In one of the strongest public criticisms in recent years, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban's acting deputy foreign minister, has called on his senior leadership to lift restrictions on girls' education in Afghanistan. During a speech over the weekend, Stanekzai stated that the Taliban's policy of restricting education for girls and women was not in line with Islamic Sharia law, urging the leadership to open schools for girls. Stanekzai, who previously led the

In response to Russia's Christmas Day attack on Ukrainian cities and its energy infrastructure, President Joe Biden has instructed the U.S. Defense Department to maintain its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Biden condemned Russia’s actions, which were aimed at disrupting Ukraine’s power supply and endangering the country’s energy grid during the harsh winter. The attack, which involved cruise and ballistic missiles as well as drones, is part of Russia’s ong

STEM Scholarships for 2024: Opportunities and Application Strategies As the demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates continues to grow worldwide, numerous scholarships have been designed to support students pursuing education in these critical fields. While earning a STEM degree can be expensive, scholarships help make it more accessible for students, including those from India. This guide provides insights into STEM schol

In a significant change to school education, the Centre has scrapped the 'no-detention policy' for classes 5 and 8 in schools under its control. This means that students who fail the year-end exams will no longer automatically be promoted. Instead, they will have the chance to retake the exam after additional coaching within two months of the results. If they still fail, they will be held back in the same grade. This move follows amendments to the Right to Education Act (RTE

The Indian rupee weakened by 10 paise to a record low of 85.12 against the US dollar on Monday, marking a significant decline in its value. The domestic currency opened at 84.85, according to Bloomberg data, and had closed at 85.02 on Friday. This continued depreciation comes amid rising global pressures, including an increase in Brent crude prices, which rose 0.41% to $73.24 per barrel. The rise in crude prices was partly driven by easing concerns about a potential US government shutdown and

Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional study destinations like the US and UK to explore new opportunities in countries such as Malta, Singapore, Dubai, Italy, and various European nations. These countries have simplified their visa regulations, and their competitive living and tuition fees, along with diverse academic programmes, are attracting a growing number of students. The ease of access and affordable education options are key factors driving this trend. Many expert

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticized the Union Government for delaying financial assistance to Wayanad, which was severely affected by landslides in July. Nearly 400 people were killed in the disaster, and despite 100 days passing since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the affected villages, the state has not received any financial aid for rehabilitation. The Centre has been swift in helping other disaster-hit states, but Kerala’s requests for aid have been

The Indian Rupee has depreciated to a record low of 84.61 against the US Dollar, marking a fresh setback for the currency. This comes after former US President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS nations if they fail to continue using the US Dollar. Trump's demand for a commitment from BRICS countries not to create a new currency or back alternatives to the dollar has put additional pressure on global markets, including the Indian Rupee. Along with this geopolitical

The Adani Group reported a record financial performance in the first half of the ongoing financial year and for the trailing twelve months, driven by its growing businesses in infrastructure, energy, and renewables. The group's net exposure to Indian banks stands at $11 billion, with equity now accounting for 63% of its total debt. This marks a reduction in the conglomerate's reliance on debt. The strong growth in the first half was fueled by Adani Enterprises' solar and

Is Pursuing a Computer Science Degree in 2024 Still Worth It? As the technological landscape rapidly evolves, many students are questioning the value of a Computer Science (CS) degree in 2024. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation reshaping industries, it's essential to assess whether a CS degree remains a viable and rewarding path. The Current State of the Tech Industry The tech sector has experien

Andhra Pradesh’s IT and Education Minister, Nara Lokesh, has announced an ambitious vision to create a distinctive "Andhra Pradesh model" of education, which he claims will surpass the existing educational frameworks of Delhi and Kerala. His reforms aim to bring revolutionary changes to the state's education system, spanning from KG to PG levels, with a focus on quality and holistic development. Lokesh emphasized that his approach would break awa

As part of its commitment to the NDA coalition's promises made prior to the elections, the central government is actively working to halt the disinvestment process of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), commonly known as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, there are ongoing efforts to ensure the plant remains operational amid concerns over financial viability and raw material shortages. Recent reports indicate that the B

The ongoing property disputes between YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and his sister YS Sharmila have taken another dramatic turn. In a recent statement, Jagan claimed to have provided approximately ₹200 crore to Sharmila over the past decade, emphasizing that this was done out of "sisterly love and affection." While this assertion may initially appear to be an attempt to bolster Jagan's public image by showcasing his support for Sharmila, it has also drawn significant scrutiny

In a significant policy shift, the Netherlands government has proposed to limit the use of English in universities to manage the growing influx of international students. Education Minister Eppo Bruins outlined his vision in a letter to parliament, stating a desire to re-establish Dutch as the primary language in higher education. Bruins emphasized the necessity for both international and Dutch students to invest in Dutch language proficiency, asserting, "I want to make Dutch t

US stocks experienced a lower opening on Friday as investors took a moment to reassess following a robust rally spurred by the Federal Reserve's significant interest rate cut earlier this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 120 points, or 0.3%, landing at 41,906.55. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased by 0.2%, settling at 17,950.7. The S&P 500 also saw a dip, declining by as much as 0.26% to 5,698.93. Despite the overall market downturn, nine of t

Studying abroad can significantly enhance career prospects, offering students access to world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and valuable global networks. For those who meticulously plan their academic journey, attending top-ranked universities overseas can lead to exceptional job opportunities. However, the high cost of foreign education can be daunting. Students often turn to scholarships or education loans to fund their studies. In India, various banks provide edu

The Financial Times has unveiled its 2024 global rankings for Masters in Management (MiM) programs, with the University of St. Gallen maintaining its lead for the 13th time. This prestigious position underscores the Swiss institution's consistent excellence in business education. HEC Paris follows in second place, while Insead, making a notable debut in third, stands out for its top ranking in alumni international work mobility. Edhec Business School and Shanghai Jiao Tong University'

In the face of severe flooding in Vijayawada, the Akshaya Patra Foundation has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing critical support to those affected by the disaster. Partnering with the Andhra Pradesh government, the foundation has been instrumental in preparing and distributing hygienic and sanitized food to the flood victims. Their efforts have ensured that over 10 lakh people have received much-needed nourishment during this challenging time. Feeding such a large number of pe

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is demonstrating his unwavering commitment to restoring normalcy in flood-affected Andhra Pradesh. With many areas submerged under floodwaters, Naidu has been touring the impacted regions, speaking directly to those affected to instill confidence and provide reassurance. Known for his crisis management skills, Naidu's efforts are centered around ensuring that rescue and relief operations are carried out efficiently and effectively. Despite Nai

Chandrababu Naidu's reinstatement as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has reignited hopes for the state's financial revival after a challenging five-year period under YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The previous administration faced severe criticism for its poor financial management, including excessive borrowing and a lack of transparency, which plunged the state into a significant debt crisis. With Naidu back in power, there is a strong focus on correcting these issues and steering Andhra Pra