Articles by Niraj Pandit
FIR lodged against ARMIET college for alleged fee irregularities
The administration of ARMIET in Mumbai is facing an FIR for allegedly collecting excessive fees from tribal category students. An inquiry revealed irregularities in the college's management, including submitting a fake affidavit for increased government benefits. The FIR implicates officers from AICTE, University of Mumbai, and Directorate of Technical Education. The college is accused of collecting an extra ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per student annually. The police have registered a case under various sections of the IPC.
Updated on Nov 25, 2023 07:18 AM IST
Attendance bot to track students in govt schools from Dec 1
Government schools in Maharashtra will implement an online attendance registration system called the "attendance bot" to enhance transparency and efficiency. The system, which will cover students from classes 1 to 10, requires teachers to download a specific mobile application for seamless entry of attendance data. The system aims to serve as a comprehensive platform, offering real-time updates on attendance and academic records. Some schools have expressed reservations about the new system. The control room for the system will be set up in Pune.
Updated on Nov 24, 2023 09:26 AM IST
Mumbai University awarded Class 1 Univ status
The University of Mumbai (MU) has been granted Class 1 graded autonomy by the UGC, allowing it to start new courses and institutes without UGC permission. MU can also offer skill-based courses, establish research parks and incubation centres, and appoint foreign teachers. This status will facilitate the internationalisation of education and empower distance and open learning institutes.
Updated on Nov 23, 2023 09:02 AM IST
IITB library grapples with staff shortage, limited space
The library at IIT Bombay, despite being ranked number one, is struggling with staff shortage and limited space, according to a report in the institute's student magazine. The library has faced challenges in meeting students' demands due to retirements and lack of replacements, with students calling for extended hours, more resources, and improved facilities. Professor S. Shankaranarayanan, convener of the library committee, highlighted the need for expansion and proposed doubling the capacity within 6-12 months after renovation work is completed.
Updated on Nov 22, 2023 08:34 AM IST
TISS to intake students in 2024 through CUET PG exam, no TISS NET this time
TISS to use CUET PG for most postgrad admissions, causing concern among students. PSF-TISS condemns move, demands reinstatement of TISSNET.
Updated on Nov 17, 2023 06:26 AM IST
IIT-B introduces guidelines for ‘political’ campus events
The guidelines specify that the external speaker review committee, appointed by the institute director, will vet external speakers
Updated on Nov 16, 2023 05:17 PM IST
FRA sets max limits for fees following surge in parents’ complaints
The Fee Regulatory Authority in Mumbai has issued a notice setting maximum fee limits for private medical and dental colleges in the state, following complaints from parents. Private medical institutes are now prohibited from charging fees exceeding three times the approved fees under management quotas, and up to five times under NRI quotas. Violation of these regulations will result in penal action. The notice also includes regulations for postgraduate course fees and mandates the display of approved fees on notice boards and websites.
Updated on Nov 14, 2023 06:46 AM IST
IIT Bombay denies food segregation policy, RTI reveals contradictions
IIT Bombay officially declares no segregation policy at canteens in response to RTI application. Previous incidents of fines allegedly levied contradicted.
Updated on Nov 14, 2023 06:42 AM IST
CEAT union raises concerns about arbitrary closure notices
The president of Mumbai Shramik Sangh and head of the workers' union at CEAT Tyres has raised concerns about the closure of factories to address air pollution in Mumbai. He argues that the CEAT factory is not a contributor to pollution and that the sudden closures are affecting workers' livelihoods. The union is calling for a swift resolution to the matter.
Updated on Nov 14, 2023 06:38 AM IST
How IIT-B notches key spot in global rankings
Cutting-edge research and innovation in academic courses, despite funds crunch, gives way to awards and accolades.
