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EDITORIAL
+Executive Team Editor in Chief Varun Gupta Special Correspondent Vinayaka Correspondent Gurdev Singh Saini (+91-98763-23965) Bureau Offices Madhya Pradesh Mr. Pramod Maheshwari (09165719419) Chandigarh Mr. Mohit Walia (08533022222) Gujarat Mr. Pankaj Sanghavi (09033776462) Punjab Mr. Gurudev Singh Saini (09876323965) Haryana Mr. R.K. Arora (09416805995) Executive Team Ganga Saini (+91-98151-95214) Gurmit Kaur Saini (+91-98761-13965) Harjit Singh (+91-82838-26965) Vikas Sood (+91-76960-23456) Design & Layout Sonu Rawat Editorial Team can be contacted at: A-3/22, Khichri Pur, Delhi-110091 08130303330/ 08588844161
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PJ Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th president, passed away on Monday. In the flurry of tributes that followed, it was relevant that he was most often described as a scientist first and politician second. Though he rose from humble beginnings to become India’s head of state, Abdul Kalam’s initial calling was elsewhere. For 40 years before he entered public life, Abdul Kalam was a scientist, working first in defence research before moving on to India’s space programme. He was popularly known as the father of the country’s missile programme, but Abdul Kalam also made breakthroughs in other areas – notably using what he learnt from rocket technology to create a low-cost coronary stent. Abdul Kalam liked to boast that he was “made in India”, because he received all his scientific training in the country. And he was an inspiration in many ways: what Abdul Kalam represented was the best of what India is and can be. For starters, he was a scientist fascinated by classical poetry and traditional Indian music. He was a Muslim in a country that too often today celebrates only one of its many religious traditions, and he was a fierce patriot who contributed to India’s security. He was a self-made, ascetic politician at a time when too many Indians believe their political class is corrupt and hereditary. Most of all, he was a patrician from humble beginnings who never forgot his own past, nor the grand history of his country. Abdul Kalam’s life, then, gave the lie to many myths that have been allowed to grow up about India, not least by a political class to whom he was an outsider. The idea that India belongs to only one religious tradition, that politics is the domain only of an elite or career politicians, that those who reach high status strive only for themselves. These are pernicious myths about a great country, and Abdul Kalam embodied their rejection. He died giving a lecture, still tirelessly talking at 83. He will be missed by many Indians because of who he was; he will be missed by many more because of what he represented.
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Varun Gupta
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Education Connect
Did Politicians Interfere in UGC Appointment?
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Parliamentarian Somnath Chatterjee’s letter to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recommending the appointment as Prof Ved Prakash as UGC chairman.
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hy did Somnath Chatterjee, former Lok Sabha speaker, write a letter to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2011 and request him to appoint Prof Ved Prakash as the chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC)? A copy of the letter, which is in the possession of HT Education, heaps praise on Prof Prakash and says, “I am enclosing a copy of his CV for your kind information and consideration.
“There was no (interference) nor there could be any question of interference, least political. I was never in such position. It was a bonafide suggestion,without any question of compulsion or breach of rules,” he says.
The then minister of corporate affairs, Dr M Veerappa Moily, had also written to former PM Singh in April 2012 and questioned the objectivity of the search-cumselect committee set up for the I am sure that you will please UGC chairman’s appointment. take such decision as you think fit and proper. I have no doubt The panel comprised of Prof about his potential to steer Goverdhan Mehta, who was naclear the future of the UGC.” tional research professor at Hyderabad University, K Srikanth Reddy, Prof Prakash was appointed president, Public Health Foundation UGC chairman on January 18, of India, and NR Madhava Me2013. When asked by HT Educa- non, former head of the National tion to comment on the matter, Law School University, Bangalore. Chatterjee now denies he had interfered in the selection process. Referring to Prof Pankaj Chandra and Prof Seyed E Hanain, two candiPage No: 4
dates nominated by the search committee for the UGC position, Moily’s letter said: “The UGC is expected to handle Rs 16,000 to Rs. 20,000 crore per annum and it has a say in the appointment of vice chancellors. Hence, it is not expected that the appointment of UGC chairman should be influenced by other extraneous criteria. The search committee should have worked with transparency and objectivity. The general opinion is that it has not objectively discharged its duty... one of the two (selected) had been vice chancellor of Hyderabad University and a CVC enquiry has been referred to the HRD ministry and is pending. Yet another person has never been part of the university system.” Three more names were later added to the list of nominations, including that of Prof Ved Prakash.
www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
Education Connect
Panjab University finally gets UGC’s Rs 150-cr grant
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handigarh: Panjab University (PU) on Monday finally received the long-awaited grant of Rs 150 crore from the University Grants Commission (UGC). The university authorities have also been assured release of pending arrears of dearness allowance (DA) of employees and pensioners. The financial crisis had led the university to divert funds from other heads to pay salaries to the staff. However, their arrears were not released. “It is indeed a relief as I was spending too much time following the matter ,” said PU vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Grover.
