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The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has announced the admission of five talented students under the sports quota for the academic year 2024-25, recognizing their exceptional achievements in various sports disciplines. This initiative reflects the institution’s commitment to promoting holistic education by nurturing both academic excellence and athletic talent.

The students admitted under the sports quota are:

• Aryan Raj, an outstanding cricketer
• K. S. Harish, a chess prodigy
• S. Kavin Kumar, a skilled table tennis player
• V. Vikram, a talented volleyball player
• Y. Yashwanth, a promising basketball player

IIT Madras has long been known for fostering academic rigor, but it also understands the importance of extracurricular pursuits. By offering admissions under the sports quota, the institution provides a platform for exceptional athletes to pursue their academic goals without sidelining their passion for sports.

This step is part of IIT Madras' broader vision of offering a well-rounded education, combining both intellectual development and physical training. The inclusion of these athletes into the IIT fold is also expected to inspire aspiring sportspersons across the nation to maintain a balance between academics and sports. This initiative sets a precedent for other top-tier educational institutions, encouraging them to embrace sports as an integral part of students’ personal growth.

With state-of-the-art sports facilities and a supportive environment, IIT Madras aims to help students excel in both academics and athletics. The institution’s focus on nurturing holistic individuals aligns with national efforts to encourage sports participation at various educational levels, enabling the development of well-rounded individuals capable of achieving excellence in multiple domains.

The decision to admit students under the sports quota at IIT Madras marks a significant step forward in integrating sports into the broader academic framework, offering students the opportunity to pursue their dreams on and off the field.

The Maharashtra government has officially opened the online application process for admissions under the Right to Education (RTE) Act for the 2025-26 academic year. Parents seeking admission for their children in private schools under the 25% reservation quota can now apply through the official RTE portal.

Key Details and Eligibility Criteria

The deadline for submitting applications is January 27, 2025. To be eligible, families must have an annual income of less than one lakh rupees, ensuring that the scheme benefits economically disadvantaged sections. It is important to note that students who have already secured admission under the RTE quota in previous years are not eligible to reapply.

Essential Documents and Guidelines

Parents must ensure that all details provided in the application form are accurate and complete, as any discrepancies may lead to the cancellation of admission. The required documents include:

• Proof of residence
• Child’s date of birth certificate
• Income certificate
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Authorities have urged parents to double-check their entries to avoid errors that could impact their child's admission prospects.

How to Apply

Eligible parents can apply online by visiting the official portal at student.maharashtra.gov.in. Given the limited seats and high demand, parents are advised to submit their applications well before the deadline.

The Maharashtra government’s RTE initiative aims to foster inclusivity and provide quality education to students from underprivileged backgrounds by enabling their enrollment in reputable private schools. For further updates and assistance regarding the application process, parents can refer to the official website or reach out to their nearest education department office.

Former President Donald Trump has once again placed universal school choice at the forefront of his education agenda, vowing to give parents the freedom to select the best educational options for their children, regardless of income or location. The proposal, which aims to reshape the American education system, advocates for greater flexibility in choosing between public, private, or religious schools that align with students’ needs and values.

At the core of Trump's education plan are three major initiatives:

• Universal School Choice: Trump envisions a system where every family has the option to choose their preferred school, aiming to break the link between education quality and zip code.
• Merit Pay for Teachers: The plan includes incentives for high-performing educators through merit-based pay, recognizing their dedication and impact on student success.
• Abolishing Teacher Tenure: Trump proposes ending tenure protections for K-12 teachers, arguing that it would increase accountability and give parents more control over their children's education.
• While Trump's proposal has been met with enthusiasm from school choice advocates and conservative policymakers, it has also sparked concerns among education experts and public school supporters. Critics warn that diverting funds to private institutions could weaken public schools, particularly those serving low-income communities. They argue that universal school choice may exacerbate educational inequalities and leave vulnerable students without adequate support.

Political analysts predict that the proposal will face strong opposition in Congress, where lawmakers are divided on the issue. Education unions and progressive groups are expected to challenge the plan, citing the potential negative impact on public school funding and teacher job security.

Despite the controversies surrounding his plan, Trump’s firm stance on education reform continues to resonate with many voters who believe that expanding school choice can foster competition and improve overall educational outcomes. As the 2024 election looms, the future of American education is shaping up to be a central issue, with Trump's agenda fueling an ongoing national debate.

Whether his vision for universal school choice will gain traction or meet insurmountable resistance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Trump's education plan has reignited discussions on the best path forward for America's students.

