Scottish varsity ties up with Pune college

LONDON – The Glasgow Caledonian University of Scotland and India’s Fergusson College, Pune, have agreed to develop joint curriculum for postgraduate students of various courses in life science.

The agreement is aimed at developing postgraduate and short-term programmes in Biology and Biomedical science at Fergusson College.
“Through our agreement we hope that students will gain a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

China’s Shaolin temple in world heritage list

BEIJING – The Shaolin temple, China’s ancient Buddhist monastery and the home of martial art kung fu, has now become a UNESCO world heritage site.

Nestled in Mount Songshan of Central China’s Henan province, the monument of Zen Buddhism was added to the World Heritage List during a meeting of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Brasilia, … Read more »».

‘Way cleared for AMU centres in other states’

ALIGARH – Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor P.K. Abdul Aziz Sunday said that the varsity’s court has cleared the way for establishing its centres in other states.

The university plans to establish one centre each at Malappuram in Kerala and Murshidabad in West Bengal.
Addressing a media conference, Aziz said the university court in … Original article on : ‘Way cleared for AMU centres in other states’.

Kerala plans 140 specialized computer schools

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Under its IT@School project for computer literacy among schoolchildren, Kerala will develop one model school — with five classrooms equipped with modern tools — in all its 140 assembly constituencies, an official said Sunday.

“As part of the model information and communications technology (ICT) school programme, five classrooms in the selected schools would be …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kerala plans 140 specialized computer schools.

Australian kids are taught humans, dinosaurs coexisted

MELBOURNE – Primary school students in Australia are being taught that humans and dinosaurs lived together and that there is fossil evidence to prove this, even as experts term the lessons a creation of Christian fundamentalists.

Critics are calling for the religious instruction programme to be scrapped after claims emerged that lay Christians are feeding children …. Read the original article  : Australian kids are taught humans, dinosaurs coexisted.

When kids go off to college, the family’s annual summer vacation will never be the same

College-bound kid means change in family vacations

NEW YORK – My eldest son, who’s heading off to college in the fall, recently informed me that he plans to spend just a few days with us this year on our annual summer vacation.
“But it’s our last vacation ever as a family!” I pouted.
He reminded me that I’ve … Read this article on Gaea Times at : When kids go off to college, the family’s annual summer vacation will never be the same.

Iffy Senate outlook for aid package to state governments, local school systems

Iffy Senate outlook for state aid package
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s Senate allies are taking one last run at advancing what’s left of his tattered jobs agenda.
The $26 billion spending measure would help states and local school boards with their budget problems, but its fate is unclear in advance of …. Source  : Iffy Senate outlook for aid package to state governments, local school systems.

We’re No. 1! University of Georgia tops infamous party schools ranking

We’re No. 1! UGA tops party schools ranking

ATLANTA – The University of Georgia won a national title this year – top party school.
The Princeton Review announced Monday that Georgia is the No. 1 party school on its now infamous annual ranking. The school of about 30,000 students has been on the list 10 times since …. Original source  : We’re No. 1! University of Georgia tops infamous party schools ranking.

Anganwadi buildings only in northeast: Tirath

NEW DELHI – There are no plans for constructing buildings for anganwadi centers in regions other than the northeast, Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said Monday.

“There is no provision for construction of anganwadi buildings except in the northeast States. In areas where public buildings are not available, there is a provision under … Original article on : Anganwadi buildings only in northeast: Tirath.

350,000 foreigners enter Britain on ’student’ visas

LONDON – Nearly 350,000 foreigners entered Britain on suspect student visas last year despite new rules to curb the number of illegal immigrants, officials said Monday.

Home Office figures reveal the total of visiting “students” and their dependents rocketed to 344,396 in the 12 months to April. That was a whopping 84,321 more than the previous …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Welsh varsity remembers man who served in colonial India

LONDON – A Welsh university is celebrating the 250th birth anniversary of surgeon and educationist Thomas Phillips who served the better part of his life in colonial India as an employee of the East India Company in Kolkata.