tion of that process,” said Grover. previous years, the university never received money earlier than August. A complaint was made by the Source said the non-planned ABVP against the university alhas been anticipatleging misappropriation of funds deficit after which the grants were re- ed to be around Rs 240 crore. portedly stopped. The VC said the allegation did not hold water. For the last financial year, the university had received Rs 143 crore in “Release of money is without any August 2014 while in the last and curlinkage to the fact-finding. It means rent financial year it received Rs 20 that the government has not taken crore from the state, which is given those complaints on face value. Some in installments throughout the year. reforms were needed like double enThe VC had met MHRD officials try system in accounts, recruitment of temporary employees in hostel- on October 10 to discuss the release was not done in a centralized way of grants. Another meeting was held on October 21 when PU registrar, and income from hostels was dean student welfare and the finance not being showed in the an- development officer had met the nual documents of the uni- UGC officials and were assured that versity. We have introduced the first part of the installment of Rs those reforms,” added Grover. 50 crore would be released soon.
The VC and other university officials had been regularly meeting the ministry of human resource devel“This delay was totally unwaropment (MHRD) and UGC officials. ranted and the pressure that differMoreover, a meeting of the Think ent stakeholders created has actually Tank paved way for the release of grant. There has been pending liabilities of would be held on Tuesday to around Rs 140 crore,” said Panjab discuss on the future course of ac- University Teachers’ Association tion. “We have just started the pro- (PUTA) president Akshaya Kumar. cess of understanding as to how we are going to meet our needs. The Terming it as a five-month delay next meeting will be in continua- from the last year, Grover said in the
The fact-finding committee formed by the UGC to look into PU accounts had submitted a report and the varsity’s functioning was found out to be satisfactory in the October 21 meeting. Assurances were followed in December that the grants would be released soon.
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Education Connect
Indian students
in UK: The downward spiral since Cameron took office
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Education Connect
Indian students in UK: The downward spiral 39090 38500
29900
22385 19750 18230
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
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he downward spiral in the number of Indian students coming to the UK after the David Cameron government assumed office in 2010 has continued, with the US for the first time overtaking India as the secondlargest source country after China. The latest figures of the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveal that in the list of first year enrolments, the US accounted for more students than India during 2014-15. China continued to send the largest contingent of students to British institutions. Overall, there is now 50-plus per cent drop of Indian students: from 38,500 in 2009-10 (before the Cameron government came to power), Page No: 8
to 18,230 in 2014-15. Compared to 2013-14, there was a drop of 7% in Indian student numbers in 2014-15.
closed hundreds of bogus institutions that were sponsoring Indian and other non-EU students, and refused a strong demand from Scotland to reFor first year student enrolments, introduce the post-study work visa. the figures show China accounted for 58,845 students, the US for Cameron told the House of Com10,205 and India for 10,125. Ex- mons on Wednesday that Britain cept for institutions in Scotland, the continued to have a “world-beatIndia drop is visible across Eng- ing” offer for international students: land, Wales and Northern Ireland. “The clarity of our offer is worldReasons for dwindling Indian beating. Frankly, there are lots of student numbers include closure of people in our country desperate for the post-study work visa, negative jobs...We don’t need the brightest perceptions about Britain among and best of students to come here Indian students, a growing higher and then do menial jobs. That’s not education sector in India and bet- what our immigration system is for.” ter offers from countries such as the US, Australia and Canada. Julia Goodfellow, president of Universities UK and vice-chancelThe Cameron government has lor of the University of Kent, told www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
Education Connect Hindustan Times, “While overall international student numbers remained solid, the number of new non-EU domicile entrants fell by 3%. Significantly, there were more first year students from the US than from India coming to the UK.” She added: “In comparison, the number of Indian students enroll-
ing in the US increased by 29% this migration rules are “proportionate year, and similar levels of growth and communicated appropriately”. are being reported in Australia. We could be doing better than this.” “We would also like to see enhanced opportunities for qualified Goodfellow said it is essential for international (non-EU) graduates to the British government to present stay in the UK for a period to gain a “welcoming climate for genuine professional experience and coninternational students and academ- tribute to the economy,” she said. ics” and to ensure that visa and im-
www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
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AUTONOMOUS TEACHERS ARE HAPPIER TEACHERS RESEARCH FINDS
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Education Connect
