Latest news with #EnglishLanguage
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
SBI Bank CBO Recruitment 2025: Reopen application form for 2900+ posts; apply here
SBI Bank CBO Recruitment 2025: Apply online for 2,964 officer posts by June 30 SBI CBO Recruitment 2025: The State Bank of India (SBI) has reopened the online application process for the recruitment of Circle Based Officers (CBO) under Advertisement No. CRPD/CBO/2025-26/03. This decision follows a recent corrigendum allowing candidates from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, who have passed Class 10 or 12 with English as a subject, to apply under the North East Circle. A total of 2,964 vacancies are on offer, comprising 2,600 regular and 364 backlog posts. Candidates with prior officer-level experience in Scheduled Commercial Banks or Regional Rural Banks are eligible. The revised application window is now open from June 21, 2025 to June 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria and language update for North East Circle In a key update, English has been included as a specified local language for candidates from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Applicants from these states who have studied and passed English as a subject in Class 10 or 12, and can provide proof via marksheets or certificates, are now eligible to apply for vacancies in the North East Circle. This change has led to the reopening of the registration portal, which remains unchanged in all other terms and conditions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Applicants must be graduates and should possess at least two years of experience as officers in any Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank. The age of the candidate must be between 21 and 30 years as of April 30, 2025. Relaxation in the upper age limit is applicable: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (NCL), and 10 to 15 years for PwBD candidates, depending on category. Selection process and exam pattern The recruitment process includes an Online Test, followed by Screening, Interview, and a Local Language Proficiency Test. Final selection will be based on a weighted ratio of 75:25 between the Online Test and Interview. The Online Test comprises 120 objective-type questions split into English Language (30 marks), Banking Knowledge (40 marks), General Awareness/Economy (30 marks), and Computer Aptitude (20 marks), conducted over two hours. A 30-minute Descriptive Test will follow, including Letter and Essay Writing with a total of 50 marks. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. Salary and application fees The starting basic pay for selected candidates is ?48,480, along with two advance increments. The application fee for General, OBC, and EWS candidates is ?750. SC, ST, and PwBD applicants are exempted from the fee. Step-by-step guide to apply for SBI Bank CBO Recruitment 2025 Step 1: Visit the official SBI Careers website at Step 2: Click on 'Apply Online' under the CBO Recruitment 2025 section. Step 3: Register using a valid email ID and mobile number. Step 4: Fill in the application form and upload required documents: photograph, signature, left thumb impression, handwritten declaration, educational and experience certificates, and ID proof. Step 5: Pay the application fee online, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for future reference. Direct link to apply online for 2,964 SBI Bank CBO 2025 officer posts Eligible candidates are advised to apply only for one Circle and must be proficient in the local language of that Circle unless exempted through academic credentials. Read the official notification here Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
West Australian
2 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Perth International College of English closes after 20 years, blaming government policy changes
A highly-regarded Perth English language school has been forced to close its doors, with its owner blaming Federal Labor Government policy changes for plunging his business into liquidation. Perth International College of English director John Paxton sent out a letter to international students this week to notify them of the closure, after more than 20 years in business. 'It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you all that PICE was forced into liquidation today,' he wrote. 'It will come as little surprise to many in the industry as we follow the path of other colleges in Australia. 'It is a sad reflection that we have survived so many tough times over the last 23 years, including major recent catastrophes like COVID border closures, but we are unable to survive the political behaviour of our own government.' The college, in Murray Street, is one of several education providers — particularly English language and vocational colleges — that have scaled back operations or gone out of business as a result of negative impacts from the Federal Government's migration reforms. Mr Paxton said the visa settings and visa refusal regime the Australian Government initiated in December, 2023, had started the decline of colleges offering English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). But raising the visa fee in July last year by 125 per cent to make it the most expensive globally was the 'finishing touch', with applications halving from that date. 