All posts by : Shubham

The Carnegie Foundation’s updated 2025 Classifications recognize 187 universities with R1 status, including 41 newly designated institutions. The R1 designation, which signifies the highest level of research activity, requires universities to spend at least $50 million annually on research and award 70 or more doctorates. This update reflects a shift towards inclusivity and highlights the evolving landscape of academic research in the US, with broader categories to better capture diverse research engagement, as reported by Forbes.

A powerful winter storm has swept through multiple U.S. states, triggering school closures, delays, and emergency warnings. Heavy snowfall in the Midwest, icy conditions in the Mid-Atlantic, and impending disruptions in the Northeast have forced districts to prioritize safety. Authorities urge residents to stay alert as hazardous road conditions persist, impacting daily life and transportation.

Elon Musk’s secretive task force, DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), is shaking up the US Department of Education with aggressive budget cuts and disruptive actions. Staffers have been pushed out of their offices, and the team is operating with little transparency, making arbitrary cuts without clear objectives. Amid internal competition, DOGE is pushing to eliminate millions in contracts, leaving employees bewildered and concerned about the department’s future. The team’s unorthodox methods are raising questions about their true intentions.

President Donald Trump nominated Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota’s superintendent, for the role of assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education. If confirmed, Baesler would oversee the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, influencing educational outcomes for millions of students. Baesler, with over a decade of leadership in education, aims to support local control of schools and collaborate with fellow education leaders to implement reforms, as reported by the North Dakota Monitor.

The Ohio Senate has passed a controversial bill targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in public colleges, sparking intense debate. Proponents argue it promotes intellectual diversity, while critics warn it threatens academic freedom and inclusivity. The bill also limits tenure protections and faculty rights, with its fate now in the hands of the Ohio House.

The Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH) has revised the examination schedule for Class 12 and the first-year Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) re-appear exams due to civic elections and JEE Main. The Class 12 exams will run from February 27 to March 29, 2025, while D.El.Ed first-year exams will take place from March 4 to March 24, 2025.

Donald Trump’s renewed attack on the Department of Education (DOE) underscores his long-standing vision of shifting control to states. Citing plummeting test scores and inefficiencies, he argues the DOE is a bureaucratic failure wasting taxpayer money. His stance raises a contentious debate—should education be decentralized, or does federal oversight remain crucial in ensuring equality and academic excellence?

Harvard Medical School faces a major financial setback as the Trump administration caps NIH indirect research funding at 15%, slashing its allocation by nearly $100 million. While Harvard offers mental health resources, including therapy animals, critics argue this doesn’t address the deeper funding crisis. The cuts could impact U.S. research output, talent retention, and long-term scientific progress.

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the IBPS SO Mains Result 2025 scorecard on February 13, available for download until February 20 at ibps.in. The exam, held in December 2024, assessed candidates for Specialist Officer roles. Shortlisted candidates must upload documents for the interview round, which carries 100 marks. The final selection will be based on the combined scores of the main exam and interview.

The Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is set to implement major reforms in the ISC examination system from 2027. Key changes include revised pass criteria, updated syllabi, new subject offerings, and streamlined result documentation. English/Modern English will be mandatory, and students must pass five or six subjects. These updates aim to enhance academic clarity and efficiency.