Current Affairs - Education

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has partnered with IIT Madras through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen educational research and promote the integration of advanced technologies in learning. This collaboration aims to foster innovation in education by leveraging Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning tools. Aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020, the partnership seeks to modernize India’s education system, enhance digital learning infrastructure, and create data-driven, inclusive, and adaptive educational models that improve both teaching methodologies and student engagement nationwide.

Goa has taken a pioneering step by introducing chess into its school and college curricula, as announced by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The initiative aims to help students enhance strategic thinking, concentration, and decision-making skills while also boosting their confidence. The announcement coincided with the launch of the FIDE World Cup logo, an event that highlights Goa’s growing presence on the global sports stage. This move not only supports educational innovation but also contributes to the state’s cultural and economic growth through the promotion of intellectual sports.

The NIELIT Digital University (NDU) platform was launched by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to promote accessible and high-quality digital education across India, especially in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Semiconductors. Alongside this launch, five new NIELIT centres were inaugurated in Muzaffarpur, Balasore, Tirupati, Lunglei, and Daman. These centres aim to bridge the digital divide, strengthen regional skill development, and ensure that advanced technical education reaches students and professionals in underserved areas, aligning with India’s broader vision for a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy.

The launch of 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in Jammu & Kashmir under the Frontier Region Programme aims to strengthen innovation at the school level. These labs provide students with access to 3D printing, robotics, AI kits, and coding platforms, enabling them to develop STEM skills, solve local challenges, and prepare for future careers. The initiative, supported by ATL Sarthi and private sector partners like Boeing and Amazon India, also includes mentorship and teacher training, creating an ecosystem that fosters hands-on learning and cultivates creativity and problem-solving abilities among young learners in remote and underserved regions.

IIT Madras has been nominated as a UN Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Artificial Intelligence, highlighting India’s growing influence in global AI development. This designation supports efforts to address the AI skills gap, foster ethical AI governance, and promote collaboration across the Global South. Under India’s AI Mission, initiatives include training 10 million people annually, deploying 38,000 GPUs, and making 300 open-source AI models available. IIT Madras’s recognition as a CoE strengthens its role as a leading research and education hub in AI, positioning India at the forefront of innovation and responsible AI deployment internationally.