Launched in 2016, the annual challenge promotes social entrepreneurship and gives students opportunities to exchange ideas and interact with mentors and potential funders.

This year, 10 teams were shortlisted from more than 270 entries submitted by universities and colleges nationwide. Their ideas addressed education, livelihoods, health, sustainability and governance.

Finalists and winning ideas

First prize: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

Contact person: Karol S John (+918089205925)

The winning team presented URAPPU, a service that helps construction workers access government welfare benefits available to them.  Trained facilitators and case-management systems support workers with registration, documentation, eligibility checks, renewals, and claims.

Under its primary model, builders pay for the service, allowing workers to use it free of charge. The team is also exploring an alternative model that includes insurance benefits and may require workers to contribute according to their category.

Second prize: Azim Premji University, Bengaluru

Contact person: Arti Vilas Manmode (+919923254290)

The second-prize team presented SuoMoto, a digital platform for visually impaired people and persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD). SuoMoto Academy supports competitive-examination preparation through audio-based learning tools and memory techniques, enabling users to solve problems without pen and paper.

SuoMoto Club connects users with jobs, events and peers while supporting safe navigation. The platform aims to expand access to education and employment and promote independent living.

Third Prize: Azim Premji University, Bengaluru and Lovely Professional University

The third-prize team presented GreenPath, a digital platform that improves waste collection and management in rural areas. It gives households a digital identity, tracks waste collection through QR codes, and monitors waste segregation and payments. The platform also provides panchayats with real-time data to help them manage waste more effectively.

Designed to work offline and in multiple languages, GreenPath aims to strengthen local waste management and make waste collectors’ work more visible and valued. 

Samudra Sangkha Gogoi, mentor for the Social Enterprise Cell at Azim Premji University, said: “The Idea Challenge helps us understand the social issues that young people care about. It also shows how they can build sustainable enterprises to address these issues. Reaching the 10th edition inspires us to continue this work.”

“Vidya, that is, knowledge, is not enough. Knowledge is only the potential; when you add entrepreneurship, it becomes power.”

ON AI AND HUMAN DECISION-MAKING:

Speaking about the role of AI in Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi emphasised that technology and artificial intelligence do not work in isolation, with human experience and judgement continuing to play a central role. He said, “In this, the artificial intelligence did not work alone. It was the experience which worked with it. So, what is important is that together, we become powerful, the machine cues data and then humans decide. So, the machine is there to support you, but humans are the ones who will decide when to act, where to act, and when to stop.”

He also spoke about how the pace of planning and execution is changing with AI, saying, “Earlier, we used to look at 80 per cent of planning. Once you finish planning, then you look at execution. But in view of the artificial intelligence, your pace is so fast that you have to have concurrent planning and execution.” Connecting this shift to the adaptability of the younger generation, General Dwivedi said, “You are 36 crore Generation Z who are going to take this India forward. So, you don’t have to just know AI. You have to ride the AI like a horse rider, and AI and humans have to collaborate, for which Indians are always the best adapters.”

ON THE VISION OF VIKSIT BHARAT 2047:

Speaking about the future of national security and the role of young technology professionals, General Dwivedi said that a future Operation Sindoor would require collaboration between the armed forces and civil professionals. “As far as Operation Sindoor is concerned, now, if you are looking at 2.0, whenever it comes in the future, it will be a combination of the uniformed warriors and the civil warriors like you.”

“The next war will not have any borders. It will be there in the economic field. It will also be addressing your aircraft, airlines, airports, railway stations, and banking.”

He further highlighted the role of technology graduates in securing digital infrastructure. “Besides helping the Indian Army, you will be fighting the UPI in case somebody is carrying out an attack on that. So, payments defects and, of course, the affordable solutions to counter the drones. The smartphone will be the front line, and your code will be a shield or a coverage. So, Viksit Bharat 2047 will be in labs and startups which you are going to create in the future.”

APPRECIATING THE INITIATIVES AT VIT BHOPAL UNIVERSITY:

General Dwivedi also highlighted VIT Bhopal University’s STARS programme, saying, “If there are people from such a wide variety of backgrounds, then my kudos to VIT, which has brought everyone together. And that’s why I must compliment the STARS (Support the Advancement of Rural Students) Scheme programme of VIT, through which so many students from different places are studying here.”

