria

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks.
• A valid CAT/GMAT/GRE score.

Selection Process

Candidates will be shortlisted based on their CAT/GMAT/GRE scores. The final selection will be determined through a personal interview to assess aptitude and alignment with the programme’s objectives.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025.
Mode of Application: Online, via the official IIT Mandi website.

Why Choose IIT Mandi’s MBA in Data Science and AI?

The programme offers a unique blend of technical proficiency and managerial acumen, making graduates highly competitive in industries like technology, finance, healthcare, and consulting. With its focus on emerging technologies and real-world applications, the course is tailored for individuals aiming to lead in data-driven environments.

For aspiring professionals seeking to combine cutting-edge AI expertise with strategic business skills, IIT Mandi’s MBA in Data Science and AI represents a transformative opportunity. Visit the official IIT Mandi website to learn more and apply.

The fifth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), an annual initiative by the Ministry of Education, has broken records by garnering the highest-ever participation of 2.79 crore students, teachers, and parents. This year’s record-breaking engagement highlights the growing significance of the event, which aims to address the challenges of exam-related stress and anxiety.

Scheduled for January 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students, teachers, and parents during the live event at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi at 10:30 AM IST. This interaction offers a unique opportunity for the participants to directly engage with the Prime Minister and gain valuable insights on how to handle the pressure of exams, improve mental well-being, and better manage academic life.

The initiative has gained significant momentum in recent years, becoming an eagerly awaited event for students across the country. The focus of this year’s session will be on providing solutions for managing stress, improving study habits, and developing a balanced approach to education and personal growth.

To ensure a fruitful conversation, students are encouraged to refrain from asking questions that were addressed in the previous year’s event, such as the common queries on stress management, balancing studies with extracurriculars, and the role of meditation in student life. By doing so, they can engage with the Prime Minister on new topics and seek guidance on fresh challenges they may face during their academic journey.

As the event draws closer, excitement is building, and students are preparing to make the most of this golden opportunity to connect with one of the country's most prominent figures in the education sector. The 2025 edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha promises to be a transformative experience, helping students, teachers, and parents alike navigate the pressures of academic life with greater confidence and clarity.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to implement a new policy aimed at providing supernumerary seats for international students in Indian universities. This initiative is designed to simplify the admission process and enhance access for global students seeking to pursue higher education in India.

The proposed policy allows universities to create up to 25% additional supernumerary seats, which are reserved exclusively for international students, in addition to the total sanctioned enrollment capacity. This step is in line with the UGC’s goal of fostering a more inclusive educational environment while aligning with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Transparent Admission Process: The UGC emphasizes the need for universities to adopt clear and transparent admission procedures for international students. This ensures that the process is fair and efficient for applicants from around the world.

Guidelines for Supernumerary Seats: The UGC has established specific guidelines for the creation of these additional seats, ensuring that universities adhere to standardized procedures that maintain academic integrity while offering greater access to foreign students.

The introduction of this policy is expected to simplify the admission process significantly for international students, making it easier for them to navigate the application procedures and secure admission to Indian universities. The added capacity through supernumerary seats will help accommodate more students from diverse backgrounds, further enhancing the global appeal of Indian higher education.

This new policy will provide international students with a more straightforward and streamlined admission process, allowing for faster and easier entry into Indian academic institutions. The increased availability of supernumerary seats will also open up more opportunities for global talent to study in India, thereby attracting students from different parts of the world.

The UGC's decision marks a significant step in India’s efforts to become a hub for international education, making its universities more attractive and accessible to students from across the globe. With this move, India is likely to see an increase in the number of international students enrolling in its universities, contributing to cultural diversity and academic excellence.

The Yemen Embassy in New Delhi has clarified that the death sentence handed down to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya by a Yemeni court has not been ratified by Yemen’s President Rashad al-Alimi. This clarification comes after the 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, who was convicted of murdering a Yemeni citizen in 2017, became the subject of international attention.

