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In a bid to support meritorious and deserving Indian students to pursue their higher education without having to worry about funds, the government today announced the <keyword id="23831216" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="PM-Vidyalaxmi-scheme" source="keywords">PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme</keyword>. Here's all you need to know about it: The scheme will cover students who secure admission to one of the top 860 higher educational institutions in the country. In effect, this is set to benefit over 22 lakh students annually. You can apply for this loan via a soon-to-be launched consolidated PM-Vidyalaxmi portal. The loan application will be entirely digital and will not require collateral or assets to be pledged in place of a loan or even a guarantor. For loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh, the government will provide a 75% credit guarantee. If your family's annual income is up to Rs 8 lakh, you are eligible for receiving loans up to Rs 10 lakh at an interest rate of up to 3% lower rates. This support will be offered to around 1 lakh students every year, and those who opt for technical or professional courses from government-run institutions will be given preference for the same. The government has already set aside Rs 3,600 crore for the same, to be utilized between 2024 and 2031, benefiting 7 lakh students in this period. All eligible students whose family's annual income falls below the Rs 4.5 lakh threshold will receive a full subsidy on interest payable. As for which higher education institutions (HEIs) will qualify, it will depend on recent NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) rankings. This will include: <ul><li>All centrally governed institutions</li><li>Public and private institutions that have made it to NIRF's top 100 rankings in the overall, category, and domain-specific categories</li><li>All state government HEIs that are ranked between 101 and 200 in <keyword id="22759868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NIRF-rankings" source="keywords">NIRF rankings</keyword> will also be eligible.</li></ul> <h2>Rising cost of education</h2> Data from NSSO (National Sample Survey Office) highlights that the average expenditure on education in India has doubled in the last decade. Per the All India Survey on Higher Education 2020-21, the tuition fees for engineering courses in most private institutions have already risen by 50% over the past 10 years. Education inflation currently stands high, at about 11–12%. The demand for educational loans is also inching up steadily. Per RBI data, as of September 20, 2024, the total quantum of outstanding education loans stood at Rs 62,389 crore, up 2.8% from Rs 60,715 crore in September 2023. India's largest lender, the State Bank of India, leads the education loan bandwagon, with disbursals worth Rs 10,860 crore in FY24.

Lack of funds stopping you from pursuing higher education? The government can come to rescue

New Delhi [India], August 12 (ANI): <keyword id="19953789" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IIT-Madras" source="keywords">IIT Madras</keyword> has been ranked the <keyword id="19925221" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="best" source="keywords">best</keyword> <keyword id="22759867" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="higher-educational-institution" source="keywords">higher educational institution</keyword> in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> followed by IISc Bengaluru and IIT Bombay in an overall category in the ranking conducted by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The announcement was made on Monday by the Ministry of Education at an event at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital that was presided by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Indian Institute of Technology Madras was ranked first in the <keyword id="22759868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NIRF-rankings" source="keywords">NIRF rankings</keyword> 2024 and it is the 6th time that it has bagged the top spot in NIRF ranking. IIT-Madras has also been ranked as the best engineering college for the past nine years. In the management category, IIM-Ahmedabad and Bangalore and Calcutta are among the top five. Indian Institute of Science (Bengaluru) ranked as the best university in the country followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi and Jamia Millia Islamia. Delhi University's Hindu College ranked as the best college in the country followed by Miranda House College and St. Stephen's College. The Chennai-based institute retained the No 1 position in categories "overall and engineering" The NIRF rankings lists was released for 13 different categories, including universities, colleges, research institutions, engineering, management, pharmacy, medical, dental, law, architecture and planning, agriculture and allied sectors, and innovation. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has been accepted by the MoE and launched by Honourable Minister for Education on 29th September 2015. This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country/ The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has been accepted by the MoE and launched by Honourable Minister for Education on September 29, 2015. This framework outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country. This year, as many as higher 10885 education institutions participated in the NIRF.(ANI)

