Times of India

The Trump administration’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee threatens rural US schools and hospitals that rely on skilled immigrant workers. Many rural communities face teacher and doctor shortages, which could worsen due to increased visa costs. The fee risks forcing schools to hire uncertified staff and hospitals to reduce services. Though exemptions exist, rural budgets may not cover the extra expense, putting essential services in isolated areas at risk.

California has passed a pioneering law to phase out ultraprocessed foods from school meals by 2035. The legislation targets foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, aiming to improve children's health. Schools must begin removing these items by 2029, with vendors banned by 2032. Some districts already offer scratch-made meals sourced locally. The law raises concerns about costs, but paediatricians support it to combat rising chronic conditions linked to poor nutrition.

International student arrivals to the US dropped nearly 22% this summer compared to 2024, with the steepest declines from countries affected by new visa restrictions and a travel ban under President Trump. August alone saw a 19% fall. Visa delays, policy uncertainty, and political concerns have driven students to consider alternatives such as the UK and Germany. Institutions in the US now face financial strain as international enrolment continues to decline.

American universities are at the forefront of global scientific innovation. This year's Nobel laureates from US institutions are recognized for groundbreaking work in quantum physics and immune system regulation. Their discoveries promise to revolutionize computing, cybersecurity, and medicine. These achievements highlight the power of research ecosystems in driving world-changing advancements.

Canada's immigration department invited 4,500 skilled workers in a recent draw. The focus was on French-speaking candidates. This move aims to meet labor needs and boost bilingualism. The minimum score dropped, offering more opportunities. Candidates with strong French skills and relevant experience were favored. This strategy supports economic growth and cultural diversity in Canada.

Over 200 international students are suing the US State Department after their visas were revoked, impacting their ability to travel. Despite court-ordered SEVIS record restorations, many face continued visa denials, disrupting studies and personal lives. Attorneys argue these revocations, part of a broad initiative, bypassed necessary individual reviews, leading to significant hardship.

S. Paul Kapur, with a bicultural upbringing and a distinguished academic background, has been confirmed as the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. His expertise in security studies and foreign policy, honed through extensive research and teaching, positions him to navigate the region's complex geopolitical landscape and shape crucial diplomatic engagements.

Cambridge International's academic pathway demonstrates empirical evidence of improved college readiness. Data reveals that rigorous, in-depth curricula, authentic assessments and credit recognition lead to better university outcomes. US educators can adopt these effective principles, focusing on coherent sequences, varied assessments and equitable access to boost student success in higher education.

Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy highlighted America’s worsening K-12 education crisis, noting that 75% of U.S. eighth graders lack math proficiency while Chinese students are four years ahead. Recent NAEP data confirm steep declines in math, reading, and science scores. Experts blame not just the pandemic but systemic issues, prompting urgent calls for nationwide education reform.

JKBOSE has unveiled the 2025 exam schedule for Classes 11 and 12, with examinations commencing in November for Kashmir and Jammu's winter zones. Class 12 exams begin November 8, concluding December 3, while Class 11 exams run from November 19 to December 13. A 15% syllabus reduction remains in effect to ease student pressure.

SEBI has announced 110 Assistant Manager positions for 2025. Applications open October 30. The recruitment spans General, Legal, IT, Research, Official Language, and Engineering streams. Candidates need specific educational qualifications for each. The selection process involves two online exams and an interview. Application fees vary by category. This is a significant opportunity for aspiring professionals in the financial regulatory sector.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters can earn six-figure salaries without college degrees, driven by the rapid growth of data centers. As AI infrastructure expands, demand for hands-on expertise is soaring, offering lucrative, stable careers. Huang urges young professionals to value practical, science-based skills over traditional academic routes.

NIOS has released admit cards for Class 10 and 12 theory exams, commencing October 14, 2025. Students must download and print their hall tickets from the official portal using enrollment numbers. Crucially, verify all details for accuracy and contact Regional Centres for any corrections promptly. Exam day mandates carrying the admit card and ensuring fee payment and updated records.

US tech layoffs have sparked renewed calls for a $100,000 fee on each H-1B visa to curb foreign worker reliance. The surge in job losses, especially in coding and support roles, has intensified concerns that American workers are being displaced. Advocates and politicians are now paying closer attention, citing abuses in the visa system and its impact on native-born workers, according to the NYT News Service.

A significant rise in homeschooling post-2019 has impacted US public school enrollment, particularly affecting vulnerable students. Research highlights that families left due to safety concerns, dissatisfaction and a desire for flexibility. US schools can win them back by rebuilding trust through transparent communication, offering flexible learning, prioritising safety, strengthening family support and showcasing career pathways.

Three scientists, Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi, have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering work on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These innovative porous materials, capable of custom-designed capture and storage, are revolutionizing fields from environmental science to materials engineering, offering solutions to global challenges like water scarcity and carbon capture.

The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission has released the provisional answer key for the Group 2 Preliminary Examination 2025. Candidates can now check their answers and estimate scores. A window is open to submit objections until October 14, 2025. Expert panels will review challenges before the final key and results are announced. Successful candidates will proceed to the next stages.

The National Testing Agency has opened registrations for the UGC NET December 2025 exam, crucial for Assistant Professor and JRF roles. Postgraduate students aiming for academic careers can apply online until the deadline. Applicants must ensure accuracy in details and prepare necessary documents. The exam assesses teaching aptitude and subject knowledge, with specific eligibility criteria for candidates.

DAVV result 2025: Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore has released the DAVV UG, PG result 2025 for courses including BA, BSc, MBA, MSc, and BDS. Students can check their semester and annual exam results on the official website — dauniv.ac.in — using their roll number and exam details. The university has published results online only, and students are advised to verify all information on their provisional marksheets and report any discrepancies to their respective departments.

JNVST 2026 registration: The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has extended the registration deadline for JNVST 2026 Class 9 and 11 admissions to October 21, 2025. Candidates can apply via navodaya.gov.in and must complete registration before the deadline to sit for the selection test on February 7, 2026. The exam covers various subjects with a bilingual format. Selected candidates will undergo document verification before admission to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.