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UGC Directs Higher Education Institutions to Restrict Enrolment of Foreign Nationals in Online Programs

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a notice to all higher education institutions, instructing them to avoid admitting foreign nationals into open and distance learning (ODL) programs. This directive aligns with the eligibility criteria outlined in UGC regulations Annexure III, which specify that only students residing in India are eligible for enrolment in ODL programs. According to regulation 23 of the UGC ODL Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations, 2020, learners residing in any part of the country may enrol in programs offered by recognized higher educational institutions. However, all activities related to learners, including admissions, contact programs, and examinations, must be conducted strictly within the territorial jurisdiction of the institution. The notice also references a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which states that no student visa will be issued to foreign nationals sponsored by certain educational institutes, including franchise educational institutes, off-campus centers, and study centers of open universities offering distance learning programs without statutory sanction from regulatory authorities. As a result, higher education institutions recognized to offer ODL programs are directed not to enrol any foreign nationals in such programs. Only learners residing in India are permitted to be enrolled in ODL programs, in compliance with the territorial jurisdiction defined in UGC regulations.  

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Massive Protests in Argentina Condemn Milei’s Education Cuts

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President Milei’s radical austerity measures spark widespread outrage as massive protests erupt across Argentina, denouncing severe education spending cuts. In a sweeping demonstration of dissent, students, university professors, trade unions, and opposition parties unite in condemnation of President Javier Milei’s aggressive austerity policies, particularly their detrimental impact on public universities. Tuesday witnessed one of Argentina’s largest protests since Milei’s ascent to power in December, with hundreds of thousands rallying nationwide against the government’s assault on education funding. Aerial footage depicts throngs of protesters flooding the streets of Buenos Aires, amplifying calls to reverse budget reductions that threaten the very existence of universities. The University of Buenos Aires reports over 500,000 participants in the capital alone, underscoring the magnitude of public discontent. Milei’s election campaign, symbolized by a chainsaw, vowed to slash public spending and dismantle government structures amidst economic turmoil. His administration has executed drastic measures, including ministry closures, cultural center defunding, layoffs, and subsidy cuts, purportedly to revive the economy. Defending his unorthodox approach, Milei touts the country’s first quarterly fiscal surplus since 2008 as evidence of progress, despite widespread opposition from political, union, and media spheres. Argentina’s renowned public education system, a beacon in Latin America, faces unprecedented jeopardy as Milei slashes university budgets by 71%. Amidst soaring inflation rates nearing 290%, universities warn of imminent closure, jeopardizing the education of millions. Ricardo Gelpi, rector at the University of Buenos Aires, warns of imminent shutdowns, threatening the country’s legacy of free and quality higher education. Nobel laureate Adolfo Perez Esquivel underscores the gravity of the situation, rallying for the preservation of public education as a fundamental right. In the face of relentless protests and mounting criticism, Milei’s administration grapples with escalating discontent, challenging its vision for economic reform amidst societal upheaval.  

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BHU Approves New Scholarships and Gold Medal

