Thirteen students from India joined peers from 40 countries in a hands-on aerospace leadership experience featuring rocket design, gravity simulations, and cross-border team challenges.
Category: Education
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SRM School of Public Health joins the WHO-led Civil Society Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance
Professor Alex Joseph will lead SRM’s participation as India advances its national response through NAP AMR 2.0.
SRM Institute of Science and Technology has announced that the SRM School of Public Health has been included in the World Health Organisation Civil Society Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance. The appointment places the institution among 81 organisations working together on the growing public health challenge of antimicrobial resistance across the globe.
SRM will be represented by Professor Alex Joseph from the Division of Epidemiology. He noted that antimicrobial resistance is shaped by multiple drivers across human, animal and environmental systems, making a One Health approach necessary. “Community-based participatory approaches are central to our work, and this platform allows us to amplify evidence-based strategies for AMR mitigation,” he said.
The burden of antimicrobial resistance continues to rise. In 2021, 4.71 million deaths were associated with bacterial AMR, including 1.14 million deaths directly attributable to resistant infections. Global projections indicate that without stronger action, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths each year by 2050.Dr Hari Singh, Dean, School of Public Health, SRMIST, said the appointment reinforces the importance of international engagement. He explained that the School provides an environment where students can participate in global health platforms and strengthen their understanding of complex public health concerns. He added that the inclusion in the WHO Civil Society Task Force supports the School’s commitment to public health education and research.
India has renewed its national priorities through the launch of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2.0 by Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda on 18 November 2025. SRM’s participation in the WHO platform aligns with this national direction and contributes to the country’s engagement in global AMR governance.SRM Institute of Science and Technology, recognised as an A++ accredited, Category I university with 12B status, has continued to strengthen its academic and research ecosystem. The institution was ranked 11th nationally in the 2025 NIRF rankings and holds ratings from both QS and QS IGAUGE. SRM operates campuses across Kattankulathur, Acharapakkam, Ramapuram, Vadapalani, Tiruchirapalli, Modi Nagar, Sonepat, Amaravati and Gangtok.
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Bhanzu enters the American classroom with its first physical math centre in Texas, led by founder Neelakantha Bhanu
After strong U.S. online adoption, Bhanzu opens its first in-person learning space, bringing its speed-math and confidence-building pedagogy to Texas.
Bhanzu has expanded its global footprint with the launch of its first physical math learning centre in the United States, located in McKinney, Texas. The move marks a significant step for the Bengaluru-headquartered education company, which has until now served U.S. learners entirely through its online programs.
Founded by Neelakantha Bhanu, known for his world record as the “world’s fastest human calculator,” Bhanzu focuses on strengthening conceptual clarity, improving numerical confidence and making math more accessible for younger learners. The company has seen steady adoption across the U.S. in its digital format, and the opening of the Texas centre reflects growing demand among families seeking structured, STEM-oriented after-school learning.Speaking about the milestone, Neelakantha Bhanu, CEO and Founder, said, Taking Bhanzu to the United States is not just about global expansion, but about reimagining how the world learns math through deep conceptual clarity and confidence-first learning. India has long contributed to the world of mathematics. Bringing Bhanzu from India to the world through our first US learning center is a proud moment for us. We’re excited to bring this unique blend of learning and engagement to American classrooms and empower the next generation of problem solvers.
Bhanzu’s learning model draws on speed-math techniques, step-based problem solving, storytelling and gamified exercises aimed at strengthening both accuracy and foundational understanding. Students engage through guided practice and paced instruction, with an emphasis on reducing hesitation and building comfort with numbers. Across its existing markets, Bhanzu reports having worked with more than 50,000 students in 16 countries.Prachotan D L, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development at Bhanzu, noted the significance of entering the U.S. with a physical space. “Our mission has always been to eliminate math fear globally. Establishing our first physical center in the US is not just an expansion, it’s a step toward changing how millions of children experience math, one region at a time. Our approach combines creativity, technology, and deep pedagogy to make math not only accessible but also enjoyable for students worldwide.”
Parents in several U.S. states have increasingly turned to after-school and supplementary learning programs that offer measurable progression in numeracy and structured support in early STEM skills. The Texas centre introduces Bhanzu’s in-person model to this growing segment, extending its existing digital reach with a dedicated classroom environment.The company’s physical launch comes as more global education providers explore hybrid models in the U.S., combining interactive digital formats with face-to-face learning. Bhanzu’s first centre will operate as a pilot for its broader U.S. strategy, which aims to expand the availability of its math programs across regions with strong interest in STEM-aligned learning.
