General

To promote higher educational standards in Gujarat, one of Israel’s top universities is planning to establish a centre of Innovation in the state. According to the Israeli ambassador Mark Sofer a centre would be set up by Israel’s world class research university named Technion Israel Institute of Technology. He made the announcement soon after an hour long meeting with Gujarat’s chief minister Narendra Modi.

Recent diplomatic tussle between India and China seems to be getting better of the proposed educational pact between the two countries. However, it’s still not official and seems more like speculation. The proposal to mutually recognize university degrees of both the countries was to be discussed in September. Actually, Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal is scheduled to visit China from September 10 to 16 and it was thought to be on his must-do list.

Traditional Sanskrit schools called ‘ved pathshalas’ are now seeking exemption from the Right to Education (RTE) act. The demand is being raised after Human Resource Development minister Kapil Sibal exempted madrassas from the law. According to the ved pathshalas, the rules and regularities of the law could hamper their oral tradition practiced to memorise the texts.

According to a public notice issued by University Grants Commission (UGC) New Delhi-based Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) is not recognised by the government or any other India’s higher education bodies.

Icfai Business School (IBS) is all set to invest Rs 150 crore to effect its own campuses across the country over the next two years. IBS is the division of Hyderabad-based Icfaian institution.

YK Bhushan, senior advisor and head of IBS-Mumbai while confirming the news said,