He also appreciated the university’s approach to creativity and alternative approaches, referring to its No-Bag Day. “That is something great. It was something very creative, and I have never seen it at any college or university.”

The address concluded with General Dwivedi urging the graduating students to translate their knowledge into action and innovation. He emphasised that the next phase of India’s growth will be shaped by young professionals who can combine technology, entrepreneurship and human judgement to build solutions for the country. His message placed the graduating students at the centre of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

Nagpur, October 11: IIM Nagpur organised ‘Margdarshak’s Meet 2026’ on Sunday for students of its Professional Management Practice (PMP) course. The event brought more than 60 industry mentors to its sprawling campus at MIHAN, Nagpur. Students interacted with senior corporate leaders as part of the 8 months long mentoring initiative, to prepare them to have a smooth transition from campus to corporate life.

Dr. Pushp Kumar Joshi, former Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), was the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering on “Role of Mentors in Professional Success: A Personal Saga,” he encouraged students to develop clarity about their aspirations by being candid during their conversations with their respective mentors.

Dr. Joshi highlighted the importance of emotional quotient (EQ), intelligence quotient (IQ) and spiritual quotient (SQ), particularly in the era of artificial intelligence. “My life is bigger than my profession,” he said, encouraging students to look beyond their professional roles when considering their aspirations and personal development.

He also emphasised the need to develop spiritual quotient (SQ) from an early age. “SQ is the foundation of your self-esteem,” Dr. Joshi said, urging students to begin working on it early rather than waiting until they became senior citizens.

The experience-sharing session featured Mr. Sajjad Ahmed Shaik, Senior Director, Capgemini; Ms. Neha Mathur, former Chief Human Resources Officer, Urban Company; Mr. Praveen Gawali, Head of Human Resources (Textile), Raymond; and Mr. Lalit Kar, Senior Vice President – Workforce Management, Reliance Retail.

Sharing their mentoring experiences, the speakers encouraged students to remain alert and attentive, ask questions and draw practical insights from their mentors’ industry experience.

Prof. Alok Kumar Singh, Dean – Executive Education, delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Devashis Rath, Course Instructor, set the context for the programme. Students contributed through a Placecom presentation and cultural performances. Prof. Rath also proposed the vote of thanks at the inaugural session.

India, October 10, 2026: As the world celebrates the power of scientific discovery, 25 researchers from Shoolini University have been recognised in the latest World’s Top 2% Scientists list released by Elsevier, with seven also recognised for their career-long research impact.

Developed by a research team at Stanford University led by Prof John P. A. Ioannidis, in collaboration with Elsevier and Scopus, the latest database evaluates researchers worldwide and identifies the top 2% in each scientific subfield.

The latest list, released on October 7, 2026, draws on the August 1, 2026 Scopus data snapshot. It recognises researchers in two categories: Single-Year impact, based on citations received during 2025, and Career-Long impact, based on cumulative citations through the end of 2025. The methodology incorporates indicators including the composite c-score, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted measures and authorship-position metrics.

The recognition places Shoolini’s researchers alongside scientists from the world’s leading universities and research institutions. It is a global endorsement of research carried out in Shoolini University, across 12 scientific disciplines, covering Environmental Sciences and Nanotechnology to Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Pharmacology.

For Prof. P.K. Khosla, Chancellor, Shoolini University, the recognition is a reminder of the ambition that has guided the University since its beginnings. “This is a deeply proud moment for the entire Shoolini family and for me personally. When we started Shoolini, we had a simple but ambitious dream to create a university where young people could be inspired by all the knowledge around us, be curious, ask the right questions and ultimately make an impact in the world. Seeing 25 of our researchers earn global recognition is a sign that we are steadily moving towards that dream.” 

The recognition comes as Shoolini continues to strengthen its research ecosystem through interdisciplinary research, international collaborations, advanced laboratory infrastructure and competitive research funding. Researchers across the University work at the intersection of disciplines, with research spanning fundamental science, technology and applications with wider implications for society and industry. For Shoolini, the recognition is part of a larger ambition to build a research-led university where faculty and students have the opportunities to pursue questions that matter.

Reflecting on this recognition, Prof Atul Khosla, Vice-Chancellor, Shoolini University, said, “The last time our researchers featured among the World’s Top Scientists, I spoke about a dream that may have sounded audacious: that Shoolini should produce a Nobel laureate within the next ten years. I continue to believe that universities have to be audacious about what they can contribute to science and to society. 