The University of Wales in Lampeter, north-west of the Welsh capital of Cardiff, organised an exhibition of …. Read the original article  : Welsh varsity remembers man who served in colonial India.

Last Carnegie Hall tenant forced from studios that nourished a century of America’s top talent

Last Carnegie Hall resident forced out of towers

NEW YORK – All of her neighbors are gone, forced out. Now Elizabeth Sargent, the last holdout tenant of Carnegie Hall’s towers, is preparing to leave the affordable studios that for more than a century housed some of America’s most brilliant creative artists.
Red scaffolding surrounds Carnegie Hall as … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Last Carnegie Hall tenant forced from studios that nourished a century of America’s top talent.

Hair nets and hollandaise? Lunch ladies going gourmet as nation focuses on better school food

Lunch ladies going gourmet as food gets new look

DENVER – They still wear sensible shoes, but the nation’s lunch ladies are trading in their hair nets for chef toques as they undergo a gourmet makeover.
With the childhood obesity rates creating demand for healthier foods in schools, more attention is being placed on the culinary skills …. Original article  : Hair nets and hollandaise? Lunch ladies going gourmet as nation focuses on better school food.

Mysore University Declares PG & UG Results 2010

MYSORE, INDIA (Gaeatimes.com) – University of Mysore has announced PG and UG results Today morning at 10 am. The PG and UG exams were held in the month of June-July, 2010.

The University of Mysore is a public university in India. The Maharaja of Mysore became its first chancellor. The University came into existence on the …. Original article  : Mysore University Declares PG & UG Results 2010.

Democrats seek help from moderate Maine Republicans for last-ditch jobs bill

Democrats seek GOP help for last-ditch jobs bill

WASHINGTON – A $26 billion measure to help states and local school boards with their severe budget problems faces a make-or-break vote Wednesday as Senate Democrats try one last time to advance their faltering jobs agenda.
The bill would extend programs enacted in last year’s stimulus law to help …. Original article  : Democrats seek help from moderate Maine Republicans for last-ditch jobs bill.

Haryana to increase industrial training seats by nearly 100,000

CHANDIGARH – Seats for technical, industrial training and vocational education will be increased by nearly 100,000 in Haryana’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the next two to three years, state government officials said here Wednesday.

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the intake capacity will be increased by 96,440 seats to enable more youth to get … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Haryana to increase industrial training seats by nearly 100,000.

Tom Sherak re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Tom Sherak re-elected president of film academy

LOS ANGELES – Veteran film executive Tom Sherak has been re-elected to his second term as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The academy’s Board of Governors re-elected Sherak to the one-year term Tuesday night. An executive with more than four decades in the movie business, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tom Sherak re-elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Breakthrough role propels Donnie Yen from shadow of Jackie Chan, Jet Li

Yen emerges from shadow of Chan, Li
HONG KONG – For years, Donnie Yen worked in the shadow of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Having fought both on-screen, the 47-year-old actor was considered a worthy opponent but not necessarily a leading man in his own right.

The dynamic changed after Yen took on the role of Bruce … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Breakthrough role propels Donnie Yen from shadow of Jackie Chan, Jet Li.

Chinese kids learn English from toons

BEIJING – Micky Mouse, AristoCats and other cartoon charecters have now got a new job — to teach kindergarten tiny tots in China how to speak English.

English learning centres run by the US-based cartoon movie maker Walt Disney Company are open for children between the age group of five and seven years.
A large number … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chinese kids learn English from toons.

Naval Academy’s superintendent steps down, successor says ethics will be a priority

Naval Academy gets new superintendent
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The 61st superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy took command Tuesday, pledging to make ethics a priority after financial irregularities were discovered by Navy investigators under his predecessor.

Vice Adm. Michael Miller, who served as Navy chief of legislative affairs in Washington, took over at a change-of-command ceremony from … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Naval Academy’s superintendent steps down, successor says ethics will be a priority.

