Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities on Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: US starts building Gaza aid pier to boost deliveries

Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch in for more details!

Anti-war protests grip US universities

US: Can colleges contain protests and ensure safety?

US: Over 130 students arrested as protests spread

Pro-Palestinian protests sweep US campuses

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch in for more details!

US: Pro-Palestinian protests sweep campuses

The demand for one of the world's most prestigious educational institutions seems to be dimming Harvard University is witnessing a significant drop in annual applications for the second consecutive year.

Harvard: Most prestigious college losing its sheen?

Four people, including three students of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala's Kochi city, were killed and more than 50 were injured in a stampede, during a cultural event on Saturday evening.

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, questions were being raised about the kind of security arrangements in place at the event venue, which had a footfall&nbsp;of around 2,000.

An internal letter from the university authorities was doing the rounds on Monday, indicating serious lapses on the part of the officials.&nbsp;

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4 college students (2 men &amp;2 women) lose their lives at a stampede in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kochi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kochi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a>, during a concert by singer Nikitha Gandhi, at the Cochin University of Science &amp; Tech.. 
 
Apparently, stampede took place at a gate that led to a flight of stairs... 
 
More casualties feared <a href="https://t.co/d0T0Y85fkT">pic.twitter.com/d0T0Y85fkT</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1728452299964780646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The stampede took place in the run-up to a concert at an open-air venue, which was hosting 'Dhishna 2023'—a three-day tech fest. Saturday (Nov 25) marked the second day of the event.

Despite the event being quite a large one, it is said that there was no commensurate police deployment at the venue.

Kochi Police have maintained that the CUSAT authorities did not alert them or write to them seeking security arrangements for the event. It is said that the stampede occurred at the entrance gate, which leads to a flight of stairs leading to the main venue.

Owing to the congestion at the gate and the resultant melee, many are said to have tripped and fallen down the stairs, with others falling on top.&nbsp;

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Did inaction by officials in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kochi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kochi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kerala</a> lead to stampede that killed 4 &amp; injured ~60, at a college fest? 
 
Police say they didn't get any request for security 
 
Internal letter - Principal wrote to Univ Registrar &amp; others on need for security&amp; cops <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CUSAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CUSAT</a> 
 
Whose negligence? <a href="https://t.co/SgUsRs9llk">pic.twitter.com/SgUsRs9llk</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1729135733880066239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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According to an internal letter from CUSAT, dated November 24, the principal wrote to the registrar of CUSAT, also marking a copy to the Head of Department, School of Engineering and the CUSAT Security Officer.

Carrying a subject line, 'DHISHNA -2023- Police and Security Arrangement during Off-Campus Musical Programme', the letter specifies about music programmes that were to be held on Friday and Saturday evenings at the venue that would be accessible to the public.

It also states that faculty members have been assigned duties for maintaining overall discipline and emphasised the need for deploying security personnel and police to avoid untoward incidents.&nbsp;

While the letter undersigned by the principal requested adequate security personnel and police presence for the events on Friday and Saturday evenings, it also raises the question of whether the authorities were late in seeking security for the event.

The letter carries the date November 24, which also happens to be the date of event commencement.

Usually, police protection and security deployment for such events are planned well ahead. Authorities in Kerala are probing the incident and as part of this investigation on Monday, a team visited the open-air venue when the mishap had taken place.&nbsp;

Four people, including three students of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala's Kochi city, were killed and more than 50 were injured in a stampede, during a cultural event on Saturday evening.

Four people, including three students of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala's Kochi city, were killed and more than 50 were injured in a stampede, during a cultural event on Saturday evening. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, questions were being raised about the kind of security arrangements in place at the event venue, which had a footfall of around 2,000. An internal letter from the university authorities was doing the rounds on Monday, indicating serious lapses on the part of the officials. 4 college students (2 men &2 women) lose their lives at a stampede in #kochi #kerala, during a concert by singer Nikitha Gandhi, at the Cochin University of Science & Tech.. Apparently, stampede took place at a gate that led to a flight of stairs... More casualties feared pic.twitter.com/d0T0Y85fkT — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) November 25, 2023 × The stampede took place in the run-up to a concert at an open-air venue, which was hosting 'Dhishna 2023'—a three-day tech fest. Saturday (Nov 25) marked the second day of the event. Despite the event being quite a large one, it is said that there was no commensurate police deployment at the venue. Kochi Police have maintained that the CUSAT authorities did not alert them or write to them seeking security arrangements for the event. It is said that the stampede occurred at the entrance gate, which leads to a flight of stairs leading to the main venue. Owing to the congestion at the gate and the resultant melee, many are said to have tripped and fallen down the stairs, with others falling on top. Did inaction by officials in #kochi #kerala lead to stampede that killed 4 & injured ~60, at a college fest? Police say they didn't get any request for security Internal letter - Principal wrote to Univ Registrar & others on need for security& cops #CUSAT Whose negligence? pic.twitter.com/SgUsRs9llk — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) November 27, 2023 × According to an internal letter from CUSAT, dated November 24, the principal wrote to the registrar of CUSAT, also marking a copy to the Head of Department, School of Engineering and the CUSAT Security Officer. Carrying a subject line, 'DHISHNA -2023- Police and Security Arrangement during Off-Campus Musical Programme', the letter specifies about music programmes that were to be held on Friday and Saturday evenings at the venue that would be accessible to the public. It also states that faculty members have been assigned duties for maintaining overall discipline and emphasised the need for deploying security personnel and police to avoid untoward incidents. While the letter undersigned by the principal requested adequate security personnel and police presence for the events on Friday and Saturday evenings, it also raises the question of whether the authorities were late in seeking security for the event. The letter carries the date November 24, which also happens to be the date of event commencement. Usually, police protection and security deployment for such events are planned well ahead. Authorities in Kerala are probing the incident and as part of this investigation on Monday, a team visited the open-air venue when the mishap had taken place.

India: Was inaction by officials responsible for Kochi college stampede that killed 4, injured 50?

In the Indian state of West Bengal, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College in the capital Kolkata, has told undergraduate students to sign an undertaking declaring that they would refrain from wearing torn or artificially torn jeans to the institution. Similarly, the parents or guardians of the students have also been requested to sign a similar affidavit.

The undertaking that the students have to sign reads - "Having been admitted to Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College I will never enter inside college premises wearing torn/artificially torn jeans or any kind of indecent dresses. I do hereby affirm that I shall wear normal civil dresses during my study period inside the entire college premises.”

Also Read|&nbsp;Moving beyond symbolism?: Opposition alliance INDIA to hold two-day meeting in Mumbai

The prohibition on students and staff wearing indecent clothes, like torn jeans is not new. A notice issued last year read, "No student or staff can enter inside college premises wearing torn jeans or artificially torn jeans. It is strictly prohibited inside the college campuses."

The principal of AJC Bose College told Indian Express,&nbsp;"Last year, we issued a similar advisory for our students. But despite such notice, some students were seen coming to the college in torn jeans. We don’t want our students to come to the campus in such attire." The head added that&nbsp;the college would not allow entry to any student found wearing indecent clothes.

Following this notice, students at the colleges demonstrated against the authorities and said they wouldn't&nbsp;follow the rules.

Since students didn't follow the previously issued advisory, the college this year is aiming to&nbsp;make a strong impact, which is why&nbsp;new students will have to sign the undertaking to get into the college.

Students are free to wear any type of outfit outside the college premises but they will have to follow the rules when in college. The principal also claimed that the undertaking would enforce strict discipline in the college.

Also Read|&nbsp;After Putin, Xi likely to pull out of G20 summit in India: Report

A third-year student of the college told The Times Of India, "The college teaches us about freedom of expression but takes steps that curb personal choice. If education is properly imparted, students are responsible enough to judge what to wear and what not to at an institute."

The notification has different opinions as another student of the college did not find the rule problematic because several other colleges have the rule of following a dress code.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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In the Indian state of West Bengal, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College in the capital Kolkata, has told undergraduate students to sign an undertaking declaring that they would refrain from wearing torn or artificially torn jeans to the institution.

In the Indian state of West Bengal, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College in the capital Kolkata, has told undergraduate students to sign an undertaking declaring that they would refrain from wearing torn or artificially torn jeans to the institution. Similarly, the parents or guardians of the students have also been requested to sign a similar affidavit. The undertaking that the students have to sign reads - "Having been admitted to Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose College I will never enter inside college premises wearing torn/artificially torn jeans or any kind of indecent dresses. I do hereby affirm that I shall wear normal civil dresses during my study period inside the entire college premises.” Also Read| Moving beyond symbolism?: Opposition alliance INDIA to hold two-day meeting in Mumbai The prohibition on students and staff wearing indecent clothes, like torn jeans is not new. A notice issued last year read, "No student or staff can enter inside college premises wearing torn jeans or artificially torn jeans. It is strictly prohibited inside the college campuses." The principal of AJC Bose College told Indian Express, "Last year, we issued a similar advisory for our students. But despite such notice, some students were seen coming to the college in torn jeans. We don’t want our students to come to the campus in such attire." The head added that the college would not allow entry to any student found wearing indecent clothes. Following this notice, students at the colleges demonstrated against the authorities and said they wouldn't follow the rules. Since students didn't follow the previously issued advisory, the college this year is aiming to make a strong impact, which is why new students will have to sign the undertaking to get into the college. Students are free to wear any type of outfit outside the college premises but they will have to follow the rules when in college. The principal also claimed that the undertaking would enforce strict discipline in the college. Also Read| After Putin, Xi likely to pull out of G20 summit in India: Report A third-year student of the college told The Times Of India, "The college teaches us about freedom of expression but takes steps that curb personal choice. If education is properly imparted, students are responsible enough to judge what to wear and what not to at an institute." The notification has different opinions as another student of the college did not find the rule problematic because several other colleges have the rule of following a dress code. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'No torn jeans allowed': Kolkata college asks students to sign affidavit

Tensions flared in the western Indian state of Maharashtra after a college barred girls, wearing burqas, from entry into the campus premises in the capital city of Mumbai.

