India’s oldest student at 100… still going strong

GUWAHATI – A teacher, a lawyer, a judge and now back to being a student – 100-year-old Bholaram Das has just enrolled for his doctorate, perhaps becoming India’s oldest university student.

Das has got admission in a PhD programme at the Gauhati University in Assam – an announcement he made at a public …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AMU plans new centres across India

ALIGARH – After the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) opened its centres in West Bengal and Kerala, Muslims in five other states also want similar centres, AMU Vice Chancellor P.K. Abdul Azis said here Sunday.

“Muslims living in West Bengal and Kerala are exulted and Assam, Rajasthan, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have requested us …. Original source  : AMU plans new centres across India.

When top bureaucrats from Kerala turned gurus

NEW DELHI – Three of India’s top bureaucrats, all from Kerala, turned gurus for 134 children as they led them into the world of letters here Sunday on the occasion of ‘Vidyarambham’ – as Vijaydashami is celebrated by Keralites across the world.

It was a “humbling experience” for the trio – President Pratibha Patil’s Secretary … Read more »».

Delhi students get ready for Obama visit – with quiz show

NEW DELHI – Setting the stage for US President Barack Obama’s maiden visit to India next month, the American Center will organise a ‘Rock with the US Presidents’ quiz show for college students in the capital Wednesday.

The quiz will be on US presidents, with special focus on Obama.
The show will take place …. Source  : Delhi students get ready for Obama visit – with quiz show.

IGNOU launches programme in German teaching

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has launched a programme in German teaching to meet the increasing demand for German teachers in the country, officials said Tuesday.

The Diploma in Teaching German as a Foreign Language in association with the Max Mueller Bhavan (Goethe-Institut), New Delhi, and the University of Vienna … Original article on : IGNOU launches programme in German teaching.

Here Bollywood movies teach you management

CHANDIGARH – Bunking college to watch movies may be commonplace for students, but not if some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters come to them, that too as part of the curriculum!

Students of management courses at a leading private management college in Punjab, Aryans Business School (ABS), located 40 km from here along the Chandigarh-Patiala … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Here Bollywood movies teach you management.

Rosaiah defends university land for TIFR campus

HYDERABAD – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Monday defended the allotment of University of Hyderabad land to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) for setting up its Hyderabad campus.

Rosaiah told reporters that TIFR was not a private company and that it was allotted 209 acres of surplus land of the university in … Read : Rosaiah defends university land for TIFR campus.

Now aptitude test in civil service prelims

NEW DELHI – In a major step towards changing the pattern for the civil services entrance exams, the Union Public Service Commission Monday announced a new syllabus for the preliminary exam, replacing the optional subject with an aptitude test.

The new syllabus, applicable for the 2011 exams, will have two papers. The first will be … Read more »»».

Mistry dismayed at varsity yielding to Sena on his book

MUMBAI – Rohinton Mistry, author of the 1990 Booker Prize-nominated “Such A Long Journey”, Monday said he was not surprised by Shiv Sena’s agitation for the book’s removal from the Mumbai University syllabus, but “dismayed” by the university’s “expeditious decision” to yield to the demand.

Blaming vice chancellor Rajan Welukar for not upholding the freedom … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mistry dismayed at varsity yielding to Sena on his book.

NYK teachers sacked for flirting on Facebook with students

NEW YORK – At least three teachers from public high schools in New York have been sacked in the past six months for making indecent remarks while dealing with students on Facebook, a media report said Monday.
According to the New York Post, Chadwin Reynolds, one of the booted teachers who … Original source on Gaea Times at : NYK teachers sacked for flirting on Facebook with students.

Students plan protest during PM’s Hyderabad University visit

HYDERABAD – Tight security arrangements are in place for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the University of Hyderabad here Tuesday as a section of the students and faculty is planning a protest against laying of the foundation stone for the Hyderabad campus of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

The students’ unions and …. Original article  : Students plan protest during PM’s Hyderabad University visit.

Huge jams as capital’s schools, colleges reopen

NEW DELHI – The city witnessed massive traffic jams Monday after schools and colleges reopened following a 16-day break due to the Commonwealth Games and Durga Puja-Dussehra festivities.

Traffic snarls were reported on the arterial Aurobindo Marg, ITO intersection, Laxmi Nagar and South Extension areas during the morning rush hours, the Delhi Traffic Police said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Huge jams as capital’s schools, colleges reopen.

Union ministry team to review Meghalaya varsity imbroglio

SHILLONG – A team of the union human resource development (HRD) ministry will Wednesday begin looking into student protests over the appointment of a non-tribal as North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) vice chancellor.

