NSDC-Mercedes-Benz MoU

Delhi, october 10. “As one million youth join our workforce every month, India must harness this demographic dividend through equity, inclusion, and opportunity. We are all witnessing how India is changing — the very fabric of our society is transforming. Women are emerging as true change agents — in sports, industry, STEM, and education — empowering not just themselves, but their families and communities. The government envisions employing 45 million people in the mobility sector with 9 million in the EV ecosystem,” said Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State in the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), speaking on the occasion of an MoU between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Mercedes-Benz India, that launched its IGNiTE 4.0 programme.

The IGNiTE 4.0 programme intends to skill 1,000 youth from economically challenged backgrounds in future-ready automotive technologies, especially electric vehicles (EVs) and Industry 4.0, ensuring at least 30 percent participation of women. Training will be conducted in two advanced Skill Development Centres to be established at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (Delhi-NCR) and MIT ADT University (Pune).

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our global commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, whilst addressing industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging technologies like electric mobility and Industry 4.0,” added Emrah Oezer, Director & CFO, Mercedes-Benz India.

Star Peace Award 2025

Istanbul, october 12. O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat (Haryana) was conferred the Global Education for Peace Award 2025 by the Society of Transnational Academic Researchers at the STAR Global Conference 2025 in Istanbul, (Turkiye), for fostering peace through higher education.

“The Global South must shake off its practice of being just a recipient of information and values; it must create these on its own, and these must be rooted in ethics, inclusion, and social justice. When we define excellence, we need to emphasise the importance of impact over prestige, put collaboration over competition. We must redefine excellence to value impact over prestige, collaboration over competition, and put purpose ahead of profit. The university of the future will be inclusive, innovative, and in harmony with existence,” said Dr. C. Raj Kumar, JGU Founding Vice Chancellor, while accepting the prestigious award. 

The STAR Global Conference is an assembly of scholars, practitioners, and leaders from across disciplines and professions, from around the world. This gathering in Istanbul, titled ‘Advancing Local Knowledge for a Brighter and Sustainable Future’, was designed to promote the role of universities in recognising, rewarding, and sustaining diverse knowledge ecologies.

“JGU’s dedication to integrating local knowledge with global perspectives resonates deeply with STAR Scholars Network’s goals. Together, we can continue to build ecosystems of hope, knowledge, and sustainable development,” added Prof. (Dr.) Uttam Gaulee, President of the STAR Scholars Network.

Nottingham Trent scholarships

Delhi, october 7. Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has introduced merit-based scholarships for Indian students enrolling in business, technology, art and design and social sciences study programmes before January 2026. These scholarships provide tuition fee discounts of up to 50 percent for postgrad students to make studying in the UK more accessible and affordable. Awards include the India Prestigious University Award, offering up to £4,000 (Rs.4 lakh), NTU International Merit Scholarships (£3,000) and the NTU International Scholarship (£2,000).

Ranked #1 in the UK for Employability (Uni Compare, 2025), NTU partners with over 2,000 companies in the UK and internationally, offering students professional placements and paid internships. All undergraduate courses at NTU include at least 240 hours of integrated work-like experience.

“NTU’s focus on employability combined with financial support, ensures our students acquire academic excellence and career-ready skills, setting them up for success after graduation,” says Anna Audhali, Senior Regional Manager, Nottingham Trent University.

UoW postgrad awards

Delhi, october 1. University of Worcester (U0W) is enhancing opportunities for Indian students by offering merit-based scholarships of up to £3,000 per year for postgraduate courses commencing January 2026.

According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024, U0W consistently delivers strong outcomes, with 96 percent of graduates securing employment or further study within 15 months of completing degree programmes. “Every year, over 500 students are employed by the university, while more than 1,000 industry partnerships provide opportunities for real-world experience, helping students from India and around the world, become graduate-ready to succeed in the global workforce,” says a UoW spokesperson.

Adds Nick Slade, Deputy VC and head of International & External Affairs: “Our merit-based scholarships and career-focused degree programmes are designed to provide students the skills, experience, and confidence they need to succeed in global and Indian job markets.”