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eachers who feel in control of their working lives are significantly happier than those whose headteachers allow them little autonomy, research shows. But it is equally important not to empower teachers so much that they end up overburdened, argues the author of the study, Candy Whittome of Birkbeck, University of London. “A little bit doesn’t do very much,” she said. “The right amount is perfect. And too much is too much. It’s exactly like Goldilocks.” Ms Whittome surveyed more than 27,000 teachers from 667 primary and secondary schools. Her findings were presented at a debate on recruitment and retention, hosted last night by the Education Support Partnership (formerly the Teacher Support Network). She found that teachers who were given organisational autonomy – the ability to make decisions within school – were significantly who were not given similar supless likely to be stressed at work port. Among primary teachers, than those who were not permit- this figure was 22.2 per cent. ted similar levels of freedom. “It’s ‘I feel my contribution is valued’ or ‘I feel supported by my In primary schools, teachers allowed organisational au- line manager’,” Ms Whittome said. tonomy experienced 12.7 per cent “They feel supported not just in the less strain than those who were work they do, but as human beings.” not. Among secondary teachers, This was echoed by Julian this figure rose to 14.5 per cent. Stanley, chief executive of EdSupport Partnership. However, when teachers were ucation supported by headteachers and “The more you’re involved school leaders who were keen to emin creating something, the more power their staff, the levels of workplace stress dropped even more. you’re likely to take some ownership of it,” he said. “We have Secondary teachers supported to give people space to lead. by their heads felt 20.8 per cent “Staff engagement is often seen less workplace stress than those
as a fluffy thing, in addition to how an institution operates. But the most inspiring schools recognise that it’s the people in the classroom who need to participate the most.” But, like Ms Whittome, Mr Stanley points out that there is a fine line between empowering staff and overburdening them. “If you want people to participate in improving the quality of education, then you need to give them the time and space to do it,” he said. Want to keep up with the latest education news and opinion? Follow TES on Twitter and like TES on Facebook
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DELHI PRIVATE SCHOOLS BEGIN TOEING AAP
GOVERNMENT LINE ON MANAGEMENT QUOTA
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ew Delhi: While private school associations are undecided about their stand after the Delhi government’s move to scrap management quota in nursery admissions, some schools have started toeing the line and have updated their admission criteria. Queens’ Valley School, Dwarka which had earlier reserved 20 per cent seats under the manageing institutions that they would be ment quota, has now merged the taken over by education department seats under general category. if they fail to implement the order. BGS, International School, The Action Committee for UnDwarka has also made certain amendaided Private Schools of which ments in its criteria announced earlier. 400 reputed schools are members, has sought legal opinion to decide Similarly, Mount Abu School, their next move. The committee had Rohini, which had earlier divided the moved Delhi high court in 2014 after general category seats as — 20 per lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung had cent sibling quota, 20 per cent mannotified the scrapping of quota then. agement quota and 35 pc open seats, has now removed all the criterion. A single bench had then granted autonomy to the Scrapping 32 per cent manageschools to decide the quotas. ment quota, Sachdeva School, has also updated its criteria in its three The government had challenged branches in Pitampura, Rohini and the judgment seeking a stay before Sachdeva Global School, Dwarka. a division bench, but the matter is still pending. A hearing in the matPP International School, Pitamputer will come up on January 21. ra has also followed the same move. The panel’s legal cell is meeting Indraprastha International School, tomorrow to decide on its strategy, Dwarka and Paschim Vihar, have whether to wait for the court ruling also notified their new criteria after or file a contempt of court petition removing the management quota. against the government’s announcement as the matter is still sub-judice. However, they have reserved 20 per cent seats each under the quota Besides scrapping the managefor siblings, alumni and staff ward. ment quota, the government has also scrapped 62 “arbitrary and In a far-reaching decision, the discriminatory” criteria listed government had last week scrapped by the schools on their websites management quota and all other for admissions and only 25 per reservations except the EWS catcent quota for the economically egory in private schools for nursery weaker section (EWS) will stay. admissions and warned that errwww.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
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Education Connect
Study material for higher education will be soon available free on App, Smriti Irani says
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ucknow: Union HRD minister Smriti Irani announced on Sunday that higher education course material will soon be made availShe said that 1,200 additional able free to students through educational modules would be mobile app and other sources. prepared and efforts would be “ NCERT books have been made to provide free access to made available free to students all books through a mobile app. through e-pathshala and mobile The minister suggested that the apps. From next month, similar efforts will be made in higher educa- university should take steps to tion,” Irani said on the 20th Foun- adopt 10 villages under “Unnat dation Day of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Bharat” campaign by next year. The university has as of now adAmbedkar University here. Page No: 14
opted five villages. She urged the students to pursue education not just for a career, but also ponder over their contribution towards the country. Lok Sabha MP Anju Bala, former BJP MP Lalji Tandon and vice-chancellor RC Sobti were present on the occasion.
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Mumbaiborn girl, 11, gets top Mensa score
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ondon: 11-year-old Indian-origin girl in the UK has achieved the top possible score of 162 on a IQ test of Mensa, becoming one of the youngest brainiest students in the country Mumbai-born Kashmea Wahi achieved 162 out of 162, which put her in the top one per cent of the country’s brightest. The score also puts her in the league of scientists Albert Einstein and Steven Hawking as both are thought to have an IQ of 160. “It’s overwhelming to be compared with the ikes of Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein he
comparison is implausible and I believe it would take loads of achievements for anyone like myself to be able to get into the league of such legends. Anyways, I am buzzing with excitement,” Kashmea said.
