Education News – Monthly Newsletter February 2011

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Haryana schools to remain closed Jan 7-16

CHANDIGARH – The education department of Haryana Friday announced that all schools will remain closed from Jan 7 to 15, 2011, in view of the cold conditions prevailing across the state.

Director of Secondary Education Vijayendra Kumar said that the schools would reopen after winter vacations Jan 17.
…. Source article : Haryana schools to remain closed Jan 7-16.

Kerala education channel to go online Jan 1

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Now you can watch Kerala government’s education channel live on your laptop as it will go online in the new year.

IT@School ViCTERS (Virtual Classroom Technology on Edusat for Rural Schools) is the only channel in the state to air specific curriculum-based programmes, international programmes on science and technology prepared by Deutsche Welle …. Original article : Kerala education channel to go online Jan 1.

Winter holidays for Bihar kids extended

PATNA – Bihar Sunday extended the winter holidays for public and private school children till Jan 9 to save them from the intense cold wave in the state.

“The government has ordered the closure of all schools till Jan 9,” the official said. The schools were earlier scheduled to reopen Monday.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Winter holidays for Bihar kids extended.

HLL Lifecare ties up with IGNOU to offer two courses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – State-owned HLL Lifecare Ltd which makes condoms and vaccine and offers consultancy has joined hands with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to offer two clinical engineering and management courses, a statement said Saturday.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad will formally launch the professional distance education courses … Read more : HLL Lifecare ties up with IGNOU to offer two courses.

‘IGNOU at par with international institutions’

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is at par with other national and international institutions of higher learning, Vice-Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said Saturday.

Pillai said that IGNOU has established itself as a national resource centre and a provider of quality education through its high-quality self-learning material and innovative programmes.
[..] Read the original article: here.

Code of conduct planned for central varsities, says Sibal

CHENNAI – The central government is planning to introduce a code of conduct for central universities to bring about transparency and autonomy with accountability through self-regulation, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said Monday.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the 98th Indian Science Congress here, Sibal said the ministry recognises that … Read more >>>.

Goa college cancels two papers after MBBS exam leak

PANAJI – The Goa Medical College (GMC) has ordered a probe after two MBBS question papers were leaked prior to the exams, forcing their cancellation.

Speaking to IANS Monday, GMC dean V.N. Jindal said the report on the leakage of the Medicine paper I and II for the 100-odd third year students submitted to …. Original article : Goa college cancels two papers after MBBS exam leak.

Agra schools close for two days as mercury dips

AGRA – Agra schools will remain closed Monday and Tuesday due to the intensive cold wave conditions in the Taj city, district magistrate Amrit Abhijat said.

With Wednesday a holiday due to Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, there are chances that the schools will reopen only Jan 10, said a teacher Hari Dutt Sharma.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Agra schools close for two days as mercury dips.

Nursery admission process to begin in all Delhi schools Monday

NEW DELHI – Nursery admissions in Delhi will start in a full-fledged manner Monday as parents gear up to brave the cold while queuing up at schools for buying application forms.

We are all prepared to start the year by lining up for the admission form, said Yashika Malik, a software professional whose daughter turned …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Nursery admission process to begin in all Delhi schools Monday.

After cabinet, teachers to declare assets in Bihar

PATNA – After Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his cabinet ministers made public their assets last week, Bihar government school teachers also will have to submit their details by the end of this month.

It is seen as an initiative of Nitish Kumar, who declared a war against corruption after becoming the chief minister … Read more »»».

Chandigarh’s RTE confusion delays admission process

CHANDIGARH – Confusion prevails here over implementing the Right to Education (RTE) Act and activists are accusing private school managements of back-pedalling on flimsy grounds for fear of losing their elitist tags. This has delayed the admission process in various city schools.

The Chandigarh administration, the private schools association, social activists and parents are still … Read more >>>.

Orissa school girls to get free cycles

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa Tuesday decided to distribute free bicycles to Class 10 girl students with an aim to improve the state’s female literacy rate which has remained considerably low compared to the national average.

All girl students studying in Class 10 in government and government-aided schools will be given free bicycles, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik … Read more : Orissa school girls to get free cycles.

SNDT University honours Meira Kumar with doctorate

MUMBAI – Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar was Tuesday honoured with a doctorate by the SNDT Women’s University on its 60th convocation day.

Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayan conferred the honorary degree on the speaker.
“I feel extremely honoured and privileged to receive the honorary doctorate conferred upon me,” Meira Kumar said.
“The SNDT University, …. Source article on Gaea Times at : SNDT University honours Meira Kumar with doctorate.

IGNOU to offer lectures for Ph.D students in economics

NEW DELHI – Starting its first face-to-face lecture for a Ph.D programme in social sciences, the Indira Gandhi National Open University is starting lectures for its economics students.

“Now, students aspiring to do their research work in economics can attend a face-to-face lecture,” a statement from IGNOU said.
“This has been started keeping in … Read more >>.

Setting up new Nalanda a challenging task: Amartya Sen

CHENNAI – Nobel laureate Amartya Sen Tuesday said restoring Bihar’s Nalanda University – the world’s oldest – was a difficult task, but progress was being made.

“The university is being re-started right now, and since I happen to have the diffcult task of chairing its interim governing body, I am finding out how hard it …. Read the original article : Setting up new Nalanda a challenging task: Amartya Sen.

Single parents in a fix over nursery admissions

NEW DELHI – Lack of clarity on the points distribution system for nursery admissions has created confusion among many parents in the capital, especially single mothers.

“Single parent only means ‘widow/widower’ to the schools. There is no mention of divorced women or those who have adopted a child, said a baffled Ritika Maheshwari (name changed), … Original article on : Single parents in a fix over nursery admissions.

Soon, protein supplements from slaughterhouse waste

CHENNAI – India will soon bring a legislation to allow extraction of nutritional ingredients from slaughterhouse waste, which will then be sold in the market as protein supplements, the Central Pollution Control Board chief said here Tuesday.

The total availability of offal/bones in the country generated from large slaughterhouses is …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Soon, protein supplements from slaughterhouse waste.

Winter chill shuts Noida schools

NOIDA – In view of the harsh winter, authorities Wednesday decided to close all schools in Noida and Ghaziabad on the capital’s outskirts till Jan 9.

While Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate Deepak Agarwal declared the schools closed in Noida, a similar order was given by Ghaziabad District Magistrate Hridesh Kumar.
North India has been … Read : Winter chill shuts Noida schools.

‘Education should be inclusive’

BHUBANESWAR – Minister of State for Education D. Purandeswari Wednesday said here that making education inclusive was the main focus of the government.

The bigger challenge before Indian higher education system is to bring equity in quality of education across the length and breadth of the country, Purandeswari said addressing a special session of Central …. Source article on Gaea Times at : ‘Education should be inclusive’.

Sibal stresses on promoting Urdu

NEW DELHI – A national strategy is needed to preserve the heritage of the Urdu language, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said here Wednesday.

We need to preserve the past and at the same time need to make the study of Urdu relevant as regards the aspiration of the youth, Sibal said while addressing …. Original source : Sibal stresses on promoting Urdu.

Google tech-head, Bluetooth inventor to address Mumbai students

MUMBAI – Google’s Chief Technology Advocate Michael Jones, Bluetooth inventor Jaap Haartsen, and constructor of the world’s tallest building William Baker will address thousands of students at the ‘Techfest’ organised by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay starting Friday.

While Jones will speak about how Google developed Google Earth and Google Maps, Haartsen will talk … Read more »».

Madhya Pradesh schools shut due to cold

BHOPAL – All primary and middle level schools in Madhya Pradesh will remain closed Jan 6-15 due to extreme cold, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said here Wednesday.

The past few days’ cold wave has brought down mercury levels across the state, with minimum temperatures hovering between 1-4 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature in Bhopal … Read : Madhya Pradesh schools shut due to cold.

Sibal invites Indian diaspora back home

NEW DELHI – Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal Friday called for “collaboration” from the Indian diaspora in building the education sector and invited them back to the land of “new opportunities”.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the ninth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in the capital, Sibal said collaboration from the Indian diaspora … Original article on : Sibal invites Indian diaspora back home.

Chill forces MCD to extend winter vacation in schools

NEW DELHI – The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Thursday extended the winter vacation for school students till Jan 13 in view of the cold wave that has been sweeping north India since the past one week.

