Now Loading

Month: August 2025

Education

MoU Signed Between CCRI and LITU to Strengthen Cotton Research and Innovation

Observenow Desk August 13, 2025

The Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) and Liaoning Institute of Technology University (LITU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration in cotton research, technology development, and capacity building. This partnership seeks to address global challenges in cotton cultivation, processing, and sustainability, benefiting both India and China—two of the world’s largest cotton-producing nations.

The MoU outlines a framework for joint research projects focusing on cotton breeding, pest and disease management, fiber quality improvement, and climate-resilient farming techniques. Researchers from CCRI and LITU will exchange scientific knowledge, germplasm, and technical resources to accelerate the development of high-yield, high-quality cotton varieties that are resistant to major pests and adaptable to diverse climatic conditions. This collaboration is expected to boost productivity and profitability for farmers while reducing the environmental footprint of cotton cultivation.

One of the critical aspects of the agreement is its focus on sustainability. Both institutions recognize the urgency of reducing chemical pesticide usage and improving soil health. As part of the partnership, scientists will explore biological pest control methods, integrated crop management practices, and precision agriculture tools to enhance resource efficiency. The MoU also emphasizes the development of low-water-consuming cotton varieties, addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity in many cotton-growing regions.

Beyond research, the agreement includes provisions for academic exchange and capacity building. Faculty members, researchers, and students from both institutions will participate in training programs, workshops, and internships. This exchange will foster cross-cultural learning and help build a global network of cotton science experts. Such initiatives will not only strengthen technical capabilities but also promote mutual understanding between the two countries’ agricultural communities.

The MoU also has a strong innovation component, encouraging collaboration on advanced technologies such as remote sensing, genomics, and biotechnology. CCRI and LITU plan to jointly develop digital platforms for real-time data sharing and decision-making support for farmers. This will help in quick identification of pest outbreaks, optimization of irrigation schedules, and better market access for producers.

Importantly, the collaboration is aligned with India’s goal of increasing its share of value-added cotton products in the global market. By improving fiber quality and consistency, the initiative can help Indian cotton gain a stronger foothold in high-value textile segments. China, on the other hand, can benefit from India’s diverse germplasm base and experience in smallholder cotton farming systems.

The MoU signing marks a strategic step towards building resilient and competitive cotton sectors in both countries. Experts believe that pooling resources and expertise will accelerate problem-solving in areas that have historically been bottlenecks for cotton farmers.

With global textile markets demanding more sustainable and traceable raw materials, partnerships like this could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cotton. The CCRI–LITU collaboration stands as a model of how international cooperation in agricultural research can address both local and global challenges, ultimately benefiting farmers, industries, and consumers worldwide.

Tags: CCRILITU

Related posts

Education

CBSE to Introduce ‘Bharatiya Ganit Parampara’ in School Curriculum from 2025–26

Observenow Desk

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the introduction of a new module titled Bharatiya Ganit Parampara (Indian Mathematical Heritage) in school curricula from the academic year 2025–26. This initiative aims to familiarize students with India’s vast and rich legacy in mathematics, spanning from the Vedic period to contemporary contributions, while aligning with the principles outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The new module will be incorporated across different levels of schooling, adapted to suit the cognitive abilities of learners from middle to senior secondary grades. Rather than functioning as a separate subject, Bharatiya Ganit Parampara will be woven into existing mathematics syllabi, ensuring students encounter this heritage organically as they progress through their studies. The CBSE emphasizes that the move is meant to inspire curiosity, pride, and a deeper cultural connection while strengthening core mathematical skills.

Bharatiya Ganit Parampara will highlight the works of renowned Indian mathematicians such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskaracharya, Madhava of Sangamagrama, and Srinivasa Ramanujan. Lessons will cover their groundbreaking concepts—ranging from the invention of zero and the decimal system to advancements in trigonometry, algebra, calculus, and infinite series. The module will also explore the influence of Indian mathematics on other civilizations through trade, translation, and scholarly exchange.