Tensions flared in the western Indian state of Maharashtra after a college barred girls, wearing burqas, from entry into the campus premises in the capital city of Mumbai. The incident transpired at the NG Acharya & DK Marathe College after which parents of the girl students staged a demonstration in front of the institute. Muslim students complained that they feel uncomfortable leaving the house without wearing a burqa, as prescribed by their religion. They requested the college authorities to at least, grant them permission to wear scarves for their comfort. The situation only calmed down after the police officials arrived on the spot and took both parents and the college authorities into confidence. Commenting on the incident, college Principal Vidya Gauri Lele said the institute recently implemented a new dress code for the year and that rules were communicated to the parents well in advance. “On May 1, we held a meeting with parents to discuss this new dress code policy. We had communicated everything including the ban on burqa, hijab, scarves, and stickers. At the time, everyone had agreed to the dress code. But they are protesting now,” said Lele. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals Middle ground reached After the incident, the college issued a statement, saying that girl students can wear a burqa, hijab, or scarf while entering the college, considering their safety and dignity. However, they will have to remove the piece of clothing in the washroom before entering the classroom and wear it again when leaving the college in the evening. Burqas and niqabs are often confused. While niqabs cover the face, but leave the eyes uncovered, burqas cover the entire body, from the top of the head to the ground, with only a small screen allowing the wearer to see in front. Also read | Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion In June, a similar controversy erupted in the northern Indian union territory of Jammu & Kashmir where several female students protested outside Vishwa Bharti Womens College for not being allowed to wear burqa. 'Why should we take off the abaya? I don't love this school more than my God that I will take off this abaya. I will never take my abaya off, there are so many boys in the college and there is so much immorality going on which is invisible to their eyes and asking us to take off the abaya," one of the students said at the time. Last year, the southern state of Karnataka saw a hijab ban transform into a national controversy that went all the way to the Supreme Court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Mumbai college denies entry to students wearing burqas, sparks protests

Sophia Celentano, a 21-year-old college intern from US state of South Carolina has caught the attention of social media with her unique commuting strategy. Rather than renting a place near her New Jersey summer internship, she hops on a plane from Charleston to Newark every week, highlighting the financial benefits of her untraditional approach.&nbsp;Her TikTok video headlined, “Why I take a plane to work" showcasing her routine has gone viral, gaining widespread attention and sparking curiosity.

<h2>Cost-effective and flexible lifestyle</h2>

To avoid the hefty rent of over $3,400 per month, Celentano opted for a $100 round-trip flight for her weekly in-person work as a corporate marketing intern.&nbsp;

This arrangement allows her to enjoy the flexibility of living with her family in South Carolina while attending the University of Virginia.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-outages-in-early-june-due-to-cyberattacks-605731">Microsoft outages in early June due to cyberattacks</a>

The median cost of renting an apartment in Manhattan, where her internship takes place, reached a record-breaking $4,241 in April, further emphasising the cost-saving aspect of her commute.

<h2>Making the most of internship experience</h2>

Celentano expressed her enthusiasm for her unconventional commute, which not only saves her money but also provides her with a unique sense of adventure each week.&nbsp;

On her LinkedIn account, she wrote, “My untraditional commute provides me with more lifestyle freedom, and I genuinely look forward to my weekly adventures.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-schoolgirls-poisoning-state-sanctioned-committee-tries-to-downplay-poisoning-attacks-says-report-605671">Iran schoolgirls poisoning: State-sanctioned committee tries to downplay poisoning attacks, says report</a>

Despite the early morning wake-up call and occasional Uber rides and food expenses, she finds joy in the lifestyle freedom her arrangement offers.&nbsp;

Celentano's employer, Oglivy Health, is aware of her situation and has been supportive, understanding the benefits it provides her as an intern.

<h2>Flying Spirit for savings</h2>

By opting for Spirit Airlines, known for its budget-friendly flights, Celentano manages to keep her commute expenses relatively low. The weekly flight costs her approximately $100, and she spends an additional $100 on Uber rides to and from the airport, along with $25 on food.&nbsp;

Watch | Russia's latest space agency mission: Raising a militia for the war in Ukraine?

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In total, her commuting costs for the entire 10-week internship amount to $2,250.

<h2>Savings amidst soaring rental prices</h2>

Celentano estimates that she is saving at least $2,000 this summer by choosing her unique commuting strategy over renting and living in New Jersey or New York. While rental prices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City continue to reach record highs, she is fortunate to stay with her family in Charleston during this time.

<h2>A perspective on financial realities and pressures</h2>

Growing up witnessing the benefits and flexibility it provides, she saw it as a natural choice.&nbsp;

“I’ve grown up seeing the flexibility and benefits that provides their lifestyle, so I didn’t really think twice about super commuting this summer. I understand though why people were so shocked by my decision,” she told CNN.&nbsp;

However, she acknowledges why others find it shocking and believes it sheds light on the current cost of living and the pressures faced by young adults entering the workforce.

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Sophia Celentano, a 21-year-old college intern from US state of South Carolina has caught the attention of social media with her unique commuting strategy. Rather than renting a place near her New Jersey summer internship, she hops on a plane from Charleston to Newark every week, highlighting the financial benefits of her untraditional approach.

Sophia Celentano, a 21-year-old college intern from US state of South Carolina has caught the attention of social media with her unique commuting strategy. Rather than renting a place near her New Jersey summer internship, she hops on a plane from Charleston to Newark every week, highlighting the financial benefits of her untraditional approach. Her TikTok video headlined, “Why I take a plane to work" showcasing her routine has gone viral, gaining widespread attention and sparking curiosity. Cost-effective and flexible lifestyle To avoid the hefty rent of over $3,400 per month, Celentano opted for a $100 round-trip flight for her weekly in-person work as a corporate marketing intern. This arrangement allows her to enjoy the flexibility of living with her family in South Carolina while attending the University of Virginia. Also Read | Microsoft outages in early June due to cyberattacks The median cost of renting an apartment in Manhattan, where her internship takes place, reached a record-breaking $4,241 in April, further emphasising the cost-saving aspect of her commute. Making the most of internship experience Celentano expressed her enthusiasm for her unconventional commute, which not only saves her money but also provides her with a unique sense of adventure each week. On her LinkedIn account, she wrote, “My untraditional commute provides me with more lifestyle freedom, and I genuinely look forward to my weekly adventures.” Also Read | Iran schoolgirls poisoning: State-sanctioned committee tries to downplay poisoning attacks, says report Despite the early morning wake-up call and occasional Uber rides and food expenses, she finds joy in the lifestyle freedom her arrangement offers. Celentano's employer, Oglivy Health, is aware of her situation and has been supportive, understanding the benefits it provides her as an intern. Flying Spirit for savings By opting for Spirit Airlines, known for its budget-friendly flights, Celentano manages to keep her commute expenses relatively low. The weekly flight costs her approximately $100, and she spends an additional $100 on Uber rides to and from the airport, along with $25 on food. Watch | Russia's latest space agency mission: Raising a militia for the war in Ukraine? × In total, her commuting costs for the entire 10-week internship amount to $2,250. Savings amidst soaring rental prices Celentano estimates that she is saving at least $2,000 this summer by choosing her unique commuting strategy over renting and living in New Jersey or New York. While rental prices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City continue to reach record highs, she is fortunate to stay with her family in Charleston during this time. A perspective on financial realities and pressures Growing up witnessing the benefits and flexibility it provides, she saw it as a natural choice. “I’ve grown up seeing the flexibility and benefits that provides their lifestyle, so I didn’t really think twice about super commuting this summer. I understand though why people were so shocked by my decision,” she told CNN. However, she acknowledges why others find it shocking and believes it sheds light on the current cost of living and the pressures faced by young adults entering the workforce. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Taking a plane to work: Story of 21-year-old college intern as super-commuter goes viral

They say desperate times call for desperate measures. At least that is what one is reminded of by Chinese social media users who see Chinese colleges giving a week-long holiday to find love as a measure aimed to tackle the country's dwindling population.&nbsp;

A few Chinese vocational colleges reportedly gave their students a full week's holiday in the month of April. Why? Just so they could find love. But the announcement by these colleges does not explicitly talk about finding a romantic partner but instead says the holiday is for appreciating nature and "to find love."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-24-injured-after-devastating-tornado-hit-us-state-of-arkansas-577880">At least 24 injured after 'devastating' tornado hit US state of Arkansas</a>

Nature love. Imagine your college gives you a holiday to let you be surrounded by nature. To let you absorb its sights and sounds bringing its love to you. To feel the wind through the trees and listen to the songs of birds. And to simply reconnect with nature. Weird?&nbsp;

But the hidden meaning of it seems to be pretty clear to Chinese netizens that the college announcement is just an extension of the government's policies to accelerate the birth rate in a country whose population has seen a historic decline.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/defending-twitters-paid-blue-tick-elon-musk-predicts-social-media-sites-without-such-model-will-fail-577878">Defending Twitter's paid blue tick, Elon Musk predicts social media sites without such model 'will fail'</a>

The decision to give a holiday week to find love was taken by colleges of the Fan Mei Education Group. All of the group's vocational schools train students for employment in the aviation sector. The training is given to prepare students to become future pilots, air traffic controllers or flight attendants.&nbsp;

The Mianyang Aviation Vocational College in a statement on 23 March said, “The school implements the spring break system in the hope that students can learn to love nature, love life, and enjoy love." It urged the college students to “walk out of campus, get in touch with nature, and with your heart feel the beauty of spring.”

