Education News – Monthly Newsletter March 2011

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

For India’s Muslims, Vastanvi has got it right (Comment)

The controversy surrounding Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi, elected as vice chancellor of Darul Uloom in Deoband, a leading school of Islamic theology with followers across the world, would need to be viewed in the larger context of modernisation of education for India’s 160 million Muslims.

Reforms in education imparted in madrassas is the unique proposition … Read more >>>.

US justifies radio tags, says visa frauds serious

WASHINGTON – The United States has justified the use of radio ankle monitors on some students of a sham university in California, 95 percent of them from India, saying it takes charges of visa fraud “very seriously”.

“We take these allegations of immigration and visa fraud very seriously,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters …. Read the original article : here.

Court upholds trial for La Marts principal, teachers

KOLKATA – A city court Monday turned down the appeal of the principal and three other teachers of La Martiniere for Boys School for quashing an earlier order for their trial for allegedly abetting the suicide of class VII student Rouvanjit Rawla.

Kolkata Sessions Court Chief Judge Dipak Saha Roy rejected the appeal filed by …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Sham varsity: US defends radio tagging, says probe on

NEW DELHI – The US Monday defended as “standard procedure” the radio tagging of Indian students, who face the prospect of deportation after the closure of a fake university in San Francisco rendered their immigration dubious, and stressed that it was probing the incident.

A day after External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna strongly …. Source article : Sham varsity: US defends radio tagging, says probe on.

Duped Tri Valley students ignored red flags

WASHINGTON – Even as Indian missions in the US are making all out efforts to help hundreds of students caught up in an immigration scam by a sham university, diplomats acknowledge that most of them ignored several red flags.

Officially the Indian stand seems to be that the duped Indian students of Tri Valley University … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Duped Tri Valley students ignored red flags.

Dental students go on strike over t-shirt tiff

CHANDIGARH – Students of a Panjab University medical institute went on an indefinite strike Tuesday, following the institute director’s remarks over a girl’s t-shirt.

High drama was witnessed on the premises of H.S. Judge Institute of Dental Sciences after a female student levelled allegations against institute’s director Krishan Gauba of humiliating her in public.
The … Read more >>.

Government questioned on school’s refusal to admit poor

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Tuesday sought a response from the central and Delhi governments on a plea opposing a private school’s refusal to reserve seats for poor students claiming exemption from provisions of the right to education law.

Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw issued the notice to the human resource development ministry … Read more »»».

India to take up fake varsity issue, Rao heading to US

NEW DELHI – With the radio tagging of Indian students duped by a fake university in US triggering outrage in India, India Tuesday said it will ask Washington how such a dubious institute was allowed to function. The issue is set to dominate talks when Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao travels to the US later this …. Source article : India to take up fake varsity issue, Rao heading to US.

Somnath Chatterjee to be honoured at Panjab University

CHANDIGARH – Former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee will be honoured with an honorary doctorate of law degree at the 60th annual convocation of Panjab University to be held here Feb 14, a university spokesman said Tuesday.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Shivraj Patil will address the convocation.
The university, which is the alma mater …. Source : Somnath Chatterjee to be honoured at Panjab University.

Delhi nursery admissions: First list sees mixed bag

NEW DELHI – The first lists for nursery admissions to most of the capital’s private schools were out Tuesday and while some parents were overjoyed at their child making it, others were disappointed.

“We had applied to eight different schools in central and south Delhi. It was good to see our child qualifying for …. Source article : Delhi nursery admissions: First list sees mixed bag.

Nepal president to attend Chandigarh institute convocation

CHANDIGARH – Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav will be the chief guest at the 31st annual convocation of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here Friday.

It would be a rare opportunity for Yadav, 62, to attend the convocation at his alma mater as the chief guest. He had done his …. Original source : Nepal president to attend Chandigarh institute convocation.

Be catalyst for change, Alva tells Muslim girls

ALIGARH – Millions of girls representing the rural poor, the scheduled castes and tribes, the minorities and the urban slums remain out of the educational umbrella because of the way India’s formal education system has operated, says Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva.

