CISCE council asks schools to put a limit on number of online classes

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November 24, 2020

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has directed schools affiliated to the board to put a limit on the duration and number of online classes conducted in a day as recommended in the digital education guidelines issued by the centre. According to the Pragyata guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education of the Centre the council wants the schools to follow not more than four sessions of 30 to 45 minutes each day for the students from classes 9 to 12.

The students from classes 1 to 4 will not have more than two online classes of 30 to 45 minutes each day while the pre-primary class students can interact with parents for not more than 30 minutes in a day as per the circular issued by the CISCE to the heads of all the affiliated schools. In the circular issued, the board has further recommended that there should be a break for 10 to 15 minutes after each session in case more than one class is conducted in a day.

Also read: CBSE and CISCE mull to reduce syllabus for Class 10 and 12 exams

One of the main objectives of the Pragyata guidelines released by the education ministry in July was to place a cap on the duration and number of classes conducted in a single day to make sure the mental and physical health of the students who are at home since March 2020.

The circular issued to the schools also states that the students must be instructed not to use any electronic gadgets or continuously view the screens of their laptops for mobile phones and must move about freely and of some physical exercise.

The circular issued has also asked that the students should not be compelled to keep the webcam on or a smartphone in online mode except during class hours or for instructions at a given time making sure that the students are informed beforehand. The board has further requested that the schools must provide guidelines and counselling to the students to make them aware of Cybersafety and security.

New VCs appointed for six Universities in Odisha

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November 24, 2020

Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal appointed Vice-Chancellors of six state-run Universities. Being the Chancellor of Universities, Lal ensured that the new Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of six Universities are appointed on Monday so that they get at least seven days to join their new assignment as the tenure of the present VCs comes to an end on November 30.

Prof. Aparajita Chowdhury, Prof. Sabita Acharya, Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, Prof. N. Nagaraju, Prof. Kishore Kumar Basa and Prof. Prafulla Kumar Mohanty have been appointed as VCs of Rama Devi Women’s University, Utkal University, Fakir Mohan University, Gangadhar Meher University, North Odisha University and Khallikote University, respectively.

Lal appointed the VCs for a period of four years with effect from the date they assume office as such or until further orders, whichever is earlier, said a statement.

Also read: Bhimaraya Metri appointed as new director of IIM Nagpur

Prof. Aparajita Chowdhury was former Director, College of Development Council and Professor of Home Science, Berhampur University having more than 37 years of teaching experience.

Prof. Sabita Acharya, formerly Chairman, Post Graduate Council and Professor of Anthropology, Utkal University is having more than 31 years of teaching experience, the statement said.

With more than 26 years of teaching experience, Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo is presently serving as Professor, University of Delhi.

Prof. N. Nagaraju is presently working as Professor in English, Central University of Karnataka with 34 years of teaching experience, it said.

Prof. Kishore Kumar Basa is having 38 years of teaching experience and he was Professor (Retd.) Tagore National Fellow, University of Culture, Govt of India.

Prof. Prafulla Kumar Mohanty, former Professor of Zoology, Utkal University is having 35 years of teaching experience.

CBSE: Not released board exams, practical dates

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November 24, 2020

Dismissing media reports on the release of the board exam dates, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) clarified that they have not announced class 12 practical exams schedule and the information shared is “fake”. As per some media houses, class 12 board practical exams 2020-21 will be conducted of class 12 will be held from January 1 till February 8.

The board secretary Anurag Tripathi earlier informed that class 10, 12 exams will happen for sure and a schedule is likely to be announced soon. “The board exams will happen for sure and a schedule will be announced very soon. The CBSE is making plans and will soon reveal how it will do test assessments,” Tripathi said.

Also read: SC rejects plea for waiver of CBSE exam fees

Meanwhile, there are demands from various quarters for cancellation or postponement of board exams. The Delhi government had written to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to not conduct the exams next year before May and further reduce syllabus as schools still continue to remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Byju’s raises $200 million in fresh funding

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November 23, 2020

Country’s biggest Edu-tech major Byju’s is raising about $200 million in fresh funding from investors, including BlackRock and T Rowe Price.

The development comes about two months after Byju’s had raised about $500 million in a round that valued the company at $10.8 billion. Byju’s has raised $200 million in a fresh round of funding that has raised the company’s valuation to $12 billion.

Byju’s has raised significant capital this year.

In June, Byju’s had raised funding from global technology investment firm BOND, while in February, it had raised about $200 million in funding from General Atlantic. The company, however, had not disclosed the financial details.