One of the CBSE’s key objectives is to break the perception that mathematics is purely abstract or disconnected from real life. Historical examples will illustrate how ancient Indian mathematicians applied concepts to astronomy, architecture, commerce, and daily problem-solving. This contextualization aims to make mathematics more relatable and engaging, encouraging analytical thinking while nurturing cultural literacy.

The module will be supported by teacher training programs to ensure effective delivery. Educators will receive resource books, digital tools, and classroom activities designed to integrate historical narratives with problem-solving exercises. CBSE also plans to develop multimedia content—videos, interactive timelines, and animations—to bring these stories to life. This will enable students not only to learn formulas but also to appreciate the origins and applications of these ideas.

Critically, the curriculum design has been informed by academic research and consultation with historians of mathematics, education experts, and cultural scholars. This ensures that the content is factually accurate, inclusive, and free from regional or ideological biases. The emphasis will be on scientific merit and documented contributions rather than mythological interpretations, maintaining the rigor expected in academic study.

The rollout aligns with the NEP 2020 vision of integrating Indian knowledge systems into modern education while maintaining global competitiveness. By including Bharatiya Ganit Parampara, CBSE hopes to strengthen students’ sense of identity without compromising international benchmarks in mathematics learning.

The broader impact of this change could be significant. Students exposed to these narratives may develop a deeper appreciation for innovation and problem-solving as inherent aspects of Indian intellectual tradition. Moreover, it could inspire young learners to pursue careers in STEM fields, seeing themselves as part of a long continuum of discovery.

Ultimately, the introduction of Bharatiya Ganit Parampara is more than a curriculum update—it is an attempt to balance cultural heritage with forward-looking education. By recognizing India’s historical contributions to mathematics alongside modern advancements, CBSE aims to nurture globally aware citizens who are firmly rooted in their own intellectual heritage.

Tags: Bharatiya Ganit ParamparaCBSECentral Board of Secondary Education

Related posts

Education

ISB Launches ‘ISB Discover’ to Bridge Research and Real-World Impact

Observenow Desk

The Indian School of Business (ISB) has unveiled ISB Discover, an innovative digital platform crafted to translate rigorous academic research into actionable insights for a broad audience. The initiative builds on ISB’s growing desire to make research more accessible and usable by practitioners across sectors. This platform is designed for policymakers, business leaders, journalists, students, and others, bridging the gap between scholarly work and decision-making.

ISB Discover presents content in intuitive, jargon-free formats such as articles, videos, infographics, podcasts, and explainer visuals. It spans a wide array of topics—from financial inclusion, healthcare operations, corporate governance, and behavioral science to transportation, public policy, and future-forward business models. The goal is to ensure that knowledge produced within ISB’s academic ecosystem doesn’t remain confined to journals but contributes meaningfully to societal and industrial transformation.

Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean of ISB, emphasizes that ISB Discover is not a branding exercise tied to rankings. Instead, it reflects the institution’s commitment to knowledge dissemination. The platform empowers leaders across business, government, and society to convert insights into improved policies, smarter strategies, and innovative solutions. Pillutla acknowledges a growing appetite for research-backed ideas in India and positions ISB Discover as the timely and appropriate response to meet that demand.

Over its 25-year legacy, ISB has produced numerous research outputs in premier international journals like the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Finance, Marketing Science, and Journal of Political Economy. Many ISB faculty also serve on editorial boards of top-tier publications, providing input to global scholarship. Through ISB Discover, these insights will reach beyond academic peers to inform development discourse and organizational decision-making.

The platform’s launch also signals a shift in how management education institutions perceive their role. Beyond conferring degrees and conducting academic research, institutions are increasingly responsible for translating knowledge into social and economic impact. ISB Discover embodies this ethos and aligns with the institution’s ambition to anchor research in practical outcomes and stakeholder engagement.