Meanwhile, the Qingdao Aviation Technology Vocational College said the students ought to enjoy the flowers. The spring break from April 1 to 7 was to “enjoy the flowers and to fall in love,” it said.&nbsp;

A person on the Chinese social media site Weibo, reacting to this unique holiday, said,&nbsp;“I’m sure this is just another attempt to push people into having more babies.”&nbsp;

Every year, the holiday used to be just for one day, to mark the national tomb-sweeping festival known as the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 5 this year. But the festival is now extended to a full love-blown spring week.&nbsp;

Watch | Will Artificial Intelligence be the end of mankind? | This World

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Nevertheless, the students seem to be cherishing this holiday. “I was thrilled when I found out about spring break. My roommates and I immediately booked a flight to Lijiang of Yunnan province and plan to have some fun there for a few days,” a freshman at Sichuan Southwest told Beijing Youth Daily, per China Daily.

Not just the holiday, the assignments are also hinged on a light-mood love-theme. The assignments include everything from writing travel diaries to shooting videos.&nbsp;

This all is reportedly done in the quest of boosting the declining population. For the first time since 1962, China's National Bureau of Statistics recorded a population decline of 850,000 in 2022. The statistics revealed the lowest birth rate in history and the greatest mortality rate since 1976.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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They say desperate times call for desperate measures. At least that is what one is reminded of by Chinese social media users who see Chinese colleges giving a week-long holiday to find love as a measure aimed to tackle the country's dwindling population.

They say desperate times call for desperate measures. At least that is what one is reminded of by Chinese social media users who see Chinese colleges giving a week-long holiday to find love as a measure aimed to tackle the country's dwindling population. A few Chinese vocational colleges reportedly gave their students a full week's holiday in the month of April. Why? Just so they could find love. But the announcement by these colleges does not explicitly talk about finding a romantic partner but instead says the holiday is for appreciating nature and "to find love." Also Read | At least 24 injured after 'devastating' tornado hit US state of Arkansas Nature love. Imagine your college gives you a holiday to let you be surrounded by nature. To let you absorb its sights and sounds bringing its love to you. To feel the wind through the trees and listen to the songs of birds. And to simply reconnect with nature. Weird? But the hidden meaning of it seems to be pretty clear to Chinese netizens that the college announcement is just an extension of the government's policies to accelerate the birth rate in a country whose population has seen a historic decline. Also Read | Defending Twitter's paid blue tick, Elon Musk predicts social media sites without such model 'will fail' The decision to give a holiday week to find love was taken by colleges of the Fan Mei Education Group. All of the group's vocational schools train students for employment in the aviation sector. The training is given to prepare students to become future pilots, air traffic controllers or flight attendants. The Mianyang Aviation Vocational College in a statement on 23 March said, “The school implements the spring break system in the hope that students can learn to love nature, love life, and enjoy love." It urged the college students to “walk out of campus, get in touch with nature, and with your heart feel the beauty of spring.” Meanwhile, the Qingdao Aviation Technology Vocational College said the students ought to enjoy the flowers. The spring break from April 1 to 7 was to “enjoy the flowers and to fall in love,” it said. A person on the Chinese social media site Weibo, reacting to this unique holiday, said, “I’m sure this is just another attempt to push people into having more babies.” Every year, the holiday used to be just for one day, to mark the national tomb-sweeping festival known as the Qingming Festival, which falls on April 5 this year. But the festival is now extended to a full love-blown spring week. Watch | Will Artificial Intelligence be the end of mankind? | This World × Nevertheless, the students seem to be cherishing this holiday. “I was thrilled when I found out about spring break. My roommates and I immediately booked a flight to Lijiang of Yunnan province and plan to have some fun there for a few days,” a freshman at Sichuan Southwest told Beijing Youth Daily, per China Daily. Not just the holiday, the assignments are also hinged on a light-mood love-theme. The assignments include everything from writing travel diaries to shooting videos. This all is reportedly done in the quest of boosting the declining population. For the first time since 1962, China's National Bureau of Statistics recorded a population decline of 850,000 in 2022. The statistics revealed the lowest birth rate in history and the greatest mortality rate since 1976. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese colleges on love-themed spring break as nation scurries to arrest population decline

Paul Flores, the man convicted of killing 19-year-old California student Kristin Smart in 1996 has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. Flores has been given the maximum sentence possible under California's current penal system.

Paul Flores, the man convicted of killing 19-year-old California student Kristin Smart in 1996 has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. Flores has been given the maximum sentence possible under California's current penal system. Judge Jennifer O'Keefe while pronouncing the sentence said Flores 'deserved' to be in prison for the rest of his life. "You deserve to spend every day you have left behind bars," O'Keefe was quoted as saying by Reuters. She also said that Flores had continued to drug and assault women in 'predatory behavior' that 'has spanned your adult life'. Read more: Man found guilty of killing California student Kristin Smart who went missing in 1996 Meanwhile, representing the prosecution side, Deputy District Attorney Chris Peuvrelle called Flores a 'true psychopath', adding that the defendant continues to lie to this day. The sentencing brings a culmination to over a quarter-century case that surprised the investigators as well as the common folks alike. Both Smart and Flores were students at California Polytechnic State University when she went missing in May 1996. Flores was the last person seen with Smart, accompanying her on the 10-minute walk back to her dormitory from a party that night. During the trial, prosecutors said Paul Flores had stalked Smart for months and might have even drugged her drink at the party. For several years, Flores remained the prime suspect in the case. However, the absence of evidence meant that he was not tried. That changed in 2019 when freelance journalist Chris Lambert in his documentary podcast titled 'Your Own Backyard', helped investigators crack the case. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Delhi police solve six-month-old murder case × Flores was convicted of first-degree murder by a jury at Monterey County Superior Court last year in October. His father Ruben Flores, accused of hiding the body was acquitted by the jury. The body of 19-year-old Smart has never been found, even though the authorities have searched 18 locations. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson has vowed that the case file will not be closed until Smart's remains are found. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Man convicted of killing California student Kristin Smart sentenced to 25 years in jail

Thousands of students at two colleges in Montreal, Canada were forced to go into lockdown as a shooting incident sent four people to hospital. At 5:30 pm local time (2230 GMT), gunshots rang out at a park across the street from Montmorency College in the Montreal suburb of Laval, police spokeswoman Genevieve Major told AFP.

Four people who were shot sought to take refuge at the college. They were later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The college is attended by nearly 10,000 students and faculty. It remained locked down into the evening. Police swarmed the area in search of the shooter.

Mayor Stephane Boyer tweeted that a police operation was "underway", while television footage showed parents of students crowding the roads around the college after they rushed to the scene.

Earlier, a 19-year-old man wearing a bulletproof vest was arrested at a junior college 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Montreal and charged with allegedly uttering threats.

Students and staff at the Cegep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu told local media they were ordered to barricade themselves in classrooms and turn off the lights for most of the day, while a police operation unfolded outside.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thousands of students at two colleges in Montreal, Canada were forced to go into lockdown as a shooting incident sent four people to hospital. At 5:30 pm local time (2230 GMT), gunshots rang out at a park across the street from Montmorency College in the Montreal suburb of Laval, police spokeswoman Genevieve Major told AFP.

Thousands of students at two colleges in Montreal, Canada were forced to go into lockdown as a shooting incident sent four people to hospital. At 5:30 pm local time (2230 GMT), gunshots rang out at a park across the street from Montmorency College in the Montreal suburb of Laval, police spokeswoman Genevieve Major told AFP. Four people who were shot sought to take refuge at the college. They were later taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The college is attended by nearly 10,000 students and faculty. It remained locked down into the evening. Police swarmed the area in search of the shooter. Mayor Stephane Boyer tweeted that a police operation was "underway", while television footage showed parents of students crowding the roads around the college after they rushed to the scene. Earlier, a 19-year-old man wearing a bulletproof vest was arrested at a junior college 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Montreal and charged with allegedly uttering threats. Students and staff at the Cegep Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu told local media they were ordered to barricade themselves in classrooms and turn off the lights for most of the day, while a police operation unfolded outside. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Canada: Shooting near college wounds four

As a kid, Alexandr Wang used to compete in math and coding coemptions just to secure a free ticket to Disney World. Though he didn’t win the competition, it made a lasting impression on him and pushed him to be a genius coder. His passion landed him full-time coding work at the question-and-answer site Quora when he turned 17. It is here where he would meet his company’s future co-founder. Now at the age of 25, he has become the world's youngest self-made billionaire.

What makes his achievement more remarkable is that Wang at age of 19 dropped out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to co-found the software company Scale AI.

Now, he is helping around 300 companies, including US Air Force and Army, to unlock their data’s potential by delivering high-quality training data for AI applications, reports Forbes.

Wang's parents were physicists and worked on weapons projects for the US military. Now he does too.

San Francisco–based Scale’s technology analyses satellite images much faster than human analysts to determine how much damage Russian bombs are causing in Ukraine.

His AI programme is not only useful for the military. More than 300 companies, including General Motors and Flexport, use Scale.

&nbsp;“Every industry is sitting on huge amounts of data,” Wang says, who appeared on the Forbes Under 30 list in&nbsp;2018.