Human services, education face deeper cuts as Ill. governor provides new budget details

Ill. gov. provides new detail on $1.4B in cuts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Schools, social services and health programs face deeper cuts under the latest version of Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to trim spending during the worst budget crisis in Illinois history.
Quinn announced early last month that he planned to trim about $1.4 billion but had not … Read more »».

Naval Academy’s 61st superintendent takes command, pledges to focus on ethics in tenure

New Naval Academy superintendent takes command

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The 61st superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy has taken command and pledges to make ethics a priority during his tenure.
Vice Adm. Michael Miller was sworn in during a change-of-command ceremony Tuesday at the academy in Annapolis.
He takes over from Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, whose tenure was … Read more »».

States slash prekindergarten programs as economy falters, budgets bleed

States slash pre-K programs as budgets bleed

ATLANTA – States across the country are cutting hundreds of millions from their prekindergarten budgets.
The National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University says states are slashing nearly $350 million from their pre-K programs by next year and more cuts are likely on the horizon once federal stimulus …. Read the original article  : States slash prekindergarten programs as economy falters, budgets bleed.

India has a long way to go in education: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said India has a “long way to go” in spreading literacy, adding that paucity of funds will not be allowed to hamper the spread of education in the country.

“We still have a very long way to go (in spreading education),” Manmohan Singh said, referring to “significant … Read : India has a long way to go in education: PM.

International funding sought for Nalanda University: Amartya Sen

NEW DELHI – International funding will be sought for the proposed revival of the ancient Nalanda University, a global centre for learning, and Singapore Buddhist organisations have already offered donations for the construction of a world-class library.

“We will go for international fund raising,” Amartya Sen, chairman of Nalanda Mentors Group and Nobel economics prize winner, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : International funding sought for Nalanda University: Amartya Sen.

Deemed universities question probe panel’s power

NEW DELHI – A group of deemed universities Tuesday questioned in the Supreme Court the powers of a committee set up to conduct a probe against institutions facing the prospect of derecognition due to poor facilities.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) alone has the statutory power to grant the status of deemed university to an …. Original article  : Deemed universities question probe panel’s power.

English schools protest nationwide tests for 11-year-olds, one-fourth skip the test entirely

Protests in England over tests for 11-year-olds

LONDON – School test results for 11-year-olds were released Tuesday across England, and one result was certain: A large number of educators and parents consider the tests a waste of time.
The results of the Standard Assessments Tests, or SATs, revived a long-running debate about whether the government’s determination to …. Original article  : English schools protest nationwide tests for 11-year-olds, one-fourth skip the test entirely.

Singapore Buddhist groups to help finance Nalanda university

NEW DELHI – Singapore Buddhist organisations have offered funds amounting to around $5-10 million for building a library at the proposed Nalanda University which will be a global centre of learning.

“The Singapore Buddhist community is making an important gesture to finance the library,” Nalanda Mentors Group Chairman and Nobel economics prize winner, Amartya Sen, told …. Original source  : Singapore Buddhist groups to help finance Nalanda university.

Tests show UK 11-year-olds a bit better at math, worse at reading; Schools protest tests

Tests: UK kids better at math, worse at reading

LONDON – School tests across England show that 11-year-olds are doing a bit better at mathematics and writing but worse at reading.
But a fourth of English primary schools declared the tests a waste of time and didn’t make their pupils take them.
Results of the Standard Assessments Tests, … Read more >>>.

Santa Monica College Undergoes Poll

SANTA MONICA (GaeaTimes.com) — The Santa Monica College is going past a voting process. The Board of Trustees are surveying the poles. This pole is constructed regarding the renovation of several classrooms and a vast arena of the college. Reportedly, the changes to be made are all major. Technical specification depicts that it will …. Source article  : Santa Monica College Undergoes Poll.

Tata Motors to launch new vehicles in India and China

MUMBAI – Multinational Tata Motors is planning to introduce new fuel efficient cars and hybrid vehicles in emerging markets and looking at ways to raise sales of luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover in China and India.