IIT Madras ranked best higher educational institution in India

Universities and <keyword id="20257650" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="higher-education-institutions" source="keywords">higher education institutions</keyword> in India can now admit students twice a year similar to the admission process followed by universities abroad, according to the <keyword id="19932585" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="University-Grants-Commission" source="keywords">University Grants Commission</keyword> (UGC) Chairman Jagadeesh Kumar. The two admission cycles will be July-August and January-February from the 2024-25 academic session. "If <keyword id="21269142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-universities" source="keywords">Indian universities</keyword> can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students. Such as those who missed admission to a university in the July/August session due to a delay in the announcement of board results, health issues, or personal reasons. Biannual university admissions will help students maintain motivation since they do not have to wait one full year to be admitted if they miss admission in the current cycle," UGC Chairman Kumar said on Tuesday. Currently, UGC Regulations allow the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to admit students in one academic session in a year starting in July/August. An 'Academic session' is twelve months, beginning in July/August. Indian HEIs, therefore, follow the academic session that begins in July-August and ends in May-June. UGC had decided in its 571st commission held on 25 July 2023 to permit <keyword id="22014108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="biannual-admissions" source="keywords">biannual admissions</keyword> under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes in January and July during an academic year. As per the information furnished by the HEIs on the UGC DEB portal, in addition to a total of 19,73,056 students were enrolled in July 2022 and an additional 4,28,854 students joined in January 2023 in ODL and online programs. Considering the tremendous response and interest from the students in ODL and online programs in biannual admissions, in its meeting held on May 15 this year the UGC took a policy decision to allow Higher Education Institutions who offer programs in regular mode to admit students twice in a year, either in January/February or July/August from the coming academic year, the UGC chairman said. Those institutions that have the required infrastructure and teaching faculty can utilize the opportunity to admit students biannually. Offering biannual admissions is not mandatory for the HEIs; it is the flexibility that UGC provides to the HEIs who want to increase their student intake and offer new programmes in emerging areas. To be able to admit students twice a year, HEIs must make suitable amendments to their institutional regulations. UGC Chairman Kumar said, "With biannual admissions in place, Industries can also do their <keyword id="22014800" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="campus-recruitment" source="keywords">campus recruitment</keyword> twice a year, improving employment opportunities for the graduates." Biannual admissions will also enable the HEIs to plan their resource distribution, such as faculty, labs, classrooms and support services, more efficiently, resulting in a better functional flow within the university, he said. Noting that Universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system, he said that if Indian institutions adopt the biannual admission cycle, they can enhance their international collaborations and student exchanges. "As a result, our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with the global educational standards," the UGC Chairman said. Biannual admissions can substantially increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and make India a 'Global Study Destination' as envisioned in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said. Further, Kumar said that if HEIs adopt biannual admissions, they need to work on administrative intricacies, good planning for increased use of available resources, and providing seamless support systems for the smooth transition of students admitted at dissimilar times of the year. 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Universities in India can now admit students twice a year on lines of foreign varsities: UGC chairman

For ages, <keyword id="19907717" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="education" source="keywords">education</keyword> has looked just about the same. You have a teacher hunched over a board with chalk, scribbling and lecturing away to a group of students. The pupils are neatly gathered around in front of the teacher; the attentive ones typically seated at the front while the delinquents loiter around the back. Then came the COVID-19 lockdowns, forcing institutes to render their educational services online. While the title of a ‘backbencher’ might have briefly disappeared due to the recent pandemic, the concept of <keyword id="21072209" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="distance-learning" source="keywords">distance learning</keyword> has only found more credence in recent times. The popularity of this new mode of education has exploded due to many reasons, such as its flexibility of class timings, accessibility for students living in remote regions, nationwide improvements in internet infrastructure, reduced social anxiety in students and more. But this also begs the question: are distance learning colleges like the Indira Gandhi National Open University worth it? <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How valid are distance learning degrees?" comment="subhead" text="How valid are distance learning degrees?">How valid are distance learning degrees?</cmsannotation> Very much. In 2017-2018, the University Grants Commission — India’s main educational body regulating <keyword id="6375224" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="higher-education" source="Orion">higher education</keyword> — released a <a href="https://deb.ugc.ac.in/pdf/Equivalence%20of%20education%20degree.pdf" data-type="tilCustomLink">notification</a> decreeing that degrees, diplomas or certificates awarded through open or distance modes are equivalent to those acquired through the traditional universities and institutions in the country. This means that these degrees can be used to pursue <keyword id="6355127" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employment" source="Orion">employment</keyword> or further education as well. However, it is also important to note that certain programmes that require hands-on training may not be available through open and distance learning. This includes some programmes in engineering, medicine, dental, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, physiotherapy, and a few other courses. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Are online degrees as valuable as traditional ones?" comment="subhead" text="Are online degrees as valuable as traditional ones?">Are online degrees as valuable as traditional ones?</cmsannotation> Yes, for the most part. On paper, online degrees hold the same value as offline ones, provided they come from institutes accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). However, just like some degrees from some brick-and-mortar educational institutions might be more prestigious than others, the same applies to degrees from online institutes. The Ministry of Education has been considering adding a new category for open and distance universities under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) to assess the quality of education among such colleges. While the degrees might seem equivalent on paper, some concern that employers might discriminate against distance learning passouts. However, earlier <a href="https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/156658" data-type="tilCustomLink">studies</a> have shown that most <keyword id="19897096" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IGNOU" source="keywords">IGNOU</keyword> graduates successfully landed a job soon after completing their course, and only a minimal number of candidates faced discriminatory behaviour from recruiters. In addition, many notable personalities and IAS/IFS/IPS officers have completed several courses from online institutes, such as the former Indian Army Chief, General Deepak Kapoor. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Are online universities cheaper?" comment="subhead" text="Are online universities cheaper?">Are online universities cheaper?</cmsannotation> Online institutes are far cheaper compared to traditional colleges, mostly due to the high costs of running a physical educational facility. For example, an online MBA degree currently costs 1.95 lakhs for the entire course from Amity University, while a single semester can cost almost 4 lakhs from their offline Business School. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What are some of the challenges of online learning?" comment="subhead" text="What are some of the challenges of online learning?">What are some of the challenges of online learning?</cmsannotation> While digital literacy and a stable access to reliable internet connection and technology might be the obvious challenges for online learners, retaining the motivation to attend classes and participate regularly in the curriculum is a lesser-known hurdle. Additionally, since students miss out on face-to-face interactions with peers and professors, distance learners can end up feeling disconnected and lonely. Further, some students may find it challenging to access support services like counselling, tutoring, or academic advising in an online format, affecting their overall academic experience. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Which are some popular institutes offering accredited online and distance degrees?" comment="subhead" text="Which are some popular institutes offering accredited online and distance degrees?">Which are some popular institutes offering accredited online and distance degrees?</cmsannotation> Some renowned online universities include IGNOU, Manipal University, Amity University, VIT, NMIMS, JNU, Symbiosis, Mysore University and Jain University. The full list of UGC-accredited universities can be accessed <a href="https://deb.ugc.ac.in/pdf/Additionallist_of_Entitled_HEI_19052022.pdf" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.