Addressing the Founder’s Day programme at the Women’s College of Aligarh Muslim University …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Most UAE students start smoking before 14

DUBAI – More than 80 percent of students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) start smoking when they are as young as 14 years, a survey has found.

Tobacco use among teenagers remains a concern for health authorities as new data shows a quantum leap in the number of student smokers in the past five …. Source : Gaea News Network.

A course seeks ways to tackle Islamophobia

NEW YORK – To deal with the spurt of hate crimes against Muslims that have seen a 17-fold increase post 9/11 terror attacks in the US, a course will be offered here to identify the issues that encourage such crimes.

Attacks on Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have “increased exponentially” not only in …. Source : A course seeks ways to tackle Islamophobia.

Punjab wants road safety subject in schools

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab government wants road safety to be introduced as a subject in schools from the primary class level, a minister said here Wednesday.

State Transport Minister Mohan Lal said that there was a need to introduce road safety as a subject in all government schools from the next academic session.
The …. Source article : Punjab wants road safety subject in schools.

Court questions university on ‘illegal’ study centres

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday questioned the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Sikkim Manipal University on allegations that the private varsity was illegally running 52 study centres in Delhi.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Sanjiv Khanna also issued orders to issue notices to the respondents UGC, … Read more »»».

Bihar junior doctors’ strike claims over two dozen lives

PATNA – Over two dozen patients admitted at six hospitals in Bihar have died during a strike by junior doctors that entered its third day Wednesday, officials said.

Hundreds of junior doctors are on an indefinite strike, demanding the arrest of a legislator and enforcement of the Medical Protection Act. The doctors are from … Original article on : Bihar junior doctors’ strike claims over two dozen lives.

Dental college strike over T-shirt tiff continues

CHANDIGARH – Students of a dental college affiliated to the Panjab University (PU) continued their strike here Wednesday to demand the resignation of their institute’s director who had asked a female student to take off her jacket and show her t-shirt.

Students of H.S. Judge Institute of Dental Sciences here went on an indefinite strike … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dental college strike over T-shirt tiff continues.

MCD schools asked to implement quota for poor

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government Wednesday asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to implement the guidelines on 25 percent reservation for students from economically weaker sections in primary public schools recognised by the civic body.

According to a statement, the government has asked the civic body to furnish a list of schools violating …. Source article : MCD schools asked to implement quota for poor.

Canada’s Carleton to have ties with IIT Mumbai, Jindal Global University

TORONTO – Canada’s world-famous Carleton University is set to sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with various Indian educational institutions during the visit of it president and vice-chancellor to India next week.

Ottawa-based Carleton is the only university in the world to have a full-fledged India-centric Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy to … Original article on : Canada’s Carleton to have ties with IIT Mumbai, Jindal Global University.

Race on for Chandigarh medical institute’s top job

CHANDIGARH – Nearly 100 top names from the medical fraternity in the country are likely to be considered for the coveted post of director of the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here which falls vacant later this year.

Sources in the PGIMER said nearly 100 nominations from leading doctors and top medical … Original source on Gaea Times at : Race on for Chandigarh medical institute’s top job.

‘Right to education helping kids’ health too’

NEW DELHI – The Right to Education (RTE) Act, besides giving children between six and 14 years access to free and compulsory education, also helps their health as voluntary groups often target schools for their programmes, experts said Thursday.

Deworm the World (DTW), a voluntary organisation giving deworming medicine against intestinal parasites to children between …. Source : Gaea News Network.

UPA focus on implementing Right to Education act: Sonia Gandhi

RAE BARELI – Congress president Sonia Gandhi Friday said that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has made provision of around Rs.2.25 lakh crore for the next five years for implementing the Right to Education Act.

“For successful implementation of the Right to Education Act, our government is making every effort to assist the state … Read this article on Gaea Times at : UPA focus on implementing Right to Education act: Sonia Gandhi.

Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships announced

NEW DELHI – The US-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) has announced the opening of its annual competition for Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright fellowship opportunities for study, research, teaching and professional development in the US.

