Researchers at Columbia University believe their grants were cut due to components related to diversity and inclusion imposed by the federal government. The university's medical school researchers found a pattern that nearly all canceled grants mentioned topics such as diversity, equity, or inclusion. The Trump administration initially canceled $400 million worth of grants and contracts, citing anti-Semitism on campus, but the specific funding affected seems to be tied to plans to "enhance diversity" in grant applications.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/03/dei-columbia-funding-cuts/682091/The US is experiencing a rise in authoritarianism on university campuses, with instances of professors being deported and students facing deportation for expressing pro-Palestinian views. In Australia, universities have adopted a new definition of antisemitism, developed by major research universities and the federal government's special envoy, which defines it as discrimination that impedes Jews' ability to participate in various aspects of life. The Trump administration has also been accused of defunding universities that do not implement this definition, leading to concerns about state control over academic institutions.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/the-problem-with-universities-australia-s-response-to-antisemitism-20250318-p5lkfz.htmlAmira Learning, a leader in AI-powered literacy solutions, has been named #1 in Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies of 2025 list in the Education category. The company's innovative approach to delivering measurable reading growth through AI is being recognized for its impact on transforming education. Founded by Mark Angel, Amira is committed to creating individualized support for students and educators, with over 4 million students and 2,000 districts worldwide trusting their platform.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amira-learning-named-to-fast-companys-annual-list-of-the-worlds-most-innovative-companies-of-2025-302406366.htmlThe CDWP approved four higher education projects worth Rs10,819.302 million, including the Development of Infrastructure at LUAWMS Phase-II (Rs1,851.491 million), Establishment of National Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Rs2,771.800 million) and Improvement of Academic Facilities at University of Karachi (Rs2,292.032 million). Two projects related to tourism and transport sectors were referred to the ECNEC for further consideration: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (Rs27.304 billion) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Accessibility project (Rs112.826 billion), both proposed to be financed through foreign funding of World Bank and Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40353668/cdwp-approves-6-uplift-projects-worth-rs151bnIndonesia's Vice President, Gibran, visited Al Madinah Integrated Islamic Senior High School in Bogor District, West Java, to review a workshop and trial of AI learning. He emphasized the need for AI to be incorporated into school curricula to boost productivity and creativity among young talents. During his visit, he observed students generating basic prompts for an AI application, highlighting both the conveniences and limitations of the technology. Gibran encouraged students to use AI to enhance their creativity and productivity, rather than relying on it as a shortcut.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/348981/vp-gibran-advocates-for-ai-adoption-among-indonesian-educatorsThe Indian government has drastically reduced funding for Muslim educational schemes, from ₹194 crore in 2014-15 to zero in 2024-25. This move comes despite the literacy rate among Muslims being below the national average of 80.9% for those aged seven and above. The Ministry of Minority Affairs stated that it is mandated to formulate policies for welfare and socio-economic development of six notified minority communities, but did not provide details on how this reduction in funding will address the issue. In contrast, other BJP-ruled states have targeted madrassas, with the Assam government abolishing two education-related Acts and converting them into general schools, while the Uttar Pradesh government plans to amend a law governing madrassa education. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has accused madrassas of violating children's rights due to their focus on religious instruction and lack of proper education.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/allocations-to-madarsa-and-waqf-educational-schemes-slashed-almost-to-nil-in-2024-25/article69349269.eceThe application deadline for the 4-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) has been extended due to high demand. The exam will be held on April 29, 2025, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at 178 cities across 13 mediums nationwide. The syllabus includes a General Test and Teaching Aptitude, with the General Test covering subjects like General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Numerical Ability. The Teaching Aptitude section will focus on teaching methods for various disciplines such as Science, Arts, and Languages. The exam format will consist of Objective type questions with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), while the language proficiency test will assess Reading Comprehension, Literary Aptitude, and Vocabulary skills.
https://www.ndtv.com/education/ncet-2025-registrations-extended-for-national-common-entrance-test-7957189#pfrom=home-ndtv_mainnavigationThe Jordan Research Fund (JRF) has signed an agreement with the Centre for Advanced Vocational Training (CAVT), led by Director General Enaam Barrishi and Executive President Ammar Gharaibeh, to develop training curricula in cooperation with Jordan's industrial sector. The partnership aims to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and provide career guidance programs to help individuals identify their interests and develop skills for the labour market.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jrf-cavt-sign-mou-leverage-vocational-technical-trainingMontana lawmakers have passed House Bill 252, a bill aimed at addressing teacher shortages and increasing funding for schools. The STARS Act would provide additional payments for districts employing teachers on emergency authorizations, which are currently used by over half of the state's school districts. Senate President Matt Regier expressed support for the bill, but noted that some Republicans may be hesitant due to a failed school choice bill earlier in the session. Democratic leaders, including Sen. Pat Flowers and Rep. Katie Sullivan, believe the bill is a step in the right direction but argue it doesn't address existing teacher retention and pay issues. Another key education funding bill, House Bill 15, would boost state public school spending by $50 million over two years to account for inflation.
https://www.kpax.com/news/montana-legislature-tackles-education-funding-bills