Also read: BYJU’S launches initiative to encourage digital learning

Regulatory filings by Byju’s to the Corporate Affairs Ministry in August had shown that the company has raised about Rs 909 crore in funding from billionaire Yuri Milner-led DST Global giving the entity 1.2 per cent shareholding in the edu-tech company.

In September this year, Byju’s had announced raising funds from Silver Lake and existing investors, Tiger Global, General Atlantic and Owl Ventures.

At that time, Byju’s had said it has seen over 20 million new students start learning from its platform for free since the lockdown (which was implemented in March).

The edu-tech space has seen strong growth globally with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as an inflection point.

While a number of players have raised fresh funding from investors, consolidation is also being seen in the industry with deals like Unacademy acquiring PrepLadder for $50 million and Byju’s buying WhiteHat Jr for $300 million.

Pokhriyal launches 46 AICTE training programmes

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November 23, 2020

Pokhriyal launches AICTE training programmes

Union Education Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday inaugurated 46 online AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) Academy Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) to train teachers of higher education institutions associated with the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) in thrust and emerging areas in technology. The FDPs will be conducted in 22 Indian states.

On the occasion of the inauguration, the Minister said that it is a matter of pride for the ATAL Academy to be included in the Book of World Records. The London-based organization has recognized the FDPs as a world record, under which 1,000 online FDPs in over 100 emerging areas will benefit one lakh faculty members across premier institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs. This year the online FDP program will cost Rs 10 crores.

Also read: Pokhriyal honoured with Vatayan Lifetime Achievement Award

Speaking after inaugurating the 500th FDP, the Minister said, “Out of the 1,000, 499 FDPs are already completed with more than 70,000 faculty members already trained. In 2019-20, 185 five-day face-to-face FDPs in nine thrust areas — Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Block-chain, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Data Sciences, Cyber Security, 3D Printing & Design, and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality — benefited around 10,000 participants.”

“Digital learning and the increasing use of smart devices such as computers, smart phones, and tablets have enhanced student learning. CBSE teachers have been trained under the ‘Flipped Classroom’ and ‘Blended Learning’ concept. The next day, teachers in classrooms provide activities related to the post lecture and students participate,” said Prof. Anil D Sahasrabuddhe, Chairman, AICTE.

“The main objective of ATAL Academy is to provide quality technical education in the country and to promote research and entrepreneurship through training in various emerging fields. IITs, IIITs, NIT,s CU and research labs are organizing these ATAL FDPs,” said Prof M.P. Poonia, Vice Chairman, AICTE.

Pokhriyal honoured with Vatayan Lifetime Achievement Award

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November 23, 2020

Pokhriyal Vatayan Lifetime Achievement Award

Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal was conferred with the Vatayan Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary contribution in the field of literature. The minister highlighted the role played by language in keeping the unity in a diverse country India.

“Culture and language are linked with each other, as the language becomes stronger, so does the culture and civilization. Similarly, the writing, also strengthens the civilisation and culture of the country,” Nishank said.

Further, the minister said that literature is the cultural, spiritual, educational heritage which invisibly strengthens the country.

Also read: Ramesh Pokhriyal extends greetings on International Literacy Day

The award was conferred in an online ceremony in presence of eminent dignitaries Amish Tripathi, writer and director of the Nehru Center, London, Mira Kaushik, Chairman Vatayan, Kavi Anil Sharma Joshi, Vice Chairman Central Hindi Board, Agra, Aditi Maheshwari, Executive Director Vani Prakashan.

Nishank has earlier received several awards in the field of literature and administration including Sahitya Bharati award by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sahitya Gaurav Samman by former president APJ Abdul Kalam, Bharat Gaurav Samman, Good Governance award by Dubai government, outstanding achievement award by Global Organisation of Person of Indian Origin by Mauritius, awarded in Ukraine in the area of environmental protection, Himal Gaurav Samman by Nepal, among others.

Vatayan International Award is given to honour poets, writers and artists for their exemplary work in their respective fields. Earlier many eminent personalities like Prasoon Joshi, Javed Akhtar have been awarded for their literary contribution.

Odisha government to overtake more than 7,000 schools

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November 23, 2020

In a major development, Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash said in the state assembly that the Naveen Patnaik-led government is making efforts to overtake 7,722 schools to improve education in the state.

“Of the 14,382 schools in Odisha having student strength less than 40, efforts are being taken to merge 7,722 schools. In doing so, the state government is only trying to improve the teaching environment and impart quality education,” said Dash.

He further said that it has been decided to revise the decision on the merger of schools in scheduled areas of the state.

Also read: Mobile Science Labs launched by Odisha government

“It has been decided to merge schools with student strength less than 15 and not 20 as it was earlier decided for such regions. Even MLAs can give suggestions in writing that which school should not be closed due to communication problems,” said Dash.