Nimisha Priya, a resident of Kerala’s Palakkad district, was sentenced to death by a Yemeni court for the killing of a Yemeni man named Mehdi in July 2017. Since her conviction, Priya has been imprisoned in Sana’a, Yemen's capital, which is currently under the control of the Iran-backed Houthi militants. According to embassy officials, the case was exclusively handled by the Houthi militias, meaning it has not yet received approval from Yemen’s President al-Alimi or the Presidential Leadership Council.

The situation surrounding Priya’s case has sparked significant concern, as her family maintains that the victim, Mehdi, subjected her to prolonged physical and psychological abuse, including torturing her and withholding her passport, thus limiting her freedom. These allegations have become central to the family’s defense.

The Indian government has been closely monitoring the case, with officials continuing to advocate for Priya’s release. The clarification from the Yemen Embassy has brought a ray of hope to Priya’s family and supporters, who have tirelessly campaigned for her release, citing the questionable nature of the conviction. Although the death sentence has not been ratified, the family and the Indian government are continuing their efforts to secure Priya’s freedom.

As the case unfolds, it remains a matter of significant international concern, with both the Indian government and the public continuing to watch closely. The focus is now on ensuring justice for Priya, while diplomatic efforts persist to resolve the case.

To boost India's research capabilities, the Ministry of Education has selected two prestigious institutions—Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune—as mentors for promoting research and innovation across the country’s higher education sector.

This mentorship initiative aims to enhance the research ecosystem by building capacity in key areas such as research and development (R&D), intellectual property, and entrepreneurship. Both IIT Bombay and IISER Pune, renowned for their exceptional focus on research, will guide other institutions in fostering a more dynamic and collaborative research environment.

As part of the mentorship program, IIT Bombay will take on the responsibility of guiding institutions in the western region, covering states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. Meanwhile, IISER Pune will mentor institutions in both the western and southern regions, spanning Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

This initiative is expected to foster stronger collaborations between academic institutions, industries, and government bodies, leading to a more integrated approach towards research and development. It is also set to improve innovation output and support entrepreneurship by nurturing a research-driven culture across India’s higher education institutions.

The move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to elevate India’s position on the global research and innovation map. By harnessing the expertise of IIT Bombay and IISER Pune, the initiative is poised to create a robust research environment that nurtures scientific inquiry and supports cutting-edge advancements in various fields.

The mentorship program is expected to contribute significantly to India’s vision of becoming a hub for innovation and research, ensuring that the country’s educational institutions are better equipped to address the challenges of the future.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has officially unveiled the draft University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2025, setting forth new qualifications and criteria for the appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges across India.

The draft regulations are part of the government’s broader effort to bring about transformative reforms in the higher education system. The regulations aim to foster a more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative academic environment. Public consultation for the draft has been opened, and feedback will be accepted until February 5, 2025.

Some of the key provisions outlined in the draft regulations include revised qualifications and experience requirements for teaching staff, a revamped career advancement scheme, and updated professional ethics guidelines for educators. The draft also introduces greater flexibility in faculty appointments, allowing candidates to apply for teaching positions in subjects relevant to their UGC NET or PhD disciplines, rather than being restricted to specific subject areas.

Additionally, the new regulations eliminate the Academic Performance Indicator (API) system, which previously played a role in faculty promotions. This marks a significant departure from previous norms and reflects a shift toward a more holistic approach to evaluating teaching staff, focusing on performance and contributions rather than rigid metrics.

The draft regulations have been made available for public review, and stakeholders from across the education sector are encouraged to share their feedback. The final version of the regulations is expected to be notified shortly after the consultation period concludes.

These reforms are expected to create a more flexible and responsive system for faculty appointments and promotions, while also helping to attract high-quality educators who can drive the future of Indian higher education. With these new guidelines, the government aims to create a more robust and competitive academic ecosystem that aligns with the evolving needs of the education sector.