The three-member fact-finding team is led by HRD secretary Vibha Puri Das. NEHU students have been protesting since Oct 11, the day … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Union ministry team to review Meghalaya varsity imbroglio.

Striking Meghalaya teachers call off agitation

SHILLONG – Over 3,000 school teachers in Meghalaya, who went on an indefinite strike demanding payment of arrears, Tuesday called off their protest after the state government assured that their dues will be cleared before Christmas.

The teachers under the banner of Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers’ Association (KJDSTA) and Garo Hills Deficit School …. Source  : Striking Meghalaya teachers call off agitation.

IBSA brainstorms on trilateral solutions

NEW DELHI – India, Brazil and South Africa, three leading economies of Asia, Latin America and Africa, held a brainstorming session here to explore trilateral cooperation in areas of agriculture, defence and education.

Students from Jamia Millia Islamia represented India in the ‘Model’ India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) teleconference, which was held to “provide a trilateral …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : IBSA brainstorms on trilateral solutions.

Protests over removal of Mistry’s novel from syllabus

NEW DELHI – Expressing shock over the removal of author Rohinton Mistry’s novel ‘Such a Long Journey’ from the syllabus of the University of Bombay, a group activists Tuesday demanded removal of the varsity’s vice chancellor.

Coming together under the umbrella of Sahmat (Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust), eminent activists like Ram Rahman, M.K. Raina, …. Source  : Protests over removal of Mistry’s novel from syllabus.

Expand human resource pool in science, technology: PM

HYDERABAD – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday called for expanding the human resource pool in science and technology and creating a stimulating institutional environment “through innovation and pursuit of excellence”.
Singh laid the foundation stone for the Hyderabad campus of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) at the centrally-run University of Hyderabad.
“We … Read more »».

Vocational courses for school students planned

KOLKATA – Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Wednesday said the central government was planning to set up a national vocational education framework to help school students who fall short of receiving higher education.

We need a national vocational education framework to empower and harness the talent of those school students who do not … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vocational courses for school students planned.

Ancient tunnel unearthed in Mumbai

MUMBAI – A tunnel thought to be 200 years old has been unearthed in the premises of the General Post Office in south Mumbai, officials said Wednesday.

Believed to be an ancient escape route, the tunnel heads towards Colaba in south Mumbai, said Maharashtra Postal Services Director Abha Singh.
“From whatever we have seen, it …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Disaster training for Mizoram teachers

AIZAWL – The Mizoram government is training teachers in disaster management to cope with natural tragedies.

According to a senior official, the scheme was undertaken under a central government- UNDP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.
Two batches of teachers belonging to 50 primary and high schools have already had the training. The exercise will continue till … Read more »»».

Once a mental asylum, NIMHANS hails new status

BANGALORE – “We are proud of it.” These few words summed up the celebratory mood at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences here on becoming an institute of national importance Wednesday.

“The status will give flexibility to start new courses and take independent decisions,” S.K. Shankar, dean of Faculty of Neuro Sciences …. Read the original article  : Once a mental asylum, NIMHANS hails new status.

IGNOU announces admissions for 2011 session

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced admissions for the January 2011 session, a university official said Wednesday.

Aspirants can apply for Master’s, Bachelor’s, Post-Graduate Diplomas, Diplomas, Post-Graduate Certificates and Certificate programmes.
“The students can obtain the common prospectus for Rs.100 at the IGNOU campus or can get it … Read more »».

States issued notice on common medical entrance tests

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday asked all states and associations of private medical colleges for their views on the Medical Council of India’s petition for common entrance tests for admissions to MBBS and post-graduate courses across the country.

The Medical Council of India told the court that it sought common entrance tests to … Read : States issued notice on common medical entrance tests.

UAE students to get education via mobile

Dubai, Oct 21 (IANS/WAM) Students of the United Arab Emirates (UEA) will soon be able to access study material and other relevant contents through their cell phones with the launch of the new m-education system.

Etisalat announced Thursday that it has collaborated with Blackboard Inc., a technology-enabled education service provider, to start m-education in Abu …. Read the original article  : UAE students to get education via mobile.

Sibal meets directors of new IITs

NEW DELHI – Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Thursday met the directors of the eight new Indian Institutes of Technology to discuss the teething problems they were facing.

The eight new IITs have been started in Ropar (2008), Bhubaneswar (2008), Gandhinagar (2008), Hyderabad (2008), Patna (2008), Jodhpur (2008), Mandi (2009) and Indore (2009). IT … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sibal meets directors of new IITs.