Outstanding Indian students, academics, teachers, policy planners, administrators and professionals in all disciplines can apply, an American embassy statement said Friday. …. Read the original article : here.

Chandigarh institute awards degrees to 330 students

CHANDIGARH – Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Friday gave away degrees to 330 students at the 31st convocation of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here.

Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav was the chief guest at the convocation. Azad presided over the function held at Bhargava auditorium inside PGIMER premises.
Yadav felicitated around … Read more >>>.

India to get new medical colleges

CHANDIGARH – Giving a boost to medical education in the country, the health ministry will open new colleges and create more seats in government-run institutes.

“An ambitious scheme costing Rs.1,350 crore will be implemented soon to strengthen the fabric of medical education. An additional 4,000 seats in medical colleges run by the central government have …. Read the original article : here.

Social, emotional skills boost success at school

WASHINGTON – Success at school comes with a combination of social, emotional and academic savviness.

A new analysis of school-based social and emotional learning programmmes has found that these do improve students’ attitudes and behaviours, even boost academic performance.
In the first large-scale analysis, researchers from Universities of Loyola and Illinois in the US …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Social, emotional skills boost success at school.

Right diet, rest, key to high marks: Experts

NEW DELHI – Students stressed about upcoming exams should focus on having a protein-rich diet and taking regular breaks between study sessions to score well, experts said here Saturday.

The first leg of Horlicks Mission Exams 2011 was launched here to help students and parents cope with the upcoming examination season.
A student workshop was …. Original source : Right diet, rest, key to high marks: Experts.

US varsities taking holistic view of Asian students’ applications

NEW DELHI – The focus is shifting from the entrance test scores to a holistic assessment of the profiles of Indian and Asian students aspiring to pursue higher education in the US and Canada, officials said Saturday.

IDP Education India, one of the largest education placement companies in the world, is currently hosting global education … Read more >>.

Haryana to run 100 schools in public partnership

CHANDIGARH – A public partnership project will be implemented on a pilot basis in Haryana to make it an educational hub, the state’s Education and Social Welfare Minister Geeta Bhukkal said Sunday.

She said that under this project, at least one school in each of the states 21 districts will be run in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Haryana to run 100 schools in public partnership.

Dental college students call off stir as principal removed

CHANDIGARH – Students of a dental college affiliated to Panjab University (PU) Monday ended their six-day-old strike as the varsity authorities agreed to remove the institute’s director, who had asked a female student to take off her jacket and show her t-shirt.

“The committee has recommended the repatriation of (institute’s director Krishan) Gauba and PU …. Original source : Dental college students call off stir as principal removed.

Sufi singer Zila Khan to perform at Jamia

NEW DELHI – The Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) campus will reverberate with melodious Sufi songs Tuesday when the varsity is organising an evening of ‘Sufiana Kalam’ by Ustad Zila Khan.

The performance will begin at 7.30 p.m. in Dr. M.A. Ansari auditorium and former chancellor of JMI Khursheed Alam Khan will be the chief guest. … Original article on : Sufi singer Zila Khan to perform at Jamia.

Schoolchildren’s death: Himachal to conduct surveys

SHIMLA – A day after four students were buried alive after a boundary wall of their school collapsed in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district, Education Minister I.D. Dhiman Tuesday ordered a survey of all schools in the state to check unsafe buildings.

“Dhiman directed the education department to conduct a survey of the school buildings to …. Read the original article : Schoolchildren’s death: Himachal to conduct surveys.

Three choices for sham US varsity students; radio tags come off 2 Indians

WASHINGTON – US immigration authorities removed radio tags of a couple of Indian students of a sham university in California as it asked all duped students to contact them directly to find out their options.

Ankle bracelet monitors of two of the 18 tagged students of California-based Tri Valley University (TVU), some 90 percent of [..] Read the original article: here.

Probe poor quality work at new schools: Badal

CHANDIGARH – Taking serious note of the poor quality of construction work and the use of sub-standard furniture in all the 21 new model schools established under a centrally-sponsored scheme in Punjab, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Wednesday ordered an inquiry into the matter.

