Times of India

Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that HE professors promoting “leftist ideologies” are being targeted, following high-profile faculty removals at UT-Austin, Texas A&M, and Texas State. New laws have shifted academic power from faculty to political appointees, restricted free speech, and triggered legal challenges. UT-Austin’s new curriculum task force and continued faculty dismissals have raised concerns. Lawsuits are ongoing, with judges temporarily blocking enforcement of contested campus speech restrictions, as reported by Higher Ed Dive.

The Trump administration is planning to transfer US special education oversight from the Education Department to another federal agency, possibly HHS, sparking compliance concerns under IDEA. Over 465 ED employees, including 121 in OSERS, were recently laid off. Despite reassurances from ED, experts and advocacy groups warn of legal and operational risks. A federal judge has halted further dismissals. Secretary Linda McMahon aims to close the ED and return control to states.

Harvard’s SEAS laid off 35 staff, including key student advisers and lecturers, impacting courses and mentorship. Programs like Engineering Without Borders face uncertainty, while faculty redistribute advising duties. Budget pressures, endowment taxes, and federal funding changes prompted the cuts, raising concerns over student support, experiential learning, and the long-term effect on Harvard’s personalized educational experience.

Recent US visa updates affect international students on F-1 visas. Key changes include the $100,000 H-1B fee for overseas applicants, exemptions for F-1 students applying from within the US, and a proposed fixed four-year F-1 visa duration. Staying informed, maintaining valid status, and planning transitions are essential for academic and career success in the evolving US immigration landscape.

US engineering graduates face varied labour market outcomes. Computer Engineering reports the highest unemployment (7.5%), while Civil and Aerospace Engineering remain stable. Underemployment is highest in Engineering Technologies (40.1%). Median early career wages range from $60,000 to $80,000. Graduate degrees influence career trajectories, highlighting the need for internships, skill development, and strategic career planning in STEM fields.

The SSC has extended the last date for Delhi Police Constable (Executive) 2025 applications to October 31, 2025. A total of 7,565 posts are available for male and female candidates. Eligibility requires Class 12 pass and age 18–25 years. Selection includes CBT, PET, PMT, and medical tests. Apply online at ssc.gov.in before the deadline. Salary ranges from Rs 21,700–69,100.

Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and U.S. legal resident, appeared in Philadelphia’s federal appeals court as the Trump administration pushes to deport him over campus protests at Columbia University. His case, highlighting First Amendment protections and civil liberties, challenges government authority over activism. Legal experts say the outcome could set precedent for student and activist deportations nationwide.

A new University of Alabama report reveals that steep cuts to Pell Grants between 2011 and 2022 have severely affected Southern colleges and Black students. With funding and awards falling sharply, enrolment at public and historically Black institutions has dropped dramatically. Researchers warn that reduced aid threatens access, equity, and the future of higher education in the American South.

Indian student enrolment in the US has plunged sharply in 2025 amid stricter visa rules, soaring costs, and safety concerns. With F-1 visa limits, a $100,000 H-1B fee, and growing rejection rates, many are turning to Canada, the UK, and Europe instead. Experts warn the downturn could cost US universities billions and disrupt global talent pipelines.

Heavy rains lashed Puducherry on Tuesday, disrupting normal life and causing waterlogging across several areas. Home and Education Minister A Namassivayam announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal on October 22. Minister K Lakshminarayanan held an emergency review meeting, directing officials to stay on alert for any rain-related emergencies.

A record 154,000 students in New York City public schools were classified as homeless during 2024-25, highlighting the city’s deepening housing crisis. Most live in shelters or shared apartments, with Black and Latino students disproportionately affected. Chronic absenteeism and poor academic outcomes are widespread, prompting urgent calls for systemic solutions linking housing, education, and social services to break cycles of poverty.

The Trump administration’s sweeping layoffs and operational freezes signal an effort to dismantle the US Department of Education. Targeting civil rights and special education offices, the cuts threaten decades of federal protections and oversight. While funding for student aid remains, legal challenges loom as the administration pursues its Project 2025 vision to return education control to states.

Donald Trump's nominee for Special Counsel, Paul Ingrassia, faces severe backlash after leaked chats revealed racist and pro-Nazi remarks. His confirmation is now effectively blocked by Republican senators. Ingrassia's academic background includes math, economics, and law, with a career in political commentary and federal liaison roles. The controversy casts a shadow over his future.

Sanae Takaichi, inspired by Thatcher, rose from a six-hour daily commute at Kobe University to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister in 2025. After early setbacks, she built a decades-long political career in the LDP, holding senior ministerial roles. Her conservative values, international experience, and focus on women’s healthcare, caregiving, and national security define her pragmatic, determined leadership.

The Trump administration proposed linking federal funding to university alignment with presidential priorities, including restrictions on academic freedom and potential closure of units critical of conservative ideas. Seven universities rejected the plan, citing concerns for academic freedom and institutional independence, while Vanderbilt and the University of Texas remain open to discussion.

Alberta's largest-ever teachers' strike enters its third week, impacting over 750,000 students over salary, class sizes, and resources. The government is preparing back-to-work legislation, potentially using the notwithstanding clause to overcome opposition. The teachers' union is exploring legal challenges, recalling a past successful fight against a similar order.

A federal lawsuit filed in Honolulu by Students for Fair Admissions challenges Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy favouring Native Hawaiians. The group argues the policy violates US civil rights law and constitutes racial discrimination. Backed by anti-DEI efforts nationwide, the case follows similar legal actions after the US Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling. Kamehameha Schools, founded under the will of Hawaiian royalty, defends the policy as a legacy of cultural and educational preservation.

Amid heavy rainfall and strong winds, the Idukki District Collector has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges, including professional institutions, on October 21, 2025. The IMD issued a red alert predicting extremely heavy rain in Idukki, with several Kerala districts under orange and yellow alerts. Fishermen are advised to avoid coastal areas.

Financial concerns are the primary barrier to college enrollment and completion for American students, with over half citing cost as the main reason. Rising expenses and debt force many to delay or abandon higher education, highlighting a growing divide. Students increasingly seek flexible, affordable, and skill-focused learning options beyond traditional degrees.

The New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL) has issued the NIACL AO Mains Admit Card 2025 for the Administrative Officer Phase 2 examination on its official website, newindia.co.in. Candidates who cleared the prelims can download their hall tickets for the October 29 exam. The recruitment aims to fill 550 specialist and generalist posts across departments.