Friday, April 17, 2026

MediaNama’s Hybrid Discussion on IT Rules and the future of online speech in India | 23 April at IHC, New Delhi

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MediaNama’s discussion on  IT Rules and the future of online speech in India

Date: April 23, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM to 5 PM
Venue: Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
Register here (for in-person attendance) | Zoom link 

Reading List prepared for the discussion.

This discussion will examine the impact and implications of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) proposed amendments to the IT Rules, 2021, including their effect on intermediary liability, safe harbour protections, content moderation, and government oversight of online speech.


Agenda
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Session 1: Victims of Censorship in India
1:55 PM – 2:45 PM: Session 2: MeitY’s Expanding Mandate: Rule 3(4), the timelines for content takedowns, and the Safe Harbour, in the context of Shreya Singhal and the IT Act
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM: Open house discussion
3:25 PM – 4:15 PM: Session 3: MIB’s Expanded Reach: The IDC, Part III, and Government Oversight of News Content and impact on users online
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Open house discussion

Topics will be exploring in their discussions:

  • Opening address by the individuals affected by online censorship and content takedowns.
  • Implications of Rule 3(4) for intermediary liability and safe harbour
  • Impact of evolving executive directions on platform compliance
  • Shift from “actual knowledge” to continuous compliance expectations
  • Operational challenges posed by compressed takedown timelines
  • Risks of over-compliance from intermediaries and automated content removal without oversight
  • Expansion of IT Rules’ Part III to user-generated news-related content
  • Role and extended powers of the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC)
  • Implications for individuals posting or sharing news content
  • Constitutional concerns and judicial scrutiny
  • Impact on news publishers and digital platforms.

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Book Discussion: How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage | 25 April

Speaker: Prof. Ranjay Gulati, Harvard Business School.

Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by networking
Venue: Bharti Enterprises Corporate Office, Piazza Auditorium, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070.

Register

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Events on Frugal Innovation : Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

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TISS Online Summer School on 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 | 20-25 April

The School of Public Policy and Governance - TISS, Hyderabad, invites applications for its TISS Summer School on 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀.

This Summer School examines climate change not only as an environmental issue, but as a question of governance, adaptation, finance, data, and transition. Designed in an accessible and interdisciplinary format, the programme introduces participants to key themes shaping contemporary climate debates.

Themes include:
  • Climate Change and Commons
  • Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change
  • Climate Governance
  • Climate Finance
  • Climate Change and Big Data
  • GreenTransitions

• Dates: 20-25 April 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM IST onwards daily 
• Mode: Online (Zoom)
• Registration Fee: No registration fee
• Certificate: Certificates will be provided
• Last date to apply: 17 April 2026

Friday, April 10, 2026

JNU organizes an Essay Competition on Dr. Ambedkar and His Knowledge Production | 13 April

New Article "Learning Through Doing and Tinkering: Exploring the Role of Atal Tinkering Labs in STEM Education in India" by M Govind

Learning Through Doing and Tinkering: Exploring the Role of Atal Tinkering Labs in STEM Education in India
by M Govind - Connected Science Learning, 2026, DOI: 10.1080/24758779.2026.2624833.
 
Abstract: The importance of STEM education in promoting innovation has prompted many countries to adopt innovative policies and programs for strengthening STEM learning. In India, the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), based on the principles of the maker movement, are designed as informal workspaces where children engage with hands-on activities with tools and equipment. This study examines the perspectives of students and teachers on tinkering activities and investigates how tinkering facilitates the learning of STEM concepts and their application in developing solutions to local problems. The study is based on a questionnaire-based survey and interview of 510 respondents, including students (466) and 44 teachers from 26 schools located in the National Capital Region of Delhi, India. Our study showed that through tinkering and assembling prototype models, students were able to grasp STEM concepts more effectively and design innovative solutions. However, the study also found that while ATLs enrich learning through creativity and problem-solving, they risk diverting students’ attention from foundational knowledge and placing additional burdens on teachers if not aligned with the formal school curriculum. Our study contributes to the theoretical understanding of how informal learning contexts enhance students’ understanding of concepts and their real-world applications.

