Latest news with #GPA
Axios
20 hours ago
- Business
- Axios
Tennessee launches automatic college admission in 230 high schools
Tennessee is launching a first-of-its-kind college program this year that will send thousands of high school seniors automatic college admission letters along with personalized financial aid estimates. Why it matters: The "direct admissions" effort is meant to slash through the "forest of red tape" students face when navigating college searches, officials said. Participating students won't even have to apply to understand their options at dozens of participating in-state colleges. "No applications, no essays, no fees," said researcher Taylor Odle, who is evaluating the experimental program to see how it improves college enrollment. How it works: The program is in a pilot phase, and will only apply to students in about 230 randomly selected Tennessee high schools for now. Students at those schools only need to sign up for the Tennessee Promise program by Nov. 1 to participate. They'll get a letter later that month laying out their college options. During the pilot phase, about half of the direct admission letters will include personalized financial aid estimates, including merit-based scholarships students are likely to receive, as well as eligibility for Tennessee Promise, which offers students tuition-free community and technical college. Yes, but: They'll still have to file the FAFSA to secure need-based federal aid. Between the lines: During the pilot, researchers will track outcomes to see if including financial aid packages boosts enrollment numbers. They'll use their findings to shape recommendations for long-term services in Tennessee and nationwide. By the numbers: State leaders expect to send direct admission letters to 41,000 high school seniors this fall, telling them which colleges are saving a spot for them. Fifty-three in-state colleges and universities are participating. That total includes private and public universities as well as technical and community colleges. Colleges will use ACT and GPA thresholds to determine which students qualify. The big picture: Tennessee has led the effort to improve college access for years. Programs like the Tennessee Promise have inspired policies nationwide. The latest pilot program makes Tennessee the first in the nation to combine direct admissions with up-front financial aid estimates. The bottom line: Complicated applications and financial aid boondoggles can drive students away from considering college. Leaders hope that making the process more user-friendly will open up new opportunities, especially for low-income or rural students who are less likely to attend college. "This effort is really about removing barriers and shifting the conversation to make it easier for young people," said Tennessee Higher Education Commission director Steven Gentile. Participating Davidson County schools Antioch High School Cane Ridge High School Glencliff High School Hillsboro High School Hillwood High School Hume-Fogg High School Independence Academy High School John Overton High School KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School Knowledge Academies High School LEAD Academy LEAD Southeast Maplewood High School Martin Luther King Jr. School McGavock High School MNPS Virtual School Nashville Big Picture High School Nashville School of the Arts Pearl-Cohn High School Republic High School The Academy at Hickory Hollow The Academy at Old Cockrill Valor College Prep Whites Creek High School Participating Rutherford County schools Blackman High School Central Magnet School Eagleville School Holloway High School Lavergne High School Oakland High School Siegal High School Stewarts Creek High School Participating Sumner County schools Beech Senior High School Gallatin Senior High School Hendersonville High School Merrol Hyde Magnet School Portland High School Station Camp High School Sumner County Middle College High School Westmoreland High School White House High School Participating Williamson County schools Brentwood High School Centennial High School Franklin High School Fred J Page High School Independence High School Nolensville High School Ravenwood High School Summit High School Participating Wilson County schools
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
One held for registering land through impersonation, forged documents
Vijayawada: A land fraud involving forged documents has come to light near Gorantla village in Guntur. A gang led by one Chintareddy Mahesh Reddy from Piduguralla allegedly attempted to illegally acquire 1.8 acres of land belonging to late Kothapalli Padmaja, who passed away in Feb 2022 due to cancer. According to Nallapadu police, the prime land worth several crores as per current market value, was fraudulently registered using forged documents. In Oct 2023, more than a year after Padmaja's death, the accused allegedly presented another woman in her place and facilitated the registration of general power of attorney (GPA) documents through the Narasaraopet sub-registrar office. After the fruad came to light, Kothapalli Srinivasa Rao, late Padmaja's husband, filed a complaint at Nallapadu police station in Jan 2024. He also recently approached minister Nara Lokesh at his Mangalagiri office, who directed the police to initiate an investigation. Following Lokesh's intervention, Nallapadu police registered an FIR and started a detailed probe. Police found that the accused used the 'anywhere registration' process to carry out the land transfer. It was also found that the then sub-registrar, who is now retired, also filed a complaint with Narasaraopet police after coming to know about the fraudulent activities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Police said Mahesh Reddy played a central role in orchestrating the fraud. He allegedly arranged for a widow to impersonate the deceased (Padmaja) to obtain the GPAs. He is currently in police custody. During interrogation, he named a few others from Piduguralla mandal who assisted him in the operation, including bringing the woman who posed as Padmaja. Police are now searching for the other accused in the case who are absconding.