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National pride builds as India flags off its first ever WorldSkills Asia team for the 2025 competition
Hon’ble Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary led the send off ceremony in Mumbai as 23 competitors and 21 experts prepare to represent India in 21 skill categories at the continental event in Chinese Taipei.
India marked an important chapter in its skills development journey as the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship organised the send off ceremony for the country’s first ever contingent participating in the WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025. The ceremony, held in Mumbai, brought together senior government representatives, officials, trainers and the competitors who will represent India on the continental stage in Chinese Taipei from 27 to 29 November. For India, this debut signals a significant step in positioning itself within the wider network of global skill excellence platforms and strengthens the country’s ambition to match international benchmarks across new age and traditional skills.
The event was led by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State in charge for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education. His role as Chief Guest set the tone for a ceremony that reflected both national pride and a strong commitment to preparing young talent for international standards. He was joined by Ms Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, whose presence underlined the institutional support behind the initiative. Senior officials including Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor at MSDE, and actor Sudesh Berry added further encouragement for the competitors ahead of their departure.The WorldSkills Asia Competition will see more than five hundred competitors from nearly forty Asian member and guest countries participate across thirty eight skill categories. India’s entry into this continental platform marks a new milestone for the Skill India Mission, which has aimed to create pathways for young professionals to test their abilities in global competitions. The Indian contingent comprises twenty three competitors and twenty one experts representing twenty one distinct skill areas. Their participation is facilitated by the National Skill Development Corporation which functions as the implementation and knowledge partner for WorldSkills India.
In his address, Shri Jayant Chaudhary spoke about the confidence the country has in its emerging skilled workforce. He described the competitors as a reflection of India’s rising strength in the global skills landscape and acknowledged the months of preparation undertaken by the candidates. He recognised the contributions of the Sector Skill Councils, industry mentors, training partners and officials who have worked with the competitors to prepare them for the international stage. He noted that the government remains committed to supporting talent that can contribute to India’s aspiration of becoming the Skill Capital of the World and emphasised the importance of collaboration, competition and learning.The competitors will represent India across a mix of traditional and future oriented skills ranging from Digital and IT Technologies, Mobile Robotics, Mechatronics and CNC Milling to Web Development, Automotive Repair, Fashion Technology, Graphic Design and Beauty Therapy. These skills form part of a wider set of high demand sectors that continue to experience rapid change and global relevance. For India, showcasing talent in these areas provides an opportunity to highlight the country’s readiness for the future of work and its ability to compete among the region’s most skilled young professionals.
The selection of the Indian competitors followed a rigorous nationwide process anchored by the IndiaSkills Competition 2024. IndiaSkills is the country’s largest skill championship and serves as a pipeline for identifying the most capable individuals who can represent India in international competitions. Candidates who win medals at IndiaSkills progress to represent the nation across various WorldSkills chapters. This system ensures that participation at events such as WorldSkills Asia reflects a high level of discipline, technical capability and industry relevance.During the send off ceremony, Ms Debashree Mukherjee emphasised the importance of India’s first participation in WorldSkills Asia. She stated that the moment marked a significant advancement in the country’s skilling movement and acknowledged the sustained efforts made to strengthen training and assessment frameworks under MSDE. She highlighted the role of global standards in shaping the preparation of the competitors and encouraged the team to uphold excellence, determination and professionalism during the competition.
The twenty three candidates who form the contingent have trained intensively under the guidance of industry experts and institutions known for their technical leadership. Over the past five months, the candidates worked with several partners that contributed facilities, equipment and mentorship to refine their skills. Training support came from JK Cement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, LTA Academy of Beauty, Mahindra University, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration and Iraj Evolution Design Company Limited. These organisations provided advanced labs, simulators, coaching and real world practice environments that helped the competitors build precision and confidence. The combination of industry knowledge and hands on training ensured that the team could meet the standards expected at the continental level.To further strengthen their preparation, WorldSkills India under NSDC conducted a four day readiness programme covering team building, psychometric evaluations, communication training, neurotherapy and mindfulness sessions. Competitors also received guidance on nutrition, wellness, travel preparedness and mental resilience. The approach aimed at equipping candidates with the ability to perform under pressure while maintaining focus and teamwork. The inclusion of art and music therapy added a supportive dimension to the overall readiness plan.
