Current Affairs - Education

The Odisha University (Amendment) Act was enacted in 2024 and introduced significant reforms in the state's higher education system. These reforms include granting universities autonomy in their recruitment processes, introducing a new method for appointing Vice-Chancellors with an increased age limit of up to 70 years, and re-establishing the Senate within universities. The year 2024 is critical as it marks the beginning of these transformative changes aimed at improving academic governance and institutional efficiency in Odisha's university system.

IIM-Ahmedabad is establishing its first international campus in Dubai as part of its global expansion strategy. This milestone follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE government. The Dubai campus will initially offer a one-year full-time MBA program designed for global professionals and entrepreneurs. The campus will operate in phases, with the first phase set in Dubai's International Academic City, and the permanent campus planned to open by 2029. Dubai’s strategic location, known for its role in innovation and entrepreneurship, makes it an ideal hub for IIM-Ahmedabad’s global educational footprint.

The MoU signed between RailTel, Lamrin Tech Skills University (LTSU), and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) aims to boost railway skill development. The partnership focuses on creating specialized diplomas and certifications tailored to the railway industry's needs. It includes curriculum design, training labs, internships, and placement support. RailTel contributes industry insights, LTSU provides the necessary infrastructure, and NSDC facilitates collaboration and funding, ensuring comprehensive skill development for the railway sector.

The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) initiative by the Union Government is focused on providing quality education to tribal children, particularly in blocks with a high percentage of Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations. This program aims to bridge educational gaps by offering facilities similar to those of Navodaya Vidyalayas, tailored to the unique needs of tribal students. The establishment of 728 EMRSs will benefit approximately 3.5 lakh tribal students across India, promoting inclusive education and empowering tribal communities through access to quality learning environments.

The first batch of Cyber Commandos was trained by the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, focusing on advanced cybersecurity techniques to combat the rising threats of cybercrime. This initiative, supported by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement officers across India in addressing digital threats. The training was completed on April 1, 2025, with the valedictory ceremony held at the IIT Madras campus, marking a significant step towards strengthening India's cyber defence infrastructure.