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Niraj Pandit

Articles by Niraj Pandit

Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani donates ₹315 crore to IIT Bombay

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder and chairman of Infosys, has donated $38.5m to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, to support infrastructure improvements, research and a deep tech startup ecosystem. IIT Bombay plans to raise $500m over the next five years and establish centres of excellence in artificial intelligence, green energy and quantum computing. Nilekani, who studied electrical engineering at IIT Bombay, has contributed $85m to the institute over the years and served on its board of governors.

Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani donates <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>315 crore to IIT Bombay

cities

Updated on Jun 21, 2023 01:08 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit, Mumbai

Sahitya Akademi members to oppose government’s intrusion in literary awards

The Union Ministry of Culture plans to change nomination process for Sahitya Akademi Award, raising concerns over political interference in the institution.

The ministry has asked the Akademi to respond to its notice issued last month, after internal consultation with committee members. (Pic for representation)

cities

Updated on Jun 20, 2023 07:38 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Balbharati’s ‘integrated textbook’ experiment falls apart in three days

The Integrated Textbook Scheme, a pilot project of the Maharashtra government, was implemented this year with the intention of streamlining the education system. The scheme entails students carrying a single book containing all subjects instead of individual textbooks for each one.

Krishnakumar Patil, director of Balbharati, told HT that he had not received any complaint officially. “On the basis of the social media posts, we will check the concerns raised by teachers and parents,” he said. “If we find the quality of binding to be poor, we will give replacement textbooks to the students and take action against the printer or whoever is responsible for this.” (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Jun 20, 2023 12:29 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Charni Road hostel death: Kesarkar assures girl’s family of justice

State minister assures justice for 18-year-old girl found dead in Mumbai hostel; government grants accommodation and extended audit of hostels in state.

cities

Updated on Jun 15, 2023 01:09 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit, Mumbai

We have been struggling to find a place to stay in the city of our dreams, says father of victim

The father’s deep anguish is exacerbated by his challenge of trying to find an affordable place to live in an expensive Mumbai

Seated in Ambedkar Bhavan, Dadar, along with his wife and son, on Tuesday afternoon, the bereaved father said, “The government had appointed a committee to inquire about the incident in the women’s hostel, but not a single member of the committee has approached us to share the course of investigation. In fact, no government representative has come to meet us. I request the chief minister and deputy chief minister to take strict action against the person who failed to keep our daughter safe in this city. I also request for the crime to be investigated by the CID.” (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Jun 14, 2023 12:52 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

28 students top PCM, PCB exams with 100 percentiles in MHT CET

28 students from Maharashtra have scored 100 percentile in the Maharashtra Technical Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) for engineering, pharmacology, and agriculture courses.

cities

Updated on Jun 13, 2023 01:02 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

11-year-old boy challenges gender bias through his hair journey

“During the lockdown period, Akul’s hair grew long, as no salons were open,” said Sumit Mehra, Akul’s father. “We attempted some haircuts at home, which turned out awful. So one day Akul told us that he would not cut his hair any more, and we supported his decision”

K V Arjun Rao, principal of JBCN International School, said that he found Akul’s argument “deeply personal”. “I was thoroughly impressed by his confidence and belief that he could frame an argument to convince rule-makers to consider alternatives,” he said. “The school felt that this was certainly something we should support.” (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Jun 13, 2023 12:46 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

This enthusiast devoted his life to Chhatrapati Shivaji’s forts

Parab’s upcoming book, which unveils the coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj, is eagerly awaited by history lovers and is set to be published within a month. In celebration of the 350th anniversary of the coronation ceremony, various YouTube channels dedicated to fort enthusiasts have been playing Parab’s prerecorded online lectures

Mumbai, India - June 10, 2023: Historian Appa Parab with his books at his residence, at Dadar, in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, June 10, 2023. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Jun 11, 2023 12:56 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