Badal has sought action against the erring officers and contractors for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Probe poor quality work at new schools: Badal.

Ahmedabad students fight it out at IGNOU quiz contest

AHMEDABAD – Students in the city Wednesday got an opportunity to showcase their general knowledge prowess at IGNITE 2011, a mutli-city, inter-school quiz contest organised by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

The contest attracted over 96 teams representing various city schools.
A.R. Sai Anirudh and Shubham Sanjay Panchal of Kendriya Vidyalaya SAC, won … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ahmedabad students fight it out at IGNOU quiz contest.

Australian education fair in Kolkata Feb 18

KOLKATA – Over 15 leading Australian universities and institutes will participate in an Education Fair Feb 18 to showcase academic programmes, scholarships and career opportunities in that country.

The fair, part of the Australian Education Excellence Showcase 2011, will highlight opportunities to build a global career through an education in Australia.
The universities and educational … Read : Australian education fair in Kolkata Feb 18.

Blacklist the black gowns! Voices in Panjab University

CHANDIGARH – Black gowns at convocation ceremonies are back in the news with a Panjab University syndicate member, supported by some faculty members and students, appealing to end the “colonial practice” of wearing them.

These voices can be heard again as the university heads for its 60th annual convocation Feb 14.
Panjab University syndicate member …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Mixed response to quota in nursery admissions

NEW DELHI – As Delhi’s schools Friday continued announcing their final lists for nursery admissions, many poor parents in Delhi expressed relief over the 25 percent reservation of seats for their children, while others expressed doubts.

The Right to Education (RTE) Act implemented last year has increased the reservation for children from the economically weaker … Read more >>>.

Arab students in Delhi rejoice with Egyptian people

NEW DELHI – As Egypt celebrated the end of President Hosni Mubarak’s three-decade-long rule Friday night, students from the Arab world studying here rejoiced with them. Glued to the internet for the latest update until now, they are now keeping a close watch on what happens next.

Most students said their happiness is [..] Read the original article: here.

Snake slithers into school bag in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – A three feet long poisonous snake found in the school bag of a class five student in Orissa triggered panic in the school campus, the boy’s father said Monday.

The staff and the students of Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir in the Bhimtangi area here received this shock Saturday.
Chiranjib Das went to school …. Read the original article : Snake slithers into school bag in Orissa.

India raises issue of sham US varsity students

WASHINGTON – Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has sought US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s personal intervention to ensure that the interests of over 1,500 Indian students of a sham California university are protected and their future is not jeopardised.

Krishna raised the plight of the Indian students of the dubious Tri Valley University …. Read the original article : India raises issue of sham US varsity students.

Indian students will be dealt with fairness, Krishna told

NEW YORK – The US Sunday assured India that Indian students, who were victims of a sham university in California, will be dealt with “fairness”, when External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna spoke to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

In their 15-minute telephonic conversation, Krishna also discussed Clinton’s forthcoming visit to India, expected in April, …. Read the original article : Indian students will be dealt with fairness, Krishna told.

Panjab University gets own community radio

CHANDIGARH – In a bid to highlight developmental issues and the problems of the people, the Panjab University (PU) here Sunday got its own “Jyotirgamaya” community radio.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni inaugurated the radio station at the School of Communication Studies building on the university campus.
“Considering the reach of radio … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Panjab University gets own community radio.

Briton used air freshener on Asian kids

LONDON – A nursery teacher in Britain sprayed air freshener on Asian children who smelt of curry, a disciplinary panel was told.

Fortyeight-year-old Elizabeth Davies is alleged to have told a colleague: “There’s a waft coming in from paradise.”
The Sun reported that Davies is accused of spraying children who broke wind and she … Original source on Gaea Times at : Briton used air freshener on Asian kids.

India, smaller Asian economies to lead growth

TORONTO – Smaller Asian economies and India will lead in global growth in the next year, says an international survey of asset management, private equity and hedge fund executives.

The survey, commissioned by Toronto-based RBC Capital Markets, the corporate and investment banking arm of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) headquartered here, says global growth …. Source article on Gaea Times at : India, smaller Asian economies to lead growth.