Today, seeing 25 Shoolini researchers recognised in the latest World’s Top 2% Scientists list, gives that ambition an even stronger foundation. What makes me particularly proud is not simply the number, but the breadth and depth of research being undertaken across the University.

The Nobel dream remains audacious. We have a long way to go. But 25 researchers today tells us that we are moving in the right direction. And we certainly do not intend to stop here.” 

The latest recognition adds to Shoolini University’s growing research profile and reflects the work of its researchers across a diverse range of scientific fields.

Mumbai, 10 October 2026: K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce (Hinduja College), in association with Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) and Krisha Foundation, under the aegis of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), organised a Cycle Rally in Worli today to mark World Investor Week (WIW) 2026. More than 200 students, faculty members and invited guests took part.

The initiative highlighted the World Investor Week 2026 themes of Investor Resilience, Digital Deception and Scam Alert, encouraging participants to make informed investment decisions, recognise digital risks and stay vigilant against financial fraud, in line with SEBI’s WIW 2026 theme, “Samajh Se Investing Simple.”

Through the Cycle Rally, Hinduja College, in association with CDSL and Krisha Foundation, under the aegis of SEBI, took the investor education message to the streets of Mumbai. The initiative demonstrated that financial literacy extends beyond classrooms and encouraged students to share their learning with the wider community.

The Cycle Rally started and finished at the Hinduja College campus at Sadhana House, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli, covering about 5 km. Riders carried a simple call to the public: invest with knowledge, verify before you trust, and stay alert to fraud.

For Hinduja College, the Cycle Rally was an extension of what it teaches every day. Its objective was to promote investor awareness, financial literacy, responsible investment practices and investor protection among students and the general public. As a commerce institution, the college trains students in finance, markets and investing; this initiative encouraged them to pass that learning on.

Expressing his views, Prof. (Dr.) Navin M. Punjabi, Principal, Hinduja College, said, “Hinduja College is delighted to organise this Cycle Rally in association with CDSL and Krisha Foundation, under the aegis of SEBI. A cycle symbolises the discipline an investor needs: balance, steady effort and the commitment to keep moving forward. Our message is simple—keep investing with discipline, awareness and knowledge. This approach can help build wealth in the long run. Investor Education cannot stay inside a textbook; through this Cycle Rally, our students carried the message of informed and safe investing to the community.”

Students were at the centre of the ride, participating as riders and volunteers and carrying messages on building investor resilience, recognising digital deception and spotting scams before money is lost. By explaining these ideas to fellow citizens, they practised financial literacy rather than only studying it.

Bengaluru, October 08, 2026: In yet another testament to their achievements, Greenwood High International School Sarjapur students delivered a strong performance at the CISCE National Girls’ Football Championship 2026, contributing to the Under-14 and Under-17 girls’ teams representing the Karnataka & Goa Region. The championship, held recently in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, brought together teams representing several CISCE schools from across the country in the U-14, U-17 and U-19 girls’ categories, with 11 teams competing in the U-14 category and 12 teams in the U-17 category. Seven Greenwood High students represented the region in the U-14 team, while two students represented the U-17 team.

The U-14 Karnataka & Goa Region team remained unbeaten throughout the championship, securing five consecutive victories. It began with a 2–0 win over North India, followed by a 5–0 victory against Bihar and a 5–0 win over the North East Region. A further 2–0 semi-final victory against North India took the team into the final, where it defeated West Bengal 1–0 to claim the national title. The team scored 12 goals without conceding a single goal across five matches, a notable defensive record in a national-level championship.

The Karnataka & Goa Region also secured the U-17 national title with an unbeaten campaign. The team defeated North West 3–0, Uttar Pradesh 4–0 and Uttarakhand 5–0 in its opening matches, before overcoming Bihar 3–0 in the semi-final. The final against Maharashtra ended goalless in regulation time, with the Karnataka & Goa Region winning 4–3 on penalties to claim the championship.

Commenting on the achievement, Mrs. Niru Agarwal, Vice Chairperson and Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School, said, “Sport provides students with an opportunity to develop discipline, teamwork and the ability to work towards a common objective. The performance of our students at the national championship reflects the commitment and preparation required to compete at this level. We are pleased to see our students represent the Karnataka & Goa Region and contribute to its success at the national level. Opportunities to participate in competitive sport also enable students to develop confidence, responsibility and resilience through experience.”

