Mumbai: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) recently concluded its Virtual Careers Fair in India, providing a platform for accounting and finance professionals to connect with leading employers in the country. The event witnessed the participation of 3,121 visitors including students, affiliates and members demonstrating a strong interest and demand for career opportunities in the finance industry.

About 50 employers participated in the fair, including renowned organizations such as DuPont, Goldman Sachs, HPE, Reliance, Cognizant, AccSource, QX Global, Ford, Mazars, Oremus Corp, Q4 Accounting, GT Indus and many more. Notably, this year’s fair also marked the participation of an international employer from Canada for the first time, further expanding the reach of the event globally.

The fair highlighted a diverse range of industries and sectors, with a significant demand for talent in which Accounting and Financial Services offered 1,363 jobs, the Big 4 accounting firms alone offered 500+ jobs and the Indin multinational companies and conglomerates who participated in the fair had 100+ job openings. This year, many Indian accounting firms also actively joined the platform, providing attendees with a wider range of job and internship opportunities.

In terms of employer preferences, while established corporates received a substantial number of applications, there was also a noticeable trend of candidates showing interest in startups. This indicates the growing appeal of entrepreneurial ventures and the desire to explore innovative career paths.

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The fair also highlighted the demand for internship opportunities, with several employers offering internships to meet the aspirations of candidates seeking practical experience alongside their academic pursuits.

Speaking about the success of the Virtual Career Fair, Md Sajid Khan, Director – India at ACCA, said, “ACCA is committed to supporting the career development of our students, affiliates, and members, and to promoting diversity and inclusion in the finance industry. We encourage participants to leverage their connections at the Virtual Careers Fair and explore the various opportunities available to them. ACCA is dedicated to providing valuable career opportunities and fostering connections between finance professionals and employers. We extend our gratitude to all participants, employers, and partners for making the Virtual Careers Fair a success.”

Employers who interacted with students, affiliates, and members in networking chat rooms expressed their appreciation for the overwhelming response and the quality of candidates they encountered. Many employers also acknowledged ACCA’s support in organizing the Virtual Careers Fair.

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As political tensions continue to escalate between India and Canada, the future of their diplomatic and trade relations hangs in the balance. The dispute revolves around allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who claimed that credible evidence links Indian authorities to the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. This accusation has strained the bilateral relationship, with New Delhi firmly dismissing the allegations as “absurd” and calling upon Canada to take action against anti-India elements operating within its borders.

One of the largest factors that needs immediate attention is the education sector. As trends show that Canada is one of the most preferred educational destination for Indian students going abroad. Adding to the discord, the Canadian Border Security Agency has issued notices to deport approximately 700 youths who had presented fake offer letters. A substantial number of these individuals hail from Punjab, a state in India, and are drawn to Canada due to its liberal immigration policies and relatively straightforward path to citizenship. For those who immigrate to Canada, the opportunity to apply for citizenship becomes available after five years of continuous residency, with a minimum of three years spent within the country.

Many of the Punjabi youths seeking a brighter future in Canada are students who opt to pursue higher education in the country. Canada’s appeal lies not only in its academic institutions but also in the option for students to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week while pursuing their studies. This attractive proposition has led to a significant increase in the number of Indian students heading to Canada.

Notably, Canada has become a preferred destination for Indian students, particularly those from Punjab. According to Amar Ujala, a Canadian Member of Parliament Ramesh Sangha reveals that Punjabis constitute 2.6 percent of the Canadian population, with a significant Sikh and Punjabi community of around 9.50 lakh residents, out of which 7.70 lakh are Punjabis.

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According to Reuters, since 2018, India has been the largest source country for international students in Canada. In 2022, their number rose 47% to nearly 320,000, accounting for about 40% of total overseas students, the Canadian Bureau of International Education says, which also helps universities and colleges provide a subsidised education to domestic students. Canada has issued nearly a million study permits to Indian students since 2015, making it a crucial source of income for Canadian educational institutions.