The vacation was earlier scheduled from Dec 25-Jan 9.
Keeping in view the effect of low temperature on … Read more : Chill forces MCD to extend winter vacation in schools.

Nursery admissions: Schools make parents dance to their tunes

NEW DELHI – The nursery admission process in Delhi schools is proving to be confusing and chaotic for some parents, who have blamed a few institutions of ignoring the government’s suggestions and making them dance to their tunes.

Like in the previous academic session, children seeking admission to nursery for the …. Source article : Nursery admissions: Schools make parents dance to their tunes.

AICTE Norms Upset Institutions

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The new rules of the All India Council for Technical Education commonly called AICTE have not gone down well with the B schools that offer PGDM programs countrywide. The AICTE diktat says that the prevalent management entrance exams conducted by reputed management schools like the XAT, MICAT or …. Source : Gaea News Network.

IGNOU invites applications for online nutrition course

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Friday invited applications for its month-long online programme on nutrition to be conducted in February.

“The main objective of the programme is to sensitise and guide, policy and programme leaders to rely more on evidence based programming for achieving nutrition-based security and sustainable development,” a …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Global academic ’roundtable’ in Gujarat Jan 10

GANDHINAGAR – As part of the ensuing Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit, the state government Friday announced ‘International Roundtable for Academic Institutions’ (IRAI) to be held here Jan 10.

The IRAI aims to connect several international academic institutes with various Gujarat universities. The ’roundtable’ is designed to bring together renowned leaders, academicians and opinion-makers to …. Read the original article : Global academic ’roundtable’ in Gujarat Jan 10.

Punjab traders hope Pakistan will lift onion ban

CHANDIGARH – Traders in Punjab hope the Pakistan government will allow resumption of export of onions to India via the land route at Attari-Wagah border after New Delhi’s overtures to the neighbouring country through diplomatic channels.

We are quite optimistic Pakistan will start sending onion-laden trucks to Amritsar. We got the last consignment of 78 … Read : Punjab traders hope Pakistan will lift onion ban.

Delhi schools to remain closed till Jan 13

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government Saturday ordered closure of all public and government schools in the city till Jan 13 as a cold wave continued to sweep the national capital, officials said.

“Due to extreme cold, all public, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Delhi Cantonment Board schools … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi schools to remain closed till Jan 13.

Kerala’s 50,000 teachers to get discounted laptops

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – As many as 50,000 teachers in Kerala will soon be able to buy either a laptop or a netbook computer at a discounted price, according to an official.

The scheme has been initiated by IT@School, the technology arm of the state government’s general education department. Its aim is to empower schools with the … Original article on : Kerala’s 50,000 teachers to get discounted laptops.

More realistic account of Bhopal Gas Tragedy in new NCERT book

BHOPAL – Against a background of black, the pages tell the story of the world’s worst industrial disaster – in Bhopal on Dec 2-3 night, 1984. The photographs, of the deaths, the sufferers, and the killer factory, have photo captions highlighted in red. This is part of NCERT’s new Social Sciences book for Class 8 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : More realistic account of Bhopal Gas Tragedy in new NCERT book.

‘IGNOU has brought teachers-students closer’

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has bridged the gap between teachers and students with its quality study material for the last 25 years, Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said Sunday.

Pillai said that IGNOU has been committed to quality teaching, education and capacity building through the Open Distance Learning pedagogy …. Source : Gaea News Network.

44 deemed universities facing closure get breather

NEW DELHI – In a relief to 44 deemed universities that were faced with the prospect of de-recognition, the government Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it will carry out a fresh reappraisal of their infrastructure and facilities.

Following the submission, the court gave the central government two weeks to issue individual notices to … Read : 44 deemed universities facing closure get breather.

Kashmir trashes MCI notification for medical courses

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir has decided to continue the selection process for medical graduate and post-graduate courses through its Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE), trashing the Medical Council of India (MCI) proposal to conduct the national eligibility-cum-entrance test (NEET).

The state’s Minister for Medical Education R.S. Chibb told some newsmen here Tuesday that …. Source : Kashmir trashes MCI notification for medical courses.

Chandigarh schools extend winter vacations till Jan 16

CHANDIGARH – The winter vacations have been extended in all schools of this city till Jan 16 due to the prevailing intense cold, an official said here Tuesday.