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Banaras Hindu University’s (BHU) academic council, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain, sanctioned the introduction of 14 new merit-cum-means scholarships and one gold medal. The council deliberated on various academic and research matters, emphasizing steps to enhance overall performance and productivity. Additionally, BHU established a project monitoring unit to bolster the academic and research ecosystem. The scholarships, initiated under the Pratidana initiative with contributions from donors, aim to support deserving students. Among the approved scholarships is the introduction of the Akshaibar and Jogeshwari Giri Gold Medals, to be awarded to a second-year MBA student with the highest CGPA, starting from the academic session 2023-24. Prof. Jain highlighted that the newly established project monitoring unit will address issues potentially impeding teaching-learning activities. The Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences will see an expansion in their operational scope. Further scholarships approved include: Mahamana Malaviya Biotechnology Scholarship for a 2nd year MSc biotechnology student (commencing from academic session 2024-25) Biswanath and Meera Bhattacharya Scholarship for a 2nd year student of MA Sanskrit (commencing from academic session 2025-26) Jhingan Sahu Memorial Scholarship for a 1st year student of MFA (textile design) (commencing from academic session 2024-25) Two C N R Rao Scholarships for final year students of BPA (vocal music and instrumental music respectively) (commencing from academic session 2025-26) Uday Pratap Scholarship for a 2nd year student of MSc (Agriculture) Mycology and Plant Pathology (commencing from academic session 2025-26) J N Gupta and Savitri Devi Scholarship for a 2nd year student of MSc (physics) (commencing from academic session 2024-25) Ramswaroop Jamnadevi Maheshwari Scholarship for a 1st year student of MBA (commencing from academic session 2024-25) Five SGVP Swaminarayan Scholarships for students of the faculty of SVDV (effective from the academic session 2023-24) Merit-cum-means scholarship for Central Hindu Girls School Awadh Raj Kumar Scholarship for a class 9 student (effective from the academic session 2024-25) Moreover, the academic council endorsed proposals to introduce new programs and courses at various affiliated colleges. Arya Mahila PG College, Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya, and Vasanta College for Women, Rajghat, received approvals to offer additional courses. The council also stipulated eligibility criteria for part-time diploma or certificate courses, restricting participation to regular UG and PG students of the university and affiliated colleges. Full-time diploma courses will require specific academic prerequisites and course hours.

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Early Summer Break Announced for Government Schools Due to Heatwave

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In response to the prevailing heatwave, the school education department has issued a notice announcing an early start to the summer vacation in government and government-aided schools. Originally scheduled to commence on May 6, the summer break will now begin on April 22, Monday, with schools set to reopen on June 3. Key Points from the Notice: Exemption for Hill Areas: Schools in the hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts will continue with their existing academic schedule and are exempted from the early summer break. Arrangements for Extra Classes: Teaching and non-teaching staff have been instructed to make necessary arrangements for extra classes after schools reopen to compensate for the lost time. Applicability to Staff: The early break applies to both teachers and non-teaching staff, who will remain on leave as a special case, subject to directions from election authorities due to the Lok Sabha polls. Communication with Affiliated Boards: The school education department has notified the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) regarding the early summer break and requested their cooperation. An education department official highlighted the prevailing heatwave conditions and emphasized the importance of prioritizing student safety by avoiding school attendance. In past years, private schools have been urged to align with government directives regarding summer breaks due to extreme heat. The department underscores the necessity of compensatory classes to ensure students are adequately prepared for summative examinations amidst the shortened academic calendar. The decision to extend the summer vacation reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding student well-being during periods of extreme weather.

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UP Education Department Introduces Question Banks for 25 Lakh Students in Classes 9 and 10

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In a groundbreaking initiative, the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department has developed question banks tailored for over 25 lakh students enrolled in grades 9 and 10 across more than 27,000 schools affiliated with the UP Board. These question banks are strategically designed to bolster students’ preparation for competitive examinations such as those for engineering and medical entrances. Collaborating with esteemed institutions including the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in New Delhi, the State Institute of Science Education (SISE), and subject matter experts from select universities, colleges, and secondary schools, the UP education department has curated comprehensive question banks for science and mathematics subjects. Under the guidance of Vijay Kiran Anand, former State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the responsibility of developing these question banks was entrusted to the State Science Education Institute in Prayagraj. The science question bank for classes 9 and 10 encompasses 12 and 13 chapters respectively, with each chapter featuring approximately 70 questions spanning multiple formats including multiple choice, very short, short, and long-answer questions. Similarly, the mathematics question bank for the same classes comprises 12 and 14 chapters respectively, with a total of approximately 912 and 1,064 questions. Additionally, sample questions are provided to generate interest and facilitate effective practice. The questions in these banks are meticulously crafted to reinforce fundamental scientific and mathematical concepts among students, enabling them to grasp and apply these concepts with confidence. These question banks, developed based on the NCERT syllabus, have been forwarded by SISE-Prayagraj to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in Lucknow. They are anticipated to be made available to students shortly. Traditionally, only question banks prepared and published by private publishers have been accessible in the market. The introduction of these official question banks by the UP education department signifies a significant step towards providing students with structured and reliable resources to enhance their exam preparation and academic performance. By offering ample practice opportunities aligned with teaching-learning objectives, these question banks aim to empower students to excel in their examinations. They are poised to serve as invaluable tools in clarifying concepts, strengthening subject comprehension, and fostering academic success among students.

