Times of India

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced plans to establish Turning Point USA chapters in every high school, aiming to counter teachers' unions. This initiative follows Walters' previous controversial decisions, like appointing Chaya Raichik to a state committee. The move raises questions about political influence in schools and its impact on students, with details on implementation still unclear.

Harvard Business School has ended its $25 million Racial Equity Action Plan, launched in 2020 to address racial disparities. Despite efforts like fellowships and partnerships, Black faculty and staff representation saw limited progress. The school has shifted to a broader "community and culture" approach, raising questions about future racial equity initiatives and targets.

A former University of Southern Mississippi student, Rafeal Joseph, has filed a federal lawsuit against the school and a fraternity over violent hazing rituals. Allegations include brutal beatings, food deprivation, and threats, culminating in emergency surgery and lasting trauma. The case highlights failures in university oversight and reignites debate over fraternity culture, student safety, and institutional accountability.

President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 fee on H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers faces likely legal challenges over its authority and fairness. The surcharge demands employers pay before visas are issued, disrupting existing fees and raising concerns among businesses and immigrant advocates. Experts question whether the president can impose such a fee without congressional approval. The administration also proposes changes to the visa lottery system, favouring higher-income applicants, intensifying debate over immigration powers.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore $500 million in frozen federal grants to UCLA, citing likely violations of the Administrative Procedure Act. The funding was suspended amid civil rights allegations, but the court found the government failed to follow proper procedures or provide specific explanations. The ruling ensures critical research funding is reinstated while the legal case proceeds, highlighting the importance of due process in federal grant management.

Three serious crimes saw notable increases at West Virginia University in 2024, according to its latest Clery Act report. Stalking rose by 75%, burglaries by 150%, and domestic violence reports by 33%, based on figures released by the WVU Police Department. The report covers all WVU campuses and includes data from overlapping law enforcement jurisdictions. New federal rules will see hazing included in future reports, with the first hazing transparency report due this December.

US students are increasingly choosing universities in Europe and Asia due to soaring tuition fees, rising student debt, and political instability at home. Applications abroad have nearly doubled since 2019, with institutions in the UK, Netherlands, and Japan seeing major increases. Students cite affordability and safety as key drivers, with consultancy services reporting record interest post-2024 election. While some face challenges with job market readiness, many report no regrets and encourage others to study overseas.

Six distinguished Indian-origin biologists working in the US are highlighted here, focusing on their educational backgrounds and significant career achievements. Ranging from Nobel laureates to trailblazers in genetics, immunology, and plant biology, these scientists have made impactful contributions to their fields. Their studies span renowned institutions in India, the UK, Israel, and the US, showcasing a diverse academic foundation that has driven their influential scientific and medical advances.

Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk, studied electromechanics at the University of Pretoria. His education provided a strong technical foundation that supported his career as a mechanical engineering consultant, property developer, and investor. Through his expertise, he managed large projects and ventured into emerald mining in Zambia. Errol’s academic background played a crucial role in shaping his diverse business ventures and political career in South Africa.

The 2025 US News HE rankings reveal Princeton, MIT and Harvard holding top national spots, with the University of California, Berkeley overtaking UCLA as the leading public university. Despite a turbulent year for US higher education, the rankings show minimal change. Minor formula tweaks were made, and only a few universities shifted significantly in the top 50. The report remains influential amid ongoing debates about ranking methodologies and their role in admissions.

RRB NTPC 2025 notification: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the NTPC 2025 short notification for 8,875 vacancies across graduate and 10+2 level posts. Roles include Station Master, Clerk, Typist, and more. Selection involves CBTs, skill tests, document verification, and medical exams. Applications will be accepted online via regional RRB portals. The exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and fee details have been announced. Vacancies are available across India under the 7th CPC pay scale.

IB ACIO answer key 2025: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released the IB ACIO answer key 2025 for the Tier 1 exam conducted in September. Candidates can now download their response sheets and provisional answer keys from mha.gov.in by logging in with their registration ID and password. The answer key allows aspirants to estimate scores and raise objections until September 25. This step is crucial for candidates awaiting the final results and preparing for the next selection phase.

UP NEET PG counselling 2025: The DGME Uttar Pradesh has debarred 148 candidates from the UP NEET PG counselling 2025 for failing to join or resigning from their MD and MS seats during previous stray vacancy rounds. Candidates who do not complete the admission process face security deposit forfeiture and disqualification for the next session. The counselling schedule and security deposit details will soon be released on the official website for MD, MS, Diploma, DNB, and MDS courses.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools have initiated mandatory gun safety classes, responding to a new Tennessee law. Physical education and health teachers are leading these lessons, aiming to educate students on firearm safety and prevent accidental shootings. The curriculum focuses on practical steps and safety rules, with the goal of reducing gun-related incidents among children.

A Cambridge study reveals a surprising global trend: THIS is the most popular subject among students. However, this preference isn't universal, with creative arts favoured in some regions. The research highlights a significant gap between students' interests and their actual subject choices, often driven by exam pressures and career prospects.

Bihar Police SI Recruitment 2025: The Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC) has released the notification for Bihar Police SI Recruitment 2025, inviting applications for 1799 graduate-level posts. Applications open online from 26 September 2025 via www.bpssc.bih.nic.in. The recruitment process includes eligibility checks, physical standards, and a selection exam. Candidates must apply by 26 October 2025 and pay a ?100 application fee. Detailed instructions and vacancy distribution are available in the official notification (Advt. No. 05/2025).

Adaptive learning platforms in Indian languages are addressing India’s education equity gap by personalising learning in children’s mother tongues. Despite near-universal enrolment, ASER 2024 reveals persistent learning shortfalls, especially in rural government schools. Initiatives like DIKSHA and state programmes in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan leverage adaptive tools with vernacular content, showing measurable gains. With improving smartphone access and cost-effective interventions, adaptive learning is emerging as a scalable solution to improve foundational skills in reading and arithmetic.

As industries evolve at breakneck speed, many graduates face a stark gap between academic preparation and workplace demands. While degrees and internships provide credentials, employers increasingly prioritize demonstrable skills and measurable impact. In a skills-first economy, students must cultivate specialized expertise, real-world experience, and tangible results to stand out and thrive in a competitive job market.

Canara Bank Apprentice Recruitment 2025: Canara Bank has announced its Apprentice Recruitment 2025 for 3500 Graduate Apprentice vacancies across India. Eligible candidates must register on the NATS portal before applying online at the official Canara Bank website. The apprenticeship lasts 12 months with a stipend of $150 per month. The selection process includes merit-based shortlisting, a local language test, and medical fitness. Applications are open for male and female graduates meeting the age and qualification criteria.

Heavy overnight rains disrupted life in Kolkata and parts of south Bengal, flooding streets and halting traffic and public transport. In response, the West Bengal government announced early Durga Puja holidays for state-run schools and colleges, starting September 24. Teachers and staff were advised to work from home, while the minister extended condolences to families affected by the calamity.