The schools were supposed to open Jan 3 after the usually 15-day winter vacation but the break was extended till Jan 11 as the city and …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Varsity slammed for unfairly filling up vacant quota seats

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has directed the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprashtha University not to admit in an unfair manner students from the general category against vacant reserved seats.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan set aside an order of a single judge who allowed the [..] Read the original article: here.

Coca-Cola, ISB to set up retail academy

HYDERABAD – Beverage major Coca-Cola has joined hands with the Indian School of Business (ISB) to set up a retail academy at the latter’s campus here, officials said Monday.

The Coca-Cola Indian School of Business retail academy will offer a six-month programme to train mid-level professionals in retail management.
Top officials of Coca-Cola and the …. Source article : Coca-Cola, ISB to set up retail academy.

Mexico curbs junk food sales in schools

Mexico City, Jan 12 (IANS/EFE) Mexico has asked its all private and government schools to limit sales of junk food to protect children from being overweight or obese.

About 30 percent of children and 70 percent of adults in Mexico are overweight.
The law does not ban sales of junk food in schools, but it …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Mexico curbs junk food sales in schools.

How Wikipedia wooed and won the world

BERLIN – An encyclopedia that anybody can help to write – whether a pupil or a professor? Encyclopedia entries which are updated from one minute to the next? And all of that financed by reader donations?

Ten years ago when online companies vanished almost as quickly as they appeared, nobody thought that a reliable encyclopedia … Read more >>.

Court stays transparency panel’s order on school data

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has stayed a Central Information Commission (CIC) order directing the Delhi government to make public the admission criteria for poor children followed by private schools in the last three years.

The court also stayed the CIC order to put on the government website details about the annual income …. Source : Court stays transparency panel’s order on school data.

44 deemed universities facing closure get apex court breather

NEW DELHI – In a temporary relief to 44 deemed universities that were facing the prospect of derecognition, the Supreme Court Tuesday asked the central government to offer them another opportunity to remove deficiencies in infrastructure.

The apex court bench of Justice Dalveer Bhandari and Justice Deepak Verma passed the order after recording a statement …. Source : 44 deemed universities facing closure get apex court breather.

Extended vacation may eat into Delhi students’ weekends

NEW DELHI – An extended winter vacation may have spelt good news for Delhi’s school kids, but not for long. Running short on time to finish their syllabi, schools are planning extra classes which will most likely eat into the much-cherished weekends.

The biting cold forced the Delhi government to re-extend vacations in all public …. Source : Extended vacation may eat into Delhi students’ weekends.

‘IGNOU committed to promoting Hindi’

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is committed to conserving and promoting the Hindi language, Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai Thursday said.

“Keeping in mind the government policies about the conservation of Indian languages, we leave no stone unturned to publish most of our courses in Hindi,” Pillai said in a … Original article on : ‘IGNOU committed to promoting Hindi’.

Online American courses becoming popular in China

BEIJING – Online courses from top US universities are becoming popular among young Chinese who cannot afford to go overseas to study but still want to learn.

According to the China Daily, the students can now go online for free courses from top American varsities on the Chinese website 163.com.
The open courses range from …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Online American courses becoming popular in China.

No holidays on Christmas, Easter in EU school diaries

LONDON – The European Union (EU) has been asked for a formal apology for sending millions of diaries to school, which list the dates of Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and Chinese festivals but do not mention of Christian holidays.

There is no record for Christmas, Easter or Lent – despite bureaucrats carefully listing the EU’s … Original source on Gaea Times at : No holidays on Christmas, Easter in EU school diaries.

New norms for technical institutes irk managements

CHANDIGARH – The new sets of norms announced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for setting up institutions have disappointed the managements of technical institutes.

The Punjab Unaided Technical Institution Association (PUTIA) Friday said that the new norms would only make things harder for managements of institutes and for students.
“The AICTE … Read more : New norms for technical institutes irk managements.

IGNOU to offer several culinary and catering courses

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University is all set to launch a host of degree and diploma programmes in catering, culinary arts, and food production, a varsity official said Saturday.

The courses will be offered by the university’s upcoming Institute of Culinary Arts and aspirants can enrol either in three years degree …. Source : IGNOU to offer several culinary and catering courses.