“Our goal is to help them unlock the potential of the data and supercharge their businesses with AI.”

According to Forbes, Scale, which generates an estimated $100 million in revenue, is valued at $7.3 billion. It had received a $325 million in funding last year.

Now, Wang’s estimated 15 per cent stake is worth $1 billion, making him the world’s youngest self-made billionaire. The next-youngest billionaire is Pedro Franceschi, the 25-year-old Brazilian cofounder of credit card company Brex.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As a kid, Alexandr Wang used to compete in math and coding coemptions just to secure a free ticket to Disney World. Though he didn’t win the competition, it made a lasting impression on him and pushed him to be a genius coder.

As a kid, Alexandr Wang used to compete in math and coding coemptions just to secure a free ticket to Disney World. Though he didn’t win the competition, it made a lasting impression on him and pushed him to be a genius coder. His passion landed him full-time coding work at the question-and-answer site Quora when he turned 17. It is here where he would meet his company’s future co-founder. Now at the age of 25, he has become the world's youngest self-made billionaire. What makes his achievement more remarkable is that Wang at age of 19 dropped out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to co-found the software company Scale AI. Now, he is helping around 300 companies, including US Air Force and Army, to unlock their data’s potential by delivering high-quality training data for AI applications, reports Forbes. Wang's parents were physicists and worked on weapons projects for the US military. Now he does too. San Francisco–based Scale’s technology analyses satellite images much faster than human analysts to determine how much damage Russian bombs are causing in Ukraine. His AI programme is not only useful for the military. More than 300 companies, including General Motors and Flexport, use Scale. “Every industry is sitting on huge amounts of data,” Wang says, who appeared on the Forbes Under 30 list in 2018. “Our goal is to help them unlock the potential of the data and supercharge their businesses with AI.” According to Forbes, Scale, which generates an estimated $100 million in revenue, is valued at $7.3 billion. It had received a $325 million in funding last year. Now, Wang’s estimated 15 per cent stake is worth $1 billion, making him the world’s youngest self-made billionaire. The next-youngest billionaire is Pedro Franceschi, the 25-year-old Brazilian cofounder of credit card company Brex. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Meet Alexandr Wang, 25-year-old college dropout and youngest self-made billionaire

UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar on Monday said the central universities will have to use Common University Entrance Test (CUET) scores to admit students to undergraduate programmes this year in India.&nbsp;

He said the CUET, in all likelihood, will be conducted in the first week of July.

This means that apart from the eligibility criterion of different universities, Class 12 board examination marks will not have any bearing on the admission of the students.

"From the 2022-23 academic year, the National Testing Agency will be conducting the CUET for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All the central universities will have to consider CUET scores for admissions to their programmes," Kumar said at a press briefing.

There are 45 central universities funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The syllabus of the CUET will be mirrored with the Class 12 model syllabus of the NCERT, Kumar said.

The CUET will have Section 1A, Section 1B, general test and domain-specific subjects. Section 1A, which will be compulsory, will be in 13 languages and candidates can choose the language of their choice.

The options are English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Section 1B is optional and for students who want to opt for another language apart from the ones that are a part of Section 1A. Some of the languages on offer are French, Arabic, German, etc, he added.

Under the domain-specific subjects, a candidate can choose up to a maximum of six domains that they wish to pursue at the undergraduate level, Kumar said.

There are some universities that have general test as eligibility criteria for admission to even domain-specific courses so that is a part of the CUET, he said.

The UGC chairman said the reservation policy of the universities will not be impacted due to the CUET.

"The universities can enroll candidates for the general seats as well as for the reserved seats on the basis of CUET scores. It will not impact the existing admission and reservation policy that are in accordance with the Ordinances of the varsity," he said.

Explaining further, he said if a university has a certain percentage of seats reserved for local students, it will be able to retain that.

"But the thing is that these students will also have to take admission through CUET,” he added.

Central universities like Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) reserve half of their seats for the minority students. Both the universities are yet to take a call on CUET.

According to an AMU official, they will take a call on the CUET once they receive any communication from the UGC.

Kumar also said foreign students will continue to be admitted as per the existing practice the universities have on supernumerary basis.

The universities will be allowed to conduct practical and interviews for courses like music, fine arts, theatre, along with CUET.

"The institutes can accord certain weightage to practical for such courses," he said.

He also said there would not be any centralised counselling after CUET this year. The universities will have their own counselling.

The CUET will be held in two shifts. In the first shift, candidates will be able to write one language, two domain-specific papers and the general test. In the second shift, candidates can write the remaining four domain-specific subjects and section 1B, Kumar said.

Talking about the benefits of CUET, he said it will provide equal opportunities to students from across boards, especially to those from the northeast and rural areas.

The CUET is also expected to reduce financial burden on parents and students, as candidates will only have to write one exam.

The state universities, private universities and deemed to be universities can also use CUET scores for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions if they want, Kumar said.

Delhi University and some other universities have already announced that they will only admit students to undergraduate courses on the basis of CUET.

About postgraduate programmes, Kumar said, there are many universities that have adopted the CUET while there are some that conduct their own exams. The universities will have flexibility to opt for CUET as of now.

"We hope that all the universities adopt the CUET for postgraduate programmes," he said.

The NTA will soon release the detailed guidelines regarding CUET and the UGC will issue a public notice on Tuesday, Kumar said.

UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar on Monday said the central universities will have to use Common University Entrance Test (CUET) scores to admit students to undergraduate programmes this year in India.

UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar on Monday said the central universities will have to use Common University Entrance Test (CUET) scores to admit students to undergraduate programmes this year in India. He said the CUET, in all likelihood, will be conducted in the first week of July. This means that apart from the eligibility criterion of different universities, Class 12 board examination marks will not have any bearing on the admission of the students. "From the 2022-23 academic year, the National Testing Agency will be conducting the CUET for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All the central universities will have to consider CUET scores for admissions to their programmes," Kumar said at a press briefing. There are 45 central universities funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The syllabus of the CUET will be mirrored with the Class 12 model syllabus of the NCERT, Kumar said. The CUET will have Section 1A, Section 1B, general test and domain-specific subjects. Section 1A, which will be compulsory, will be in 13 languages and candidates can choose the language of their choice. The options are English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Section 1B is optional and for students who want to opt for another language apart from the ones that are a part of Section 1A. Some of the languages on offer are French, Arabic, German, etc, he added. Under the domain-specific subjects, a candidate can choose up to a maximum of six domains that they wish to pursue at the undergraduate level, Kumar said. There are some universities that have general test as eligibility criteria for admission to even domain-specific courses so that is a part of the CUET, he said. The UGC chairman said the reservation policy of the universities will not be impacted due to the CUET. "The universities can enroll candidates for the general seats as well as for the reserved seats on the basis of CUET scores. It will not impact the existing admission and reservation policy that are in accordance with the Ordinances of the varsity," he said. Explaining further, he said if a university has a certain percentage of seats reserved for local students, it will be able to retain that. "But the thing is that these students will also have to take admission through CUET,” he added. Central universities like Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) reserve half of their seats for the minority students. Both the universities are yet to take a call on CUET. According to an AMU official, they will take a call on the CUET once they receive any communication from the UGC. Kumar also said foreign students will continue to be admitted as per the existing practice the universities have on supernumerary basis. The universities will be allowed to conduct practical and interviews for courses like music, fine arts, theatre, along with CUET. "The institutes can accord certain weightage to practical for such courses," he said. He also said there would not be any centralised counselling after CUET this year. The universities will have their own counselling. The CUET will be held in two shifts. In the first shift, candidates will be able to write one language, two domain-specific papers and the general test. In the second shift, candidates can write the remaining four domain-specific subjects and section 1B, Kumar said. Talking about the benefits of CUET, he said it will provide equal opportunities to students from across boards, especially to those from the northeast and rural areas. The CUET is also expected to reduce financial burden on parents and students, as candidates will only have to write one exam. The state universities, private universities and deemed to be universities can also use CUET scores for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions if they want, Kumar said. Delhi University and some other universities have already announced that they will only admit students to undergraduate courses on the basis of CUET. About postgraduate programmes, Kumar said, there are many universities that have adopted the CUET while there are some that conduct their own exams. The universities will have flexibility to opt for CUET as of now. "We hope that all the universities adopt the CUET for postgraduate programmes," he said. The NTA will soon release the detailed guidelines regarding CUET and the UGC will issue a public notice on Tuesday, Kumar said.

India: Common entrance test, not Class 12 marks, for admissions to college

In a bizarre incident, an engineering college student was caught red-handed while trying to sneak girlfriend into his hostel by the caretaker. &nbsp;

Sound’s usual? Well, the unique thing in the incident was that the girl was actually hiding in a trolley bag. &nbsp;

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In my life, I’ve seen a lot of crazy things. However, that Manipal lad trying to sneak a girl out via a suitcase is right at the top <a href="https://t.co/yOteKVCAh3">pic.twitter.com/yOteKVCAh3</a>
— Shibubuu (@shibubuu27) <a href="https://twitter.com/shibubuu27/status/1488834391283744770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The incident occurred in Manipal on Tuesday night, said several media reports. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-dip-in-covid-cases-on-mind-indias-national-capital-orders-reopening-of-schools-colleges-gyms-450442" hreflang="en">With dip in Covid cases on mind, India's national capital orders reopening of schools, colleges, gyms</a>

According to the eye-witnesses, the trolley bag caught the caretaker’s attention when the student tried to enter the hostel. The boy was questioned by the caretaker as to why he was carrying a huge and heavy luggage. &nbsp;

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IIT hostel - we sneaked in alcohol in our drafter bags 
 
Manipal hostel - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Suitcase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Suitcase</a> <a href="https://t.co/WaaWkSNryv">pic.twitter.com/WaaWkSNryv</a>
— Ibu Hatela™ (@Esmilebhai) <a href="https://twitter.com/Esmilebhai/status/1488986095413088259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At this, the student stuttered and said that it contained items he had ordered online. The answer did not quell but only confirmed the caretaker’s suspicions. &nbsp;

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Dating app bios in Manipal: There's always a space for you in my suitcase.
— Ena Robinson (@enaaa_robinson) <a href="https://twitter.com/enaaa_robinson/status/1488927496762392578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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So, he asked the boy to open the bag as he wanted to see the items inside it. &nbsp;

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Most people staying in manipal hostels have probably thought about the suitcase thing. 
 
