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Maharashtra Unveils ‘MAHASWAYAM’ Portal for Online Higher Education Courses

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The state government of Maharashtra is gearing up to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM,’ a dedicated portal for higher education courses. Drawing inspiration from the central government’s SWAYAM portal, ‘MAHASWAYAM’ aims to create a comprehensive platform for online courses, aligning with the evolving landscape of education. Chandrakant Patil, the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, chaired a meeting on Friday to deliberate on the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state. Professor Shailendra Deolankar, the Director of Higher Education, underscored the active involvement of state universities in offering online courses. To ensure inclusivity for all students, the decision was made to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM’ as a state-centric portal. Under the NEP, students now have the flexibility to pursue online courses for minor subjects, earning valuable credits towards their final scores. Addressing concerns related to academic calendars and fees on the existing SWAYAM portal, Deolankar emphasized that ‘MAHASWAYAM’ aims to provide a holistic solution for both students and administrators. “To implement this initiative, the state government has formed a consortium comprising Yashvantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Mumbai, and Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Over the next three months, the consortium will collaboratively design the portal, focusing on courses related to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS),” said Deolankar. Minister Patil stressed the importance of leveraging social media for information dissemination, urging the department to comprehensively update the web portal in multiple languages. Additionally, he directed the creation of a dedicated Twitter handle for the Higher and Technical Education Department to ensure regular updates reach a wider audience. The imminent launch of ‘MAHASWAYAM’ is anticipated to reshape the higher education landscape in Maharashtra, offering students a versatile and accessible platform for online learning.  

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Delhi Reports First Case of JN.1 COVID Variant: Live Updates and Emerging Trends in India’s Pandemic Landscape

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Delhi has reported its first case of the JN.1 COVID variant, as per live updates on the pandemic. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has promptly issued guidelines in response to this new case. As of December 26, India has recorded a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases, according to sources from the Health Ministry. The distribution of cases reveals 36 in Gujarat, 34 in Karnataka, 14 in Goa, 9 in Maharashtra, 6 in Kerala, 4 in Rajasthan, 4 in Tamil Nadu, and 2 in Telangana. Wednesday witnessed a spike in the daily COVID-19 cases in India, with 529 new infections reported in a single day. The active infection count in the country stands at 4,093, with three new fatalities documented within 24 hours – two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. This surge in cases follows a period of relative decline, with daily case numbers dropping to double digits until December 5. The resurgence is attributed to the emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions. Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the WHO has emphasized that, based on current evidence, the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low. The classification of JN.1 as a variant of interest underscores the ongoing efforts to monitor and understand the evolution of the virus.

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COVID-19 Update: Rising Cases, Advisory in Himachal, JN.1 Variant Spreads

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Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, several Indian states are urging citizens to adhere to coronavirus protocols. As of December 25, Kerala leads with 3,096 active cases, followed by Karnataka (436), Maharashtra (168), Gujarat (56), and Tamil Nadu (139). The Union Health Ministry reported 69 cases of the JN.1 COVID subvariant in the country. In response to the variant’s presence, Himachal Pradesh health officials issued an advisory. Chief medical officers are instructed to test individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, emphasizing vigilance. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar from Una recommended immediate testing for those with symptoms like cold, fever, or cough, while stressing the importance of mask-wearing. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed 34 cases of the JN.1 variant in the state, reassuring the public that the situation is under control. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing that the health minister would provide updates. In a surprising turn, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal threatened to reveal a purported ₹40,000-crore “Covid scam” if expelled from the party. Yatnal alleges that the Karnataka BJP government, led by B S Yediyurappa, engaged in massive corruption during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delhi’s Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that the city’s COVID positivity rate is around 1%. While advising caution during winter festivals, he assured the public that additional genome sequencing is being conducted. Meanwhile, a new COVID-19 case surfaced in Khurda district, Odisha, bringing the state’s total to three. All three individuals exhibit mild symptoms and are undergoing home treatment. Responding to the escalating cases, the Karnataka government’s coronavirus sub-committee implemented measures, including mandatory mask-wearing, home isolation, and caution against sending symptomatic children to schools. Dr. Shekhar C Mande, former Director-General of CSIR, emphasized the significance of disease surveillance in India, not only for COVID-19 but also for tracking the spread of various infections, including antimicrobial resistance. He highlighted the usefulness of surveillance methods such as wastewater analysis in detecting variants like JN.1. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled JN.1 as a ‘variant of interest,’ distinct from its counterpart BA.2.86. Despite this, WHO maintains that the risk from JN.1 remains low for now

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Dr. Rajnikant Rajhans, Dean, R&D, NICMAR University, Emphasizes on Correlation of AI and NEP