IIMC students yet to get CWG allowance

NEW DELHI – About 100 students of the city-based Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), whose services were availed of during last year’s Commonwealth Games (CWG), are still waiting for their allowances which were promised by the government.

Many students said Saturday that they had worked for the Press Information Bureau (PIB) during the Commonwealth … Read more : IIMC students yet to get CWG allowance.

Delhi schools reopen as cold wave offers respite

NEW DELHI – Schools in Delhi reopened Monday after the biting cold of earlier weeks abated somewhat, putting an end to the extended winter vacation.

The schools run by the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and private managements reopened after the government extended their closure till Jan 13 due …. Read the original article : Delhi schools reopen as cold wave offers respite.

Flashmob dance, run – Delhi’s fun ways to fight corruption

NEW DELHI – Don’t be surprised if you see a group of youngsters breaking into an impromptu jig at a mall or even at the India Gate. Students of Delhi University have planned flashmob dances and a run as novel ways to protest against corruption.

A flashmob is a group of people who assemble in …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Mother of two enrols in class 1 with her kids

ISLAMABAD – A 25-year-old woman in Pakistan enrolled in class 1 with her two children – in fulfilment of her lifelong dream to be educated.

Asma, a resident of Daudkhel in Punjab province, enrolled in the primary class with her two children in the Government Girls School in Mianwali.
When the school teacher asked …. Original article : Mother of two enrols in class 1 with her kids.

Schools reopen in Uttar Pradesh as cold abates

LUCKNOW – The schools were reopened Monday after a mini winter vacation declared due to the intense cold conditions here earlier this month.

The schools were closed following the directives of Chief Minister Mayawati.
Wearing gloves, caps, and warm clothes, students of varied age groups were back to their schools on buses, cycles and …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Schools reopen in Uttar Pradesh as cold abates.

Nepal president to visit alma mater in Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH – Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav will be chief guest at the annual convocation at his alma mater Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in February.

Yadav, 62, did his postgraduation in internal medicine in 1985 from the leading medical institute. He will attend the 31st convocation of PGIMER in the first …. Original article : Nepal president to visit alma mater in Chandigarh.

Canadian varsity to set up first India Chair

TORONTO – Canada’s Carleton University will soon have an India Chair to promote research and understanding about the emerging South Asian giant.

The Ottawa-based university will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian government Jan 24 for setting up the India Chair at its Canada-India Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and … Read more »»».

Canada to have first full-fledged India Chair

TORONTO – Canada’s Carleton University will soon have an India Chair to promote research and understanding about the emerging South Asian giant.

The Ottawa-based university signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian government Monday for setting up the India Chair at its Canada-India Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy.
After … Read : Canada to have first full-fledged India Chair.

India offers scholarships to Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR – The Indian government has offered 20 scholarships to Malaysians wanting to pursue courses in ayurveda, siddha, homeopathy and unani in India for the academic year 2011-12 and onwards.

The decision follows the visit to Malaysia of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last October.
The high commission has invited applications from Malaysian nationals who …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Things much better for Indian students in Australia: Envoy (Interview)

CHANDIGARH – With things turning out to be a “lot calmer” in recent months vis–vis Indian students in Australia, Australian High Commissioner to India Peter N. Varghese said that the safety of Indian students there is an issue that is “behind us”.

Varghese said the Australian government had taken a series of measures which had … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Things much better for Indian students in Australia: Envoy (Interview).

Mandatory test for teachers’ eligibility soon: Sibal

NEW DELHI – Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Monday said that a Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) will soon be made mandatory for teachers as the Right to Education Act is implemented.

Speaking at the meeting of central and state regulatory institutions for School education, the minister said that this test will be as …. Read the original article : Mandatory test for teachers’ eligibility soon: Sibal.

Virtual education fair hosts top foreign varsities

NEW DELHI – Eighteen top Australian universities, including five listed among the world’s top 100, are taking part in a virtual education fair here, a statement said Monday.

Hosted by IDP Education, the country’s top university placement forum for higher education in the US and Australia, the event was inaugurated Monday.
Students are chatting live … Read more : Virtual education fair hosts top foreign varsities.

Tripura not to follow new education policy yet

AGARTALA – The Left Front government in Tripura will not follow the central government’s guidelines for school admissions as the state is yet to pass the necessary laws, officials said Monday.