'The ELICOS sector has been called collateral damage from their political agenda, and that unfortunately has been PICE's fate,' he said. 'I made a calculated decision to keep the business afloat and ride out the storm with my personal money. And that has come to an end. I have none left.' Mr Paxton, the WA State delegate and former board member of peak ELICOS body English Australia, said he had been unable to find a buyer or investor, despite his efforts to find a solution that would allow the college to remain open. Students would be protected by the government's Tuition Protection Scheme, giving them the option to transfer to another college of their choice, or they could request a refund of unused fees. 'We will do everything possible to ensure all students — current and future — will be taken care of,' he said. English Australia chief executive Ian Aird said the board was 'deeply saddened' by the news. He said despite PICE's 'exemplary reputation for quality', the increase in student visa fees, record high visa refusal rates and processing delays meant the college was 'unable to attract enough enrolments to be financially sustainable'. StudyPerth chief executive Derryn Belford said many English colleges were finding it harder to attract students because of the visa fee increases. 'My understanding is the Federal Government is aware that they've caused a problem with this in the English language space, but it's how fast can they fix it,' she said. 'Often, you'll see that it is the good institutions that fall over when big policy changes happen because they keep to the rules.' Educators have previously raised concerns the changes would have a flow-on effect at universities, dramatically impacting the viability of the international education sector which contributes around $3.6 billion a year to WA's economy. Premier Roger Cook last month wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to highlight his concerns about the plight of the international education sector.
Independent Singapore
4 days ago
- General
- Independent Singapore
Alamak! Why Singapore English is so colourful
Singaporeans are the most frequent users of colorful words in English after Americans, Britons, and Australians, according to a study reported by CNN. As native English speakers, Americans, Britons, and Australians naturally use English expletives more often than non-native speakers from places like India or Pakistan. But Singaporeans use such words more frequently than even native English speakers from New Zealand and Canada. 'English in Singapore is increasingly seen not as a second language, but as a native language,' the study notes. Singapore has indeed appropriated the English language as its own. This sense of ownership comes through powerfully in Catherine Lim's book Romancing the Language . 'It's said that even if you speak several languages, there's only one in which you live — your mother tongue,' she wrote. 'The language in which I live, breathe, think and dream is, by that definition, not the Hokkien of my parents and their parents, and their parents' parents, all the way back to the southern Chinese province of Fujian, where we came from, so long ago. It is English. English is my mother tongue in the fullest, most meaningful sense of the word.' She recalled her first encounter with English at age six when she attended a convent school in the town of Kulim in what was then Malaya. 'The sheer excitement of the new language had instantly relegated the Hokkien of my birth and upbringing to secondary position. It seemed that I was walking into a brave new world.' Not every child experiences this dramatic transition from one language to another in Singapore now that English has become the first language for so many people. According to the Department of Statistics, Singapore, almost half the population speaks English most frequently at home. However, people generally mind their language, both in Singapore and abroad. Bad words are rarely used, according to the CNN study. Based on web data (excluding social media and private messaging), the research found 'vulgar words' made up just 0.036% of all words in data from the United States, 0.025% in Britain, 0.022% in Australia, and 0.021% in Singapore. The incidence was even lower in New Zealand (0.020%), Malaysia (0.019%), Ireland (0.019%), Jamaica (0.017%), and Canada (0.016%). Given its clean image, Singapore might have been expected to be more discreet in its language. But the study suggests that 'youthful swearing in Singapore' could be a reaction against the government's 'strict stance against swearing and offensive language in public areas'. New entries in Oxford English Dictionary Alamak! The Malay word just slipped into the Oxford English Dictionary, which calls it an 'interjection' expressing 'surprise, shock, outrage, dismay or outrage.' The local word 'lah' also entered the dictionary, which says it's 'used with various kinds of pitch to convey the mood and attitude of the speaker,' as in 'Come and see lah,' a quote from the former newspaper New Nation . Words used in Singapore and Malaysia have been creeping into the Oxford English Dictionary over the years. The newest entries, added in the March 