Latest news with #ofNationalImportance


News18
19-07-2025
- News18
Mizoram's Lianpui Menhirs Declared Monument Of National Importance By ASI
Last Updated: The megaliths of Lianpui are a testament to the customs and beliefs of the Mizo people. These stone structures were traditionally erected to mark significant events. For decades, heritage tourism in India has been dominated by the grandeur of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur – cities brimming with Mughal forts, palaces, and world-famous monuments. But away from the well-trodden paths lies Lianpui, a quiet village nestled in the verdant hills of Mizoram, which has just made history. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has officially recognised its ancient megalithic site as a Monument of National Importance – putting it on the same prestigious list as Hampi, Mahabalipuram, and Sanchi. Locally known as Lungphun-Ropui, the megaliths of Lianpui are a remarkable testament to the customs and beliefs of the Mizo people. These stone structures – some upright, some laid flat – were traditionally erected to mark significant events: the death of a loved one, acts of bravery, or communal milestones. Unlike other sites in India that have been weathered by heavy tourism or modern interventions, Mizoram 's Lianpui megaliths remain relatively undisturbed, offering a rare and authentic window into northeast India's tribal history. Intricate carvings on the stones depict human figures, animals, weapons like daos and spears, and abstract motifs. Why Travellers Should Take Note? For those in search of offbeat travel experiences rooted in culture and community, Lianpui is an unexpected gem. Its peaceful surroundings, think dense forests, rolling hills, and a lack of tourist crowds, create the perfect setting for reflection and exploration. It's also a great opportunity for cultural tourism that respects and learns from indigenous practices rather than commercialising them. Unlike the bustling crowds of the Taj Mahal or the Amber Fort, this heritage site invites a slower pace, one where nature, history, and tradition still breathe freely. How To Reach Lianpui? Lianpui village is located in Mizoram's Champhai district, roughly 200 kilometres from the state capital, Aizawl. The closest airport is Lengpui Airport in Aizawl. From there, the journey continues by road – taxis and shared cabs are available, though the ride can take several hours through the hills. All visitors to Mizoram must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be arranged online or at entry points. The ASI's recognition of Lianpui isn't just a heritage milestone for Mizoram – it's a significant step in bringing Northeast India's cultural legacy into the national spotlight. view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 09:50 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


India Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Banaras Hindu University launches 63 SWAYAM courses for 2025, registration begins
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is expanding its digital footprint by introducing 63 new SWAYAM courses for the 2025 academic session. Interested learners can register for these free online courses on the official portal — Classes for the upcoming batch will begin on July 21 and August courses, developed by BHU faculty, span durations of four, eight, and twelve weeks and cover a wide range of disciplines — including commerce, law, psychology, management, humanities, life sciences, engineering, and Ayurveda. The final examinations for these MOOCs will be conducted in October (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds), a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Education, aims to deliver high-quality education to anyone, anywhere, at no cost. Highlighting BHU's role in this national effort, the Ministry has designated the university as the National Coordinator (NC) for all Institutions of National Importance (INIs) on the SWAYAM platform. With this, BHU now oversees the development, academic support, and quality assurance of online courses offered by over 160 INIs, including IITs and Central Ashutosh Mohan from BHU's Institute of Management Studies has been appointed the National Coordinator for SWAYAM-INIs. He will lead the institution's efforts in ensuring the academic excellence of these BHU had developed 37 SWAYAM courses across two sessions. The university has also launched a dedicated news portal — — to share updates on its academic initiatives, student support programmes, research breakthroughs, and community engagement efforts. The portal features sections on achievements, patents, faculty development, projects, and a video gallery, offering an immersive look at life on campus.


Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
BHU develops 63 SWAYAM courses, registration starts for 2025 session
The faculty members of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) have developed 63 SWAYAM programmes for the 2025 academic session. Registration for these programmes are underway and classes begin on July 21 and August 18. Interested candidates may register themselves using the link – The SWAYAM courses are for a duration of four, eight and 12 weeks. The courses cover subjects in commerce, management, arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, psychology, law, engineering, and Ayurveda. The programs include traditional as well as contemporary courses. The exams for these programmes will start from October 2025. SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is an initiative by the Ministry of Education to provide quality online education free of charge to all. In a statement issued by the university, it said: 'BHU has been proactively involved with the initiative, offering diverse courses. The university has already developed 37 programmes is the last two sessions. Acknowledging Banaras Hindu University's commitment and contribution in advancing digital education in the country, the Ministry of Education, has also appointed the varsity as National Coordinator (NC) for Institutions of National Importance (INIs) on the SWAYAM platform.' BHU SWAYAM Coordinator, Dr. Ashutosh Mohan, Institute of Management Studies, has been designated as the National Coordinator for this responsibility. This granted the varsity the authority to oversee the development and quality of online courses developed by more than 160 Institutes of National Importance (INIs) nationwide, which include Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Central Universities. BHU now facilitates the administration, academic support, and strategic development of SWAYAM MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) for all INIs. Recently, the university has launched a dedicated news webpage ( to showcase its initiatives, student well-being programs, faculty development measures, and other steps aimed at the overall growth of the university and its community. The page features various sections including news, activities, initiatives, achievements, patents, projects, and a video gallery, offering a comprehensive overview of the university's events, developments, and campus life.


Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IIM-Vizag welcomes PGPMCI inaugural batch
Visakhapatnam: The Indian Institute of Management, Visakhapatnam (IIMV) welcomed the inaugural batch (2024–2026) of the Post Graduate Program in Management for Centrally Funded Technical Institutions/Institutions of National Importance (PGPMCI) for their campus immersion – module two. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The inaugural cohort represents 22 states across India. It includes 40 participants, who are alumni of the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) and 22 participants from other premier institutions of national importance, including IITs and NITs. This pioneering programme is designed specifically for professionals from India's top technical institutions to build leadership capacity and strengthen their managerial acumen for creating a new generation of techno-managers. As part of the two-year programme, participants earn a diploma in management at the end of the first year and have the option to continue into the second year to earn an MBA degree.


Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BHU appointed nat'l coordinator for INIs on SWAYAM platform
Varanasi: Acknowledging BHU 's commitment and contribution to advancing digital education in the country, the Ministry of Education appointed the university as National Coordinator (NC) for Institutions of National Importance (INIs) on the SWAYAM platform . The decision was endorsed during the SWAYAM Board meeting held recently, said BHU SWAYAM coordinator Ashutosh Mohan of the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), who was designated as the national coordinator for this responsibility. The university will now facilitate the administration, academic support, and strategic development of SWAYAM MOOCs ( Massive Open Online Courses ) for all INIs . BHU's acting VC Prof Sanjay Kumar congratulated the BHU SWAYAM team and assured all possible support to set the varsity as a benchmark on the SWAYAM platform. tnn Currently, India has over 160 institutions of national importance, including IITs, NITs, AIIMS, IISERs, IIITs, central universities, and specialised institutions. With the exception of pure technology-related courses, the majority of online courses developed by these institutions on SWAYAM will now be centrally coordinated and quality-assured by BHU.