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Chicago’s CPS secures proposed contract deal, ending year-long teacher negotiation standoff – The Times of India

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Chicago’s CPS secures proposed contract deal, ending year-long teacher negotiation standoff – The Times of India


CPS and teachers union reach proposed contract deal after year-long negotiations

After nearly a year of tense and often contentious negotiations, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) have reached a proposed contract deal, potentially avoiding a strike for the first time in over a decade. The agreement, which addresses a range of financial and educational demands, was approved by union members on March 31, 2025. This move brings to an end a protracted battle that had threatened the stability of the nation’s fourth-largest school district.
The proposed contract includes provisions such as a 4% raise for educators, $10 million in additional funding for sports programs, and enforceable class-size limits. However, the deal still requires final approval from CPS’s Board of Education before it can be fully implemented.
Tentative deal brings relief after a year of negotiations
The contract’s path to this point was far from smooth. Tensions between Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office, CPS leadership, and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates escalated over the past year as the city struggled to balance its budget and meet the district’s financial needs. A $175 million pension payment, which CPS had to make for nonteaching staff, added further complexity to negotiations, according to the Chicago Tribune.
As reported by the Chicago Tribune, the agreement reached on March 31 includes key provisions that address the CTU’s demands while also recognizing the district’s budgetary constraints. These provisions, including additional funding for sports programs and protections for bilingual teachers, were seen as crucial in averting a strike, which had become a growing concern in recent weeks.
Mayor Johnson, who has faced political pressure throughout the negotiations, acknowledged the significance of the proposed deal, stating, “Look, I’m careful not to say something too soon, but we’re really close, you all, for the first time in 15 years to get a teachers contract without a strike or a strike vote,” as quoted by the Chicago Tribune. Johnson’s alliance with the CTU had been a contentious issue throughout his tenure, but the successful deal has allowed him to present a victory to his labor supporters.
What’s in the deal?
The proposed contract includes a 4% raise for CPS educators, a gesture that is likely to be seen as a significant win for the union. In addition to financial compensation, CPS has committed to investing $10 million in sports funding, ensuring that schools can enhance their athletic programs. This funding is expected to benefit students across the district, with a particular focus on underfunded schools.
The deal also includes enforceable class-size limits, a long-standing demand from the CTU, which has argued that smaller class sizes are critical for providing quality education. Additionally, the agreement outlines measures to expand bilingual education and reinforce sanctuary protections for immigrant students. It also establishes safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, further solidifying CPS’s commitment to inclusivity.
Political ramifications and financial hurdles remain
While the contract represents a major breakthrough, CPS still faces the challenge of securing the necessary funding to cover the costs associated with the agreement. As the Chicago Tribune reported, the district is grappling with the looming $175 million pension payment, which is central to an ongoing debate between City Hall and CPS over how to allocate financial resources.
Despite the political wrangling, the tentative agreement represents a significant step forward for CPS and the CTU, bringing an end to a year of negotiations that tested the district’s ability to balance educational priorities with fiscal responsibility. However, the financial realities of funding the contract remain an issue that both CPS and the city must address in the coming months.
The final vote by CPS’s Board of Education is expected soon, with all eyes on whether the proposed deal will be ratified without further complications. As quoted by the Chicago Tribune, CPS Chief Pedro Martinez emphasized that the deal “recognizes the significant contributions of our educators” while balancing the district’s “budgetary constraints and fiduciary responsibilities.”





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THE Asia University Rankings 2025: IISc tops nationally as Shoolini emerges top private university – The Times of India

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THE Asia University Rankings 2025: IISc tops nationally as Shoolini emerges top private university – The Times of India


Shoolini tops India’s private universities in THE Asia Rankings 2025, IISc retains national lead. (AI Image)