“The Tripura government has decided to follow the prevailing norms of lottery system for admission and the children would be admitted according to their … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tripura not to follow new education policy yet.

It’s back to school for children in the plains (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – With the sun breaking through and the days getting warmer, it was back to school for children in the national capital and neighbouring states Monday, leaving the authorities and parents now worrying about making up for the lost working days.

After an extended winter vacation resulting from the persistant cold wave …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Bangaloreans’ 48-hour run/pedal to fund education

BANGALORE – People in this tech hub have found a new way to raise funds to help educate the poor children and in the process, stay fit.

For 48 hours from 5 p.m. Friday, groups of people will run or cycle to raise at least Rs.200,000 to fund an NGO to educate the poor children … Original article on : Bangaloreans’ 48-hour run/pedal to fund education.

Sulabh founder to address Cambridge University students

LONDON – An Indian social activist campaigning for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers has been invited to interact with the students of Cambridge University.

Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of Sulabh International, will share his views on the issue of human rights and his experience while campaigning against the practice of manual scavenging in various parts … Original article on : Sulabh founder to address Cambridge University students.

Delhi plans upgrade of facilities in 400 schools

NEW DELHI – The Delhi government Wednesday said it would start work in a month on strengthening infrastructure in its 400 schools to avoid a repeat of a stampede in a school in Khajoori Khas in east Delhi in 2009 in which five students were killed.

Appearing before Delhi High Court’s division bench of Chief …. Read the original article : here.

Lovely slams schools for costly admission forms

NEW DELHI – Delhi Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely Thursday lashed out at schools which are forcing parents to buy costly forms for their children’s nursery admission.

The minister was reacting to a sting operation conducted by CNN-IBN on various public schools which showed how the institutions were fleecing parents by charging anything between …. Original source : Lovely slams schools for costly admission forms.

Cabinet approves Rs.322 crore for drug research institute

NEW DELHI – The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) Thursday approved a revised Rs.322.51 crore proposal of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for its project of setting up a world-class drug research institute at Lucknow.

The estimated cost of the project likely to be completed March 2011 has been enhanced … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cabinet approves Rs.322 crore for drug research institute.

Girls draw a blank in AMU students union poll

ALIGARH – None of the girls won when they contested for the top posts in the Aligarh Muslim University Students Union for the first time, despite women students comprising nearly half the electorate.

Asma Jawed, a research scholar in the Department of Hindi, contested for the post of president and Somya Pundhir, first-year …. Original article : Girls draw a blank in AMU students union poll.

Panjab University honour to come home to Khushwant Singh

CHANDIGARH – Noted author-journalist Khushwant Singh will be honoured by Panjab University with a D.Litt. degree at a special function at his residence in New Delhi next month, a university spokesman said Saturday.

The decision was taken by the university’s syndicate keeping his age and health in mind, the official said.
Khushwant Singh, 96, had …. Original source : Panjab University honour to come home to Khushwant Singh.

Delhi University to host Northeast Students Festival

NEW DELHI – With an avowed aim to foster a special bond with students of the northeast and make them more aware of safety measures, the Delhi University will organise a Northeast Students Festival here Monday.

S.K. Vij, dean of students welfare, Delhi University, Friday said: \”The main aim of the fest – Empowering Youth: The …. Source : Delhi University to host Northeast Students Festival.

‘Old teaching methods more suited for retaining knowledge’

LONDON – Old-fashioned ways of teaching like reciting times-tables and verb conjugations are better than trendy new teaching methods, say researchers.

Researchers believe that reciting facts shortly after learning them is better than many new-style educational methods.
The “simple recall” seems to cement the knowledge “in memory” so it is more permanently embedded … Read : ‘Old teaching methods more suited for retaining knowledge’.

China to help develop Nalanda International University: Envoy

PATNA – China will provide all possible help for the development of Nalanda International University in Bihar, Chinese envoy to India Zhang Yan said Friday during his visit to Nalanda district.

Zhang Yan, who arrived here Thursday on a two-day visit, first by a Chinese diplomat in decades, would hold discussions with the chancellor and … Read more >>>.

Afghan students promise to return to Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Nearly 60 Afghan students who fled a Cuttack university after a clash with locals have pledged to return to Orissa only if they can stay here. The authorities have accepted the condition.