In India, the company plans to launch a new cross-over vehicle, two new passenger vehicles and a new … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tata Motors to launch new vehicles in India and China.

English only? AP-Univision poll finds Latinos often have trouble helping their kids in school

Poll: Language a barrier for Latinos in schools

WASHINGTON – English only?
With Hispanic enrollment surging in schools, many Spanish-speaking parents are having trouble helping their children with homework or communicating with U.S. teachers as English-immersion classes proliferate in K-12.
An Associated Press-Univision poll highlights the language and cultural obstacles for the nation’s Latinos, who lag behind others … Read more »».

US Education Department picks 49 finalists to get piece of $650 million innovation fund

49 finalists for US education innovation dollars

SEATTLE – The U.S. Education Department on Wednesday announced 49 finalists for a share of the $650 million it plans to give away to encourage innovation.
The finalists were chosen from nearly 1,700 applications to the Investment in Innovation program. They include one of the country’s most successful charter school … Read this article on Gaea Times at : US Education Department picks 49 finalists to get piece of $650 million innovation fund.

Rare yellow lobster heading to college, at University of Rhode Island’s Bay Campus aquarium

Yellow lobster found in RI bay headed to college

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A rare yellow lobster pulled from Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay is heading to college.
Lobsterman Denny Ingram said Wednesday that the yellow lobster will be moving to the aquarium at the University of Rhode Island’s Bay Campus in Narragansett.
Ingram caught the lobster and temporarily made …. Source  : Rare yellow lobster heading to college, at University of Rhode Island’s Bay Campus aquarium.

Democrats push bill to stop teacher layoffs toward passage; House being called back from break

Jobs bill to stop teacher layoffs nears approval
WASHINGTON – Last-minute money to save the jobs of tens of thousands of teachers and other public workers overcame a Republican filibuster Wednesday and sped toward Senate passage. The House, under pressure to help hard-pressed schools nationwide, was being called back from its summer … Original source on Gaea Times at : Democrats push bill to stop teacher layoffs toward passage; House being called back from break.

Service sector grows for 7th month in a row, brightening job outlook just a bit

Job market brightens a bit as service sector grows

WASHINGTON – Job prospects are looking just a little brighter.
The service sector, which makes up 80 percent of the economy, grew for the seventh month in a row, and state aid to preserve jobs for tens of thousands of teachers and other public employees cleared a key …. Original article  : Service sector grows for 7th month in a row, brightening job outlook just a bit.

Girls exempt from fees in Gujarat ITIs

GANDHINAGAR – Girls undergoing vocational training in industrial training institutes (ITIs) in Gujarat have been exempted from paying tuition fees, Labour and Employment Minister Vajubhai Vala said here Wednesday.

The minister told reporters that 14 ITIs specifically for girls were being run in the state and more would be added if the need was felt.
“It … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Girls exempt from fees in Gujarat ITIs.

Breakthrough role propels Donnie Yen from shadow of action co-stars Jackie Chan, Jet Li

Yen emerges from shadow of action stars Chan, Li

HONG KONG – For years, Donnie Yen worked in the shadow of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Having fought both on-screen, the 47-year-old actor was considered a worthy opponent but not necessarily a leading man in his own right.
The dynamic changed after Yen took on the role …. Original article  : Breakthrough role propels Donnie Yen from shadow of action co-stars Jackie Chan, Jet Li.

Processing halted of foreign students’ applications for Auckland institute

AUCKLAND – The authorities in New Zealand have suspended processing applications of international students to study at Auckland’s Kingsland Institute after the arrest of two men for alleged immigration fraud, an official statement here said.

Immigration authorities now are reviewing some approved applications, after the arrest of two men, including a manager at the institute, … Read : Processing halted of foreign students’ applications for Auckland institute.