ISB Discover debuted in early August 2025. It represents a deliberate design to cater to fast-evolving decision environments—where leaders need evidence-based insights delivered in clean, easily digestible formats. The platform fosters knowledge democratization by lowering access barriers to world-class research—no paywalls, and no specialist jargon—making it accessible to emerging managers, government functionaries, civic journalists, and curious learners alike.

By enabling users to explore themes like inclusive finance, digital infrastructure, policy regulation, and behavioural interventions, ISB Discover becomes a toolkit for both strategy formulation and societal understanding. For students and scholars, it opens new avenues for applying theory to real-world problems. For professionals, it offers timely, research-informed perspectives that can sharpen leadership decisions.

Looking ahead, ISB Discover has the potential to become a central knowledge-sharing node—inviting contributions from ISB’s various research centers and encouraging cross-sector collaborations. If the platform maintains freshness, relevance, and clarity in its offerings, it could establish a blueprint for how academic institutions in India make their research assets socially impactful.

Ultimately, ISB Discover reflects a larger shift in academic engagement—one that values dissemination, inclusion, and real-world application. As the platform matures, its success will be measured not merely by visits but by the tangible influence its insights exert across policy corridors, boardrooms, classrooms, and beyond. In doing so, ISB sets a precedent for how management schools can become active agents of change.

Tags: ISB Discover

Related posts

Education

Industry Partners to Modernize Maharashtra’s ITIs via PPP Model

Observenow Desk

Maharashtra is embarking on an ambitious transformation of its Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), aiming to elevate them into world-class vocational hubs through strategic public-private partnerships (PPP). In a landmark state cabinet approval from mid-2025, the government outlined a comprehensive plan under which major industry players—including Jindal Steel, Toyota India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Chitale Bandhu, and other notable corporates—have expressed interest in modernizing at least 25 ITIs in the first phase. These upgraded centers will boast enhanced infrastructure, advanced curricula, and skilled trainers while the government retains ownership of the campuses.

Central to the plan is the rollout of short-term skill and management courses—covering artificial intelligence, machine learning, solar technology, drone operations, electric vehicle mechanics, soft skills, behavioral management, and business analytics. These courses aim to bolster students’ employability by marrying technical prowess with interpersonal capabilities. ITI students will attend these programs free of charge, while external learners can enroll at a subsidized fee of ₹5,000, with eligibility capped at 40 years of age.

Each campus will be customized to serve regional industries—coastal centers will offer fish-processing training, while those in agricultural zones will focus on agro-processing. This tailoring of course offerings ensures that the training remains relevant and responsive to local economies.

Under the policy’s financial framework, private partners are expected to invest between ₹10 crore (for a 10-year engagement) to ₹20 crore (for a 20-year tenure). Roughly half of these funds will upgrade infrastructure and equipment, while the remainder will support staffing and training initiatives. Oversight, including formulation of institute development plans and monitoring of outcomes, will be managed through Institute Management Committees, structured with government and industry representatives.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the move, emphasizing that skills development in alignment with industrial demand is essential as India advances in sectors like manufacturing, clean energy, and semiconductors. Observers note that with the first 25 PPP-enabled ITIs expected to be operational by early 2026, the challenge ahead lies in scaling this framework while preserving consistency, transparency, and measurable impact.

Complementing the PPP initiative is the proposed Maharashtra Innovation Policy, which includes plans to allocate ₹1,200 crore over three years for upgrading all 418 government ITIs statewide. This expansion will introduce emerging disciplines such as robotics, drone technology, and artificial intelligence. Each ITI is slated to receive an additional 1,800 square feet of training space, and the government will provide loans of up to ₹10 lakh—covering 50% of the interest cost—to budding entrepreneurs from the ITI, diploma, and engineering graduate communities.

