MHRD intros health studies in school curriculum

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May 17, 2013

The ministry of human resource development has planned to introduce health as a subject at the school level. The introduction is planned keeping rise in health ailments in youngsters into consideration.

This initiative aims to make children aware about the non-communicable diseases which could be of a long duration, and the slow progressive diseases which could ultimately lead to a stroke. The ministry in cooperation with National Institute of Health and Family Welfare is preparing framework of the course, which would be introduced as a compulsory subject.

‘Google Play’ for Education unveiled

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May 17, 2013

Tech giant Google recently announced its latest offering called ‘Google Play’ for Education. The service will help educators to discover apps designed specifically for K-12 students.
The education-focused service was showcased by Chris Yerga, an engineering director at Google, at Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco. The effort, he said, was “built from the ground up to meet the content needs of educators.”
The Google Play for Education will organise content matching to a particular grade level.While Google said it will do the “heavy lifting” of launching Play for Education, but called on developers to help build up content on the store.
The Android app store will launch in the fall, but Google will begin accepting app submissions this summer. The company has already conducted a pilot program of Google Play for Education in New Jersey schools, which it said demonstrated huge opportunity for both educators as well as developers.

‘Google Play’ for Education – Helps Teachers Discover Apps
On Wednesday, 15th May, 2013 the Google disclosed about ‘Google Play’ for Education, which will allow teachers to discover apps designed specifically for K-12 students. Chris Yerga, an engineering director at Google, showed off the education-focused section of the app store at today’s Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco. The effort, he said, was “built from the ground up to meet the content needs of educators.” The sources have revealed that, Google Play for Education will be organized by subject matter and grade level, so you could find math apps that are appropriate for kindergarteners, for example. Yerga showed off apps from partners like NASA and PBS. “Each app has been recommended by educators, [which] is key because teachers trust other teachers,” Yerga said. The education-focused Android app store will launch in the fall, but Google will begin accepting app submissions this summer. Google will also post guidelines via developer.android.com/edu. Google conducted a pilot program of Google Play for Education in New Jersey schools, which Google said demonstrated that there’s a “huge opportunity for educators, students, and for you as developers.”
Google said it will do the “heavy lifting” of launching Play for Education, but called on developers to help build up content on the store. Google Play for Education will likely go up against efforts from Apple, which has made a large push into the classroom. Last year, it jumped deeper into the education space with the launch of iBooks 2 for textbooks, a custom e-book creation platform dubbed iBooks Author, and an expanded iTunes U app that is also now accessible to K-12 educators.

Indo-US to further ties in Knowledge Sector

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May 17, 2013

India and the US will expand co-operation in knowledge sector. HRD Minister Dr. Pallam Raju announced this during a round table discussion on Advances in US-India Academic Partnership in Washington.

Dr. Raju, who is leading an Indian delegation, said that eight more awards have been finalized under the Singh-Obama Knowledge Initiative. It will be jointly announced during the forthcoming Indo-US strategic dialogue in New Delhi next month. Eight such awards were announced last year.

Under this plan 126 post doctorals have been selected, who will be placed in best of US institutions to enhance their capabilities.

India has also sought US co-operation in promoting skill building in India through community colleges. Touching upon the possibilities of a wide ranging co-operation in education sector between the two countries, the Minister said that co-operation should be supportive in the field of ICT, digital world, promoting quality research and innovation and boosting vocational education system.

20 billion dollars of additional resources will be pumped in the state system to ensure access and excellence in tertiary education through National Higher Education Mission (RUSA in vernacular).

Seeking institution level collaborations in promoting vocational education system in India, Dr. Raju said that the Ministry has approved and notified the National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework (NVEQF).

The round table organised by the International Institute of Education at Washington discussed issues such as collaboration in the field of Community Colleges and promoting massive online courses and Technology Enabled Education. It also discussed students mobility, particularly encouraging US students to visit India.

The round table was attended among others by the US under Secretary of State Ms. Tara Sonenshine, senior academicians, industry partners and community college principals. Indian Ambassador to the US Ms. Nirupama Rao also addressed the conference.