State to roll out NEP-based courses at 87 autonomous colleges from new session

The Indian state government will introduce undergraduate courses based on the Centre?s National Education Policy (NEP) at 87 autonomous colleges, with new courses at nearly 450 institutions offering postgraduate programmes. A steering committee has been set up to implement the NEP 2020 in all universities and affiliated colleges from the 2024-25 session. However, teacher associations have demanded a postponement, arguing that a hasty implementation may lead to chaos.

cities

Updated on Jun 10, 2023 12:49 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit, Mumbai

NMC revises age criterion for NEET UG

The National Medical Commission has revised the minimum age criterion for NEET UG, setting the cut-off date at January 31 of the year of admission, instead of December 31. The regulations also state that there will be a common counselling process for admission to graduate medical courses based on the NEET-UG merit list, and the UGMEB is responsible for publishing the model curriculum and outcome objectives on the NMC website. The new rules aim to bring transparency into the medical admission process and stop backdoor admissions in colleges against the NRI quota.

cities

Updated on Jun 10, 2023 12:41 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Govt forms panel to review security system at all women’s hostels in state

The Maharashtra government has appointed two committees to investigate the death of an 18-year-old girl in a Mumbai women's hostel and to review security measures in all women's hostels across the state. The main accused in the case is the hostel's watchman, who committed suicide. Various student outfits had earlier raised concerns over security in women's hostels. The committees will investigate security, infrastructure, and other issues concerning women?s hostels across the state and submit the report before June 14.

cities

Updated on Jun 08, 2023 01:08 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Ravindra Kulkarni appointed new VC of Mumbai Univ

With around three decades of teaching experience, Kulkarni is a senior professor at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Matunga, with core research in the area of oils, oleochemicals and surfactant technology.

“He has over 80 international research publications,” said Professor Aniruddha Pandit, ICT. “Since he has previously served as pro-vice-chancellor (PVC) for over four years, he has good experience in administration. He is the right choice for VC, especially to implement the NEP in the state. I believe his appointment will benefit MU as well as ICT.” (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Jun 07, 2023 12:44 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Sulochana Latkar: Bollywood’s iconic mother passes away at 94

Renowned actress Sulochana Latkar, known for her captivating performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away at 94 due to an age-related illness. She leaves behind over 250 Hindi and 50 Marathi films to her credit. Sulochana was especially renowned for her portrayal of warm and nurturing mother characters. She was honoured with several top state and national awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 1999. Her last rites will be performed on Monday at 5 pm at Shivaji Park Crematorium, Dadar.

Film Actress Sulochana Latkar - HT Photo.

cities

Updated on Jun 05, 2023 12:38 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Competition for college seats may increase

The number of students scoring 90% and above in the state board class 10 examination increased by 1,019 compared to last year. On the other hand, more students from the CBSE and ICSE boards have also scored above 90%

cities

Updated on Jun 03, 2023 01:25 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Maha SSC results: Girls outshine boys, 3% drop in overall performance

Over 93% students cleared the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or class 10 examination of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE). The overall pass percentage in the state stood at 93.83%, a drop of 3.11% from last year's result. Girls outperformed boys with a pass percentage of 95.87% as against 92.05% by boys. The exams were conducted without any relaxation due to the Covid pandemic, resulting in a dip in the pass percentage. Supplementary exams for class 10 students will be held in July-August.

cities

Updated on Jun 03, 2023 01:24 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Confusion, uncertainty in Maharashtra’s ‘Uniform City’ Solapur

Solapur, India, produces 30 million sets of school uniforms annually across India, including around five million that are exported to other countries.

Each of Solapur’s 700 units at the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation park produces 10,000 uniforms per day. (representative/HT photo)

india news

Updated on Jun 02, 2023 04:18 PM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

IIT-B suicide: Solanki’s family reiterates caste discrimination claims in chargesheet

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes will hold a hearing on 1 June in the case of the suicide of IIT-Bombay student Darshan Solanki, following a complaint by the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle. In statements to Mumbai police, Darshan?s family has claimed he died due to caste discrimination at the institution. A chargesheet has been filed against Arman Khatri, who has been charged with abetting the suicide. He denies the allegations. Lawyers have called for the introduction of a Rohith Act, similar to legislation proposed in response to the suicide of University of Hyderabad PhD scholar Rohith Vemula.

