Times of India

Most Iowa schools received an “acceptable” or higher rating on the 2024-25 school report cards, showing statewide improvements in proficiency, attendance, and graduation rates. However, experts stress the importance of monitoring individual student progress. While many schools advanced categories, some still require targeted support. Districts like Des Moines, Central Lee, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City showed varying growth, highlighting the continued focus on closing achievement gaps and providing resources.

IBPS RRB recruitment 2025: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has extended the application deadline for CRP RRBs XIV recruitment 2025 to 28 September. Aspirants can apply online for 13,294 vacancies in Regional Rural Banks, including Officers (Scale I, II & III) and Office Assistants (Multipurpose). The recruitment process involves preliminary, main/single exams and interviews. Candidates must apply through the official IBPS website, www.ibps.in. The extension allows more time for registration and fee payment.

A global study by Cambridge International reveals that subject knowledge, self-management, communication and adaptability are crucial for students' success in an uncertain future shaped by AI and global shifts. Teachers emphasize that these skills, supported by research in psychology and neuroscience, enable students to apply knowledge, manage themselves and communicate effectively.

The 2025 US Naturalization Civics Test is tougher, with 128 questions and increased focus on American history and governance. Applicants must answer 12 of 20 oral questions correctly, emphasizing understanding over memorization. History buffs, political science students, and researchers may gain an edge. Success now requires comprehension of civic principles, historical context, and engagement with the nation’s democratic foundations.

President Trump has raised the H-1B visa sponsorship fee to $100,000 to prioritise American jobs and curb outsourcing. Indian professionals, who form the majority of H-1B holders, may face reduced opportunities, especially in junior roles. The change pressures companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and TCS to reconsider hiring strategies, shifting focus to highly specialised, high-wage talent and domestic graduates.

Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University has plunged US colleges into a free speech crisis. Universities like Clemson face pressure from conservatives and federal authorities over faculty social media posts, sparking dismissals and nationwide debates. The clash highlights the delicate balance between upholding First Amendment rights and responding to political scrutiny, potentially shaping campus speech norms for years.

The Trump administration has intensified scrutiny on Harvard University, placing it under heightened cash monitoring and threatening further sanctions over admissions data compliance. Federal funding cuts, endowment oversight, and ongoing investigations highlight a broader crackdown on elite universities accused of bias. The standoff reflects rising tensions between higher education and government power in shaping admissions and funding policies.

California's ambitious plan to offer free Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to all four-year-olds by 2025-26 faces enrollment challenges despite significant investment. While TK aims to bridge preschool and kindergarten, boosting academic and social readiness, many eligible children remain unenrolled. Awareness gaps, limited program hours, and capacity issues hinder universal participation.

The University of Michigan is launching a $50 million Institute for Civil Discourse by 2026. This initiative aims to foster respectful dialogue and strengthen democratic participation amidst increasing polarization. The institute will serve all U-M campuses, promoting skills for productive disagreement and researching evidence-based approaches to dialogue in higher education and public life.

A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that while a majority of Americans recognize the value of international students in US higher education, significant partisan divides exist. Democrats show overwhelming support, while Republicans favor more restrictions concerning national security and economic competition. These differences impact university policies, recruitment strategies, and the experiences of international students navigating the US academic landscape.

Mark Welsh III's journey from Wentworth Military College to becoming president of Texas A&M University showcases a life dedicated to service and leadership. His distinguished Air Force career, marked by operational excellence and strategic vision, led to influential roles, including Chief of Staff. Transitioning to academia, Welsh now shapes future leaders, blending military discipline with academic rigor.

The 2024 NAEP results reveal alarming declines in American students' reading proficiency, despite significant investment. Education Secretary Linda McMahon advocates for decentralization, empowering parents and communities to tailor education. The Trump administration's policies prioritize school choice and redirect funding away from programs deemed ideologically biased, sparking debate over equity and innovation in education.

Harvard University is adapting to Artificial Intelligence. Faculty are rethinking assignments. Some professors restrict AI use. Others encourage it as a learning tool. Students are learning to use AI responsibly. The university balances AI integration with traditional assessments. The goal is to equip students with critical thinking skills. This prepares them for an AI-driven world.

The Railway Recruitment Board has announced the NTPC Graduate Level CBT-1 results for 2025, making it available on regional RRB websites. Successful candidates, chosen from lakhs of aspirants, are now eligible for CBT-2, scheduled for October 2025. Region-wise cut-off marks and shortlisted candidate lists have also been released, reflecting varying competition levels across different zones for over 8,000 vacancies.

Charlie Kirk's death at a Utah college debate has triggered national debate. The incident involved political polarization and campus safety. Authorities charged Tyler Robinson. Donald Trump criticized left-wing groups. Schools are investigating teachers' social media posts. Students face a climate of fear. Free speech and academic freedom are now under scrutiny. The incident highlights the nation's growing polarization.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has debunked a fabricated letter circulating about the CHSL 2024 results, which falsely claimed revisions and requested updated vacancy lists from ministries. SSC clarified that the letter is forged and the results remain final. Candidates are urged to rely solely on official SSC communications and disregard misinformation spread on social media.

Turning Point USA has surged with over 62,000 new student sign-ups in just eight days following Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University. Now led by his wife, Erika Kirk, the conservative youth movement is witnessing unprecedented growth across U.S. campuses. With expanded chapters, massive student engagement, and national attention, TPUSA enters a pivotal new era of activism.

Joslyn Nandita Choudhary, NSUI’s presidential candidate in the 2025 DUSU elections, lost to ABVP’s Aryan Maan but made history as the first woman in 17 years to contest the top post from her party. A postgraduate student of Buddhist Studies at Delhi University, the 23-year-old from Jodhpur highlighted issues of hostels, safety, gender inclusivity, and student welfare.

Rahul Jhansla, a law student at Delhi University and NSUI leader, has been elected DUSU Vice President in 2025 with 29,339 votes. Hailing from Alwar, Rajasthan, and a graduate of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, he is known for activism on hostel facilities, sports infrastructure, and student rights. His win marks a crucial foothold for NSUI in DU politics.