However it’s not the idea that matters, it’s the execution. <a href="https://t.co/lj2n9X6JEZ">pic.twitter.com/lj2n9X6JEZ</a>
— Panshul Pant (@panshul_pant) <a href="https://twitter.com/panshul_pant/status/1488938096116654082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Although the student tried to stop the caretaker by giving the argument that the goods were quite delicate, the caretaker didn’t budge. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/movies-vs-reality-man-tries-to-smuggle-red-sandalwood-in-allu-arjuns-pushpa-style-arrested-450413" hreflang="en">Movies vs Reality! Man tries to smuggle red sandalwood in Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa' style; arrested</a>

When the bag was opened, the girl was found curled up inside it. She was also a student of the college and a dancer, a report said citing an eye-witness student. &nbsp;

Social media has erupted over the incident. Several people have shared comments, memes, etc.

Both the boy and the girl have been suspended from the hostel and have been sent home, it added citing sources. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, an engineering college student was caught red-handed while trying to sneak girlfriend into his hostel by the caretaker. Sound’s usual? Well, the unique thing in the incident was that the girl was actually hiding in a trolley bag.

In a bizarre incident, an engineering college student was caught red-handed while trying to sneak girlfriend into his hostel by the caretaker. Sound’s usual? Well, the unique thing in the incident was that the girl was actually hiding in a trolley bag. In my life, I’ve seen a lot of crazy things. However, that Manipal lad trying to sneak a girl out via a suitcase is right at the top pic.twitter.com/yOteKVCAh3 — Shibubuu (@shibubuu27) February 2, 2022 × The incident occurred in Manipal on Tuesday night, said several media reports. Also Read: With dip in Covid cases on mind, India's national capital orders reopening of schools, colleges, gyms According to the eye-witnesses, the trolley bag caught the caretaker’s attention when the student tried to enter the hostel. The boy was questioned by the caretaker as to why he was carrying a huge and heavy luggage. IIT hostel - we sneaked in alcohol in our drafter bags Manipal hostel - #Suitcase pic.twitter.com/WaaWkSNryv — Ibu Hatela™ (@Esmilebhai) February 2, 2022 × At this, the student stuttered and said that it contained items he had ordered online. The answer did not quell but only confirmed the caretaker’s suspicions. Dating app bios in Manipal: There's always a space for you in my suitcase. — Ena Robinson (@enaaa_robinson) February 2, 2022 × So, he asked the boy to open the bag as he wanted to see the items inside it. Most people staying in manipal hostels have probably thought about the suitcase thing. However it’s not the idea that matters, it’s the execution. pic.twitter.com/lj2n9X6JEZ — Panshul Pant (@panshul_pant) February 2, 2022 × Although the student tried to stop the caretaker by giving the argument that the goods were quite delicate, the caretaker didn’t budge. Also Read: Movies vs Reality! Man tries to smuggle red sandalwood in Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa' style; arrested When the bag was opened, the girl was found curled up inside it. She was also a student of the college and a dancer, a report said citing an eye-witness student. Social media has erupted over the incident. Several people have shared comments, memes, etc. Both the boy and the girl have been suspended from the hostel and have been sent home, it added citing sources. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Indian college student tries to sneak girlfriend into hostel by hiding her inside suitcase, gets caught

As the Taliban closed in on the Afghan capital, Kabul, in August, what had been a privileged education at the American University of Afghanistan suddenly became a dangerous liability.

Students and staff frantically searched for an escape route from a country that, with the withdrawal of U.S. forces, would fall to the Taliban — a group that has described the U.S.-funded university as a den of infidels and has shut schools and universities for girls and women.

Iraq, though, was not the first destination that came to the students’ minds as a refuge.

“OK, now I’m leaving the Taliban behind,” said Mashall, 24, a master’s student in information technology. “And now I’m going to face ISIS,” she said, describing her concern and using an alternate name for the Islamic State when told her evacuation flight would end up in Iraq.

Those fears have proved unfounded for Mashall and her classmates, who are among the first Afghan students to arrive at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. It is located in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah, a liberal metropolis dotted with parks, filled with cafes and restaurants, and considered the safest major city in Iraq.

The students said they realized as much when they arrived, welcomed in the middle of the night by the university’s president and professors with bouquets of flowers to a campus with no high walls or security patrols.

So far, 109 young Afghans are studying in Sulaimaniyah, a portion of the 300 American University students that are ultimately expected to relocate there.

Many of the relocated students, traumatized by the loss of their homeland and haunted by worry over the families they left behind, are still in a state of shock and uncertain how to navigate life in a strange land.

On the university campus, a group of relocated students told their stories to The New York Times, speaking publicly for the first time since they were evacuated from Kabul. The Times is using only their first names and is not showing their faces in photographs to protect their families still in Afghanistan.

As the Taliban neared Kabul in August, Neda, a business student who worked part time at the university, frantically fed student documents into a fire on the nearly empty campus. “We tried to burn all the contracts or documents so they couldn’t find the students’ names and addresses,” she said.

The students and staff feared the Taliban would hunt them down along with their families and kill them.

“The Taliban came to an office I was working at,” recalled Murtaza, a law student who was later evacuated. “They wanted to beat us. They called us infidels and American spies.”

That night in August, as Neda burned papers, the foreign staff at the university had already been evacuated to a British-run security compound near the airport. For almost four hours Neda and a handful of other Afghans threw student records into the fire.

And then it was time to leave for the British compound, in what would become a harrowing journey ending in what many of the students initially considered to be the dangerous destination of Iraq.

But the Afghan university’s academic administrator knew better.

Vice President Victoria Fontan had worked in Iraq and during the pandemic had collaborated with her counterpart in Sulaimaniyah on an online curriculum. When the Kabul university started searching for a place to relocate students, she thought of Iraq, and a network of powerful friends kicked into action.

President Barham Salih of Iraq, the founder of the university in Sulaimaniyah and himself a former refugee, pledged to take in up to 300 students and arranged for them to enter without visas or in some cases even passports.

“The Iraqis really took an enormous leap of faith in this,” said Jared Cohen, CEO of Jigsaw, a technology incubator formerly known as Google Ideas. He became involved in a personal capacity after being asked by a friend, an Afghan-born BBC journalist, to help evacuate students.

Cohen said he obtained in a single afternoon from American philanthropists pledges of $3 million to evacuate and fund the studies of the 109 Afghan students in Sulaimaniyah and relocate another group of civil society professionals and journalists to another country. The Qatari government provided planes to evacuate the students.

The president of the Afghan university, Ian Bickford, said 106 other students had been sent to the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, and about 200 to other countries, including Pakistan and the United States.

Another 375 American University students are still in Afghanistan, along with many more staff and hundreds of alumni, Bickford said. Many are in hiding.

Students in Afghanistan still have access to online courses led by teachers now living outside the country. But many of those students no longer have reliable access to the internet or feel safe to connect, their former classmates said.

Some students, like Neda, are still traumatized by their escape. The British security compound where she was sheltering with the university’s foreign staff was taken over by the Taliban, who demanded money and vehicles before they let the occupants leave. Neda was terrified that the Taliban, who later took photos and videos of everyone on the buses to the airport, would recognize they were not foreigners but Afghans.

When they finally arrived at the Kabul airport gate with the foreign staff, she said, British soldiers barred them from entering.

“They said, ‘No, you guys are Afghans; you cannot go,’ ” Neda said. She said they were kicked out of the airport and into an area controlled by the Taliban. “I was in a very bad situation because I had never seen the Taliban face to face.”

Eventually, she made it onto a Qatari evacuation flight Aug. 21, leaving in a sandstorm amid the chaos of foreign soldiers including Turks trying to control an airport overrun with people desperate to escape.

“The Turkish Army and American Army treated us in a very bad way,” she said, wiping away tears. “I mean, it was my own country; it was my own land. But still they shouted at us.”

Neda did not tell her family she was going to Iraq because she knew they would worry. “All you hear about Iraq is the Islamic State and explosions,” she said.

One of the other students, a political science major named Fatima who plans to be a diplomat, had lived in Kabul for just four years. For years, she and her family were refugees in neighboring Pakistan, but she had persuaded them to return to Afghanistan so she could pursue her education.

“When I came to Kabul I was thinking that I belong to this land and it belongs to me,” she said. “It was such a beautiful feeling.”

Now, Fatima finds herself in yet another country — and wondering what the future holds.

Murtza, 22, a law student who was among those relocated, said he missed Kabul, even with its frequent electricity cuts. “I didn’t feel safe around Kabul,” he said. “But it was my hometown. It was my country. It was my soul, and it was my heart.”

Mujtaba, a law student, was among a group of students who relocated to Sulaimaniyah in October. Before he left, he would lie awake at night, listening to the constant roar of planes leaving Kabul.

