Current Affairs - Education

Mizoram has been officially recognized as India’s first fully literate state, a significant achievement in the realm of education and social progress. The declaration was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma during a ceremony in Aizawl, attended by prominent dignitaries, including Minister Jayant Chaudhary and Dr. Vanlalthlana. This milestone was achieved through persistent efforts, including comprehensive door-to-door literacy surveys and effective educational initiatives conducted under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. Surpassing a literacy rate of 95%, Mizoram’s accomplishment highlights the impact of focused governance and community-driven education models in uplifting social indicators.

IIT Delhi launched the ‘Manasvi’ mentorship programme to encourage high-school girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The programme is managed by the Academic Outreach and New Initiatives Office at IIT Delhi and aims to reduce gender disparities in STEM by providing mentorship and skill-building opportunities. ‘Manasvi’ helps girls build confidence and gain the necessary skills to succeed in STEM fields, reflecting IIT Delhi’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and inspiring young women to explore science and technology.

HCLTech has collaborated with IIT Guwahati to launch a comprehensive upskilling program in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. The program, delivered as a four-year online Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree, is part of HCLTech's broader TechBee initiative aimed at fostering early-career talent development. This strategic partnership allows employees to gain advanced technical knowledge while continuing their professional roles, blending academic learning with practical industry exposure. Such collaborations between academia and industry are essential to equip the workforce with relevant, future-ready skills in emerging technologies like AI, ensuring a competitive edge in the digital economy.

The NSDC-PDEU Centre of Excellence was inaugurated in Gandhinagar by Jayant Chaudhary, highlighting a major step towards aligning educational efforts with emerging industry needs. This centre is focused on skill development in crucial sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, smart technologies, and renewable energy. With over 40 online and hybrid courses planned, the initiative aims to equip youth with the expertise required in future-oriented industries. Gandhinagar, being a hub of educational and technological innovation in Gujarat, serves as a strategic location for launching such a forward-looking skill development centre.

Researchers at IIT Bombay have identified a unique host protein that plays a critical role in the human immune system by eliminating germs before they can cause harm. This protein operates using a tweezer-like mechanism, acting almost like a special operations unit within the body’s defence system. The discovery, led by Prof. Anirban Banerjee, offers new insights into how our immune system neutralizes threats at an early stage. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may be able to develop more targeted therapies or strengthen immune responses, marking a significant advancement in the field of biomedical science and pathogen resistance.