Education Connect
hension through passages of texts, while the maximum score that can be achieved is 161 for adults, and 162 for under-18s.
Kashmea felt it would be a good way to convince her parents to Daughter of IT management get off her case for not being burconsultants Vikas and Pooja Wahi, ied in her books for long hours. Kashmea took the test to prove a point to her parents. The Cat“We are ecstatic at Kashmea’s tell III B Mensa test is a well- Mensa achievement. Although we known international evaluation always believed she had the inprocess and Kashmea stumbled tellectual prowess, the acknowlupon it while browsing her iPad. edgement is reassuring that she does possess the ability , the enCattell III B has 150 ques- ergy which if well channelised, tions, often assessing compre- can lead to something wonderful,” www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
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Kerala becomes first state in India to achieve 100 percent primary education
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erala has become the first Indian state to achieve 100 percent primary education. The Vice-President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari has officially declared the 100 per cent primary education status achieved by Kerala. According to the daily newspapers, Education Minister of Kerala, P K Abdu Rabb said, “Kerala has become the first state in the country to achieve primary education. This has been achieved through the primary education equivalency drive of the state literacy mission - Athulyam.
Those aged between 15 and 50 years were beneficiaries of the programme and were identified through family registries prepared by anganwadis under the social justice department. Further in a report, around 2.6 lakh candidates appeared for the fourth standard equivalency examination in June 2015 and 2.2 lakh candidates passed. The equivalency exam was conducted in 6,613 centres across the state and those who scored 30/75 in English and 20/50 in other subjects were declared winners.
The significance of education in The equivalency programmes Kerala is indicated by the state’s have proved a huge success and the ranking as the most literate in the ultimate objective is to achieve to- country. Schools and colleges are tal plus-two education in the state.� mostly administered by the government, private trusts, or individuals. In the second phase of this programme, the students who have not Each school is associated with received primary education or who either the Indian Certificate of failed to get primary education due Secondary Education (ICSE), to several reasons will be recognised the Central Board for Secondary and these students will be provided Education (CBSE), Kerala State classes to achieve the education. Education Board or the (NIOS). Page No: 16
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Smriti Irani Inaugurates
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New Delhi
World Book Fair
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D L R WO K BOO FA I R
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EW DELHI, JAN 9: Human Resource Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday inaugurated the 43rd edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair which commenced here with China as the guest of honour country and a theme presentation of the cultural heritage of India. The nine-day fair, touted as the largest in Asia, is hosting about 30 countries in which a series of programmes including panel discussions, dramas, classical and folk dances, workshops, discussions, authors’ meets, conferences, seminars and cultural programmes will be held. Talking about the Chinese participation, Irani said, “I believe that 50 publishing houses and 9 eminent authors bring with them to this World Book Fair around 5,000 titles so that through this exchange our people across both nations can be enriched.” China was invited to be the guest country after the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping here last year where he signed a mem-
orandum of understanding with role in cementing the friendPrime Minister Narendra Modi. ship between people and promoting cultural exchanges be“During the visit of President tween the two countries,” he said. Xi Jinping an MoU was signed with China’s role in WBF and I This year the fair has introduced am happy to note that promise that a special ‘Navlekhan’ programme we made through paper has fructi- which seeks to promote and pubfied in person,” the minister said. lish young authors under the age of 40 writing in Indian languages. Referring to the growth of publishing business in both the Referring to the same Irani said, countries the minister said, “To- while this year they are being pubday we celebrate the exponential lished in 6 regional languages by growth of the publishing busi- next year she assured that books in ness both in India and China.” 22 languages recognised by the Constitution of India will be published. Emphasising on the importance of publishing exchanges Tickets to the fair, which is being between China and India, Sun held at the sprawling Pragati MaidShoushan, Vice Minister SAP- an, will be priced at Rs. 20 and sold PRFT said, “As one of the key in- from 9 AM till 5 PM at 47 stations ternational book fairs the NDWBF of the Delhi Metro network from has set up an important platform January 9-17. Schoolchildren and for cultural exchanges of Indian disabled are permitted free entry. classic and contemporary works which is now going on smoothly.” “I am happy to know that this WBF gives free invite and en“The important publishing ex- try to children in school unichanges between China and In- form, senior citizens and physidia have played an important cally challenged,” Irani said. www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
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Now, UGC bats for credit system
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OLHAPUR: The University Grants Commission (UGC) in its latest letter to the vice-chancellors of the universities has batted for the uniform implementation of Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) in the academics.
The adaptation of the CBCS across the universities would ensure seamless mobility of students as well as transfer and mutual recognition of credits across the higher education institutions in the country. Since the assessment and evaluation of students will be based on credits earned which can be transferred, it would be of great value to the students in the event they need to seek migration from one institution to other, it said.