Shivir Setia, an Indian student who has applied for a project management course in Canada said to ScooNews, “Mentioning my experience regarding whatever happened between India and Canada in the last few days. First, I was very surprised to see that this issue escalated so much to the extent that India is restricting Canadians to coming to India. I was also scared of what would happen if my student Visa got rejected, as the process is very time consuming and a lot of money is involved. I spoke to my friends and other people who stated that nothing is going to happen, this will fade out. I am still a little curious about how things turn out as I am just hoping to go and start with my studies. I am applying for the Visa tomorrow and I hope for the best. My Counsellor was always positive and assured me that things are going to work out.”

Rohinton Medhora, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, underscores the importance of how each country’s government handles the public relations and strategic aspects of this dispute. He notes that while India and Canada may not be each other’s primary trade partners, concessions made during this crisis could have repercussions. The trade relationship between the two nations has not been robust compared to other global partners. In 2021, India constituted only 0.62 percent of Canada’s exports, while Canada represented 1.02 percent of India’s exports. Both countries are wary of making concessions that could compromise their standing with more significant trade partners. (Source- BNN Bloomberg)

Despite the growing political tensions, there is no immediate indication that Indian students will cease their migration to Canada. However, if the crisis deepens, the Indian government may consider directing students, particularly those on government scholarships, to explore alternative destinations for their education, impacting Canada’s education sector significantly. Mr. Ameya S. Bal, Assistant Professor, SKSC, Somaiya Vidyavihar University had this to say on the matter, “I do not think that it is going to affect students in a major capacity. As students are the fraternity which is mostly excluded from the politics here. It may indirectly affect them if policy changes are to take place like that by the Indian government to suspend the visas or by the Canadian government in future due to the tainted international relations. Obviously, the one major consequence is that students will think before going to Canada as the ambiguity of the PR and the treatment of the students can be an issue. Many agencies are promoting permanent residency in Canada, they will be affected by it due to the circumstances as many students may opt out of getting PR and may only choose to go for the duration of their respective educational course or professional project and then come back to India.”

Anand Krishnaswamy, an Educational Consultant and Coach, considers the investigation to play a big part in the future. He said, “No one can assess as of now the exact course of action that will be taken by both the nations. It is difficult to say that this might impact students in a negative manner. The existing students in Canada might face issues with their work visas. The Indian government has been excessive in taking major steps against Canada and have denied the allegations imposed by the Canadian government. While Canada has maintained a more careful stance on the issue. US has also stood up and claimed that if the allegations are to be true, other nations might have to step in and ask questions from the Indian government. I think all that can be done for now is let the investigation take its due course and then understand where do both the nations stand in this matter. However, what may happen is that the students will start showing keen interest in other educational destinations like Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and EU which are also good educational hubs. US has already increased the number of visas for Indian students since the week gone by. So that is a clear consequence.”

In the midst of this turmoil, Shantanu Singh, Director of EduCandor Pvt. Ltd., a study abroad counselling agency, emphasizes that the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Canada remain unaffected. He advises prospective students to exercise patience amid visa service suspensions and expects a resolution in the near future. Singh urges that international students should not bear the brunt of political disputes, as their contributions are vital to the economies of host countries, including Canada. He said,” I engaged in discussions with a multitude of students, visa officers, and counsellors on this issue. Now, concerning students who are already residing in Canada, their prevailing sentiment is that the recent developments appear to be more of a political and a theatrical display, likely influenced by the approaching elections. Contrary to the sensationalism propagated by the Indian and Canadian media, Indian nationals in Canada can rest assured that their safety and well-being remain unaffected.

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Now, shifting focus to students intending to apply for Canadian visas, I also conversed with visa officers. They acknowledged the Indian context, where visa services have been temporarily suspended. However, the stance and intentions of the Canadian government remain uncertain. Consequently, our recommendation to students, in light of these circumstances, is to refrain from submitting visa applications at this juncture. Nevertheless, we hold the belief that this situation is likely to stabilize within the next 10 to 15 days. Failing that, we anticipate a resolution in the near future, as the future prospects of numerous individuals and students are hanging in the balance.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding India-Canada relations, it is hoped that diplomacy and dialogue will prevail, allowing both nations to navigate these turbulent waters and maintain their historically strong ties.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is all set to host the ‘G20 University Connect’ event on Tuesday, September 26, providing an opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to interact with the academic community. Professor Manish R Joshi, Secretary of UGC, unveiled this significant initiative. The event is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam and will bring together Vice-Chancellors, principals, faculty members, and students from universities and colleges across the nation.

