NIT Trichy Global Alumni Meet (GAM) 2025

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The Director, G. Aghila, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy), announced the Global Alumni Meet (GAM) 2025 will take place in Chennai on January 4, 2025. This momentous event is spearheaded by RECAL, the institute’s official alumni association. This gathering will unite NIT Trichy alumni from across the globe to celebrate the rich legacy of REC/NIT Trichy. The previous edition of GAM was held in 2020.

Boasting a dynamic network of over 48,000 alumni, including 930+ CEOs and 1,300+ founders, NIT Trichy stands as a powerhouse of talent and innovation. GAM 2025 will feature a stellar lineup of distinguished alumni, including:

Mr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairperson of the Tata Group, as the Chief Guest
Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu, as the Guest of Honour
Mr. Gopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist for AI at Google, delivering the Keynote Address
Dr P Veeramuthuvel, Project Director of Chandrayaan 3, T V Narendran, Manging Director, CEO, Tata Steels will be the Guests of Honour

These leaders, alongside numerous other notable alumni, will celebrate shared achievements, inspire collaborations, and forge impactful connections.

Launch of a Research and Innovation Hub

NIT Trichy will unveil its vision for a 20-acre Research and Innovation Hub at GAM 2025, marking a significant step in its mission to foster entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary research. The facility will focus on emerging domains such as AgriTech, FinTech, SpaceTech, GreenTech, Quantum Computing, and AI/ML. The hub will involve an estimated investment of ₹150 crore and aims to accelerate innovation in Tier-II cities.

Empowering Students and Alumni Engagement

The institute’s ongoing initiatives, including the Adopt-a-Student Program, travel grants, and endowment funds, continue to support deserving students. Alumni-driven programs like Rockfort Ventures, SCIENT Labs, and CEDI exemplify NIT Trichy’s dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Plans to introduce Chair Professorships and enhance global research collaborations further demonstrate the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and sustainable development.

Dr. G. Aghila, Director of NIT Trichy, informed that “The Research and Innovation Hub will provide a formal platform for alumni-student mentorship, industry-led projects, and a thriving startup ecosystem. It’s a step towards scaling research and nurturing entrepreneurship talent.”

Mr. K. Mahalingam, President of RECAL, added, “Our vast and accomplished alumni network is a reservoir of mentorship, funding, and innovation. GAM 2025 underscores our collective commitment to supporting our alma mater.”

About NIT Tiruchirappalli

NIT Trichy, formerly Regional Engineering College (REC), is one of India’s premier engineering institutions, consistently ranked among the top in the country. Offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across 17 disciplines, the institute continues to make significant contributions to global innovation and industry leadership.

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UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025

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Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, released the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, today in New Delhi. He also inaugurated ‘Pushpagiri’, the new auditorium of UGC. Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education; Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC; heads of the institutions, academicians, officials of the Ministry and other dignitaries were also present at the event.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, while addressing the audiences said that these draft reforms and guidelines will infuse innovation, inclusivity, flexibility and dynamism in every aspect of higher education, empower teachers and academic staff, strengthen academic standards and pave the way for achieving educational excellence. He congratulated the team of UGC for their efforts in formulating the Draft Regulations and Guidelines in sync with the ethos of NEP 2020.

The Minister mentioned that the Draft Regulations, 2025, have been placed in the public domain for feedback, suggestions, and consultations. He expressed confidence that the UGC will soon publish the Draft Regulations, 2025, in their final form, driving transformations in the education system and propelling the country towards Viksit Bharat 2047 through quality education and research.

Shri Pradhan also complimented the UGC for honouring the unparalleled intellectual heritage of Odisha by naming their newly constructed auditorium ‘Pushpagiri.’ He noted that it is a matter of great pride and personal delight for him. He highlighted how Pushpagiri in Jajpur, Odisha, was a cradle of knowledge and a symbol of enlightenment. He commended the UGC for this laudable step in reappropriating Bharat’s intellectual heritage and values in the 21st century. Additionally, he expressed hope that this state-of-the-art auditorium would emerge as a hub for vibrant intellectual discourses, shaping bright futures.

Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal, in his address, said that these regulations will significantly enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the higher education institutions. He also mentioned how the Ministry is committed to supporting their effective implementation across the country.

About the Regulations

The Draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025 will give flexibility to universities in appointing & promoting teachers and academic staff in their institutions.