In the letter on December 22, it stated that as many as 107 undergraduate (UG) courses have been included with a changed template. The implementation of the CBCS will make as much as 70% courses uniform across The Shivaji University director the universities in the country. board of colleges and university development (BCUD) D R More, earA significant feature of CBCS is lier while speaking to TOI had said that all courses need not carry the that the university is committed to same weight. The courses are de- bring the CBCS in the colleges from fined in terms of learning objectives the academic year 2016-17 and that and focus more on intended learning the necessary approvals have already outcomes. The hall mark of CBCS been taken from the board of studies. is the flexibility in the course offerings which include core, elective He had added that the CBCS proand foundation courses, it added. vides flexible learning approach for a student and under CBCS, a student It further said that the CBCS has can take interdisciplinary subjects already been included in the curric- along with their regular courses. ulum of different subjects followed in central universities both at unShivaji University has a creddergraduate and postgraduate levels it-based grading system where a from the academic session 2015-16. fixed number of credits are allotPage No: 20
ted per subject in a semester. The university moved to the credit system two years ago, More had said. Notably, the SUK has as many as 282 affiliated colleges across Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts with over 3 lakh studying for various courses. The move according to the officials will bring transparency as well as much needed advancement to the education system in the division. *Students will be able to opt for courses of their choice and pursue skills to enhance their employability *CBCS provides flexible learning approach for a student and under CBCS, a student can take interdisciplinary subjects along with their regular courses. *For instance, an undergraduate student of science can choose to study subjects from either arts or commerce streams if he wishes *The adaptation of the CBCS across the universities would ensure seamless mobility of students as well as transfer and mutual recognition of credits across the higher education institutions in the country.
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Education Connect
University admissions to be fully online: UGC
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uwahati: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all central universities funded by it to shift to an online-only admission system from the coming academic session so that students from the northeast can apply without having to keep travelling back and forth.
UGC chairman Ved Prakash said Often, documents submitted online the move to shift to an online-only do not reach the universities due admission system would help stu- to technical problems, they added. dents and parents make informed choices ahead of the admissions. “Admissions should fully go online,” a UGC official said. Sources said that while many central universities in the north“You will agree that this will east have already adopted the on- not only ensure greater efficienline admission system, the complete cy but promote transparency in In a recent directive issued to elimination of offline processes the functioning of the instituvice-chancellors of central varsities, would cause some problems here. tions,” Prakash’s directive said. www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
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Education Connect
State VCs unhappy with UGC’s ranking system
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engaluru: Educationists and vice-chancellors of universities in the state are unhappy with the UGC’s new system of ranking all institutions, including engineering, medical, pharmacy and architecture colleges/universities, through the National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF).
The new ranking system has left some new universities worried. Meena Rajiv Chandawkar, VC of Karnataka State Women’s University (KSWU), Vijayapura, said every university wants to get a good rank, but some may lag in one area, like research, due to lack of funds.
from each institution and should do the ranking properly. Evaluation of ranking should be done every year, but we don’t know whether they have the capacity to do it,” he pointed out.
As many as 667 universities and around 60,000 colleges in the country have to provide details “If NIRF considers this and pro- for ranking within a few months. H Maheshappa, vice-chancellor vides a poor ranking to such univerof Visvesvaraya Technological Uni- sities, it is not justifiable. It will demoS Sadagopan, director of IIITversity, said the system of rating is tivate the universities. Poor ranking Bangalore, said, “One of the mistakes already messed up with institutions will lead to less funds for universi- in this country is that some things getting different ratings from dif- ties from funding agencies,” she said are done in a half-hearted manner. ferent agencies, and the new system would create more confusion. GK Prabhu, director of Manipal One has to go slowly while rankInstitute of Technology (MIT), wel- ing institutions. All these jobs takes “Instead of having multiple reg- comed the new initiative but said around 10 years to evolve, because ulatory bodies, the government providing all the details for rank- there are chances of bad colleges should either have one of its own reg- ing in a short period is very diffi- ending up getting top rankings. ulatory bodies or one private agency cult. “Before announcing the rank- Rank should not be a stamp for an to rank the institutions,” he said. ing, they have to collect all the data institution; it has to be a magnet.” Page No: 22
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High Court breather to Annamalai University
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n a breather to Annamalai University and students from other States pursuing distance education, the Madras High Court on Monday stayed a recent order of the University Grants Commission (UGC), which cancelled its recognition to varsity’s distance education programmes from 2015-16. Hearing a plea by the varsity’s Registrar (In-charge) K. Arumugam, challenging the UGC’s order, Justice M.M. Sundresh granted an interim stay and further
ordered issuing of notice to au- an appeal by the UGC against the thorities returnable by eight weeks. order, held that all the admissions made in distance education outside The UGC had in August 2012 in- the State would be subject to the fiformed Annamalai University that nal decision of the pending appeal, the territorial jurisdiction of State Mr. Arumugam stated in his plea. Universities, both private and government, for offering programmes While so, a news item published distance mode cannot go beyond the in the media earlier this month statboundaries of the respective States. ed that the recognition to 31 universities across the country, including Though a single judge of the High Annamalai University, was cancelled Court set aside the UGC’s direction for not accepting the conditions laid in 2013, after the university moved down by the UGC and hence the plea. it, a Division Bench, while hearing www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
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Education Connect
Madras High Court stays UGC order on Periyar University
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hennai: The Madras high court has stayed an order of University Grants Commission and Distance Education Centre preventing Periyar University, Salem, from offering distance education programmes. Justice M.M. Sundresh, before which a petition filed by Periyar University came up for hearing, passed the interiim order. In the petition, the university said it started correspondence courses from 2001-
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02. Under the distance education mode, the varsity has been offering 150 diploma, certificate, UG and PG courses in humanities, arts and sciences. The varsity has been recognised by UGC in 1998 and conferred with 12-B status in 2005. National Assessment and Accreditation Council had conferred the varsity with A-Grade.
