A Cincinnati man won a competition on Wednesday with his innovative idea to solve the city’s ongoing pothole problem.
His solution impressed the judges and offered a practical approach to improving road conditions throughout Cincinnati. This victory highlights the community’s commitment to finding effective ways to address infrastructure challenges.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/cincinnati-hosts-competition-pothole-problem-025034194.html
Ukraine has restored diplomatic relations with Syria, reversing the break that occurred in 2022. At that time, Ukraine severed ties after the Syrian government, led by the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, recognized certain regions of Ukraine occupied by Russian forces as “independent” territories backed by Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the restoration of diplomatic relations during a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, Italy, on July 9, 2025.
**Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Nearly Half of Primary Students Drop Out Before Middle School, Survey Reveals**
The Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education, 2025, highlights a critical issue in Madhya Pradesh’s education system — nearly 49% of students enrolled in primary education do not continue to middle school. The state reports a primary enrolment rate of 41.7%, which sharply declines to just 21.3% at the middle school level, underscoring significant challenges in student retention.
**Enrolment and Dropout Rates Across States**
| Level | MP | India | UP | TN | Kerala |
|———|——-|——–|——-|——-|——–|
| Primary | 41.7% | 41.6% | 47.9% | 36.0% | 34.3% |
| Middle | 21.3% | 22.0% | 21.5% | 24.1% | 19.7% |
| Drop (pp) | 20.4 | 19.6 | 26.4 | 11.9 | 14.6 |
| Drop (%) | 48.9 | 47.1 | 55.1 | 33.1 | 42.6 |
*pp = percentage points*
**Where Does Madhya Pradesh Stand?**
Madhya Pradesh’s dropout rate of nearly 49% between primary and middle school is alarming, implying that almost half of the children enrolled at the primary level discontinue before completing middle school. This rate is slightly above the national average of 47.1% and notably higher than states like Tamil Nadu, which records a dropout rate of just 33.1%.
On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh faces an even more concerning dropout rate of 55.1%, reflecting broader regional issues in retaining students beyond primary education.
**Positive Trends in Gender and Geographic Enrolment**
Encouragingly, Madhya Pradesh shows a slightly higher enrolment rate for females (21.9%) compared to males (20.8%) at the middle school level. This is a positive signal, considering the historical gender gap in education.
Additionally, enrolment rates are quite balanced between urban (22.1%) and rural (21.0%) areas. As noted by CBSE resource person Manoj Bajpai, this suggests that access challenges affect students consistently across geographic locations.
**How Do Dropouts Affect More Than Just Education?**
CBSE coordinator UK Jha sheds light on the wider implications of the steep enrolment decline from primary to middle school:
– **Human capital development is at risk**, with many children missing out on foundational education necessary for higher learning and skill acquisition.
– **Economic growth potential could be constrained** in the long term, due to lower literacy and skill levels in the future workforce.
– **Continued efforts toward gender equality are essential**, as sustained female enrolment plays a critical role in women’s empowerment and socio-economic progress.
**Steps to Stem the Dropout Wave**
Educationist Keran Bahadur recommends the following measures to address the dropout crisis:
– Improve middle school infrastructure and access, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
– Introduce retention incentives and targeted interventions to keep children, especially girls, in school.
– Enhance community awareness and support initiatives to overcome socio-economic barriers causing dropouts.
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Addressing these challenges is vital for securing a better educational future for Madhya Pradesh’s children and unlocking the state’s full socio-economic potential.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/49-students-drop-out-before-middle-school-in-madhya-pradesh
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to travel from New York to Washington to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, as both sides make a renewed push to reset their bilateral relations. Shehbaz is currently in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. According to diplomatic sources cited by The Express Tribune, he will briefly travel to Washington for the meeting and then return to New York the same day to continue his UNGA engagements.
This upcoming meeting will mark the first time the U.S. President and the Pakistani Prime Minister have met at the White House since July 2019, when former Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Washington and met President Trump. During President Joe Biden’s tenure, Pakistan was noticeably sidelined; he never held phone conversations with Pakistani prime ministers nor extended invitations to the White House.
Since President Trump took office in January, however, there has been a dramatic and unexpected shift in the Pakistan-U.S. relationship. The Trump-Shehbaz meeting comes amid a noticeable thaw in ties between Islamabad and Washington. In June, Trump held a rare one-on-one meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, signaling a departure from the Biden administration’s frosty approach in favor of Trump’s more transactional but open style of engagement with Pakistan.
Diplomatic observers view the Shehbaz-Trump meeting as a continuation of this reset. A senior Pakistani official familiar with the process told The Express Tribune, “The optics of the army chief’s meeting in June were significant. This meeting institutionalises that opening.”
Officials in Islamabad believe the discussions will focus on a range of issues including bilateral relations, regional and international matters such as Afghanistan, counterterrorism cooperation, and trade opportunities.
Analysts caution, however, that while President Trump appears eager to engage Islamabad, the reset remains tentative.