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Lokayukta police to question former Muda chiefs in site allotment case
Mysuru: Even as the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Karnataka high court quashing the summons issued by the enforcement directorate to Parvathi, wife of chief minister Siddaramaiah, in the Muda case, the Lokayukta police in Mysuru have got govt's permission to question two former Muda commissioners who will be quizzed soon. The anti-corruption agency is probing alleged site swap deals developed under a controversial 50:50 scheme. Lokayukta SP TJ Udesha, who is the investigation officer confirmed to TOI that they had sought permission from the govt to question former commissioners of Muda, DB Natesh and GT Dinesh, concerning the disposal of developed sites to landowners under the contentious scheme when they were heading the urban development body and it has been approved by the govt previous week. According to Lokayukta SP, about 1,055 sites in various layouts developed by the urban body, were given away for land acquired from landlords in Mysuru. One of the beneficiaries, Parvathi, returned the sites to the urban body after an FIR was filed against her, following a direction by the special court, Bengaluru. Activist Snehamayi Krishna petitioned the special court to investigate the matter, accusing the chief minister and his family of grabbing the land and then obtaining developed sites from the urban body. The anti-corruption agency that probed the matter submitted its report to the court giving a clean chit to the CM and his family, including his wife and brother-in-law, stating there is no evidence against them in the alleged scam. However, it discovered that not just 14 sites, but the urban body had given away about 1,055 sites to various individuals and GPA holders under the scheme. As Lokayukta police have been directed by the special court to also probe other cases of giving sites under the scheme, the cops have sought permission to quiz the then commissioners under whose tenure the majority of sites were disposed of under the scheme. Investigation officer Udesha said the commissioners are likely to be summoned as part of the investigation to record their statements. Earlier, they were questioned concerning Parvathi's case and now with regard to 1,000 other sites in which, more than 130 have benefited from the scheme.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt announces halving port charges at Karachi Port
ISLAMABAD: The government Saturday announced to cut port charges at Karachi Port by 50 per cent, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of trade logistics and foster sustainable growth. The decision was announced by the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, saying the initiative is part of a broader strategy to decarbonise the maritime sector and improve energy efficiency in port operations. He said reforms include a 50 per cent reduction in port handling, vessel, and storage charges, while scrapping the previously planned annual five per cent hike in these fees, a step will benefit exporters of dry bulk goods and reduce emissions through faster, less congested port activity. 'By lowering operational costs and streamlining logistics, we are not only boosting trade competitiveness but also contributing to climate resilience.' 'Climate resilience': govt cuts export cargo handling charges by 50% at Karachi Port This isn't just a financial measure; it's a pivot towards low-impact, future-ready maritime trade,' said the minister. 'A more efficient port reduces idle time for vessels, lowers fuel consumption, and supports greener supply chains.' The minister highlighted that these changes are part of a national strategy to modernise port infrastructure, enhance sustainability, and transition towards the smart maritime practices. The maritime ministry is trying to enhance port efficiency, including forming a high-level committee to cut container dwell time by 70 per cent and deploying advanced technologies such as AI and drones for monitoring operations, further underlining the government's proactive stance in modernising maritime trade logistics. Charing a meeting, the Maritime Affairs' Minister on the development of blue economy also announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art Aquaculture Park at Korangi Fish Harbour (KoFHAH), Karachi, at an estimated cost of Rs3 billion. The meeting besides others was attended by Chairman Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) Noorul Haq Baloch, representatives from Korangi Fish Harbour Authority (KoFHAH), the Marine Fisheries Department (MFD), and the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The estimated annual production of a 120-acre aquaculture park ranges from 360 to 1,200 tons, depending on the species cultivated and the farming system employed. Its annual revenue potential is projected to be between $720,000 to $7.2 million, influenced by species selection, market prices, and production intensity. The minister said the project, covering 120 acres, should be developed under a public-private partnership framework, aiming to boost the country's blue economy through sustainable aquaculture. The meeting was informed that the land cost for the Aquaculture Park has been set according to an extensive farming model, offering an affordable and efficient foundation for private investors. Experts informed the meeting that Pakistan's coastal waters possess highly conducive conditions for aquaculture, providing an ideal environment for farming a variety of marine species. To accelerate the process, the Federal Minister directed the Korangi Fish Harbour Authority to submit a comprehensive execution report within 10 days. Emphasising replication of success, the minister proposed extending the aquaculture model to Balochistan, leveraging its vast coastal belt for sustainable marine farming. In a move aimed at enhancing coordination, the minister ordered the relocation of the Marine Fisheries Department sub-office to the premises of the Gwadar Port Authority. This administrative shift is expected to streamline inter-agency collaboration and expedite decision-making in blue economy initiatives. In another separate meeting, the minister also reviewed the progress on the land allotment and lease policy of the Port Qasim Authority (PQA). Officials informed him that the Survey of Pakistan has been engaged to identify and demarcate PQA-owned land. Furthermore, it was conveyed that the revision of PQA's master plan is being aligned with the broader feasibility study for the National Ports Master Plan, currently under way. Minister Junaid Anwar reiterated the government's commitment to promoting sustainable marine development, asserting that investments in aquaculture and port infrastructure are essential for ensuring food security, increasing exports, and generating employment across coastal regions. The series of meetings held by the maritime minister marked a significant step in the government's broader maritime development strategy, focused on harnessing the full potential of Pakistan's coastal resources through innovation, institutional cooperation, and private sector engagement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Tariffs ‘won't threaten' Ireland's pole position in jet-leasing sector, says Avia boss
He said the ecosystem of lawyers, accountants, consultants and other factors such as taxation and the legal system are embedded in a way that makes it tougher for other jurisdictions to muscle in on the sector. Avia Solutions Group is the world's biggest aircraft wet-leasing operator, providing aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance to its clients. It has a fleet of 210 narrowbody aircraft, with a plan to boost that to 700 by 2030. It also has a huge aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business, which operates around the world and in which the company is heavily investing. Asked if tariffs will threaten Ireland's dominant position in the aircraft-leasing sector, Mr Ziemelis said they should not. 'I don't think so because this wasn't built in a year,' he said. 'It started from the first leasing company, GPA. Ireland for many years has been recognised as the capital of aircraft-leasing industry. 'It is treated as a stable environment for aircraft lessors across the globe. In aviation, nothing happens fast.' He noted that in Dubai, the Al Maktoum International Airport, which is also known as Dubai South, is expected to be significantly advanced by 2032. It is anticipated the airport, which will replace Dubai International Airport, will eventually be able to handle 260 million passengers a year and 12 million tonnes of cargo. 'By 2032, or 2035, when Dubai South will start to open, it will be the biggest aviation hub in the world,' Mr Ziemelis said. 'Of course, we will grab some market share for leasing, but I don't see lessors moving out of Ireland.' Last November, just days after Donald Trump secured his second term as US president, Avia placed a firm order for 40 Boeing 737 Max jets and secured an option over 40 more. Mr Ziemelis, who was speaking from Dubai, said the order was placed using an Avia firm based in the Dubai free zone, and that the aircraft will eventually be used wherever clients require them. He said he does not think that even if the current uncertain backdrop regarding tariffs was in motion that Avia would have opted instead to buy jets from Airbus. 'The US might be the planemaker, but it depends on where the aircraft are used,' he said. 'We can select the jurisdiction. At the end of the day, the consumer will pay for it. 'The drivers for our business are not tariffs. First of all, it's passenger traffic, and this year there will be more than last year. 'The second driver is seasonality. Every airline company in winter in Europe is losing money. 'Our goal is to educate the market on how to leverage summer and winter capacity in Europe and leverage summer and winter capacity in Latin America and Asia-Pacific.'