During this event, PM Modi will engage in discussions and dialogues with academic leaders, emphasising the pivotal role of higher education in India’s growth and development. In a LinkedIn post, PM Modi had earlier invited students to the G20 University Connect event, highlighting the success of the G-20 University Connect programme over the past year in bringing together India’s youth. He noted that this initiative showcased how Indian youth have established enduring connections with the G-20 fraternity.

PM Modi mentioned a particularly noteworthy event, the “Model G20 Meeting,” where students from 12 different nations, including 10 G20 countries, discussed the theme “Youth for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).” He expressed eagerness to hear and gain insights from the experiences of Indian youth during the special G-20 University Connect programme, encouraging all youngsters to participate in this unique endeavour.

This event holds immense significance as it provides a platform for academic institutions to directly engage with the country’s top leadership. It offers stakeholders in the education sector an opportunity to share their ideas, concerns, and aspirations with the Prime Minister, fostering collaboration and innovation in higher education. PM Modi underscored the event’s importance in nurturing excellence in higher education, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting it.

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“The G-20 University Connect initiative has witnessed numerous programmes held across India, with extensive participation from higher education institutions,” noted the Prime Minister on LinkedIn. He added that the ‘G20 University Connect’ event is poised to be a landmark occasion for the Indian education system, reinforcing the government’s dedication to advancing excellence in higher education and research.

In this programme, Prime Minister Modi will discuss the recently concluded G20 Summit and deliberate on future challenges with students and the new generation. The direct interaction between the PM and academic leaders is expected to catalyse initiatives that will further enhance India’s global standing in the field of education.

Source- ANI

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GD Goenka University is excited to introduce the inaugural Gayatri Devi Goenka Memorial Shooting Championship, a remarkable event that underscores the university’s unwavering commitment to nurturing sports excellence and paying tribute to the exceptional sharpshooters from all corners of India. Set to be held from September 26 to September 29, 2023, at the GD Goenka Shooting Range featuring 25 professional lanes, this championship is poised to become one of the nation’s most prestigious shooting competitions and will be conducted using Electronic Scoring Target System (EST).

This championship serves as a testament to promoting sportsmanship and fostering the talents of both emerging and seasoned shooters. With participation from over 500 competitors hailing from across India, the event promises to be a grand spectacle, celebrating the passion and precision of shooters who have honed their craft to perfection.

Notably, this championship holds particular significance as it pays homage to Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist. The GD Goenka Shooting Range, dedicated in his honor in 2022, stands as a guiding light for aspiring shooters, offering world-class facilities and expert guidance to nurture their talents.

During the inauguration, Abhinav Bindra expressed his thoughts, stating, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to GD Goenka for the remarkable facilities they have established and the emphasis they place on sports across their educational institutions. I am confident that the students will achieve remarkable success in various tournaments, but more importantly, they will imbibe the values that sports instill in us.”

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Nipun Goenka, Managing Director of GD Goenka Group, aptly remarked, “The Gayatri Devi Goenka Memorial Shooting Championship transcends mere competition; it’s a celebration of the essence of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unwavering dedication. We take immense pride in providing a platform for India’s talented marksmen and markswomen to shine, and we firmly believe that this championship will serve as an inspiration to a new generation of shooting enthusiasts.”

Pondicherry – In a significant move to promote higher education among students from government schools, the Pondicherry Chief Minister, N Rangasamy, announced on Thursday that the territorial administration would fully cover the tuition fees for students hailing from government-run schools who secure admission into undergraduate medical programs in the Union Territory for the ongoing academic year.

The Chief Minister made this announcement during a press briefing held in Pondicherry, emphasizing that the scheme is exclusively available to students who have successfully completed their school education in government institutions and have cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

Under this initiative, students from government schools will be granted admission under a 10 percent horizontal reservation quota in undergraduate medical courses within the Union Territory. The government is actively coordinating with colleges to ensure that students admitted under this scheme are not burdened with tuition fees, as these costs will be borne entirely by the administration.

The process of selecting students for professional courses in Pondicherry is conducted by the Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC). Notably, earlier this month, the Central Government approved the proposal put forth by the Pondicherry administration to implement this reservation quota.