Updated on Nov 10, 2023 04:29 AM IST
IIT-B students file complaint against professor, pro-Hamas speaker
Students from IIT Bombay have filed a police complaint against a professor and a guest lecturer who expressed support for Hamas and terrorists during a lecture. The students demanded an FIR be registered against the professor and the lecturer. The lecture took place as part of a coursework on November 6. The police have confirmed receiving the complaint and said further action would be decided later. In response to the controversy, the lecturer issued a statement on social media explaining the context of the film shown during the lecture. IIT-B has also cancelled another lecture on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Updated on Nov 10, 2023 07:38 AM IST
Niraj Pandit, Mumbai
Charni Rd school regains Gothic glory
The BJPCI school is one of the last remaining structures in the city built in the Gothic architectural style.
Updated on Nov 16, 2023 03:47 PM IST
Teachers in a tizzy to locate 70-yr-old records in 24 hrs
Teaching and non-teaching staff in Maharashtra schools are scrambling to sift through old records to classify Maratha-Kunbi students between 1948 and 1967.
Updated on Nov 09, 2023 07:44 AM IST
Niraj Pandit, Mumbai:
IIT Bombay cancels lecture on Israel-Palestine conflict
Vanaik, a retired professor of international relations and former head of department of political science at the University of Delhi, is known for his activism and radical views. His stance on the Israel-Palestine issue recently drew criticism, particularly after a talk he delivered at the O P Jindal University in Sonipat, Haryana, on November 1 titled ‘The History and Politics of the Palestinian Present’
Updated on Nov 08, 2023 09:38 AM IST
Midday meal: Soon, students will be served eggs and bananas
The department, which released a government resolution (GR) on Tuesday, stated that presently, under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana’, the central government has also instructed states to examine the possibility of including locally available food items, cereals, etc.
Updated on Nov 08, 2023 09:34 AM IST
MPCB issues closure notices to 17 factories in Kurla
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has issued closure notices to 17 laundries and foundries on Khairani road in Mumbai for violating environmental rules. Complaints from residents prompted the action. The board has also directed four companies in the same area to control pollution.
Updated on Nov 08, 2023 08:46 AM IST
Students forced to sit on floor at Govandi civic school
The overcrowding issue in BMC schools has intensified since 2021, primarily due to an influx of students from private schools, prompted by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Updated on Nov 06, 2023 08:04 AM IST
In a first, Hingoli district to have a medical institution
Hingoli, the only district in Marathwada without a medical college, is set to receive a new medical institution with a capacity of 100 students. The state government has allocated a budget of ₹485 crore for the construction of the college and hospital. This initiative is part of a broader development package for the Marathwada region worth ₹59,000 crore. The government aims to complete the project before the next academic year in 2024-25.
Updated on Nov 06, 2023 08:00 AM IST
MPCB shuts CEAT Tyres factory, orders water and power cut
Last week, the body had asked Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Tata Power Co Ltd (TPCL) to reduce production by 50%, and also issued strict guidelines to Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers Limited (RCF) in Chembur and closed down two ready mix concrete (RMC) plants in the city
Updated on Nov 04, 2023 05:55 PM IST
MU-affiliated colleges to offer four-year degree courses
Starting from 2024-25, students in 812 non-autonomous colleges affiliated with the University of Mumbai will be able to pursue four-year degree courses like BA, BSc, and BCom. This decision was made by MU's academic council in line with NEP guidelines and aims to provide innovative and employment-oriented educational opportunities. MU has formed clusters of colleges to decentralize the implementation process and promote a multidisciplinary approach to learning. The undergraduate degree program will offer multiple entry and exit points, with options for certification, diploma, and basic Bachelor's degrees.
Updated on Nov 03, 2023 07:28 AM IST
Niraj Pandit, Mumbai
MPCB tells HPCL, Tata Power to cut production by 50%
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has issued showcause notices to Hindustan Petroleum and Tata Power for failing to comply with environmental laws. Two logistics firms have also been asked to reduce transport of hazardous chemicals by 50%. The board has also issued guidelines to Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers Limited and closed down two ready mix concrete plants in Mumbai. The action follows the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's air pollution mitigation plan, which stated that punitive action would be taken against non-compliant companies.