CfPs: International Conference on STS for Resilient Futures | 23–24 July, Bangkok, Thailand

International Conference on STS for Resilient Futures: Advancing Research on Climate, Technology, and Societal Information
July 23–24, 2026Bangkok, Thailand
 
"STS for Resilient Futures: Advancing research on climate, technology, and societal information" is designed as a global academic platform to advance interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together insights from science, technology, and the social sciences to inform evidence-based policymaking and social development. It also aims to promote innovation grounded in ethics and equity, while addressing the urgent challenges posed by the climate crisis and the ongoing digital transition. The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seeks to strengthen research and policy networks at both regional and international levels.
Conference Overview 
Themes: 
  • Resilience and Disaster Management
  • AI and Digital Transformation
  • Climate Sustainability
  • Health and Well-Being
  • Food Security and Biodiversity
  •  Energy and Green Transition
Focus: Explore the intersection of science, technology, and society by bridging interdisciplinary experts from academia, industry, and policy to address critical challenges in climate change and digital transformation.
Important Dates
  • Abstract Submission Deadline: May 15th, 2026
  • Notification of Acceptance: May 30th, 2026
  • Full Paper Submission: July 15th, 2026

Registration Fees

  • Early Bird (until May 31st): 3,000 Thai Baht / 100 USD
  • Regular (from June 1st): 4,000 Thai Baht / 125 USD
STS for Resilient Future 2026 Poster.png

Further information/ Call for Abstracts: https://www.cusri-sts2026.com/

For any specific inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us at cusriglobal[@]gmail.com.

 

Organizing Committee - STS for Resilient Futures 2026
Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI)
Email: cusriglobal[@]gmail.com

Bangkok, Thailand

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

CfPs: 17th Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship | 24-26 February; Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

17th Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship
24–26 February 2027
Organized by Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

Call for Papers
The conference provides a forum for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share their research findings and experiences in entrepreneurship development. Deliberations on contemporary issues of relevance and interest have opened up new avenues to advance entrepreneurship on a much broader scale. The conferences are organized under the aegis of the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CREED), setup by EDII. EDII has organized sixteen Biennial Conferences from 1994 to 2025. In line with the sixteen biennial conferences held over the past 32 years, the 17th Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship continues to serve as an established forum for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share their ideas and research findings with other researchers, professionals and thinkers in the field. This conference provides an opportunity to exchange feedback and refine their research pursuits. Researchers are invited to contribute papers and reports that explore and expand upon the field of entrepreneurship theory and practice.

Important Dates
  • Extended Abstract (≈ 2000 words): August 7, 2026
  • Extended Abstract Acceptance: August 14, 2026
  • Paper Development Workshop: August 28, 2026
  • Full Paper Submission: November 13, 2026
  • Acceptance Decision: November 27, 2026
  • Registration: December 31, 2026

Conference Themes and Focus Areas
The 17th Biennial Conference on Entrepreneurship invites research contributions that advance theory and practice across diverse contexts. We welcome submissions on the following themes:
  • Entrepreneurship Policy, Governance, and Ecosystems
This theme explores the institutional frameworks, policy mechanisms, and ecosystem dynamics that enable and constrain entrepreneurial activity. We invite research examining how governance structures, regulatory environments, and ecosystem orchestration influence venture creation and growth across sectors and geographies. Topics include, but are not limited to:
  • Entrepreneurship Policy and Governance
  • Sectoral Ecosystems and Entrepreneurship: Agriculture, Holistic Health, Education, Green Economy, etc.
  • Focus on MSMEs: Competitiveness, Growth, and Sustainability
  • Public-Private Partnerships and Ecosystem Development
  • Regional Innovation Systems and Cluster Dynamics
  • Entrepreneurship Theory, Practice, and New Venture Development
  • Innovation, Technology, and Digital Entrepreneurship
  • Entrepreneurship Education and Capability Development
  • Cognitive, Behavioral, and Psychological Aspects of Entrepreneurship
  • Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation
  • Sustainability, ESG, and Responsible Entrepreneurship
  • Entrepreneurship, Society, and Cultural Context
  • Family Business and Ventures
  • Emerging Perspectives and Cross-Cutting Research
  • Leadership, HR, and Work Behaviour in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Submission Guidelines: Authors are invited to submit full papers prepared according to the submission guidelines. Submissions should present original research, be properly structured, and adhere to the specified word limit and referencing style. All papers will undergo a peer-review process.

JNU Bheem Saptah on the occasion of 135th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar | Inaugural Today at 4pm

JNU is celebrating Bheem Saptah on the occasion of 135th Birth Anniversary of 
Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
BheemSaptah2026.jpg

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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

SAARC Cultural Centre proposes the SAARC Research Grants 2026

CALL FOR PROPOSALS – SAARC RESEARCH GRANTS 2026

INTERPRETING SHARED HERITAGE: CROSS-CULTURAL NARRATIVES IN MUSEUMS IN THE SAARC REGION

1. Background

As approved by the Fifteenth Meeting of the Governing Board of the SAARC Cultural Centre held in Colombo from 19-20 August 2025 and the Sixty-second Session of the Programming Committee Meeting held in Kathmandu from 11-12 February 2026, SAARC Cultural Centre proposes the SAARC Research Grants 2026.