THE Asia University Rankings 2025: The Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2025, released on April 23, present a detailed and rigorous evaluation of academic excellence across the continent. This year’s edition assesses 853 universities from 35 countries and territories, based on performance across teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. With 18 robust performance indicators, THE’s globally trusted methodology continues to guide students, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders in benchmarking higher education quality.
While China maintains its dominance with the top two positions and five of the top ten, countries like Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong also perform strongly—all six of Hong Kong’s universities enter the top 50, a first since 2017. The rankings also welcome four new entrants: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Mongolia, and Syria. In this competitive landscape, India records a strong showing with 20 institutions placed among Asia’s top 250, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and Shoolini University, the country’s highest-ranked private university.
Indian universities on the rise in Asia: A look at THE Asia University Rankings 2025
Indian higher education institutions have once again made notable strides in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2025, reflecting both the enduring strength of traditional public universities and the growing momentum of private institutions. With India claiming significant positions across multiple performance indicators—research quality, industry engagement, international outlook, teaching, and research environment—the rankings shed light on the evolving academic landscape in the region.
Among the prominent institutions, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) remains the country’s academic torchbearer, securing a joint 38th place in Asia. At the same time, private players such as Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences have made substantial inroads, with Shoolini becoming the highest-ranked private university in India for the second year running. The data reflects a broader trend of diversification and excellence in Indian academia, with institutions aligning more closely with global benchmarks of research and innovation.
Indian Institute of Science leads, but others are closing the gap
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, tops the Indian chart with an overall score of 65.2, achieving the 38th rank in Asia. It demonstrates significant strength in Industry Engagement with a score of 97.3, followed by robust performances in Teaching (68.1) and Research Quality (64.1). These metrics solidify IISc’s position as a premier research institution, known for balancing theoretical knowledge with practical innovation.
In contrast, Anna University, ranked 111th, reveals a high Research Quality score of 80.0—even higher than IISc—suggesting a commendable volume of high-impact publications. However, its International Outlook (20.2) and Teaching (43.3) scores remain relatively modest, highlighting the need for more global collaboration and pedagogical development.
Performance of other notable Indian institutions
Among other high-performing institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology Indore, ranked 131st, showcases a strong Research Quality score of 70.8 and a balanced profile across teaching and internationalisation. Mahatma Gandhi University, ranked 140th, offers moderate scores across the board, with its highest performance in Teaching at 53.5.
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences and Jamia Millia Islamia, ranked 149th and 161st respectively, both exhibit strong Research Quality scores—83.4 and 75.4—but lower scores in International Outlook (72.5 and 40.4) and Teaching (40.8 and 48.7). Their research dominance suggests potential for stronger global engagement and improvements in the classroom environment.
Other institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and KIIT University, both ranked =184, present similar overall scores (44.8) but differ in performance areas. KIIT, with a higher Industry Engagement score of 55.9, edges ahead in real-world applications, whereas IIT Guwahati performs better in Research Quality and Teaching.
Emerging universities show promising trends
A group of Indian universities within the 201–250 band, including Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, show promising trends. For instance, BITS Pilani demonstrates strong Research Quality (71.9) and solid Industry Engagement (42.0). Meanwhile, Jawaharlal Nehru University displays a well-rounded profile with noteworthy scores in Teaching (49.7) and Research Environment (27.4).
Lovely Professional University, also in the 201–250 band, stands out with a Research Quality score of 81.4 and a decent International Outlook (48.8), but its lower Teaching score (25.2) and Industry Engagement (24.0) suggest room for pedagogical and practical enhancement.
Shoolini University breaks barriers as India’s top private institution
Shoolini University has emerged as a powerful force among Indian institutions, ranking 146th in Asia and 5th overall in India. Notably, it holds the title of No.1 Private University in India for the second consecutive year. It scores an impressive 81.5 in Research Quality and 71.4 in International Outlook, placing 2nd and 4th in India, respectively, in these categories. The university also ranks 14th in India for Research Environment (233rd in Asia), 49th in India for Teaching (263rd in Asia), and 67th in India for Industry Engagement (617th in Asia).
These achievements reflect Shoolini’s strategic emphasis on research-led education, global partnerships, and its commitment to innovation. As Vice Chancellor Atul Khosla remarked, the university’s continued top ranking “is a matter of pride,” underscoring a focused effort on maintaining academic excellence and international relevance. Its consistent appearance among the Top 200 universities in Asia for three consecutive years reinforces its trajectory as a rising academic leader.
Indian universities in THE Asia University Rankings 2025