Updated on Nov 02, 2023 08:36 AM IST
NMC announces special stray vacancy round for MBBS, BDS, BSc nursing
The National Medical Council (NMC) has announced a special stray vacancy round for MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing courses under All-India Quota and state quotas. Eligible candidates must pay a refundable security deposit of ₹50,000 and the round will be conducted online. The decision comes after directives from the Supreme Court.
Updated on Nov 01, 2023 07:10 AM IST
Diwali Anks register surge in demand with fresh ideas
The century-old journal has launched prominent Marathi writers like Jayant Dalvi, Narayan Dharap and Asha Bage, and poets like Madhu Mangesh Karnik. Today, young Marathi writers who have successfully sold three to four reprinted editions of their books also debuted through the Anks
Updated on Oct 31, 2023 07:28 AM IST
MU to hold senate elections in April
The University of Mumbai has unveiled the schedule for its senate elections, with voter registration on October 30 and the election taking place on April 21. The delay in the election has drawn criticism from youth wings of political parties, who accuse the university of acting under government pressure. The new schedule allows youth wings to prepare for the elections, after initially being excluded based on a complaint from a BJP MLA. The university has also introduced new voter registration rules, requiring all graduates to reapply online and submit offline forms.
Updated on Oct 31, 2023 06:58 AM IST
Short film by students receive honourable mention at LA Film Festival 2023
Singh, who is also responsible for promoting the film said that when he completed the postproduction of the movie, he submitted it to the Los Angeles Film Festival. “We are thrilled that they recognised our short film, granting it an honorable mention in the Mobile Short category for October 2023. This is a significant boost for us.”
Updated on Oct 26, 2023 08:18 AM IST
Mumbai Univ to redo voter list for Senate election
The University of Mumbai (MU) will re-do the voter list for its Senate election after errors were found. Voter registration will be conducted from October 30 to November 30. Critics argue that the delay and re-registration process are a result of political interference.
Updated on Oct 26, 2023 07:46 AM IST
Niraj Pandit, Mumbai
IIT-B’s student media body, Insight, raises concern over ‘Veg-Only’ tables
Controversy over 'veg-only' dining tables at IIT Bombay prompts student media to publish concerns about segregation
Updated on Oct 25, 2023 01:33 AM IST
BMC education dept issues notice to schools with low class 10 exam results
The BMC education department has issued notices to 88 Mumbai schools with less than an 85% success rate in the class 10 exams, warning of disciplinary action. The department has received criticism for solely holding principals and teachers accountable for the drop in results and has been urged to withdraw the notices. The president of the Mumbai Marathi Teachers Union has also expressed concern about the impact on teacher morale and the increasing non-academic responsibilities placed on teachers.
Updated on Oct 23, 2023 07:44 AM IST
Maha unveils new curriculum framework for early education
The state government of Mumbai has introduced a new curriculum framework for the foundational stage of education, emphasizing the use of a child's mother tongue as the primary medium of instruction. The curriculum focuses on interactive activities and exploration and aims for students to read and write clearly by class 3. However, there are concerns about the implementation of multiple languages and the lack of a more independent curriculum framework. The draft also includes a focus on student nutrition and health.
Updated on Oct 23, 2023 07:42 AM IST
On the garba beat
Mumbai Metro's extended service hours during Navratri have allowed garba enthusiasts to easily travel between venues, boosting participation in the traditional dance form. The extended service on line 2A has been particularly popular among the city's large Gujarati population. Additionally, new dance moves and modern twists on traditional garba songs have added to the festive atmosphere. Organizers have also introduced comfort features, such as air-conditioned venues and affordable food and water, to attract more participants.
Updated on Oct 22, 2023 08:06 AM IST