Times of India

US President Donald Trump has defended issuing 600,000 visas to Chinese students despite backlash from his MAGA supporters. In an interview with the Daily Caller, he described banning students as "insulting" and claimed the move supports smaller universities and US-China relations. The visas will be issued over two years, aligning with previous figures. Critics, including Laura Ingraham and Laura Loomer, voiced strong opposition. The policy shift follows earlier calls to restrict visas amid US-China tensions.

The 2025–2026 Forbes College Rankings reveal that top-tier education in the US extends far beyond the Ivy League. Leading institutions like MIT, UC Berkeley, Williams College, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt combine rigorous academics, strong career outcomes, and affordability. The list underscores a shifting landscape where public universities, liberal arts colleges, and research powerhouses redefine excellence and value for students nationwide.

Elite US universities are seeing a decline in top student enrolment as many high-achievers opt for Southern institutions instead. Factors such as political neutrality, affordability, campus culture, and school spirit are influencing decisions. Applications to Southern colleges have surged, with students and parents seeking more balanced environments. Institutions like Vanderbilt and Wake Forest are attracting students previously drawn to the Ivy League, as reported by Fortune. The shift marks a broader change in higher education preferences.

In 2024, the U.S. attracted 1.58 million international students, generating $43.8 billion. California, New York, and Texas remain top choices due to prestigious universities, career prospects, and cultural diversity. These states offer strong STEM opportunities, especially through OPT, and appeal with vibrant lifestyles, despite growing competition from Canada and the UK.

Peter Navarro's academic journey, from Tufts University to a Harvard Ph.D., shaped his expertise in economics and public policy. His Peace Corps service in Thailand provided firsthand insights into global markets. Teaching at UC Irvine for over two decades, Navarro's research and books laid the groundwork for his future role in shaping U.S. trade policy.

Good news for California schools. The Trump administration released $900 million in education funds. Earlier, the funds were frozen. This affected programs for migrant children and English learners. California and other states filed a lawsuit. They challenged the freeze. The administration then released the funds. This ensures support for vulnerable students. Attorney General Bonta called it a major win.

Salesforce recently laid off 4,000 customer support employees as AI agents increasingly handle routine interactions. This move reflects a broader trend of automation impacting customer service roles across industries. The integration of AI highlights the importance of upskilling for employees to focus on complex tasks and collaborate effectively with AI systems for career sustainability.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon proposes dismantling the federal Department of Education, advocating for state control to address declining standards. She emphasizes standardized testing for accountability and supports parental choice through charter schools and vouchers. This overhaul aims to empower local communities and tackle pandemic-related learning loss, sparking debate over equity and innovation in education.

The Trump administration is planning to dismantle the US Department of Education. Linda McMahon assures that federal funding for schools will continue. The administration aims to cut bureaucracy and empower states. Programs like Title I grants and Pell Grants will continue. The plan faces resistance in Congress. Concerns are raised about equity and oversight.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the Probationary Officer (PO) Preliminary Examination 2025 results, accessible on sbi.co.in. The exam, held on August 2, 4, and 5, 2025, aims to fill 541 vacancies. Candidates who qualified will proceed to the Mains examination in September 2025, followed by an interview.

American higher education faces a crisis as AI tools like ChatGPT enable academic dishonesty. Colleges are reverting to handwritten exams and oral assessments to combat AI-generated content, as traditional detection methods fail. This shift aims to redefine academic integrity, emphasizing reasoning and critical thinking over automated submissions.

The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB) has announced the Pre-Agriculture Test (PAT) 2025 results on its website, esb.mp.gov.in. Candidates can now access their scorecards using their application number and date of birth. With the results declared, the counselling process is expected to commence in September, requiring candidates to prepare necessary documents for verification and seat allotment.

Despite consistently higher MCAT scores, Asian American applicants face systemic disadvantages in medical school admissions, often losing out to candidates from other racial groups with lower scores. This bias extends beyond medicine, impacting admissions to selective U.S. colleges where Asian applicants have significantly lower odds of acceptance, even with comparable qualifications.

With the SAT now fully digital, students require accessible and effective study tools. This article highlights five reliable and free resources to prepare for the SAT: the College Board’s official materials, Khan Academy’s customised prep, Magoosh’s interactive tools, The Princeton Review’s practice tests, and PrepScholar’s strategy guides. These platforms offer full-length tests, diagnostic tools, video tutorials, and study plans—enabling students to prepare comprehensively for the digital SAT without incurring costs.

Columbia University has admitted its largest-ever freshman class, increasing enrolment by 20% despite visa restrictions and political challenges under the Trump administration. The university boosted admissions from its waiting list and expanded campus resources to accommodate 1,806 new students, maintaining a stable proportion of international students amid stricter visa policies and federal funding freezes. Columbia’s approach highlights strategic adaptation to uncertainty in US higher education.

The UPSSSC has released admit cards for the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2025, scheduled for September 6 and 7 across Uttar Pradesh. Registered candidates can download their hall tickets from upsssc.gov.in. The PET, a gateway for Group B and C posts, will be held in two shifts daily. Candidates must carry the printed admit card and a valid photo ID.

For international students in the United States, graduating is only the first step; securing an H-1B visa is the real challenge. With fierce competition and limited opportunities, success demands strategic planning, targeted internships, employer research, and legal preparedness. From building a standout profile to navigating timing and policy shifts, meticulous preparation is the key to turning academic achievement into a lasting career.

Aspiring Assistant Professors in Karnataka, take note! The Karnataka State Eligibility Test (KSET) 2025, conducted by KEA, is on the horizon. Subject-wise syllabi are already available on the official KEA website, aiding candidates in their preparation for both Paper I and Paper II. The registration link, expected to be activated soon, will allow candidates to apply and select exam centers.

Medical Counselling Committee has announced the revised schedule for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate counselling 2025. Round 2 registration starts on September 4, 2025. Candidates can register on mcc.nic.in. Choice filling and locking dates are also specified. Seat allotment results will be declared on September 12, 2025. Reporting to colleges is scheduled from September 13 to September 19, 2025.

The West Central Railway (WCR) RRC has launched a major recruitment drive for 2,865 Apprentice posts across its divisions, including JBP, KOTA, and BPL. Eligible candidates must have passed 10th class with 50% marks and possess an NCVT/SCVT trade certificate. Selection will be based on merit, and applications are open online until September 29, 2025.