Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh Top in Education Loans
Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu emerged as the leading states in public sector bank (PSB) education loan disbursals over the last three financial years, according to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data shared in the Rajya Sabha.
Between FY 2022-23 and 2024-25 (provisional), Maharashtra recorded Rs. 11,426.47 crore in sanctioned education loans, followed by Kerala with Rs. 8,937.78 crore, Andhra Pradesh at Rs. 8,101.06 crore, and Tamil Nadu at Rs. 7,198.63 crore.
At the other end, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland saw the lowest loan disbursals, with amounts ranging from Rs. 0.17 crore to Rs. 19,76 crore.
Among PSBs, the State Bank of India emerged as the largest lender, disbursing Rs. 32,311.02 crore in education loans during the same three-year period. Union Bank of India followed with Rs. 14,558.77 crore, and Bank of Baroda came third at Rs. 8,468.53 crore.
Aug 14, 2025
HSB Appoints Former IIM Lucknow Director Prof. Archana Shukla as Director
Hari Shankar Singhania School of Business (HSB), a pioneering, technology-driven business school at JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur, appointed, Prof. Archana Shukla, as its new Director. She succeeded Prof. Gregory Dunn.
An IIT Kanpur alumna with a PhD in Psychology, Prof. Shukla is an eminent academic with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, specialising in organisational behaviour and knowledge management.
Prof. Shukla served for six years as Director of IIM Lucknow, and previously as Dean of the IIM Lucknow Noida Campus for over three years. She was the first chairperson of Dr. Ishwar Dayal Chair for futuristic Issues in the Behavioral Sciences (2015-2017).
Aug 13, 2025
Mumbai Hosts 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics
India is hosting the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in Mumbai from August 11 to 21 with over 300 high school students from 64 countries. Organised by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a division of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the event began with an opening ceremony on August 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre.
India Tops with 107% Surge in GenAI Enrolments but Ranks 89 in Skills
India recorded the world's largest jump in generative AI course sign-ups, a 107% year-on-year surge that amounts to roughly 2.6 million GenAI enrolments, even as a new global skills index placed the country 89th out of 109 nations for overall skills proficiency.
The findings came from the Global Skills Report 2025, which draws on platform learning data and third-party metrics to map skill trends across more than 100 countries.
As per the report, India's learner base has swelled to more than 31 million users, overtaking Europe in total registrations and underlining rapid digital adoption.
At the same time, the report introduced an AI Maturity Index to measure national preparedness for AI. India landed in the mid-tier at 46th, a sign that while learner interest is high, the broader innovation and research ecosystem remains uneven.
Aug 12, 2025
Tribal School Dropouts Soar 5x in 4 Years: Chhattisgarh, Odisha top the list
In a concerning development highlighting challenges in tribal education, dropout rates among students in Eklaavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) surged nearly five times over the past four years.
According to official data provided by Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, the number of tribal school dropouts increased sharply, reflecting growing issues within the schooling system catering to tribal communities.
The number of student dropouts from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) jumped to 552 in 2024-25, from just 111 in 2021-22, according to official data reports.
The highest numbers were seen from Chhattisgarh (88), Odisha (87), and Madhya Pradesh (71).
Maharashtra Implements 'Disha Abhiyan' for Uniform Education of Students with Intellectual Disabi...
Maharashtra took a pioneering step in inclusive education by successfully implementing 'Disha Abhiyan', a programme designed to provide uniform and quality education for students with intellectual disabilities. Announcing the initiative, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that it has already been rolled out across 453 special schools in the state.
Maharashtra is the first state in the country to adopt a state-wide, standardised curriculum tailored for students with intellectual disabilities. Developed by the Jai Vakil Foundation and approved by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), this initiative ensures that students across all special schools receive consistent, research-based learning experiences.
Tamil Nadu Unveils State Education Policy, Retains Two-Language System, Rejects NEP
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin formally unveiled the State Education Policy (SEP), crafted as a state-specific alternative to the National Education Policy (NEP). The announcement took place at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium in Kotturpuram, marking the culmination of over a year's work by a 14-member committee led by retired Justice Murugesan.
The policy reaffirms Tamil Nadu's two-language system, rejects NEP's three-language formula, and outlines student-friendly reforms aimed at promoting inclusivity, science, and technology education.
Aug 11, 2025
WHO Declares Kenya Free of Sleeping Sickness
The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially certified Kenya free of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health challenge. This milestone makes Kenya the 10th country to achieve elimination status, marking a significant victory in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
This is the second NTD eliminated in Kenya, following its certification as Guinea worm disease-free in 2018.
IIT Kharagpur Creates New Dean Position to Focus on Students' Mental Well-Being
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur appointed a dedicated dean to oversee students' mental health and overall well-being. The move came in the wake of four suspected student suicides in campus hostels since January.
Arun Chakraborty, a professor at the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences, assumed charge as the Dean of Students' Well-being. According to IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty, the role has been created exclusively to support students emotionally, help them navigate challenges, and encourage their holistic growth.
Delhi University Secures NAAC A++ Grade in Second Assessment Cycle
The Delhi Unversity (DU) received the highest accreditation grade of A++ from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its second evaluation cycle. The result, announced gives the university a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.55. This accreditation will remain valid for five years, until 2029.
In the previous assessment in 2018, DU had earned an A+ grade with a CGPA of 3.28. The improved score marks a significant rise for the institution. DU officials said that the result reflects sustained efforts in upgrading teaching, research practices, and administrative processes.
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