India’s participation in the WorldSkills Asia Competition demonstrates the country’s commitment to global engagement and skill competitiveness. Under the Skill India Mission, MSDE and NSDC have built structures that support international benchmarking, expert engagement and competitor development. The involvement of a wide network of mentors, academic partners and industry bodies further strengthens this ecosystem, ensuring that Indian candidates receive exposure to international practices and evolving standards.As the team prepares to represent India in Chinese Taipei, the send off ceremony stands as a moment of pride for the country’s skilling fraternity. It reflects the collective effort of ministries, institutions, trainers and industry bodies who have worked together to position India on a larger global stage. For the young competitors, the opportunity marks the culmination of years of effort and an opening to showcase their abilities in a setting that brings together the best talent across Asia.
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Centre of Logistics Training for Excellence Hyderabad launches to transform how India trains for tomorrow’s logistics jobs
Centre of Logistics Training for Excellence Hyderabad launches to transform how India trains for tomorrow’s logistics jobs
Redington Foundation, Redington Ltd., and the Logistics Sector Skill Council launch the Centre of Logistics Training for Excellence at NSTI Hyderabad, inaugurated by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, to train Telangana’s youth in EXIM, warehousing, forklift, and supply chain roles through Industry 4.0-led curriculum and simulation labs.
India’s logistics sector is preparing for a decisive growth decade. With policy enablers such as the National Logistics Policy and PM GatiShakti, and with extensive infrastructure investments across multimodal corridors, the demand for skilled professionals in warehousing, freight movement, export-import, and inventory control is escalating. While systems and technologies are evolving rapidly, workforce development has remained a critical gap. To address this, a new model of logistics skilling has taken shape in Hyderabad through the Centre of Logistics Training for Excellence.Established through a collaboration between Redington Foundation, the CSR arm of Redington Ltd., and the Logistics Sector Skill Council, the Hyderabad centre is built on the success of the Chennai facility launched in January 2024. The Chennai model demonstrated the value of simulation-based learning and industry-specific curriculum. Within a year, it trained both entry-level youth and working professionals using AR and VR modules, industry-grade tools, and real-world case applications. This data-driven impact prompted the expansion of the model into Telangana, a state experiencing rapid growth in warehousing, transportation, and export infrastructure.
The Hyderabad centre was formally inaugurated by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Education, Government of India. The inauguration took place within the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) campus in Hyderabad. In his remarks, Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the growing need for a workforce that matches the complexity of India’s logistics systems. He pointed to the changing nature of logistics, marked by automation, digital control towers, AI-led demand forecasting, and multimodal transportation, and underlined that young Indians must be trained in line with these trends if the country is to remain globally competitive.The centre’s infrastructure includes simulation labs that mirror real-life scenarios such as truck navigation, forklift operation, warehouse inventory systems, and customs processes. These labs allow learners to engage with tools that they will use on the job, giving them a critical advantage. The centre trains for specific job roles including EXIM Associate, Forklift Operator, Warehouse Associate Executive, and Supply Chain Executive. All modules are co-developed with industry and reviewed periodically to keep up with emerging logistics requirements.
The curriculum reflects Industry 4.0 principles and includes modules on smart warehousing, digital inventory systems, IoT integration, logistics analytics, and e-logistics platforms. Each learning path is mapped to National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) levels and is supported by digital learning tools, simulator-based assessments, and soft-skills training. The design ensures both employability and adaptability in a sector known for its high pace of change.According to R. Venkatesh, Global Chief Sustainability Officer at Redington Ltd., the initiative is part of a long-term vision to scale responsible skilling across India’s critical growth sectors. He noted that the success of the Chennai centre affirmed Redington’s belief in tech-led, outcome-driven learning models that are deeply tied to industry needs. With Hyderabad, he said, the goal is not just replication but expansion reaching more learners, offering more specializations, and contributing to the formation of a robust national logistics workforce.
The Hyderabad centre also aligns closely with the broader vision of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The ministry has placed strong emphasis on sector-specific Centres of Excellence that serve as hubs of innovation, capacity building, and industry-led skilling. By focusing on logistics, the Hyderabad facility complements national goals of increasing India’s logistics efficiency index, reducing supply chain bottlenecks, and expanding export readiness.The new centre is expected to benefit thousands of youth across Telangana, particularly those in Tier 2 and 3 towns who face challenges in accessing industry-aligned skilling. The project also encourages participation from women and marginalized groups by offering flexible schedules and bridging programs. Over time, it is likely that similar models will be adopted in other emerging logistics cities across India.