S. No.
Rank
University Name
Overall
Research Quality
Industry Engagement
International Outlook
Research Environment
Teaching
1 38 Indian Institute of Science 65 64.1 97 32 61.5 68.1
2 111 Anna University $52 80 66 20 34.1 43.3
3 131 Indian Institute of Technology Indore 49.4 70.8 36 35 32.8 52.2
4 140 Mahatma Gandhi University 49 57.8 35 28 45 53.5
5 146 Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences 48.1 82 23 71 25.8 35.7
6 149 Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences 48 83 19 73 19.4 40.8
7 161 Jamia Millia Islamia $47 75 41 40 18.9 48.7
8 184 Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati 44.8 61 53 31 30.9 42
9 184 KIIT University 44.8 63 56 42 20.9 45.9
10 188 Aligarh Muslim University 44.5 69 36 40 18 50
11 188 UPES 44.5 77 21 55 23.6 35.2
12 191 Indian Institute of Technology Patna 44.4 75 29 21 27.5 39.4
13 191 National Institute of Technology Rourkela 44.4 72 55 22 25.3 35.2
14 200 International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad 43.8 67 58 41 25.7 31.7
15 201–250 Banaras Hindu University 41.3–43.7 63 30 26 20.8 57.2
16 201–250 Bharathiar University 41.3–43.7 56 43 32 30.9 44.7
17 201–250 Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 41.3–43.7 72 42 27 23.7 31.7
18 201–250 Institute of Chemical Technology 41.3–43.7 59 63 18 27.7 41.1
19 201–250 Jawaharlal Nehru University 41.3–43.7 55 39 24 27.4 49.7
20 201–250 Lovely Professional University 41.3–43.7 81 24 49 17 25.2

The path ahead for Indian higher education
The Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2025 affirm India’s deepening academic influence in the region. While public universities like IISc continue to lead, institutions such as Shoolini University exemplify how private universities are closing the gap, particularly through innovation, research intensity, and internationalisation. As Indian universities continue to recalibrate their strategies around global benchmarks, the country is poised to play a larger role in the international academic community.
This year’s rankings highlight both the progress and the challenges facing India’s higher education sector. With the right blend of policy support, institutional autonomy, and global engagement, India’s universities are well-positioned to further ascend in the years ahead.





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Delhi Metro Recruitment 2025: DMRC invites applications for security inspector posts, salary up to Rs 59,800 – The Times of India

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Delhi Metro Recruitment 2025: DMRC invites applications for security inspector posts, salary up to Rs 59,800 – The Times of India


DMRC invites retired Delhi Police officers to apply for Security Inspector posts

Delhi Metro Recruitment 2025: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced a recruitment drive for the post of Security Inspector, offering a lucrative salary package and a streamlined selection process without a written examination. The official notification has been released on DMRC’s website, detailing eligibility, selection criteria, and the application procedure for interested candidates.
This recruitment initiative is especially significant for experienced personnel from the Delhi Police force, as DMRC seeks to utilise their expertise in field operations. The application process is currently underway, and eligible candidates can apply on or before May 8, 2025. Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and other instructions before submitting their applications.
Eligibility criteria rooted in policing experience
Candidates applying for the post must either be currently working in or retired from the Delhi Police, holding the position of Sub-Inspector or Inspector. In addition to this, applicants should have accumulated diverse experience over the past five years in roles such as Assistant Sub-Inspector, Sub-Inspector, or Inspector, specifically in field assignments like police stations or traffic departments.
It is imperative that candidates are free from any Departmental and Vigilance (D&AR) issues. Those who are still in regular service will also be considered eligible for the post, provided they choose to voluntarily retire — either through Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) or by other means — before joining DMRC.
Age limit and salary structure
The age criteria for this post specify that candidates must be at least 55 years old and not exceed 62 years of age. However, age relaxation shall be granted to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per applicable rules.
Selected candidates will be entitled to a monthly salary ranging from Rs 51,100 to Rs 59,800. The absence of a written examination is a key feature of this recruitment process, as candidates will be shortlisted and called directly for an interview based on their qualifications and experience.
Application process and important details
Applicants must submit their applications in the prescribed format, along with all required documents. The completed forms should be sent to the following address:
Executive Director (Human Resources),
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited,
Metro Bhawan, Fire Brigade Lane, Barakhambha Road,
New Delhi – 110001
Read the official notification here
For complete details regarding the recruitment, eligibility, and application format, candidates are encouraged to visit the official DMRC website and review the recruitment notification directly via the provided link.