“We couldn’t sleep because of the sound. And not just the sound, the thought that so many great people are just leaving the country. It was just devastating,” he said. Now he has become one of them. But he says he is determined to return to Afghanistan when he can to help rebuild it.

Mujtaba taught English and ran a book club in Kabul, while also teaching his mother to read.

He showed videos of his brother and sister reading by flashlight during a power cut in Kabul. While his brother still goes to school, Mujtaba said, his sister, a ninth grader, was forced to stop after the Taliban shut down high schools for girls.

In the small room he shares with another Afghan student in Sulaimaniyah, Mujtaba writes inspirational notes to himself on sticky notes placed above his desk.

“Be strong,” said that day’s note, with a smiley face drawn underneath.

As the Taliban closed in on the Afghan capital, Kabul, in August, what had been a privileged education at the American University of Afghanistan suddenly became a dangerous liability.

As the Taliban closed in on the Afghan capital, Kabul, in August, what had been a privileged education at the American University of Afghanistan suddenly became a dangerous liability. Students and staff frantically searched for an escape route from a country that, with the withdrawal of U.S. forces, would fall to the Taliban — a group that has described the U.S.-funded university as a den of infidels and has shut schools and universities for girls and women. Iraq, though, was not the first destination that came to the students’ minds as a refuge. “OK, now I’m leaving the Taliban behind,” said Mashall, 24, a master’s student in information technology. “And now I’m going to face ISIS,” she said, describing her concern and using an alternate name for the Islamic State when told her evacuation flight would end up in Iraq. Those fears have proved unfounded for Mashall and her classmates, who are among the first Afghan students to arrive at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. It is located in the Kurdish city of Sulaimaniyah, a liberal metropolis dotted with parks, filled with cafes and restaurants, and considered the safest major city in Iraq. The students said they realized as much when they arrived, welcomed in the middle of the night by the university’s president and professors with bouquets of flowers to a campus with no high walls or security patrols. So far, 109 young Afghans are studying in Sulaimaniyah, a portion of the 300 American University students that are ultimately expected to relocate there. Many of the relocated students, traumatized by the loss of their homeland and haunted by worry over the families they left behind, are still in a state of shock and uncertain how to navigate life in a strange land. On the university campus, a group of relocated students told their stories to The New York Times, speaking publicly for the first time since they were evacuated from Kabul. The Times is using only their first names and is not showing their faces in photographs to protect their families still in Afghanistan. As the Taliban neared Kabul in August, Neda, a business student who worked part time at the university, frantically fed student documents into a fire on the nearly empty campus. “We tried to burn all the contracts or documents so they couldn’t find the students’ names and addresses,” she said. The students and staff feared the Taliban would hunt them down along with their families and kill them. “The Taliban came to an office I was working at,” recalled Murtaza, a law student who was later evacuated. “They wanted to beat us. They called us infidels and American spies.” That night in August, as Neda burned papers, the foreign staff at the university had already been evacuated to a British-run security compound near the airport. For almost four hours Neda and a handful of other Afghans threw student records into the fire. And then it was time to leave for the British compound, in what would become a harrowing journey ending in what many of the students initially considered to be the dangerous destination of Iraq. But the Afghan university’s academic administrator knew better. Vice President Victoria Fontan had worked in Iraq and during the pandemic had collaborated with her counterpart in Sulaimaniyah on an online curriculum. When the Kabul university started searching for a place to relocate students, she thought of Iraq, and a network of powerful friends kicked into action. President Barham Salih of Iraq, the founder of the university in Sulaimaniyah and himself a former refugee, pledged to take in up to 300 students and arranged for them to enter without visas or in some cases even passports. “The Iraqis really took an enormous leap of faith in this,” said Jared Cohen, CEO of Jigsaw, a technology incubator formerly known as Google Ideas. He became involved in a personal capacity after being asked by a friend, an Afghan-born BBC journalist, to help evacuate students. Cohen said he obtained in a single afternoon from American philanthropists pledges of $3 million to evacuate and fund the studies of the 109 Afghan students in Sulaimaniyah and relocate another group of civil society professionals and journalists to another country. The Qatari government provided planes to evacuate the students. The president of the Afghan university, Ian Bickford, said 106 other students had been sent to the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan, and about 200 to other countries, including Pakistan and the United States. Another 375 American University students are still in Afghanistan, along with many more staff and hundreds of alumni, Bickford said. Many are in hiding. Students in Afghanistan still have access to online courses led by teachers now living outside the country. But many of those students no longer have reliable access to the internet or feel safe to connect, their former classmates said. Some students, like Neda, are still traumatized by their escape. The British security compound where she was sheltering with the university’s foreign staff was taken over by the Taliban, who demanded money and vehicles before they let the occupants leave. Neda was terrified that the Taliban, who later took photos and videos of everyone on the buses to the airport, would recognize they were not foreigners but Afghans. When they finally arrived at the Kabul airport gate with the foreign staff, she said, British soldiers barred them from entering. “They said, ‘No, you guys are Afghans; you cannot go,’ ” Neda said. She said they were kicked out of the airport and into an area controlled by the Taliban. “I was in a very bad situation because I had never seen the Taliban face to face.” Eventually, she made it onto a Qatari evacuation flight Aug. 21, leaving in a sandstorm amid the chaos of foreign soldiers including Turks trying to control an airport overrun with people desperate to escape. “The Turkish Army and American Army treated us in a very bad way,” she said, wiping away tears. “I mean, it was my own country; it was my own land. But still they shouted at us.” Neda did not tell her family she was going to Iraq because she knew they would worry. “All you hear about Iraq is the Islamic State and explosions,” she said. One of the other students, a political science major named Fatima who plans to be a diplomat, had lived in Kabul for just four years. For years, she and her family were refugees in neighboring Pakistan, but she had persuaded them to return to Afghanistan so she could pursue her education. “When I came to Kabul I was thinking that I belong to this land and it belongs to me,” she said. “It was such a beautiful feeling.” Now, Fatima finds herself in yet another country — and wondering what the future holds. Murtza, 22, a law student who was among those relocated, said he missed Kabul, even with its frequent electricity cuts. “I didn’t feel safe around Kabul,” he said. “But it was my hometown. It was my country. It was my soul, and it was my heart.” Mujtaba, a law student, was among a group of students who relocated to Sulaimaniyah in October. Before he left, he would lie awake at night, listening to the constant roar of planes leaving Kabul. “We couldn’t sleep because of the sound. And not just the sound, the thought that so many great people are just leaving the country. It was just devastating,” he said. Now he has become one of them. But he says he is determined to return to Afghanistan when he can to help rebuild it. Mujtaba taught English and ran a book club in Kabul, while also teaching his mother to read. He showed videos of his brother and sister reading by flashlight during a power cut in Kabul. While his brother still goes to school, Mujtaba said, his sister, a ninth grader, was forced to stop after the Taliban shut down high schools for girls. In the small room he shares with another Afghan student in Sulaimaniyah, Mujtaba writes inspirational notes to himself on sticky notes placed above his desk. “Be strong,” said that day’s note, with a smiley face drawn underneath.

Afghan college students find a new life, and safety, in Iraq

With Chennai witnessing heavy downpour for the past few days, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday declared two-day holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts on Monday and Tuesday. 
 
On Saturday night, Chennai recorded the highest rainfall since 2015 as incessant showers lashed the city overnight. Non-stop rain from 8.30 pm&nbsp;on Saturday till 5 am&nbsp;on Sunday left the city inundated with water entering homes in several low-lying areas.

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With each passing hour, the pictures are getting more worrisome in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a>. This one is by A Prathap for <a href="https://twitter.com/TOIChennai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOIChennai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRain</a> <a href="https://t.co/N4ZQln9bRo">pic.twitter.com/N4ZQln9bRo</a>
— Prasad Ramasubramanian (@PrasadrsTOI) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrasadrsTOI/status/1457317603395833858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Years have gone by 
The situation is the same 
Heavy overnight rains and its water flooding everywhere 
More Rains expected today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChennaiRain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChennaiRain</a> <a href="https://t.co/qbTPUFIU3B">pic.twitter.com/qbTPUFIU3B</a>
— Dr.Ravi (@imravee) <a href="https://twitter.com/imravee/status/1457220514364071936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Addressing media persons after visiting Padi, Purasawalkam and Kolathur areas in Chennai, Stalin said that men and machinery were kept ready for any emergency operations following heavy rains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-single-day-rise-of-10853-covid-19-infection-active-cases-lowest-in-260-days-427349">Also read |&nbsp;India reports single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infection, active cases lowest in 260 days</a> 
 
Stalin said that four teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Madurai and Cuddalore districts for any emergency service. He also said that 50,000 food packets have been distributed in 44 rehabilitation centres since Sunday morning. 
 
The Chief Minister called upon the people to hold their travel plans as the weathermen have predicted heavy rains for the next three days. 
 
He said that officials have been put on high alert and all the state government departments are working in coordination with each other. 
 
The regional centre of the India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rains in Chennai and other parts of the state in the next few days.

With Chennai witnessing heavy downpour for the past few days, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday declared two-day holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts on Monday and Tuesday.