The Centre of Logistics Training for Excellence Hyderabad represents more than just a training facility. It is a strategic intervention at the intersection of infrastructure, employment, and innovation. It connects the macro vision of national logistics competitiveness with the micro realities of skilling, certification, and workforce mobility. As India builds its physical logistics backbone, this initiative ensures that human capital is not left behind.With its advanced labs, digital curriculum, industry guidance, and policy alignment, the Hyderabad centre gives India a blueprint for how logistics talent can be cultivated at scale. It provides young professionals with tools not only to get employed, but to thrive and lead in one of the economy’s fastest-moving sectors.
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IIHMR University Expands Global Reach Through New Partnership with the University of Manchester
Through this MoU, both institutions will co-develop courses, host research events, and promote international learning models in line with India’s NEP 2020 goals.
The 12th National Conference on Disability (NCD) and the 12th National Abilympics Skill Competitions officially commenced today at the Civil Services Officers Institute (CSOI), New Delhi. Organised by Sarthak Educational Trust in collaboration with the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) and supported by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), TPCDT, and IndusInd Bank, the platform marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward disability inclusion, skill development, and systemic reform.
Following four successful regional Abilympics held across Chennai, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Guwahati, the two-day national finale brings together 59 finalists from over 500 regional competitors across 20 states. These finalists will compete in a range of vocational skill categories such as ICT (Engineering Design, Desktop Publishing, Photography), Crafts (Basket Making, Crochet, Painting & Decoration), Hospitality (Cake Decoration, Patisserie, Cleaning Services), and Services (Hairdressing, Massage). The winners will represent India at the 11th International Abilympics 2027 in Finland globally recognised as the “Work Skill Olympics for Persons with Disabilities.”Dignitaries present on Day 1 included Dr. Vineet Joshi, Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC); Shri Rajiv Kumar, Former Chief Election Commissioner; and Shri Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief CSR & Sustainability, Tata Power. Emphasising the urgency of structural reform, leaders underscored the need for collaboration between government, corporates, and civil society to accelerate inclusion and livelihood opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Dr. Vineet Joshi noted, “Many things I witnessed today were true eye-openers. They reminded me how little we, as a society, are doing for this vast population and how much faster we can grow when we move together. The real inability lies not with Persons with Disabilities, but within our systems that fail to provide them equal opportunities.”He further urged all sectors to step forward with urgency, acknowledging Sarthak’s life-cycle model as a benchmark for national replication. Calling for dedicated infrastructure, Dr. Joshi advocated for the approval of Sarthak’s proposed Global University for Disability Studies, inclusive education, assistive technology, and skilling.
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary-General of NAAI and Founder & CEO of Sarthak Educational Trust, addressed the structural gaps in India’s disability ecosystem, including a 70% shortage of rehabilitation professionals, 50% deficit of special educators, and fewer than 60 accessibility auditors. He formally announced the upcoming submission of the proposal for Deemed-to-be University status for the Sarthak Global University to the UGC.With its presence across 2,000 locations, including 60% in rural areas, Sarthak has already trained and placed over 1.25 lakh PwDs and reached 5.3 million individuals through awareness and early intervention efforts.
The event also saw the launch of MartSarathi, an e-commerce interface designed to enhance accessible shopping experiences for PwDs. The theme for this year’s National Conference on Disability is “Sustainable Development Goals and Disability Inclusion,” with sessions spanning inclusive employment, assistive technology, universal design, and media narratives.As the competitions continue into Day 2, the spotlight remains on the upcoming announcement of national winners who will prepare to represent India at the global stage in Finland 2027. With widespread participation from corporates, civil society, and government institutions, the event reinforces India’s commitment to a more inclusive and equitable future for every Person with Disability.
At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.
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India’s Path to Australian Universities Just Became Clearer with the Launch of NiviCap and Support from Justin Langer
As Australia welcomes over 130,000 Indian students this year, NiviCap steps in as a cross-border platform to make the journey financially seamless and emotionally secure, with Justin Langer lending his voice to the mission.
With Indian students continuing to seek global educational opportunities, the unveiling of NiviCap marks a significant milestone in cross-border academic support. Announced in Delhi with strong backing from the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the launch brought together academic leaders, financial innovators, and none other than former Australian cricket coach Justin Langer, who has stepped in as the brand ambassador.