The state government has also proactively reached out to over 5,000 companies, associations, and organizations to encourage widespread adoption of ITIs. Every industry-adopted institute will operate under the strategic guidance of the Maharashtra Institute for Transformation (MITRA), with dedicated Institute Management Committees ensuring adherence to performance indicators and quality oversight.

In the long term, the proposed roadmap envisages a future where all 425 ITIs in Maharashtra transition under the PPP model, aligning skills training with market needs on a massive scale. Supporters argue that such a shift will bridge existing gaps between curriculum and industry requirements, ensuring that vocational education becomes a powerful vehicle for employability and economic growth. If implemented effectively, this initiative could serve as a national blueprint for public–private collaboration in skills development, creating a resilient and future-ready workforce positioned for global opportunities.

Tags: Industrial Training InstitutesPPP Model

Related posts

Education

BharatGen AI to Support All 22 Scheduled Languages by June 2026

Observenow Desk

India is setting an ambitious course to make artificial intelligence linguistically inclusive, aiming to extend BharatGen AI’s capabilities to all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution by June 2026. This goal was articulated by Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, during a session in Parliament, reaffirming the government’s commitment to bridging digital divides through accessible AI deployments.

Operational under the Department of Science and Technology’s National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), the BharatGen initiative represents India’s first government-backed multimodal foundational AI model tailored to native linguistic and cultural contexts. The model is designed to integrate text, speech, and image modalities across all scheduled languages, enhancing use cases ranging from governance and agriculture to healthcare and education.

Presently, BharatGen supports nine major languages—Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, and Kannada. The roadmap envisions expanding this to include Assamese, Maithili, Nepali, Odia, Sanskrit, Sindhi, and others by December 2025, before completing the full spectrum by mid-2026. This tiered rollout underscores a deliberate staging process: first enhance foundational languages, then roll out the full spread in the next phase.

Execution is coordinated by a consortium of premier institutions, with IIT Bombay’s Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) for IoT & IoE at the helm, supported by IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Mandi, and IIM Indore. Each partner focuses on specialty areas like speech modeling, tokenization strategy, vision-language processing, inclusive model training, and benchmarking.

Beyond language coverage, BharatGen is anchored in public good: early pilot applications have been tested in sectors like agriculture, defense, and citizen services, with plans for national deployment across states and rural districts once the system scales fully. One tangible example involves AI-powered medical consultations delivered in local dialects—designed to build trust and improve outcomes in remote areas. The platform also integrates with tools like CPGRAMS, providing multilingual grievance redressal systems that enhance public engagement.

Yet developing BharatGen is not without hurdles. As IIT Bombay professor Ganesh Ramakrishnan—principal investigator on the project—has noted, challenges include limited data availability, linguistic diversity, and script variation. To address these, the team curates content through OCR from public-domain books, aligns translations via platforms like UDAAN, and sources datasets from libraries and government repositories across the consortium.

Critics and analysts view BharatGen as a critical step toward “sovereign AI” and language equity—aiming to reduce dependence on global, English-dominant AI systems and assert national control over data infrastructure. By anchoring development within Indian institutions and serving vernacular use cases, the initiative models a path for culturally contextual technological sovereignty.

As India approaches mid-2026, BharatGen’s expanded language reach might redefine how citizens engage with AI, bridging the urban–rural and English–vernacular gap. The challenge now lies in maintaining quality across languages, ensuring robust evaluation for low-resource scripts, and securing inclusive access. If successful, BharatGen may become a flagship example of AI designed not for the few, but for the many—sovereign, inclusive, and rooted in the linguistic diversity of India.

Tags: BharatGen AI

Related posts

Education

HSB Appoints Former IIM Lucknow Director Prof. Archana Shukla as New Director

Observenow Desk

The Hari Shankar Singhania School of Business (HSB), a leading business education institution under JK Lakshmipat University in Jaipur, has announced the appointment of Prof. Archana Shukla, the former Director of the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML), as its new Director. This significant leadership change, effective from August 1, 2025, marks an important milestone for HSB as it seeks to strengthen its position as a premier institution for management education in India. Prof. Shukla takes over from Prof. Gregory Dunn, who previously served in the role.

