Category: Education

Amity University Haryana Celebrates International Day of Yoga with International Yoga Clinic & Symposium on Wellness, Wisdom and World Peace

(Eminent Academicians and Yoga Experts Highlight Yoga as a Pathway to Holistic Health, Inner Harmony and Human Excellence)

Gurugram, Haryana, June 18: Reinforcing its commitment to holistic education, health, and human wellbeing, Amity University Haryana successfully organised a Two-Day International Yoga Clinic & Symposium on the theme “Yoga for Wellness, Wisdom & World Peace” in observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga. The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Sports and Amity Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana, in collaboration with the Directorate of Higher Education, Haryana, and Haryana Yog Aayog.

The event brought together eminent academicians, yoga experts, health professionals, faculty members, staff and wellness enthusiasts to explore the transformative power of yoga in nurturing physical health, mental resilience, emotional balance and inner harmony. Through a blend of experiential learning and scholarly deliberations, the programme highlighted yoga as a timeless practice that continues to offer solutions to contemporary health and lifestyle challenges.

The first day featured practical yoga sessions conducted at the university campus by Ms. Archana Yadav, Sports Officer, Amity University Haryana. Participants actively engaged in yoga asanas, Surya Namaskar, pranayama, meditation and breathing exercises designed to improve flexibility, concentration, fitness and overall wellbeing. The programme coordination was supported by Mr. Sandeep Yadav, Sports Officer and Programme Co-Coordinator.

The second day featured an International Yoga Symposium held at the D Block Conference Hall. The symposium was graced by Prof. (Dr.) P. B. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana; Prof. (Dr.) Tarak Nath Pramanik, Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Shastri, Yoga Kendra, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; and Dr. Krishna Kant Jha, Health Consultant, New Delhi.

During his address, Prof. (Dr.) P. B. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana emphasized that yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a way of life that promotes discipline, self-awareness, excellence and human development. Prof Sharma  highlighted the relevance of yogic wisdom in addressing the challenges of modern society and called upon participants to embrace yoga as a lifelong practice for achieving wellness and inner peace. Prof Sharma further underscored the importance of integrating yoga, physical activity, and mindful living into everyday life for building healthier individuals and stronger communities.

Delivering the keynote session, Prof. (Dr.) Tarak Nath Pramanik described yoga as a multidimensional discipline encompassing philosophy, physiology, psychology and practice. He explained how yoga contributes to physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing and highlighted its scientific foundations and contemporary relevance. He emphasized that yoga should be understood not merely as exercise but as a comprehensive system for achieving balance and harmony in life.

Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Shastri spoke on the integration of yoga with the Indian Knowledge System and healthy living. He elaborated on the significance of Om chanting, Gayatri Mantra, pranayama, and disciplined living in preventing lifestyle-related disorders and promoting overall wellness. He highlighted the importance of adopting yoga as a lifelong practice for preventive healthcare and inner transformation.

Dr. Krishna Kant Jha focused on the therapeutic applications of yoga, nature cure, and lifestyle management. Through practical demonstrations, he explained how specific yogic practices can support preventive healthcare and help manage common health concerns such as obesity, stress, and back pain. He emphasized the role of yoga and natural living in enhancing physical fitness, mental well-being, and quality of life.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjna Vij, Director, Amity Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana, during her welcome address highlighted the importance of integrating yoga into daily life and emphasized its role in promoting holistic development and lifelong wellness. Prof Vij remarked that yoga reminds us that true progress is not measured only by economic growth, but also by good health, peace of mind, positive thinking and a happy life. She emphasized that when individuals are peaceful, balanced and healthy from within, they naturally spread positivity in their families, communities and society, thereby contributing to a more harmonious and compassionate world.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Deepak Singh Kushwah, Deputy Director of Sports, Amity University Haryana.

The enthusiastic participation of faculty members, staff, and distinguished guests reflected the growing recognition of yoga as a powerful tool for preventive healthcare, personal transformation and social harmony. The event reaffirmed Amity University Haryana’s commitment to promoting wellness, value-based education and holistic development while contributing to the vision of a healthier, happier and more peaceful society.

The programme successfully echoed the message of International Day of Yoga 2026-“Yoga for Wellness, Wisdom & World Peace”-and inspired participants to integrate yogic practices into their daily lives for building a healthier future and a more harmonious world.