The two championship victories reflect the consistency and competitive discipline demonstrated by the Karnataka & Goa Region across both age categories, with Greenwood High students contributing to the teams’ progress through the championship and their eventual national titles.

This year’s conference centers around the transformative theme of “Unlearning,” challenging educators to set aside outdated methodologies, implicit biases, and traditional teaching paradigms to make room for modern, student-centered practices fit for a rapidly evolving world.

As technology, artificial intelligence, and global dynamics reshape learning environments, the role of the educator is undergoing a fundamental shift. TeachConx will explore how letting go of legacy habits can foster deeper critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability in the classroom.

Throughout the two-day event, attendees will participate in practical breakout sessions focused on modern assessment, digital integration, student agency, and inclusive learning environments. Renowned educational leaders will deliver insightful keynote addresses examining the psychology and necessity of pedagogical unlearning, while structured networking opportunities will enable educators to exchange ideas, address shared challenges, and discover innovative strategies.

“Education is no longer just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about adaptability,” said Shefali Jhaveri, Head of Learning at Canadian International School, Bangalore. “To prepare our students for an unpredictable future, educators must first be willing to question long-held assumptions and unlearn habits that no longer serve today’s learners. TeachConX provides the ideal platform for educators to collaborate, reflect, and innovate together.”

TeachConx invites teachers, administrators, and educational practitioners across all disciplines to join this transformative gathering at the Canadian International School campus in Yelahanka, Bangalore, on October 29 and 30. Further information and registration details are available online at https://www.canadianinternationalschool.com/teachconx.

Pune, India, October 06, 2026: FLAME University, a pioneer in interdisciplinary education in India, has received an overall PLATINUM rating in the QS I-GAUGE University Ratings. This significant achievement comes alongside the University retaining its PLATINUM rating in Liberal Arts and Humanities under the QS I-GAUGE Subject Ratings, reaffirming its commitment to interdisciplinary learning, academic excellence, and a holistic educational experience. 

The QS I-GAUGE assessment evaluates Indian higher education institutions against rigorous global standards, drawing on institutional data, direct feedback from students, faculty, and alumni, and independent peer reviews by the QS Intelligence Unit in London.

The PLATINUM rating highlights the growing relevance of FLAME University’s commitment to holistic interdisciplinary education. By connecting diverse domains of knowledge, from the social sciences, humanities, physical and natural sciences to business, design, fine and performing arts, communications, management, and computational sciences, FLAME enables students to develop interdisciplinary perspectives, think critically and creatively, and remain prepared for an evolving future.

Reflecting on this milestone, Prof. Dishan Kamdar, Vice Chancellor, FLAME University, remarked, “A university is much more than a collection of classrooms and academic programs. It is a dynamic ecosystem in which academic rigour, institutional governance, community engagement, and campus culture collectively shape the student experience. For an institution grounded in the philosophy of liberal education, this PLATINUM rating is particularly meaningful because it recognises our whole-university approach to excellence. It reflects our commitment to creating an intellectually stimulating environment, fostering curiosity and critical thinking, advancing impactful research, and developing socially responsible and engaged learners. Ultimately, it is a recognition of our continued endeavour to create an educational environment that enables students to learn, question, explore, and contribute meaningfully to society.” 

FLAME University continues to advance the boundaries of higher education through its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Supported by faculty regularly publishing in leading academic journals and advancing knowledge through dynamic research centers, the university remains a hub for multidisciplinary innovation. Together, these academic and institutional initiatives reflect the breadth of FLAME University’s broad and integrated approach to higher education, strengthening its learning environment, research, and contribution to society.

Initiated by programme chairperson Prof. Ravindra Gokhale, the conclave featured keynote addresses by Kaushalya Gaonkar, Managing Director, Knorr-Bremse, and Prof. Bob Doherty, University of York, along with two industry panels.