But Leader of Opposition Pradeepta Nayak said that they are not satisfied with the answer of the minister.

“Education is the fundamental right of a student and you cannot close a school. The opposition will raise this again in the House tomorrow,” he said.

Earlier, Dash rejected the allegations raised by the Opposition that over 14,000 schools will be closed in the process of merger and said that the figure is 7,772. The Naveen Patnaik-led government is making efforts to overtake 7,722 schools to improve education in the state, he said.

UPPSC PCS Prelim result 2020 declared

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November 23, 2020

In a major development, Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has declared the UPPSC PCS prelim result 2020 in online mode. Candidates can visit the official UPPSC website- uppsc.up.nic.in to check the UPPSC result 2020.

A total of 5393 candidates are declared qualified for UPPSC PCS main exam 2020 while the number of candidates who qualified the ACF/RFO Prelims exam 2020 is 180.

UPPSC will release the PCS Main exam 2020 date and details soon on the official website. UPPSC Secretary, Jagdish said that the final answer key, details of marks obtained, and category wise cut offs would be released by the commission on its official website and published in newspapers after the declaration of the final results of the recruitment exams.

Also read: UPPSC releases UPPSC PCS Prelims Admit Card 2020; check details

A total of 5,95,696 candidates had registered for the UPPSC PCS prelims exam 2020 out of which a total of 3,14,699 candidates appeared. The Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services (Preliminary) Exam 2020 and Assistant Conservator of Forest/Range Forest Officer (ACF/RFO) Preliminary Exam 2020 was conducted on October 11, 2020, at 1282 exam centres in two shifts, 9.30 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. UPPSC had issued the PCS (Pre) exam 2020 notification on April 20 for filling 487 posts while the ACF/RFO exam was for 12 posts.

How to Check UPPSC PCS prelim result 2020:

-Visit official website- uppsc.up.nic.in

-Click on the link referring to RESULT OF P.C.S. (PRE.) EXAM 2020 & A.C.F./R.F.O. (PRE.) EXAM 2020

-UPPSC result pdf will appear on the screen

Amid COVID-19 protocols Goa schools reopen for Classes 10, 12

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November 21, 2020

Schools for Classes 10 and 12 in Goa reopened on Saturday after being shut for nearly eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

The state government has asked the schools to strictly observe the COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) like thermal screening of students, hand sanitising, wearing of masks, social distancing in classrooms, they said.

The government had decided to allow the schools to reopen from November 21 onwards for Classes 10 and 12 in the initial phase.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the education portfolio, had announced on November 4 that all the COVID-19 safety protocols would have to be followed by these institutions.

Also read: Maha School Education Minister: School reopening decision to be taken by local bodies

A senior official of the state education department said, “Schools in Goa reopened on Saturday morning for Classes 10 and 12. The schools are adopting all the necessary SOPs to ensure that the classrooms are safe. The managements were informed in advance so that they can be ready to resume the classes.” The education department had consulted all the stakeholders, including parents, teachers and managements before deciding to reopen schools, he said.

A senior office-bearer of a city-based school said, “We have installed thermal guns at the entry point of the school. We have made it mandatory for the students to sanitise their hands.” “The strength of classroom has been restricted, due to which we have to repeat the sessions. On the first day, the school attendance was thin as only half the students were asked to remain present,” he said.

PM Modi: Amid pandemic ample opportunities available for employment

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November 21, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said major changes are taking place around the world and there are several opportunities available for the growth of entrepreneurship and employment.

Addressing Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University’s (PDPU) students virtually during convocation ceremony, PM Modi said, “Today you are entering the industry at a time when due to pandemic, major changes are also taking place in the energy sector around the whole world. At this time, there are many opportunities for the growth of entrepreneurship and employment.”

While congratulating the students he said: “I am confident, that through your skills, talent and professionalism you will emerge from the situation and infuse power into the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.”

Also read: PM Modi inaugurates two Ayurveda institutions

PM Modi also said, “Today, we are moving forward with the goal of reducing the country’s carbon footprint by 30-35 per cent. Efforts are being made to increase the use of natural gas for energy needs by four times in the current decade.”

Further encouraging the student PM Modi said, “It is not an easy thing to graduate at a time when the world is facing such a big crisis. But your abilities are much bigger than these challenges.”

He said, “It is not that successful people do not face problems, but he who accepts challenges, confronts them, defeats them, solves problems, eventually succeeds.”

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone of a 45 MW Production Plant of Monocrystalline Solar Photo Voltaic Panel and Centre of Excellence on Water Technology at the university.

Addressing the students of PDPU during their Convocation. https://t.co/TI34n8PykZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2020

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