The students of Ravenshaw University at Cuttack, 26 km from here, quit Orissa after a clash with local students Jan 13 … Original article on : Afghan students promise to return to Orissa.

Doctorate holder in China sells thesis to pay loan

SHANGHAI – A PhD holder in Shanghai has opened an online store to sell his thesis to pay for his mortgage.

The 30-year-old PhD holder, a full-time company employee, said he was using his “academic gift” to write essays for others in his spare time.
He earns 10,000 yuan ($1,500) to 20,000 yuan for each … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Doctorate holder in China sells thesis to pay loan.

Educational institutions closed in Jammu

JAMMU – After deporting three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to Punjab, the Omar Abdullah government Tuesday announced closure of all educational institutions in Jammu as a precaution to prevent trouble in the city and other parts of the region.

The government announced closure of all schools, colleges and universities as official agencies apprehended …. Original article : Educational institutions closed in Jammu.

Delhi University celebrates Northeast Festival

NEW DELHI – Over 500 students from the northeast interacted with police officers on the issue of security and enjoyed a colourful cultural programme as part of the Delhi University’s Northeast Festival Monday.

Organised with an aim to foster a special bond with students of the region and make them more aware of safety measures, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Delhi University celebrates Northeast Festival.

Year of India in Canada to kick off in March

TORONTO – India has unveiled year-long activities and programmes for its Year of India in Canada with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Carleton University to fund an India Chair at the university’s Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy.

The Year of India in Canada will start March 4 …. Source : Year of India in Canada to kick off in March.

Indian students of sham US varsity face deportation (Repeating for all needing)

WASHINGTON – Hundreds of Indian students, mostly from Andhra Pradesh, face the prospect of being deported from the US after a “sham” university in California was shut down for allegedly selling US visas to willing students.

The Tri-Valley University in Pleasanton, a suburb in San Francisco Bay Area, was raided Tuesday and charged with helping … Read more >>>.

Gay elements to be taught to four-year-olds in Britain

LONDON – Young children in Britain as young as four are to be taught about homosexuality in their maths, geography, science and English textbooks.

As part of a government-backed drive to “celebrate the gay community”, maths problems could be introduced that involve gay characters and in geography classes, students will be asked why homosexuals move …. Source : Gay elements to be taught to four-year-olds in Britain.

Students must get level playing field in competitiveness: President

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Tuesday said that there should be a level playing field so that students from all sections of society can attend premier institutions like Indian Institutes of Technology.

“Our endeavour should be to create a level playing field in educational competitiveness so that students from all sections of society can …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Kurup, Mahapatra among Padma awardees for education, literature

NEW DELHI – Veteran Malayalam poet O.N.V. Kurup and Oriya poet Sitakant Mahapatra are among 25 people named for the Padma honours in the field of literature and education this year.

While the two got the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour, three were awarded Padma Bhushan and 20 were given Padma Shri … Original article on : Kurup, Mahapatra among Padma awardees for education, literature.

Indian students of sham US varsity face deportation

The Tri-Valley University in Pleasanton, a suburb in San Francisco Bay Area, was raided Tuesday and charged with helping … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indian students of sham US varsity face deportation.

States responsible for implementing RTE: Sibal

NEW DELHI – As schools in the national capital have been reported not cooperating in taking students from economically weaker sections, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Tuesday said it is the state governments’ responsibility to ensure that schools implement the Right to Education Act.

Speaking at a function to mark achievements … Read more »»».

Ragging is violence, not to be tolerated: President

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Tuesday strongly condemned incidents of ragging in educational institutions, saying it is violence and should not be tolerated.

“Cases of ragging in educational institutions are also disturbing. Ragging is violence, Patil said in her address to the nation on the eve of the 62nd Republic Day. …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Ragging is violence, not to be tolerated: President.

Right to education to cover secondary schools soon: Sibal

NEW DELHI – Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal Tuesday hoped the Right to Education (RTE) act will cover secondary schools in the coming years.

In the coming five years similar rights will cover secondary education, Sibal said while addressing a function organised by the ministry and UNICEF.
He said the act …. Source : Right to education to cover secondary schools soon: Sibal.

Have resigned, but not under pressure: Deoband vice chancellor

DEOBAND – Drawing flak for his alleged praise of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Deoband Islamic seminary’s vice chancellor Maulana Mohammad Ghulam Vastanvi Wednesday said he has quit but not under any pressure. He also alleged that it was a “conspiracy” against him.

