Vivek Sharma, New Delhi, September 19, 2026: The Study in Korea Education Fair 2026, held on September 18–19 at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi, attracted more than 4,500 students, parents, educators and aspiring professionals seeking information about higher education, scholarships, academic exchanges and career opportunities in the Republic of Korea.

Organised jointly by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea, and the Korean Education Centre in India (KEC), Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India, the two-day fair provided Indian students with direct access to Korean universities, scholarship representatives, GKS alumni and other education and industry stakeholders.

The event offered information on university admissions, academic programmes, scholarships, research opportunities, one-to-one counselling and career pathways in Korea, while also highlighting the growing scope of India–Korea cooperation in education.

Ambassador Highlights Growing Education Partnership

The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Lee Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India; Mr. Han Sang Shin, President, National Institute for International Education; Ms. Hojeong Ko, Director, Korean Education Centre in India; Dr. Park Euy Don, President, Southwest Asia Chapter Council of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council; Dr. Alok Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary, Association of Indian Universities; and Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director, Skill Education, CBSE.

Ms. Hojeong Ko highlighted the importance of the fair in providing students with practical information about studying in Korea. She also emphasised the potential for stronger cooperation between Indian and Korean educational institutions through student and faculty exchanges, joint research and institutional partnerships.

Representing Mr. Han Sang Shin, Mr. Choi Junha highlighted the expanding educational relationship between India and Korea. He noted that 783 Indian students have received the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) since 1967, while 296 Indian GKS scholars are currently studying in Korea.

H.E. Lee Seong-ho highlighted the strength of Korean universities, research capabilities and academic and career opportunities available to Indian students. He also emphasised university partnerships, joint research, and student and faculty exchanges as important elements of the Korea–India Special Strategic Partnership.

Universities, Scholarships and Korean Culture

The fair featured three major zones—the University Zone, Korea Partnership Zone and Korea Experience Zone.

The University Zone enabled students to interact with representatives of participating Korean universities and learn about academic programmes, admissions, scholarships and career opportunities.

The Korea Partnership Zone featured organisations including NIIED/GKS, GKS India Alumni, KOSME, Korea Tourism Organization, India-Korea Research & Innovation Center, Chungnam Economic Promotion Agency and Atomy India. Visitors received information on scholarships, research, industry opportunities and other avenues of India–Korea engagement.

The Korea Experience Zone introduced visitors to Korean culture through Hanbok, photography and K-Food activities.

The programme also included the India–Korea Education Leadership Forum and GKS India Symposium 2026, which explored Korean language learning, higher education, scholarships, research, employability and career opportunities for students and GKS graduates.

Sessions also addressed the expectations of Korean companies from the workforce and career pathways for GKS graduates. The programme included remarks by Ms. Hojeong Ko and Shri Jagdip Singh, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea. Mr. Phil (H.P.) Chung, CEO, Kinexin Convention Management and Executive Director, KINTEX, on industry and career opportunities.

Prof. J. S. Sabharwal, Advisor, India Korea Academic Cooperation Programme, Mata Sundari College, University of Delhi, attended the programme as Guest of Honour, reflecting the participation of Indian academic institutions in strengthening educational cooperation with Korea.

Focus on Future Cooperation

With strong participation from students and parents, direct interaction with Korean universities, scholarship guidance and cultural activities, the Study in Korea Education Fair 2026 concluded with a focus on expanding awareness of Korean higher education among Indian students.

The event highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation in higher education, research, student and faculty mobility, scholarships, skills and employment. Bringing together universities, government institutions, alumni, educators, students and industry stakeholders, the fair provided a platform for deeper engagement between the education communities of India and Korea.

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Associate Editor (International Affairs)

 



Kigali, Rwanda | September 4, 2026: Rwanda celebrated the 21st edition of the Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony on September 4, 2026, at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, marking another significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to conserve the endangered mountain gorilla population.

The annual ceremony saw 22 baby mountain gorillas officially given names, bringing together local communities, conservationists, researchers, tourism partners, government representatives, and distinguished guests from Rwanda and around the world.

The ceremony was graced by Rt. Hon. Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda, as Guest of Honour, alongside H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, Former President of Botswana; H.E. Hailemariam Dessalegn, Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia; and Rt. Hon. Peter Pinda Mazengo, Former Prime Minister of Tanzania.

Held under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future,” this year’s Kwita Izina brought together prominent Namers from the fields of conservation, tourism, business, sport, entertainment, philanthropy, and public service. Their participation highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in protecting Rwanda’s unique natural heritage.

Rwanda’s Conservation Success

Addressing the gathering, Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to conservation, community development, and international cooperation.

He highlighted the remarkable recovery of the mountain gorilla population, noting that in the early 1980s, only around 250 mountain gorillas remained in the Virunga Massif. Today, the global population has surpassed 1,000, with more than 600 mountain gorillas living in the Virunga Massif.

The Prime Minister attributed this progress to the dedication of rangers, veterinarians and researchers, strong conservation policies, responsible tourism, community participation, and international cooperation.

He stressed that conservation and community development must go hand in hand, emphasizing that protecting nature cannot be separated from improving the lives of people who live alongside protected areas.

Continued Commitment to Gorilla Conservation

Speaking at the ceremony, Jean-Guy Afrika, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, underlined the importance of sustained cooperation in maintaining Rwanda’s conservation achievements.