Prof. Archana Shukla’s academic and professional career spans more than three decades, during which she has earned a reputation as an accomplished academic leader, researcher, and mentor. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where she earned her doctoral degree in Psychology, with a specialization in Organizational Behavior. Her scholarly expertise covers areas such as organizational culture, change management, knowledge systems, and behavioral sciences, making her one of the most respected figures in her domain.

At IIM Lucknow, Prof. Shukla served as the Director for six years, guiding the institution through an era of growth and academic innovation. Before that, she was the Dean of the Noida campus of IIML for more than three years. She also held the prestigious Dr. Ishwar Dayal Chair for Futuristic Issues in Behavioral Sciences between 2015 and 2017. Under her leadership, IIM Lucknow strengthened its industry collaborations, introduced forward-looking academic programs, and expanded its global partnerships.

Now at the helm of HSB, Prof. Shukla will be responsible for shaping the academic vision, enhancing research output, and creating a learning environment that integrates innovation, industry relevance, and global exposure. The institution’s flagship offering is a two-year UGC-accredited residential MBA program, which features specializations in Digital Product Management, Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics, and Entrepreneurship and Organizational Foresight. With the business world rapidly evolving, her role will be critical in ensuring that HSB graduates are equipped with both the technical expertise and the adaptive skills required for success in dynamic work environments.

HSB, established under the JK Lakshmipat University umbrella, has been steadily building its reputation for providing cutting-edge management education with a strong industry interface. By bringing in an academic leader of Prof. Shukla’s stature, the institution signals its commitment to scaling up its academic standards, international outreach, and innovation-led teaching.

Commenting on her appointment, Shri B. H. Singhania, Chancellor of JK Lakshmipat University, expressed confidence that Prof. Shukla’s leadership and rich experience will propel HSB into a new phase of growth. He noted that her deep understanding of organizational behavior, coupled with her track record in academic excellence, makes her ideally suited to guide the institution toward becoming a globally recognized hub for management education.

In her first address as Director, Prof. Shukla expressed her enthusiasm about joining HSB at a transformative stage in its journey. She emphasized her vision to work closely with faculty, students, and industry mentors to develop programs that are not only academically rigorous but also aligned with global business needs. She also highlighted the importance of fostering innovation, cross-disciplinary learning, and ethical leadership as core values for the next generation of business leaders.

With her appointment, HSB is poised to further enhance its academic offerings, strengthen its ties with industry, and attract high-caliber talent from across India and abroad. As the institution looks to the future, Prof. Shukla’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in positioning it among the top business schools in the country.

Tags: Hari Shankar Singhania School of BusinessHSBIIM LucknowProf. Archana Shukla

Related posts

Digital Native

Ola Electric’s Lock-In Period Expires, Unlocking 10% of Shares and Impacting Market Dynamics

Observenow Desk August 12, 2025

Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. has reached a critical milestone as its one-year lock-in period expired on August 8, 2025, unlocking approximately 441.8 million shares, which represent about 10% of the company’s total equity. This event marks a significant shift for the company’s stock as these shares, previously restricted from sale, are now eligible to be traded freely on the open market. The unlocking of such a large volume of shares has caught the attention of investors, analysts, and market watchers who are assessing its potential impact on the stock’s liquidity, price movements, and overall market sentiment.

The lock-in period, a common regulatory requirement following initial public offerings (IPO), aims to stabilize the stock by preventing early investors, promoters, and insiders from immediately selling their shares. For Ola Electric, this period began shortly after its IPO in August 2024, designed to reduce volatility and foster confidence among public investors. With the conclusion of this period, the newly unlocked shares increase the free float in the market, meaning more shares will be available for buying and selling. This can lead to increased trading volumes and potentially more pronounced price fluctuations in the short term.