Back-to-school basics: Shopping forecasts and what’s at stake

Back-to-school season at a glance
The back-to-school season is retailers’ second-biggest after Christmas. And with confidence in the economic recovery stalling, they’re in a tough fight for shoppers’ dollars.

TEEN RECESSION HANGOVER: The slump for the teen chains, which had routinely posted strong sales gains for a decade or more, began in 2008 with the recession. Teen … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Back-to-school basics: Shopping forecasts and what’s at stake.

Make Yoga part of school education: Plea in Delhi High Court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notice to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) and the NCERT seeking reply on a public interest litigation (PIL) which seeks making yoga part of health and physical education in schools.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Mishra and Justice Manmohan sought their replies … Read more : Make Yoga part of school education: Plea in Delhi High Court.

Teen stores wrestle with recession hangover, stiff competition in tough back-to-school fight

Teen stores in tight spot for back-to-school

NEW YORK – Half-priced jeans and promotional freebies are already popping up at the mall with the start of school still weeks away.
Teen clothing sellers may have had some misplaced optimism about the strength of the economic recovery when orders were placed in the spring, and department stores are …. Source  : Teen stores wrestle with recession hangover, stiff competition in tough back-to-school fight.

New Zealand suspends processing of foreign students’ applications

AUCKLAND – Authorities in New Zealand have suspended the processing of applications for international students to study at Auckland’s Kingsland Institute, after the arrest of two men for alleged immigration fraud, an official statement here said.

Immigration authorities now are reviewing some approved applications, after the arrest of two men, including a manager at the … Original article on : New Zealand suspends processing of foreign students’ applications.

Moderate Republicans help Senate jobs bill over key hurdle

Senate jobs bill clears key hurdle
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and his Democratic allies in the Senate earned a long-sought win Wednesday as a $26 billion measure to help states and local school boards with their severe budget problems cleared a GOP filibuster.
The bill advanced by a 61-38 tally that ensures the measure …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Moderate Republicans help Senate jobs bill over key hurdle.

Jamia gives free coaching to civil service aspirants

NEW DELHI – Jamia Millia Islamia Friday invited applications for free coaching from civil service aspirants belonging to minority communities, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The coaching classes, which started in 1984, get more than 500 applications every year from all over the country.
“Out of more than 500 applications, … Read more >>>.

For teachers, jobs bill brings some relief after summer of frustration

Jobs bill brings relief to teachers
ATLANTA – Dave Ebersbach lost his job as a math teacher this summer, and he spends each day hoping that his poverty-stricken school in Ohio will call up and offer him his position back.

He and thousands of other teachers around the country could get their jobs back now that the …. Original source  : For teachers, jobs bill brings some relief after summer of frustration.

Shortage of 1.2 mn teachers in India: Sibal

NEW DELHI – There is a shortage of 1.2 million teachers in India and states must speed up the recruitment process to bridge the gap, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said Friday.

“We have a shortage of 1.2 million teachers. In some states there is an enormous backlog from last several years. In Bihar about …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Corporal Punishment In Schools On Way Out

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The education system in India has many flaws and one of them is Corporal punishment in schools. While this was viewed as a necessary part of the education system until a few years back, the public opinion against this system which may lead to fatal consequences has been growing. The reports …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Corporal Punishment In Schools On Way Out.

Parents’ outrage over halal-only school dinners in Britain

LONDON – A council in Britain has triggered a backlash among parents and animal welfare groups after introducing halal-only menus at state schools, a media report said Friday.

Only meat from animals killed in line with Islamic teaching will be offered at 52 primary schools in Harrow, following a switch by 10 secondaries to halal … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Parents’ outrage over halal-only school dinners in Britain.

Oklahoma coaches: Agents and players should be punished for breaking NCAA rules, not schools

Oklahoma coaches: Agents should be punished

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops is the latest person seeking change in how agents are involved in college basketball and the recruiting process.
At a fan event for Sooners fans on Thursday night, Stoops suggested that agents and players should be the ones punished for breaking the NCAA’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oklahoma coaches: Agents and players should be punished for breaking NCAA rules, not schools.