He said the mountain gorilla represents what can be achieved through long-term commitment, strong institutions, community partnerships, and international cooperation, while also serving as a reminder that conservation efforts must continue.

Celebrating a Unique Rwandan Tradition

Kwita Izina, which means “to give a name” in Kinyarwanda, is Rwanda’s annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony. The tradition is inspired by the centuries-old Rwandan custom of naming children shortly after birth.

Since becoming an official annual event in 2005, Kwita Izina has developed into a globally recognised conservation platform. The ceremony celebrates Rwanda’s conservation achievements while recognising the vital contributions of communities, conservationists, partners, and organisations working to protect mountain gorillas and their natural habitat.

With 22 gorillas named in 2026, the total number of mountain gorillas named through Kwita Izina since its annual launch in 2005 has reached 460.

The 21st Kwita Izina once again showcased Rwanda’s determination to combine wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and international partnership, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading voice in global mountain gorilla conservation.


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Vivek Sharma, New Delhi, India: Korean Cultural Centre India is set to bring Korean culture closer to the people of Guntur in Andhra Pradesh through its two-day outreach programme, ‘KCCI ON THE GO: GUNTUR’. The programme is expected to receive an enthusiastic response from local citizens, highlighting the growing interest in Korean culture beyond major metropolitan cities in India.
 
The initiative, supported by the Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hyderabad, will take Korean cultural experiences beyond New Delhi and directly to audiences, particularly students and young people, in Guntur. Through a combination of performances, the programme will introduce participants to Korean language, Taekwondo, Samulnori, Korean quizzes and K-pop.
 
On September 8, the programme will be organised at Delhi Public School, Amaravati, where local students will have the opportunity to witness the richness of Korean culture first-hand through engaging performances. On September 9, the event will be held at Guntur Club, where residents will be enthralled by the captivating performances of the travelling group for over two hours. Together, the two events are expected to draw more than 1,000 residents of Guntur, many of whom will have their first opportunity to experience the vibrancy and dynamism of Korean culture.
 
One of the highlights of the initiative will be an interactive Korean quiz show, which will allow participants to test their knowledge about Korea. The activity will provide an engaging introduction to Korean culture while encouraging active participation from the audience. The programme will also introduce the local audience to a soulful Samulnori performance. Samulnori is a traditional Korean percussion ensemble, known for its powerful rhythm and energy. Taekwondo, another major component of the programme, is expected to generate strong interest among students and young participants at both events.
 
The programme will further connect traditional Korean culture with contemporary K-culture through a K-pop cover dance performance by a local dance group. The combination of traditional arts, language, martial arts and popular culture will offer participants a broad and interactive experience of Korea.
 
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Suresh Chukkapalli, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Hyderabad, said: “This programme is about taking Korea beyond the metros and into the heart of communities like Guntur, where curiosity about Korean culture is growing rapidly, particularly among young people. Through music, martial arts, language and dance, we hope to give students and families here a direct and joyful experience of Korea that builds familiarity, understanding and lasting goodwill between our two countries, while complementing the deeper economic and institutional ties we are working to strengthen.”
 
Mr. Hwang Il Yong, Director of Korean Cultural Centre India, said, “The excitement of students and residents in Guntur shows the overflowing interest in Korean culture beyond the major metropolitan cities in India. We aim to surge the Korean wave by creating wider opportunities for youth across India to encounter and navigate with Korean culture.”
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Pathak vows to strengthen public health, transparency, good governance and public welfare

Badaun, Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council Member Vagish Pathak has been nominated as a member of three important committees of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, marking a significant responsibility in his legislative and public service journey.

Pathak has been entrusted with membership of the Rules Revision Committee, the Questions and References Committee, and the committee dealing with the prevention of public health problems caused by food adulteration and the circulation of counterfeit medicines.

Following his nomination, Pathak met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and responsibility entrusted to him.

He also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Kunwar Manvendra Pratap Singh, and Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of the House in the Legislative Council, Keshav Prasad Maurya, for their support and for entrusting him with responsibilities in these important committees.

Expressing his views on the occasion, Vagish Pathak said that the opportunity to serve on these key committees was a matter of great honour and pride for him.

“This responsibility is not merely a position, but an opportunity that further strengthens my commitment to public service. I will work with complete dedication, honesty and commitment to effectively address every issue related to public interest through these committees,” Pathak said.

Highlighting the importance of the committee dealing with food adulteration and counterfeit medicines, Pathak said that these issues directly affect the health and safety of the public and require serious and effective intervention.

“Preventing food adulteration and the circulation of counterfeit medicines is an extremely important issue related to public health. Every possible effort will be made to contribute meaningfully towards addressing such concerns,” he said.

Pathak further stated that through the Questions and References Committee and the Rules Revision Committee, he would strive to contribute towards making governance more effective, transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.

He said that the concerns, expectations and suggestions of the public would remain a priority in the discharge of his responsibilities. His focus, he added, would remain on issues related to public health, good governance, transparency and public welfare.

The nomination to three key committees provides Vagish Pathak with an important platform to contribute further to legislative functioning and public welfare. He reaffirmed his commitment to carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to him with sincerity, accountability and dedication towards the people of Uttar Pradesh.

  •  Uttar Pradesh Government
  •  Uttar Pradesh Politics
  •  Vagish Pathak
  •  yogi adityanath