Should you enrol your child in an online university like IGNOU?

<ul><li>You can get <keyword id="23085304" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-AirPods-4" source="keywords">Apple AirPods 4</keyword> and <keyword id="20524550" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-Pencil" source="keywords">Apple Pencil</keyword> for free in India</li><li>This is part of a <keyword id="23216168" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="limited-time-deal" source="keywords">limited-time deal</keyword> by <keyword id="19894961" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Apple" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Apple" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Apple">Apple</keyword></li><li>The accessories are available for free with purchase of selected devices</li></ul> Apple, during the “It’s Glowtime” event held earlier this month, introduced us all to the <keyword id="20994992" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airpods-4" source="Orion">AirPods 4</keyword>. In addition to this, the company also announced that the AirPods Pro would now be functioning as a hearing aid as well. The company also got FDA’s nod for the same recently. What if we tell you that you can grab the new AirPods 4 and the Apple Pencil for free? Read on to know how. <h2>Apple’s limited-time deal in India </h2> Apple has rolled out a special offer for university students and staff across India, providing substantial discounts on some Mac and iPad models. The offer also includes <keyword id="23216169" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="free-accessories" source="keywords">free accessories</keyword> like AirPods or an Apple Pencil, as well as a 20 percent discount on AppleCare+ plans. This promotion is available exclusively through Apple’s Education Store and will run until September 30, 2024. Eligible students and staff can purchase Apple devices at reduced prices under this deal. One of the standout offers is the <keyword id="19927330" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MacBook-Air" source="keywords">MacBook Air</keyword>, which is available at a starting price of Rs 89,900, and comes with a free set of AirPods 4. Additionally, the <keyword id="20025151" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iPad-Air" source="keywords">iPad Air</keyword> is priced at Rs 54,900 and includes a complimentary Apple Pencil. For those seeking higher-end devices, Apple is also offering discounts on its premium products. The MacBook Pro can be purchased starting at Rs 158,900, while the iPad Pro is available for Rs 89,900. Both of these devices come with either AirPods or an Apple Pencil, depending on the model. Apple’s Mac Mini and iMac are also part of this educational promotion, offering savings and coming bundled with free AirPods. <h2>How to access the deal </h2> To get the discounts or free AirPods 4 and Apple Pencil, students and staff will have to verify their status through Unidays, a third-party service that confirms their eligibility. The verification process is straightforward and requires a valid university or educational institute ID. Once verified, customers can access Apple’s Education Store and complete their purchase. It is important to note that this promotion cannot be combined with other offers, such as no-cost EMI or cashback from banks. Additionally, the offer is only valid for purchases made during the promotional period, which concludes on September 30, 2024.

