Times of India

California universities dominate Washington Monthly’s 2025 Best Bang for the Buck: West rankings, with Cal State LA taking the top spot for affordability, access, and strong graduate outcomes. Fresno State, Sacramento State, and Stanislaus State also placed highly, offering low debt levels and solid post-graduation incomes. UC Davis and Pomona College were also recognised nationally. Rankings were based on graduation rates, loan debt, and income, especially for students from low-income families, as reported by the Sacbee.

US President Donald Trump's introduction of a $100,000 H-1B visa fee has raised concerns over its impact on skilled migration from India, the largest source of recipients. Economists warn the move could hinder US growth and productivity, while major tech firms and sectors like healthcare face rising recruitment costs. The Indian government criticised the policy, and Indian IT shares fell in response. The White House later clarified the fee applies only to new applications and is a one-time payment.

The Trump administration’s hike of the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 has triggered a global scramble for top talent. While US companies face higher costs, countries like the UK, Europe, and the Middle East are positioning themselves to attract skilled professionals. The UK is considering visa fee cuts to become a tech magnet, as experts warn the fee increase may hinder US innovation and prompt a shift in the global talent landscape.

Studying hard is supposed to secure success but some habits that look “productive” are secretly draining students’ mental health. Here are 7 study habits that might be doing more harm than good, without the students even realising it.

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is expected to declare the Probationary Officer/Management Trainee (PO/MT) Preliminary Examination 2025 results soon. Conducted on August 17, 23, and 24, the exam tested candidates through 100 objective questions with negative marking. Qualified candidates will move to the Mains stage, with results accessible at ibps.in using registration credentials.

The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board has released the tentative timetables for the 2026 SSLC and PUC-2 exams. Class 12 exams are scheduled from February 28 to March 17, 2026, while Class 10 exams will be held from March 18 to April 1, 2026. Stakeholders can submit feedback until October 9, 2025, before the final schedule is confirmed.

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has extended the registration deadline for the Common Recruitment Process (CRP) RRB XIV to September 28, 2025, giving aspirants an additional week to apply. The drive, offering 13,217 vacancies across Office Assistants and Officer Scales I, II, and III, outlines post-specific eligibility criteria, with applications accepted only through the official website, www.ibps.in.

Free online web development courses are democratizing access to essential digital skills for aspiring coders in India and worldwide. Platforms like SWAYAM, NPTEL, IBM SkillsBuild, Skill India Digital Hub, and Microsoft Learn offer comprehensive programs covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. These initiatives empower learners to upskill, enhance their career prospects, and thrive in the digital economy.

Mindfulness is quietly transforming American classrooms, joining reading, writing, and arithmetic as a key focus. Introduced through varied K-12 programs, it aims to enhance attention, emotional regulation, and stress management. While evidence is mixed, experts see potential for improved learning and well-being, provided curricula are developmentally tailored, consistent, and carefully implemented across schools.

The Bar Council of India will soon release the AIBE 20 (XX) 2025 notification, a mandatory exam for law graduates practicing in Indian courts. Aspiring candidates should prepare by gathering documents and understanding the exam pattern. Eligibility includes an LLB degree, State Bar Council registration, and no age limit. The application process involves online registration, document upload, and fee payment.

The Trump administration’s proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee threatens to disrupt the flow of Indian talent underpinning U.S. tech innovation. While American firms risk higher costs and constrained innovation, Indian IT companies may pivot from service exports to product-driven growth. This policy could recalibrate global technology power, reshaping talent, investment, and the future of innovation worldwide.

A shooting near Western Michigan University during family weekend injured four individuals, none affiliated with the university. The incident occurred in Arcadia, a neighborhood known for student housing and late-night disturbances. One person was arrested, and police are seeking two more suspects. The university alerted students and visitors, urging vigilance and emphasizing safety measures.

Lucy Guo, a self-made billionaire, demonstrates the power of unconventional choices. Leaving college early to pursue the Thiel Fellowship, she built successful companies like Scale AI and Passes. Her journey highlights the importance of self-belief, calculated risks, strong networks, and turning family pressure into motivation for students aiming for extraordinary careers.

Harvard University, long regarded as the pinnacle of academic prestige, has been placed under Heightened Cash Monitoring by the US Department of Education amid financial and compliance concerns. Triggered by civil rights violations, oversight disputes, and a $1 billion bond issuance, the move compels Harvard to post $36 million in financial protection, spotlighting accountability challenges even for elite institutions.

Amazon and Microsoft have urgently advised their foreign employees, particularly those from India, to return to the US immediately due to President Trump's executive order imposing a $100,000 annual fee for each H-1B visa worker, effective September 21, 2025. This policy shift creates job uncertainty, travel restrictions, and career recalibration for tech professionals.

American higher education, once the envy of the world, is losing its grip on its own students. Crippling tuition costs, mounting debt, and campuses mired in political unrest are driving young Americans overseas. With Europe and Asia offering affordable, globally attuned alternatives, the nation that once defined academic aspiration now faces an exodus that questions its intellectual supremacy.

Utah Valley University is grappling with a crisis following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a public event. The shooting, which occurred in broad daylight, has triggered national debates about campus security and political violence. Investigations are underway, and the university is focused on supporting its community while addressing concerns about safety protocols.

SUNY ESF faces an $8 million budget deficit and plans a five-year stability strategy, including $335,000 cuts to forest land budgets and 38 staff reductions. Despite financial pressures, the college aims to grow Adirondack programmes like the Timbuctoo Institute. No individual Adirondack property cuts are planned, while ongoing conservation efforts and educational activities continue across the region under the new plan.