Market analysts predict that the expiration of the lock-in period might create some immediate selling pressure as some investors might look to liquidate their positions to realize profits. This influx of shares into the market can temporarily affect Ola Electric’s stock price due to the sudden increase in supply. However, the extent of this impact depends heavily on the behavior of the shareholders who now have the option to trade these shares. If a substantial portion of the unlocked shares remains in the hands of long-term investors, it could indicate strong confidence in Ola Electric’s future growth prospects, thereby supporting the stock price.

Ola Electric has been a key player in India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) industry, focusing on developing innovative solutions and expanding its manufacturing capabilities. The company is gearing up for the launch of its ‘India Inside’ vision at the upcoming ‘Sankalp 2025’ event scheduled for August 15, 2025, at its Gigafactory in Krishnagiri. This initiative is expected to showcase Ola Electric’s commitment to indigenous technology development and its ambition to solidify its leadership position in the Indian EV market. Such strategic moves may bolster investor confidence and help stabilize the stock after the lock-in expiry.

Investor sentiment is also shaped by the broader market conditions and the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle sector, which has been witnessing heightened interest and investments due to the global push for cleaner energy and sustainable transportation. Ola Electric’s ability to maintain momentum through product innovation and effective market execution will be crucial as it navigates the increased scrutiny that comes with a larger free float of shares.

The expiry of the lock-in period is a natural progression for Ola Electric as it matures in the public markets, but it is also a period of uncertainty as the market adjusts to the new supply dynamics. While short-term volatility may arise, the long-term outlook will largely depend on the company’s operational performance, technological advancements, and strategic direction.

In conclusion, the unlocking of 10% of Ola Electric’s shares following the end of the lock-in period marks an important event in its market journey. It presents both opportunities and challenges, with increased liquidity potentially attracting more investors but also posing risks of price fluctuations. How Ola Electric manages this transition and continues to execute on its growth plans will determine its future trajectory in the competitive electric vehicle sector.

Tags: Ola Electric

Related posts

Digital Native

Ant Financial Fully Exits Paytm, Ending Chinese Ownership and Boosting Domestic Confidence

Observenow Desk

In a significant development in India’s fintech sector, Ant Financial, the financial technology arm of China’s Alibaba Group, has completely divested its entire 5.84% stake in One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm. The bulk deal, valued at approximately ₹3,803 crore, was executed on August 5, 2025, marking the end of Chinese ownership in Paytm. This exit aligns with India’s broader strategic goal of reducing foreign, especially Chinese, stakes in sensitive technology companies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and regulatory scrutiny.

The transaction involved the sale of more than 3.72 crore shares through block deals at a floor price of ₹1,020 per share. Major investment banks Goldman Sachs and Citigroup facilitated the deal, underscoring the high-profile nature of the divestment. Following the announcement, Paytm’s stock price dropped by 2.21%, closing at ₹1,054.40 on the NSE, reflecting market reactions to the change in shareholder structure.

This divestment is part of a gradual withdrawal of Chinese investments in Paytm. Previously, Ant Financial had reduced its stake by selling 4% in May 2025 and 10.3% in August 2023. Other prominent investors such as SoftBank and Berkshire Hathaway have also exited their holdings in Paytm over the last two years. With Ant Financial’s exit, Paytm is now entirely owned by Indian investors, making it a fully domestic company. This transition is viewed positively by market analysts and investors as it reduces geopolitical risks and regulatory uncertainties associated with foreign ownership, particularly from China.

Paytm’s shift to 100% Indian ownership is expected to restore investor confidence and potentially attract new institutional investors. It aligns with the Indian government’s push for self-reliance in technology and finance, ensuring that critical digital infrastructure and financial platforms remain under domestic control. The move also reflects the changing dynamics of global investments, where regulatory and political factors are increasingly influencing investment decisions in cross-border technology ventures.