Meghalaya favours academician as university vice chancellor

SHILLONG – Meghalaya has asked a central government team to appoint a local academician as vice chancellor of the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) even as protesting students have set Oct 29 as the new deadline for removal of A.N. Rai from the post.

The three-member team of the union human resource development (HRD) ministry, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Meghalaya favours academician as university vice chancellor.

ACT Test To Conduct Poster Making Competition

IOWA CITY, (GaeaTimes.com)- All the aspiring students, who want to appear for the ACT Test for the year 2011-2012, will be thrilled now. The ACT Test Authorities have announced a poster making competition, where the winner, the first runner up and the second runner will get a scholarship, to continue with their college education.

The …. Read the original article  : here.

States’ views sought on common medical entrance test

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday sought the response of all the states, union territories and associations of private medical colleges on a petition by the Medical Council of India (MCI) seeking to enforce Common Entrance Test (CET) for admission to MBBS and post-graduate medical courses across the country.

A bench of Justice R.V. [..] Read the original article: here.

Nobel Memorial Week begins in capital

NEW DELHI – The fourth edition of the Sweden India Nobel Memorial Week 2010 Oct 22-31 began here Friday.

The Embassy of Sweden is simultaneously celebrating the commemorative week in six locations — Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi– across the country.
“Alfred Nobel was one of the greatest innovators that the world …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Polaris to set up school of financial technology in Hyderabad

CHENNAI – City-based banking software company Polaris Software Lab Friday announced it has acquired a 50- acre facility in Hyderabad to house its School of Financial Technology from Catalytic Software Ltd.

Though listed in the Indian stock exchange, Polaris declined to reveal the deal size.
An company official told IANS that the major shareholder of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Polaris to set up school of financial technology in Hyderabad.

IGNOU holds orientation programme for madrassa teachers

NEW DELHI – An orientation programme for madrassa (Islamic seminary) teachers was held recently by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), a university official said Friday.

The programme for teachers belonging to Nagaon and Morigaon districts of Assam was held at the Kampur college, Nagaon under the aegis of IGNOU’s Institute of Professional Competence … Read more >>.

VSAT-enabled training for primary teachers launched

NEW DELHI – A VSAT-enabled teachers’ training programme was launched in nine cities across the country Friday to impart conceptual clarity in key areas of primary school teaching.

The cities are Noida, Delhi, Patna, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhopal and Jaipur.
The five-day module, Transformational Teacher Training Programme, has experts sitting in studios in …. Read the original article  : VSAT-enabled training for primary teachers launched.

Tamil Nadu Schools Bars Collection Of Fees

CHENNAI, (GaeaTimes.com)- More than 500 schools, from all the district in Tamil Nadu, has been barred from collecting fees from the students. This even includes several Kendriya Vidyalayas run by the union Human Resource Development Ministry in Tamil Nadu. These schools have also been asked not to collect any fees from the students without the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tamil Nadu Schools Bars Collection Of Fees.

Students to do community service for Facebook mischief

CHANDIGARH – A school here has directed 16 students to do community service on the campus after they were accused of posting abusive comments about a female teacher on networking site Facebook.

The Vivek High School here in Sector 38 had Oct 7 suspended these Class 12 students for three months. It changed its decision … Read more : Students to do community service for Facebook mischief.

India’s new tourism campaign – teach them young!

NEW DELHI – Catch them young – that’s seems to be the motto of Tourism Minister Kumari Selja and actor-producer Aamir Khan as they are all set to jointly launch a campaign with school children on imbibing best tourism practices to attract more visitors to India in the coming years.

Both Selja and Aamir, the …. Source article  : India’s new tourism campaign – teach them young!.

We now understand Pakistan better: Indian student

ISLAMABAD – A visit to Pakistan has helped clear several misconceptions about Pakistanis, an Indian girl student said after a visit to Lahore.

Samash said after spending time with Pakistani students that she had come to like them a lot.
The trip has cleared many misconceptions regarding Pakistanis and she now realized that much of [..] Read the original article: here.

Jharkhand to appoint 17,000 teachers

RANCHI – Jharkhand Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Baijnath Ram Saturday announced a decision to appoint 17,000 teachers, including 4,000 Urdu teachers.

We will soon appoint 17,000 teachers, including 4,000 Urdu teachers. The concerned authorities have been directed to initiate the process, the minister told reporters here.
Schools will remain opened even on holidays as …. Source article  : Jharkhand to appoint 17,000 teachers.