Kerala boards students groan as World Cup nears

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – How does it feel to have the entire universe conspire against you? For an answer, ask any Class 10 or 12 student in Kerala who will have to miss the cricket World Cup as the dates overlap with the state and central board exams.

“My parents have declared that there will be no …. Original source : Kerala boards students groan as World Cup nears.

Nirupama Rao to take up sham US varsity issue with Clinton

WASHINGTON – Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is expected to take up the issue of some 1500 Indian students of a sham US university with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday.

Ahead of the meeting, Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar conveyed to Clinton the details on the issue of Indian students of Tri-Valley University in California, … Read more >>.

NDC creates history with first-ever doctorate viva

NEW DELHI – The National Defence College (NDC), India’s premier defence studies institution affiliated to the Madras University, has entered history books by holding its first-ever viva-voce for a doctorate degree.

The NDC, a capital-based institution which conducts Master of Philosophy courses for serving armed forces officers, held the viva-voce for awarding Ph.D. in …. Original article : NDC creates history with first-ever doctorate viva.

Girls outshine boys at Panjab University convocation

CHANDIGARH – Girls clearly outnumbered boys at the 60th annual convocation function at Panjab University (PU) here Monday. Out of the 479 students who were awarded degrees, 351 were girls.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni was the chief guest at the convocation, while Punjab Governor and Chandigarh administrator Shivraj Patil presided over … Read more »»».

Rahul interacts with students in Shillong

SHILLONG – Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi visited this Meghalaya capital Monday to interact with students of the North Eastern Hill University on a range of issues from corruption to price rise and insurgency.

Gandhi was here for a session “Rendezvous with Rahul Ji”. He was scheduled to visit Sikkim capital Gangtok earlier in the … Original article on : Rahul interacts with students in Shillong.

Rebuilding Indian students’ faith post-Oz attacks: Varghese

NEW DELHI – The Australian government is trying its best to rebuild the faith of Indian students after the 2009 “racist attacks” on students studying in the country, the Australian High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese said here Wednesday.

“We know the attacks have left a deep scar on the minds of the students, but …. Source article : Rebuilding Indian students’ faith post-Oz attacks: Varghese.

Paid internship in professional studies in Haryana

CHANDIGARH – The Haryana government has decided to provide paid internship to students of professional courses in different sections of the school education department in the state.

Officials said internship would be provided to students studying engineering and post-graduation in management, social welfare, journalism and mass communication at recognised universities and institutions in Haryana.
“Students, … Read more >>>.

US assures India of `fair solution’ to sham varsity issue

WASHINGTON – The US has assured India that it’s looking at a “fair solution” of the issue of some 1,500 Indian students affected by the closure of a sham US university on charges of visa fraud.

The assurance came when Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao took up the issue with US Undersecretary of State …. Original article : US assures India of `fair solution’ to sham varsity issue.

School fees now deductible from income tax in Mexico

Mexico City, Feb 16 (IANS/EFE) Mexico has passed a new law that allows citizens to deduct the payment of private school fees from their income tax.

The rule will apply to education ranging from pre-school to high school. Taxpayers will be able to deduct the amount spent on the studies of their children, parents … Read more »»».

Dalai Lama to felicitate Super 30 founder

PATNA – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will Saturday felicitate Anand Kumar, who founded Bihar’s free coaching centre Super 30 and helped many underprivileged students enter the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace laureate, will felicitate Anand Kumar at a programme in Mumbai organised by the Bihar Foundation, … Read : Dalai Lama to felicitate Super 30 founder.

Three more Indian students freed of radio tags

WASHINGTON – As the US promised to cooperate with India to resolve the issue of affected Indian students of a sham US university, three more students have been freed of radio monitor tags by authorities.

With the three new removals Wednesday, the US Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) has freed five of the 18 Indian …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Sham university: US promises to cooperate with India

WASHINGTON – The US has promised to cooperate with India to resolve the issue of affected Indian students of a sham US university, but said it’s hard to say what is possible pending a full probe.

