GMU ranks 101-200 in Quality Education of Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023
UAE (Press Release): Gulf Medical University (GMU), one of the leading medical universities in the Gulf region, is proud to announce its substantial leap forward in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for 2023. In a significant achievement, Gulf Medical University has been ranked between 101 and 200 in both the "Quality Education" and "Health & Wellbeing" sustainable development goals on a global scale.
Furthermore, the University's dedication to reducing disparities, fostering diversity and inclusivity have been globally acclaimed, earning the 95th rank worldwide for "Reduced Inequalities". This achievement underscores Gulf Medical University’s commitment towards nurturing a balanced and inclusive environment for all its members and the broader community.
Gulf Medical University has demonstrated exceptional progress in this year's rankings, surpassing its previous placement by a significant margin. Advancing by over 100 positions, the university now holds a commendable position within the 301-400 range out of 1,590 universities globally-emphasizing its consistent dedication towards academic superiority and societal impact.
"I am immensely proud of what we've achieved at Gulf Medical University," said Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU. "These significant leaps in the rankings are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our faculty, staff, students and continuous support of the Thumbay Group Founder President Dr. Thumbay Moideen. We continue to strive for excellence in education, wellbeing, and equality, embodying our deep-rooted commitment to societal development and sustainable practices. As we celebrate this important milestone in 25 years of Gulf Medical University history, we also recognize that it fuels our drive to innovate, grow and continue improving. This is just the beginning of an even more promising journey ahead."
In addition, Professor Sherief Khalifa, Vice Chancellor for Quality & Institutional Effectiveness and Dean, College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University, said, “In our journey to create an impact, we, at Gulf Medical University, firmly believe that effective institutions have the power to influence the community, society, and even the world through the quality of its education and societal impact beyond the walls of university."
Similarly, Prof. Manda Venkatraman, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean, College of Medicine at Gulf Medical University, said “Gulf Medical University’s upward trajectory in the rankings reflects our commitment to adherence of academic excellence in quality education, health care research and innovation making significant contributions to the world of health care. We are proud to be an integral part of a leading academic institution in these fields.”
“We take great pride in our outstanding research, which has been pivotal in driving innovation and shaping the future of health care. Our dedicated researchers, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a culture of collaboration at the Gulf Medical University, relentlessly pursue discoveries that have the potential to revolutionize patient health care and improve global health outcomes. This recognition is a true reflection of the transformative impact our research has on both the local and international health care landscape,” stated Prof. Salem Chouaib, Director of the Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine.
This breakthrough achievement in THE Impact Rankings marks a significant milestone for gulf Medical University, signifying its steadfast commitment to sustainability, equality, and distinction in higher education.
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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.