NIT Rourkela Develops Low-Cost Ceramic Adsorbent for Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Rourkela, June 18 (UDN): Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an innovative and cost-effective ceramic adsorbent capable of removing harmful dyes from industrial wastewater, offering a sustainable solution to one of the most pressing environmental challenges.

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The research team from the Department of Ceramic Engineering, led by Associate Professor Sunipa Bhattacharyya along with scholars Susanta Mohapatra and Sourav Ranjan Satpathy, designed the adsorbent using industrial by-products such as fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and kaolin clay.

Industries such as textiles, dyeing, and printing generate large volumes of coloured wastewater containing toxic chemicals that can contaminate rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, posing serious risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health. Conventional wastewater treatment methods are often expensive, energy-intensive, and generate additional waste.

To address these challenges, the NIT Rourkela team developed a ceramic adsorbent specifically engineered to remove Methylene Blue, a commonly used dye found in industrial effluents. Laboratory tests demonstrated remarkable performance, with the material achieving more than 95 percent dye removal efficiency.

A key innovation of the research lies in the use of raw kaolin clay instead of heat-treated metakaolin, eliminating an energy-intensive production stage. This not only reduces manufacturing costs but also makes the process more environmentally sustainable.

Researchers estimate that the adsorbent can be produced at a cost ranging between ₹25 and ₹50 per kilogram, making it an economically viable option for large-scale industrial wastewater treatment applications.

The findings of the study have been published in the reputed journal ChemistrySelect and support global efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, sanitation, and responsible production practices.

The breakthrough is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable wastewater management and reinforce NIT Rourkela’s reputation as a leading centre for innovative research addressing real-world environmental challenges.

New Book on Property Tax in Europe Spotlights Lessons with International Relevance

IT by Elinor Glyn now available from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of IT by Elinor Glyn. This novel is published by Histria Classics, an imprint dedicated to reviving forgotten masterpieces and returning timeless stories to today’s readers. A deluxe hardcover companion volume, Clara Bow: My Story — the long-lost memoir of the original “It Girl” — is published simultaneously from our Histria A&E imprint.

Elinor Glyn’s IT launches our new Forgotten Classics series — a line of beautifully crafted deluxe hardcover editions that return culturally significant works of the past to today’s readers in a form worthy of their place in literary history. The novel first gave the world the idea of the “It” girl. Set in a sharply observed Jazz Age world, it follows a self-made tycoon and a proud young woman whose remaining social power rests on the one thing she still controls: herself. Around them swirl old money, new fortunes, drugs, scandal, and a media machine just learning how to manufacture desire.

What feels startlingly modern is the book’s eye for performance: how charisma works, how image is built, and what it costs to live as the object of other people’s appetite. Glyn writes about sex, money, and status with a frankness that still stings, but she is just as interested in female agency and moral compromise. IT is not a period curiosity; it reads like an origin story for our influencer age.

Readers who know Clara Bow as the screen’s first “It Girl” will recognize how this story seeded her legend, yet the novel itself is about something knottier and more adult: who really owns your magnetism, and what it costs to spend it.

Elinor Glyn (née Sutherland, 1864–1943) was a British novelist and screenwriter whose romantic fiction scandalized polite society while shaping modern popular culture. Writing frankly about desire within strict moral times, she coined and popularized the idea of the “It” girl. Her work and ideas helped define early Hollywood glamour and influenced stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, and, especially, Clara Bow.

IT by Elinor Glyn, deluxe hardcover, 184 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-550-1, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

Noida International University Organizes Grand Educator’s Meet 2026 in Varanasi to Strengthen Academic Collaboration

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Noida International University (NIU) successfully organized an impactful Educators’ Meet at The Amayaa Hotel, Varanasi, bringing together distinguished academicians, teachers, counselors, and education professionals on one platform to discuss the evolving landscape of education, student development, and institutional collaboration.

The event was graced by Dr. Brijesh Kumar, Founder of L-1 Coaching Institute, who attended as the Chief Guest. The gathering was further honoured by the presence of Mr. Akash Sharma, Director – Admissions & Outreach, Noida International University, as the Guest of Honour. Mr. Anshuman Deo Gupta, President, Teacher Association, also marked his esteemed presence and shared valuable insights on strengthening educational ecosystems and teacher engagement.

Dr. Brijesh Kumar said, “Education is the strongest foundation for nation-building, and educators play the most critical role in shaping young minds. Such collaborative platforms encourage meaningful dialogue and help institutions and educators work together for the holistic development of students.”