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Anand Kumar to Launch Online Educational Platform for Underprivileged Students

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Super 30 founder and mathematician Anand Kumar has announced plans to launch a new online educational platform aimed at providing access to quality education for economically disadvantaged students in India. Speaking at the 2024 Kellogg India Business Conference on the theme “Reimagining India: Shaping the Global Economic Landscape,” organized by the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Kumar emphasized the need to leverage technology to reach more students. Kumar highlighted the transformative impact of Super 30 in empowering underprivileged students to change their lives through education. He expressed his vision to expand on this initiative by launching an online educational platform, aiming to extend the benefits of education to the doorsteps of economically disadvantaged students. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Kumar stressed the importance of adapting to adversity and utilizing technology to engage with students, even in challenging circumstances. He emphasized the untapped potential of talented individuals from impoverished backgrounds and underscored the importance of providing them with opportunities to excel. Kumar reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every underprivileged student has access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Kumar emphasized the societal responsibility to utilize technology for the greater good, ensuring that educational opportunities reach those who need them the most. He urged for collective efforts to expand the talent pool and contribute to the prosperity of society and the betterment of humanity. In conclusion, Kumar shared a message of perseverance and determination, encouraging individuals to pursue their goals with dedication and hard work, emphasizing that success is achievable with persistence and effort.  

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Insights from IIT-Bombay Survey: Call for Formal Sex Education in College Curriculum

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A recent survey conducted among over 1,000 students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay sheds light on the need for formal sex education in the college curriculum. The findings, compiled by Insight, the official student media body of the institute, provide valuable insights into students’ perceptions and experiences regarding sex education on campus. Key findings from the survey include: 76% Demand for Formal Sex Education: A significant majority of students (76%) expressed the need for formal sex education in the college curriculum, highlighting a desire for increased awareness and education on sexual health and related topics. Engagement in Sexual Activity: Approximately 36% of undergraduates and 59% of post-graduate students reported engaging in some form of sexual activity. However, over 60% of them did not receive any formal sex education, indicating a gap in knowledge and awareness. Awareness of STIs/STDs: More than 38% of students were not aware of sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs/STDs), underscoring the importance of comprehensive sex education to promote safer sexual practices and health. Masturbation and Pornography: The survey revealed that over 85% of respondents engage in masturbation, with varying frequencies among males and females. Additionally, a significant portion of students acknowledged pornography as a stimulus for masturbation, while expressing concerns about potential addiction. Access to Sexual Health Services: Female students showed reluctance in approaching the IIT Bombay hospital for sex-related medical assistance, with concerns about privacy and confidentiality. This disparity highlights the need for inclusive and accessible sexual health services on campus. The survey and subsequent edition of Insight magazine aim to foster understanding and encourage open dialogue on matters of sex, relationships, and consent. By addressing taboos and promoting informed discussions, the initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for students at IIT Bombay.  

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Kota Coaching Institutes Witness Surge in Admissions, Catering to Diverse Fields

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Kota, renowned as the coaching hub of India, is experiencing a significant uptick in admissions, with over 85,000 students flocking to its institutes. This surge reflects a growing demand for coaching across various fields, including engineering, medicine, and commerce, drawing students and parents from all corners of the nation. Traditionally known for engineering and medical coaching, Kota’s tutoring sector is expanding to accommodate students pursuing commerce studies, signaling a shift in educational priorities. The city’s coaching institutes are witnessing heightened interest, aligning with national trends as millions of students register for medical and engineering entrance exams. Last year, Kota welcomed over 2 lakh students for coaching, with admissions surpassing 85,000 this year. The influx continues as students enroll post-exams, with ongoing entrance tests for 2024 attracting aspirants to the city. Kota’s strategic infrastructure ensures convenience for students and parents, with essential amenities located within close proximity to coaching centres. Moreover, Kota’s coaching prowess extends beyond national boundaries, with students securing admissions to prestigious universities worldwide, including MIT, Cambridge, and Oxford. Over the past three years, Kota-based students have gained entry to numerous foreign institutions, highlighting the city’s global academic influence. As Kota remains a beacon for academic excellence, its role in shaping students’ careers and facilitating admissions to esteemed educational institutions underscores its significance in the educational landscape. With its continued allure, Kota stands as a symbol of aspiration and achievement for students and parents embarking on their academic journeys.