Despite the exit of a major foreign investor, Paytm continues to focus on expanding its digital payments ecosystem and strengthening its product offerings. The company aims to leverage its fully Indian ownership status to bolster its market presence and explore new growth opportunities. Paytm has been a pioneer in India’s digital payments revolution, catering to millions of users and businesses through its platform, and the shift in ownership could help it navigate regulatory frameworks more smoothly.

This divestment comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny on Chinese investments in Indian technology firms. Authorities have tightened norms to safeguard national security and ensure transparency in foreign investments. The exit of Ant Financial from Paytm is a reflection of these evolving regulatory landscapes, where strategic considerations often outweigh purely financial interests.

The transaction highlights the complexities faced by foreign investors operating in geopolitically sensitive markets. Ant Financial’s withdrawal from Paytm signals a cautious approach by Chinese investors toward Indian digital assets, driven by increasing political and regulatory challenges. For Paytm, however, the end of Chinese ownership presents an opportunity to position itself as a truly Indian company in the competitive fintech space.

In conclusion, Ant Financial’s complete exit from Paytm marks a pivotal moment in India’s fintech industry, representing a clear shift toward domestic control and reduced foreign influence. This move is expected to reassure stakeholders, promote greater investor confidence, and help Paytm consolidate its position as a leading Indian digital payments platform in a rapidly evolving market.

Tags: Ant FinancialPAYTM

Related posts

Digital Native

D2L Enhances Brightspace Platform with New Features to Boost Learning Experience

Observenow Desk

D2L, a leading provider of education technology, has announced significant updates to its Brightspace learning platform aimed at improving the experience for educators and learners alike. The August 2025 update introduces several new features designed to simplify course management, enhance accessibility, and provide better tools for tracking student progress. These enhancements underscore D2L’s commitment to delivering a flexible, user-friendly environment that supports diverse learning needs and evolving educational demands.

One of the key improvements in this update is the enhanced navigation system within Brightspace. Educators and students will find it easier to move through course materials and access important resources quickly. The streamlined interface reduces complexity, allowing users to focus more on learning and teaching rather than on technical hurdles. This user-centric design is part of D2L’s broader goal to make digital education more intuitive and accessible across various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

A notable addition to the platform is the improved Class Progress tool, which provides educators with a clearer, more comprehensive view of each student’s performance. This feature allows instructors to monitor individual engagement and academic progress more effectively, enabling timely interventions and personalized support. By offering detailed insights into student activities, Brightspace helps educators identify learners who may need extra assistance and tailor their teaching strategies accordingly.

The update also introduces the ability for instructors to print quizzes directly from the platform. This functionality is particularly useful for educators who wish to administer assessments in offline settings or provide physical copies for review. Printed quizzes include shuffled questions and answer keys, maintaining the integrity and flexibility of digital testing while accommodating diverse instructional environments.

In addition to usability enhancements, D2L has focused on improving accessibility in the Brightspace platform. These changes ensure that the platform meets current accessibility standards, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate and engage with course content. By fostering a more inclusive digital learning environment, D2L reaffirms its dedication to supporting all learners and educators regardless of their individual needs.

The August 2025 release reflects D2L’s ongoing efforts to innovate and respond to feedback from its global user base. As education continues to evolve with advances in technology, platforms like Brightspace play a critical role in enabling effective online and blended learning experiences. D2L’s investment in improving navigation, progress tracking, and accessibility demonstrates its commitment to helping institutions deliver quality education in an increasingly digital world.

These updates come at a time when educational institutions and corporate learning programs are increasingly relying on digital platforms to deliver instruction. Brightspace’s enhancements align with the growing demand for adaptable, scalable, and user-friendly solutions that can support varied learning scenarios. By addressing both pedagogical and technical challenges, D2L aims to empower educators to create engaging, effective courses while providing learners with seamless access to educational content.

