JAMMU, DECEMBER 3. At a function organised by the state’s school education ministry to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons (December 3), governor Satya Pal Malik announced new scholarships for differently abled children. Incorporated into the J&K government’s scholarship scheme, Rs.1 lakh will be awarded annually to one meritorious boy and girl child. “We need to provide best possible facilities for the holistic development of students with special needs,” said Malik, speaking on the occasion. He lauded the cultural performances presented by special needs children and announced cash awards for them and a five-day orientation programme in Bangalore for 30 children. Karnataka Women students freeships BANGALORE, DECEMBER 5. The state government will waive the tuition fees of women students enrolled in pre-university, undergrad and postgraduate study programmes in government colleges statewide. This waiver scheme was approved by the Karnataka cabinet which met here and will come into effect from the start of the academic year 2019-20, said Krishna Byre Gowda, law and parliamentary affairs minister. Expected to benefit 370,000 women students, the scheme will cost the state exchequer Rs.95 crore annually, he added. Arunachal Pradesh First innovation hub ITANAGAR, DEECMBER 8. The state’s first innovation hub and planetarium — built at an estimated cost of Rs.4 crore — was inaugurated by Nabam Rebia, land management, environment and forests minister, at the Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar. The 45-seat planetarium has been developed by the National Council of Science Museums, Kolkata in association with the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science and Technology. “In the next few years, we will produce brilliant ideas, innovations and start-ups from the state,” predicted the minister. Uttar Pradesh Anti-cheating software Lucknow, december 10. Novel software has been designed and a four-step process initiated to check exam malpractices in the Uttar Pradesh board exams scheduled to begin on February 7, said deputy chief and secondary and higher education minister Dinesh Sharma. “Previously, there were large-scale irregularities involved in selecting examination centres. Under the new process, schools have to apply online and submit details of facilities before being officially declared examination centres. The newly designed software will be installed in schools which fulfill minimum eligibility criteria such as CCTV surveillance, separate toilets for boys and girls and boundary walls,” he said. Tamil Nadu Research stipend hike demand CHENNAI, DECEMBER 21. IIT-Madras research scholars staged a protest demonstration inside the campus demanding an increase in fellowship stipends and timely and regular disbursals from various funding agencies. They demanded that the monthly stipend of Junior Research Fellows is raised from the current Rs.25,000 to Rs.45,000 and Rs.55,000 per month from the current Rs.28,000 for Senior Research Fellows. Maharashtra New Homi Bhabha University MUMBAI, DECEMBER 20. The state government has approved establishment of a Homi Jehangir Bhabha University named after the renowned nuclear physicist, which will enable students to opt for a “choice-based credits system” and study electives of their choice. Addressing press personnel at Mantralaya, education minister Vinod Tawde said the Institute of Science, Sydenham College of Commerce…