distance education programmes from 2001-02. In a communication to the university in August this year, the DEC had not granted institutional approval to Periyar University for its distance education programmes. The UGC has also prevented the university from admitting any student for programmes under Open/Distance Learning during 2015-16. Petitioner’s counThe Distance Education Coun- sel R. Suresh Kumar submitted that cil granted provisional approval the order was illegal as no opporto Periyar University to conduct tunity was given to the university.
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Education Connect
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www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
CoffeeConnect
Coffee cuts Cancer risk?
ship between people and promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries,” he said. This year the fair has introduced a special ‘Navlekhan’ programme which seeks to promote and publish young authors under the age of 40 writing in Indian languages. Referring to the same Irani said, while this year they are being published in 6 regional languages by next year she assured that books in 22 languages recognised by the Constitution of India will be published. Tickets to the fair, which is being held at the sprawling Pragati Maidan, will be priced at Rs. 20 and sold from 9 AM till 5 PM at 47 stations of the Delhi Metro network from January 9-17. Schoolchildren and disabled are permitted free entry. “I am happy to know that this WBF gives free invite and entry to children in school uniform, senior citizens and physically challenged,” Irani said.
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or most of us, cutting down on our daily coffee intake is the first step when we want to cut down on calories or cleanse our system. However, as per a new study, drinking coffee may not be as bad or unhealthy as we deem it to be. A study conducted at the Imperial College London revealed that women who drink at least four cups of coffee every day had about 18 - 20 per cent reduced risk of getting endometrial cancer. Researchers studied coffee drinking patterns of more than 4,56,000 women and also used data from two large ongoing Biomarkers studies. The finding was published in Cancer Epidemiology & Prevention.
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7 Foods for
Healthy
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Make 2015 a healthier year with Health Tuesdays with Femina where nutritionist and weight optimisation specialist Kavita Devgan will help you with tips to achieve all your health and fitness goals. You can also comment below and let us know the issues that you think should be discussed under Health Tuesdays with Femina.
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Hair
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o look gorgeous on the outside, you have to nourish your body from the inside, which means eating lots of the good stuff.
In fact the most effective way to achieve healthy hair is not through a laundry list of haircare products but by changing what you put on your plate. Every cell in the human body needs dozens and dozens of nutrients, so it makes good beauty sense to “load up” foods loaded with antioxidants - the cellular warriors that’ll help you score healthy looking hair. Here are a few items you should start eating, starting now! Page No: 28
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Healthy Connect Go nuts for thick, shiny hair: Brazil nuts are one of nature’s best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that help condition your hair - from inside. Nuts (cashews, pecans, and almonds) are also a terrific source of zinc. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure to eat a mix of nuts every day.
Zinc love: Oysters are better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they are great for our hair too. The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc - a powerful antioxidant. You can get your zinc via wheat germ and pumpkin seeds too. So sprinkle them liberally on your cereal.
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp. Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you’d be wise to snack on baby carrots or simply shred them and add to soups and salads.
Eggs to the rescue: When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn’t matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or boiled. Eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find. They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important ‘hair’ nutrients.
whole grains Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, another important mineral for hair growth.
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Hair Connect
Save your hair. have soy!