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In response to the development, A Anbalagan, the convenor of the AIADMK in Pondicherry, expressed his party’s appreciation for the introduction of this 10 percent reservation for students from government schools pursuing medical education. He mentioned that the AIADMK had been advocating for this initiative, and he thanked Chief Minister N Rangasamy for making it a reality.

This move is expected to not only encourage students from government schools to pursue medical studies but also reduce the financial burden on their families, making quality education more accessible to all.

The University of Wollongong (UOW) Australia, in collaboration with the NSE Academy launched their new book titled “Introduction to Corporate Finance (sixth edition)” at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai. The book, authored by first year lecturers at UOW campuses in Hong Kong and Dubai, is poised to become a seminal work in understanding the complexities and nuances of the corporate finance landscape.

The book was launched by MD & CEO, NSE Ashishkumar Chauhan, UOW’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Alex Frino, and Global Brand Ambassador Adam Gilchrist. The book includes a chapter which details how shares are traded on the National Stock Exchange.  

The book launch took place on the heels of UOW unveiling its India identity at GIFT City, Gujarat, on September 18 (Monday). The University is on track to being one of the first foreign universities to have a teaching base in India, and to hand out Australian degrees to Indian students. 

The event at NSE featured a discussion by Chauhan and Frino on the intriguing subject of the ‘Future of Equities Markets in India’. The highly anticipated talk provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving trends, the formidable challenges, and the abundant opportunities that shape India’s dynamic equities markets landscape. 

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“India has made significant strides in maintaining a regulatory environment that is investor-friendly, a key factor in attracting more foreign investment into our vibrant markets. The ongoing reforms and initiatives, including the establishment of the GIFT City as a financial hub and IFSCA (GIFT City regulator), exemplify our commitment to nurturing global partnerships and welcoming foreign institutions, such as the University of Wollongong, to have a physical presence in India. It is an exciting time for India, and we are dedicated to embracing innovation, facilitating market integration with the global arena, and ensuring a prosperous future for both our domestic and international stakeholders,” said Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE. 

“India’s remarkable rise in fintech and technological advancements in recent years, coupled with the surge in digital consumption, presents an ideal environment for international businesses to thrive. UOW’s physical presence in India signifies more than just a strategic move; it represents our commitment to fostering deeper research engagements with our Indian partners, resulting in impactful global outcomes. Our presence in India allows us to provide world-class education, nurturing India’s young population and contributing to their holistic development. It also aligns with our vision to expand our international footprint, strengthening our global network and creating a bridge for knowledge exchange,” added Professor Frino from UOW. 

On the occasion of the book launch, UOW Global Brand Ambassador and cricketing legend Adam Gilchrist interacted with the delegation from NSE and key Australian government officials and rang the ceremonial bell, signifying stronger Australia – India relations in trade, research and education partnerships.

The University, which has a strong global presence, has been successfully operating campuses in Australia, Dubai, Malaysia and Hong Kong. It will commence its India operations in 2024 with a Graduate Certificate in Computing and a Masters in Computing (Data Analytics), followed by other undergraduate programs. UOW already has close ties with over 30 Indian universities for research and educational collaborations in the areas of software development, advanced medicine solutions, molecular and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and mining technologies.

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New Delhi, September 21, 2023 – The National Testing Agency (NTA) has made a significant announcement, stating its readiness to conduct the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) in a variety of regional languages, potentially as early as 2024. This move aims to make CLAT, a crucial examination for law aspirants, more accessible to students across India. However, the final decision rests with the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs), the current organizers of CLAT.

In response to a petition presented before the Delhi High Court, NTA revealed its willingness to conduct CLAT in languages such as Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This initiative could revolutionize the accessibility of legal education by breaking down language barriers.

The NTA further stated its readiness to administer CLAT in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode, similar to other major entrance exams such as JEE and CUET. If approved, the CLAT (UG)-2024 could potentially be held in the third or fourth week of January 2024, taking into consideration the necessary preparations.

This move has garnered widespread support from students and educationists who believe it will foster inclusivity and democratize access to legal education. Advocates argue that conducting CLAT in regional languages aligns with India’s emphasis on mother tongue-based education, as recommended by the 2020 Education Policy and the 2009 Right to Education Act.

