Latest news with #MinistryofEducation


Muscat Daily
3 hours ago
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches training camp for International Nuclear Science Olympiad
Muscat – The Ministry of Education has launched the central training camp for Oman's national team in preparation for the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, set to take place in Bangi, Malaysia. The second edition of the training camp will run from July 31 to August 5, 2025. Four outstanding students from the governorates of Muscat, North Sharqiyah, Dakhliyah, and South Batinah have been selected to participate in the camp, which is being organized by the Ministry's Department of Innovation and Science Olympiad. The programme includes theoretical and practical training focused on nuclear physics, advanced problem-solving, and exercises simulating the Olympiad's complex structure. Participants will receive intensive instruction designed to enhance their analytical abilities and equip them to perform at a high level in the international competition. The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It seeks to promote awareness of the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, encourage scientific thinking, and engage students in creative, independent problem-solving. The competition also aims to increase knowledge and understanding of nuclear science among secondary school students and inspire interest in its many uses and innovations.


India Today
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Ignou launches sand art courses by Sudarshan Pattnaik, apply by Sept 15
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has introduced two new online courses on sand art in collaboration with internationally acclaimed sand artist a and Padma Shri awardee from Puri, Odisha, Sudarsan courses are being offered through the Ministry of Education's Swayam platform and are open for enrolment until September two courses, titled 'Introduction to Sand Art' and 'Principles & Formats of Sand Art', are designed to provide both theoretical and practical understanding of sand art The courses began on July 15 and will run until November 15, 2025, spanning a total of 12 Sudarsan Pattnaik represented India in over 60 international sand art championships and festivals, making him one of the most recognised sand artists in the world. His insights and field experience form the backbone of the course AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSEThe courses aim to introduce learners to the fundamentals of sand art, including environmental considerations and techniques involved in crafting sand programme is classified under the 'Arts' category, is taught in English, and carries 4 credit points. It is offered at the undergraduate will explore key themes such as global sand art practices, selection of location and sand, the right amount of water, and techniques for gathering, compacting, and shaping course also guides learners in creating the right environment suitable for this artistic course begins with an exploration of sand art across the world, offering insights into its history, cultural significance, and contemporary will then be guided in the selection of the right place for creating sand art, focusing on factors such as terrain, climate, and accessibility. Understanding the selection of sand is crucial, as different textures and grains impact the outcome of the important is choosing the right kind and amount of water, which helps in shaping and stabilising the structures. The course also covers techniques for gathering and compacting the sand according to the appropriate format, ensuring durability and students will learn how to choose or create the right environment for sand art, including aspects like lighting, audience interaction, and AND ASSESSMENT PROCESSTo receive a Swayam certificate, learners must complete both internal and external assessments. The internal assessment involves a final quiz worth 30 marks, while the external component is a proctored end-term exam worth 70 qualify, learners must score at least 40% overall, which includes a minimum of 12 marks in the internal quiz and 28 marks in the external candidates can visit the official platform at to register and access course link to apply for Ignou's sand art courses 2025With its unique focus on artistic expression and hands-on learning, the programme offers an enriching opportunity for art enthusiasts and learners across India.- Ends


News18
9 hours ago
- General
- News18
'Sanskrit Going Extinct, Only Census Can Save It!': Truth Behind Viral Claim
Last Updated: Social media warns Sanskrit faces extinction without census support. But with ongoing use in rituals and education, the language remains alive and actively preserved A message circulating on social media warns of the possible extinction of the Sanskrit language, urging citizens to declare Sanskrit as their first language in the upcoming national census. The claim suggests that failure to do so may result in Sanskrit being labelled as 'extinct', which could subsequently lead to the withdrawal of government grants, educational assistance, and preservation efforts. While it is accurate that Sanskrit is spoken by a relatively small number of people today, this limited usage does not imply the language is extinct. The Census Push Social media posts claim that the census will be concluded by March 2027, and encourage people to select 'Sanskrit' when asked about their mother tongue and languages known. Although Sanskrit is not widely spoken in everyday conversation, it is still regularly used in daily worship, chanting, the recitation of shlokas, and during religious rituals. According to the 2011 Census of India, 24,821 people reported Sanskrit as their first language, a significant rise from 14,135 in the 2001 census. In certain villages such as Dimmar in Uttarakhand, Mattur in Karnataka, and Jhiri in Madhya Pradesh, Sanskrit remains in active daily use. Sanskrit, regarded as India's oldest and original language, holds deep cultural and religious significance. Various efforts continue to support its preservation. Numerous universities across India and abroad offer courses in Sanskrit, and some Indian states include the language as a compulsory or optional subject in schools. Educational institutions like Utkal University and the National Sanskrit University are dedicated to the teaching and research of Sanskrit. Furthermore, government bodies, including the Ministry of Education, have specific budget allocations for Sanskrit's promotion, and separate grants are provided to institutions engaged in its study and preservation. Census And Language Policy: Understanding The Link The census is a key instrument in collecting data related to population, socio-economic indicators, education levels, and languages spoken. This information assists in the creation of government policies and development plans. Data concerning the number of speakers of a language can help indicate whether targeted support or special schemes are necessary for its preservation. However, government grants and support for a language are not determined solely by the number of speakers. Factors such as a language's historical, cultural, and constitutional status also play a significant role. Sanskrit, for instance, is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which formally recognises its official importance. What Constitutes Language Extinction? A Closer Look The decision to classify a language as 'extinct' is not made lightly. It involves defined criteria established by international organisations such as UNESCO. A language is considered extinct when no person speaks it as their mother tongue and no younger generation is learning it. While several Indian languages are indeed endangered and at risk of extinction, the suggestion that Sanskrit will lose government support unless listed as a first language in the census is inaccurate and overstated. Sanskrit's Enduring Significance And Future Outlook Despite a decline in its everyday use, Sanskrit continues to be preserved through religious, educational, and scholarly practices. The language's historical, cultural, and religious value ensures that it remains eligible for ongoing government and institutional support, backed by dedicated budget allocations and national recognition. In conclusion, while raising awareness about Sanskrit's role and encouraging its learning is important, the claim that it faces extinction or funding loss unless declared as a first language in the census lacks factual basis. The language remains a living cultural treasure, supported by a broad network of public and academic institutions. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 10:17 IST News explainers 'Sanskrit Going Extinct, Only Census Can Save It!': Truth Behind Viral Claim | Fact Check Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