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We’ve known for a while that zinc helps hair and that why you are advised to have wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and even oysters. You also know that omega 3 is a wonderful happy hair nutrient, as it helps condition the scalp from within. Also that vitamins: A, biotin and B 12 are holy grail for shiny, good looking shafts. But the super food in this list that you probably don’t know about is Soy.
esearch reveals that consuming soy milk and other soy products could actually help reduce hair loss. Yes, a solution available right there in your pantry, and every supermarket shelf. And although soy is not a magic bullet – it’s not as if you’ll go to sleep with sparse hair and get up with flowing hair – but eating soy products studies show clearly that not only strengthens the hair but also helps it to grow. That’s because soy pro-tein helps to improve your hair’s ability to retain moisture and isoflavones in it help prevent hair loss. Listen in future Rapunzels. Chomp it cues Agreed soy can be a bit of an acquired taste but it’s worth a try for the benefits. If you are wondering how to incorporate it in your daily diet, try these suggestions: Mix 2 large bananas, 2 cups chocolate soy milk and 1/4-cup soy nut butter in a blender until thoroughly smooth. Refrigerate and shake well before serving. Combine mustard, honey, vinegar, turmeric, onion powder, celery seed and pepper in a small dish. Pour over crumbled tofu and mash together well. Add the celery and green pepper and mix well. Let it chill for a few hours to blend the flavours well. Or try the tofu ice-cream - Blend 16 0z soft tofu, 1 cup soy milk, half cup vegetable oil, one fourth cup cocoa, 1 tbsp vanilla essence and 1/8th tsp salt with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Freeze for a yummy, if a little unusual ice cream. Hot tip> replace milk with soy milk when you make soups – try with tomato, mushroom and carrot soup – the flavour blends well. Page No: 30
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Hair Connect
What you always knew? Soy is a low-carbohydrate source of high quality protein that gives satiety (meaning your appetite stays satisfied for longer and cravings are re-duced); it also stabilises blood sugars, which in turn helps balance the hormones that influence weight gain. Research also suggests that consum-ing soy protein may help protect bones from becoming weak and brittle and its antioxidants give it anti cancer properties too. Also there are some re-ports out about the heart health benefits it bestows. A complete win win, wouldn’t you agree!
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DON’T try Page No: 32
these food Combos www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
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ow here’s a personal question: Do you frequently suffer from bloating, gas and other digestion-related problems? It is possible that it’s not you, it’s the palak paneer. Eaten in certain combinations, these foods can get up to all kinds of mischief. We identify the guilty couples.
Our culture determines food pairings and some are clear winners. Milk with dates, rice with coconut, and curd with pulses complement each other perfectly and together they bump up the overall nutrition quotient of the meal. But not everything culture—or taste—dictates actually works for your body. Combinations like cottage cheese and spinach, beans and cheese, and yogurt and fruits, used commonly in Mexican and Indian cooking, can get in the way of efficient digestion. Scan our list of culprits to zero in on what’s making you feel less than sexy after a meal.
MANGO AND CUCUMBER Suman Agarwal, nutritionist, Selfcare, Mumbai, says, “Mango being a fruit and cucumber being a vegetable require different digestive enzymes that tend to neutralise each other. In this process, they can cause gas and bloating.” As long as they’re not part of the same meal, you can enjoy both this season. DAIRY PRODUCTS AND SPINACH Does the thought of palak paneer make your mouth water? But it’s best to eat them separately. Suman says, “Spinach contains oxalic acid that prevents the body from absorbing calcium.” Next time try pairing spinach with lentils and mushroom, and cottage cheese with peas.
MILK AND PULSES Baked beans with cereal and milk—this breakfast staple is not your friend. Suman says, “When milk is combined with pulses it hampers the digestion procedure and can lead to gas.” Switch milk with curd for a serving of gut-friendly probiotics that help break down food properly. YOGURT AND SOUR FRUITS While yogurt and fruits are both healthy in their own way, they don’t work as a team. Manisha Arora, head nutritionist, Three Graces, Delhi, says, “Combining sour fruits like kiwi and orange with yogurt diminishes the digestive fire in the gut.” To combat this, mix sour fruits with yogurt at room temperature and add a dash of cinnamon or honey to add warmth and keep your digestive system working like it should. MILK AND ANTIBIOTICS Taking antibiotics along with a glass of milk is a common practice, but not a good idea. Manisha explains, “For antibiotics to be effective they must be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and make their way into the blood stream. Dairy products are rich in calcium that binds with the antibiotic and prevents its absorption in the gut, making the medicine ineffective. FIZZY DRINKS WITH FOOD Taranjeet Kaur, senior nutritionist, AktivOrtho, Delhi, says, “Carbonated drinks shock the digestive system, slowing down the digestive process and causing gas and bloating.” Replace your fizzy drinks with buttermilk or coconut water at meal times.
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Education Connect
Ministry of Higher Education UAE signs MoU to Sponsor Scholarship Students gious international higher education institutions represents one of the Ministry’s strategies to contribute to the efficiency and quality of
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n response to the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research to take all actions and conduct partnerships with relevant authorities in the state, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Petroleum Construction Company on sponsoring students in all engineering specialties. The aim of cooperation to prepare national cadres to support the requirements and needs of the labour market in various sectors and areas to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 and to contribute to m a k e the UAE, one o f the best international countries.
higher education in the state and develop the potential of professional and human capabilities of society to achieve sustainable development. The MoU was signed on behalf of the Ministry by Yomna Badwah Assistant UnderSecretary for Higher Education and Scientific Research Affairs and on behalf of the NPCC by Aqeel Abdulla Madhi Chief Executive Officer of the company. According to the Memorandum the Ministry allocates a number of scholarships to Emirati students annually starting from the academic year 2016-2017 to complete their university education in the study of Civil Mechanical Electrical and Chemical Engineering depending on the conditions and criteria of scholarships. The company seeks to hire them after their graduation and obtaining their degrees according to the applicable conditions of employment in the company.
