JOBS AND EDUCATION
Why US teachers say Trump’s anti-DEI order is silencing them in the classroom – The Times of India
When sixth-grade teacher Sarah Inama returned to her Idaho classroom one morning, she was told that a poster she had displayed for years — reading “Everyone is welcome here” — was now considered a personal political statement. The colorful sign, with letters in varying hues and illustrated hands of different skin tones, had once gone unnoticed. But under new federal guidance issued after President Donald Trump’s return to office, the same message was flagged as potentially violating policy.
This change follows a sweeping executive order signed by President Trump titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling”, which targets diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in US public schools. The order allows the US Department of Education to withhold federal funding from schools that continue to teach what the administration calls “equity ideology.” The implementation of an End DEI portal, where students or parents can report DEI-related content in classrooms, is further amplifying fears among educators.
Why DEI discussions are now seen as controversial in US schools
Inama, who teaches world civilization, told her story to NPR, saying the poster had always encouraged kindness and inclusivity among students. But in a shift she did not anticipate, her principal and vice principal asked her to remove it. As reported by NPR, she was told that teachers are now prohibited from displaying materials that reflect personal or political views, and her poster was classified under this restriction.
After losing sleep over the request, Inama chose to rehang the poster. The decision, according to her, was viewed as insubordination by school administrators. When she escalated her concerns to the district’s chief academic officer, she was told that political climates change, and “what might not have been controversial three or six or nine months ago can be considered controversial now,” as reported by NPR.
West Ada School District confirmed Inama’s account to NPR, stating that the issue was not with the message itself but the visual elements of the poster — specifically the multi-colored letters and diverse skin tones — which were deemed as potentially expressing viewpoints related to identity groups.
How the End DEI portal is changing classroom behavior
For another teacher, identified only as “E.” by NPR to protect her identity, the launch of the End DEI portal was a turning point. She teaches social studies in Oregon and said that hearing about the portal immediately caused anxiety. “I kept thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, what did I say in class today? What was asked in class today? What could be taken out of context in class today?'” she told NPR. From that moment forward, she began altering how she engaged with students, becoming overly cautious and often avoiding politically sensitive questions altogether.
As quoted by NPR, she explained, “There are so many times where I just have to tell them I can’t answer that question or I just change the subject.” She also described having to “cover her butt” while still trying to educate students truthfully.
E. told NPR that she feels as though free speech rights are not equally applied, stating, “It’s becoming easier and easier for certain people to have the right to free speech and for others to be having theirs shut down.” She added that what’s considered acceptable speech in schools has undergone a major shift, particularly with the risk of being reported through the federal portal.
Why some groups celebrate the DEI rollback
While many teachers report a chilling effect on classroom discussions, conservative parent advocacy groups like Moms for Liberty view the federal crackdown on DEI as a long-overdue correction. Co-founder Tina Descovich told NPR that the End DEI portal has allowed concerned parents to flag lessons that allegedly categorize students by race and present some as oppressors and others as victims.
Descovich, speaking to NPR, argued that “we can study history and the atrocities that have happened in American history, but to divide children today in 2025 by race is unacceptable.” However, NPR reported that it found no evidence of such racial division practices in US public schools. Moms for Liberty cited a 2021 incident at a Florida public arts high school where separate meetings were briefly planned for white students and students of color, but the school canceled the meetings and apologized.
How DEI restrictions are tied to wider political movements
Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic, Moms for Liberty initially rallied against mask mandates and school closures. Since then, the group has broadened its focus to include banning books on race, discrimination, sexuality, and LGBTQ rights. According to NPR, the Southern Poverty Law Center labeled the group extremist in 2023, after the National School Board Association requested federal assistance due to rising threats against educators and school board members.
Moms for Liberty dismissed the extremist label, with Descovich telling NPR, “We are not anti-government, but we absolutely have the right, guaranteed in the First Amendment, to address government officials when we think they are not on the right track.” She added that watching political power shift back in their favor has been “incredible,” referring to the group’s presence at recent White House events.
In the months following Trump’s return to office, representatives of Moms for Liberty attended the signing of executive orders dismantling the Department of Education and banning transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports. These events, as NPR noted, signal the group’s growing influence and renewed access to federal policymaking spaces.
Why teachers are left uncertain about what they can say
Despite continuing to teach, Sarah Inama admitted to NPR that the poster incident left her feeling demoralized. She questioned the new norms being established in US public education, saying, “There are only two opinions of that poster: You either believe that everyone is welcome here or you don’t.”
With the End DEI portal and accompanying executive orders now in effect, many teachers like Inama and E. say they feel they are being forced to choose between doing their jobs truthfully and protecting their employment. As reported by NPR, the US Department of Education has not responded to repeated requests for details on how the complaint and penalty process for reported teachers will function.
