enrollment decline

The University of Houston System will discontinue its undergraduate religious studies degree due to persistently low enrollment, a decision approved by the board of regents. While the program formally closes in 2032, a minor in religious studies will remain, allowing continued access to the subject. This move reflects broader trends of declining student interest in liberal arts programs nationwide.

Move intended to ensure that programmes generate sufficient revenue to cover operational costs, say officials

Young adults emerge as the largest group seeking help to quit tobacco

Jharkhand is launching an ambitious plan to boost public education, aiming to increase CM Schools of Excellence to 5,000. This initiative targets providing private school-level quality education to underprivileged children. The state is also tackling teacher shortages, ensuring no school operates with just one educator, and focusing on re-enrolling dropouts, including those in child labor.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has sharply criticized New York City's public school spending, likening its inefficiencies to a poorly run business. He argued that substantial funds aren't reaching teachers, despite high per-student costs. Bezos also dismissed 'tax-the-rich' policies, advocating for identifying and solving root causes of economic struggles instead.

The Supreme Court has upheld the Election Commission's intensive voter list revision, affirming electoral rolls as democracy's foundational integrity. The verdict balances the need for purity with constitutional limits, preventing the EC from becoming a citizenship tribunal. This ruling strengthens the EC's autonomy while emphasizing procedural fairness for all citizens.

Jharkhand is shifting its education focus from access to learning outcomes, addressing foundational literacy and numeracy gaps with targeted programs. The state is actively recruiting teachers and implementing a Teacher Need Assessment to enhance professional competency. Initiatives like the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana are crucial for girls' continued education beyond secondary school.

Electric vehicles are now outnumbering diesel vehicles in Kolkata, with registration data from the Public Vehicles Department in Beltala showing a significant decline in diesel unit enrollments. This trend aligns with the central government's clean energy initiatives and a call to reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Harvard University is implementing a new grading policy to combat grade inflation, limiting A grades to 20% of students starting in 2027. This move aims to restore the meaning of top grades and reduce pressure on students to maintain perfect transcripts. The decision comes amid broader scrutiny of academic standards in higher education.