The US is reportedly considering a USD 100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas, which allow international students to work in the US after graduation. This move by the Trump administration follows a rejected H1-B visa fee proposal and could significantly impact foreign graduates and tech companies. The Department of Homeland Security is also exploring a USD 100,000 bond for green card applicants.
90 per cent of institutions recorded no improvement in international student metrics, despite government initiatives such as the Study in India programme, UGC regulations on internationalisation, and efforts to attract foreign students.
For hundreds of Indian scholars who journeyed to Canada aiming for a foreign degree and a path toward long-term career opportunities, what should have been a triumphant graduation has instead spiralled into deep uncertainty.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is reviewing its internal processes and protocols following lapses in three papers of the UGC-NET June 2026 examination, leading to re-tests for English, Commerce, and Sociology. The agency stated it proactively identified issues and is taking corrective measures to ensure fair and error-free examinations, amidst strong criticism from opposition leaders.
The department of homeland security withdrew Harvard certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme, effectively barring the university from admitting new foreign students and threatened the legal status of current international enrollees.
India has launched two special category visa for international students intending to pursue higher education in academic institutions in the country.
In a significant move, Canada said that it is taking steps to manage its temporary resident population by reducing the number of study permits issued to international students and tightening eligibility for work permits.
A 19-year-old mechatronics engineering student was brutally murdered in Coimbatore, leading to a political controversy in Tamil Nadu. While his family alleges he was targeted for exposing drug abuse on campus, police and college management claim the attack stemmed from personal enmity and a retaliatory clash. Eight arrests have been made, and the issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly, with the Opposition demanding an inquiry into the conflicting narratives.
With the duration of stay capped at four years, the biggest impact of the new F-1 visa rules is likely to be on PhD scholars, students enrolled in longer professional programmes, those whose graduation gets delayed and students moving from one academic programme to another, highlight education experts.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) successfully protested an event featuring an ISKCON representative at the university's central library, leading to its cancellation. The JNUSU cited university rules prohibiting religious organisations from holding events on campus, a concern they had previously raised regarding ISKCON's activities.
Batchigari is accused of first-degree murder and kidnapping, having allegedly stolen Salazar's phone and credit cards and sent deceptive texts to her mother to conceal the crime.
Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.
The ICPC Internship Programme 2026, offered by the Policy, Politics and Governance Foundation, provides final-year and penultimate-year undergraduate students with hands-on exposure to politics, policymaking and governance. The programme combines online and offline learning with real-world experience, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities.
'Tightening of visa norms for international students around the world are a concern for the university and the education sector, even as the UK continues to offer relatively attractive post-study work opportunities compared to several competing markets.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Indian students for their exceptional performance at the International Biology and Chemistry Olympiads, where they secured multiple medals, including Gold. Modi highlighted the global impact of India's youth and expressed pride in their scientific achievements, hoping to inspire more young minds.
NPCI International and Uzbekistan's NIPC have partnered to enable UPI payments across Uzbekistan, allowing Indian tourists, business travellers, and students to make instant merchant payments using the UZQR code. This agreement, approved by RBI and CBU, integrates UPI with Uzbekistan's national payment system, HUMO, facilitating direct P2M payments from Indian bank accounts and reducing reliance on foreign exchange or international cards.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that Rahul Gandhi would lead the INDIA bloc in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, dismissing reports of TVK proposing C Joseph Vijay as a prime ministerial candidate. Venugopal highlighted Gandhi's widespread appeal and campaigns on key issues, while also addressing internal alliance differences and criticising the BJP government's actions.
A 22-year-old Delhi University student was arrested in north Delhi with 195 grams of hydroponic marijuana, valued at Rs 20 lakh. He allegedly supplied the drug, known as OG, to college students to fund a lavish lifestyle. Police are investigating the supply chain.
A 23-year-old Indian student, Vidhi Megha, was found dead in a home in the Niagara Region, Canada. Police have launched a murder investigation and a suspect has been charged. The Indian Consulate in Toronto is providing support to the family.
Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Narendrapur, West Bengal, has indefinitely closed its hostels and suspended classes after a Class 12 student died following an alleged incident involving hot tea. The decision comes amidst widespread protests, a police probe into negligence, and the suspension of three staffers, with the headmaster also offering to resign.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay issued a stern warning against personal attacks, double-meaning insults, and derogatory language targeting women, particularly in political discourse. Speaking in the Assembly, he recalled past humiliations faced by late CM J Jayalalithaa and condemned recent incidents involving women personalities, stressing that such behaviour would face immediate legal consequences. He also outlined his administration's vision for public security and zero-tolerance against crime.
A preliminary government report reveals that devastating flash floods in Nepal have affected over 32,000 people, caused 1,295 deaths, and severely damaged infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. Senior Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narsing KC has criticised the government's coordination of rescue and relief operations and called for international action on climate justice.
'If a student can get a good teacher, quality content and mock tests at no cost, it becomes very hard for a mid-tier coaching centre to keep charging for the same lecture.'
A 19-year-old nursing student was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the staircase of a boys' hostel in Sarnath, Varanasi. Police are investigating the incident, awaiting the post-mortem report, and scrutinising CCTV footage and call records.
The Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a re-conduct of the NEET-PG 2026 exam, imposing a cost on the petitioner and criticising the advocate for misusing the legal process and soliciting cases on social media. The court noted that the petitioners were not affected by the exam disruption they cited.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, has announced his retirement from the national team, a decision he described as 'a decision that hurts the soul.'
'I moved out of my house at the age of 17 to pursue this dream. Since then, I've been doing everything by myself, managing everything by myself for this one dream of Miss Universe.'
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has clarified his recent remarks about Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron ki goonj' programme and the Cockroach Janata Party's protest, stating that the media misinterpreted his comments as an attack on his party or its leadership. He insisted he was advocating for political parties to engage more with the next generation.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.
Following the tragic death of a student in Mumbai due to a tree collapse, Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar has mandated a city-wide safety survey of dangerous trees. The survey will cover schools, colleges, housing societies, hospitals, and major traffic junctions, with a focus on identifying and addressing unstable trees and branches to prevent future incidents, especially during the monsoon season.
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and state governments on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) advocating for the confiscation of movable and immovable property belonging to individuals and their family members involved in exam question paper leak cases. The plea also calls for invoking various anti-corruption and financial crime acts against perpetrators and suggests consecutive sentencing for such offences.
BJP MP Raghav Chadha addressed the 12th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, highlighting India's digital transformation journey. He emphasised how technology is widening access and promoting inclusion, citing UPI's success, affordable data, and robust data protection laws. Chadha also discussed India's digital cooperation with Uzbekistan and the importance of digital rights, safety, and skill development for all citizens.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, addressing British Hindus in London, unequivocally stated that their loyalty lies with the UK, clarifying the concept of 'karma bhoomi' within Hindutva and emphasising unity in diversity.
Nineteen-year-old law student Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 at the grand finale held at Zee Studios in Jaipur on August 23.
The government has intensified its Study in India programme and is working closely with universities and states to achieve this goal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi employed Gen Z-friendly phrases like "OG" and referenced the film 'Dhurandhar' during his address at Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce. This move, 13 years after a previous impactful speech at the same venue, is part of a broader strategy by the BJP to connect with younger audiences, contrasting India's past challenges with its current global standing.
Namrata Karad, founder of Ahikoza by BRHAM, opens up about going from working on a Hugo Boss sales floor to seeing her bags carried by Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Kylie Jenner, Khloe Kardashian...
Competition Commission of India (CCI) chairperson Ravneet Kaur has warned that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could intensify anti-competitive practices in digital markets, including self-preferencing, discriminatory pricing, and market manipulation. She highlighted the CCI's ongoing study into AI's impact on competition and stressed the regulator's role in fostering growth while preventing abuse of dominance.
Jai Moondra, a left-arm medium pacer from Rajasthan, made a dream international debut for Ireland, taking a wicket with his first ball against India. His journey is remarkable, having left a secure corporate job at Intel after pursuing an MTech in Dublin to chase his cricketing dream, culminating in a historic victory for Ireland.
'We're doing a lot of work around work-integrated learning, providing students with every opportunity to take at least part of their education as a practical work-based experience.'
