higher education

To ensure higher education access for all eligible students, Kerala government will increase Plus One seats in most districts, except Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki. Minister V Sivankutty announced a 30% increase in government schools and 20% in aided schools across seven districts. An additional 64,040 seats will be available for the 2025-26 academic year, bringing the total to 4,41,887.

The Trump administration has barred Harvard University from receiving new federal research grants, escalating a dispute over antisemitism, academic standards, and campus management. Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused Harvard of violating legal duties, citing concerns over protests, foreign student admissions, and DEI initiatives. Harvard has responded with a lawsuit, alleging government overreach and infringement of First Amendment rights.

Tamil Nadu colleges will soon implement a QR code feedback system. Students can report issues like unclean toilets and poor canteen food. The Tamil Nadu State Council for higher education will pilot this at the University of Madras. A student satisfaction survey is also planned. It will cover academic experience and teaching quality. This feedback will improve the academic environment.

Harvard University is challenging the Trump administration’s freeze of $2.2 billion in federal research funds, alleging the move violates the Administrative Procedure Act and First Amendment protections. The case, set for oral arguments on July 21, could determine how far the US government can go in pressuring universities over political and social issues. Legal experts say the lawsuit may reshape federal oversight of higher education and test the limits of executive authority.

Federal funding to Harvard has been frozen by the Trump administration in a dramatic bid to pressure the university into compliance with controversial directives. Citing antisemitism, bias, and academic decline, the move halts new research grants worth billions. Harvard has fired back with a lawsuit, igniting a constitutional battle over academic freedom and government overreach.