The draft regulations and guidelines are available for public consultation, inviting comments, suggestions and feedback from stakeholders at:

Draft Regulations: https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/3045759_Draft-Regulation-Minimum-Qualifications-for-Appointment-and-Promotion-of-Teachers-and-Academic-Staff-in-Universities-and-Colleges-and-Measures-for-the-Maintenance-of-Standards-in-HE-Regulations-2025.pdf

Key Highlights of the Regulations

• Flexibility: Candidates can pursue teaching careers in subjects they qualify for with NET/SET, even if different from their previous degrees. Ph.D. specialisation will be prioritised.

• Promoting Indian Languages: The draft Regulations encourage the use of Indian languages in academic publications and degree programmes.

• Holistic Evaluation: It aims to eliminate score-based short-listing, focusing on a broader range of qualifications, including “Notable Contributions.”

• Diverse Talent Pool: Creates dedicated recruitment pathways for experts in arts, sports, and traditional disciplines.

• Inclusivity: Provides opportunities for accomplished sportspersons, including those with disabilities, to enter the teaching profession.

• Enhanced Governance: Revises the selection process for Vice-Chancellors with expanded eligibility criteria with transparency.

• Simplified Promotion Process: Streamlines the criteria for promotions, emphasising teaching, research output, and academic contributions.

• Focus on Professional Development: Encourages continuous learning and skill enhancement for teachers through faculty development programs.

• Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Promotes transparent processes for recruitment, promotion, and addressing grievances.

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Registration Portal for Kashi Tamil Sangamam Phase 3

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Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the registration portal for the 3rd edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS). The Minister, while addressing a press conference, announced that KTS 3.0 will commence on 15th February 2025 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This 10-day-long event will conclude on 24th February 2025, he added. The portal, kashitamil.iitm.ac.in – hosted by IIT Madras, will accept registrations till 1st February 2025, he added.

Secretary, Ministry of Education, Shri Sanjay Kumar; Principal DG, PIB, Shri Dhirendra Ojha; Additional Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal; Chairman, Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti, Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, and other officials also attended the Press Conference.

Shri Pradhan, while interacting with the media, said that the inseparable bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi are set to come alive through Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0.

The Minister highlighted that Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a brainchild of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is an inspirational initiative to celebrate the timeless bonds between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, strengthen the civilisational links and further the spirit of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.

Shri Pradhan said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam will be a celebration of one of India’s most revered sages—Maharishi Agasthyar. Maharishi Agasthyar’s legacy is deeply woven into India’s cultural and spiritual fabric, Shri Pradhan highlighted. His intellectual brilliance is the bedrock of Tamil language and literature as well as our shared values, knowledge traditions and heritage, he added.

Shri Pradhan said, that this year, Kashi Tamil Sangamam holds a special significance as it is coinciding with the Mahakumbh, and it is also the 1st Sangamam after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya.

With Maharishi Agasthyar as the central theme and Mahakumbh and Shri Ayodhya Dham as the backdrop, Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 will offer a divine experience and bring Tamil Nadu and Kashi—the two timeless centres of our civilisation and culture, more closer than ever, he said.

Shri Pradhan encouraged people of Tamil Nadu to participate in Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 wholeheartedly.

An exhibition on the different facets of Sage Agasthyar and his contributions to world of Health, Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Literature, Polity, Culture, Art, particularly to Tamil and Tamil Nadu, etc. and Seminars, workshops, book release, etc. will be organised at Kashi during KTS 3.0. Competitions and other awareness programs in Tamil Nadu prior to KTS 3.0 will be organised in a befitting manner in major cities of India and abroad where there is considerable Tamil diaspora.

This year, the government has decided to bring around 1000 delegates from Tamil Nadu under five categories/groups: (i) Students, Teachers, and Writers; (ii) Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories); (iii) Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs; (iv) Women (SHG, Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks); and (v) Start-up, Innovation, Edu-Tech, Research. This year, an additional group of around 200 students of Tamil origin studying in various CUs will be a part of this event to enliven the bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. Participation of youth in all categories will be encouraged this year.

The duration of the tour will be 8 Days (4 for travel, 4 at site). The first group will leave Tamil Nadu on 13th February 2025 and the last group will return to Tamil Nadu on 26th February 2025.