While supporters of the order see it as a necessary measure to reclaim education from ideological bias, many educators see it as a growing threat to free speech, professional integrity, and the safe exchange of ideas in the classroom.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
Will AI dismantle gender gatekeeping in tech or simply repaint the gates? – The Times of India
Every few decades, the saga of technology introduces a new tool that promises to redefine the existing narratives. The printing press, the internet, the smartphone—each claimed to democratise access, level the field, and shatter age-old hierarchies. Now, Generative AI has knocked on the doors—not with a whisper, but with a roar—demanding attention and igniting widespread speculation. This time, the stakes are unmistakably gendered.
For generations, the tech world has been framed as a man’s domain—a narrative reflected not just in perception, but in participation. The underrepresentation of women in tech continues to underscore the imbalance, adding statistical weight to this longstanding divide.
There is a growing chorus asking a question we cannot afford to shrug under the carpet: Will AI tear down the ceilings that have long pushed women to the fringes of tech, or will it merely give those walls a sleeker, shinier finish?
The great equalizer or a familiar divide?
On paper, the data narrates an optimistic story. According to BCG and Nasscom’s 2024 report titled “GenAI: The Diversity Game Changer We Can’t Ignore”, a striking 65% of both men and women believe GenAI could be a powerful force for inclusion in the technology sector. Adoption levels in India are equally promising: 80% of women and 76% of men working in tech report active use of GenAI tools
And yet, under the veil of these numbers peeks an uncomfortable truth: The deeper you go, the more the cracks appear. Senior Indian women trail their male counterparts in GenAI adoption by 9 percentage points, even as global trends show senior women leading men by 12 points in uptake. At first glance, it appears that women are catching up. But is that the full picture, or just a well-lit corner of a much darker room?
A new bias in the making
Even as women embark on tech-related roles in huge numbers- comprising 36% of India’s 5 million IT workforce- they remain primarily underrepresented in leadership roles- holding only 4–8% of executive roles, compared to 14% globally. The GenAI revolution threatens to replicate this imbalance unless immediate interventions are made.
Despite strong ambitions—42% of women rate their career goals as “very high,” surpassing men at 35%—women still find themselves hitting the same invisible barriers. Are they lacking effort? The reports scream an emphatic no. It suggests that 95% of junior women and 100% of senior women are willing to go the extra mile in GenAI-related roles.
So what’s holding them back?
The answers are stark: Limited access to tools, lack of mentorship, inadequate knowledge, fear of failure, and a deeply ingrained fear of being judged. In senior roles especially, only 35% of women feel truly prepared to work with GenAI tools, even though 90% see them as pivotal to future success.
GenAI jobs: Where women disappear
The drop-off gives an even more alarming viewpoint when examining the specific GenAI roles. For example, men dominate the position of Head or Director of Machine Learning (79%) and AI Researcher (46%), leaving women significantly behind in key leadership posts. While women hold 43% of junior tech jobs, their representation in GenAI at the same level is only 33%, signaling an exclusion from the cutting-edge frontier of their own field.
This is not just a pipeline problem. It’s a failure of ecosystems that have yet to create inclusive career pathways, tailored upskilling, and environments where women feel trusted and supported.
This is not just a pipeline ordeal. It is a failure of ecosystems that have yet to create inclusive career pathways, customised upskilling, and environments where women feel secured, supported, and trusted.
Diversity is not charity—it’s strategy
Diversity is not for embellishment of rulebooks. There’s a reason companies with diverse leadership tend to perform better. The report brings forth that diverse teams enjoy 19 percentage points higher innovation revenue and 9 points higher EBIT margins as compared to less diverse peers.
In AI development, where bias is real and a dangerous threat, diverse teams are not just important- they are essential.
The blueprint for real change
We cannot stop at the diagnosis of the problem; we need action. If GenAI is to become a tool of equity rather than exclusion, here’s what needs to happen now according to the report:
- Redesign leadership teams working on GenAI to include diverse, ethical perspectives.
- Define clear career pathways in GenAI—only 67% of women see these as visible today.
- Support flexible work models, especially for senior women who juggle multiple roles.
- Ramp up mentorship—only 35% of non-tech women currently receive it.
- Mandate ethical AI training early in the career cycle to build confidence and accountability.
Organizations that embed these changes won’t just advance women—they’ll future-proof their technology against bias, inefficiency, and ethical blind spots.
Breaking the gates or repainting them?
The promise of GenAI is real. But promises falter, as history suggests. If left unchecked, GenAI could become just another polished surface reflecting the same systemic exclusions that have always moulded technology. But if harnessed with intention, it could be the most powerful equaliser we have ever built.
The kingpin of the future is not just intelligent machines- it is about inclusive minds behind them. The gates won’t fall on their own. We must choose to break them.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
THE Asia University Rankings 2025: IISc tops nationally as Shoolini emerges top private university – The Times of India
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.
JOBS AND EDUCATION
Delhi Metro Recruitment 2025: DMRC invites applications for security inspector posts, salary up to Rs 59,800 – The Times of India
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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