The issue “remains under investigation”, State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters Wednesday when asked about the status of …. Original source : Sham university: US promises to cooperate with India.

Indian varsities fuel Mauritius”knowledge hub’ dream

NEW DELHI – Private Indian universities setting up campuses in Mauritius are helping the island nation off the African coast realise its vision of transforming into a knowledge hub.

Two of the largest private universities in India, the DY Patil Medical College and Amity University, are in the process of setting up their campuses in …. Read the original article : Indian varsities fuel Mauritius’ ‘knowledge hub’ dream.

‘Fine arts teaching is lagging in universities’

AGRA – With very little attention given to arts education in Indian universities, the country’s classical art forms could end up as the biggest casualty, according to experts.

Even while India boasts of a magnificent variety of classical dance forms, they are under threat of Western dance invasion as children are taking to salsa, hip … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Fine arts teaching is lagging in universities’.

Panjab varsity to hold first alumni meet Saturday

CHANDIGARH – Panjab University (PU), one of the oldest universities in the country that is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s alma mater, is organising its first university-level alumni meet Saturday.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra will deliver the inaugural address at the meet and several former students are expected to participate.
PUs Dean-Alumni Relations Bhupinder … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Panjab varsity to hold first alumni meet Saturday.

New IIIT to be set up in West Bengal

KOLKATA – The central government has approved the plan to set up an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in West Bengal, the state’s Information Technology Minister Debesh Das said here Thursday.

“The government of West Bengal has got an IIIT. The centre has sanctioned our proposal for setting up of …. Read the original article : here.

Dalai Lama to address Mumbai University students

MUMBAI – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will address around 500 students of the Mumbai University here Friday, a varsity official said.

“The Dalai Lama will talk to students on ‘Ancient Wisdom, Modern Thought’ and then take questions from them, the official told IANS.
“The university had initiated talks with the Dalai … Read more : Dalai Lama to address Mumbai University students.

Panjab University teacher resigns

CHANDIGARH – A Panjab University (PU) professor, who was accused by his students of making derogatory remarks, Thursday submitted his resignation to the varsity vice chancellor.

Dinesh Kumar Gupta resigned both as the chairperson of the University Business School (UBS) and from the post of professor, and tendeerd to the university a cheque of …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Panjab University teacher resigns.

Indian students have highest transition rate to work in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – Students from India have the highest rate of transition to work in New Zealand after completing their studies, followed by their Chinese counterparts, a minister has said.

While 72 percent of Indian students who come to New Zealand get job, the corresponding figure for China is 43 percent, Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman … Original article on : Indian students have highest transition rate to work in New Zealand.

We need to outbuild, outeducate and outhustle the world: Obama

WASHINGTON – For once US President Barack Obama did not name India as he underlined the importance of math and science education in pushing for more education funding despite the federal government’s growing fiscal crisis.

Arguing that the investment is needed to ensure America’s global competitiveness, he told an audience of Intel Corp. workers in …. Read the original article : We need to outbuild, outeducate and outhustle the world: Obama.

Parents wary of rising cost of kids’ education: Survey

NEW DELHI – A majority of parents in the country are concerned about the rising cost of their children’s education, even more than their health, lifestyle or marriage, a survey released here said Friday.

The report “Aviva Education Insights”, by research company IMRB International reflected the concerns and aspirations of young parents for their … Read more >>.

English-reading software introduced in seven schools

NEW DELHI – To improve written and spoken English and comprehension of the language among students in schools, a read-to-me software has been introduced in seven schools in the capital.

The software, introduced in four government and three private schools here Friday, enables students to master spoken as well as written English through a text-to-speech …. Original article on Gaea Times at : English-reading software introduced in seven schools.

Reading test for British kids to include ‘non-words’

LONDON – The British government has drawn up new plans to include “made-up” words such as “koob” or “zort” in a new reading test for six-year-olds – an idea that has brought about criticism from literary experts.

The government said non-words were being included to check pupils’ ability to decode words using phonics.
This is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Reading test for British kids to include ‘non-words’.

A school for their children – a gift from illiterate poor parents

SIROHI – They can’t read or write but are determined to ensure their children get proper education. A community of tribals in Rajasthan who toil hard to make just about Rs.70 a day have built a school for their children with their hard earned money.

The tribals in the tiny Vasela Phali village in Rajasthan’s …. Read the original article : A school for their children – a gift from illiterate poor parents.

Jamia is minority institution, rules commission

NEW DELHI – The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) Tuesday observed that the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is a minority education institution founded by the Muslims for the benefit of community.

“We hold that the Jamia Millia Islamia is a minority education institution,” said the three-member bench of the NCMEI in its judgment … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jamia is minority institution, rules commission.

Global design competition for Nalanda university

NEW DELHI – As the historic Nalanda University is set to be rebuilt, Vice Chancellor Gopa Sabharwal said Monday that a global design competition for the building’s architecture will be announced in three to four months.

Talking to reporters in Delhi at a press conference, the newly appointed vice chancellor said that the new university …. Original article : Global design competition for Nalanda university.

Kerala’s ICT textbook to teach audio, video technology

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The text book on information and communication technology (ICT) for Kerala’s class-nine school students will help them learn audio recording and video editing, an official said Monday.

The text book, developed by the IT@School Project, will be available from the next academic year beginning in a few months’ time.
Apart from …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Kerala’s ICT textbook to teach audio, video technology.

Government will universalise secondary education: Patil

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Monday said that after Right to Education for primary education, the government is committed to universalising secondary education.

“My government is committed to universalizing secondary education through the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. Girls’ hostels are being set up in each of the 3,500 educationally backward blocks in the country …. Original source : Government will universalise secondary education: Patil.

UAE students to get study material on BlackBerry phones

Abu Dhabi, Feb 23 (IANS/WAM) Learning in Abu Dhabi University will now move beyond the walls of the classroom as the students will get BlackBerry smartphones to access all course materials and topic updates whenever and wherever they are.

The university is implementing a mobile education programme powered by Etisalat in collaboration with Blackboard Inc.
…. Source article : UAE students to get study material on BlackBerry phones.

Jamia secular in spirit: Vice chancellor

NEW DELHI – Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has been a secular institution from its very beginning, Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung said soon after the varsity was given a ‘minority institution’ tag Tuesday.

“Our institution has been secular institution in spirit, ever since its establishment in 1920,” Jung said.
Jamia Millia Islamia university was Tuesday granted … Read more >>>.

Pakistan situation to be discussed at Jamia seminar

NEW DELHI – Six eminent scholars from Pakistan, the UK and Sweden will participate in a two-day international seminar on The State of Pakistan Thursday organised by the Jamia Millia Islamia.

The main objective of the seminar is to discuss and understand politics and the state in Pakistan.
In recent years, the concerns about …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan situation to be discussed at Jamia seminar.

Glitch forces ISRO to shut educational channel, students suffer

BANGALORE/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Indian space agency ISRO has suspended the telecast of popular educational programmes in many states due to an unidentified glitch in its ground equipment, says a senior official. As a result, millions of students have been affected.

“This is the first time we have been asked to suspend conducting virtual classroom teaching …. Original source : Glitch forces ISRO to shut educational channel, students suffer.

Community radio crackles to life at Panjab University

CHANDIGARH – Using spoken words to develop intimate bonds among students and providing a platform to voice opinions, Panjab University has joined the few universities in northern India that have their own community radio.

Jyotirgamaya is the second community radio in Chandigarh after Vivek High School’s ‘Vivek 90.4 FM’ which has been operating for the …. Source article : Community radio crackles to life at Panjab University.

University strips German defence minister of degree

BERLIN – The University of Bayreuth stripped German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg of his degree Wednesday, a week after the disclosure that parts of his doctoral thesis were copied.

Ruediger Bormann, the university president, announced the ruling hours after the postgraduate committee of the law and economy faculty met.
The 39-year-old aristocrat had written …. Original article : University strips German defence minister of degree.

Will ensure Tri-Valley students get relocated: Krishna

NEW DELHI – The Indian government Wednesday said it will ensure that Indian students caught in the Tri-Valley University fraud in the US are shifted to other American universities.

