The Finance Minister proposed a significant increase in education outlay, but the growth rate is lower than expected at 126% compared to a 203% overall budget growth. The government has 1,023 schools in Telangana, with 662 lacking their own buildings, and many gurukuls operating in substandard conditions, as highlighted by Mr. Vikaramarka.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/telanganas-allocation-to-education-sector-dept-is-79-of-total-budget-2025-26/article69348605.eceThe US Department of Education has been a target of criticism from conservative parents' groups and former President Trump, who claims it is run by "radicals" and "Marxists". Trump wants to close the agency, but some of his allies question his power to do so without Congressional approval. In 2023, an amendment to close the agency was considered in the House, but it was opposed by 60 Republicans. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos had previously sought to reduce the agency's budget and give states more control over federal funding for K-12 education, a proposal that was rejected by Congress.
https://apnews.com/article/trump-education-department-shutdown-b1d25a2e1bdcd24cfde8ad8b655b9843Ambassador Dimitrova welcomed Minister Yuliarto's proposals for cooperation between Indonesia and Bulgaria, citing the Erasmus+ program as a successful model. The two countries aim to enhance higher education, science, and technology through collaborations such as inter-university programs, joint research efforts, and capacity-building activities. Bulgaria's advanced IT industry and high percentage of women in the sector are seen as key strengths for this partnership.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/348913/minister-supports-indonesia-bulgaria-higher-education-collaborationIn the Occupied Palestinian Territory, over 658,000 school-aged children lack access to formal education due to damage from Israeli strikes and fighting. The majority of school buildings (95%) have been severely damaged, with 88% requiring major reconstruction. Desks and chairs have been destroyed, and teaching materials are also missing. Reconstruction efforts are hindered by Israel's aid blockades, which have delayed the establishment of new learning spaces and the rebuilding of damaged schools, according to Alun McDonald, head of media and external relations at Islamic Relief.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/03/17/children-in-gaza-defy-trauma-to-return-to-schoolThe US Department of Defense has committed $9.8 million to research the potential benefits of psychedelics, specifically MDMA, in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among active-duty troops. Two grants of $4.9 million each will be awarded to study the effects of MDMA on PTSD, with one grant enrolling active-duty personnel as subjects.
https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-military/2025/03/17/dod-commits-98-million-to-study-psychedelics-for-active-duty-troops/Google is investing $20 million in a new AI-powered upskilling platform, "Career Certificates," which aims to provide employees with skills training that complements the company's requirements. The program will be rolled out globally and will focus on emerging technologies such as cloud computing, data analytics, and digital marketing.
https://channelnewsasia.com/singapore/scams-impersonation-police-officers-million-lost-5004881The Society of Professional Journalists' Green Eyeshade Awards, the nation's largest regional journalism contest, is now open for its 75th year. The contest has expanded its coverage area to include Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in addition to the original states. The awards have introduced a renewed focus on public service journalism, with categories including written, video, audio, digital, visual, and student journalism. The contest aims to recognize impactful reporting that informs, raises awareness, and holds institutions accountable, with net profits reinvested into training and advocacy for journalists.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spjs-green-eyeshade-awards-journalism-competition-celebrating-75-years-now-accepting-entries-302403711.htmlGallyat Tahafuz Movement (GTM) Chairman Sardar Muhammad Sabir has called on philanthropists to collaborate with welfare organizations to support young orphan students in health and education sectors. At an Iftar dinner hosted by GTM for orphan students of Idara Tadreesul Quran, notable figures including Sardar Iftikhar emphasized social responsibility while providing a platform for the students to break their fast together. Renowned TV anchor Malik Aurangzeb (Kashif Malik) attended and covered the event on social media, expressing gratitude to GTM and its causes.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1292782-philanthropists-urged-to-extend-support-to-orphan-studentsThe exhibition "The Writing's on the Wall: Language and Silence in the Visual Arts" is currently on display at the Hill Art Foundation in Chelsea, Manhattan. The show features works by artists Ellen Gallagher, David Salle, and Ronny Quevedo. Gallagher's piece "DeLuxe" (2004-5) combines various printmaking techniques with mixed media elements, while Salle's "Untitled" (2008) incorporates oil on lithograph on paper. Quevedo's "puntero" (2018) uses wax on paper. The exhibition runs through March 29.
https://hyperallergic.com/996855/how-do-you-paint-language/