GMU honored for ‘Outstanding Student Support’ at the Times Higher Education Awards MENA 2023
Ajman (Press Release): In a remarkable accomplishment, Gulf Medical University (GMU) has been honored at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards MENA 2023, earning acclaim in the category of "Outstanding Support for Students." The projects submitted for consideration were developed internally by the University Quality Assurance and Institutional Effectiveness Unit, in collaboration with the entire GMU community and under the guidance of university leadership.
The initiative titled "Empowering Student Success: A Holistic Approach to Mentorship and E-Portfolio Support" highlights the university's commitment to nurturing a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Through this initiative, Gulf Medical University has implemented a comprehensive approach to mentorship, offering personalized guidance to students to facilitate their academic and professional growth. Moreover, the university's innovative ‘e-portfolio support system’ enables students to curate and exhibit their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and professional development, instilling a sense of ownership over their educational journey and future career prospects.
Speaking about the recognition, Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, said, "Our achievements at the Times Higher Education MENA Awards are truly an honor. It reflects the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as the continuous support from Dr. Thumbay Moideen, the founder and president of the Thumbay Group. Recognizing this significant milestone in Gulf Medical University's 25th-year history, we are inspired to keep up with innovation, expansion, and continuous improvement."
In addition, Professor Sherief Khalifa, Vice Chancellor for Quality & Institutional Effectiveness and Dean, College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University, emphasized, “The recognition for Gulf Medical University in the Times Higher Education rankings for providing exceptional student support is remarkable. Our commitment to offering a supportive learning environment is demonstrated by our initiative, "Empowering Student Success: A Holistic Approach to Mentorship and E-Portfolio Support." Through personalized mentorship and our pioneering e- portfolio system, we empower students to excel academically and professionally, instilling a sense of ownership over their educational journey. This award inspires us to continue innovating and ensuring the holistic development of every student at Gulf Medical University."
Similarly, Prof. Manda Venkatraman, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean of Gulf Medical University's College of Medicine, expressed, "Gulf Medical University's recognition in the 'Outstanding Support for Students' category signifies our commitment to maintaining academic excellence, high-quality education, and noteworthy contributions to healthcare research and innovation. Being an essential component of a renowned academic institution in these subjects is something we are proud of.”
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Heated debate in Karnataka Legislative Council over continued ACC mining in Kalaburagi
Bengaluru (PTI): A heated exchange took place in the Karnataka Legislative Council on Tuesday over alleged non-payment of mining dues and the "unauthorised" continuation of quarry operations by the Adani Group’s ACC Limited, with ruling Congress and the opposition BJP members questioning the government’s handling of royalty recovery and permissions.
Raising the issue during Question Hour, Congress MLC K Shivakumar, speaking on behalf of his party MLC Arathi Krishna, alleged that substantial royalty dues remained unpaid even as operations continued.
Krishna wanted to know whether the Karnataka government was aware that the lease period granted to Adani Group’s ACC Ltd for mining in the Kannur Limestone Block at Wadi in Kalaburagi has expired.
“If it is true, what action has the government taken against the said company for allegedly carrying out unauthorised mining at the site without paying the total dues of Rs 850.21 crore towards royalty, rent or penalty payable to the state government?” she asked in the written question.
She claimed that despite the Law department having given a written opinion to the Mines department that the said company should not be permitted to undertake mining activities until it clears all pending dues payable to the government, no legal action has been initiated against ACC, and instead a letter has been written to the central government regarding renewal of the lease in favour of the company.
Krishna questioned the apparent disparity in enforcement between small quarry operators and large corporate entities.
“After the Adani Group took over quarrying, they had to pay Rs 837 crore as royalty. Till today, they have not paid the royalty. What prompted you to exempt them from this royalty?” asked Shivakumar, on behalf of Krishna.
“If there is any small quarry operator, if he does not pay royalty, you do not allow him... You just bring him and seize it.”
BJP MLC C T Ravi echoed similar concerns, questioning the legal and procedural basis for allowing participation in bidding and continuation of operations despite pending dues.
“Do your rules allow those with pending dues to participate? If such a provision exists, under which rule does it exist?” he asked, also seeking clarity on recommendations of the High-Level Committee, Law Department and concurrence of the Finance Department.
Responding to the allegations, Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, replying on behalf of the Mines and Geology Minister S S Mallikarjun, maintained that no fresh licence had been granted and that the matter involved both an existing mining lease and a separate new application still under process.
He said the company had applied through the bidding route and was given time to complete formalities, which had since been done.
The minister explained that the issue of dues was pending before the court, which has allowed operations to continue subject to certain conditions.
“The old licence is continuing under court direction. It has not been stopped. We are following court direction,” he said, adding that part payment had been made and the balance would be decided through legal proceedings.
Ravi, however, pressed further, arguing that court orders did not prevent recovery of dues.
“The court has not said do not recover dues. What does your legal opinion say? Why have you not recovered?” he asked.
Shivakumar also raised concerns over declining non-tax revenue from mining, citing the state’s own budget observations.
“If Rs 800 crore to Rs 900 crore is allowed to let go like this, where will non-tax revenue come from?” he asked and sought to know why the government had not fully tapped the sector’s revenue potential.
The Minister reiterated that the due itself was under dispute, making immediate recovery difficult.
“How can we recover when the amount itself is not decided? Until recovery is possible, no further permission will be given,” he said, adding that consultations with the Law Department and Advocate General would be held to explore further action.
He also cited tender conditions, stating, “As per the tender notification dated October 5, 2020, a company must have paid all past dues to be considered a successful bidder.”
Unconvinced, Ravi demanded that the recovery of dues should follow.
