Latest news with #AdditionalSkillAcquisitionProgramme
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Time of India
Bid to develop Sanskrit varsity into heritage tourism campus
Kochi: Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady, is set to launch an initiative to transform the Kalady main campus into a heritage tourism campus. The announcement was made by syndicate member K S Arun Kumar during a press conference on the campus on Friday. The university also reached an agreement with the protesting students after the varsity made relaxations on curfew times of hostels and rolled back fee hike. The heritage tourism campus project will be implemented by integrating departments of theatre, fine arts, music and dance. Innovative skill development courses will be launched to equip students with expertise in at least three different disciplines. Short-term courses will be introduced in collaboration with ASAP (Additional Skill Acquisition Programme) and Knowledge Mission. For undergraduate students, hostel timings will be until 7.30pm. However, in essential circumstances, students can be permitted to go out till 9.30pm after entering in the movement register. For postgraduate students, hostel timing will be till 9.30pm, with extensions allowed for university-related events upon prior permission. Researchers will be allowed to use the reading room even after 11pm. However, entries must be made in the hostel and reading room registers for usage after 11pm. Students can leave the hostel in cases of medical emergencies, part-time jobs or other urgent needs with special permission. The university's main gate will close at 11pm. A special meeting will be held to discuss research scholars' concerns on Wednesday.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
IISER Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Police working on developing AI-driven crime monitoring and analysis tools
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER Thiruvananthapuram) are working on developing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven crime monitoring and analysis tools in partnership with the Kerala Police, according to a report presented at the 13th convocation of the institute on Saturday. The partnership was between the newly launched School of Data Science of IISER and the intelligence wing of the Kerala Police, according to the report presented by IISER Thiruvananthapuram Director J.N. Moorthy. New schools IISER Thiruvananthapuram had established the School of Data Science and the School of Earth, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences given the rise of AI and climate change as two pivotal developments that presented opportunities to make a meaningful impact, he said. Dr. Moorthy said that IISER Thiruvananthapuram had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kerala government's Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) to develop skilled human resources in data science. It had also entered into an MoU with the Technopark Technology Business Incubator and the Kerala Startup Mission to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and the start-up ecosystem. Funding The School of Data Science has received funding from the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, to develop AI-based approaches for secure communication in 6G-assisted edge networks. IISER Thiruvananthapuram, started in 2008, also gave priority to strengthening the connection between academia and industry, he said.
New Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Youth Skills Day marked with talks on role of AI in agriculture
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) marked World Youth Skills Day 2025 with an insightful discussion on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture, held at Bharat Bhavan. Dr C K Peethambaran, Director of the Agriculture Division at CISSA, emphasised the critical need for skill development in the agricultural sector through AI technologies. Dr Ajith Kumar R, Director of the Centre for Digital Innovation at Digital University, delivered a lecture titled 'AI and Digital Skills for Farmer Empowerment'. Dr Usha Titus, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme, also released the book 'Skilling Indian Agriculture', authored by Dr R M Prasad, retired professor from Kerala Agricultural University. She emphasised the transformative potential of AI in agriculture, stating, 'AI is already reshaping the world, and agriculture must be part of this evolution. Competence is not just about knowing-it's about doing. Skills must be practised, honed, and passed on.'
Hans India
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM-USHA funds must drive inclusive growth in higher edu: APSCHE vice-chairperson
Tirupati: The vice chairperson of AP State Council of Higher Education Prof K Rama Mohan Rao said that universities have a key role in ensuring that funds under the PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) scheme are used strategically to transform institutions into centres of inclusive excellence. He was speaking at a one-day workshop on 'Gender-Inclusive and Equity Initiative' held at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV) on Thursday. Prof Rao said the state is being mapped into thematic clusters based on regional priorities, with a special focus on skilling women and girls in areas aligned with local livelihood opportunities. The workshop, organised under the Union ministry of education's PM-USHA initiative, aimed to explore ways to empower women through targeted academic and livelihood-based interventions. Principals from government degree colleges across several districts participated, discussing strategies for implementing gender-inclusive training programmes across Andhra Pradesh. State project director of RUSA–AP Dr N Bharat Gupta stressed the importance of structured planning and measurable outcomes. 'The goal of RUSA isn't just to provide funding. It's about enabling impactful, evidence-based reforms in higher education,' he noted. SPMVV vice-chancellor Prof V Uma welcomed the Rs 100 crore sanctioned to the university under PM-USHA, calling it a timely support during a period of financial constraints. 'We need to focus on training women from neighbouring areas based on their unique socio-economic needs,' she said. CMD of the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP)–Kerala Dr Usha also spoke. Registrar Prof N Rajani and Academic Guidance Officer Dr Ch Tulasi coordinated the event.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Sanskrit varsity to offer job-oriented courses
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, has kick-started efforts to offer short-term innovative courses curated in tune with the job requirements in various sectors. The varsity authorities have initiated talks with the representatives of ASAP (Additional Skill Acquisition Programme) Kerala, an undertaking of the Department of Higher Education, to launch courses aimed at improving the employability of the learners. Syndicate member K.S. Arun Kumar said the duration of the courses would range from three months to one year. Some of the areas of study to be included in the first phase include rescue and disaster management and spa therapy. Nearly 10 such programmes will be offered in the initial phase. 'A detailed presentation of the proposed courses will be made by the representatives of ASAP Kerala before the Syndicate before finalising the courses. We will hold discussions with the heads of various departments to explain the potential of these additional skill-based programmes in enhancing the job skills of the students,' he said. Besides students, the short-term innovative programmes will also be open to people who reside close to the varsity, who can utilise the opportunity to enhance their skills. As it is a part-time course, it will be attractive for home-makers and those who are already pursuing other jobs, he said. The varsity authorities will also apprise parents about the advantages of acquiring additional skill-based programmes along with the regular undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes. A meeting of the association of parents and teachers will be convened as part of the familiarisation process.