Mr. Akash Sharma said, “At Noida International University, our focus remains on providing students with industry-oriented education, global exposure, and skill-based learning opportunities. Educators are our strongest partners in guiding students toward the right academic and career pathways, and platforms like these help us build stronger academic relationships.”

The Educators’ Meet served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and discussions on emerging opportunities in higher education. Participants engaged in meaningful conversations around academic excellence, career guidance, and institutional partnerships aimed at enhancing student outcomes.

The event was efficiently coordinated by Mr. Ankur Sharma and Mr. Tarun Pratap, whose dedicated efforts contributed significantly to the successful execution of the gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives from Noida International University expressed gratitude to all guests, educators, and participants for making the event a success. The university reiterated its commitment to fostering strong ties with the academic fraternity and continuing efforts toward educational advancement across the country.

The event concluded on a positive and collaborative note, reinforcing Noida International University’s vision of empowering educators and strengthening the future of higher education through meaningful engagement.

Government Temporarily Restricts Telegram Access in Select Context Ahead of NEET (UG) 2026 Re-Exam

New Delhi, June 16: In view of concerns related to exam integrity and the upcoming NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination, authorities have implemented a temporary restriction on certain online communication platforms, including Telegram, as a precautionary measure. The restriction will remain in place until June 22, 2026.

Officials stated that the decision has been taken to prevent the potential misuse of digital platforms for the circulation of sensitive examination-related content, including unauthorized sharing of question papers, answer keys, or related materials. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in high-stakes national examinations.

Authorities emphasized that safeguarding the examination process is a priority, and necessary steps are being taken to maintain a secure and unbiased environment for candidates. Monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened to prevent any form of malpractice or information leakage during the examination period.

The temporary measure is expected to be lifted after the completion of the re-examination cycle, subject to review. Officials have also urged students and stakeholders to rely only on official communication channels for updates related to NEET (UG) 2026.

The government reiterated its commitment to conducting examinations in a fair and secure manner, ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates.

Mental Maths Creates Sharper Minds: Uma Swaminathan at SIP Summit

 Photo: SIP Abacus felicitated its 120 meritorious alumni (past students) for their excellence in academics

Hyderabad, June 14, 2026: SIP Abacus Achievers Summit was held in the city on Sunday at TGSRTC Kalabhavan, Bagh Lingampally, to celebrate the academic achievements of 120 SIP Abacus alumni who secured over 90 percent marks in SSC and Intermediate examinations.
 
Ms. Uma Swaminathan, National Manager, SIP Abacus, Chennai, inaugurated the summit as the Chief Guest in the presence of Mr. Bharath, State Head, SIP Abacus Telangana, parents, students and faculty members.
 
The students honoured included several Grand Master Module finishers who had undergone advanced Mental Math and Abacus training during their formative years.
 
Many of the students who were felicitated spoke on the occasion and attributed part of their academic success to the concentration, memory, confidence and learning skills they developed through Mental Math and Abacus training.

 Photo: Ms Uma Swaminathan seen at the inauguration of SIP Abacus Excellence Summit 2026 at TGRTC Kalyana Mangalam, Baghlingampally

 
What makes their achievements noteworthy is that they overcame the fear of mathematics at a young age and developed exceptional concentration, memory, visualization skills, learning agility and self-confidence through systematic brain training.
 
Several of these students are popularly referred to as “human calculators” because of their ability to perform complex mental calculations with remarkable speed and accuracy. Demonstrating their skills at the summit, students solved challenging arithmetic problems mentally without the use of calculators, paper or electronic devices.
 
Many of them showcased their ability to perform mental calculations while simultaneously engaging in activities such as sports, dance and martial arts, demonstrating high levels of concentration, focus and multitasking ability.
 
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Uma Swaminathan said that Mental Math develops sharper minds,  is emerging as a new Mind Sport for future-ready children.  In the coming decade, Mental Maths with cognitive development, confidence, communication, and future-ready skills will have the greatest growth potential.
 
She said that parents and educators today are increasingly asking important questions: Can concentration be trained? Can confidence be taught? Can Mental Math improve academic performance? Can Mind Sports serve as a healthy alternative to excessive screen time? Can early brain training help create future-ready children?
 