American Public Education net income beats Street but shares plunge on lower 2010 outlook

American Public Ed shares tank on 2010 guidance

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. – Online university company American Public Education Inc. said Thursday its net income rose 32 percent to beat Wall Street’s expectations but shares sank in extended trading after the company slashed its full-year guidance as military student enrollments dropped.
For April through June, American Public Education’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Basketball coaches get high marks on NCAA’s 1st academic report card

NCAA gives basketball coaches good grades
Kentucky coach John Calipari got mostly passing grades on his report card.

West Virginia’s Bob Huggins did even better, earning perfect marks each of the past two seasons.
The two men, often criticized for their players’ academic performance, had better-than-expected scores in the NCAA’s first Academic Progress Rate for coaches. On Thursday, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Basketball coaches get high marks on NCAA’s 1st academic report card.

AP Exclusive: Nevada’s Angle outlines views on gays, school prayer in questionnaire

AP Exclusive: No gay adoptions, says GOP’s Angle

Republican Sharron Angle believes the clergy should be allowed to endorse candidates from the pulpit and opposes laws allowing gays to adopt children, according to a questionnaire by the Nevada Senate hopeful that was obtained by The Associated Press.
Angle, who is trying to unseat Senate Democratic leader Harry … Read more >>.

NCAA: West Virginia’s football program commits 5 major violations from 2005-2009

NCAA says WVU football commits rules violations

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia student managers, graduate assistants and other non-coaching staff worked with football players on their skills and techniques in violation of NCAA limits during the Rich Rodriguez era and under current coach Bill Stewart, according to NCAA allegations released Thursday.
The NCAA said this week that …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Senate confirms Elena Kagan as 112th justice, fourth-ever woman on US Supreme Court

Senate confirms Kagan as 112th justice
WASHINGTON – The Senate has confirmed Elena Kagan as the 112th justice and fourth woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
The vote was 63-37 for President Barack Obama’s nominee to succeed retired Justice John Paul Stevens.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s … Read more >>.

Kagan on brink of confirmation as 112th Supreme Court justice, fourth-ever woman

Senate poised to confirm Kagan as 112th justice
WASHINGTON – The Senate moved toward certain confirmation Thursday of Elena Kagan as the Supreme Court’s 112th justice and fourth woman, ready to seat a scholar with a reputation for brilliance, a dry sense of humor and a liberal legal bent.
Kagan will replace another liberal justice, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kagan on brink of confirmation as 112th Supreme Court justice, fourth-ever woman.

C Sean Kowal granted release by Northern Illinois to see theology degree

C Kowal granted release by N. Illinois
DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois has given center Sean Kowal his release, ending a dispute over the player’s decision to obtain a graduate degree at another school.

Kowal wants to pursue a master’s degree in theology, a program Northern Illinois does not offer. The school initially denied him a release.
Athletics … Original article on : C Sean Kowal granted release by Northern Illinois to see theology degree.

Senate OKs $26B bill to stop teacher, police layoffs; House called back from break for vote

Senate approves jobs bill to stop teacher layoffs
WASHINGTON – Congress is moving rapidly just weeks before the start of the school year to speed billions of dollars in emergency education aid to states in hopes of reversing the layoffs of tens of thousands of teachers.
Some $10 billion in aid to [..] Read the original article: here.

Senate passes bill to ease states’ budget woes, save jobs of thousands of teachers, police

Senate passes bill to save teacher, police jobs
WASHINGTON – Legislation long sought by Democrats to prevent layoffs of tens of thousands of teachers, police and other public workers has passed the Senate.
The bill would help states and local school boards deal with severe budget problems. It would preserve the jobs of perhaps 300,000 …. Source  : Senate passes bill to ease states’ budget woes, save jobs of thousands of teachers, police.

