USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins expressed concerns that recent cuts to school nutrition programs are part of a broader effort by the left to continue unnecessary spending on taxpayer dollars. Nutritionists across the US lobbied lawmakers to protect funding for free meals, citing the importance of full stomachs for academic success. The decision-making process will vary by state due to differences in funding levels, affecting 29.6 million students who receive lunches daily, including 20.4 million receiving free meals.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/education/usda-cuts-programs-that-gave-schools-funds-to-support-local-farmers-for-student-mealsValona's new AI assistant, VAL 3.0, integrates external and internal data sources to empower users with rapid market research and analysis capabilities. The platform enables companies to make informed decisions in minutes, rather than months, by eliminating information silos and bottlenecks. Valona's Chief Product Officer, Stuart Reynish, says the new version was created based on customer demand for intelligence power. VAL 3.0 bridges the gap between internal data sources and external market insights, providing users with a complete picture of their industry landscape. The platform has been recognized as a Forrester Wave Leader and has added customers such as FICO, Röchling, and B. Braun, highlighting its growing adoption across diverse industries.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valonas-third-generation-ai-assistant-val-3-0-turns-market-insights-into-competitive-advantage-for-global-enterprises-302399073.htmlBeijing plans to introduce innovative teaching methods using AI companions and assistants to facilitate human-computer dialogue learning. The city aims to cultivate AI talent by collaborating with universities and secondary schools through "advanced AI education courses." Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent talks with tech tycoons have boosted optimism for the sector, while Alibaba has unveiled a new AI model called QwQ-32B, which is comparable in performance to DeepSeek.
https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/13/beijing-to-roll-out-ai-lessons-for-primary-secondary-students/Colorado Governor has criticized cuts to a program that allowed schools to purchase food from local farmers, citing potential negative impacts on students' health and well-being. The Local Food for Schools program received $2.6 million in federal funding between 2022 and 2024.
https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2025/03/12/colorado-governor-blasts-cuts-to-program-that-helps-schools-buy-local-food/The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan brought together various council representatives to foster collaboration, streamline accreditation processes, and implement best practices to enhance academic standards. HEC Chairman emphasized the need for a dynamic, transparent, and technology-driven system that meets national and international quality benchmarks. He stressed the importance of innovation, digital integration, and credibility in maintaining and enhancing academic program quality.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1291279-hec-accreditation-councils-discuss-challenges-in-quality-educationIndonesia's President Prabowo plans to focus on enhancing various sectors, including human resources and education. However, his government has faced criticism for its handling of higher education, particularly budget cuts that students believe could harm the national education system. Lecturers have staged protests demanding clarity on unpaid performance incentives since 2020, while students' organizations like BEM SI reject plans to grant mining business permits to universities, citing concerns over academic environment and sustainability.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1986152/prabowo-invites-universities-top-officials-to-presidential-palaceIndia's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of education and skill development, stating that they are crucial for the country's growth and progress. He highlighted this during a meeting with state governors in New Delhi, where he urged them to prioritize these aspects over infrastructure development such as motorways and metros. This shift in focus is seen as a significant change in approach, with Modi acknowledging that education and skills are key drivers of economic growth, rather than just physical infrastructure.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1291570-mindset-shiftNew Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is facing challenges in creating a budget that balances funding for various programs, including pension and public education. Dr. Aaron Fichtner, president of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, notes that the colleges are operating on thin margins due to underfunding. State Senator Andrew Zwicker wants to add $20 million to the proposed budget for county colleges, citing a need for a more comprehensive plan to fund higher education in the state. Zwicker's 2023 special committee found the state's higher education system is chronically underfunded compared to other states.
https://whyy.org/articles/new-jersey-community-college-funding-murphy/Pakistan's education ministry is extending its School Meals programme to all model schools and primary sections starting April 15, aiming to provide nutritious meals to support young learners' physical well-being and academic performance. The initiative, led by the government, seeks to create healthier learning environments for schoolchildren across the country.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1291277-meals-programme-to-be-extended-to-all-schools