The objective of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is to rediscover, reaffirm, and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi—two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India in collaboration with other ministries including Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B etc. and the Govt. of UP. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, artists and people from other walks of life from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each other’s experience. It also aims to make the youth aware and experience cultural oneness. The endeavour is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge. IIT Madras and BHU are the two implementing agencies for the programme.

The Government has so far celebrated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam on two occasions earlier; i.e., for one month in 2022 and for a fortnight in 2023 and around 4000 delegates from Tamil Nadu have been a part of this event. In both the editions of KTS, there were overwhelming responses from people of Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. IIT Madras will be the sender institution and BHU the receiving institution, as in the earlier editions. IIT Madras will call for applications for participation through a portal, which was launched today.

KTS 2.0 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Varanasi on 17th December, 2023, with the first-ever real-time, app-based translation of a part of the Prime Minister’s speech in Tamil for the benefit of visiting Tamil delegates.

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United Nations Institute for Training and Research

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The United Nations Institute for Training and Research is pleased to announce its 2025 portfolio of educational and training programmes, offered in partnership with world-class universities. These programmes, taught by UN experts and distinguished practitioners in their fields, offer flexible formats and a diverse array of learning opportunities, designed to equip diplomats, government officials, and professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to advance their careers.

Master’s ProgrammesComprehensive master’s degrees designed to provide in-depth knowledge in diplomacy and international relations, available in hybrid, online, or in-person formats. ● M.A. in Digital International Relations and Diplomacy In partnership with EU Business SchoolStart: October, January, April (In-person, Geneva, Full-time) | Deadline: Rolling Learn More >

● M.A. in International Affairs and DiplomacyIn partnership with Open University of Catalonia Start: 12 March 2025 (Online, Full-time or Part-time) | Deadline: 21 February 2025Learn More >

● Master’s Programmes in Diplomacy, International Law, Gender and DevelopmentIn partnership with the University for PeaceStart: July, August, September (Online, Hybrid, In-person, Full-time) | Deadline: April, June, August (Depending on the format) |See related certificates >Learn More >

● LL.M. in Public International Law In partnership with Sigmund Freud University ViennaStart: October 2025 (Online or In-person, Full-time) | Deadline: 14 April (Non-EU Citizens) / 31 August 2025 (EU/EFTA Citizens)Learn More >

● M.S. in International Affairs and Diplomatic PracticeIn partnership with Seton Hall UniversityStart: August 2025 (Online, Full-time) | Deadline: RollingLearn More > | Join the info session (4 February) >

● Professional Masters in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence ApplicationsIn partnership with the Asian Institute of TechnologyStart: August 2025 (Hybrid, Part-time)Learn More >

● MBA in Alternative Dispute ResolutionIn partnership with the University of BoltonStart: September 2025 (Online Part-time, with 1-week in Geneva)Learn More >

● MSc. Gender and Diplomatic PracticeIn partnership with the University of StirlingStart: September 2025 (In-person, Full-time or Part-time)Learn More >

● M.A. in International Leadership and Negotiation In partnership with Universidad Europea de Valencia Start date: 2025 TBC (Online, Full-time)Learn More >

* For programmes without confirmed deadlines, further details will be shared in upcoming communications.

Executive Diplomas Executive programmes for professionals seeking specialized knowledge in diplomacy, available in both in-person and online formats.

● Executive Diploma in Cultural Diplomacy, International Relations and Global GovernanceIn partnership with the Center for Cultural Diplomacy StudiesStart: 9 February 2025 (Berlin or Online, 10 days) | Deadline: 8 February 2025Learn More >

● Online Diploma in Multilateral Diplomacy Modules can also be taken separately as certified courses, with upgrade options toward the diploma.Start: 10 February/ 1 September 2025 | Deadline: 9 February/ 1 September 2025 (10 months)

Upcoming Courses Include:– The Art of Speechwriting- Overcoming Negotiation Deadlocks- United Nations Protocol- Public and Cultural Diplomacy- Cross-Cultural CommunicationLearn More >

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Immersion Programmes 5-day field visits in the world’s multilateralism capitals, receiving expert lectures, training workshops, multilateral conferences, private guided tours, access to UN institutions, and career development sessions.

● UN Geneva Immersion ProgrammeDates: February, May, July, August 2025Learn More >

● UN Nairobi Immersion ProgrammeDates: 17 March – 21 March 2025 Learn More >

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