*Note: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the text. Mid-day management reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/pakistan-prime-minister-shehbaz-sharif-to-travel-to-washington-to-meet-us-president-donald-trump-on-thursday-23595612
The Victorian teaching authority aims to address classroom workforce shortages by streamlining the process for overseas teachers seeking to work in Victorian schools. The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) reports a dramatic increase in offshore applications for teaching credentials, rising by more than 500 percent between 2021 and 2024.
### Surge in Overseas Applications
Data from the VIT shows that applications from overseas candidates surged six-fold, from 226 in 2021 to nearly 1,400 last year. This spike is attributed to factors such as the reopening of borders following the COVID-19 pandemic and increased international recruitment efforts by the education sector amid ongoing teacher shortages.
Despite the increase in numbers, just 3 percent of overseas applicants were rejected. The majority come from the United Kingdom, with the highest refusal rates among applicants from England and the United States. For example, a Californian woman who taught high school in the US for five years was denied registration because the institution where she obtained her education certificate was not recognized by the US federal government. Other applicants failed to provide adequate evidence of English language proficiency.
### Proposed Changes to the Application Process
To improve the application process, the VIT plans to introduce a new pre-assessment service. For a fee of $285, prospective teachers can verify if they meet the required standards before traveling to Australia. Additionally, country-specific guides will be developed to help applicants better understand the process.
### Closing a Loophole for Western Australian Teachers
While increasing overseas recruitment, the VIT also intends to close a loophole allowing underqualified educators from Western Australia (WA) to teach in Victoria. Previously, teachers holding only a one-year diploma of education from WA were still allowed to register in Victoria despite not meeting the state’s minimum qualifications.
Following revelations that dozens of WA teachers were exploiting this loophole, the Victorian government has revised its recruitment policy. Although the VIT is obligated to grant registration to these teachers, the new policy empowers the authority to prevent their employment in government schools.
### Recognizing Teaching Experience and Degree Variations
The institute also seeks to recognize teaching experience alongside formal degrees. For instance, an Irish teacher was rejected due to possessing a three-year degree instead of the required four-year qualification. However, New Zealand teachers migrating to Australia are currently exempt from the four-year degree rule.
### Simplifying Employment of Unqualified Teachers
Another focus is simplifying the process that allows schools to hire individuals lacking formal teaching qualifications but necessary for certain subjects. The VIT’s second report reviews the “permission to teach” exemption, which permits schools unable to find suitably qualified or registered teachers to fill specific roles.
The report notes that this policy is outdated and requires streamlining and clarification. Currently, in 13 Victorian schools—including seven government and five Islamic schools—more than 10 percent of teachers hold this exemption. Bilingual and religious schools often use the exemption for specialized roles, and the institute is considering removing the requirement for religious instructors to progress toward formal teacher registration.
Further consultation will determine appropriate measures to establish subject-matter expertise standards across different faiths.
### Addressing Specialized Teaching Needs
There are 27 staff with registration exemptions working at seven bilingual schools. Many of these schools have requested recognition of foreign language degrees and a separate registration category. However, the VIT argues that creating such categories is not the best solution for this relatively small cohort.
### Looking Ahead
Martin Fletcher, VIT’s chief executive, said the recommendations come after extensive consultation with teachers, schools, and stakeholders throughout the education system. The proposed changes aim to reduce regulatory burdens, enhance transparency, and support a diverse and capable teaching workforce.
In its 45-page report on overseas qualifications, the VIT emphasizes its goal for Victoria to be attractive to overseas-qualified teachers while maintaining professional standards.
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These planned reforms demonstrate Victoria’s commitment to addressing teacher shortages without compromising the quality of education, ensuring classrooms are staffed by well-qualified and capable educators.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/it-s-about-to-become-easier-for-overseas-teachers-to-work-in-victoria-20250923-p5mxbv.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed
SJVN Limited, a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has announced recruitment for 87 Workman Trainee vacancies. This opportunity is exclusively available to residents of Himachal Pradesh. Online applications opened on September 22, 2025, and the last date to apply is October 13, 2025 (6 p.m.).
Interested candidates can apply through the Career section on the official SJVN website at sjvn.nic.in. Please note that applications will be accepted only online.
The recruitment will fill a total of 87 vacancies in various trades as detailed below:
Selected Workman Trainees will receive a starting salary of Rs. 21,500/- (IDA) with a 3% annual increment. In addition to the basic pay, the following benefits are provided:
After successful completion of one year of training, candidates will be regularized in the same pay scale with a 3% increment. Career growth will be guided by SJVN’s promotion policy.
The application fee is Rs. 200 plus 18% GST. However, candidates belonging to the following categories are exempted from paying the fee:
Selected candidates are required to serve SJVN for three years after training. The service bond amount is:
The selection procedure includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT) comprising 100 multiple-choice questions. The test components are:
The CBT duration is 2 hours with no negative marking. For positions like Assistant, Assistant (Accounts), and Driver, an additional Trade Test will be conducted.