cities

Updated on Jun 01, 2023 12:51 AM IST

ByCharul Shah, Niraj Pandit

State to provide only one uniform per student this year

The Maharashtra Primary Education Council (MPEC) on Monday ordered all municipal corporations and chief executive officers of zilla parishads to make sure that the school management committees (SMC) provided only one uniform to the students, the design of which would be decided by them

Mumbai, India - August 17, 2022: Students of BMC School sing the National Anthem, at Andheri, in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. (Photo by Vijay Bate/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on Jun 01, 2023 12:50 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

102 unauthorised schools in MMR shut in last academic year

47 out of 289 unauthorised private primary schools in Mumbai were closed last academic year, part of a larger effort to tackle illegal schools. A total of 517 primary schools were found to be operating illegally across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with 416 still operational and awaiting government approval. Private primary schools in Mumbai come under various local education officers, which include the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) education department, and Thane, Raigad and Palghar district education officers.

cities

Updated on May 31, 2023 12:57 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Schools to provide state mandated uniforms this academic year, says minister

The government took it upon itself to provide the standardised uniforms to all the schools from a centralised unit. However, it seems to have bitten off more than it could chew

cities

Updated on May 27, 2023 12:55 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Confusion prevails as MU yet to issue guidelines on 4-year UG course

Confusion reigns as the state government in Mumbai has not yet issued guidelines for the implementation of its new four-year undergraduate courses, causing concern for both students and principals. The programme is part of the central government?s New Education Policy 2020, and its introduction has caused some disquiet among college administrators, who are struggling to explain the changes to students. The Mumbai University is yet to issue clear guidelines, while the government says it is working on resolving the situation.

cities

Updated on May 26, 2023 12:35 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Konkan division tops, Mumbai at bottom in Maharashtra HSC result 2023

Maharashtra board HSC result 2023 has been announced. Students can check their marks 2 pm onwards.

Maharashtra HSC result 2023: Konkan division tops, Mumbai at bottom(Biplov Bhuyan/HT file)

education

Published on May 25, 2023 12:26 PM IST

ByNiraj Pandit, Mumbai

1,903 colleges in state could lose university affiliation

Mumbai: The higher education department has issued an order to universities across the state to de-affiliate colleges without a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) assessment

cities

Updated on May 25, 2023 12:54 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

KJ Somaiya students collaborates with IMD to develop AI-based system to monitor heatwave

This system is now available to the public on the IMD website – https://kjsit-imd-heatwave.kjsieit.com/.

The Heatwave Watch System was developed by Professor Radhika Kotecha, Head of the Information Technology Department at KJSIT, Dr Rajib Chattopadhyay, scientist at IMD Pune and a team of eight B.Tech students specialising in Information Technology from KJSIT. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on May 24, 2023 01:07 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

In temporary compromise, state allows 50:50 formula for school uniform

HT on Monday had reported how stakeholders were dismayed about this resurrection of a policy that had failed to take off two decades ago. But while the 50:50 formula may seem like a step-down, school education minister Deepak Kesarkar said it was not

Mumbai, India – April 10, 2018: School children attending Digital class, virtual Class at Sewri Wadala Municipal school, at Wadala, in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT) (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on May 23, 2023 12:48 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit, Surendra P Gangan

Night school teachers worry as other tutors may take over

The teachers – who have been protesting since last Monday – said these actions will negatively impact the quality of education provided in night schools that cater to students from diverse backgrounds, including adults, who have returned to academics after interruptions due to personal commitments.