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“AI is reducing the time for our faculty members, it was never a threat for us” says Dr. Rajnikant Rajhans, Dean, R&D, NICMAR University in an interview at “ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023” held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. How is NEP going to be transformational in aligning the upcoming labour force with market requirements at NICMAR University? NICMAR, as an industry-focused institution in construction, real estate, and infrastructure, emphasizes providing skilled labour to meet industry needs. The National Education Policy (NEP) has been instrumental in shaping our objective of outcome-based education, contributing significantly to building a skilled labour force. The focus has always been on delivering the best labour force and management to the industry, and the NEP, with its outcome-based education approach, further strengthens our ability to achieve this goal. What are the current projects that NICMAR is working on? NICMAR’s current projects are anchored in the CEB Model – Community, Environment, and Business Based research model. Our commitment to addressing community issues and offering solutions enhances the quality of our research projects. Engaging in sustainable projects with local and industrial partners, we work towards providing researched solutions and research papers. This aligns with our implementation of outcome-based education, ensuring a practical and impactful approach to our research endeavours. How is NEP and AI correlating at NICMAR University? The correlation between the National Education Policy (NEP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at NICMAR University is viewed positively. Today, we had an insightful presentation on the impact of AI on various aspects, including education and industries. AI, far from being a threat, is seen as a tool that enhances the efficiency of our faculty members. It has significantly reduced the time required for certain tasks, benefiting our educational ecosystem. The integration of AI into our organization is a gradual and deliberate process, aimed at improving our educational processes and overall efficiency.

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Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD & CEO, Kalorex Group, tells about her AI avatar ‘MAYA’

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“My AI version or Avatar is called Maya. Maya itself means illusion. The world is an illusion the sooner we get it-the better we are” said Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD & CEO, Kalorex Group at ArdorComm New Normal- Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023” held in Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023. In such busy schedule of yours, How do you take care of your mental and physical will-being? The coach has to clean himself-herself first! The only way you can maintain your own integrity in what you are doing is by following that. So, there is a distinct process of cleaning that I do to myself to maintain that there is no dust in the way. I think, like you clean your teeth I clean my mind everyday. You related the cricket world-cup in the education in today’s event. How do you collect the real-life incidents to motivate the audience at a large scale? I’m an educationist, I think like an educationist. So, I’m always looking for live lesson. What happened in Ahmedabad on that faithful day of the International Cricket World-cup. It showed me a new picture of India, a picture that is more sensible, a picture that is more sensitive. 10 year ago if this had happened our cricket team would have been bashed left right and centre. Would have only criticized, finding fault would have happened and every individual cricketer would have found it very difficult to show the face. The pride that I saw in that state that day is that standing together for team India. We were there in their victory and we were more than present for their loss and I think that is the real growth of humanity. There is a sea change in what we see this time we stood with them emotionally and that’s beautiful. What is this version of Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff as an AI speaker? How did it came into your mind? My AI version or Avatar is called Maya. Maya itself means illusion. The world is an illusion the sooner we get it-the better we are. So, AI is an illusion in the world and the nomenclature Maya is so beautiful. The reason we did AI was not was not easy. I mean we are into education, not industry. We neither have research ability not the money to do this kind of stuff but it was important that an educational group breaks the barrier to say that research is not only done by industry. So, we started this whole effort to say that we can demonstrate AI and not just talk about it. It started with the initial thought and in 60 days we were able to do it with some internal support and some intern from Gandhinagar that’s it. With this Avatar of Maya, how are you going to take it to the education in order to your pedagogy and curriculum? As part of Kalorex culture one of the very important areas is teacher training or teacher human development my lot of time was personally involved in it. I used to create the course, Go through the scripting, curate it then implementing it. Now, Maya is doing it. My voice is cloned, my face is cloned, I only approve the script and my does all the production. So, my work is reduced to 25% only, that is the power of an AI, which thankfully we have understood. How certain forum helps overall industry to interact and learn from each other? I always maintain that forums like this create collaboration and collaboration is the only way forward. I like your approach to create a unique space, I like your approach for learning the incremental things, I like your approach for making small changes that are impactful and that shows your attention to detail. And when you have attention to detail excellence is a by-product. Personally I like your space because of your attention to the details and your need and ability and understanding to bring about incremental changes. But on overall platform these platforms are very good.

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ArdorComm ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ to be held at Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023 #ELSAPune #ELSAMaharashtra