You can get free Apple Airpods 4 and Apple Pencil with this limited-time deal in India, details here

<keyword id="19896882" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Canada" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Canada" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Canada">Canada</keyword> is set to make notable changes to its immigration policies, aiming to manage the influx of <keyword id="20073340" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="international-students" source="keywords">international students</keyword> by cutting down on the number of <keyword id="20293675" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="study-permits" source="keywords">study permits</keyword> issued. This move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to control its <keyword id="23227485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="temporary-resident-population" source="keywords">temporary resident population</keyword> and maintain the integrity of its immigration system. Prime Minister <keyword id="19898713" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Justin-Trudeau" source="keywords">Justin Trudeau</keyword> recently announced that the country will reduce the number of study permits granted to foreign nationals, citing concerns over the misuse of the immigration system. The reduction is already underway, with Canada issuing 35 percent fewer study permits this year compared to previous years. Moving forward, the Canadian government plans to decrease these permits by an additional 10 percent in 2025, lowering the number of new permits issued from 4,85,000 in 2024 to 4,37,000 in the following year. Trudeau talked about the need to address those exploiting the system in a post on X (earlier called Twitter). "Immigration is an advantage for our economy - but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down," he said. While immigration continues to play a critical role in strengthening Canada's economy, Trudeau added that these measures are essential to preserving the system's integrity. Canada's Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship department echoed this sentiment in an official news release, confirming the government's commitment to managing temporary resident arrivals. The department outlined a plan to stabilise the intake of study permits at the reduced figure for 2026, ensuring that the numbers remain consistent with 2025. To address the importance of advanced degree holders, the government will set aside approximately 12 percent of available study permits for master's and doctoral candidates. These students will need to provide a letter from their respective province or territory, recognising the significant contributions they can make to the Canadian workforce. <keyword id="19946179" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marc-miller" source="keywords">Marc Miller</keyword>, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, said that the changes are part of a larger effort to ensure a well-regulated and sustainable immigration system. “Not everyone who wishes to come to Canada will be granted entry, and not everyone currently residing here will be able to remain indefinitely. It is our duty to safeguard the integrity of our immigration policies, and we are committed to adapting them to meet today’s evolving challenges,” he said. The reduction in study permits is expected to have a considerable impact on international students, particularly from India. India has long been the leading source of foreign students in Canada, with an estimated 427,000 <keyword id="19971660" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-students" source="keywords">Indian students</keyword> currently studying in the country, according to data from the High Commission of India in Ottawa. Education is one of the key pillars of collaboration between the two nations, and the new policy could affect thousands of Indian nationals aspiring to pursue higher studies in Canada. (With ANI and PTI inputs)

Canada to cut study permits for International students by 35%, Indian students to be impacted

Over 65 lakh students did not pass <keyword id="19951608" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="class-10" source="keywords">class 10</keyword> and 12 <keyword id="19954615" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="board-exams" source="keywords">board exams</keyword> across the country last year with the failure rate being higher in <keyword id="22866974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="state-boards" source="keywords">state boards</keyword> than the central board, according to Ministry of Education (<keyword id="20349630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MoE" source="keywords">MoE</keyword>) officials. An analysis of class 10 and 12 results of 59 school boards, including 56 state boards and three national boards, revealed that more girls appeared in class 12 exam from government-managed schools but it is opposite in private schools and government-aided schools. "Around 33.5 lakh students of class 10 are not reaching next grade. While 5.5 lakh candidates did not appear, 28 lakh failed. This is one of the cause for low retention rate and Gross Enrolment Ration (GER) at higher secondary level," a senior MoE official said. Similarly, around 32.4 lakh class 12 students did not complete the grade. While 5.2 lakh did not appear, 27.2 lakh failed. In class 10, the student failure rate in central board stood at 6 per cent while that of state boards was much higher at 16 per cent. In class 12, the failure rate at central board is 12 per cent while that of state boards is 18 per cent. The ministry officials noted that the open school performance was poor in both the classes. The highest number of student failure in class 10 was in Madhya Pradesh board followed by Bihar and UP. While in class 12, the highest student failure was reported from Uttar Pradesh followed by Madhya Pradesh. "Overall performance of students in 2023 declined in comparison with previous year. This could be due to larger syllabus for examination," the official said. More girls appeared for class 10 and 12 board exams from government schools than boys. "This may reflect gender bias while spending on education by parents. However, girls dominates in pass performance across government, aided and private schools," the official said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-gained-over-3-million-subscribers-in-june-vi-lost-nearly-a-million/articleshow/112670406.cms">Reliance Jio and Airtel gained over 3 million subscribers in June, Vi lost nearly a million</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/the-iphone-pro-models-will-be-made-in-india-for-the-first-time-this-year/articleshow/112653019.cms">The iPhone Pro models will be made in India for the first time this year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/orient-technologies-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112646237.cms">Orient Technologies IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

Over 65 lakh students failed class 10, 12 exams in 2023; higher failure rate in state boards: MoE