Talk on better understanding of Pakistan at Jamia Millia

NEW DELHI – The Jamia Millia Islamia’s Maulana Mohamed Ali Jauhar Academy of Third World Studies Thursday organised a talk intended to promote better Indian understanding of Pakistan.

The talk on “The Idea of Pakistan in the Colonial Muslim Press (1932-1949)”, by Thierry DiCostanzo from the University of Strasbourg (France), was presided over by Professor …. Source  : Talk on better understanding of Pakistan at Jamia Millia.

Parliament passes bill to amend Minority Educational Institutions Act

NEW DELHI – Parliamentary approval was Thursday accorded to a bill amending the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act to enable the central government decide on the status of such institutions without consulting the states.

The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2010, which had earlier been passed by the Lok Sabha, was …. Read the original article  : Parliament passes bill to amend Minority Educational Institutions Act.

Shares of China’s Ambow Education rise in IPO debut after pricing at bottom of expected range

Ambow Education shares rise in market debut

NEW YORK – Shares of Ambow Education, which provides educational services in China, are rising after the company raised $106.8 million in its initial public offering.
The Beijing company offered 7.5 million American depositary shares for $10, while shareholders sold 3.2 million ADSs. Shares had been expected to price from … Read more >>.

New Kenyan constitution expected to pass as ‘No’ team concedes defeat; no violence reported

New constitution for Kenya as ‘No’ team concedes

NAIROBI, Kenya – A top leader in the campaign against a new constitution in Kenya is conceding defeat.
Preliminary results announced Thursday showed that Kenya’s new constitution is likely to pass overwhelmingly. Almost 70 percent of the country voted in favor of the new constitution.
William Ruto, Kenya’s higher education …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New Kenyan constitution expected to pass as ‘No’ team concedes defeat; no violence reported.

In last-minute sprint for votes, Sen. Bennet defends pension deal as Denver schools chief

Bennet defends pension deal in sprint for votes

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Sen. Michael Bennet launched a last-minute sprint for votes Friday amid questions about a pension financing deal he oversaw while superintendent of Denver Public Schools.
Bennet, who faces a tough Democratic primary Tuesday amid anti-incumbent sentiment, started a 24-hour dash for votes while blasting a New … Original article on : In last-minute sprint for votes, Sen. Bennet defends pension deal as Denver schools chief.

Final chapter? Under budget cuts, library system in poor New Jersey city prepares to shut down

Camden, NJ, preparing to close all its libraries

CAMDEN, N.J. – The library board in Camden, one of the nation’s poorest cities, is preparing to close all three of its libraries by the end of the year, saying its funding has been slashed so drastically that it cannot afford to keep operating.
Library officials are hoping enough …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bennet defends Denver schools’ complex pension deal after report says it’s costing millions

Report: Bennet-backed pension deal costs millions

DENVER – The Denver school system is reportedly stuck paying millions of dollars in extra interest and fees because of a pension financing deal U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet recommended while he served as schools superintendent.
The New York Times reported Friday that the deal has cost Denver at least an extra … Read : Bennet defends Denver schools’ complex pension deal after report says it’s costing millions.

The ‘yo-yo’ effect: Teachers in limbo hope $26M jobs bill keeps them out of unemployment line

Teachers hope $26M jobs bill keeps them employed

MIAMI – Gretchen Marfisi was enjoying her summer, reading a book when the call came: The high school where she taught art would not be hiring her back in the fall.
Shocked, the art teacher with 27 years experience spent anxious weeks job searching, only to be rehired by … Original article on : The ‘yo-yo’ effect: Teachers in limbo hope $26M jobs bill keeps them out of unemployment line.

White supremacist files to run for Southern California school board seat

White supremacist running for Calif. school board

RIALTO, Calif. – A white supremacist is running for a Southern California school board seat.
Dan Schruender, a past president of the California chapter of Aryan Nations, filed nomination papers Monday with the San Bernardino County registrar to run for one of two open seats on the inland Rialto Unified …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

A look at colleges where retirees and 60- or 70-somethings can get discounts or free tuition

A look at college deals for retirees, seniors

Discounted, or even free, tuition is available for senior citizen and retirees.
Here’s a look at some places where retirement-age students can find deals and tuition waivers, based on available class space:
COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Many two-year or community colleges allow senior citizens to audit classes for free, or waive tuition for …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : A look at colleges where retirees and 60- or 70-somethings can get discounts or free tuition.