CairoScene
11 hours ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Five-Year Japan-Inspired Engineering Diploma Launches This September
The programme - which blends academic study with hands-on technical training - will be piloted in 10 industrial secondary schools across the country. Jul 17, 2025 The Ministry of Education will launch a new five-year engineering diploma in September, modelled after Japan's technical education system and supported by German and Japanese expertise. The programme will be piloted in 10 industrial secondary schools across the country. The diploma blends academic study with hands-on technical training, aiming to modernise vocational education and make it more responsive to industry needs as part of a wider push to align Egypt's education system with global standards. Students will be admitted based on placement exams and aptitude tests in order to ensure a high standard of entry. Teachers have already received specialised training, and participating schools have been upgraded to support the new curriculum.


Japan Forward
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Better Salaries Just One Way to Attract, Keep Best Teachers
このページを 日本語 で読む The question now is whether higher salaries will increase the appeal of the teaching profession. The Revised Act on Special Measures Concerning Teachers' Salaries was recently enacted to improve teachers' working conditions and rectify long working hours. Among other things, the measure will increase the "teaching adjustment amount." This is equivalent to overtime pay for public school teachers. It will also promote work-style reforms. The popularity of teaching as a profession is declining. Addressing the problem, this legal reform aims to "secure outstanding human resources." However, will a slight boost in pay be enough to achieve that objective? First, we hope that the government will continue to conduct reforms. Meanwhile, the goal is to improve the quality of teachers so that teaching will become a calling that is truly respected. For teachers, it is difficult to precisely define their working hours. Instead of overtime pay, they are currently paid a flat fee calculated at a rate of 4% of their monthly salary. This is considered a salary adjustment. Under the revised law, starting in 2026 the rate will be increased by 1% annually until it reaches 10%. At the same time, boards of education will be required to formulate plans to reduce overtime hours and promote health management for teachers. The teaching adjustment allowance has remained unchanged for half a century. It was first introduced in the Special Salary Law (Act on Special Measures Concerning Salaries and Other Conditions for Education Personnel of Public Compulsory Education Schools, etc) enacted in 1971. During this period, the average overtime hours worked by teachers ballooned from about eight hours a month at the time the law was passed to 41 hours a month at elementary schools. Moreover, it reached 58 hours a month at junior high schools during the 2022 academic year. A teacher supervises candidates taking a general selection exam at a public high school in Osaka Prefecture. Adjusting the amount paid for teacher overtime is certainly needed. But in order to encourage motivated personnel to make optimal use of their skills, it is essential to also improve other aspects of the work environment. No doubt every workplace has its share of slackers who are constantly complaining. Nonetheless, in our schools there is a yawning chasm between teachers who forget to eat and sleep because they are constantly thinking about their pupils and teachers who are total washouts. Parents will not be convinced if we only improve the treatment of apathetic teachers who cannot properly perform their teaching duties. The government should come up with measures to reward enthusiasm among teachers. Some ideas for this include providing more training opportunities and expanding research funding. There is a serious shortage of teachers throughout Japan. And concerns are growing over a decline in the quality of education. A survey on the problem was conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. It found the competition rates (number of candidates per open position) for the FY2024 public school teacher recruitment exam were 2.2 times for elementary school. For junior high schools, the rate was 4.0, and for high schools, 4.3. These were the lowest levels on record. What is the reason for the decline in the number of candidates? This problem needs to be verified from multiple angles and then steps taken to improve the situation. For example, it would be counterproductive to prioritize work-style reform if it undermines motivation among teachers. The kind of system needed is one that does not isolate teachers. Instead, it should allow them to cooperate both inside and outside the school, with both parents and their local communities. Teaching is the first profession that engages with children directly ー through their classroom teachers. We should aim to create a classroom environment in which students will look up to and aspire to be "like" their teachers. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む