Later, Dr. Raju also met US Secretary of Education Mr. Arne Duncan and discussed issued relating to improvement of school education, teacher educators, assessment of schools and community participation in school education.

Delhi Technological University and Samsung India Ink MoU

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May 16, 2013

Delhi Technological University (DTU) and Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd has signed an MoU for collaborative projects, including the setting up a Samsung Software Lab at DTU. The MoU was exchanged between Prof PB Sharma, Vice Chancellor, DTU and Stewart Hong, Managing Director, Samsung Software Engineering Lab-India in the presence of Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr Kiran Karnik, Former president, NASSCOM.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri RP Agrawal, Chairman BOM, DTU, Sanjay Rai, Vice President, SEL-India; and Dr Daya Gupta, Head of Department, Computer Engineering, DTU, under whose department this collaboration has been done.

Under this MoU DTU will organise a customised BTech (Software Technology) part time programme for SIEL employees. Upto 30 employees of Samsung India will undertake this Course every year. Samsung India will set up a Samsung Software Lab at DTU premises for the students. Also, Samsung India will award two gold medals, one each for MTech (Software Engineering/Computer Engineering) and MTech (Software Technology) to the top performing students every year. DTU will start an outreach programme in collaboration with Samsung India for under-privileged wherein they will be provided training.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sharma remarked, “This is a momentous occasion for DTU. By signing this MoU with one of most innovative companies, we are unleashing a new era of Industry-Academia partnership. This MoU will aid us in bridging the gap between graduating engineering and professional engineers as well as reduce the gap between lab level research and the research required by the industry in developing new technologies. The missing gaps in expertise at both the partners may be filled through this collaboration”.

“We value our relationship with DTU and believe that our collaboration with DTU will help us in strengthening the knowledge and innovation eco system in the country.” stated Hong, MD, SIEL.

The MoU will be initially for a period of four years and can be further renewed mutually. “This collaboration is a golden opportunity for DTU students to garner industrial exposure and at the same time will enable Samsung India employees to update their knowledge and skills,” added Dr Gupta.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan cuts down school dropouts

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May 16, 2013

There has been a considerable decline in school dropout rate from 80 lakh in 2009 to 30 lakh in 2012, thanks to the success of the central government’s flagship programme — Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

The scheme aims for universalization of elementary education in a time-bound manner. It is mandated by a constitution making free and compulsory education to the children of 6 to 14 years of age group has been made a fundamental right.

The net enrollment ratio at the primary level has also increased to 99.8 per cent since the launch of the scheme, a government statement said.

The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and other initiatives like the mid-day meals have led to gender parity at the primary level.

Nearly 3.60 lakh girls, from the educationally backward blocks of India, are studying in over 3500 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, under the scheme.

Russian varsities look to woo Indian undergraduates

Higher Education

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May 15, 2013

New Delhi: Russian Education Fair 2013 is being held in metro cities across India with an aim to attract high school graduates from India.

The event is being jointly organised by Rus Education in collaboration with Russian Centre for Science & Culture.

It was held in the capital New Delhi on 15^th May at the Russian Centre for Science & Culture. Later, it will be organised in Kolkata on 16^th May and in Mumbai on 21^st May.

Faculty and representatives from top Russian Universities and Academies interacted with students and answered queries about various courses, fee structure and opportunities for higher studies in Russia.

Admission counselling, scholarship details and free laptop for on-spot admissions were the highlights of the event.

Institutes of repute including — Moscow Power Engineering, Tomsk Polytechnic University, Vyatka State University, Far Eastern Federal University, Volgograd State Medical University, Tver State Medical Academy, Kazan State Medical University, and Kursk State Medical University – are participating in the Fair.

The cost of education in Russia is much cheaper as compared to other international education hubs.

At present, about 100,000 foreign students from over 200 countries are studying in Russia.

But, as opposed to other popular foreign education destinations like the US and the UK, a meagre number of over 4,500 Indians are studying in Russia.

Given, Russia’s world-class educational facility in the field of medicine, 90% of the Indian students pursue medicine study in the country.