Overall, the new features introduced in Brightspace’s August 2025 update highlight D2L’s focus on refining the platform to meet contemporary educational needs. From improved navigation to advanced progress monitoring and enhanced accessibility, these changes are designed to foster a more productive and inclusive learning environment. As D2L continues to innovate, Brightspace remains a vital tool for institutions seeking to deliver modern, effective education in an increasingly digital landscape.

Tags: D2L

Related posts

Digital Native

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan Nears $50 Million Investment in Darwinbox Valuing It Over $1 Billion

Observenow Desk

Darwinbox, the Hyderabad-based human capital management (HCM) platform, is on the verge of securing a significant investment from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP), one of the world’s largest institutional investors. The proposed deal involves OTPP investing $50 million in Darwinbox, which would place the company’s valuation above the $1 billion mark, officially making it a unicorn in the enterprise software space. This transaction will consist of both primary capital infusion and secondary share sales, allowing existing investors like Peak XV Partners to partially exit their holdings.

Founded in 2015, Darwinbox has steadily grown into a global HR technology provider offering a cloud-native platform that serves over 1,000 clients across more than 130 countries. The company’s clientele includes some of the most recognizable names worldwide, such as Starbucks, Nivea, Cigna, WeWork, and Crisil, reflecting its wide acceptance across various industries. Darwinbox’s growth trajectory has been impressive, marked by a 58% year-on-year increase in total revenue, which reached ₹392 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24.

The company’s rapid rise in the competitive HR SaaS market is supported by robust funding rounds. In March 2025, Darwinbox closed a $140 million financing round led by private equity giants KKR and Partners Group, bringing in substantial capital to fuel further expansion and product innovation. The latest investment by OTPP underscores the increasing interest of global institutional investors in India’s tech startups, particularly those focused on enterprise solutions that are gaining traction internationally.

This partnership with OTPP is strategic for Darwinbox as it not only brings in fresh capital but also enhances the company’s credibility on the global stage. OTPP has a history of investing in technology-driven companies in the Asia-Pacific region, including its recent co-lead role in a $140 million funding round for Japan’s SmartHR, another prominent HR technology firm. Their involvement with Darwinbox is expected to support the company’s ambitions to expand deeper into international markets such as the United States.

The investment will enable Darwinbox to accelerate its product development and scale operations to meet the growing demand for advanced HR management solutions. As organizations worldwide increasingly adopt cloud-based and AI-enabled platforms for managing their workforce, Darwinbox’s cloud-native architecture positions it well to capitalize on these trends. The capital infusion will likely be directed towards enhancing features, expanding the sales and marketing footprint, and investing in customer support services to maintain its competitive edge.

Furthermore, this deal represents a milestone in the Indian startup ecosystem, highlighting the maturity of the HR SaaS sector and its ability to attract substantial foreign capital. Institutional investments like this not only provide financial backing but also bring strategic partnerships and industry expertise, which can be crucial for startups aiming to scale globally.

The secondary share sale component of the deal also allows early investors such as Peak XV Partners to partially realize returns on their investments made over six years ago. This liquidity event signals growing confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects and helps maintain a healthy investor base committed to supporting Darwinbox’s future development.

As the transaction progresses, it is anticipated to strengthen Darwinbox’s position as a leading global HR technology provider and boost its growth trajectory in the competitive SaaS landscape. The association with OTPP is expected to open new avenues for collaborations and business opportunities, reinforcing Darwinbox’s mission to simplify human capital management for enterprises worldwide.

In summary, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan’s impending $50 million investment in Darwinbox marks a significant vote of confidence in the company’s business model and growth potential. With this partnership, Darwinbox is set to accelerate its expansion, innovate further, and solidify its status as a billion-dollar unicorn in the global HR tech arena.

Tags: DarwinboxOntario Teachers Pension Plan

Related posts

Upcoming Conferences