Each year, the Indian Union Budget holds the nation's economic pulse. In 2024, the focus was razor-sharp: catalysing the <keyword id="19916569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="job-market" source="keywords">job market</keyword> and bridging the ever-widening skill gap, as the <keyword id="19916979" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="unemployment" source="keywords">unemployment</keyword> figures kept upward trajectory and dissatisfaction over government’s measures grew among the younger demographic. As a response, <keyword id="19955368" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget-2024" source="keywords">budget 2024</keyword> unveiled a meticulously crafted strategy, a multi-pronged attack to empower India's youth. The Union Budget 2024-2025 intends on focussing on youth and <keyword id="19898684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employment" source="keywords">employment</keyword>, prompting Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> to allocate Rs. 1.48 lakh crore for <keyword id="19907717" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="education" source="keywords">education</keyword>, employment and <keyword id="20374219" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="skilling" source="keywords">skilling</keyword>. Further, Modi 3.0’S budget includes 5 schemes to provide opportunities to 4.1 crore youth with a central outlay of Rs. 2 lakh crore over a period of the 5 years. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111944393" title="Here&amp;#39;s a quick overview of PM Modi 3.0 government&amp;#39;s first budget, to be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman today" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Nirmala Sitharaman announces 3 schemes for employment linked incentives:</h2><ul><li>Scheme A (First-timers): This will benefit first-time employees, providing one month’s wages to new entrants in all formal sectors. As per Sitharaman, Direct Benefit Transfer of one month salary in 3 instalments to first-time employees as registered in the EPFO will be up to ₹15,000. The eligibility limit will be a salary of ₹1 lakh per month. The scheme will benefit 210 lakh youth.</li><li>Scheme B (Job creation in manufacturing): This will provide incentives to both employees and employers for the first 4 years of employment under EPFO guidelines. It is expected to benefit 30 lakh youth and will cover additional employment across all sectors.</li><li>Scheme C (Support to employers): This will support employees with additional employment in all sectors by reimbursing employers up to ₹3,000 per month for two years for each additional employee's EPFO contributions. The scheme aims to incentivise the employment of 50 lakh additional people.</li></ul><h2>Improving participation of women in workforce</h2>As a part of Budget 2024-2025, Nirmala Sithraman announced that Modi 3.0 will focus on improving women participation in the workforce. The Government will focus on increasing women participation in the workforce. Some measures that will be taken include setting up hostels and creating partnerships to organise women-specific skilling programs and women self-help groups. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111946291" title="Union Budget 2024-25 key highlights: Standard deduction to increase to Rs 75,000 from Rs 50,000 under new tax regime" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Additional incentives for employment </h2>Sitharaman announced the launch of a scheme where 500 top companies will provide internship opportunities to one crore youth in five years. Internship allowance of Rs. 5000 per month along with one-time assistance of Rs. 6000 to be provided, the Finance Minister also said that the companies will be expected to earn the training cost and 10% of the internship cost from their CSR funds. According to Mr. Ramesh Alluri Reddy, CEO at TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, this “significant investment in skill development programs and the incentivization of industries to adopt comprehensive apprenticeships lays a solid foundation for a future-ready workforce. Integrating on-the-job training (OJT) as a mandated component of degrees, in collaboration with industry partners, allows students to gain invaluable practical experience, even if the training is not necessarily on-site.” “This initiative is a welcome move towards formal job creation, bridging the gap between theoretical education and real-world application, making graduates more job-ready.” <h2>Focus on skilling</h2>The Finance Minister said that the model skilling loan scheme will be revised to facilitate loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh. Further, a new scheme focussing on skilling will benefit 20 lakh individuals and ensure the set up of 1,000 training institutes and newly designed courses. <h2>Education loans</h2>The Union Budget 2024-25 proposes a revision of the Model Skill Loan Scheme to help 25,000 students every year. E-vouchers for loans up to Rs. 10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions will be given directly to 1 lakh students every year with interest subvention of 3% of loan amount, said FM Sitharaman. Meanwhile, in the Interim Budget detailed in February 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted a notable increase in higher educational institutes and women enrolling in STEM courses over the past decade, attributing these improvements to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Further, contrary to expectations, funding for the University Grants Commission (UGC) was reduced by 60.99%, dropping to Rs. 2,500 crore from the previous year's revised estimate of Rs. 6,409 crore. Meanwhile, grants for central universities were increased by over Rs 4,000 crore, with a total allocation of Rs 15,928 crore for the financial year 2024-25. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111951205" title="Budget 2024-25 – Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Budget 2024 Live Updates: FM Sitharaman announces comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act 1961</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/govt-to-provide-11-11-lakh-crore-towards-capex-for-2024-25/articleshow/111950700.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Govt to provide ₹11.11 lakh crore towards capex for 2024-25</a>

Budget 2024: Record allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment and skilling!