Scholarships from the Ministry for Emirati students to study at prestiPage No: 34
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Education Connect
Science research institutions need to give more opportunities to women: Smriti Irani
The issue of gender inequalUnion HRD minister, Smriti Irani addressing at the inaugural function ity in science courses and scienof the permanent campus of Indian Institute of Science Education and tific research has been debated Research (IISER), in Thiruvananthapuram on January 14, 2016 among academia; it has been found and validated by quite a few studies that gender-biased culture in n Kerala, while inaugurat- tre to recruit five foreign facul- curricular transaction prevails. ing the permanent campus of ties as part of improving research It is being said that women learn phase one of Indian Institute and international exposure to the of Science Education and Research students as part of the new Global differently than men. Therefore, (IISER) at Vithura near Thiruvanan- Initiative of Academic Network both the learning environment and thapuram on January 14, the Union (GIAN) in the presence of Kerala methods of teaching were needed HRD Minister, Smriti Irani said that Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy. to be made more female friendly to attract more girls in science cours‘the endeavor of science research institutions must be to give more The first phase that has been in- es through cooperative and colopportunities to women, Dalits augurated by Irani has three build- laborative methods of instruction. and those from economically back- ings namely, chemical science Attracting more girls to science ward sections to excel themselves’. block, hostel and a central dining education needs to be treated as Calling for more Opportuni- hall. The audience was informed ties for Girls in Science Education that the blocks for physics and bi- a challenge, not a matter of pasand Research, Irani said that the ology and additional hostel facil- sively waiting for opportunities Department of Higher Education ity for 500 students will be con- or help to come. There is a need will allow the new IISER Cen- structed within the next 15 months. to feminise science education.
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Pollution Connect
Is Air
Pollution
Killing you? Page No: 36
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Pollution Connect
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Page No: 37
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t’s official. An air quality monitoring survey (released by Greenpeace in September) found that the deadly PM2.5 levels in the capital are 10 times higher than the safety limit prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and four times higher than even the Indian safety limit.
Quality Index. To put that in perspective, any reading above 150 is considered unhealthy, with the range 351-500 classified as ‘hazardous’.
ing polluted air out of the city. Coastal cities such as Mumbai have a shot at ‘replacing’ polluted air with relatively unpolluted sea breezes, whereas Delhi’s surrounding regions are sometimes even more polluted than the city.
The agency’s definition of hazardous specifies: ‘Serious aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons Pulling up official agencies for with cardiopulmonary disease and failing to curb pollution in the capiMore recently, on November 27, the elderly; serious risk of respira- tal, the National Green Tribunal one of the US Embassy’s pollution- tory effects in general population.’ (NGT) has directed the Delhi govmonitoring stations in New Delhi ernment to identify “critically polrecorded a chart-breaking reading As a landlocked megacity, Del- luted areas” so that “immediate adof 999 on its custom-developed Air hi has fewer avenues for flush- visories” can be issued to the public.
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How pollution can harm you Breathing polluted air puts you at a higher risk for asthma and other respiratory diseases. When exposed to ground ozone for 6 to 7 hours, scientific evidence show that healthy people’s lung function decreased and they suffered from respiratory inflammation. Air pollutants are mostly carcinogens and living in a polluted area can put people at risk of cancer. Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms observed on city folks. Damages the immune system, endocrine and reproductive systems. High levels of particle pollution have been associated with higher incidents of heart problems. The toxic chemicals released into the air settle into plants and water sources. Animals eat the contaminated plants and drink the water. The poison then travels up the food chain – to us.
How does it do this? Those little hairs inside your nose, they help to filter out particles of dust in the air you breathe in. You also have lots of little hairs in your throat constantly cleaning out all the little bits of dust from those 10,000 liters of air you breathe in every day! But particle pollution is so small that it can make it past these defences your body has and pass down deeper into your lungs where it can cause damage.
Here’s how you can protect yourself Pay attention to forecasts for high air pollution days. Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high. Air quality is lowest when the temperature is highest. Plan outdoor physical activity for morning or evening. Avoid walking or biking along busy streets, where levels of pollutants tend to be higher. Home air filters can block particulate matter. When sitting in traffic, use the recycled-air setting on your A/C so you don’t suck in fumes. Stock up on foods high in antioxidants, like cherries, kale, and tomatoes. Antioxidants trap free radicals, which help pollutants do their dirty work in the body. www.iconnectnews.com | E-mail : media@educationiconnect.com | Dec 2015
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