To qualify in the CBT, candidates must secure minimum marks as follows:
Candidates interested in applying for the SJVN Limited Workman Trainee recruitment must visit the official website and submit their applications through the Career section before October 13, 2025 (6 p.m.). Remember, applications are accepted only online.
For more details, visit the official website: sjvn.nic.in
New Delhi: The Central Government is considering simplifying the withdrawal rules of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). According to a report by Moneycontrol, the initiative aims to provide members with greater flexibility in managing their retirement funds based on their financial needs.
Two senior government officials revealed that the plan includes making it easier for EPFO members to withdraw funds for purposes such as buying a house, marriage, or education. While no fixed timeline has been announced, these changes could be implemented within a year.
### What Are the Current EPFO Rules?
Currently, EPFO members can withdraw their entire fund only upon reaching the age of 58 or if they remain unemployed for more than two months. For other purposes, several strict conditions apply:
– **Marriage:** Members can withdraw only up to 50 percent of the employee’s contribution plus interest. Additionally, the member must have completed at least 7 years of continuous service.
– **Home Purchase or Construction:** Members can withdraw up to 90 percent of their fund. The property must be registered in the name of the member, their spouse, or jointly. A minimum of 3 years of service is also required.
### What Is Likely to Change?
The government is considering allowing EPFO members to withdraw full or partial savings every 10 years. This change would grant members more control over their funds, enabling them to use their savings when genuinely needed.
### Experts Welcome the Move
Finance and legal experts have expressed support for relaxing the withdrawal rules, emphasizing that it will benefit low and middle-income workers. Easier access to their funds means they can meet urgent financial needs without resorting to loans. At present, the withdrawal process is encumbered with restrictions such as minimum years of service, withdrawal limits, frequency caps, and extensive paperwork.
### Need for a Balanced Approach
Experts also caution that while easing withdrawal rules is a positive step, it is crucial to safeguard the retirement purpose of the EPF. They advocate for a balanced policy that enables members to access their funds conveniently, without compromising their long-term retirement savings.
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By streamlining EPFO withdrawal rules, the government aims to provide better financial flexibility while ensuring the security of members’ retirement funds. Members and experts alike will be watching closely as these potential changes develop.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/big-update-on-epfo-rules-withdrawal-to-become-easier-for-members-details-inside
“It was like a cloud burst in some of these areas,” a revenue official said. The two dams were almost full, and water discharge was underway from them due to continuous inflow, he added.
Javlala and Ramoda areas in the catchment of the Majalgaon dam received 160 mm and 120 mm of rainfall, respectively, since Monday night, the official reported. Similarly, the areas of Gangapur (46 mm), Paithan (92 mm), and Bhendala (52 mm) in the catchment area of the Jayakwadi dam also recorded rainfall.
As a result, water discharge from the Jayakwadi and Majalgaon dams into the Godavari river reached 1.03 lakh cusec (cubic feet per second) and 1.15 lakh cusec, respectively, on Tuesday morning.
Moreover, excess rainfall was recorded in Ghansawangi and Ambad talukas of Jalna, as well as Gevrai taluka in Beed. This led to swelling of the Godavari river and caused a flood-like situation in several villages across Chhatrapati Sambajinagar, Jalna, and Beed districts.
Heavy Rains in Solapur, Marathwada: CM Asks Water Resources Dept to Coordinate with Collectors
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed the local administration to coordinate closely with the State Water Resources Department to take necessary measures in view of the heavy rainfall in Solapur district and Marathwada.
Many talukas of Solapur district and surrounding areas, along with Dharashiv, Beed, and Jalna in Marathwada, are currently experiencing heavy rainfall, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.
“The CM is keeping an eye on the situation and is in constant contact with the local administration. Additionally, he has instructed the Water Resources Department to monitor the situation carefully, take necessary precautions, and maintain ongoing coordination with district collectors,” the statement added.
Fadnavis also emphasized the importance of maintaining constant coordination with officers of the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation and the Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation to effectively manage the situation.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-flood-like-situation-after-heavy-rains-in-three-marathwada-districts-23595374
The new measure, set to take effect on October 1st, marks the first time in Japan that smartphone usage guidelines have been established for all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of this ordinance.
The primary goal of the policy is to ensure children get sufficient sleep while also encouraging increased communication within families. To support this, the ordinance sets specific smartphone cut-off times for minors.
Elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM. For junior high school students and older minors (under 18 years old), the recommended cut-off time is 10 PM.
By promoting healthier smartphone habits, the measure aims to foster better sleep patterns and strengthen family interactions.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php
The new measure, set to take effect on October 1st, marks a significant first for Japan by establishing smartphone usage guidelines applicable to all residents. Notably, no penalties will be imposed for any violations of these guidelines.
The primary goal of this ordinance is to ensure that children get sufficient sleep and to encourage more family communication. To support this, the measure introduces specific cut-off times for minors: elementary school students and younger are advised to stop using smartphones by 9 PM, while junior high school students and older (under 18 years old) are advised to cease usage by 10 PM.
By promoting healthier smartphone habits, the ordinance aims to foster better well-being and stronger family connections across the country.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146984.php