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has been allocated a total of Rs 1,225.27 crore in the <keyword id="20093202" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fiscal-year" source="keywords">fiscal year</keyword> 2024-2025, a marginal increase of 0.02 per cent from the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 1,225.01 crore. The <keyword id="19936553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="budget" source="keywords">budget</keyword> emphasises the continuation and expansion of key programmes aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities through various schemes and projects. A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to the National Program for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, with Rs 615.33 crore allocated for this fiscal year, up from Rs 502 crore in the revised budget for 2023-24. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) has been allocated a total of Rs 1,225.27 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25, a marginal increase of 0.02 per cent from the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 1,225.01 crore. This programme includes Rs 315 crore for <keyword id="22518195" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Assistance-to-Disabled-Persons" source="keywords">Assistance to Disabled Persons</keyword> for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances, an increase from Rs 305 crore. The <keyword id="22518194" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Deendayal-Disabled-Rehabilitation-Scheme" source="keywords">Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme</keyword> has seen a notable increase from Rs 130 crore to Rs 165.00 crore. Additionally, the Scheme for Implementation of the <keyword id="22345050" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Persons-with-Disabilities-Act" source="keywords">Persons with Disabilities Act</keyword> is allocated Rs 135 crore, more than doubling the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 67 crore. <keyword id="21579628" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Educational-support" source="keywords">Educational support</keyword> remains a priority, with Rs 142.68 crore earmarked for Scholarships for Students with Disabilities. This is slightly down from the previous year's Rs 155 crore but continues to reflect a commitment to empowering students with disabilities through higher education opportunities. The department's support for autonomous bodies includes significant funding, although there are some reductions compared to the previous year. The National University of Rehabilitation Science and Disability Studies and the Rehabilitation Council of India maintain steady allocations. However, funding for the Centre for Disability Sports has been reduced from Rs 76 crores to Rs 25 crores. Support to national institutes is set at Rs 370 crore, a decrease from the revised estimate of Rs 408.75 crore. The budgetary support to the national trust is reduced from Rs 35 crore to Rs 25 crore. Public sector undertakings, such as the <keyword id="22518196" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="national-handicapped-finance" source="keywords">National Handicapped Finance</keyword> and Development Corporation and the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India, have been allocated a combined total of Rs 194 crore, maintaining consistent support for these critical organisations. The establishment expenditure for the central administration, including the Secretariat and the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD), is set at Rs 42.75 crore. This includes Rs 41.55 crores for the Secretariat and Rs 20 lakh for the CCPD. The department also focuses on regional development, with Rs 75.8 crore allocated for the North Eastern Areas, up from Rs 65.7 crores.

Disability affairs department receives hike of 0.02%, allocated Rs 1,225 crore in budget

New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare postponed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (<keyword id="6361994" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="NEET" source="Orion">NEET</keyword> PG) Examination on Saturday, which was scheduled to be held on Sunday, and said that a fresh date will be announced at the earliest. The NEET-PG exams were scheduled to be held on June 23. "Taking into consideration, the recent incidents of allegations regarding the integrity of certain competitive examinations, the Ministry of Health has decided to undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of the processes of the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, conducted by the National Board of Examination for medical students," the ministry statement read. "It has accordingly been decided, as a precautionary measure, to postpone the NEET-PG Entrance Examination, scheduled to be held on 23rd June, 2024. The fresh date of this examination will be notified at the earliest," the ministry added. "The Ministry of Health sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to the students. This decision has been taken in the best interests of the students and to maintain the sanctity of the examination process," the health ministry said. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) was fully prepared to conduct the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Post-Graduate (PG) 2024. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Dr Rakesh Sharma, OSD to President and Member, Governing Body, NBEMS said, "All eyes of the nation are on NBEMS for the conduct of NEET PG 2024 and we will not let down the hope of the nation. We will conduct the test through a computer-based test (CBT) mode throughout the country." On Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) for successfully delivering and maintaining transparency, he said, "NBEMS has robust SOPs for conducting exams because of which NBEMS has been successfully delivering the exams year after year. These SOPs are stringently followed. NBEMS has worked very hard on maintaining the secrecy of the question paper and there is no chance that there will be any leakage of the question paper." He further said that NBEMS is supported by medical colleges, faculty, MoHFW, Flying Squads, Deans and Principals, Vice-chancellor and other agencies, "NBEMS has support from various medical colleges, faculty, MoHFW and other agencies. NBEMS has already briefed the chief secretaries and DGP of all states for safe and secure conduct of the exam." The <keyword id="581232" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Testing-Agency" source="Orion">National Testing Agency</keyword> (<keyword id="654916" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NTA" source="Orion">NTA</keyword>), which conducted the NEET-UG exams, is facing criticism over alleged irregularities in the exams. This resulted in several protests across the country, with protestors and political parties demanding to disband the NTA. An unprecedented 67 candidates achieved a perfect score of 720 marks out of 720, which added to the concerns. The <keyword id="19932587" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-education" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="ministry of education" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="ministry of education">Ministry of Education</keyword> said it has constituted a high-level committee of experts to make recommendations on reforms in the mechanism of the examination process, improvements in data security protocols and the functioning of the NTA. The 7-member committee, led by ISRO former chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan, will submit its report to the ministry in the next two months. "In order to ensure transparent, smooth and fair conduct of examinations through the National Testing Agency (NTA), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education constituted a High-Level Committee of Experts to make recommendations on Reform in mechanism of examination process improvement in data security protocols and the structure and functioning of National Testing Agency," the ministry said.