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NEET UG 2025 exam city intimation slip released on neet.nta.nic.in, admit card expected by May 1: Check direct link here – The Times of India

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NEET UG 2025 exam city intimation slip released on neet.nta.nic.in, admit card expected by May 1: Check direct link here – The Times of India


NEET UG 2025: Exam city slip available now, exam on May 4

NEET UG city intimation slip 2025 out: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the Advance City Intimation Slip for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2025, a crucial step for over 23 lakh medical aspirants preparing for the undergraduate medical entrance exam. The slip, available as of April 23, 2025, informs candidates of their allotted exam city, enabling them to plan travel and accommodation logistics. The NEET UG 2025 exam is scheduled for May 4, 2025, and the admit card is expected to be released by May 1, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest updates, exam details, and more.
The NEET UG 2025 City Intimation Slip was made available on the official NTA website, neet.nta.nic.in, on April 23, 2025, earlier than the anticipated date of April 26. Candidates can download the slip by logging in with their application number and date of birth. The slip specifies the exam city but does not include the exact exam center address, which will be detailed in the admit card. This advance notification helps candidates, especially those assigned centers far from home, arrange travel plans well in advance. The exam will be conducted across 552 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, totaling 566 exam cities, with approximately 5,000 exam centers.
Admit Card Release Date
The NEET UG 2025 admit card is slated for release on or before May 1, 2025, as confirmed by the NTA. Candidates can download it from neet.nta.nic.in using their application number and date of birth or password. The admit card is a mandatory document for exam entry, containing critical details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam center address, reporting time, and exam day guidelines. Aspirants are advised to verify all details on the admit card and contact the NTA helpline immediately if discrepancies are found. The admit card will also be emailed to candidates’ registered IDs.
Exam Timings, Shifts, and Mode
NEET UG 2025 will be conducted on May 4, 2025, in a single shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST, with a duration of 3 hours. Candidates must report to their exam centers by 1:30 PM, as late entries will not be permitted. The exam will be held in pen-and-paper (offline) mode, featuring 180 compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs) across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). Unlike previous years, the 2025 exam reverts to the pre-Covid format, eliminating optional questions. The test will be conducted in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Assamese.
Direct link to download the NEET UG city intimation slip 2025
Approximate Participation
NEET UG remains India’s largest undergraduate medical entrance exam, with an estimated 23 lakh candidates expected to participate in 2025. This number is slightly lower than the 24 lakh registrations in 2024, though the NTA has not released official figures. The exam facilitates admission to over 1 lakh MBBS seats, 27,618 BDS seats, 52,720 AYUSH seats, and other medical courses across 612 medical and 315 dental colleges in India, including 1,899 AIIMS and 249 JIPMER seats.
Key Instructions for Candidates
Candidates must carry a printed admit card, a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN card), and a passport-sized photograph matching the one uploaded during registration. The city intimation slip is not a substitute for the admit card and cannot be used for exam entry. Aspirants are advised to visit their exam center a day prior to familiarize themselves with the location and avoid last-minute hassles. Prohibited items include electronic devices, and candidates must adhere to the NTA’s dress code and exam day guidelines.
Next Steps
Following the exam, the NTA will release provisional answer keys in the fourth week of May 2025, with results expected by June 14, 2025. Counseling for All India Quota and state quota seats will commence in July 2025, managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and state authorities, respectively. Candidates are urged to stay updated via neet.nta.nic.in and prepare diligently for the exam, which remains a gateway to prestigious medical institutions across India.





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