CATEGORIES

Nurturer of Wholesome Vitality

IN ALL OF MODERN CULTURE, PERHAPS NO PHASE OF LIFE IS as romanticised as one's (uni)varsity years. And if those years are spent amid the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, with monsoon rains turning gentle crevices into meandering rivulets, it's an experience that could inspire a Coleridge.

CLIMATE FOR BRILLIANCE

SET AMIDST VERDANT ENVIRONS, SYMBIOSIS COMBINES CUTTING-EDGE ACADEMIC CHOICES WITH A CULTURE OF TRANSPARENCY AND EMPHASIS ON ALL-ROUND KNOWLEDGE

Needed: A Bold Vision

AS SOMEONE KEEN TO SEE THE WORLD of academe in India elevated to worthy heights I am often reminded of the lament-from the 1980s of one of India's most distinguished academics and a former vice-chancellor of Allahabad University. His anguish stemmed from the fact that somewhere along the way independent India had been unable to steer our universities in the right direction. By way of illustration, I can provide many insightful instances but perhaps none would be as telling as that which has Srinivas Ramanujan at its centre and which transpired more than a hundred years ago.

ERA OF INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

JNU STUDENTS KNOW THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THE BEST MINDS IN VARIOUS FIELDS. THIS YEAR, THE VARSITY IS ALSO EXPANDING INTO THE E-LEARNING SEGMENT

"STUDENTS NOW GET ADDED COURSE OPTIONS TO MAKE THEM MORE EMPLOYABLE"

In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced a series of reforms for higher education institutions or HEls. These student-centric reforms focus on a new curriculum framework, a multidisciplinary approach, modern pedagogy and transparent regulations. In an exclusive interview with Executive Editor KAUSHIK DEKA, UGC Chairman M. JAGADESH KUMAR elaborates on the reforms undertaken by the higher education regulator and outlines a future roadmap. Edited excerpts from the interview.

A GLOBAL CLASS

WHAT IT WILL TAKE FOR INDIA TO MAKE A GIANT LEAP IN EDUCATION INSTEAD OF INCREMENTAL CHANGE

BALANCING HIGH GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY

Addressing the concerns over jobs, giving a rural push and continuing with the high allocation on capex, even while maintaining a tight leash over finances-the challenges before finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman were many. How did she fare? As part of our BITE (Board of India Today Experts) survey, we ask six top economists what their reading of the Union Budget 2024-25 is, its major thrust areas, and some key measures the FM missed out on

ON TARGET

The change in allocation may not be substantive but is directed towards the right areas-border infra, hi-tech acquisitions

PRIVATE MISSION

Backing research and private participation, the Budget underlines the key role of space and atomic energy

JUST A BIT SHORT OF BREATH

The allocation for healthcare not only falls short of expectations, but misses out on key areas of requirement

WAITING FOR THE HARVEST

The Budget focus has been on raising farmer incomes and widening the scope of the rural job market

SPECIAL PLATTER FOR PARTNERS

They may not have got special category status, but BJP allies get enough of a budget bonanza for the Opposition to scream preferential treatment

The Gold Quest

Paris Olympics 2024 - India's Brightest Prospects

The Road Less Travelled

If you can't bear the thought of getting wet, Nubra's precipitation-free, high-altitude desert setting may be just the thing for you

THE OTHER CHARGERS

ON THEIR DAY, ALL OF THESE INDIAN ATHLETES CAN ADD TO THE LUSTRE OF PARIS WITH THEIR SHOTS, STROKES, TAKEDOWNS AND PUNCHES

Sounds Good

Here are things you need to know to get acoustics right for your space

REVIVING HERITAGE

Taking traditional techniques and turning them on their head is this nine-bedroom home in Rajasthan that houses four generations

Cook up a Storm

The culinary journey starts in the kitchen. Seven firms share their favourite designs and great ideas from across the country.

Decor Drama for your Feed

We're spilling the tea on three fabulous and influential Insta-icons who share their secret of success, decor ideas and more

Modern Milieu

Sonakshi Sinha's apartment in Mumbai courts contemporary aesthetics, smart design and beautiful use of colour, with flair

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

It's a both a gourmet's delight and a home chef's dream, this new houseware brand will change the way you cook

HOME SAFE HOME

Is it time to level up your security game with 360° indoor cameras? Our expert finds out.

GRAND DESIGNS

This duplex in Mumbai is a lesson in how dimly lit and banal spaces can be transformed into a bright, light and bespoke home

PICTURE-PERFECT WEDDINGS

We sure love our big fat weddings. Here are India's best wedding destinations, with suggestions for where to stay and get the most stunning shots

NATURAL SELECTION

Modern biophilia blurs the boundaries between the inside and outside, bringing in wellness, beauty and clever spatial planning

"We don't take up work that doesn't excite us

From camaraderie and clever designs to smart aesthetics and stylish spaces, Delhi-based architects Rahul Bansal and Amit Aurora walk us through their journey

CHASING THE MONSOON

FROM MUNNAR TO KOCHI AND ONWARDS TO WAYANAD, MAKING THE MOST OF KERALA'S WET SEASON

The Homing Instinct

The avant-garde homes featured in this slickly produced volume showthat architectural practice is alive and well in India

SHOW VS STAFF KITCHENS

When the square footage is not an issue, one space to cook is not enough. Our expert decodes this growing need.

THE NEW DUNKI ROUTES

Despite the horror stories surrounding the 'dunki' or illegal migrant route to the West, the lure of a better life for young men in Gujarat, Punjab and other states has seen them pursue newer ways and routes to cross international borders. INDIA TODAY speaks to families in Gujarat to find out what fuels the growing human trafficking economy and who is behind it