Centre postpones NEET-PG exam, fresh date to be announced soon

<ul><li>UK and <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> have signed an MoU mutually recognising each other’s education degrees.</li><li>The two countries also signed two more agreements – on maritime education and a framework agreement on the healthcare workforce.</li><li>Negotiations for the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) are ongoing and will be concluded by August 31, commerce secretary <keyword id="6641896" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bvr-subrahmanyam" source="Orion">BVR Subrahmanyam</keyword> said.</li></ul>The United Kingdom is one of the most popular choices among Indian students, as the country is home to some renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE etc. On Thursday, July 21, the Indian government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UK government, which will be highly beneficial for Indian students who wish to study in the island nation. “From today onwards, UK degrees will be recognised as equivalent to Indian degrees. You can take a degree there (in the UK) and will be eligible for employment in India. However, professional degrees such as medicine, pharmacy, engineering, architecture will not be covered under the pact,” commerce secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said at a media briefing on July 21. Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees will now be recognised in both the countries. This means that an Indian student who has a degree from one of the Indian colleges will now be eligible to pursue higher studies in the UK and vice versa. This also means that Indian degree holders will now be treated on par with UK degree holders and will be eligible for jobs in the UK as well. The UK government has plans to attract more international students to its universities and hence, will be giving an economic boost. “The agreement will make UK universities even more appealing to Indian applicants and is likely to provide an economic boost, as the benefit to the UK of welcoming non-EU students is estimated by industry to be around £109,000 per person,” the UK government said in a statement. The two countries also signed two more agreements – on maritime education and a framework agreement on the healthcare workforce. The latter pact will facilitate the training of healthcare professionals and nurses in India by the UK government, as the country is facing a shortage. The maritime MoU paves the way for the governments to recognise the degrees, training and competency in maritime education in the respective countries. The MoUs are part of the UK-India Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), which was agreed upon by Prime Minister <keyword id="6380867" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="boris-johnson" source="Orion">Boris Johnson</keyword> and Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> last year. Negotiations for the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) are ongoing and will be concluded by August 31, said Subrahmanyam. Currently, the fifth round of negotiations for the FTA is underway. “In August, we will be negotiating every day. The hope is to conclude the deal by August 31 and I am confident that we are on track,” Subrahmanyam said. The trade between both the countries is worth $24 billion. “Our investment relationship supports over half a million jobs. Since 2017 the UK Government has secured new access to India’s market, which businesses estimate will unlock approximately £92m of additional UK exports every year in spirits, oats, pork products, and more. India is projected to become the world’s third largest economy by 2050,” the UK statement read. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/thrifting-is-the-latest-trend-on-indian-instagram-and-it-is-a-great-one-for-the-environment/articleshow/93052751.cms">Thrifting is the latest trend on Indian Instagram, and it is a great one for the environment</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-had-3x-more-women-pilots-than-the-global-average/articleshow/93044874.cms">India had 3x more women pilots than the global average</a>

Now you can get a job in the UK with an Indian degree — Here’s everything you need to know

Ahead of college admissions, <keyword id="56459" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-grants-commission" source="Orion">University Grants Commission</keyword> (<keyword id="44171" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ugc" source="Orion">UGC</keyword>) has warned students against unrecognised or 'fake' institutions operating in the country. In the last two years, the UGC has identified 27 such 'fake' higher educational institutions in the country. With the admission process around the corner, students across the country have been asked to beware of educational institutions that are not established as per the UGC Act but offer degrees in contravention of stated provisions. According to <keyword id="693288" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="union-education-ministry" source="Orion">Union Education Ministry</keyword>, the degrees provided by such institutions will not be valid for further studies or jobs. Recently, the UGC detected two unrecognised institutions and is likely to soon release a fresh list of such institutions. According to a recent notice issued by the UGC, the 'Open International University for Alternative Medicines' and the '<keyword id="17077663" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="national-board-of-alternative-medicines" source="Orion">National Board of Alternative Medicines</keyword>' are running courses in violation of the UGC Act 1956. The UGC appealed to students across the country not to take admission in these institutions as their degrees will not be valid for further education or job. Earlier, the UGC had also issued a similar notice against the All India Institute of Public and Physical Health Science, a higher educational institution in Delhi. The UGC in its notice advised students not to take admission in "self-styled" institutes. The UGC from time to time releases lists of such unrecognised colleges, universities and institutes to make students aware of institutions, which are fraudulently offering degree courses. It also keeps an eye on such self-styled institutions in the interest of students. Last year, the UGC identified about 24 such higher educational institutions and declared the degrees awarded by them "invalid and fake". According to the UGC, students should thoroughly examine it before taking admission in higher educational institutions. Students and parents should make sure that the concerned educational institution is recognised by the UGC. These educational institutions can be verified on the UGC website. Significantly, the UGC and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), which promotes technical education in India, have also issued a warning against the educational institutions of Pakistan. In this joint advisory issued for Indian students, it was said that Indian students should not take admission in any college or educational institution in Pakistan. According to the UGC, students pursuing education in Pakistan will not be eligible to get jobs and higher education in India. UGC and AICTE have said that Indian students should not go to Pakistan for higher education. An Indian student going to Pakistan to pursue technical education, higher education or any other course will not be able to take admission in India for further studies or jobs. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rbi-revises-indias-fy24-growth-outlook-expects-softer-inflation-on-the-back-of-lower-commodity-prices/articleshow/99290005.cms">RBI revises India’s FY24 growth outlook, expects softer inflation on the back of lower commodity prices</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rbis-monetary-policy-committee-keeps-repo-rate-unchanged-at-6-5/articleshow/99284354.cms">RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, for now</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/after-the-ides-of-march-analysts-pick-best-stocks-that-can-be-bought-on-dips/articleshow/99272438.cms">After the Ides of March, analysts pick best stocks that can be bought on dips</a>