“I have resigned from the post…I don’t want there should be any … Read more >>.

University Of Kashmir VC Awarded Padmashri

KASHMIR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Riyaz Punjabi the Vice Chancellor of University of Kashmir has been conferred the coveted Padma Shri award on this Republic Day. The VC said in a speech that he got his inspiration from visionaries like Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru. He said “I dedicate this award to the great minds of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : University Of Kashmir VC Awarded Padmashri.

Vedanta University: Apex court orders status quo

NEW DELHI – The Vedanta University project in the holy city of Puri in Orissa will continue to remain stalled as the Supreme Court Friday ordered status quo in respect of land acquired or sought to be acquired for the varsity.

An apex court bench of Justice D.K. Jain and Justice H.L. Dattu ordered status … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vedanta University: Apex court orders status quo.

US Opens \’American Corner\’ in Jaffna

COLOMBO – The US embassy has opened an \’American Corner in Jaffna in Sri Lanka\’s north to broaden educational opportunities and improve IT and English language skills in the Tamil heartland.

US ambassador Patricia A. Butenis declared open the American Corner Tuesday. This is the third such centre in the country after Kandy, Oluvil and Colombo.
…. Original article : US Opens \’American Corner\’ in Jaffna.

JNTU, Synopsis to launch new software design programme

HYDERABAD – Synopsys, the US-headquartered world leader in software designing, and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in Hyderabad Friday signed an agreement to establish microelectronics programme at the JNTU.

The programme is aimed at training local talent and providing highly skilled specialists that can address the complex design requirements of semiconductor industry companies, an official … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : JNTU, Synopsis to launch new software design programme.

Andhra seeks help for students stuck in US

HYDERABAD – With many students from Andhra Pradesh facing the possibility of being deported from the United States following the closure of Tri-Valley University, the state government Friday urged the Indian government to take up the issue with the US authorities.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has requested the ministry of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Andhra seeks help for students stuck in US.

Indian students of ’sham’ US varsity launch petition campaign

WASHINGTON – Facing the prospect of deportation following the closure of a “sham” university in California, hundreds of its Indian students have launched a campaign to seek help from the US authorities.

Indians, mostly from Andhra Pradesh, make up about 95 percent of students of Tri-Valley University in the Silicon Valley, which was shut …. Source : Indian students of ’sham’ US varsity launch petition campaign.

After 33 years, it’s ‘homecoming’ for Nepal president

KOLKATA – It was a trip down the memory lane for Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav who on Friday returned to the city where he had taken his medical science lessons 33 years ago.

Attending the 177th Foundation Day of the Calcutta Medical College, from where he had obtained his MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine …. Read the original article : After 33 years, it’s ‘homecoming’ for Nepal president.

NCC strength to grow to 15 lakh: Prime Minister

NEW DELHI – The National Cadet Corps (NCC), India’s tri-services movement to groom school and college students into disciplined citizens, will grow in strength by two lakh and touch the 15-lakh mark soon, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Friday.

“I am very happy to inform you that in recognition of the good work done [..] Read the original article: here.

IBAB, IGNOU announce new masters course in science

NEW DELHI – In a new venture, the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) Friday announced it was collaborating with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for a science discipline course.

The programme, masters in bioinformatics and biotechnology, will be a regular course the IBAB campus in Bangalore and students with bachelors degree … Read : IBAB, IGNOU announce new masters course in science.

Students’ strike hits medical college hospitals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Normal functioning at the five medical college hospitals in Kerala continued to be hit for the fourth day Friday as post-graduate students have struck work, demanding a stipend hike and fee reduction.

The strike called by Kerala Medical Post Graduates’ Association turned more serious after the house surgeons also joined it Thursday.
In …. Read the original article : here.

US move of tagging Indian students unacceptable: Krishna

BANGALORE – India Sunday slammed the US authorities for tagging some Indian students duped by a ’sham university in California.

The way some of the students have been treated by authorities is unacceptable, Krishna told reporters here.
In the opinion of the government of India the developments were unavoidable and adding insult to injury, he …. Source article on Gaea Times at : US move of tagging Indian students unacceptable: Krishna.