With Chennai witnessing heavy downpour for the past few days, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday declared two-day holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts on Monday and Tuesday. On Saturday night, Chennai recorded the highest rainfall since 2015 as incessant showers lashed the city overnight. Non-stop rain from 8.30 pm on Saturday till 5 am on Sunday left the city inundated with water entering homes in several low-lying areas. With each passing hour, the pictures are getting more worrisome in #Chennai. This one is by A Prathap for @TOIChennai #ChennaiRains #ChennaiRain pic.twitter.com/N4ZQln9bRo — Prasad Ramasubramanian (@PrasadrsTOI) November 7, 2021 × Years have gone by The situation is the same Heavy overnight rains and its water flooding everywhere More Rains expected today #ChennaiRains #ChennaiRain pic.twitter.com/qbTPUFIU3B — Dr.Ravi (@imravee) November 7, 2021 × Addressing media persons after visiting Padi, Purasawalkam and Kolathur areas in Chennai, Stalin said that men and machinery were kept ready for any emergency operations following heavy rains. Also read | India reports single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infection, active cases lowest in 260 days Stalin said that four teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Madurai and Cuddalore districts for any emergency service. He also said that 50,000 food packets have been distributed in 44 rehabilitation centres since Sunday morning. The Chief Minister called upon the people to hold their travel plans as the weathermen have predicted heavy rains for the next three days. He said that officials have been put on high alert and all the state government departments are working in coordination with each other. The regional centre of the India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rains in Chennai and other parts of the state in the next few days.

Schools, colleges shut after non-stop rain inundates Chennai

Opening a window could reduce the amount of coronavirus in a room by half, according to a new observational study of infected college students in an isolation dormitory at the University of Oregon.

<article>
The study, which was posted online, is small and has not yet been published in a scientific journal. But it provides real-world evidence for several important principles, demonstrating that the virus spreads from infected people into the air in a room; that the more virus they are carrying, the more virus builds up indoors; and that both natural and mechanical ventilation appear to reduce this environmental viral load.

“Ventilation is one of the most important mitigation strategies that we have at our disposal,” said Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, who led the research and directs the Institute for Health in the Built Environment.

The researchers studied 35 University of Oregon students who tested positive for the coronavirus between January and May. All students subsequently moved into single rooms in a COVID isolation dormitory for a 10-day isolation period.

The scientists placed petri dishes in each room and used an active air sampler to trap aerosols floating around the air. Several times a day, they also swabbed various surfaces in the room as well as students’ noses and mouths.

Then they used PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, testing to determine whether the virus was present in each sample and, if so, at what levels.

The data confirmed that there was a clear link between the amount of virus that students were carrying and the environmental viral load. As the amount of virus in students’ noses and mouths decreased over their isolation period, so did the amount of airborne virus.

“There was a significant correlation between the nasal samples and the air samples in the room,” Van Den Wymelenberg said.

The researchers also calculated the mechanical ventilation rate for each room and asked students to report how often the windows were open. They found that viral loads were about twice as high, on average, in rooms that had the window closed more than half the time.

The study had several limitations, including the fact that it included only young adults and that symptoms and window data were self-reported.
</article>

Opening a window could reduce the amount of coronavirus in a room by half, according to a new observational study of infected college students in an isolation dormitory at the University of Oregon.

Opening a window could reduce the amount of coronavirus in a room by half, according to a new observational study of infected college students in an isolation dormitory at the University of Oregon. The study, which was posted online, is small and has not yet been published in a scientific journal. But it provides real-world evidence for several important principles, demonstrating that the virus spreads from infected people into the air in a room; that the more virus they are carrying, the more virus builds up indoors; and that both natural and mechanical ventilation appear to reduce this environmental viral load. “Ventilation is one of the most important mitigation strategies that we have at our disposal,” said Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, who led the research and directs the Institute for Health in the Built Environment. The researchers studied 35 University of Oregon students who tested positive for the coronavirus between January and May. All students subsequently moved into single rooms in a COVID isolation dormitory for a 10-day isolation period. The scientists placed petri dishes in each room and used an active air sampler to trap aerosols floating around the air. Several times a day, they also swabbed various surfaces in the room as well as students’ noses and mouths. Then they used PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, testing to determine whether the virus was present in each sample and, if so, at what levels. The data confirmed that there was a clear link between the amount of virus that students were carrying and the environmental viral load. As the amount of virus in students’ noses and mouths decreased over their isolation period, so did the amount of airborne virus. “There was a significant correlation between the nasal samples and the air samples in the room,” Van Den Wymelenberg said. The researchers also calculated the mechanical ventilation rate for each room and asked students to report how often the windows were open. They found that viral loads were about twice as high, on average, in rooms that had the window closed more than half the time. The study had several limitations, including the fact that it included only young adults and that symptoms and window data were self-reported.

Dorm rooms study shows how ventilation curbs virus levels

More than getting admission to a college of your choice, the more tiring thing is to first apply to various colleges. However, turns out that can bring you more than just an acceptance letter.

A 17-year-old high school senior from Philadelphia has been offered nearly $1 million in scholarship money after she applied to several colleges.

Shanya Robinson-Owens is a senior at the George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. She had been applying for colleges and ended up hitting 'submit' for nearly 25-30 colleges, hoping to find a college that suits her requirements and monetary situation.

While she was not hoping to get many acceptance letters, she got the shock of her life as soon as her acceptance letters started coming in her mail.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/be-an-epic-trophy-wife-like-melania-trump-a-pastor-tells-women-368582">Be an 'epic trophy wife like Melania Trump', a pastor tells women</a>

"I didn't expect to get this, I knew about the scholarships, but I didn't expect it to be this much, at all," she said.

Once the acceptance letters started pouring in, her family started calculating the amount combining all her scholarship packages and realised the amount was near $1 million.

To keep up with her progress, they even created a hashtag '#KeepingUpWithNya'.

Robinson-Owens has received offers from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, La Salle University in Philadelphia, Temple University in Philadelphia, Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

However, she is still in the process of touring college campuses and will make a final decision only after finishing off the tours and keeping in mind all important factors.

"I don't want to base it off money and then I don't like the school and not finish," Robinson-Owens, who hopes to pursue a degree in psychology in the fall season, after finishing her high school in June.

More than getting admission to a college of your choice, the more tiring thing is to first apply to various colleges. However, turns out that can bring you more than just an acceptance letter.

More than getting admission to a college of your choice, the more tiring thing is to first apply to various colleges. However, turns out that can bring you more than just an acceptance letter. A 17-year-old high school senior from Philadelphia has been offered nearly $1 million in scholarship money after she applied to several colleges. Shanya Robinson-Owens is a senior at the George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. She had been applying for colleges and ended up hitting 'submit' for nearly 25-30 colleges, hoping to find a college that suits her requirements and monetary situation. While she was not hoping to get many acceptance letters, she got the shock of her life as soon as her acceptance letters started coming in her mail. Also read | Be an 'epic trophy wife like Melania Trump', a pastor tells women "I didn't expect to get this, I knew about the scholarships, but I didn't expect it to be this much, at all," she said. Once the acceptance letters started pouring in, her family started calculating the amount combining all her scholarship packages and realised the amount was near $1 million. To keep up with her progress, they even created a hashtag '#KeepingUpWithNya'. Robinson-Owens has received offers from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, La Salle University in Philadelphia, Temple University in Philadelphia, Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania. However, she is still in the process of touring college campuses and will make a final decision only after finishing off the tours and keeping in mind all important factors. "I don't want to base it off money and then I don't like the school and not finish," Robinson-Owens, who hopes to pursue a degree in psychology in the fall season, after finishing her high school in June.

#KeepingUpWithNya: Teen offered $1 million in scholarships after applying in 30 colleges

The academic session 2020-21 for the first-year students will commence from November 1, as per the latest guidelines by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which has directed the educational institutions to complete merit/entrance-based admission process by October 2020.

However, in case of delay in the declaration of results of the qualifying examinations, the universities may start the session from November 18, says the latest guidelines issued by the UGC.Union Minister for Education Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank announced this on Twitter on Friday, saying, "In view of the #COVID19 Pandemic, @ugc_india has issued guidelines on Examinations &amp; Academic Calendar for UG &amp; PG Students for the Session 2020-21."

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In view of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> Pandemic, <a href="https://twitter.com/ugc_india?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ugc_india</a> has issued guidelines on Examinations &amp; Academic Calendar for UG &amp; PG Students for the Session 2020-21. 
 
For more details, visit the UGC website: <a href="https://t.co/HTMOrA0jNl">https://t.co/HTMOrA0jNl</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UGCGuidelines?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UGCGuidelines</a> <a href="https://t.co/1i7xhumDk7">pic.twitter.com/1i7xhumDk7</a>
— Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1309371213437779968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to the guidelines, the last date for admissions to fill up the remaining vacant seats will be November 31.

On the other hand, the institutions, where admissions are sole though entrance tests, and which have completed the necessary requirements or are likely to do so in near future, have been directed to start their academic sessions for the first year under-graduate and post-graduate students at the earliest. They can accept the relevant documents of qualifying examinations by December 31, said the UGC guidelines.

Further, the UGC has suggested the institutions to conduct the first semester/year examinations between March 8 and 26, 2021.

It has also asked the universities to follow six-day week pattern for the academic sessions 2020-21 and 2021-22, besides curtailing breaks to compensate for the loss of classes.

Terming the session as a special case, the UGC has also ordered the institutions to refund full admission fees on account of cancellation of admissions/migration of students up to November 30. Thereafter, the institutions can deduct not more than Rs 1,000 as processing fee for cancellations/withdrawal up to December 31.

Notwithstanding these, every college/university has been directed to follow the mandatory guidelines regarding academic activities in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The academic session 2020-21 for the first-year students will commence from November 1, as per the latest guidelines by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which has directed the educational institutions to complete merit/entrance-based admission process by October 2020.