NiviCap positions itself as India’s first-of-its-kind digital solutions platform designed specifically for students aspiring to study in Australia. The initiative emerges at a time when India has become the second-largest contributor of international students to Australia, with more than 137,000 enrolments recorded in 2025 alone. Yet, despite strong demand, many families face a maze of financial processes, documentation hurdles, and emotional stress.Founded by Karthik Srinivasan, a former Indian-born Australian banking professional and fintech delegate to the G20, NiviCap was built to ease that journey. His experience straddling both nations’ financial systems, coupled with personal memories of managing cross-border education hurdles, shaped the platform’s core design.
In his words: As someone who once stood in the same shoes as today’s students, I know the challenges that come with ambition, paperwork, currency conversions, and separation from home. NiviCap isn’t just a digital tool, it’s a partner for every parent and student navigating this transition.At its heart, NiviCap consolidates what has long been a fragmented ecosystem. It brings together loan discovery, application assistance, foreign exchange support, post-arrival settlement help, and ongoing financial planning within a single secure platform. This unified approach particularly benefits students and families from India’s Tier-II and Tier-III cities who often lack access to streamlined overseas education support.
The Australian government has expressed strong support for the platform’s mission. Mukund Narayanamurti, Minister (Commercial) and Head of South Asia at Austrade, noted, “Indian students not only enrich our classrooms but also strengthen our social fabric. NiviCap’s arrival as an Australian company with deep Indian roots adds another bridge between our nations. It reflects the spirit of partnership we want to foster.”What adds credibility to NiviCap is its origin story. It has been developed by Ziksu, a respected Australian fintech brand known for secure and scalable financial solutions. The goal is not only to help students apply for loans but to ensure that each step from currency exchange to local assistance after arrival is handled with transparency and emotional understanding.
Bringing emotional resonance to the campaign is Justin Langer, who now becomes the face of NiviCap in India. Langer, a revered figure in cricket and respected mentor, spoke of his alignment with the platform’s values: “I’ve spent my life coaching young people to perform under pressure. NiviCap, to me, is like a coach. It gives students stability, while reassuring their families back home. That’s why I stand behind this initiative, it’s grounded in care, not just code.This philosophy is reflected in NiviCap’s brand promise: Fast. Fair. Family Approved. It’s not just a tagline, it is the foundation of its operational ethics. By offering pre-admission to post-arrival support in a secure, tech-enabled format, the platform ensures that studying abroad doesn’t remain a privilege for the urban elite.
The platform goes live in phases. The first phase focuses on education loans aggregating and streamlining access to financing. Students can digitally compare loan options, apply directly through the portal, upload verified documents, and track status in real time. Unlike traditional banking experiences that often involve in-person visits, manual paperwork, and weeks of delays, NiviCap compresses the process into days.Next, NiviCap will expand to offer curated foreign exchange services, simplifying currency transactions for both fees and living expenses. This will be followed by post-arrival settlement guidance, such as housing assistance, student insurance navigation, and local resources in Australia.
For many families, this holistic approach fills an urgent gap. While many agencies offer application support, few integrate long-term financial assistance, and even fewer offer emotional security. NiviCap’s vision is to become an extension of the family not just an app on a phone.The platform also plans a dedicated support wing for parents, offering assistance in Indian regional languages, grievance redressal, and real-time alerts. For parents sending their children to a new country, such communication and transparency can provide immense peace of mind.
Beyond functionality, the symbolism of Justin Langer’s involvement is powerful. As a father and coach, he embodies mentorship, trust, and resilience the same values that NiviCap wants to offer its student users. His endorsement is not merely celebrity support, but a philosophical alignment.
India and Australia continue to deepen bilateral ties across education, sport, and trade. The National Education Policy (NEP) in India encourages internationalisation, and Australian universities continue to open campuses and partnerships with Indian institutions. In this growing landscape, the need for reliable, student-first financial infrastructure has never been greater.NiviCap enters this gap at the right time not as a commercial venture alone, but as an empathetic response to a visible pain point. Its focus on inclusion, regional accessibility, and security sets it apart from traditional student support services.
The road to international education is filled with ambition, paperwork, excitement, and anxiety. Platforms like NiviCap offer something rare reassurance. They remind both students and parents that the journey, though global, doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
For more updates and platform details, visit NiviCap
Learn more about Justin Langer, Karthik Srinivasan, and the Australian Government’s Austrade initiative.At Prittle Prattle News, we honor your dedication and inventiveness led by showcasing you in a positive light. Under the direction of Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is committed to disseminating powerful narratives that raise awareness and motivate change. For more important stories, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTub