Constitutional amendment to ban affirmative action by state agencies advances in Utah House

Affirmative action ban advances in Utah House

SALT LAKE CITY – Lawmakers moved quickly Friday to place a ban on affirmative action in the Utah Constitution, despite little evidence the practice is being used or has caused problems.
A resolution that would prevent local governments, state agencies and public colleges from discriminating or providing preferential treatment based …. Read the original article  : here.

With financial pinch shutting sports programs, national group hopes to get kids playing again

Coaching program fights obesity, school dropouts

BOSTON – Michael Jordan juggled tennis balls in a gym with 29 young adults learning to coach inner-city youngsters.
Not THAT Michael Jordan.
This Michael Jordan also loves basketball but coaches it at a New York City after-school program and is part of the group being trained to guide kids to become … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : With financial pinch shutting sports programs, national group hopes to get kids playing again.

Duke Energy fourth quarter increased by 5 percent as cost cuts offset weak power demand

Duke Energy 4th quarter profit rises 5 percent

Power company Duke Energy said Friday that its fourth-quarter profit climbed 5 percent as cost cuts offset continued weak demand for electricity.
Duke, one of the nation’s largest power generators with 4 million customers, said it made $346 million, or 26 cents per share, for the quarter ended Dec. … Original article on : Duke Energy fourth quarter increased by 5 percent as cost cuts offset weak power demand.

Iowa sophomore guard Anthony Tucker released from scholarship

Iowa G Anthony Tucker leaves program
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Iowa sophomore guard Anthony Tucker has been released from his scholarship, ending a tumultuous stint with the Hawkeyes that included a pair of alcohol-related suspensions and a third for academic problems.

Iowa coach Todd Lickliter said Friday that Tucker asked for and was granted his release following … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iowa sophomore guard Anthony Tucker released from scholarship.

Students JAC calls for Telangana shutdown

HYDERABAD – The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Osmania University students Friday called for Telangana shutdown Saturday to protest the terms of reference of the Srikrishna panel, saying these were not favourable for formation of Telangana state.

Demanding that the centre immediately dissolve the panel, JAC said that only people’s struggle could achieve a … Read more >>.

Heart disease has good treatments but no cure, Bill Clinton’s new health woes show

No cure for heart disease, Clinton’s case shows
Bill Clinton has a new lease on life, but there’s no cure for the heart disease that has twice forced the former president to get blocked arteries fixed.
Treatments like the quadruple bypass surgery Clinton had in 2004 last about a decade on average. …. Original article  : Heart disease has good treatments but no cure, Bill Clinton’s new health woes show.

Swords scores 14 points to lead Boston College to 69-62 victory over No. 18 North Carolina

Swords leads BC past No. 18 UNC, 69-62
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolyn Swords scored 14 points to help Boston College beat No. 18 North Carolina 69-62 on Thursday night.

Kerri Shields added 13 points and Mickel Picco had 12 for the Eagles (14-10, 5-4 Atlantic Coast Conference), who won their third straight.
Italee Lucas scored 13 points [..] Read the original article: here.

Obama to deliver commencement addresses at University of Michigan, Hampton University in Va.

Obama to address Hampton U. and Michigan graduates
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will deliver commencement addresses this spring at the University of Michigan and Virginia’s Hampton University.
Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman says in a statement that Obama will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree during commencement on May 1 at Michigan Stadium … Read : Obama to deliver commencement addresses at University of Michigan, Hampton University in Va..

Obama to deliver commencement addresses at University of Michigan, Hampton University

Obama to address Hampton and Michigan graduations
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will deliver commencement addresses this spring at the University of Michigan and Virginia’s Hampton University.
Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman says in a statement that Obama will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree during commencement on May 1 at Michigan … Read more >>.

Michigan governor pitches expanding state sales tax to services while cutting business taxes

Gov pitches expanding sales tax, cutting biz taxes

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Thursday unveiled a budget proposal that included extending the tax to services while eliminating a business tax surcharge over the next two years.
The proposals were included in a $47.1 billion budget plan that calls for no cuts in spending to …. Source  : Michigan governor pitches expanding state sales tax to services while cutting business taxes.

Official: Problems at Air Force nuclear weapons site in New Mexico were administrative

Official: Nuclear problems were administrative

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Air Force on Thursday blamed administrative problems for the decision to remove an Air Force squadron overseeing an underground nuclear weapons cache, detailing another instance of questionable oversight even after the military took steps to correct similar issues.
Ron Fry, spokesman for the Air Force Materiel Command, said …. Read the original article  : Official: Problems at Air Force nuclear weapons site in New Mexico were administrative.

Former Lakers and West Virginia coach Fred Schaus, who mentored Jerry West, dies at 84

Former Lakers, WVU coach Fred Schaus dies at 84

Fred Schaus, a former Los Angeles Lakers coach and general manager who mentored Jerry West and Hot Rod Hundley at West Virginia, has died. He was 84.
The former West Virginia coach and athletic director died Wednesday night in Morgantown, W.Va., said Dan Hastings, a funeral director at …. Read the original article  : Former Lakers and West Virginia coach Fred Schaus, who mentored Jerry West, dies at 84.

After rocky start, VA more smoothly processing new GI Bill claims for Iraq, Afghanistan vets

VA more smoothly processing new GI Bill
WASHINGTON – The Veterans Affairs Department is more efficiently cutting checks for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to attend college this semester, following a rocky rollout last fall that left veterans so cash-strapped there was concern some wouldn’t re-enroll.

As of Feb. 5, nearly 90 percent of enrollments for the 167,000 … Original source on Gaea Times at : After rocky start, VA more smoothly processing new GI Bill claims for Iraq, Afghanistan vets.

Medicos say no to science post-graduates as teachers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – A meeting of representatives of medical professionals in Kerala Thursday opposed the state government’s move to appoint science post-graduates as teachers in the state-run medical colleges.

Addressing reporters, Director of Medical Education V. Geetha said the general opinion was that there was no need to appoint post-graduates as teachers.
“At the moment, there are …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Scientist who criticized Army Corps over Katrina claims La. university tried to silence him

Army Corps critic claims LSU tried to silence him

NEW ORLEANS – A scientist who became a widely cited expert on levee failures after Hurricane Katrina is suing Louisiana State University for what he claims was a push to silence his criticism of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Ivor van Heerden was fired by the university last …. Read the original article  : here.

Long Island And Bellmore Merrick School District Closing Updates On News 12

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- Winter weather condition that has disrupted the regular life of people in different parts of the United States for the last few days, has led to delay and closure of several schools. As per the reports, Long Island and Bellmore Merrick school district have declared closing due to the adverse … Read more »»».

Bihar to have law to monitor coaching institutes

PATNA – After violent protests by students here against fleecing by coaching institutes, the state government has decided to make a new law to monitor and regulate the functioning of private coaching institutes.

Bihar Human Resources Development (HRD) Minister Hari Narayan Singh Thursday said the government plans to bring a new bill in … Read more »».

Tension fills liberal Oregon campus as extremist group intensifies its anti-Jewish message

Tension fills Oregon campus over extremists

EUGENE, Ore. – The students stomped their feet, heckled and then stood and turned their backs as the speaker at the University of Oregon defended red-baiting Sen. Joseph McCarthy and called Martin Luther King Jr. a communist dupe.
With more than 30 security officers assigned to keep the peace, the 90-something … Read more : Tension fills liberal Oregon campus as extremist group intensifies its anti-Jewish message.

English language tests for foreign students ‘unfair’, says Cambridge

LONDON – Britain’s largest provider of English language tests has expressed concern over government plans to impose strict English language tests for foreign students, saying such a move will not necessarily bring down the number of bogus students.

Cambridge ESOL, the world’s leading language assessor, said the British home ministry should ensure that “only tried and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : English language tests for foreign students ‘unfair’, says Cambridge.

Detroit Public Schools still ‘under water’ despite improvements, financial manager says

Bobb: Detroit Schools still ‘under water’
DETROIT – Detroit’s cash-strapped public school district “still is under water,” despite nearly a year of cost-cutting measures, the man brought in to manage its finances said Wednesday.

The 84,000-student Detroit Public Schools could face additional layoffs and about 40 more school closings, Robert Bobb told area business and media leaders …. Source  : Detroit Public Schools still ‘under water’ despite improvements, financial manager says.

Squadron that handles nuclear warheads at New Mexico base is decertified by Air Force

Air Force decertifies nuclear warheads unit in NM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Air Force has decertified a unit responsible for maintaining an estimated 2,000 nuclear warheads at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, but top military officials won’t discuss specifics of the decision.
Decertification means members of the 898th Munitions Squadron cannot perform their usual duties … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Squadron that handles nuclear warheads at New Mexico base is decertified by Air Force.

Punjab to train 100,000 unemployed youth

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab government has asked the vice chancellors of universities in the state to prepare a blue print of a programme to impart vocational education training to nearly 100,000 unemployed youth.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Wednesday asked the vice chancellors to prepare the blue print to launch the programme from the academic …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Railways to sign with IIT-Kharagpur for research

KOLKATA – Indian Railways will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kharagpur to promote research and development in the organisation, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said here Wednesday.

“We are going sign a MoU with The IIT-Kharagpur Feb 13 to promote research and development activities for the railways,” Banerjee said after …. Source article  : Railways to sign with IIT-Kharagpur for research.

Amend the Cable Act, says ex-CEO of Prasar Bharati

NEW DELHI – Former Prasar Bharati CEO K.S. Sarma Wednesday said that the Cable Act should be amended so that education channels are not charged any carriage fee.

“The Cable Act should be amended to make it mandatory that no carriage fee is charged for our public broadcasting channels on education, health and environment,” said Sarma, … Read more >>.

IGNOU launches six FM radio stations on education

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Wednesday launched six new FM radio stations on education. These will be in addition to the 31 radio stations the university already has.

The new stations, launched by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mohan Jatua, will be operational in Agra, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Srinagar, Trichy …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Foreign students working illegally to be expelled from Britain

LONDON – Foreign students from outside Europe will be deported from Britain if they are found to be working illegally, the British government said Wednesday.

The British home ministry issued the warning while giving out details of new rules for foreign students, effective immediately, that it said are aimed at stopping ‘bogus students from coming into …. Original article  : Foreign students working illegally to be expelled from Britain.

Patna students continue stir, politicians join them

PATNA – Tension mounted in the Bihar capital Wednesday as students continued their protest for the second day against fleecing by coaching institutes and politicians jumped on to the bandwagon.

The students thrashed the owner of a private coaching institute, vandalised property and tore banners and posters of other institutes in the area.
Former Member … Read more >>>.

Now degree with diploma in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI – The Tamil Nadu government Wednesday launched a scheme whereby students can pursue simultaneously a diploma in a vocational stream apart from their basic degree course.

A total of 3,571 students have enrolled themselves under the educational scheme in various courses.
Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi wished them luck while launching the scheme, which will …. Original article  : Now degree with diploma in Tamil Nadu.

Welcome desk set up at Melbourne airport for Indian students

MELBOURNE – A welcome desk has been established for Indian and other international students at the airport here to “help settle” them, a minister said Wednesday.

Victorian Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation Bronwyn Pike said that students will receive a warm welcome at the International Student Welcome Desk located in the arrivals hall at Melbourne …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Welcome desk set up at Melbourne airport for Indian students.

Punjab B-school gets US accreditation

CHANDIGARH – Punjab-based Aryans Business School (ABS) has become the first B-school in the region to get membership of US-based accreditation body ‘Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’ (AACSB).

The membership certificate was granted by AACSB vice president and chief officer Asia Eileen Peacock to ABS at the Singapore-based Asian headquarters of AACSB, ABS chairman …. Source  : Punjab B-school gets US accreditation.

Global meet to discuss digitising libraries

NEW DELHI – Experts from the field of information communication technology and education will gather here for a four-day conference starting Feb 23 to discuss how to digitise the world’s print based libraries.

The International Conference on Digital Libraries will be held at the India Habitat Centre and is being organised by the Indira Gandhi …. Read the original article  : Global meet to discuss digitising libraries.

Over three-fold hike in Indians studying in New Zealand

HAMILTON – There has been an over three-fold increase in Indians getting student visas to study in New Zealand in the past five years, authorities said.

As many as 9,591 Indians were issued students visas for the financial year 2008-09 as compared to 2,972 for the year 2004-05, said Immigration New Zealand. From July 1, 2009 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Over three-fold hike in Indians studying in New Zealand.

Clinton: Iran becoming a military dictatorship with the Guard Corps supplanting government

Clinton: Iran is becoming a military dictatorship

DOHA, Qatar – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that Iran is becoming a military dictatorship, a new U.S. accusation in the midst of rising tensions with Iran over its nuclear ambitions and crack down on anti-government protesters.
Speaking to Arab students at Carnegie Mellon’s Doha campus, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Clinton: Iran becoming a military dictatorship with the Guard Corps supplanting government.

Snaer scores 18, Florida State pulls away from Boston College in 62-47 win

Florida State defeats Boston College 62-47

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Michael Snaer tied a career-high 18 points and Florida State defeated Boston College 62-47 on Sunday night.
The Seminoles (18-7, 6-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) trailed 36-35 after Joe Trapani’s 3-pointer put Boston College ahead with 18:02 to go, but pulled away on a 13-2 run. Snaer’s jumper capped …. Read the original article  : Snaer scores 18, Florida State pulls away from Boston College in 62-47 win.

Tough math: Public schools face severe cash crunch as federal stimulus money runs out

Schools face big budget holes as stimulus runs out

SAN FRANCISCO – The nation’s public schools are falling under severe financial stress as states slash education spending and drain federal stimulus money that staved off deep classroom cuts and widespread job losses.
School districts have already suffered big budget cuts since the recession began two years ago, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tough math: Public schools face severe cash crunch as federal stimulus money runs out.

Explosive situation at Osmania University

HYDERABAD – An explosive situation prevailed in Osmania University here Sunday night as violence over Telangana issue, police firing and arson rocked the campus.

Police and paramilitary forces laid siege to the campus as the tension spread to neighbouring residential neighbourhood with residents coming out in support of students.
The sprawling campus plunged into darkness as …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New IIM-A placement system receives good response

GANDHINAGAR – The new placement system for the final year post-graduate programme students of the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A), introduced from the current academic year, received an enthusiastic response as it began here Sunday.

The new system sees the placement process being conducted over continuous weekends called “cohorts” with each cohort hosting …. Source  : New IIM-A placement system receives good response.

MSBTE Result Winter 2009 Declared

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The MSBTE Winter Diploma 2009 results have been declared by the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education. The results have been declared today, on Sunday, Feb 14. The results are available in the official website of the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education. The MSBTE Winter Diploma 2009 results are available in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘High-level Indian delegation should visit Australia’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – A high-level delegation from India should visit Australia in the wake of the recent attacks on Indian students there, according to V.P. Unnikrishnan, secretary of the Federation of Indian Communities, Queensland (FICQ).

Unnikrishnan told IANS over phone from Brisbane Sunday that there is a general feeling in the Indian community in Australia that they … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘High-level Indian delegation should visit Australia’.

IGNOU launches course in dialysis medicine

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Sunday announced that it is going to introduce a post doctoral certificate course in dialysis medicine from July.

A press release said that IGNOU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate General of Health Services to introduce the course. It will be … Read more »»».

Britains’s partial relief to students sees mixed response

CHANDIGARH – The decision of the British government to partially lift the ban imposed on student visa applications from north India has seen a mixed response from the students and overseas education consultants.

This is not a very encouraging move as only those students would be benefited who are applying for degree courses. But from this …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP Top News at 2:36 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:36 p.m. EST
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah – NATO’s most ambitious effort yet to break the militants’ grip over their southern heartland. NATO said … Read : AP Top News at 2:36 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:28 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:28 p.m. EST
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah – NATO’s most ambitious effort yet to break the militants’ grip over their southern heartland. NATO said …. Source article  : AP Top News at 2:28 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:21 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:21 p.m. EST
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah – NATO’s most ambitious effort yet to break the militants’ grip over their southern heartland. NATO said … Read more : AP Top News at 2:21 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:19 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:19 p.m. EST
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah – NATO’s most ambitious effort yet to break the militants’ grip over their southern heartland. NATO said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 2:19 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:14 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:14 p.m. EST
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah – NATO’s most ambitious effort yet to break the militants’ grip over their southern heartland. NATO said …. Source  : AP Top News at 2:14 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:12 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:12 p.m. EST
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah – NATO’s most ambitious effort yet to break the militants’ grip over their southern heartland. NATO said … Read more : AP Top News at 2:12 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:08 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:08 p.m. EST
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah – NATO’s most ambitious effort yet to break the militants’ grip over their southern heartland. NATO said … Read more >>>.

AP Top News at 2:03 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:03 p.m. EST
Bombs slow US advance in Afghan town
MARJAH, Afghanistan – Bombs and booby traps slowed the advance of thousands of U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers moving Saturday through the Taliban-controlled town of Marjah – NATO’s most ambitious effort yet to break the militants’ grip over their southern heartland. NATO said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 2:03 p.m. EST.

Why no admission to poor students, court asks school

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court issued notice to Frank Anthony Public School and asked its principal to appear before it to explain why they do not give admissions to students from poor families.

A division bench comprising Justices Madan B. Lokur and Mukta Gupta Thursday issued notice to the school principal for not … Read more >>>.

Indians students always welcome in UK: British minister

CHANDIGARH – Students from India are “always welcome” in his country, British Minister Pat McFadden said Tuesday though Britain has stopped accepting student visa applications at its three centres in northern India.

“Students from India are always welcome in the UK. In fact, the UK universities are always very keen to get Indian students who are …. Source article  : Indians students always welcome in UK: British minister.

Common admission test for engineering, medical courses by 2013

NEW DELHI – The Human Resource Development ministry is expecting to introduce a single entrance examination system for admission into all professional educational institutes like engineering and medical colleges in the country.

“By 2013 we should have in place a common system for common admission into professional institutions in the country,” Human Resource Development Minister … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Common admission test for engineering, medical courses by 2013.

Common science and maths curriculum in all schools

NEW DELHI – From the coming academic session all school boards across India are likely to have a common science and mathematics syllabus, which will help students compete on an equal footing in the national level entrance tests.

“We have reached 90 percent consensus (on the issue) and by evening we hope to agree upon a …. Source article  : Common science and maths curriculum in all schools.

Men’s 500 resumes after ice resurfacing problems cause lengthy delay at oval

Speedskating resumes after ice resurfacing delay

RICHMOND, British Columbia – Problems with three ice-resurfacing machines at the speedskating venue caused a lengthy delay Monday during the men’s 500 meters, and Vancouver Olympic officials are sending in a different machine to avoid future trouble.
Two machines are used to clean the ice, but the Richmond Olympic Oval was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brazilian woman, expelled from school for short miniskirt, emerges as Rio Carnival star

Disgraced in skirt scandal, woman is Carnival star

RIO DE JANEIRO – Geisy Arruda is dancing proof that nowhere is transformation more achievable than in Brazil’s Carnival, ripe with fantasy and metamorphosis.
The 20-year-old college student from a poor family gained worldwide attention last fall when she was expelled for wearing a miniskirt to class. Three months …. Read the original article  : Brazilian woman, expelled from school for short miniskirt, emerges as Rio Carnival star.

Kenneth Starr, former prosecutor who investigated Clinton, named Baylor University president

Ex-Clinton prosecutor Starr named Baylor president

WACO, Texas – Baylor University named former Clinton White House nemesis Kenneth Starr its new president on Monday, saying the one-time independent prosecutor’s Christian ideals and experience heading a law school made him the ideal candidate to lead the world’s largest Baptist university.
Starr, whose investigation of the Whitewater land deal …. Read the original article  : Kenneth Starr, former prosecutor who investigated Clinton, named Baylor University president.

In ‘Black Angels Over Tuskegee,’ segregated airmen fight to fly for their country

Theater: Segregated airmen fight to fly in WWII

NEW YORK – “Black Angels Over Tuskegee,” is a serious history lesson told with humor.
Based on true events, this powerful play, on view at off-Broadway’s St. Luke’s Theatre, is about brotherhood among the segregated World War II pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen. These men distinguished themselves with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : In ‘Black Angels Over Tuskegee,’ segregated airmen fight to fly for their country.

Weather relents, Vonn posts fastest time in Olympic downhill training run

Vonn has fastest training time on first run

WHISTLER, British Columbia – Even with a badly bruised right shin, American star Lindsey Vonn still has the fastest time through the upper section of the course in a downhill training run.
The women will ski the bottom section later Monday, following the conclusion of the men’s downhill race …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brazilian woman expelled from school for short miniskirt transforms into Rio Carnival star

Woman in miniskirt scandal turns Rio Carnival star

RIO DE JANEIRO – Geisy Arruda is dancing proof that nowhere is transformation more achievable than in Brazil’s Carnival, ripe with fantasy and metamorphosis.
The 20-year-old college student from a poor family gained worldwide attention last fall when she was expelled for wearing a miniskirt to class. Three months …. Original source  : Brazilian woman expelled from school for short miniskirt transforms into Rio Carnival star.

Badal seeks British assistance for Punjab teachers

CHANDIGARH – Planning to initiate a specialised teachers’ training programme in spoken English skills, the Punjab government Monday mooted a proposal to invite collaboration with the British government as well as with the British Council.

Punjab Chief Minster Parkash Singh Badal discussed this issue with visiting British Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills Pat McFadden, …. Source  : Badal seeks British assistance for Punjab teachers.

Now, nursery admission not before four in Delhi (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – In an attempt to standardize non-formal education and bring reprieve for tens of thousands of children and their parents, the human resource development (HRD) ministry and school principals Monday decided to raise the nursery admission minimum age to four years from the present three-plus in Delhi.

After a meeting with school principals and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Now, nursery admission not before four in Delhi (Second Lead).

Nursery admission not before four in Delhi

NEW DELHI – In a possible reprieve for tens of thousands of children and their parents, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry and school principals Monday decided to increase the nursery admission age to four from the present three-plus in Delhi.

After a meeting with the principal and their parents, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said that … Read : Nursery admission not before four in Delhi.

Tough law against corporal punishment in Assam schools

GUWAHATI – The Assam government Monday introduced a tough legislation banning corporal punishment in schools with provision for prosecuting errant teachers, including suspension and even termination from service.

The Assam Corporal Punishment for Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill, 2010, would be placed before the Assam assembly for a final nod when it meets March 2 for …. Read the original article  : Tough law against corporal punishment in Assam schools.

Nursery admission age in Delhi raised to four

NEW DELHI – In a possible reprieve for tens of thousands of children and their parents, the union Human Resource Development Ministry and school principals Monday decided to increase the nursery admission age to four from the present three-plus in Delhi.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nursery admission age in Delhi raised to four.

Jamia to offer PhD courses on early childhood development

NEW DELHI – Jamia Millia Islamia is setting up a Centre for Early Childhood Development and Research that will offer several courses including a doctoral degree in the subject, with the aim of helping children from the underprivileged sections of society.

“The objective of the centre is to meet the challenges to holistic development of young … Read more : Jamia to offer PhD courses on early childhood development.

Delhi schools to remain closed during Commonwealth Games

NEW DELHI – To overcome traffic congestion during the Commonwealth Games, schools in the national capital will remain closed during the mega sporting event, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said Monday.

The Delhi government sent an advisory to Delhi schools, both government and private, to reschedule school holidays for the academic year 2010-11 keeping in view …. Original article  : Delhi schools to remain closed during Commonwealth Games.

Jamia organises cycle rally for ‘peace and pluralism’

NEW DELHI – After traversing over 440 km and spreading the message of peace and pluralism, a unique cycle rally organised by the Jamia Millia Islamia will end in Delhi Tuesday.

With the vision of Dilon Ko Jodo, the rally started from Lord Brahmas Temple in Pushkar on Feb 6, paying homage at the tombs of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jamia organises cycle rally for ‘peace and pluralism’.

Rs.40 mn spa academy comes up in Kerala

KODUNGALLUR – A Rs.40 million spa academy is all set to open in Kerala’s cultural capital Kodungallur in Trissur district to train students as spa specialists.

The SpaEd academy, the second such institute in Kerala, will open Saturday and provide a new career option to students. It is owned by Spaveda, a spa management company which …. Original article  : Rs.40 mn spa academy comes up in Kerala.

College girls spur literacy drive in Uttar Pradesh villages

LUCKNOW – Over 1,500 girls from a private college here have been busy shaping up the careers of illiterate and unemployed villagers in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Students of the Sardar Patel Mahila Mahavidyalaya (SPMM) in Barabanki district, some 35 km from Lucknow, hold literacy camps in villages, offer career guidance to youth, run programmes to generate … Read more : College girls spur literacy drive in Uttar Pradesh villages.

University at Buffalo library evacuated after report of suspicious person, possibly with gun

University at Buffalo library evacuated
AMHERST, N.Y. – The University at Buffalo evacuated a library on its suburban Amherst campus Tuesday night after campus police received a call about a suspicious person entering the building, possibly with a gun.

“All we have right now is a report of a suspicious person,” university spokesman Joe Brennan said. “No … Read more »».

Obama on education: Regardless of personal wealth, everyone can turn off TV set on weeknights

Obama: No weeknight television for Malia, Sasha
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama, who is spending billions of dollars to overhaul the U.S. public education system, says there’s one sure thing parents can do to help their kids learn, regardless of financial means: Forbid them from watching television on school nights.
Of his own daughters, Malia, …. Read the original article  : Obama on education: Regardless of personal wealth, everyone can turn off TV set on weeknights.

New legal challenge mounted to California ban on affirmative action at universities

Calif race-based admissions law challenged anew

SAN FRANCISCO – The law that bars the University of California from considering race in student admissions violates the civil rights of black, Latino and Native American students who are underrepresented at the state’s most prestigious campuses and blocked from seeking redress through the school’s governing board, a class-action lawsuit …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New legal challenge mounted to California ban on affirmative action at universities.

Texas Tech endures 6 straight losses, attendance down; now has wins over 2 top 15 teams

Texas Tech program struggling; attendance down

LUBBOCK, Texas – Gary Blair’s team had just lost to Texas Tech and he was angry.
The Texas A&M coach wasn’t upset about the game’s outcome.
“I would like to know where the Red Raider fans are,” said Blair, a Texas Tech alum. “Because this team deserves the people in the stands. … Read more »».

Sibal, Khurshid pat Jamia students for spirit of peace

NEW DELHI – Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal and Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Tuesday congratulated students from the Jamia Millia Islamia university, who returned after travelling over 440 km on cycle and spreading the message of “peace and pluralism”.

With the vision of “Dilon Ko Jodo” (join hearts), the rally started from Lord … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sibal, Khurshid pat Jamia students for spirit of peace.

Post-graduation courses in Himachal dental college recognised

SHIMLA – The central government has recognised post-graduation courses being conducted by the government dental college in the Himachal Pradesh capital, an official said here Tuesday.

“The ministry of health and family welfare has recognised the post-graduate degree courses on the recommendation of the Dental Council of India (DCI) in Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College … Read : Post-graduation courses in Himachal dental college recognised.

Common maths, science course for all schools from 2011 (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – All school boards across India will have a common curriculum in science and mathematics for Classes 11 and 12 from the 2011 academic year to give students a level playing field and help them in competitive examinations, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal announced here Tuesday.

“Today is a historic day for all … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Common maths, science course for all schools from 2011 (Second Lead).

IIT-JEE likely to be abolished by 2013

NEW DELHI – The joint entrance examination (JEE) for admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is likely to become history from 2013 as the central government Tuesday decided to work on a common entrance test for all government engineering colleges.

“By 2013, we should have in place a common system for common admission into …. Original article  : IIT-JEE likely to be abolished by 2013.

Common science, maths course for all schools from 2011

NEW DELHI – From the 2011 academic year, all school boards across India will have a common curriculum in science and maths for Classes 11 and 12, to give students a level playing field and help them in taking competitive examinations.

This was announced Tuesday by union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal.
Today is …. Original article  : Common science, maths course for all schools from 2011.

No student to be failed in class five in Haryana

CHANDIGARH – Haryana’s Class Five students and their parents can rejoice. The state government Tuesday announced that henceforth no student will be failed in the final examination of Class Five.

Haryana’s Education Minister Geeta Bhukkal told reporters that instructions have been issued to the officials in this regard.
The Class Five examinations will be held … Original source on Gaea Times at : No student to be failed in class five in Haryana.

Fulbright-Nehru fellowships for 2011 offered

NEW DELHI – The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) Tuesday announced the opening of its Fulbright-Nehru and other fellowship opportunities for study, research and teaching in the US.

The USIEF called outstanding Indian students, academics, teachers, policy planners, administrators and professionals in all disciplines to apply. A total of 110 fellowships will be offered to Indian …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fulbright-Nehru fellowships for 2011 offered.

Website launched for Indian alumni and students in Australia

NEW DELHI – A new networking website has been launched for Indian alumni and students in Australia to enhance the experience of international students.

The website, MyOzNetwork.com, supported by the Australian government, is designed to provide past, present and future Indian students in Australia with their own networking portal online.
Speaking at …. Original article  : Website launched for Indian alumni and students in Australia.

Pittsburgh-area community college OKs concealed carry group after student threatens suit

Western Pa. school OKs concealed weapons group

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh-area community college will let a student form a campus chapter of a group that promotes the rights of students to carry concealed weapons.
A Community College of Allegheny County spokesman says Christa Brashier must provide a copy of the group’s revised constitution by March.
Brashier threatened to …. Original source  : Pittsburgh-area community college OKs concealed carry group after student threatens suit.

Several mysteriously fall ill at NH school; tests find no high monoxide levels

Several fall ill at NH school; tests inconclusive

DERRY, N.H. – Air tests at a New Hampshire school where more than 20 people showed symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning have turned up no elevated levels of the gas.
Derry Fire Chief George Klauber says firefighters responded to St. Thomas Aquinas School at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday along with … Read more »»».

22 high schoolers in Puerto Rico fall ill; 8 hospitalized as investigation initiated

Puerto Rico high schoolers fall ill in classroom

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – At least 30 high school students and seven teachers became sick Wednesday after reporting a foul odor that authorities were trying to identify. Officials canceled classes for the day.
Eight students were hospitalized, according to Exel Lopez, spokesman for the Commission of Public Services, …. Source  : 22 high schoolers in Puerto Rico fall ill; 8 hospitalized as investigation initiated.

$25 million NSF grant launches natural and digital evolution center at Mich. State University

$25M grant to MSU for bio-digital evolution center

DETROIT – The National Science Foundation has awarded $25 million to Michigan State University to create a center for the joint study of natural and digital evolution, officials said Wednesday.
The center will conduct basic and applied research that includes and combines evolutionary biology and computer science, center director …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : $25 million NSF grant launches natural and digital evolution center at Mich. State University.

JNU professor M.S. Rajan is dead

NEW DELHI – M.S. Rajan, Professor Emeritus at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) since 1986, died here Wednesday, his colleagues said. He would have turned 90 this year.

According to the university’s School of International Studies, Rajan’s scholarship was mirrored through 28 authored and edited books, hundreds of articles in journals, public lectures in India and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : JNU professor M.S. Rajan is dead.

AMU signs MoU with George Washington University

ALIGARH – The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the George Washington University’s Law School in the US for facilitating academic research and initiating students’ exchange programmes, an official said.

“The agreement will enable individual scholars from both the institutions to establish contacts for conducting research and other academic activities,” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AMU signs MoU with George Washington University.

Allocate more for education: Kids to president

NEW DELHI – With less than 10 days to go for the union budget, children from across the country gathered here Wednesday demanding an increase in allocation for education. The kids also expressed their concerns to President Pratibha Patil in a letter.

The children urged that public spending on education be increased to 6 percent from …. Source  : Allocate more for education: Kids to president.

Punjab private colleges to observe strike Feb 26

CHANDIGARH – Nearly 190 private colleges of Punjab will observe an ‘education bandh’ (strike) Feb 26 on the call of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), which represents their faculty, principals and stakeholders.

The JAC was constituted last month by the private colleges management federation of Punjab and Chandigarh, federation of associations of college principals and teachers’ …. Read the original article  : Punjab private colleges to observe strike Feb 26.

Canada to open office in India for degree recognition

TORONTO – To help new immigrants get their credentials recognized in their country of origin before landing here, Canada Thursday announced opening of new offices in India, China, the Philippines and Britain.

More that 250,000 new immigrants come to Canada each year from around the world, including over 30,000 from India.
As their foreign degrees and … Read more : Canada to open office in India for degree recognition.

Orissa to have a child rights commission soon

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government will soon set up a child rights commission, an official said here Friday.

The decision was taken after a class 6 student of George High School of Bargarh district, Ajay Kumar Jena, was killed Feb 16 after being beaten by a school teacher.
“The state government has decided to set up … Original source on Gaea Times at : Orissa to have a child rights commission soon.

Cigarette-holding Jesus in school book triggers row

SHILLONG – Pictures of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and a beer can in another in a book for primary classes has triggered a row in Meghalaya and the state government is now contemplating legal action against the New Delhi-based publisher.

The objectionable pictures of Jesus Christ found in the cursive writing exercise …. Source  : Cigarette-holding Jesus in school book triggers row.

Report: Internet attack against Google originated from computers at 2 schools in China

Report: Hackers attacked Google from China schools

SAN FRANCISCO – The Internet attacks that may end up driving Google Inc. out of China originated from two prominent schools in the country, according to a story published late Thursday.
The New York Times reported security investigators have traced the hacking to computers at Shanghai Jiaotong University and Lanxiang …. Source  : Report: Internet attack against Google originated from computers at 2 schools in China.

Lawsuit: Pa. school district used school-issued laptop webcams to spy on students at home

Suit: Pa. school used webcams to spy on students

PHILADELPHIA – A suburban Philadelphia school district used the webcams in school-issued laptops to spy on students at home, potentially catching them and their families in compromising situations, a family claims in a federal lawsuit.
Lower Merion School District officials said the laptops “contain a security feature intended … Read more : Lawsuit: Pa. school district used school-issued laptop webcams to spy on students at home.

Career Education shares jump after earnings beats estimates but analysts wary on future

Career Education shares gain on earnings report

NEW YORK – Shares of Career Education Corp. surged nearly 14 percent Thursday after the for-profit education provider’s earnings beat Wall Street estimates. However, multiple analysts remained neutral or negative on the stock due to concerns about the impact of regulatory changes on the company’s future.
Sterne, Agee & Leach … Read more >>>.

AP Top News at 3:14 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:14 p.m. EST
Official: Plane crash pilot left anti-IRS Web note
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service plowed his small plane into an office building housing nearly 200 federal tax employees on Thursday, officials said, setting off a raging fire that sent workers fleeing as thick plumes [..] Read the original article: here.

AP Top News at 3:07 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 3:07 p.m. EST
Official: Plane crash pilot left anti-IRS Web note
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service plowed his small plane into an office building housing nearly 200 federal tax employees on Thursday, officials said, setting off a raging fire that sent workers fleeing as thick plumes … Read more : AP Top News at 3:07 p.m. EST.

AP Top News at 2:56 p.m. EST

AP Top News at 2:56 p.m. EST
Official: Plane crash pilot left anti-IRS Web note
AUSTIN, Texas – A software engineer furious with the Internal Revenue Service plowed his small plane into an office building housing nearly 200 federal tax employees on Thursday, officials said, setting off a raging fire that sent workers fleeing as thick plumes …. Read the original article  : AP Top News at 2:56 p.m. EST.

Half of Egyptian children below poverty line: Unicef

CAIRO – Nearly half of Egypt’s children live on less than $2 a day, a new study by Unicef, the UN agency for children, said in a report published Thursday.

Despite significant progress millions of children in the North African country still face “serious deprivations”, Unicef said.
“It is important to look at how poverty is …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lawsuit: Pa. school district spied on students at home via school-issued laptop webcams

Suit: Pa. school spied on students via laptops

PHILADELPHIA – A suburban Philadelphia school district used the webcams in school-issued laptops to spy on students at home, potentially catching them and their families in compromising situations, a family claims in a federal lawsuit.
Lower Merion School District officials would not comment on the accusation, but angry students …. Original article  : Lawsuit: Pa. school district spied on students at home via school-issued laptop webcams.

First lady Michelle Obama gives pep talk to essay contest winners visiting US from England

Michelle Obama gives pep talk to English students

WASHINGTON – First lady Michelle Obama has given a pep talk to visiting students from England, saying they have shown they aren’t afraid of the hard work that will take them places in life.
Mrs. Obama met with the group of 11 students at the White House on Thursday. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

English pass marks reduced for Gujarati medium students

GANDHINAGAR – Gujarati medium Students appearing in the state higher secondary examinations in March this year need to score just 20 marks out of 100 in English to be declared passed, officials said.

This is a special concession the Gujarat State Higher Secondary Education Board has announced this year for students of Gujarati medium, …. Original source  : English pass marks reduced for Gujarati medium students.

148 state government medical colleges to be upgraded

NEW DELHI – The union cabinet Thursday approved a proposal to upgrade 148 state government medical colleges by starting new post-graduate disciplines which will result in 5,000 more seats.

“The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved a proposal from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on strengthening and upgradation of state government medical colleges for …. Source article  : 148 state government medical colleges to be upgraded.

Sibal to seek consensus on right to education

NEW DELHI – Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal Saturday said he will try to build a consensus among all states to implement the Right to Education (RTE) Act from April 1. He also stressed that the government is and will be strictly against commercialisation of education.

“Our aim is to ensure that all children … Read more >>.

Sibal to build consensus for right to education

NEW DELHI – Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal Saturday said he would try and build consensus among all the state governments to implement the Right to Education Act, which will be notified from April 1.

“Our aim is to implement the Right to Education Act from April 1 and for this, I will talk …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sibal to build consensus for right to education.

Law enforcement official: FBI probing Pa. district accused of spying on students with webcams

Official: FBI probing Pa. school webcam spy case

PHILADELPHIA – The FBI is investigating a Pennsylvania school district accused of secretly activating webcams inside students’ homes, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the case told The Associated Press on Friday.
The FBI will explore whether Lower Merion School District officials broke any federal wiretap or computer-intrusion …. Original article  : Law enforcement official: FBI probing Pa. district accused of spying on students with webcams.

About to miss treaty deadline, Army plans to blow up part of chemical stockpiles in Ky., Colo.

Beleaguered US to blow up some chemical weapons

RICHMOND, Ky. – Under the gun to destroy the U.S. chemical weapons stockpiles – and now all but certain to miss their deadline – Army officials have a plan to hasten the process: Blow some of them up.
The Army would use explosives to destroy some of the Cold …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : About to miss treaty deadline, Army plans to blow up part of chemical stockpiles in Ky., Colo..

California college instructor disputes ACLU claims that he substituted religion for science

Calif. college instructor defends course content

FRESNO, Calif. – A California instructor disputes student claims that he presented his religious views on homosexuality, abortion and global warming in class as fact.
The American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to the Fresno City College earlier this month, complaining that health science instructor Bradley Lopez was violating state …. Original article  : California college instructor disputes ACLU claims that he substituted religion for science.

APNewsBreak: Official says FBI probing Pa. district accused of spying on students via webcams

Official tells AP: FBI probing Pa. webcam case

PHILADELPHIA – A law-enforcement official with knowledge of the case says the FBI has opened a criminal investigation into a Pennsylvania school district accused of activating webcams inside students’ homes without their knowledge.
The official, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, says the FBI will explore …. Read the original article  : APNewsBreak: Official says FBI probing Pa. district accused of spying on students via webcams.

Pa. school accused of spying says it used webcams 42 times, but only to find missing laptops

Pa. school: Webcams used 42 times to find laptops

PHILADELPHIA – A Pennsylvania school district says it remotely activated webcams 42 times to find missing student laptops, but never did so to spy on students, as a lawsuit claims.
Lower Merion School District spokesman Doug Young says the district recovered 28 of those laptops over 14 months. …. Original article  : Pa. school accused of spying says it used webcams 42 times, but only to find missing laptops.

US Marines seize Taliban headquarters, push insurgents into corner of Marjah

US Marines seize Taliban headquarters, IDs, photos
MARJAH, Afghanistan – After a fierce gunfight, U.S. Marines seized a strongly defended compound Friday that appears to have been a Taliban headquarters – complete with photos of fighters posing with their weapons, dozens of Taliban-issued ID cards and graduation diplomas from …. Source article  : US Marines seize Taliban headquarters, push insurgents into corner of Marjah.

US can’t wait because India is not waiting: Obama

WASHINGTON – Warning that nations like India, China and Germany would not wait, President Barack Obama has pushed for a clean energy revolution and education reforms lest other countries out-compete America and leave it trailing behind them.

“Look, we can keep on being consumed by the politics of energy,” he said at a grassroots fundraiser for …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pa. school says webcams activated only to find missing laptops; lawsuit says spied on students

Pa. school: Webcams used only on missing laptops

PHILADELPHIA – A suburban Philadelphia school district accused of spying on students at home via school-issued computers told parents it only activated the webcams to find missing laptops.
The schools’ technology and security departments would activate the webcam when any of the 2,300 student laptops were reported lost or … Original article on : Pa. school says webcams activated only to find missing laptops; lawsuit says spied on students.

School’s explanation sought for girl’s disability after accident

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Friday issued notice to a public school seeking its explanation for an accident that led a girl becoming permanently disabled after she was asked to dive into a swimming pool that had little water.

The court issued notice to the Remal Public School, Rohini and its two … Read more »»».

China moves to regulate primary school buses

BEIJING – In a first, Chinese authorities will standardise all primary school buses in the country to ensure safety of pupils when they commute between home and school.

The standards, jointly issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and the Standardisation Administration, will come into force July 1.
As per … Original source on Gaea Times at : China moves to regulate primary school buses.

Obama kicks off education competition, will speak at winning school’s graduation

Obama to students: See you at graduation
WASHINGTON – Coming to a high school graduation near you: President Barack Obama.
The White House and the Education Department are giving public high schools the opportunity to compete to have the president speak at their commencement ceremony this spring. The winning school must demonstrate how it’s helping … Read more : Obama kicks off education competition, will speak at winning school’s graduation.

India offers fellowships to African researchers

NEW DELHI – India is offering 416 fellowships to African researchers in top Indian institutions in areas from biotechnology to forestry.

“We not only want to intensify relations at political and trade level with Africa, but also at the scientific and academic level,” Science and Technology Minister Prithviraj Chavan said here Friday, launching the C.V. Raman … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India offers fellowships to African researchers.

Catholic Church bans Skyline Publishers for Christ caricature

NEW DELHI – The Catholic Church in India Friday banned in all its member schools a New Delhi-based publisher for printing pictures of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and a beer can in another in a book for primary classes in Meghalaya.

Skyline Publication in the national capital published the pictures in the …. Source  : Catholic Church bans Skyline Publishers for Christ caricature.

AMU, gay activists lock horns over professor’s suspension

ALIGARH/NEW DELHI – The suspension of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) professor Shrinivas Ramachandra Siras over his alleged involvement in a gay sex scandal has pitted the AMU administration and gay rights activists against each other – with the former accusing him of violating “cultural” norms and the latter of trampling their rights.

Professor Siras was allegedly …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : AMU, gay activists lock horns over professor’s suspension.

Research finds brain link for words, music ability; finding may lead to better stroke care

Research finds brain link for words, music ability

SAN DIEGO – Words and music, such natural partners that it seems obvious they go together. Now science is confirming that those abilities are linked in the brain, a finding that might even lead to better stroke treatments.
Studies have found overlap in the brain’s processing of language and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Research finds brain link for words, music ability; finding may lead to better stroke care.

University, vocational school in China deny allegations they were behind Google hacking

Schools in China say they weren’t behind hacking

SHANGHAI – Two prominent schools in China dispute allegations that hacking attacks on Google and other firms originated from them, a report said Saturday.
The New York Times reported late Thursday that security investigators traced the hacking to computers at Shanghai Jiaotong University and Lanxiang Vocational School in China.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : University, vocational school in China deny allegations they were behind Google hacking.

Mennonite beliefs, culture converge as Ind. college lifts century-old ban on national anthem

Ind. college lifts 116-year ban on national anthem

GOSHEN, Ind. – For more than a century, there was no playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Goshen College – a small Christian college with ties to the Mennonite Church.
That’s about to change. For the first time in the school’s history, Goshen College will play an instrumental version … Read more : Mennonite beliefs, culture converge as Ind. college lifts century-old ban on national anthem.

Jackson scores 17 as Boston College beats reeling North Carolina 71-67

Boston College beats reeling North Carolina 71-67

BOSTON – Boston College slowed down an already reeling North Carolina team even more.
Reggie Jackson, making his first start of the season at point guard Saturday, scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half to lift the Eagles to a 71-67 win over the struggling Tar Heels.
Jackson …. Read the original article  : Jackson scores 17 as Boston College beats reeling North Carolina 71-67.

More colleges scrapping yearbooks as students turn to the Internet in the Facebook age

In Facebook age, fewer colleges printing yearbooks

RICHMOND, Va. – For the first time since 1887, students at the University of Virginia won’t have a hardcover memento of their college years. The school founded by Thomas Jefferson has become the latest college to decide there’s no place for the traditional yearbook in the age of Facebook.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : More colleges scrapping yearbooks as students turn to the Internet in the Facebook age.

Libraries dealing with homeless try new approaches; San Francisco hires a social worker

San Fran library hires social worker for homeless

SAN FRANCISCO – Every day, when the main library opens, John Banks is waiting to get inside. He finds a spot and stays until closing time. Then his wheelchair takes him back to the bus terminal where he spends his nights.
Like many homeless public library patrons, all Banks …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Libraries dealing with homeless try new approaches; San Francisco hires a social worker.

Pa. school district accused of spying on students with computer webcams defends administrator

Pa. school official defended in webcam spy case

PHILADELPHIA – A suburban Philadelphia school district accused in a lawsuit of secretly switching on laptop computer webcams inside students’ homes says one of its administrators has been “unfairly portrayed and unjustly attacked.”
The Lower Merion School District has acknowledged remotely activating webcams 42 times to try to find [..] Read the original article: here.

ICWAI Inter Results December 2009

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India, which is also known as the ICWAI, has declared the results of the inter examinations that was held on December 2009. A large number of candidates, who wants to pursue a career in cost and accountancy field appears for … Original source on Gaea Times at : ICWAI Inter Results December 2009.

Parents criticise Sibal’s private school fees remarks

NEW DELHI – Parents’ associations here Saturday condemned Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal’s comments a day earlier that private schools would have a free hand in fixing their fees and sought the prime minister’s intervention in the matter.

The RTE (Right To Education) Act does not contain any provision authorising the government to regulate fees … Read more »».

Now Skoool web technologies in all Kerala schools

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Kerala government in collaboration with Intel Saturday launched a regional version of the Skoool Learning and Teaching Technologies educational website — an online platform to help teachers and students learn key concepts in mathematics and science.

Kerala thus becomes the first state in the country to deploy Skoool content in all schools.
The …. Read the original article  : Now Skoool web technologies in all Kerala schools.

‘Indian youth not educated enough for employment’

NEW DELHI – Youth from several Indian states are “not educated enough for employment” as per the market demand, a study released Saturday said.

The findings also indicated that “most youth were neither adequately educated nor equipped with vocational skills”.
“Just two in every five young men (40 percent) and one in every three young women … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Indian youth not educated enough for employment’.

Obama calls on govs to raise school standards to keep US students competitive

Obama enlists governors to raise the education bar
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama wants academic standards for America’s high school students raised, and he’s applauding a program from the nation’s governors that works toward those goals.
In a statement issued Sunday, the White House said the initiative will develop and implement new reading … Read more »»».

Government committed to overhaul education infrastructure: Patil

NEW DELHI – From investing more in primary education to allowing foreign universities to open campuses in India, the central government is working to bring a paradigm shift in the educational infrastructure to further inclusive growth in the country, President Pratibha Patil said here Monday.

My government is committed to bringing about a paradigm shift in … Original article on : Government committed to overhaul education infrastructure: Patil.

New legislation to bring foreign education to India: President

NEW DELHI – Giving force to the idea of allowing foreign universities to set up shop in India, President Pratibha Patil Monday said the central government will bring in legislation for such a move.

The government is endeavouring to bring forward an appropriate legislation for facilitating the participation of globally renowned and quality academic institutions in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New legislation to bring foreign education to India: President.

Obama offers proposals to help states prepare students for college, careers

Obama wants students prepared for college, careers
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will urge states to better prepare high school students for college and careers when he meets Monday with the nation’s governors.
The White House said Sunday that Obama will praise governors for working in tandem with his Race to the Top program …. Source article  : Obama offers proposals to help states prepare students for college, careers.

Vance-Granville Community College player dies during basketball game in NC

NC community college player dies during game

HENDERSON, N.C. – A North Carolina community college basketball player died after he collapsed while playing in a game Saturday, officials said.
Raymond Dunn, a 6-4 sophomore forward for Vance Granville, collapsed on the court near the end of the first half of a game against Guilford Tech, Vance Granville …. Source article  : Vance-Granville Community College player dies during basketball game in NC.

Credit cards then and now: A look at how the new law changes the rules

What you need to know about credit card reform

NEW YORK – The new credit card law is finally here. Starting Monday, banks will need to abide by new regulations on terms and disclosures. The idea behind the landmark law was to prevent banks from using practices that often dug borrowers deeper into debt.
A look at … Original article on : Credit cards then and now: A look at how the new law changes the rules.

IIM-A placement process going great guns

GANDHINAGAR – The second phase of the placement process at the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) is going on well with over 20 offers made Sunday.

Deloitte made 10 offers (including lateral offers) for consulting roles while other regular recruiters like TAS and Feedback ventures offered general management and consulting roles and hired six students each. … Read more »».

No Maoists in Osmania University, says vice-chancellor

HYDERABAD – Osmania University’s Vice-Chancellor Tirupati Rao Sunday said there were no Maoists on the university campus. The statement comes on the heels of the government’s claim that “Maoist elements” had entered the university to take advantage of the ongoing agitation for Telangana.

Rao told reporters that there was no information about the presence of Maoists … Read more >>.

MG University Results: BBA BCom Results Declared

KOTTAYAM, KERALA (GaeaTimes.com)- The long wait for all the students who undertook various undergraduate degree examinations under MG University is finally over. The results for the disciplines of B.Tech, B.Com, B.Sc as well as B.A have been declared.

The students can find out how they have evaluated in the examinations by checking out the official website …. Original article  : MG University Results: BBA BCom Results Declared.

IGNOU setting up new institute of education in Nagaland

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is setting up a new institute called the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education and Development (MGIDE) in Nagaland, where it will offer an on-campus master’s degree course on social work beginning July this year.

The MGIDE is being set up in collaboration with Nagaland Gandhi Ashram …. Source  : IGNOU setting up new institute of education in Nagaland.

More adolescents suffer cyber bullying now

LONDON – Around 10 percent of all adolescents in grades 7-9 are victims of Internet bullying, says a new study.

“Cyber bullying occurs when new technologies such as computers and mobile phones are used to harass or bully somebody. The perpetrators often use SMS, e-mail, chat rooms and Facebook to spread their message,” says study … Read more »».

China rejects report schools linked to hacking, criticizes suggestions government involved

China rejects report schools linked to hacking
BEIJING – China on Tuesday rejected a news report that U.S. investigators have traced hacking attacks against Google Inc. to two Chinese schools and said suggestions the government might be involved were irresponsible.
A foreign ministry spokesman, Ma Zhaoxu, said Chinese law prohibits hacking and the government will … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : China rejects report schools linked to hacking, criticizes suggestions government involved.

Sssh, sleeping is helping the baby learn

WASHINGTON – Anyone who grew up in a large family probably remembers hearing “don’t wake the baby”. Latest research confirms that sleep is an integral part of how infants learn more about their new world.

Psychologists Rebecca Gomez, Richard Bootzin and Lynn Nadel at the University of Arizona-Tucson (UA-T) found that babies who nap a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sssh, sleeping is helping the baby learn.

Kids only trust adults, when it comes to rules

LONDON – Children don’t trust other kids when it comes to learning a new game and will turn to adults to learn them instead, says a new study.

Hannes Rakoczy from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany tested 44 children aged three and four years.
The children were shown a video … Original article on : Kids only trust adults, when it comes to rules.

Music helps kids process speech more accurately

WASHINGTON – Playing musical instruments helps youngsters process speech more accurately in noisy classrooms and interpret nuances of language that are conveyed by subtle changes in the human voice, says a new study.

The study, led by Nina Kraus, professor of neurobiology, physiology and communication sciences at Northwestern University, suggested that education through music can [..] Read the original article: here.

China orders schools to shun British relief agency Oxfam over alleged political agenda

China tells schools to shun British agency Oxfam

BEIJING – China is telling schools to shun the international relief agency Oxfam and bar their campus recruitment efforts, accusing the group’s Hong Kong branch of having a hidden political agenda.
School administrators must ban all campus volunteer recruitment efforts run by the group’s Hong Kong office, according to … Read more : China orders schools to shun British relief agency Oxfam over alleged political agenda.

Reticent Toyota president typical for Japan Inc., where harmony reigns not wherewithal

Reticent Toyota president typical for Japan Inc.

TOKYO – Americans are likely in for a surprise if they expect Toyota President Akio Toyoda to put on a show of authoritative “the-buck-stops-here” clout at Wednesday’s congressional hearing on the automaker’s massive recalls.
In harmony-loving Japan, company heads are rarely management professionals, and are picked more to be cheerleaders … Read more >>>.

Arkansas House panel endorses $5K scholarships for 4-year schools, $2,500 for 2-year

Ark. House panel endorses $5K lottery scholarships

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A House panel advanced legislation Monday that would use lottery proceeds to fund $5,000 college scholarships for eligible students attending four-year schools in Arkansas and $2,500 scholarships for those who go to two-year schools.
Lawmakers, meanwhile, also rejected parts of Gov. Mike Beebe’s plan to borrow … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Arkansas House panel endorses $5K scholarships for 4-year schools, $2,500 for 2-year.

Stanford receiver sues for return of $1.6 million in financier’s political contributions

Receiver wants Stanford political donations back

DALLAS – The court-appointed receiver of R. Allen Stanford’s empire is suing Democratic and Republican party organizations for the return of $1.6 million in political contributions made by the jailed financier.
Ralph Janvey filed the lawsuit in federal court in Dallas on Monday.
The largest unreturned contributions were $950,500 to the Democratic …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Stanford receiver sues for return of $1.6 million in financier’s political contributions.

Pa. district accused of webcam spying could have tracked laptops less intrusively, experts say

Experts: School can track laptops less intrusively

PHILADELPHIA – School officials in Pennsylvania who admit remotely activating student webcams to locate missing laptops could have used far less intrusive methods such as GPS tracking devices, technology and privacy experts say.
The Lower Merion School District instead finds itself defending a potential class-action lawsuit after a student complained …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pa. district accused of webcam spying could have tracked laptops less intrusively, experts say.

American Public Education 2010 earnings outlook misses Street, but revenue to top forecast

American Public Education issues 2010 outlook

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – Online university company American Public Education Inc. issued financial guidance for 2010 on Monday.
The company said it expects annual net income to grow from 36 percent to 37 percent in 2010, compared with 2009, on revenue that increases 36 percent to 39 percent.
That would mean net …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : American Public Education 2010 earnings outlook misses Street, but revenue to top forecast.

American Public Education 4th-quarter net income rises 66 percent as student enrollment climbs

American Public Education 4Q net income up 66 pct

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – Online university company American Public Education Inc. said Monday its fourth-quarter earnings rose 66 percent, as more students enrolled and signed up for classes.
Investors sent shares up $1.51, or 3.8 percent, in after-hours trading. During the regular session, the stock slipped 85 cents, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : American Public Education 4th-quarter net income rises 66 percent as student enrollment climbs.

Retiring University of Virginia president John Casteen named to Altria’s board of directors

UVa head joins Philip Morris parent Altria’s board

RICHMOND, Va. – Cigarette maker Altria Group says outgoing University of Virginia president John T. Casteen III has been elected to the company’s board of directors.
The Richmond, Va.-based owner of Philip Morris USA, which makes the top-selling Marlboro brand, also said Monday that it increased its board from …. Source article  : Retiring University of Virginia president John Casteen named to Altria’s board of directors.

Pa. school district agrees to preserve webcam evidence on 2,300 laptops amid spying lawsuit

Pa. schools agree to preserve webcam evidence

PHILADELPHIA – A suburban Philadelphia school district has agreed to preserve webcam evidence on student laptops as a lawsuit alleges that officials spied on students at home.
A lawyer for a family suing the Lower Merion School District wants to block the district from altering data on about 2,300 student … Read more »».

Pa. district accused in suit of webcam spying is asked not to clear computers of evidence

Pa. school district is asked not to wipe computers

PHILADELPHIA – A student who accuses his suburban Philadelphia school district in a lawsuit of spying on students via their school-issued webcams will ask district officials not to remove any potential evidence from student computers, his lawyer said Monday.
Lawyers for the Lower Merion School District are due …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pa. district accused in suit of webcam spying is asked not to clear computers of evidence.

Menachem Porush, Israeli rabbi, politician and ultra-Orthodox Jewish activist, dies at 93

Powerful ultra-Orthodox Israeli rabbi dies at 93

JERUSALEM – Menachem Porush, a well-known Israeli rabbi and longtime leader of one of the most influential ultra-Orthodox parties in parliament, has died. He was 93.
Porush served for more than 30 years in Israel’s parliament, acting twice as deputy labor minister. He was known for leading the minority ultra-Orthodox …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Menachem Porush, Israeli rabbi, politician and ultra-Orthodox Jewish activist, dies at 93.

Lawyers due in Pa. court in suit over webcam-spying allegations against school district

Lawyers due in Pa. court in school webcam spy case

PHILADELPHIA – Lawyers for a suburban Philadelphia school district accused of spying on students via their school-issued webcams are due in court.
A federal judge is being asked Monday to stop officials of the Lower Merion School District from removing any information from the 2,300 laptops issued …. Source  : Lawyers due in Pa. court in suit over webcam-spying allegations against school district.

Using federal money as leverage, Obama hopes to prod states to raise academic standards

Obama prods states to raise academic standards
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama wants to rewrite federal education law by sending aid for poor students only to states that adopt new standards to prepare high school graduates for college or a career.
States that fail to raise the bar could lose their share of [..] Read the original article: here.

Obama says US still lags others in math and science skills, urges states to do better

Obama: US cannot accept second best in education
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says America’s “primacy in the world” is at stake in the quest to substantially improve educational quality and global competitiveness.
Speaking to governors gathered at the White House Monday, Obama said he won’t “accept second place for the United States of America.” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama says US still lags others in math and science skills, urges states to do better.

IGNOU to make 100 mn rural youths computer literate

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Monday joined hands with technology firm Srei Sahaj e-village to make 100 million youths in rural India computer literate.

The courses were inaugurated by union Minister for Communication and Information Technology A. Raja at IGNOU here.
These programmes will deliver international quality skill … Read more >>.

Badal wants farm science institute in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Wednesday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to set up the proposed Borlaug Institute for South Asia at Ladhowal, in Punjab’s Ludhiana district.

In a letter to Manmohan Singh, Badal stated that the Nobel laureate and father of the green revolution Norman E. Borlaug was intimately associated with Punjab. … Read more : Badal wants farm science institute in Punjab.

Allocate more money for children: NGO

NEW DELHI – With the union budget round the corner, child rights NGO CRY Wednesday said that more funds should be allocated for sectors like health and education which impact children directly.

“Children who live and grow in poverty are deprived of almost every fundamental right. They are much more likely to be malnourished, be living … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Allocate more money for children: NGO.

IGNOU students to get train travel concession

NEW DELHI – On-campus students of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will get concessional fares for train travel anywhere in the country, Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai announced Wednesday.

“The railway board has agreed to give train travel concession with immediate effect to face-to-face programmes students of varsity and this will place them on par …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : IGNOU students to get train travel concession.

Physical activity at school keeps child fit

LONDON – A structured physical activity programme at school can improve children’s fitness and decrease body fat, confirms a new study.

Researchers in Switzerland studied 540 seven and 11-year-olds in 15 schools. Over nine months, pupils randomly allocated to an intervention group underwent a physical activity programme designed by experts.
This involved structuring their existing three …. Source  : Physical activity at school keeps child fit.

UC San Diego freezes media funding after student TV show mocks blacks’ outrage to ghetto party

University TV show mocking blacks sparks freeze

SAN DIEGO – The University of California, San Diego has halted funding for student media after a TV segment ridiculed black students outraged by a party mocking Black History Month.
The head of the school’s student government froze funding for print media outlets last week after one, The Koala, ran … Read more >>>.

Few people survive 5 heart attacks; Cheney illustrates peril and progress in heart disease

Cheney’s 5 heart attacks unusual, shows good care

WASHINGTON – Surviving five heart attacks makes former Vice President Dick Cheney pretty unusual – showing that he has good medical care as well as a particularly aggressive form of heart disease.
But the number, attention-grabbing as it is, isn’t the real issue: It’s how much damage a heart …. Read the original article  : Few people survive 5 heart attacks; Cheney illustrates peril and progress in heart disease.

Ark. lawmakers refuse to give up $2.9M in local project money for budget needs

Ark. lawmakers refuse to give up project money

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas lawmakers on Tuesday declined to give up $2.9 million in money intended for local projects to help pay for budget needs, instead tapping the state’s unclaimed property proceeds and the fund for the state’s constitutional officers.
Gov. Mike Beebe’s office called the move risky, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ark. lawmakers refuse to give up $2.9M in local project money for budget needs.

Health Care REIT, Forest City form joint venture over Cambridge, Mass., project

Health Care REIT, Forest City form joint venture

Health Care REIT Inc. and Forest City Enterprises Inc. said Tuesday they have formed a joint venture to buy a $668 million life sciences campus in University Park in Cambridge, Mass.
The companies said Health Care REIT will acquire a 49 percent stake in Forest City’s seven life sciences … Original article on : Health Care REIT, Forest City form joint venture over Cambridge, Mass., project.

Ralph Remington is named director of the NEA’s theater and musical-theater division

Ralph Remington is named NEA theater division head

NEW YORK – A former Minneapolis city council member who has extensive regional theater experience has been named director of theater and musical theater at the National Endowment for the Arts.
Ralph Remington will join the NEA March 15 for the two-year appointment, Rocco Landesman, the endowment’s chairman, announced …. Original article  : Ralph Remington is named director of the NEA’s theater and musical-theater division.

Salman Rushdie visits Atlanta’s Emory University for opening of his literary archive

Salman Rushdie visits Emory for opening of archive

ATLANTA – Novelist Salman Rushdie is at Emory University this week for the official opening of his literary archive.
Rushdie, who is in the middle of a five-year stint as a distinguished lecturer at the Atlanta university, has donated his personal papers to Emory’s special collections library. The university … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Salman Rushdie visits Atlanta’s Emory University for opening of his literary archive.

New teacher contracts in Minn., Conn., Philly support reforms in failing urban schools

Teacher contracts support reforms in worst schools

PHILADELPHIA – Even in a school system known for its academic troubles, the numbers at Vaux High School are jaw-dropping: More than 90 percent of 11th-graders tested last year could not read or do math at grade level.
But next fall, at least half the teachers at Vaux and 13 …. Read the original article  : here.

Student found dead at suburban NY college; police say campus safe, killing was ‘family matter’

Student killing at NY college a ‘family matter’

PURCHASE, N.Y. – A freshman at a private suburban college who grew up on campus as the daughter of a maintenance worker was found slain in her family’s staff housing apartment, and police on Tuesday characterized the killing as domestic violence.
Harrison police Capt. Anthony Marraccini said investigators were …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

IGNOU pushing for seamless flow of knowledge

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Tuesday said it is striving to make learning a seamless process through digital libraries.

With open and distance learning increasingly becoming popular, we are trying to bring in a set of recommendations by experts from across the world to make learning a smooth process, Sudhir Arora, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Punjab to provide 70 acres for Indian business school

CHANDIGARH – The Punjab cabinet Tuesday approved in principle transfer of 70 acres of land in the Knowledge City in Mohali town adjoining Chandigarh for setting up Indian School of Business (ISB) in the state.

The land, located in Sector 81 of Mohali, 15 km from here, will be given to the ISB management on lease …. Original article  : Punjab to provide 70 acres for Indian business school.

Orissa seeks Rs.16,000 crore to work right to education

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government Tuesday sought Rs.16,000 crore from the central government to implement Right to Education (RTE) Act in the state from April.

The government said the state is not in a position to implement the RTE due to paucity of funds.
“We require about Rs.16,000 crore to implement the RTE. We have already … Read more >>>.

Class eight to shift to primary slab in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat government proposes to bring a bill in the state assembly’s budget session, opening Wednesday, that will transfer class eight from the secondary slab of education to the primary one.

The move is expected to throw open job avenues to an additional 45,000 Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) teachers over the next three years, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Class eight to shift to primary slab in Gujarat.

Univision and the Obama administration join forces to improve Hispanic academic achievement

Univision, feds team up to boost Hispanic ed

MIAMI – Univision has kicked off a multiyear, multimillion dollar campaign to boost academic achievement among Hispanics in the United States.
The Spanish-language network unveiled its “The Moment is Now” campaign Tuesday in partnership with the federal government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal is to … Read more »»».

Court restrains school from seeking hiked quarterly fees

NEW DELHI – Restraining a school in the capital from demanding hiked fees on quarterly basis instead of monthly, the Delhi High Court Tuesday directed it to stop this practice.

Hearing the petition of 10 aggrieved parents who had approached the court against the discriminatory attitude of Summer Field Public School, Kailash Colony, Justice S.N. Aggarwal … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court restrains school from seeking hiked quarterly fees.

More funds to safeguard foreign students’s fees in Australia

NEW DELHI – Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard Tuesday announced funding of A$5.1 million to further strengthen the country’s international education industry and “safeguard the course fees of international students”.

The funding will be made available to top up the Education Services for Overseas Students Assurance Fund (ESOS Assurance Fund), said a statement by the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : More funds to safeguard foreign students’s fees in Australia.

Students should sign undertaking on sexual harassment: Professors

NEW DELHI – Just like they do in case of ragging, university students should be made to sign undertakings against sexual harassment in order to curb such cases on campuses, said professors of prominent varsities in the capital Tuesday.

At a panel discussion on sexual harassment on the campus at Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI), R. Gopinath, …. Read the original article  : Students should sign undertaking on sexual harassment: Professors.

Rs.1,300 crore spent on ‘quality’ education of SC students

NEW DELHI – The government is committed to the welfare of the marginalized sections of society through public-private partnerships for economic and social development, says the Economic Survey for this fiscal.

Nearly Rs.1,300 crore have been released for the “quality” education of Scheduled Castes (SC) students under various centrally sponsored schemes and scholarships, the government said. …. Read the original article  : Rs.1,300 crore spent on ‘quality’ education of SC students.

Trapani sets pace with 17 in first half to lead Boston College to 80-60 win over Virginia Tech

Boston College wins easy over Virginia Tech 80-60

BOSTON – Joe Trapani scored 17 points, all of them in the first half as Boston College opened a double-digit lead and coasted to an 80-60 victory over Virginia Tech on Wednesday night.
It was the second straight loss for Virginia Tech (21-6, 8-5 Atlantic Coast Conference), which lost …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Trapani sets pace with 17 in first half to lead Boston College to 80-60 win over Virginia Tech.

Student party mocking Black History Month prompts anti-racism campaign at UC San Diego

Student party prompts anti-racism school campaign

SAN DIEGO – The University of California, San Diego has initiated a campus-wide campaign against racism in the wake of a student party that used a ghetto theme to mockingly commemorate Black History Month.
A school Web site outlines the “Battle Hate” campaign that aims to ensure that all students feel …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Arkansas House, Senate back $4.5B spending plan, lottery scholarship amounts

Ark. Legislature OKs budget, lotto scholarships

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas lawmakers on Wednesday approved a $4.5 billion spending plan for the coming year and set amounts for scholarships to be funded by the state’s lottery, inching closer toward the end of the state’s first fiscal session.
Gov. Mike Beebe, however, hinted at a new fight with …. Read the original article  : here.

Plan to fire all high school teachers roils poor RI city where student achievement lags

Plan to fire all its teachers roils poor RI city

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. – The blue-and-white banner exclaiming “anticipation” on the front of Central Falls High School seems like a cruel joke for an institution so chronically troubled that its leaders decided to fire every teacher by year’s end.
No more than half those instructors would be … Original article on : Plan to fire all high school teachers roils poor RI city where student achievement lags.

Pa. educator named in school laptop spying case says she didn’t monitor student webcams

Pa. educator says she didn’t watch student webcams

PHILADELPHIA – A Pennsylvania educator named in a webcam spying lawsuit says she never monitored students through webcams or authorized anyone else to do so.
Harriton High School vice principal Lynn Matsko responded to last week’s lawsuit through a statement Wednesday. She did not take questions.
She did not address …. Source  : Pa. educator named in school laptop spying case says she didn’t monitor student webcams.

6 Haitian orphans resume journey to US homes, board airplane bound for Miami

6 Haitian orphans resume trip to US homes
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The director of an orphanage in Haiti says six children are boarding a Miami-bound airplane four days after Haitian officials seized them at the airport.

Maria O’Donovan says the children are getting on the airplane. The founder of her orphanage says adoptive parents will be able … Read more : 6 Haitian orphans resume journey to US homes, board airplane bound for Miami.

Blacklisted universities were family controlled: Ministry

NEW DELHI – The human resource development (HRD) ministry appointed expert committee has found that some of the deemed universities likely to face blacklisting are like family-run institutions, the Lok Sabha was informed Wednesday.

In respect of these 44 deemed institutions, the review committee had found family controlled management architecture, unrelated academic programmes and deviation …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Blacklisted universities were family controlled: Ministry.

RI district fires all educators at underperforming high school; US DOE applauds decision

All educators fired at underperforming RI school

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. – A Rhode Island school district has voted to fire all the teachers at an underperforming school.
The Central Falls School Committee voted Tuesday evening to fire every educator at Central Falls High School at the end of the school year.
It’s the only school in the tiny, …. Read the original article  : here.

China tells schools to cut ties with relief agency Oxfam, says it has hidden political agenda

China tells schools to shun relief agency Oxfam

BEIJING – China is telling schools to sever all ties with the international relief agency Oxfam and bar its campus recruitment efforts, accusing the group’s Hong Kong branch of having a hidden political agenda.
Oxfam Hong Kong – which oversees the group’s mainland China operations – is a “non-governmental … Read more »».

Obama to sign order supporting mission of historically black colleges

Obama to recognize historically black colleges
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to highlight the role historically black colleges have played in America’s educational system.
Obama will speak about that role and sign an executive order for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the East Room on Friday afternoon.
The event …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama to sign order supporting mission of historically black colleges.

Government to spend 16 percent more on school education

NEW DELHI – The union budget for the next fiscal has pegged an outlay of Rs.31,036 crore (Rs.310.36 billion/$6.7 billion) for school education, an increase of Rs.4,236 crore from 2009-10, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Friday.

I propose to increase the plan allocation for school education from Rs.26,800 crore in 2009-10 to Rs.31,036 crore in 2010-11, …. Source article  : Government to spend 16 percent more on school education.

4 Maharashtra universities get new vice chancellors

MUMBAI – Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, in his capacity as the chancellor of the state’s universities, Friday appointed new vice chancellors for four varsities, an official said.

The appointments to the top post have been made in the University of Pune, Shivaji University-Kolhapur, Y.B. Chavan Maharashtra Open University-Nashik and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University-Raigad.
R.K. Shevgaonkar, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 4 Maharashtra universities get new vice chancellors.

Outlay for school education goes up to Rs.31,036 crore

NEW DELHI – The union budget for the next fiscal has pegged an outlay of Rs.31,036 crore (Rs.310.36 billion/$6.7 billion) for school education, an increase of Rs.4,236 crore from the previous year, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Friday.

The minister said a lot of this money would go for the implementation of the Right to Education …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Outlay for school education goes up to Rs.31,036 crore.

Feds probe Mass. special needs school over use of electric shock therapy

Feds probe Mass. special needs school
BOSTON – The U.S. Justice Department has begun a review of whether the use of electric shock therapy by a Massachusetts special needs school violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Canton-based Judge Rotenberg Educational Center uses the treatment, known as aversive therapy, as a way to control aggressive behavior and …. Original article  : Feds probe Mass. special needs school over use of electric shock therapy.

Co-winners named after step show result causes controversy, sponsor cites scoring discrepancy

Step show prize to be shared after Internet stir

ATLANTA – After days of controversy over a white group’s win in a step competition, sponsor Coca-Cola said Thursday the second-place team will share top honors.
Coca-Cola said in a statement that a review of the scoring from Saturday’s national contest revealed a “scoring discrepancy” that it declined …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Wal-Mart to push suppliers to cut 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions

Wal-Mart to push suppliers to cut emissions

NEW YORK – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. wants its suppliers to reduce 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2015.
The world’s largest retailer’s push goes beyond its efforts to date to reduce its own emissions by designing more energy-efficient stores and pursuing alternative fuels for …. Source  : Wal-Mart to push suppliers to cut 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Teachers to appeal mass firings at chronically troubled Central Falls, RI, high school

Teachers to appeal mass firings at RI high school

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The entire staff of teachers fired in a radical attempt to improve one of the worst performing high schools in Rhode Island will appeal their dismissals to school authorities, the head of the teachers union said Thursday.
The board of trustees overseeing the school system … Read : Teachers to appeal mass firings at chronically troubled Central Falls, RI, high school.

Villanova-Syracuse game a big hit at the box office; NCAA record crowd of 34,616

Syracuse, Villanova attract record crowd
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – When seventh-ranked Villanova enters the Carrier Dome for Saturday night’s game against No. 4 Syracuse, the Wildcats will be caught in an orange wave bigger than any other in the building’s basketball history.

A crowd of 34,616 is expected, the largest on campus for an NCAA game, and would … Original article on : Villanova-Syracuse game a big hit at the box office; NCAA record crowd of 34,616.

Military spouses angered that career education grants abruptly suspended by Defense Dept.

Military spouses angry that DoD halts job grants

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Military spouses were enthusiastic when the government started offering them grants last year of up to $6,000 for college or career training. Word spread quickly and they signed up by the tens of thousands.
But the response was so heavy that it nearly busted the fledgling …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Military spouses angered that career education grants abruptly suspended by Defense Dept..

Arkansas House and Senate recess first-ever fiscal session; will meet March 4 for adjournment

Arkansas House, Senate recess fiscal session

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas lawmakers recessed the state’s first-ever fiscal session Thursday, giving final approval to the state’s $4.5 billion spending plan and legislation setting the amounts for lottery-funded scholarships to be awarded this fall.
The House and Senate wrapped up less than three week’s worth of work under a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Arkansas House and Senate recess first-ever fiscal session; will meet March 4 for adjournment.