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said in parliament that the government and authorities in India are constantly in touch with their US counterparts to resolve … Original article on : Will ensure Tri-Valley students get relocated: Krishna.

India asks US to prevent exploitation of foreign students

NEW DELHI – India Wednesday said it expected the US to prevent its universities from exploiting foreign students, as has happened in the case of Tri-Valley University in California in which about 1,500 Indians face an uncertain academic future.

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, in a suo motu statement in the Lok Sabha, said the …. Source article : India asks US to prevent exploitation of foreign students.

Jamia vice chancellor to ‘play’ a new role

NEW DELHI – Jamia Millia Islamia university Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung will soon be seen in a new ‘role’ as he will act in a play staged in the campus.

The Outreach Programme of Jamia Millia Islamia in collaboration with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), Delhi, will put together two stage productions on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jamia vice chancellor to ‘play’ a new role.

Jamia Millia reaches out to women in distress

NEW DELHI – The women’s studies centre in Jamia Millia Islamia has broken new ground by reaching out to distressed and deprived women on the capital’s fringes as part of its study module.

“We are trying to work with the community in an organised way because we are trying to make our academic curriculum more …. Read the original article : here.

Private schools are money spinning ventures: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday said private schools were money- spinning enterprises and asked them to wake up to their corporate-social responsibility by educating poor children.

The apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice K.S. Panicker Radhakrishnan and Justice Swatanter Kumar said this on a petition by the Society for Unaided … Read more »»».

Four more Indian students freed of radio tags in US

WASHINGTON – US authorities have removed radio tags of four more Indian students of the sham Tri Valley University (TVU) in California closed on charges of immigration visa fraud last month.

So far radio tags of 11 of the 18 Indian students who were forced to wear the monitor anklets have been removed by the … Read more : Four more Indian students freed of radio tags in US.

Jamia’s minority status won’t make it a madrassa: Vice chancellor (Interview)

NEW DELHI – Minority status for Jamia Millia Islamia will not change the secular nature of the 90-year-old university, says Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung.

“This is not going to change the secularist nature of the university. It is not fair to think that the minority status given to the institution will lead to ghettoisation in …. Source article : Jamia’s minority status won’t make it a madrassa: Vice chancellor (Interview).

Recruitment drive in Aligarh Muslim University

ALIGARH – For the first time in the history of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), its students’ union organised a recruitment drive, an exercise to break away from the usual political muscle-flexing and rabble-rousing.

Four MNCs — HCL, Genpact, Kotak Securities and Valiant Media Group — were invited by the Aligarh Muslim University Students Union (AMUSU) … Read more »»».

Jamia students making their mark in Bollywood

NEW DELHI – They are making films with big names and editing critically acclaimed movies. The alumni of Jamia Millia Islamia’s Mass Communication Research Centre, who are going places in the film industry, give credit to the university for shaping them up.

At the same time, they feel ex-students working in Bollywood should have …. Source : Jamia students making their mark in Bollywood.

Aligarh varsity film fest in March

ALIGARH – The University Film Club of Aligarh Muslim University will organise the 4th national film festival of short films and documentaries – “FILMSAAZ-II” – from March 8 to 10 at the Kennedy Auditorium, organisers said Saturday.

Adil Siddiqui, convener of the film club, said the film festival is one of its kind organised by …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Aligarh varsity film fest in March.

US assures ‘fair’ treatment to Indian students of sham varsity

WASHINGTON – The US has assured that hundreds of Indian students affected by the closure of a sham US university on charges of visa fraud would be given “fair and appropriate” treatment.

The US assurance came in a letter this week by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Indian Ambassador to the US Meera … Original article on : US assures ‘fair’ treatment to Indian students of sham varsity.

India second largest source of foreign students in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – India has emerged as the second largest source country after China for international students in New Zealand during 2010-11, according to official figures.

While student visa applications from traditional markets like China, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan and Britain have declined in the past years, Indian students continue flocking to New Zealand for …. Original article on Gaea Times at : India second largest source of foreign students in New Zealand.