A senior Taliban official, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, has publicly urged the group's leadership to lift the ban on girls' education in Afghanistan. The Taliban's acting deputy foreign minister made an impassioned appeal at a recent gathering of scholars and officials, arguing that denying girls access to education contradicts Islamic Sharia law and is fundamentally unjust.

Stanekzai’s remarks have been viewed as one of the strongest internal criticisms of the Taliban’s hardline stance on female education, which has faced mounting condemnation from the international community since the group seized power in 2021. His comments are raising hopes that the Taliban may reconsider their policies amid increasing domestic and global pressure.

"We are hopeful that the Taliban leadership will reconsider their decision and allow girls to return to school," stated a spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Education, reflecting cautious optimism within the country.

The plea from within the Taliban ranks has been welcomed by human rights organizations and educators who have long been advocating for Afghan girls' right to education. A spokesperson for Human Rights Watch described Stanekzai's appeal as a "significant development" that could pave the way for a long-overdue policy change.

Since the Taliban's return to power, millions of Afghan girls have been denied the opportunity to pursue their education, resulting in a severe setback to the country's educational progress. The ban has further isolated Afghanistan on the global stage, with the United Nations and Western governments making the restoration of girls' education a key condition for diplomatic recognition and aid.

Observers believe that Stanekzai's comments could indicate internal divisions within the Taliban leadership regarding the education ban, as the economic and political costs of the policy continue to mount. Whether the group’s leadership will act on his recommendations remains to be seen.

According to a Hindustan Times report, as the situation unfolds, advocates for girls’ education remain hopeful that this rare dissent from a high-ranking official might be the catalyst needed to bring meaningful change for Afghan girls.

IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti has found himself at the center of a storm after making controversial remarks about the medicinal properties of cow urine, or gomutra. His statements, made during a Mattu Pongal event in Chennai, have drawn sharp criticism from various political figures, rationalist groups, and sections of the public.

Kamakoti, in his speech, claimed that cow urine has antibacterial and antifungal properties. He shared an anecdote about an ascetic who allegedly cured a high fever by drinking cow urine, sparking outrage among critics. The IIT director’s comments were seen by many as promoting unverified and scientifically dubious claims, leading to widespread condemnation.

The remarks quickly drew criticism from politicians across the spectrum. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan accused the central government of trying to “spoil” the education system by endorsing such pseudoscientific beliefs. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also weighed in, tweeting that Kamakoti’s comments were “unbecoming of an IIT director” and accusing him of promoting pseudoscience.

Rationalist groups have also expressed dismay, calling for accountability from a leading academic institution. They argue that such claims, especially when made by someone in a position of authority, could undermine the scientific credibility of institutions like IIT Madras.

In defense of Kamakoti, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai stated that the IIT director was merely expressing his personal views and had not intended to encourage anyone to consume cow urine. Sources close to Kamakoti further clarified that his comments were part of a broader discussion on organic farming and traditional practices, and that he had not advocated for cow urine consumption as a remedy for ailments.

Despite the clarifications, the controversy shows no signs of abating. Supporters of Kamakoti argue that academic freedom should allow personal expression, while his critics continue to call for greater responsibility from public figures in positions of scientific leadership.

As the debate rages on, the controversy over Kamakoti’s remarks raises important questions about the role of traditional beliefs in modern education, especially when they clash with scientific principles. This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as the situation unfolds.

A Kolkata court is set to announce the punishment for Sanjay Roy, the accused in the R.G. Kar Medical College case, involving the alleged rape and murder of a doctor. The case has garnered significant attention since its tragic inception in 2019, stirring outrage and protests throughout the city.

The disturbing incident occurred within the premises of R.G. Kar Medical College, where a doctor was found raped and murdered. The case shocked the medical community and the general public, leading to widespread protests demanding justice for the victim. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case and gathered substantial evidence against Roy, a former employee of the medical college, who was arrested and charged with the crime.

After several hearings, the court delivered its verdict on the case, with the punishment for Sanjay Roy now set to be announced. This marks a significant step toward justice for the victim, whose tragic death left a deep scar on the community. The sentencing will be pronounced at 11 am today, and the courtroom is brimming with anticipation as the victim’s family awaits the final decision.

Security has been bolstered around the court premises as tensions rise, with the public keenly watching for the announcement. The family of the victim, who have attended every session, remain hopeful that justice will be served. They are joined by members of the medical fraternity, who have demanded a fair and just resolution to the case, expressing solidarity with the victim's family.

The case has highlighted issues of safety and security within medical institutions and has sparked debates on the protection of medical professionals. As the court prepares to pronounce the punishment, the focus remains firmly on ensuring that justice is achieved, and the accused is held accountable for the heinous crime.