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In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the challenges and opportunities presented by the ‘new normal’ have been nothing short of transformative. To explore and celebrate the pioneers of educational excellence, ArdorComm Media Group is delighted to announce the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023,’ scheduled to take place on the 24th of November in Pune, Maharashtra. With the summit theme of ‘New Normal: Maharashtra – Pioneering Excellence in Education, Skilling & Employability,’ this event promises to be an intellectual and visionary journey into the future of education. In this dynamic and ever-evolving era, education plays a pivotal role in not just imparting knowledge but also in shaping the skills and employability of individuals. Maharashtra, with its rich legacy of educational excellence, stands as a beacon of inspiration, leading the way in this transformative journey. This theme signifies our commitment to celebrate and explore how Maharashtra, its educators, institutions, and innovators, are spearheading initiatives that set new standards in education, skill development, and ultimately, in equipping the workforce of the future. Join us as we delve into the ‘new normal’ of education, where Maharashtra serves as a guiding light, pioneering the path to excellence. Maharashtra: The Beacon of Educational Excellence Maharashtra, a diverse and culturally rich state in India, has long been a cradle of educational excellence. Known for vibrant cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, the state has a legacy deeply rooted in academia. Its commitment to nurturing intellect and fostering academic growth has drawn students and scholars from all corners of India and beyond. Maharashtra’s educational heritage is a tapestry woven with tradition and modernity, making it a focal point for those seeking knowledge and enlightenment. Furthermore, Maharashtra’s educational landscape is a vibrant blend of heritage and innovation. With a plethora of prestigious universities, research institutions, and a thriving EdTech ecosystem, the state offers a diverse range of opportunities for learners of all backgrounds. From ancient centres of learning to cutting-edge technological advancements, Maharashtra continually pushes the boundaries of education. It serves as a model for the harmonious coexistence of traditional wisdom and the transformative power of modern education, making it an ideal host for the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023.’ This event aims to celebrate and further elevate the rich educational legacy that Maharashtra has meticulously cultivated over the years. Pune: The Oxford of the East Pune’s journey towards becoming the ‘Oxford of the East’ has been a testament to its unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The city boasts a plethora of rich educational institutions, ranging from esteemed universities and colleges to research centres and specialized training institutes. This diversity has created an intellectual ecosystem that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and a thirst for knowledge among its students and scholars. Moreover, Pune’s unique charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. It respects its historical significance as a centre of learning while continuously embracing cutting-edge educational technologies and practices. This synthesis of old and new creates an environment where students can connect with their roots while preparing for the challenges of the future. With its serene surroundings and a vibrant community of scholars, Pune encapsulates the essence of academic pursuit. It is the perfect backdrop for the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023,’ where education enthusiasts and visionaries will converge to chart the course for the future of education in the ever-evolving ‘new normal.’ Together, they will explore innovative approaches, discuss critical challenges, and celebrate the rich heritage that Pune represents in the educational landscape. A Legacy of Excellence The ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards (ELSA) series stands as a testament to a remarkable legacy of unwavering dedication to educational excellence. This legacy has been carefully cultivated and nurtured over eight successful events, each leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape. ArdorComm New Normal ELSA has evolved into a shining beacon of inspiration, drawing educators, policymakers, and innovators from far and wide. It has become a platform where these visionaries converge to shape the future of education. Throughout its history, each ELSA summit has consistently demonstrated the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. It has provided a fertile ground for education enthusiasts to unite, exchange profound insights, and contribute to the overall growth of the education community. New Normal ELSA’s rich legacy is a testament to its enduring impact, continually igniting the spark of innovation and excellence in the hearts of those passionate about education. The Summit: A Confluence of Visionaries The ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ is poised to be a unique gathering of forward-thinkers and change-makers in the realm of education. It extends a hearty invitation to all those who are passionate about shaping the educational landscape, from policymakers who craft the framework to educators who mould young minds, and from EdTech pioneers who leverage technology to industry experts who bridge the gap between education and employability. This diverse blend of perspectives and expertise converging under one roof will foster rich dialogues, innovative solutions, and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the pressing challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving educational sphere. Moreover, this summit serves as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange that transcends boundaries. It’s an opportunity to break down silos and unite in a shared vision of enhancing the quality and relevance of education. The synergy created by the collective intellect and dedication of these education enthusiasts will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the future of education, not just in Maharashtra but far beyond. It’s a gathering of visionaries who understand that education is not just a means to an end; it’s the catalyst for societal progress and transformation. The ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ promises to be an enlightening experience, where ideas are transformed into action, and the legacy of educational excellence continues to flourish. Awards for Educational Excellence The ‘ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2023’ represent a prestigious and integral component of the summit, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging

ArdorComm ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ to be held at Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023 #ELSAPune #ELSAMaharashtra Read More »

Maharashtra Announces Ambitious Plan for 1,499 New Colleges in 2023

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Around 1,499 new colleges are set to be established in Maharashtra this year, as revealed by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The decision was announced during a gathering of the Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development (MAHED), presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, held at Sahyadri Guest House. Fadnavis shared that the meeting centered around a five-year strategy (2024-2029) that was discussed and sanctioned to determine the specific locations for these proposed colleges. Fadnavis took to Twitter and mentioned that during this meeting, a comprehensive five-year plan for 2024 to 2029 was endorsed to identify suitable locations for initiating colleges and institutions. As per this blueprint, this year will witness the establishment of colleges in 1499 different sites across the state. 🕜1.45pm | 30-8-2023 📍 Mumbai | दु. १.४५ वा. | ३०-८-२०२३ 📍मुंबई. 🔸 Meeting with Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development (MAHED) 🔸 महाराष्ट्र राज्य उच्च शिक्षण व विकास आयोग (माहेड) समवेत बैठक@mieknathshinde #mumbai #maharashtra pic.twitter.com/3vIJKX8SbI — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 30, 2023 Additionally, discussions during the meeting also witnessed experts expressing contentment with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020.

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