Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to confiscate assets of individuals involved in human trafficking and strengthen prosecution by hiring top-notch lawyers. This directive comes after a tragic boat capsizing incident off Greece last year, where over 80 Pakistanis drowned, with more than 30 FIA officials being booked and dismissed for alleged collusion with human traffickers. The prime minister has also directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry to coordinate with foreign countries for the extradition of Pakistani nationals involved in human trafficking abroad. Additionally, he has ordered an awareness campaign against illegal migration and emphasized the need for technical training institutes to produce certified professionals aligned with global market needs.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341431/human-traffickers-confiscate-all-their-assets-pm-orders-fiaSindh's opposition leader Ali Khurshidi expressed deep concerns over the education system in the province, warning that an impending failure threatens to jeopardize students' futures. He demanded that the government present its stance on addressing these problems. The opposition leader also highlighted a tragic incident where a child lost his life due to an open manhole in Karachi's Shah Faisal Colony and called for financial compensation for families who suffer such losses. In response, Sindh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar reassured the house that the government is committed to addressing all issues across the province. He also extended an olive branch to the opposition, suggesting collaboration on drafting terms of references (TORs) to tackle the highlighted issues. Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani assured the house of his government's commitment to preventing fatalities caused by uncovered manholes. He revealed that over 400,000 manhole covers have been installed across Karachi and instructed the UCs to ensure covering all of them with lids. The assembly also paid rich tributes to the founding chairman of the PPP, late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Several lawmakers praised Bhutto's invaluable services to the nation and democracy, highlighting his greatest accomplishment as providing Pakistan with a unanimous Constitution.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341403/opposition-in-sindh-pa-raises-the-alarm-about-worsening-education-crisisThe University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed new rules for hiring vice-chancellors and faculty members in universities. According to the draft regulations released on Monday, industry experts or experienced professionals can be directly appointed as vice-chancellors. The UGC-NET exam will no longer be a mandatory requirement for those with a post-graduate degree in Master of Engineering (ME) or Masters of Technology (M.Tech) who have secured at least 55% marks to apply for the post of assistant professor.
https://www.news18.com/explainers/what-are-ugcs-new-rules-to-hire-vice-chancellors-faculty-has-net-been-scrapped-for-certain-posts-explained-9180257.htmlThe Kerala government has faced a setback as the University Grants Commission (UGC) rejected its proposal to appoint a five-member search-cum-selection committee for Vice-Chancellors of state universities. This decision comes after the State Assembly passed legislation seeking to remove the Governor as Chancellor of state universities, which is yet to receive presidential approval.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-to-oppose-ugcs-move-to-overhaul-v-c-recruitment/article69072750.eceThe article discusses how the bank of nan and pop is exacerbating the polarisation of Australia's education system by allowing parents to pay for private schools, creating an uneven playing field for students from different socio-economic backgrounds. The author references their own experience at a public high school in the 1990s, where there was no grass on the grounds, highlighting the stark contrast between public and private schools.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/how-the-bank-of-nan-and-pop-is-making-our-polarised-school-system-even-worse-20250103-p5l1x0.htmlChegg, an education technology company, is shifting its marketing strategy in 2025 to focus on competing with external AI tools by prioritizing the customer and product experience. The company's goal is to help students master course material rather than just provide quick answers, according to CEO Osman Rashid Bahri. To achieve this, Chegg plans to launch creative campaigns featuring its brand ambassador Ace to connect with consumers and showcase its capabilities.
https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/chegg-mascot-campaign-ai/The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on science education during a ceremony at the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS). Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the importance of working together to advance science education and develop future scientists and innovators.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/07/tmt-newswire/deped-dost-team-up-to-strengthen-science-education-and-innovation/2031446As thousands of students returned to school in Dubai for Term 2 and Term 3, traffic congestion increased around school zones during peak hours. Principals reported a strong start to the new term, with nearly full attendance at many schools. Ian Plant, Principal/CEO of GEMS Founders School – Dubai South, noted that student attendance was good after the winter break, and he welcomed new families to the school. To address traffic congestion, authorities implemented enhanced road safety measures, prioritizing respectful behavior during drop-off and pick-up times.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/education/uae-schools-report-nearly-100-attendance-rates-as-students-return-after-winter-breakThe EastSide STEM Hub, a $27 million center in Delaware's Riverside area, aims to provide students with access to cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. The facility, which will be used by EastSide students during the school day and made available to the public after school for free through the Wilmington Library, offers an unprecedented curriculum of courses including engineering, robotics, coding, chemistry, biology, gaming, 3D printing, and renewable energy. The center is a key part of the Riverside area's revitalization project, which includes 700 new homes and community centers. EastSide Charter CEO Aaron Bass led the fundraising efforts for the STEM Hub, securing $4 million from the Wilmington-based Chemours chemical company, and is seeking an additional $2 million to reach the total goal.
https://whyy.org/articles/delaware-stem-hub-wilmington-riverside/