2025 update, mostly refer to favourite local dishes that have made Singapore a haven for foodies: Kaya: A jam made from coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, usually flavoured with pandan leaf, found in Singaporean, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisine. Kaya toast: A sandwich consisting of two slices of toasted bread spread with butter and kaya, popular in Singapore and Malaysia. Ketupat: A small rice cake boiled in a pouch of woven palm leaves, originating in Indonesia but also popular in Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore. Otak-otak: A Southeast Asian dish of ground fish or seafood mixed with spices and coconut milk, wrapped in banana or palm leaves, and cooked by steaming or grilling over charcoal, usually served with nasi lemak. Nasi lemak: A Malay dish of rice cooked in coconut milk and flavored with pandan leaf, served with various garnishes like cucumber slices, fried fish, roasted peanuts, cooked egg, and sambal, typically eaten for breakfast. Fish head curry: A dish influenced by Chinese and South Indian cuisine, featuring a large fish head (usually sea bream or snapper) cooked in tangy tamarind-based curry gravy with vegetables like eggplant and okra. Half-boiled egg: An egg cooked briefly in freshly boiled water so the yolk and white remain runny, then cracked open and served in a bowl, seasoned with dark soy sauce and white pepper. Steamboat: A dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables dipped in boiling stock by diners at the table, or the metal pot used for cooking and serving such dishes. See also Should everyone in Singapore speak English? Tapau: To take food or drink from a restaurant for consumption elsewhere. These new entries join Singapore words already in the dictionary: Shiok: An exclamation expressing admiration or approval. Ang moh: A light-skinned person, especially of Western origin; a Caucasian. Atas: Sophisticated, highbrow, classy—sometimes with negative connotations of arrogance or snobbishness. Blur: Slow in understanding; unaware, ignorant, confused. Chicken rice: Boiled, roasted, or braised chicken served with rice cooked in chicken stock and flavoured with ginger and pandan leaves, originating in Hainan province but particularly popular in Singapore and Malaysia. Chilli crab: Crab cooked in a sweet and spicy gravy containing red chillies and tomato. Hawker centre: A food market where individual vendors sell cooked food from small stalls with shared seating. HDB: Housing and Development Board. Lepak: The practice of loitering aimlessly or idly; loafing, relaxing, hanging out. Killer litter: Objects thrown or falling from high-rise buildings, endangering people below. Singlish: An informal variety of English spoken in Singapore, incorporating elements of Chinese and Malay. One reason so many Singaporean and Malaysian delicacies have entered the Oxford English Dictionary is that its editors seek 'untranslatable words'. 'The names of local dishes tend to be borrowed into English rather than given an Anglicised name,' explains Danica Salazar, OED executive editor, discussing the inclusion of terms like 'kaya toast' and 'nasi lemak'. That's why exclamations like 'alamak' and 'lah' have also made it into the dictionary. They are really untranslatable lah!
TECHx
6 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Arab Open University Partners with GBM on Cybersecurity
Home » Tech Value Chain » System Integrators » Arab Open University Partners with GBM on Cybersecurity Gulf Business Machines (GBM), a leading end-to-end digital solutions provider, has announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arab Open University (AOU). The agreement aims to strengthen cybersecurity resilience, build digital trust, and support the secure growth of digital learning in the region's education sector. Arab Open University, headquartered in Kuwait, is a pioneering non-profit institution. It is committed to providing accessible and high-quality blended learning opportunities across the Arab world. The MoU was signed in response to the rising volume and sophistication of cyber threats targeting academic institutions. GBM revealed that the agreement sets the foundation for full-spectrum cybersecurity engagement. This initiative will be powered by GBM's proprietary COR. platform. The platform delivers a comprehensive suite of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services, along with integration and cybersecurity consultancy. GBM Kuwait, also known as Khorafi Business Machines (KBM), will lead the implementation. As part of the engagement, AOU will receive: 24×7 threat monitoring and hunting Digital forensics and strategic advisory support GBM reported that the partnership will leverage its vendor-agnostic GBM Shield framework and AI-powered COR. platform. These tools will provide deep visibility, predictive analytics, and rapid response capabilities. This will help reduce risk exposure and enhance operational resilience. Prof. Omar Al-Jarrah, Vice President for Planning and Development and CIO at Arab Open University, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity. He stated that cybersecurity is viewed not just as a technical requirement, but as a strategic enabler of educational progress. He added that the partnership with GBM is an investment in the safety and integrity of AOU's digital infrastructure. The goal is to empower faculty and students to teach, learn, and collaborate without disruption. Established in 2002, AOU Kuwait serves as a central hub for more than nine Arab countries. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as Business Administration, IT and Computing, English Language and Literature, and Education, in partnership with the UK's Open University. This collaboration highlights AOU's commitment to protecting its digital ecosystem. It also enhances the student and faculty experience through secure, uninterrupted access to digital education platforms. GBM reaffirmed its position as a leading cybersecurity partner for the public sector in Kuwait and the wider region. Wassim Seliman, General Manager of GBM Kuwait, reported that the education sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation. He noted the increasing responsibility to protect sensitive academic and personal data. He added that proactive cybersecurity measures are essential to protect institutions' people, platforms, and intellectual property. Seliman confirmed that GBM will support AOU with advanced solutions to build a trusted, secure digital learning environment. As regional education systems accelerate digital adoption, the initiative demonstrates how layered cybersecurity frameworks can defend against threats and support secure digital classrooms.
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Lusail University, QF's ABP sign MoU to help students to pursue univ education
QNA Doha Lusail University and the Academic Bridge Programme (ABP), part of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic academic partnership aimed at supporting students' smooth transition from preparatory studies to university-level education. In a statement, QF stated that the agreement is designed to streamline the transfer of credit hours earned by ABP students, enabling them to seamlessly pursue undergraduate degrees at Lusail University, specifically in Business Administration and Education in English Language Teaching. The agreement aims to empower ABP graduates to build on the academic foundation laid during their preparatory year, enhancing their chances of university admission through an accredited credit transfer system. This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to providing flexible learning opportunities and fostering long-term partnerships in support of lifelong education. The statement explained that a key feature of the agreement is the ability of students to transfer up to 30 credit hours from the ABP to Lusail University, subject to academic equivalency approval. In addition, students who complete at least 21 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (Good) may be exempt from English language proficiency requirements, further easing their path to university admission. The agreement introduces a '1+3' model; one year at the ABP followed by three years at Lusail University, thus offering students the opportunity to accelerate their academic journey through credit transfers. However, students must still meet all academic requirements set by Lusail University in order to earn their degree. In this context, President of Lusail University Prof. Nitham Hindi, said: 'We are delighted to have established this valuable collaboration with the Academic Bridge Program. The recently signed agreement marks a significant step in creating academic pathways that allow graduates of the Bridge Program to enroll in select majors at Lusail University. This partnership not only facilitates a smooth transition to undergraduate studies but also reinforces our shared commitment to empowering students from diverse educational backgrounds.' Prof Hindi added: 'At Lusail University, we strongly believe in the importance of expanding access to higher education and providing opportunities for all students. By opening our doors to Bridge Program graduates, we aim to nurture their academic potential and support them in achieving their goals.' He continued 'We look forward to welcoming these promising students into our academic community and to witnessing their continued growth and success at Lusail University.' For his part, ABP's Director Dr Saheim Khalaf Al Temimi said: 'We are pleased to sign this strategic agreement with Lusail University, which establishes a collaborative framework that supports and enhances higher education pathways for our students.' 'This agreement reflects the ABP's vision of supporting diverse academic opportunities and empowering students to shape their future through an engaging learning environment. It also highlights our commitment to overcoming the challenges students may face on their university journey and to providing the support they need to achieve both academic and professional success,' he added. Dr Al Temimi concluded: 'We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with Lusail University and value the efforts of both teams in bringing this initiative to life. We believe this partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter of success for our students and an opportunity to strengthen integration and cooperation within Qatar's higher education landscape.'