“With growing concern over children’s increasing dependence on digital screens, many parents are turning to Mental Math and Mind Sports as constructive activities that develop cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, memory, concentration and intellectual potential,” she said.
 
According to her, educationists across the world are increasingly recognising Mind Sports as an effective way to nurture skills that are often not explicitly taught in traditional classrooms.
 
“Just as athletics trains the body, Mental Math trains the brain,” she remarked.
 
Ms. Uma also shared that more than 100 SIP alumni have secured admissions (competing with ten lakh who wrote the exam) into various IITs across the country this year alone demonstrating the long-term impact of cognitive skill development and disciplined learning habits.
 
The summit featured live demonstrations of Mental Arithmetic by eight exceptionally talented current students and alumni, who amazed the audience with their speed, accuracy and ability to perform complex calculations entirely in their minds.
 
SIP Abacus is one of India’s leading children’s skill development organisations and a six-time Limca Book of Records holder. Over the past two decades, it has trained more than one million children across the country through its programmes aimed at developing concentration, memory, visualization, analytical thinking and learning agility.

Disha Publication Launches Errorless 202 PYQ Series With Self-Grading Revision System for JEE 2027

New Delhi, June 12:Disha Publication , a leading name in India’s educational publishing space, has launched the Errorless 202 New Syllabus Chapter-wise & Topic-wise 25 Years JEE Main PYQ Series (2026–2002) for JEE 2027 aspirants to help students move beyond conventional question-solving and adopt a more structured preparation approach.

As competition intensifies and preparation strategies become increasingly data-driven, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) continue to play a central role in helping students understand exam patterns and question trends. However, most PYQ resources stop at practice. The Errorless 202 Series seeks to go a step further by integrating practice, revision, and testing within a single framework, enabling students to use PYQs as a more structured preparation tool.

Commenting on the launch, Avinash Agarwal, Director, Disha Publication, said, “For more than two decades, we have observed how students prepare for competitive examinations and how their preparation evolves as the exam approaches. While PYQs remain one of the most effective preparation resources, many students use them only for practice. They often lack a structured way to revisit mistakes, identify weak areas, and measure progress over time. The Errorless 202 Series was created to address this gap by bringing together practice, revision, and testing within a single framework, helping students prepare in a more organised and purposeful manner.“

The series follows a three-step Practice-Revision-Testing (PRT) framework. Students can work through 25 years of JEE Main questions arranged chapter-wise and topic-wise, supported by detailed solutions and separate sections for MCQs and Numerical Value Questions. A key differentiator is the Self-Grading Sticker System, which allows students to mark questions that require revision or those they find particularly challenging, creating a personalised revision repository as preparation progresses.

The series also includes three-level mini quizzes for self-assessment, NCERT Page Locators for quick concept revision, and last five years’ trend analysis to help students identify important topics. Aligned with the latest JEE syllabus, the series is designed to support students throughout their preparation journey rather than only during the practice phase.

The Errorless 202 New Syllabus Chapter-wise & Topic-wise 25 Years JEE Main PYQ Series is available on Amazon and Flipkart. Students can also purchase the series through the official Disha Publications website, where launch offers are available, including complimentary Physics Flashcards featuring 55 high-impact revision cards for Classes 11 and 12, designed around active recall techniques.

Odisha Govt Pulls Up Colleges Over Low Usage of Free Wi-Fi, Orders Immediate Corrective Measures

Bhubaneswar, June 11 (UDN): Concerned over the underutilisation of free Wi-Fi services in higher educational institutions, the Odisha Government has directed colleges and universities across the state to take immediate measures to increase student engagement with the facility.

The Higher Education Department observed that despite the availability of free internet access in campuses, daily data consumption by students remains significantly below expectations in several institutions. The government has expressed concern that the low usage is preventing students from fully benefiting from digital learning resources and online academic opportunities.

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As part of its digital education initiative, the state government had established free Wi-Fi infrastructure in 130 higher educational institutions to bridge the digital divide and provide students with seamless access to e-learning platforms, research materials, online journals and educational content.

In a recent communication, the department instructed college authorities to identify the factors responsible for the poor utilisation of the service and implement corrective measures without delay. Institutions have been asked to create greater awareness among students regarding the availability and benefits of the facility.

The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) has recommended organising orientation programmes for both new and existing students, along with campus-wide awareness campaigns. Colleges have also been directed to prominently display Wi-Fi login details, registration procedures and usage guidelines at strategic locations such as libraries, laboratories, classrooms and student common areas.

