Times of India

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.

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist and youngest Nobel laureate, releases her memoir Finding My Way, sharing personal insights on her journey from surviving a Taliban attack to graduating from Oxford with a PPE degree. The book reveals her secret romance and cultural challenges balancing family expectations. Malala’s career spans from her early BBC blog to founding the Malala Fund and serving as a UN Messenger of Peace, championing girls’ education worldwide.

The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) has extended the registration deadline for the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test (JNVST) 2026 for Class 9 and 11 admissions till October 23, 2025. The exam will be held on February 7, 2026. Candidates can apply at cbseitems.nic.in or navodaya.gov.in and edit their forms between October 24-26, 2025.

The TS PGECET 2025 M.Pharmacy seat allotment result will be released today on the official website pgecet.tgche.ac.in. Candidates can check their provisional seat allotment and must report to their allotted colleges for document verification and admission confirmation by October 25, 2025. SMS alerts will notify successful candidates. Detailed instructions for checking the result and completing admission formalities are available on the official portal.

Aspiring teachers in Karnataka can now apply for the KARTET 2025 exam, a crucial step for teaching roles in state schools. Applications open October 23rd and close November 9th, with the exam set for December 7th. Eligibility details and application procedures are outlined. Qualified candidates will receive lifelong valid certificates.

IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur, premier engineering institutes, show distinct strengths according to NIRF 2025. IIT Bombay excels in teaching, research, and graduate outcomes, securing higher rankings. IIT Kanpur, however, leads slightly in outreach and inclusivity. Both contribute significantly to India's future innovators, with IIT Bombay holding a stronger overall perception.

A new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications will impact new foreign applicants from September 21, 2025. USCIS confirms F-1 students in the United States are exempt when changing status. This allows international graduates to transition to professional roles without the significant cost. The fee targets overseas hires, not those already integrated into the US workforce.

Aspiring doctors, heed this call! The AIIMS INI CET 2025 registration for postgraduate medical courses concludes today, October 21, 2025. This crucial exam opens doors to MD, MS, and other specializations. Ensure your online application, including document uploads and fee payment, is finalized before the deadline to secure your chance.

Delhi Police recruitment 2025: The Delhi Police Constable Recruitment 2025 application process closes today, October 21, 2025. A total of 7,565 vacancies are available for male and female candidates, with eligibility requiring Class 12 qualification and age between 18 and 25 years. The selection process includes CBT, PET, PMT, and a medical exam. Candidates can apply at ssc.nic.in and must pay the fee by October 22. The CBT is scheduled for December 2025 or January 2026.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited has released admit cards for its 2025 recruitment exams for Junior Engineer, Engineer/Officer, and Junior Operator roles. The Computer-Based Test is scheduled for October 31, 2025. Candidates can download their hall tickets from the official IOCL website. The exam will feature 100 multiple-choice questions with negative marking.

The Railway Recruitment Board has opened applications for 5,810 Non-Technical Popular Category posts on rrbapply.gov.in. Open to both graduate and undergraduate candidates, the selection process includes Computer Based Tests and skill tests. Interested individuals must meet educational and age criteria, with applications closing soon.

University tuition fees in England will rise annually from 2026, linked to the RPIx inflation rate. The DfE confirmed that maintenance loans will also increase in line with inflation. Only universities meeting OfS quality thresholds can charge the full fee. A new Lifelong Learning Entitlement will begin in autumn 2026. Universities UK welcomed the plan, while the UCU criticised it. Further details on maintenance grants are expected in the Autumn Budget on November 26.

SSC CPO final result 2024: The SSC has announced the final result of the CPO 2024 recruitment for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs. A total of 5,296 candidates have been recommended, while results for 120 candidates remain withheld or affected by debarment. The final selection follows document verification and medical examinations. Category-wise details, cut off marks, and candidate lists have been published. Candidates can download the result PDF via the official SSC website by following the specified steps.

President Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee takes effect today, applying to new petitions filed for beneficiaries outside the US without a valid H-1B visa. USCIS requires proof of payment or approved exceptions via pay.gov, while exemptions remain rare and tightly controlled. The rule excludes amendments, extensions, or changes of status for those inside the US. Legal challenges have already been filed, with employers expressing concern over the fee’s impact on hiring skilled foreign workers.

The US federal government shutdown is impacting over 65,000 low-income children. Head Start programs are running out of funds, with some already using emergency money. If Congress does not act, many more programs will lose grants. This threatens classrooms, meals, and developmental support for children. Families and staff face strain, and rural areas are particularly vulnerable.