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Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this decision, there are valid concerns regarding the feasibility and cost implications. Ensuring accurate translation and equal access to exam materials for all students will be paramount. Additionally, coordinating the logistics of conducting CLAT in multiple languages will be a complex endeavor.

CLAT, which is presently conducted solely in English, has faced criticism for allegedly discriminating against students with regional language backgrounds, potentially violating constitutional articles 14 and 29(2). This development holds the potential to bring about a transformative change in the way aspiring lawyers across India prepare for their legal careers.

As the legal fraternity awaits the final decision by the Consortium of National Law Universities, the prospect of CLAT being conducted in regional languages has ignited hope for a more inclusive legal education landscape while also presenting a set of logistical and financial challenges that must be thoughtfully addressed.

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A high-level academic consultation was held in Gujarat on Wednesday to explore the potential of Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships between the UK and Gujarat higher education institutions (HEIs). The event was organised by the Department of Higher and Technical Education Government of Gujarat and UK in India, which hosted a senior-level higher education delegation from September 18-22. The delegation visited Ahmedabad and met with Gujarat’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Rushikesh Patel.

The consultation aimed to promote internationalisation and support institutions on both sides to develop shared understanding and collaboration opportunities. The delegation included vice chancellors of various UK universities and bodies, who discussed the latest trends and opportunities in the field of education, such as the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the scope of joint venture with new technology.

Minister Rushikesh Patel welcomed the delegation and briefed them about the research and innovation opportunities in Gujarat, the work being done in Gujarat in terms of Student Startup Innovation Policy (SSIP) and start-ups, and the recent Gujarat Public Universities Act passed by the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. He also congratulated Alison Barrett MBE, Director of British Council India, for the trust and collaboration that exists between the UK and Gujarat higher education systems.

Barrett said, “We are delighted to be in Gujarat with a large delegation of UK universities and bodies to discuss partnership opportunities institutions in the State and those in the UK, showcasing the trust and collaboration that exists between our higher education systems. Institutions from the state and the UK are already working together, and we are confident that our discussions will pave the way for even more mutually beneficial initiatives. This is a moment to celebrate the deep and extensive links that exist between our universities and the numerous opportunities for collaboration and internationalisation.”

The meeting also focused on how to make Gujarat’s universities world class with the implementation of the Gujarat Public Universities Act, to strengthen the education system of Gujarat in the field of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) through SSIP, and to mark Gujarat on the international stage through various provisions of NEP. The Minister said that Indo-UK relations will continue to be important in capacity building of the state’s higher education system. (ANI)

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The Maharashtra government has announced a new scheme on September 19 that will allow private entities with a SEBI registered CSR certificate to adopt government schools in the state. The scheme, called Adopt a School, aims to improve the quality of education and infrastructure in these schools, irrespective of their medium of instruction.

The scheme will be implemented in phases across the state and the period of adoption will be either five or ten years. The private entities can also choose to add their name to the existing name of the school for the duration of the adoption.

The government has fixed the adoption fee at Rs 2 crore for five years and Rs 3 crore for ten years for schools located in A and B category municipal corporations, such as Mumbai and Pune. The fee will be used for enhancing the facilities, curriculum, teaching methods, and learning outcomes of the students. The private entities will also have to provide regular feedback and reports to the government on the progress of the schools.

The scheme is part of the government’s efforts to achieve the goals set by the National Education Policy 2020, which envisages a holistic and multidisciplinary education system in India. The scheme will also create a platform for collaboration and innovation between the public and private sectors in the field of education.

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Scores of students reached out to tourists and cab drivers on one of the world’s highest motorable roads Khardongla in Ladakh to sensitise them about the dangers of ozone layer depletion on September 18, 2023.

The campaign, supported by both students and staffers of the Nobra government college, aimed at mobilising people to take immediate action in safeguarding the ozone layer, participants of the campaign said.

The students, who were on a five-day educational-cum-exposure tour to Kargil, interacted with security personnel deployed there, tourists, and cab drivers, they said.

They spread awareness about the dangers of ozone layer depletion and ways to preserve it as well as requested people to become ozone-friendly citizens and promote the use of ozone-friendly goods and services, the participants said.

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The students also took a pledge to protect the planet and conserve natural resources for future generations.

Source- Press Trust of India