In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: In a landmark move to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), the Union Budget 2025 has announced a massive outlay of Rs 500 crore to establish centres of excellence in AI across the country. The initiative aims to drive innovation, boost job prospects in AI, machine learning (ML), and automation, and develop tech-based solutions to address real-world challenges.

Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners, hailed the announcement, stating, "This strategic investment will propel India to the forefront of AI innovation. It will not only create high-skilled job opportunities but also empower stakeholders to pioneer transformative technologies."

The budget also focuses on strengthening India's education and healthcare infrastructure. Key announcements include expanding the capacity of IITs, increasing the number of medical seats, and establishing the National Institute of Food Technology and Management in Bihar. "The emphasis on enhancing infrastructure in engineering and medical education is critical to meet the growing demand for world-class professionals," added Kalpesh.

Further, the government has unveiled plans to set up five national centres of excellence for skilling and 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools. These initiatives, backed by global expertise and partnerships, are expected to benefit all stakeholders in the Indian education ecosystem.

The budget also addresses the concerns of small businesses and online platform workers. Measures such as expanding loan facilities under PM SVANidhi and including online platform workers under PM Jan Arogya Yojana aim to enhance social security and foster entrepreneurship among MSMEs.

"These steps reflect the government's commitment to building a robust, inclusive, and future-ready economy," concluded Kalpesh. With its focus on AI, education, and skilling, Union Budget 2025 sets the stage for India's transformation into a global innovation hub.

Quote by: Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners

Union Budget 2025 is betting big on establishing centres of excellence in artificial intelligence (AI) with a total outlay of 500 Cr. "The announcement will help India emerge as a leading force in the field of AI," says Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partners, "The spending will also boost job prospects in AI, ML, and automation while helping stakeholders to invent tech-based solutions to real-world issues."  

Expanding the capacity of IITs and the number of medical seats while establishing the National Institute of Food Technology and Management in Bihar is also among the key announcements of the Union Budget 2025. "The need to ramp up infrastructure in engineering and medical domains is quite compelling," says Kalpesh, "This support will ensure aspirants will continue to receive world-class education in their selected specialisations." 

"The announcement of setting up 05 national centres of excellence for skilling along with 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools will have far-reaching implications," opines Kalpes, "As these centres will be established with global expertise and partnership, the holistic benefits of this exercise will be reaped by all stakeholders of the Indian Education Ecosystem." Further, the concerns of small businesses and online platform workers have also been addressed by the Union Budget 2025. "The PM SVANidhi for loan facilities and covering online platform workers under PM Jan Arogya Yojana will enhance the social securities and boost the spirit of entrepreneurship among the MSMEs," Concludes Kalpesh.  

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