India Tops QS Rankings Among G20 Nations

India has topped the QS University rankings among G20 nations for the academic year 2023-24. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the government’s focus on research, learning, and innovation as a key factor in this achievement. QS University Rankings President Nunzio Quacquarelli highlighted India’s 14% improvement in average ranking and praised PM Modi’s leadership and visionary policies, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Indian universities saw significant progress in Biological Sciences, Business Studies, and STEM subjects, with the NEP being recognized as a driving force behind these positive changes.

Marking Dissent Not Unlawful: TISS PhD Scholar Suspended for Protests

Dalit PhD scholar Ramadas Prini Sivanandan has been suspended by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) for two years for his alleged involvement in protests. The institute accused him of staging a demonstration outside Parliament and screening a banned BBC documentary. Ramadas has refuted the allegations and claimed that he was exercising his constitutional rights and demanding education for all. The suspension has drawn sharp criticism from student organizations and political parties, who have demanded an immediate revocation of the order.

Robert Kraft: Professors Should Teach Students How to Think, Not What to Think

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, an alumnus of Columbia University, has withdrawn his financial support for the institution due to the growing anti-Semitism on campus. Kraft expressed concern about the rise in hatred and intimidation against Jewish people, stating that it pains him to witness such behavior in America. He believes that professors should be teaching students how to think critically, not indoctrinating them with particular viewpoints. Kraft emphasized the importance of educating people to combat apathy and misguided beliefs, as hatred and intimidation threaten the fabric of the country.

Education’s Uncertain Future: A Look Ahead at the Next Secretary

The future of American education is in flux as conservatives push for drastic changes to address concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and learning loss. Various individuals and organizations have expressed interest in leading the Department of Education under a potential second Trump administration, with priorities ranging from school choice to dismantling the department itself. The current landscape includes grassroots movements opposing critical race theory and gender ideology in K-12 schools, while higher education institutions face pressure to eliminate DEI programs and focus on academic achievement.

Texans Opt Out of STAAR Testing, Facing Penalties

Texans are opting out of the state’s standardized testing program, STAAR, despite potential penalties for schools and families. Parents and students cite concerns about stress, anxiety, and unclear consequences for those who choose not to participate. The Texas Education Agency maintains that STAAR tests are essential for evaluating student progress and preparing them for higher education.

Patten Free Library’s Annual Spelling Bee: A Night of Wordplay and Community

Join the Patten Free Library on May 10th at 5:30 p.m. in the Maine Maritime Museum’s Long Reach Hall for its annual spelling bee. Teams of spellers ages 16 and up will compete in three rounds of challenging spelling, with the winning team crowned as this year’s Champion Spellers. The event will feature a cash bar and snacks, and attendees can also participate in a raffle fundraiser benefiting the Patten Free Library’s educational programs and services.

Scroll to Top