To encourage meaningful use of the internet facility, faculty members have been advised to integrate digital learning tools into classroom teaching. Students should be encouraged to access online journals, e-books, open educational resources and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to enhance their academic learning and research capabilities.

Officials said improving the utilisation of free Wi-Fi services is crucial to achieving the government’s vision of creating digitally empowered campuses and ensuring that public investments in educational technology deliver maximum benefits to students.

AI-Powered Railway Control System for Efficient Urban Train Operation

Researchers develop a new reinforcement learning framework for precise, real-time, and sustainable automatic railway control

Urban railways play a key role in sustainable transportation systems. However, achieving precise and energy-efficient train control under diverse operating conditions of urban railways remains a challenge. Researchers from Japan have now developed a recurrent reinforcement learning framework for urban railway speed control that combines expert-guided learning and safety filtering. The proposed method demonstrated stable, real-time operation and energy-saving performance, highlighting its potential for next-generation automatic train operation systems.

As cities continue to expand,railways are expected to become an important component of urban mobility systems. Compared to automobiles and air transport, railways are highly energy efficient and produce relatively low environmental impacts and therefore form an important component of sustainable transportation systems. Thus, researchers have been exploring advanced train control technologies for further improvement of operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and punctuality while reducing energy consumption.

In this context, Professor Masafumi Miyatake from the Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences in collaboration with doctoral studentMingyu Lyu from Graduate School of Science and Technology, Sophia University,investigated a new AI-based framework for urban railway speed control. The findings were published in Volume 14 of IEEE Access on March 25, 2026.

Reinforcement learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) which has attracted attention as a promising approach for automatic train operations as it enables an AI agent to learn optimal control strategies by interacting repeatedly with an environment and improving its behavior through trial and error. However, implementing this in railway operation presents several practical challenges including incomplete information about operating conditions, train inertia, braking delays, and strict safety requirements.

To overcome this, researchers developed a recurrent reinforcement learning framework based on Recurrent Soft Actor–Critic (RSAC) algorithm. RSAC is an AI method that enables train control systems to learn from past driving patterns and adapt to changing railway conditions over time.

“Our reinforcement learning-based algorithm was capable of adapting train driving control to a wide range of track and rolling stock conditions,” explains Prof. Miyatake.

Unlike conventional reinforcement learning methods,the proposed approach used arecurrent neural network that can retain information from previous train states. This allowed the system to capture time-based relationships associated with train operation, such as traction response delays, braking history, and inertial effects, thereby improving decision-making under partially observable conditions.The team also used a training approach that allowed the AI system to first learn from examples of expert driving behavior before learning on its own. By studying these optimized driving patterns early in training, the AI was able to learn faster, make better decisions, and develop more stable and efficient train control behavior.

Apart from this, the team also integrated a safety filter into the framework. The safety filter would override potentially unsafe control commands generated by the AI policy and ensure compliance with the operational constraints such as speed limits and braking feasibility. This mechanism also helped ensure safe operation when the learned policy encountered unfamiliar situations.

The proposed framework was evaluated through various simulations of urban railway operations over approximately two-kilometer sections between stations. The simulation environment was designed to closely resemble real-world railway conditions, including uphill and downhill tracks, changing speed limits, and required train arrival times.

Additionally, the proposed AI framework was also compared with several other widely used reinforcement learning algorithms. These included Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (TD3), and Soft Actor–Critic (SAC), which are commonly used to train autonomous decision-making systems.

“Among all the methods tested, our developed frameworklearned faster and performed better than all tested methods,” explains Prof. Miyatake.

The research also demonstrated strong energy efficiency. While dynamic programming achieved the theoretical minimum energy consumption under ideal conditions, the developed system attained comparable performance while remaining suitable for real-time operation. Meanwhile, conventional reinforcement learning approaches exhibited less stable behavior and higher energy consumption.

The findings suggest that this framework could help introduce a cleaner and more convenient public transportation by facilitating accurate and energy-efficient train operation at relatively low cost. The study refines the advantages of railways as an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system contributing towards a sustainable future. Looking ahead, the study may contribute to enhancing the role of railways as a sustainable transportation system—supporting climate change mitigation and sustainable urban development.

The findings also highlight the potential of AI-driven railway systems to support safer, greener, and more reliable urban transportation in future smart cities.