The academic session 2020-21 for the first-year students will commence from November 1, as per the latest guidelines by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which has directed the educational institutions to complete merit/entrance-based admission process by October 2020. However, in case of delay in the declaration of results of the qualifying examinations, the universities may start the session from November 18, says the latest guidelines issued by the UGC.Union Minister for Education Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank announced this on Twitter on Friday, saying, "In view of the #COVID19 Pandemic, @ugc_india has issued guidelines on Examinations & Academic Calendar for UG & PG Students for the Session 2020-21." In view of the #COVID19 Pandemic, @ugc_india has issued guidelines on Examinations & Academic Calendar for UG & PG Students for the Session 2020-21. For more details, visit the UGC website: https://t.co/HTMOrA0jNl#UGCGuidelines pic.twitter.com/1i7xhumDk7 — Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) September 25, 2020 × According to the guidelines, the last date for admissions to fill up the remaining vacant seats will be November 31. On the other hand, the institutions, where admissions are sole though entrance tests, and which have completed the necessary requirements or are likely to do so in near future, have been directed to start their academic sessions for the first year under-graduate and post-graduate students at the earliest. They can accept the relevant documents of qualifying examinations by December 31, said the UGC guidelines. Further, the UGC has suggested the institutions to conduct the first semester/year examinations between March 8 and 26, 2021. It has also asked the universities to follow six-day week pattern for the academic sessions 2020-21 and 2021-22, besides curtailing breaks to compensate for the loss of classes. Terming the session as a special case, the UGC has also ordered the institutions to refund full admission fees on account of cancellation of admissions/migration of students up to November 30. Thereafter, the institutions can deduct not more than Rs 1,000 as processing fee for cancellations/withdrawal up to December 31. Notwithstanding these, every college/university has been directed to follow the mandatory guidelines regarding academic activities in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

First-year classes for session 2020-21 to begin from November: UGC

At least 18 people died in a blast in a technical college on the Crimean peninsula, with dozens more injured, Crimean head Sergei Aksyonov said on state television on Wednesday.

"It's a colossal tragedy, 18 people died, and 40 more injured, for the time being," Aksyonov told Rossiya 24 channel, after authorities earlier said 50 people were injured.&nbsp;

A student carried out the attack and shot himself, according to the leader of the Russian-annexed peninsula Sergei Askyonov.

"There are already lots of people in the emergency room, and in the operating theatre," TASS quoted the employee as saying.

Photographs from the scene of the blast posted by local media outlet Kerch.FM showed ground floor windows of the two-storey building had been blown out, and debris from the building was lying on the floor outside.

Ambulances and firefighters were at the scene. One person could be seen on a stretcher being carried onto a bus.

The technical college provides vocational training to teenage pupils.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014, prompting international condemnation and Western sanctions. Kerch is the point on the peninsula where a bridge linking Crimea to Russia makes landfall on the Crimean side.

Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the bridge to road traffic in May this year, getting behind the wheel of a truck to drive it across the bridge.

At least 18 people died in a blast in a technical college on the Crimean peninsula, with dozens more injured, Crimean head Sergei Aksyonov said on state television on Wednesday.

At least 18 people died in a blast in a technical college on the Crimean peninsula, with dozens more injured, Crimean head Sergei Aksyonov said on state television on Wednesday. "It's a colossal tragedy, 18 people died, and 40 more injured, for the time being," Aksyonov told Rossiya 24 channel, after authorities earlier said 50 people were injured. A student carried out the attack and shot himself, according to the leader of the Russian-annexed peninsula Sergei Askyonov. "There are already lots of people in the emergency room, and in the operating theatre," TASS quoted the employee as saying. Photographs from the scene of the blast posted by local media outlet Kerch.FM showed ground floor windows of the two-storey building had been blown out, and debris from the building was lying on the floor outside. Ambulances and firefighters were at the scene. One person could be seen on a stretcher being carried onto a bus. The technical college provides vocational training to teenage pupils. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014, prompting international condemnation and Western sanctions. Kerch is the point on the peninsula where a bridge linking Crimea to Russia makes landfall on the Crimean side. Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the bridge to road traffic in May this year, getting behind the wheel of a truck to drive it across the bridge.

Death toll rises to 18 in Crimea college blast: Regional leader

The IT sector in the country is going through a transformational phase. Technology is changing, services are getting automated and increasingly India&#39;s traditional service based IT industry is shifting to software and innovation based.

But are the colleges and engineering institutions in the country catching up with the changing requirement? The larger opinion is in the negative.&nbsp;

The needs of the fast-changing&nbsp;Indian IT are being met by, what Dr Somdatta, Co-chair of the NASSCOM Product council terms, a robust parallel training and hiring sector.

Institutions are spurting across the country that are picking candidates from underprivileged backgrounds, diploma holders, 12th standard graduates or college dropouts and are training them in web technology, app development and coding.&nbsp;

&quot;Some skills don&#39;t require theoretical education. They can be taught on practical application. That ecosystem is becoming very robust now,&quot; says Dr Somdatta.&nbsp;

Institutions like Zoho in Chennai and Navgurukul in Delhi-NCR are changing lives of students, who have the talent but lack opportunities. Several start-ups in the IT capital of Bengaluru are also choosing to pick candidates purely based on their talent and less on the college that they studied in or the degree that they hold.

One of the biggest reasons for such a demand in a country that produces 1.5 million engineers every year is the quality of talent.

The National Employability Report by Aspiring Minds in 2016 found that only 8% of Indian engineers were employable in core engineering sectors.

The changing technology and lack of quality talent is leaving a huge gap, that is being filled by these trained professionals.&nbsp;

Nikhil Jois, a 27-yr-old entrepreneur from Bengaluru, also an engineering dropout feels that very little of the syllabus taught to them over the 8 semesters has practical usage.

&#39;Most of what is taught is useless on the job. It would be better if colleges encouraged learning rather than ensuring students mug up their way to clearing exams&#39;, says Jois.

His start-up Eventosaur hires candidates from such unconventional backgrounds and trains them extensively over several months. &#39;It&#39;s a clean slate as far as we are concerned.

We only want to know if they have the potential and the hunger in them.

We then assign them to a mentor. They get to shadow their mentor over the next few months where they attend meetings, write mails, draft presentations etc. The learning happens on the job&#39;, says Jois.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The hypergrowth software startups are worlds apart from India&#39;s traditional service-based IT industry and demands candidates who can unlearn, relearn and update quickly.

Also business managers consider&nbsp;such candidates as assets to the company as they are grateful and more loyal to the organisation in comparison to engineering graduates.

MNCs such as BOSCH and HCL have set up their own training centres, whereas other major companies such as PwC and Flipkart have started accepting candidates without a formal degree, at least for some posts.&nbsp;

&#39;Digital means, being able to automate most of the things that are today tangibly handled, over digital.

To be able to do that you need skilled people who can make that happen&#39;, says Dr Somdatta, while reiterating that the trend is a wake up call to colleges across the country to upgrade, or face the threat of becoming irrelevant.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A parallel hiring ecosystem developing in India. IT firms going for practical knowledge instead of theoretical.

The IT sector in the country is going through a transformational phase. Technology is changing, services are getting automated and increasingly India's traditional service based IT industry is shifting to software and innovation based. But are the colleges and engineering institutions in the country catching up with the changing requirement? The larger opinion is in the negative. The needs of the fast-changing Indian IT are being met by, what Dr Somdatta, Co-chair of the NASSCOM Product council terms, a robust parallel training and hiring sector. Institutions are spurting across the country that are picking candidates from underprivileged backgrounds, diploma holders, 12th standard graduates or college dropouts and are training them in web technology, app development and coding. "Some skills don't require theoretical education. They can be taught on practical application. That ecosystem is becoming very robust now," says Dr Somdatta. Institutions like Zoho in Chennai and Navgurukul in Delhi-NCR are changing lives of students, who have the talent but lack opportunities. Several start-ups in the IT capital of Bengaluru are also choosing to pick candidates purely based on their talent and less on the college that they studied in or the degree that they hold. One of the biggest reasons for such a demand in a country that produces 1.5 million engineers every year is the quality of talent. The National Employability Report by Aspiring Minds in 2016 found that only 8% of Indian engineers were employable in core engineering sectors. The changing technology and lack of quality talent is leaving a huge gap, that is being filled by these trained professionals. Nikhil Jois, a 27-yr-old entrepreneur from Bengaluru, also an engineering dropout feels that very little of the syllabus taught to them over the 8 semesters has practical usage. 'Most of what is taught is useless on the job. It would be better if colleges encouraged learning rather than ensuring students mug up their way to clearing exams', says Jois. His start-up Eventosaur hires candidates from such unconventional backgrounds and trains them extensively over several months. 'It's a clean slate as far as we are concerned. We only want to know if they have the potential and the hunger in them. We then assign them to a mentor. They get to shadow their mentor over the next few months where they attend meetings, write mails, draft presentations etc. The learning happens on the job', says Jois. The hypergrowth software startups are worlds apart from India's traditional service-based IT industry and demands candidates who can unlearn, relearn and update quickly. Also business managers consider such candidates as assets to the company as they are grateful and more loyal to the organisation in comparison to engineering graduates. MNCs such as BOSCH and HCL have set up their own training centres, whereas other major companies such as PwC and Flipkart have started accepting candidates without a formal degree, at least for some posts. 'Digital means, being able to automate most of the things that are today tangibly handled, over digital. To be able to do that you need skilled people who can make that happen', says Dr Somdatta, while reiterating that the trend is a wake up call to colleges across the country to upgrade, or face the threat of becoming irrelevant.

Changing hiring trend? Bengaluru IT firms picking up Class 12 students and college dropouts

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