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Delhi High Court Criticizes Poor Conditions in North-East District Government Schools, Calls for Urgent Action

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The Delhi High Court has issued scathing criticisms of the deplorable conditions observed in government schools within the city’s north-east district. Highlighting issues such as broken desks, classroom shortages, and a lack of essential materials like books, the court has emphasized the urgent need for accountability among education officials and swift measures to rectify the situation. In response to a damning report presented by lawyer Ashok Agarwal, who documented the discrepancies firsthand, the court expressed dismay at the state of affairs and demanded immediate action. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, leading the bench, admonished education department officials, urging them to take proactive steps beyond mere announcements in newspapers. The bench highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting overcrowded classrooms with up to 144 children per room and schools being run from tin buildings. Such conditions, the court argued, not only impede learning but also endanger the well-being of students, particularly in extreme temperatures. Emphasizing the fundamental importance of education and its impact on young lives, the bench underscored the need for officials to prioritize ground-level inspections and interventions. It pointed out the lack of senior functionaries’ children attending these schools as symptomatic of systemic neglect and called for urgent corrective action. Acknowledging the NGO Social Jurist’s public interest litigation, represented by Agarwal, the court emphasized the violation of students’ fundamental right to education. It directed the education secretary to file a detailed affidavit, outlining steps to address the reported deficiencies and assigning responsibility to negligent officials. Furthermore, the court ordered the relocation of students from schools housed in inadequate tin buildings and mandated the provision of essential resources, including desks, books, and writing materials, to all students without delay. With the matter scheduled for further hearing on April 23, the court’s firm stance reflects its commitment to ensuring quality education for all, holding officials accountable, and safeguarding the constitutional rights of students.  

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WBCHSE Announces Overhaul of HS Curriculum: New Subjects and Mark Structure Changes

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The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has introduced significant changes to the Higher Secondary curriculum, set to be implemented from this academic year onwards. These alterations will impact students registering from the 2024-25 session. Among the key revisions are adjustments to the marks structure and the introduction of new subjects. In a bid to enhance the quality of education, the marks structure for health and physical education, music, and visual arts has been revamped. Notably, the theory component of health and family education has been augmented from 40 to 70 marks, with the practical component now accounting for 30 percent of the overall assessment. Similarly, both music and visual arts will now carry 50 marks each for theory and practical aspects. In response to changing educational trends and student preferences, certain language subjects such as Punjabi, Gujarati, and French have been discontinued due to low registration numbers. Conversely, the curriculum now incorporates vocational subjects aligned with contemporary industry demands, including banking financial services and insurance, food processing, and telecom. Furthermore, the WBCHSE has introduced new subjects to enrich the academic landscape. Applied artificial intelligence, cyber security, and the science of well-being are among the innovative additions aimed at equipping students with relevant skills for the future. Alongside these changes, the council has undertaken a restructuring of subject names and codes. For instance, home management and family resource (HMFR) will now be known as human development and resource management (HDRM), while agronomy (AGNM) has been rebranded as agriculture (AGRI). Additionally, the health and physical education subject (PHED) will retain its name but undergo a change in its designated code to HPED. The WBCHSE’s curriculum overhaul underscores its commitment to adapting to evolving educational paradigms and ensuring students are equipped with pertinent knowledge and skills. These modifications reflect a proactive approach to addressing the needs of both learners and the contemporary job market.  

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