Himachal to check school dropouts

SHIMLA – In a bid to check school dropouts, the Himachal Pradesh government Thursday decided to set up school management committees to ensure involvement of parents and teachers to motivate more children to join schools.

“The state cabinet this (Thursday) evening decided to set up school management committees to ensure involvement of parents and teachers in …. Original source  : Himachal to check school dropouts.

Badal assures jobs to protesting trainee teachers

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday urged agitating unemployed trainee teachers to give up their protest and assured them the government will initiate measures to fill up vacant posts.

“A confrontational approach will not help them (ETT – elementary teacher training teachers) in any way. We are ready to redress their grievances and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

As EU seeks to appease bond market, painful cutbacks make some fear renewed recession

European Union pushes cuts for indebted countries

DUBLIN – To keep its debt crisis from mushrooming out of control, the European Union is imposing harsh cutbacks on millions of ordinary people in debt-plagued countries like Greece, Ireland and Portugal.
But some economists think cutbacks right now are a mistake that might tip Europe into a dreaded double-dip … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : As EU seeks to appease bond market, painful cutbacks make some fear renewed recession.

Pa. student who filed webcam spying suit says school administrator’s denial falls short

Student: School webcam spying denial falls short

PENN VALLEY, Pa. – The suburban Philadelphia teen who filed a webcam spying lawsuit against his school district says an administrator’s denial of wrongdoing doesn’t address his claims.
Harriton High School sophomore Blake Robbins insists an assistant vice principal did take advantage of a security program to monitor his activity …. Source article  : Pa. student who filed webcam spying suit says school administrator’s denial falls short.

Government gives apex court roadmap on deemed university issue

NEW DELHI – The central government has told the Supreme Court that while it proposes to divest sub-standard colleges of the deemed university tag after giving each of them a hearing, the students of such institutions would be accommodated elsewhere.

The union Ministry for Human Resource Development made this submission in an affidavit filed in the … Read more >>.

Prosecutors open investigations in German Catholic school abuse scandal

Legal investigations begin in German abuse scandal

BERLIN – German prosecutors have opened investigations into allegations of sexual abuse at two Roman Catholic schools – the first legal action since reports of priests abusing students surfaced in January.
The Munich prosecutor’s office said in a statement Thursday that senior prosecutor Andrea Titz had opened an investigation into …. Read the original article  : Prosecutors open investigations in German Catholic school abuse scandal.

‘Over 47 percent Class 5 students cannot read Class 2 books’

NEW DELHI – Portraying a poor picture of the quality of elementary education in the country, India’s annual the Economic Survey said Thursday that over 47 percent children studying in Class 5 cannot even read Class 2 textbooks and the trend has worsened in the last two years.

There was a decline in the number of … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Over 47 percent Class 5 students cannot read Class 2 books’.

CAT Results 2010: Aspirants In Dilemma

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- CAT Results, the stepping stone to the IIM’s is still keeping the candidates under sheer dilemma. The results are being awaited by all CAT aspirants who have appeared for the online exam 2009 thus conducted by the IIMs and Prometric USA. It was the very first time that IIM finally agreed … Original source on Gaea Times at : CAT Results 2010: Aspirants In Dilemma.

CBSE board students cope with last minute jitters

NEW DELHI – With the board examinations beginning next week, Class 10 and 12 students are a tense lot, busy with last-minute preparations. And the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) helpline is ringing non-stop, say counsellors attending to anxious parents and children.

“I am not nervous. I just have this one problem – I … Read : CBSE board students cope with last minute jitters.

Online CAT results out

NEW DELHI – The much-awaited results of the Common Admission Test were announced Sunday by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The scores uploaded on the official website will be the deciding factor for admission to the IIMs and around 100 other management schools.

“IIMs have announced the CAT 2009 scores at www.catiim.in. Candidate short-lists for …. Source article  : Online CAT results out.

Guatemalan schoolteachers end protests

Guatemala City, Feb 28 (IANS/EFE) Guatemalan schoolteachers have ended a weeklong protest after the government agreed to increase their salary, officials said.

The teachers have staged a massive protest in the capital and also blocked highways in the country.
The Guatemalan president’s office said in a communique Saturday that “an accord was reached” during a meeting … Read more »».

Universities push to get all students counted in 2010 Census, with federal funding at stake

Universities push to get students in Census 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. – It was 5 p.m. in the lobby of the library of Metropolitan State University, and Clara Ware was sitting behind a table covered with pens, notepads and buttons with the Census 2010 logo, calling out like a sideshow barker.
“Here comes a prospect,” she said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Universities push to get all students counted in 2010 Census, with federal funding at stake.

MAT Results February 2010

NEW DELHI, INDIA, (GaeaTimes.com)- The Management Aptitude Test results have been declared on Saturday by the All India Management Association. Examinees who had sat for the February MAT exam can check the result online.

The test which is one of the most popular management entrance examinations in India is conducted four times a year, February, May, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : MAT Results February 2010.

450,000 students to give CBSE board exams in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Nearly 450,000 students studying in classes 10 and 12 here will appear for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board exams beginning next week.

According to the CBSE, 247,291 students will appear for the Class 10 board exams, an increase of 6.32 percent over 2009.
Similarly, 199,951 students will give their Class … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 450,000 students to give CBSE board exams in Delhi.

Students storm San Diego chancellor’s office after noose is found in campus library

San Diego students storm offices after noose found

SAN DIEGO – Anger boiled over on the University of California San Diego campus Friday, where students took over the chancellor’s office for several hours to protest the hanging of a noose in a campus library.
Students wearing red handkerchiefs over their faces blocked the doors to Chancellor Marye …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rankins scores 25 as Savannah State pulls away from Carver Bible College in 94-68 rout

Savannah State defeats Carver Bible College 94-68

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Tracy Rankins tied his season high with 25 points and Arnold Louis and Rashad Hassan had double-doubles as Savannah State ended its season with a 94-68 rout of Carver Bible College on Friday night.
Louis had 16 points and 14 rebounds and Hassan had 14 points and …. Source article  : Rankins scores 25 as Savannah State pulls away from Carver Bible College in 94-68 rout.

Student takeover of chancellor’s office at UC San Diego ends peacefully, no arrests

Students peacefully leave UC chancellor’s office

SAN DIEGO – An hours-long student takeover of the chancellor’s office at the University of California, San Diego, is over.
Dozens of students stormed the office earlier Friday, angry over several recent racially charged campus incidents.
They occupied the office for several hours before leaving peacefully at sundown, about the same time …. Original article  : Student takeover of chancellor’s office at UC San Diego ends peacefully, no arrests.

Students storm UC San Diego chancellor’s office racial conflict of noose in school library

Students storm UC San Diego chancellor’s office

SAN DIEGO – Students have taken over the chancellor’s office at the University of California, San Diego, to protest the hanging of a noose in a campus library.
Students wearing red handkerchiefs over their faces blocked the doors to Chancellor Marye Anne Fox’s offices around noon Friday while more students … Read more >>>.

Student hangs noose at San Diego campus library 2 weeks after racially tinged party

Student hangs noose at San Diego campus library

SAN DIEGO – Anger boiled over on the University of California San Diego campus Friday, where students took over the chancellor’s office to protest the hanging of a noose in a campus library.
Students wearing red handkerchiefs over their faces blocked the doors to Chancellor Marye Anne Fox’s offices … Read more >>>.

Obama strengthens White House initiative on historically black colleges

Obama recognizes historically black colleges
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama has signed an executive order strengthening the long-standing White House initiative on historically black colleges and universities.
Obama says these schools have felt the pain of the recession most acutely because they enroll a higher proportion of low and middle-income students. He’s calling for increased …. Original source  : Obama strengthens White House initiative on historically black colleges.

White group’s step show win causes fiery debate over integration of traditional black activity

Online debate rages over white group’s step win
ATLANTA – Visit any of the nation’s more than 100 historically black colleges or universities and you’ll see clusters of men and women engaged in the rhythmic clapping and foot stomping routines known in black Greek circles as “stepping.”
Now a white Arkansas team’s win in an …. Original article  : White group’s step show win causes fiery debate over integration of traditional black activity.

Oilman T. Boone Pickens gives another $100M to alma mater Oklahoma State to fund endowments

Pickens gives another $100M to Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, Okla. – Billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens has made no secret of his love for his alma mater. That adoration has now translated into more than half a billion dollars for Oklahoma State University.
Pickens announced Friday that he is planning a $100 million estate gift to fund a … Read : Oilman T. Boone Pickens gives another $100M to alma mater Oklahoma State to fund endowments.

Police, Penn State crack down on ‘State Patty’s Day,’ criticized as an excuse for drinking

Police, Penn St. target St. Patty’s Day lookalike

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Bars served green beer. Stores sold green shirts and party hats. Revelers took to the streets at dawn.
The unofficial holiday known as “State Patty’s Day” in this college town has looked a lot like St. Patrick’s Day celebration, except it falls two weeks before …. Read the original article  : here.

Oklahoma City Community College evacuated after report of gun; police say no weapon found

Okla. campus shut, police say gun report was false

OKLAHOMA CITY – Police ordered everyone off the campus at Oklahoma City Community College after a report that someone on campus had a gun. Authorities later said there was no gunman but that a campus security officer accidentally fired his weapon during a search.
Oklahoma City Police Lt. …. Read the original article  : here.

UCSD Noose Found

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The University of California San Diego (UCSD) has found itself amidst widespread racial tension lately. The university recently witnessed an extensive campaign against racial discrimination after a student party ridiculed Black History Month with the help of a ghetto theme. The racism tension in UCSD campus escalated once again on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UCSD Noose Found.

New York City Public School Closing For Weather

NEW YORK CITY (GaeaTimes.com)- It is almost the end of February but the winter weather is still affecting the everyday life of people. Few weeks back, a winter storm had created havoc in different parts of the country, leading to multiple closings and delays of schools. Though the condition had improved in the …. Source  : New York City Public School Closing For Weather.

Eye on reforms, budget allocates Rs. 42,036 crore for education (Second lead)

NEW DELHI – India Friday allocated Rs.42,036 crore (Rs.420 billion/$ 9.1 billion) for both the school and higher education sectors in 2010-11, an increase of over Rs.5,600 crore from the previous fiscal – a move that aims to reform education by bringing equality in the sector.

“I propose to increase the plan allocation for school education … Read : Eye on reforms, budget allocates Rs. 42,036 crore for education (Second lead).

Pa. professor says she was suspended over ‘joke’ Facebook posting about seeking hit man

Pa. prof: Suspended over hit man Facebook posting

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. – A professor at a northeastern Pennsylvania university says she’s been suspended indefinitely for what she thought was a humorous posting on Facebook about hiring a hit man.
East Stroudsburg University sociology professor Gloria Gadsden says she was suspended Wednesday because administrators thought she was making [..] Read the original article: here.