For nearly a year, night-school teachers have been voicing their objections following a Government Resolution (GR) issued in June 2022, which introduced these two decisions. They are demanding the reinstatement of an older GR from May 2017, which prohibited day-school teachers from working part-time in night schools. (HT PHOTO)

cities

Updated on May 23, 2023 12:45 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Govt plans standardised school uniform across state, stakeholders dismayed

While the move will result in an additional spend of ₹66.97 crore, students, parents and teachers are posing two basic questions—whether the new uniforms will reach students in time for school reopening in June, and if the material will complement the weather in all parts of the state

cities

Updated on May 22, 2023 12:33 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Institute denied degree to reserved category students over fee dispute

Incidentally, students from the reserved category had faced a similar episode at the college last year as well, following which they had escalated the matter to the State Scheduled Class Commission. It is only after the commission’s intervention that the management issued the degree and leaving certificates to the students

Sardar Patel College of Engineering (HT Photo)

cities

Updated on May 20, 2023 01:02 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

City students get CUET exam centers in far flung Bhusawal, Silvasa

Students in Mumbai are upset with the allocation of exam centers for the upcoming Common University Test (CUET) 2023, as many have been assigned centers in far-flung areas, such as Bhusawal and Silvasa, prompting parents to reach out to the state education minister for assistance. The tests are scheduled from May 21 to 28.

cities

Updated on May 19, 2023 12:33 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

Unable to pay for police escort from jail, TYBCom student misses exam

Mumbai: Nikita Yadav, a 21-year-old TYBCom student who tried to stop revenue officials from demolishing her house, was unable to take her exam on Wednesday, as she could not pay ₹8,000 per day in total around ₹32,000 to pay for the police escort required to go from jail to the exam centre

cities

Updated on May 18, 2023 12:43 AM IST

ByNiraj Pandit

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Niraj Pandit

The Union Ministry of Culture plans to change nomination process for Sahitya Akademi Award, raising concerns over political interference in the institution.

The Integrated Textbook Scheme, a pilot project of the Maharashtra government, was implemented this year with the intention of streamlining the education system. The scheme entails students carrying a single book containing all subjects instead of individual textbooks for each one.

State minister assures justice for 18-year-old girl found dead in Mumbai hostel; government grants accommodation and extended audit of hostels in state.

The father’s deep anguish is exacerbated by his challenge of trying to find an affordable place to live in an expensive Mumbai

28 students from Maharashtra have scored 100 percentile in the Maharashtra Technical Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) for engineering, pharmacology, and agriculture courses.

“During the lockdown period, Akul’s hair grew long, as no salons were open,” said Sumit Mehra, Akul’s father. “We attempted some haircuts at home, which turned out awful. So one day Akul told us that he would not cut his hair any more, and we supported his decision”

With around three decades of teaching experience, Kulkarni is a senior professor at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Matunga, with core research in the area of oils, oleochemicals and surfactant technology.

The number of students scoring 90% and above in the state board class 10 examination increased by 1,019 compared to last year. On the other hand, more students from the CBSE and ICSE boards have also scored above 90%

Solapur, India, produces 30 million sets of school uniforms annually across India, including around five million that are exported to other countries.

The Maharashtra Primary Education Council (MPEC) on Monday ordered all municipal corporations and chief executive officers of zilla parishads to make sure that the school management committees (SMC) provided only one uniform to the students, the design of which would be decided by them

The government took it upon itself to provide the standardised uniforms to all the schools from a centralised unit. However, it seems to have bitten off more than it could chew

Maharashtra board HSC result 2023 has been announced. Students can check their marks 2 pm onwards.

Mumbai: The higher education department has issued an order to universities across the state to de-affiliate colleges without a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) assessment

This system is now available to the public on the IMD website – https://kjsit-imd-heatwave.kjsieit.com/.

HT on Monday had reported how stakeholders were dismayed about this resurrection of a policy that had failed to take off two decades ago. But while the 50:50 formula may seem like a step-down, school education minister Deepak Kesarkar said it was not

While the move will result in an additional spend of ₹66.97 crore, students, parents and teachers are posing two basic questions—whether the new uniforms will reach students in time for school reopening in June, and if the material will complement the weather in all parts of the state

Mumbai: Nikita Yadav, a 21-year-old TYBCom student who tried to stop revenue officials from demolishing her house, was unable to take her exam on Wednesday, as she could not pay ₹8,000 per day in total around ₹32,000 to pay for the police escort required to go from jail to the exam centre

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