UGC cautions Class 12 students against fake univs; says no to higher studies in Pak

Neutralising antibody responses against the SARS-COV-2 virus and its variants of concern (VoC) are higher among <keyword id="9617748" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="covishield" source="Orion">Covishield</keyword> recipients than those who took the indigenously made <keyword id="9485939" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="covaxin" source="Orion">Covaxin</keyword>, according to a multi-centre study. The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted on the preprint server MedRxiv on Friday, also found that when compared to the pre-vaccination baseline, both vaccines elicited statistically significant antibody levels in both seronegative individuals and seropositive or those who had recovered from COVID-19 infection. Between June 2021 and January 2022, the researchers enrolled 691 participants in the 18-45 age group across four sites in urban and rural Bengaluru and <keyword id="2094" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pune" source="Orion">Pune</keyword>. Participants received either two doses of Covaxin at 28 days apart or two doses of Covishield at three months apart. The <keyword id="1609796" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="omicron" source="Orion">Omicron</keyword> wave in early 2022 overlapped with the second dose of vaccine in two sites and with both doses in one site. Participants were sampled at six timepoints for antibody analyses and at four timepoints for cellular analyses. When compared to pre-vaccination baseline, both vaccines elicited statistically significant antibody levels in both seronegative and seropositive individuals, the researchers found. Covishield elicited immune responses of higher magnitude and breadth than Covaxin in both seronegative individuals and seropositive individuals, across cohorts representing the pre-vaccination immune history of the majority of the vaccinated Indian population. Immunologist Vineeta Bal noted that in young adult population there is a difference in the response to COVID vaccines, if individuals are already infected with SARS-CoV-2 and recovered (seropositives) versus not infected. "In seronegatives, two doses of Covishield lead to higher magnitude of antibody levels in higher proportion of vaccine recipients as compared to Covaxin recipients," Bal, from <keyword id="101852" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-institute-of-science-education-and-research" source="Orion">Indian Institute of Science Education and Research</keyword> (IISER), Pune and one of the study authors, told PTI. "In terms of waning of immune response with time also Covishield vaccinated individuals retain antibodies in their blood for longer period in larger proportion of individuals,” she said. The study does not directly look for or document protection from COVID-19 in the recipients. "Levels of neutralising antibodies as well as T cell responses, according to different investigators, are indirect indicators of protection,” Bal said. "The interim results so far show that Covishield vaccination induces robust neutralising antibodies against the original SARS-CoV2; Covaxin also does it but somewhat less efficiently,” she added. "Against later variants of the virus such as Delta and Omicron, especially Omicron, neutralising antibodies triggered by Covishield are not as effective, however, they appear marginally better than in Covaxin recipients," Bal added. Prior studies comparing Covishield and Covaxin were limited to addressing only antibody responses and in particular in the health care worker population who were immunised prior to the Delta wave. There is, however, limited data on cellular immune responses elicited by these vaccines and no direct head to-head comparisons or stratification by pre-vaccination serostatus. Vaccination following exposure to the Delta or Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 is likely to affect the quality, quantity and duration of immune responses. For determining future COVID-19 vaccination policy when pan-coronavirus or sarbecovirus vaccines become available, it becomes important to take into account pre-vaccination immune history of the majority of the vaccinated Indian population. "Some unpublished work from other investigators in India seems to suggest that heterologous boosting i.e. Covaxin in Covishield recipients and vice versa works better than homologous boosting," Bal added.

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