Times of India

Rajasthan Public Service Commission has declared the final results for the RAS 2025 examination, confirming 2,219 selections for administrative and subordinate posts. The competitive exam, comprising preliminary, mains, and personality assessments, saw its mains exam held in July 2025 after a postponement. Candidates can check the merit list on the official RPSC website.

India's youngest billionaires are changing the nation's economy. These entrepreneurs, aged 31 and under, are making their mark across various sectors. Their journeys highlight a new perspective on education, success, and risk-taking. They prove that innovation and initiative are key to achieving billionaire status in today's dynamic startup landscape.

Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty addressed the hijab controversy at St. Rita’s School, Ernakulam, affirming that denying children’s constitutional rights is unconstitutional. Following an investigation, the government directed the school to design a headscarf matching the uniform to resolve the issue amicably. The minister warned of strict action if instructions are ignored and criticised attempts to create communal tensions. He emphasised that the government will uphold constitutional rights and court rulings in such matters.

LIC is soon releasing Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) 2025 exam results on licindia.in. Candidates can check scores online using registration details. The exam is a key opportunity for insurance careers. Cut-off marks and a merit list will also be published. Successful candidates will proceed to interviews and pre-recruitment checks. Stay updated on the official website.

XAT 2026 application correction: The XAT 2026 application correction window closes today, allowing candidates to update academic qualifications, work experience, test city preferences, photographs, and signatures. Applicants must visit the official website xatonline.in to make changes before the deadline. Certain details such as name and date of birth cannot be edited. Candidates should verify all information carefully, as no further corrections will be permitted once the window closes. Assistance is available via XLRI XAT administration.

The UK government has introduced new immigration reforms requiring A-level English proficiency for certain visa routes and shortening the post-study work period to 18 months from January 2027. Student visa applicants must show higher financial capacity from the 2025–2026 academic year. The Immigration Skills Charge will increase by 32%. High-skilled routes, including HPI and Global Talent, will expand, with more opportunities for top graduates and entrepreneurs. The measures aim to make the immigration system more selective and controlled.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 640 into law, expanding direct admissions to Cal State universities. The law automatically offers qualifying high school students places at Cal State campuses, simplifying applications and aiming to increase enrolment. The programme builds on a successful pilot in Riverside County and follows similar initiatives in other states. SB 640 will take effect for fall 2027 admissions and seeks to improve access to public higher education in California.

Ontario's new policy limiting international medical graduates' eligibility for first-round residency positions faces significant opposition. The rule requires two years of Ontario high school, impacting family medicine and specialized fields. Despite backlash, the province maintains the policy to ensure a locally connected medical workforce, though critics warn of worsening physician shortages.

A limited group of US federal student loan borrowers is receiving debt cancellation under President Donald Trump’s administration, but only those enrolled in the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan qualify. Borrowers must have made 240 or 300 payments depending on loan dates. The relief follows changes under Trump's legislation and recent court rulings. Processing may face delays due to a government shutdown. The Department of Education has not commented, CNBC reported.

Americans are increasingly concerned about the direction of US colleges and universities. A recent survey reveals a significant rise in public doubt. Key issues include soaring tuition costs, inadequate job preparation, and concerns about free speech on campus. Both Democrats and Republicans share these worries, highlighting a widespread dissatisfaction with higher education's value and effectiveness.

Matthew Beckman, an associate research professor at Penn State, received the 2025 Waller Education Award for his significant contributions to statistics and data science teaching. His innovative methods and influence on statistics education, developed over decades of experience, were recognized by the American Statistical Association. The award highlights his career bridging theory and practice.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon claims the recent federal shutdown shows the US Department of Education is unnecessary, as schools remained open and teachers paid. Despite mass layoffs reducing staff by nearly a fifth, funding for special education remains untouched. The Trump administration is shifting responsibilities to other agencies, raising questions about the department’s future role in enforcing civil rights and supporting schools nationwide.

Mississippi has launched the REACH MS virtual teacher programme to address its critical teacher shortage. Through a $2.2 million state investment, certified educators now deliver live lessons remotely using advanced eGlass systems, supported by in-person facilitators in classrooms. The pilot spans five districts and aims to serve up to 5,400 students. While bridging staffing gaps in core subjects, the initiative also strengthens the teacher pipeline by involving student teachers nearing certification, according to Mississippi Today.

A federal judge has halted Trump administration layoffs affecting over 4,000 federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown. The court ruled the plan violated federal law and was politically motivated. This temporary reprieve offers immediate relief to workers facing job loss and financial hardship, underscoring legal protections for civil servants.

Brown University has rejected a Trump administration funding proposal that offered substantial federal grants in exchange for compliance with specific ideological and policy commitments. University President Christina Paxson cited concerns over academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology also declined the deal. Unlike a previous $50 million agreement, this proposal lacked protections for academic independence. The Trump administration framed the compact as a step towards a "Golden Age of Academic Excellence," as reported by the Associated Press.

Massachusetts is actively defending its vital higher education and research sector against Trump administration policies. Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell has joined numerous lawsuits and filed amicus briefs, notably supporting Harvard University. These actions aim to protect billions in federal research funding and the significant economic contributions of universities to the state, safeguarding jobs and innovation.

The US labour market showed signs of cooling in August 2025, with just 22,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate steady at 4.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite widespread stagnation, health care and social assistance emerged as growth engines, adding hundreds of thousands of jobs over the year and offering a rare silver lining for job seekers.

Columbia University has emerged as the last Ivy League school to maintain a fully test-optional admissions policy, even as peers like Princeton and MIT reinstate SAT and ACT requirements. The policy, aimed at promoting equity and holistic evaluation, has sparked debate over fairness, academic preparedness, and access, highlighting the ongoing tension between traditional metrics and inclusive admissions practices.

The Trump administration has expanded the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education to all U.S. colleges, linking federal funding to bans on DEI initiatives and strict caps on international students. MIT rejected the proposal, citing academic principles, while other institutions remain cautious. Experts warn the compact could deepen funding divides and challenge campus autonomy nationwide.

The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has declared the results of the Clerkship Examination (Part I) 2023, with 89,821 candidates qualifying for Part II. The exam, held on November 16 and 17, 2024, across multiple centres, shortlists candidates for clerical roles in various state departments. Results are available on the official website, psc.wb.gov.in.