Mobile app in the offing to track what’s trending in DU

Higher Education

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May 15, 2013

New Delhi: It’s time for up-to-the-minute updates from Delhi University, to be available on your smartphone through an application.

The University has announced an “app creation competition” for students. This app will contain information regarding admissions, examinations, students, and academics, etc that is typically accessed through its official website. The University also hopes that the app will help information on four-year programme to flow easily.

Contestants will have to develop an application for the Android platform and submit a “working prototype” by May 24.

The winning entry will be available for download from the university website.

Design, “innovative solutions” and the ability to represent Delhi University will be the top three criteria for assessing the entries.

Selected applications will receive cash prizes and certificates and their apps will also be featured on the DU website “with acknowledgement.”

University authorities will have “complete control over its development cycle”. The University also plans to request Google to include it in its apps market.

DU to accept only centralized pre-admission form this year

Higher Education

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May 15, 2013

New Delhi: Delhi University unveiled fresh set of admission guidelines for the new four-year- course in regular colleges for the 2013-14 academic session.

The University will only accept a centralized pre-admission form for the four-year programme, and there will be no separate pre-admission forms at the college level.

However, unlike previous years, the students will be able to choose the courses that they would like to apply for, but the list of colleges will not be given in the centralized form. It will be applicable by default to all DU colleges that offer the course chosen by a student.

The University, has also done away with the “additional eligibility” criterion for SC/ ST/ OBC students and persons with disability. The “additional eligibility” criteria for general category students should also be discouraged or kept to the minimum, as mentioned in the notification.

Colleges are not permitted to change these criteria during the admission process.

The colleges can publish prospectus to provide other college-specific information, but no forms—pre-admission as well as admission—shall be included in the prospectus or sold before the announcement of cutoff lists.

Colleges will admit students on the basis of the cutoffs, instead of a first-come-first-serve policy.

The University has also directed the colleges to promptly return students’ documents in case he cancels his admission in a college to move to another one or needs certificates for institutions outside DU.

Amtrak launches new range of My Buddy tablets

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May 14, 2013

Amtrak Info System has launched a new range of tablets designed keeping in mind the new-age requirements of experiencing a feature-filled device. My Buddy claims to be a Smart Social Solution, which gives its users personal security, personalised choice of books, and an elastic storage for the user’s enormous valuable data.

Amtrak has also announced an introductory offer of free keyboard – Play-mate along with its models – A712G, A713G and A723G.

“Amtrak is pleased to bring in an innovation by offering not just a box, but a complete solution to the quality seekers. My Buddy is a tablet specially designed to suit today’s needs for an end customer, enabling to Work, Surf and Talk to discover and enjoy the Tablet experience with phone. Consumers will get value for money through the product quality and features and will get the ultimate user experience at much affordable price,” said Sandeep Arya, MD, Amtrak Info System Pvt Ltd (AISPL)

My Buddy is available in five different models suiting up to the different industries and areas of professional and personal lives. Venturing into the entry-level segment, Amtrak has recently announced the launch of its calling tablet My Buddy – A712G.

Pre-loaded with applications like eNight Space, My Buddy EyeWatch, BookChums, Hungama MyPlay, etc, My Buddy will be available on the shelves with the price range of Rs. 4,099 to Rs. 16,999 approximately.

US working with India on smoother education visa procedures

Policy Matters

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May 14, 2013

The United States is working with the Indian Government to facilitate a smoother entry of American students into India.

Both countries are formally working on streamlining India’s education visa process, as it is considered a major hurdle for American students looking to pursue higher studies in the country.

The Obama government has started a ‘Passport to India’ initiative with an aim to send more American students to India.

Moreover, the US-India Educational Foundation is working closely with Indian institutions of higher education to provide better housing and support offices services for foreign students.

The US is also working with the industry and businesses to enhance opportunities for more Americans through internships, and service learning during their college or university years.

Passport to India initiative now has 10 partnerships with companies like Honeywell, United Airlines and Citigroup.

Currently, more than 100,000 Indian students go to the US for study every year. But, a mere 4,300 American students studied in India in 2011-2012.

(Source: PTI)

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