The first panel, “From Dark Stores to Global Shop Floors,” examined how organisations can balance speed, cost, resilience and sustainability while preparing supply chains for future disruptions. Speakers also discussed hybrid manufacturing models, demand sensing and lessons that traditional manufacturing can draw from quick-commerce fulfilment. The second panel, “Supply Chains 5.0: AI, Governance & Global Trade,” focused on the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making and India’s potential to benefit from global supply-chain diversification. The panel emphasised that AI adoption must be supported by reliable data, clear accountability and human oversight.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Manoj K. Tiwari, Director, IIM Mumbai urged students and future leaders to contribute actively to the India @ 2047 vision by combining technological capability with responsible leadership. Faculty members, including Prof. Binilkumar, A. S., Chairperson of Executive PG Programmes, Prof. Ranjni K.S., Chair of Weekend MBA and Prof. Rauf Iqbal, Associate Professor, highlighted the importance of the VLFM programme in developing professionals capable of bridging operational expertise with strategic leadership.

“India @ 2047 calls on our future leaders to turn technological progress into trusted, practical transformation. Our students must pair innovation with responsibility and contribute to a stronger, more resilient and globally competitive India,” Prof. Tiwari said.

As the programme chair who initiated ABHYUDAY, Prof. Gokhale closed the event with an inspiring keynote on the VLFM programme. He commended the Business Conclave Committee for its efforts in organising the event and highlighted the conclave’s role as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among industry, academia and the VLFM cohort.

“ABHYUDAY 2026 has brought together valuable perspectives from industry, academia and the VLFM cohort. I commend the Business Conclave Committee for its excellent execution and hope ABHYUDAY continues to grow as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration,” said Prof. Ravindra Gokhale.

The graduation ceremony was graced by Dr Manjula N. IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, was also part of the ceremony, representing the institute’s role in conducting the programme through COE MINRO.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Manjula N. IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka said, “Building India’s semiconductor capabilities ultimately begins with people who have the knowledge, technical competence and ability to work with the technologies that will shape our future. K-VLSI represents a meaningful effort towards building a strong semiconductor talent pool in Karnataka by bringing together government, academia and industry. As the sector continues to evolve, continuous learning and adaptability will be essential for professionals entering this field. I congratulate the students on completing the programme and wish them success as they take the next step in their professional journeys.”

Launched in April 2024, the K-VLSI Post Graduate Diploma Programme was established to strengthen Karnataka’s semiconductor talent ecosystem and address the gap between academic education and the practical, industry-oriented skills required by the VLSI and chip-design industry. The programme combines structured coursework with hands-on laboratory training, design and verification projects, mentorship from semiconductor professionals and placement support.

The programme has expanded since its first cohort of 70 students. The third cohort comprised 151 students, reflecting the growing demand for specialised training in VLSI and semiconductor technologies. Students joined the programme from different parts of Karnataka, giving the initiative a broad geographic reach across the state.

The programme’s focus on industry-relevant training has also translated into employment opportunities for its graduates. The first cohort recorded close to 100% placement, while the second cohort had achieved around 90% placement as of date. Graduates from both cohorts have subsequently gained professional experience and moved to new roles with higher compensation packages, indicating continued career progression after completing the programme.

K-VLSI graduates have secured opportunities across a range of organisations in the electronics, semiconductor, technology and engineering sectors, including Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), IBM, Siemens, Samsung, Hinduja Global Solutions, Bosch, Tata Electronics, Foxconn, NXP Semiconductors and Blueberry Semiconductors.

The programme equips engineering graduates with skills relevant to areas such as RTL design, verification, embedded systems and semiconductor design, while providing exposure to practical projects and industry expectations. Its curriculum and training approach are aimed at enabling learners to transition from academic learning to professional roles in the semiconductor ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said, “Building a strong semiconductor talent pool requires programmes that combine academic foundations with practical, industry-oriented learning. The K-VLSI Post Graduate Diploma Programme, conducted by the Centre of Excellence-Machine Intelligence and Robotics (COE MINRO) at IIIT-Bangalore, provides engineering graduates with an opportunity to develop skills aligned with the requirements of the VLSI and semiconductor industry. The placement outcomes of the first two cohorts, along with the career progression of our alumni, demonstrate the value of this industry-focused approach. As Karnataka continues to strengthen its semiconductor ecosystem, programmes such as K-VLSI can play an important role in preparing skilled professionals for emerging opportunities in the sector.”

With the successful completion of its third cohort, the K-VLSI Post Graduate Diploma Programme continues to contribute to the development of industry-ready talent and create pathways for engineering graduates to build careers in Karnataka’s growing VLSI and semiconductor ecosystem.