SAARC Region is home to diverse cultures and vibrant artistic traditions that are reflected in languages, philosophies, performing arts, crafts, rituals, tremendous knowledge of the universe and nature, historical identities, and many others. Museums in the SAARC Countries are uniquely positioned to interpret and communicate these cross-cultural narratives, fostering mutual understanding, honour, and respect of self and others, and regional solidarity.

The history of museum-making shows that museums are not merely repositories for storing and exhibiting artifacts, but also active agents in the construction of cultural narratives, consequently shaping public understanding of history and culture. Museums in South Asia have vast collections of artifacts ranging from textiles, sculptures, manuscripts, to art pieces that transcend national borders yet often present fragmented narratives that overlook cross-cultural linkages.

Therefore, it is imperative to re-examine the traditional role of museums and to explore and examine how museums in the SAARC Region (re) interpret and present shared cultural heritage, and to analyse the role of cross-cultural narratives that reflect the complexities of cross-cultural interactions.

The SCC invites academics and researchers from Member States to submit detailed research project proposals. Each researcher will be granted US $ 3,000 (or an equivalent amount in the local currency) for carrying out the research. The Research Grant will be distributed in Two (2) installments, the First installment (US$1500) at the commencement of the project and the Final installment (US$1500) after the submission of the final Report.

The selection of research project proposals shall be carried out by a Team of Experts. The Research Grants will be subject to a Mid-term Review during which the Grantees shall submit a Progress Report and presentation to the Team of Experts via online/offline mode. Any suggestions/recommendations made by the Team of Experts during the Review must be incorporated duly into the final Report by the respective researchers. At the end of the Grant period the Grantees shall submit the final Report to the SCC.

2. Sub-Themes
  • Museums-Colonial Legacies and Decolonization
  • Re-examining Museum Practices and Processes of Collecting and Curating
  • Museums as Repositories and Communicators of Culture and Knowledge
  • Museums as Spaces shaping South Asia's Cross-Cultural Dialogues
3. Objectives
  • To assess the role of museums in promoting regional solidarity through shared heritage interpretation
  • To identify overlapping heritage elements across SAARC countries as represented in museum collections
  • Analyse and re-examine the current museological practices and to evaluate the challenges in developing cross-cultural narratives
  • Explore ways to include marginalized voices in heritage narratives
  • Develop inclusive methodologies and foster an understanding of interconnected histories in a region characterized by diversity.
4. Participation and Nominations Process
  • Applicants from the SAARC Member Countries are requested to submit a detailed research proposal, along with a detailed budget breakdown (as per the enclosed format), on any of the themes given above.
  • Each Member State can forward any number of research proposals for Research proposals should be innovative and original research.
  • All applicants must submit the Registration form and Format for the Submission of Research Proposals through the SAARC Division of the respective Foreign Ministries/External Affairs of the Member States for onward transmission to the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu.
  • An advance copy of the above documents can be emailed to sccpublications@gmail.com
  • Format for the application can be downloaded from the SCC (www.saarcculture.org)
  • Only those research proposals as received through official channel will be accepted by the SAARC Cultural Centre and placed before the Research Grants Committee (RGC) of the SAARC Cultural Centre. The RGC will review the research proposals and select up to Eight proposals for the purpose of research grant.
  • All the research grants will be subject to a mid-term review and the continuation of the project will be subject to the approval of the Progress Report by the Research Review Committee (RRC) of the SAARC Cultural Centre. For this purpose the SAARC Cultural Centre would hold a Review Meeting of the project in which all the researchers would be required to present their progress of the research. Any suggestions/ recommendations made by the SAARC Cultural Centre at this stage may be included in the research process by the respective researchers.
  • At the end of the research project each researcher will be required to submit a publishable draft of the Research report (c. 20,000 to 30,000 words).
  • All Research reports will be reviewed, edited (if so required) and, subject to the recommendation of the reviewer, published by the SAARC Cultural Centre under its publications programme.

NB: Academics, scholars, and researchers of the SAARC Member States who have previously received the SAARC research grants, within the last 5 years, are not eligible to apply.

5. Tentative Time Schedule

10 months (Starting from May 2026-March 2027)

Last Date for submitting research proposals – 10 May 2026
Approval of the research project – 30 May 2026
Progress Report – October 2026
Final Report – March 2027

6. Additional Information

Focal person at SCC:
Deputy Director (Research)
Email: sccpublications@gmail.com

Download Here:
PDF: DetailsApplication Form
WORD: Application Form