Back to school forever: Retirees hit the books on college tuition waivers, discounts

Retirees can head back to school with discounts

CHICAGO – Nearly six decades after graduating from college, Pete Shannon still can’t get enough of lectures and homework assignments.
The 78-year-old Dallas retiree has taken dozens of classes at his local community college since he stopped working as a CPA in 2004. This summer he studied music composition, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama’s special envoy to visit Bihar’s Super 30

PATNA – US President Barack Obama’s special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Conference, Rashad Hussain, will Sunday visit Super 30, Bihar’s free coaching centre that helps economically backward students crack the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology-Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE).

Anand Kumar, the institute’s director and founder, said the special envoy is coming to see the … Read more >>>.

For teachers, jobs bill brings some hope after summer of frustration

Jobs bill brings some hope to teachers
ATLANTA – Dave Ebersbach lost his job as a math teacher this summer, and he spends each day hoping that his poverty-stricken school in Ohio will call up and offer him his position back.

He and thousands of other teachers around the country could get their jobs back now that … Read : For teachers, jobs bill brings some hope after summer of frustration.

Despite facing budget cuts and layoffs, Milwaukee teachers fight for taxpayer-funded Viagra

Milwaukee teachers fight for Viagra drug coverage

MADISON, Wis. – With the district in a financial crisis and hundreds of its members facing layoffs, the Milwaukee teachers union is taking a peculiar stand: fighting to get its taxpayer-funded Viagra back.
The union has asked a judge to order the school board to again include Pfizer Inc.’s erectile … Original source on Gaea Times at : Despite facing budget cuts and layoffs, Milwaukee teachers fight for taxpayer-funded Viagra.

Guyana sets campaign to attract more men to teaching, saying students need male role models

Guyana seeks more male teachers as role models

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana is launching a campaign to draw more men to teach in the classroom, saying students have very few male role models.
Education Minister Shaik Baksh says the World Bank is helping fund the campaign, although he hasn’t disclosed financial details.
A statement issued Saturday by Baksh … Original article on : Guyana sets campaign to attract more men to teaching, saying students need male role models.

Obama spends sunny Saturday afternoon at golf course, plans White House BBQ for friends Sunday

Obama caps birthday week with golf, plans for BBQ

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is capping his birthday week with an afternoon of golfing on Saturday and a barbecue on Sunday.
The White House says the president went golfing on Saturday with eight friends, some with ties to his college days, his hometown of Chicago and his … Read more »»».

For cash-strapped college students, hope for curtailing rising textbook costs

More choices alter college textbook landscape

On Friday afternoons between work and rugby practice, Brittany Wolfe would rush to the campus library hoping copies of her advanced algebra textbook had not all been checked out by like-minded classmates.
It was part of the math major’s routine last quarter at the University of California, Los Angeles: Stand in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : For cash-strapped college students, hope for curtailing rising textbook costs.

Haryana releases Rs.50 mn for new military school

CHANDIGARH – The Haryana government Saturday released an amount of Rs.50 million for the construction of a new Sainik (military) School in the state.

To be located at Gothra Tappa Khori village in Rewari district, this will be the state’s second Sainik School, which train young boys for a career in the defence forces by preparing …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

China pays last respects to mechanics scientist

BEIJING – Tens of thousands of Chinese Saturday paid their last respects to Qian Weichang, one of the country’s most respected scientists, recognized for his achievements in applied mathematics and mechanics, Xinhua reported.

Qian, a senior member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former president of Shanghai University, passed away July 30, at the age …. Source article  : China pays last respects to mechanics scientist.