UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

Five Indians selected as Rhodes Scholars for studying at Oxford University in 2025

Five Indians from diverse academic backgrounds, including law, philosophy, and astrophysics, have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for 2025. They will commence their fully funded postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in October 2025, joining a global cohort of scholars.

Oxford University dispute: Indian PhD student alleges UK uni forcibly downgraded her to a Master's course

Lakshmi Balakrishnan, an Indian student at Oxford, alleges she was forcibly moved from a PhD to a master’s program, despite meeting initial criteria. Her appeal failed, and the Office of the Independent Adjudicator supported the university. Questions about academic fairness for international students have been raised, amid her accusations of an arduous appeals process.

Could your baby be smarter? US startup promises higher IQs in embryos for a hefty price

Heliospect Genomics, a U.S. startup, offers wealthy couples embryo screening for IQ and other traits, costing up to $50,000. This service raises ethical concerns about promoting "superior" genetics and the implications of genetic enhancement. Critics warn of potential societal inequalities, while debates surrounding the use of genetic data intensify. The company claims compliance with applicable laws, yet experts call for public engagement on the moral implications of such technology.

Exams you need to sit for if you want to study in the UK as an international student

The UK is a favored destination for international students, boasting a robust education system and a variety of courses. With 18 universities in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2024, understanding required entrance exams is crucial for admission. Key English proficiency tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, each with varying score requirements depending on the university and program.

India among five countries with largest number of people living in poverty: UN report

India is among the top five countries with the largest populations in poverty, as reported by the UN. The report indicates that 1.1 billion people globally live in acute poverty, with half being children and nearly 40 percent in conflict-affected areas. Rural populations are significantly poorer than urban ones.

Indian-origin candidates in race for Oxford University Chancellor, Imran Khan out

The University of Oxford announces 38 candidates for the Chancellor's position, excluding former Pakistani PM Imran Khan. Indian-origin Ankur Shiv Bhandari, Nirpal Singh Paul Bhangal, and Pratik Tarvadi join politicians like Lord Hague and Lord Mandelson in the race. The election process starts on October 28.

Everything you need to know about the Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship offers five opportunities annually for Indian citizens to study at Oxford. Candidates must have studied in India for at least four of the last ten years, meet age requirements, and hold an undergraduate degree by July 2025. The application process involves submitting an online form, academic records, and personal statements. Key documents include proof of citizenship, academic transcripts, and references.

5 red flags that could jeopardize your Ivy League admission

Admissions officers look for red flags in applications to identify unqualified candidates. Key pitfalls include not taking rigorous courses, lacking extracurricular activities, having unrelated engagements, maintaining an inappropriate social media presence, and submitting unprofessional essays. High school students should avoid these issues to strengthen their applications and demonstrate readiness for college.

World’s top 10 universities 2025

Oxford has retained its position as the top university for the ninth consecutive year, attributed to significant enhancements in industry collaboration and teaching quality, according to the latest Times Higher Education report. MIT has moved up to second place, surpassing Stanford, which has dropped to sixth. Meanwhile, Australia’s top universities have declined in rankings due to reduced reputation and international outlook.

World's first ovarian cancer vax developed in the UK gets more funding; Here's what we know about it

Researchers at the University of Oxford are developing OvarianVax, the world’s first vaccine targeting ovarian cancer. Funded by Cancer Research UK with ?600,000 over three years, the vaccine aims to teach the immune system to recognize early-stage cancer cells. Professor Ahmed Ahmed expresses optimism about the vaccine’s potential to prevent the disease, particularly for women with BRCA mutations. This development could reduce the need for preventive surgeries in at-risk populations.

EET appoints Ruth Herbert as MD, business development and strategic initiatives

Essar Energy Transition has appointed Ruth Herbert as managing director of business development and strategic initiatives. Herbert, with over 15 years of energy industry experience, will lead strategic initiatives to support EET’s growth. She previously held key positions in the UK government’s energy policy sector.

‘We will see more centenarians in an older and healthier world — we now think of a 60-year-old Kamala Harris as being young’

Sarah Harper, Clore Professor of Gerontology at Oxford University, discusses the global demographic shift towards an ageing population. She highlights the economic implications, the need for mixed-age workforces, and the importance of changing societal views on older adults. Harper also emphasizes the rapid ageing process in India and the necessity for supportive structures.

Indian student accuses Oxford University of racial bias, harassment

An Indian student at the UK's Oxford University has accused the institution of racial bias and harassment. She claims her PhD thesis on Shakespeare was unfairly failed, and that she was forcibly transferred to a Master's program without consent. Balakrishnan has initiated legal action seeking justice.

Pakistan's imprisoned former PM Imran Khan eyes Oxford University Chancellor post to 'give back'

Pakistan's jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan has declared his candidacy for the Chancellor of the University of Oxford position. Khan studied at Oxford's Keble College from 1972 to 1975 and aims to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion. His application is also a move to highlight his imprisonment, which he claims is politically motivated.

Cosmos and correctness

In "The Alchemist," Paulo Coelho emphasizes the idea that the universe supports individuals on noble missions. The belief that genuine intentions attract divine assistance is echoed in an old German saying and transcends religious beliefs. This concept is exemplified by the late Bimal Krishna Matilal, who completed his life's work despite facing a terminal illness. Ultimately, when aligned with the universe, individuals can tap into its benevolent power to achieve their goals.

Divers searching sunken yacht for UK tycoon's daughter find body

Divers searching for the final missing person from the sunken superyacht off Sicily found a body, believed to be the daughter of UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch, bringing the death toll to seven. The yacht sank in a sudden storm, with Lynch and other passengers perishing. Questions remain about why the yacht sank, and plans to recover it involve a costly and complex operation.

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan applies to be Oxford chancellor

Imran Khan, former Pakistani prime minister and current prisoner, applied for the chancellor position at the University of Oxford. Following Chris Patten's resignation, Khan seeks this prestigious role. Khan graduated from Oxford in 1975, and his party believes his appointment would be significant for Asia and globally, given his influential background.

Jailed ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan set to run for Oxford University chancellor position

Imran Khan, the former Pakistan prime minister, planned to run for Oxford University's chancellor position from prison via online ballot. Although initially undecided, his aide later confirmed the candidacy. Khan studied Economics and Politics at Oxford and previously served as Bradford University's chancellor. The election for the vacant position is to be held online for the first time.

Serum Institute of India's new 'high efficacy' malaria vaccine rolls out in Africa

The Serum Institute of India (SII) and Oxford University have launched a "high efficacy" malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, in Cote d'Ivoire. Approved by the WHO, the vaccine is effective, affordable, and can be mass-produced quickly. SII aims to produce 100 million doses annually, pricing each at under USD 4. Initially, 656,600 doses will vaccinate 250,000 children in Cote d'Ivoire. The vaccine is also authorized in Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. It promises significant progress in combating malaria in Africa, potentially saving thousands of lives.

5 Indian universities that are older than Oxford

Oxford University to return stolen 500-year-old bronze idol to India

Oxford University has agreed to return a 500-year-old bronze idol of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, believed to be stolen from a Tamil Nadu temple, to India. The statue, acquired in 1967 from Sotheby's auction house, was alerted to its origins by an independent researcher in November last year. The Indian government made a formal request for the statue, which was found in the UK museum's possession.

Top UK universities face funding and foreign student shortage

The QS 2025 university rankings revealed challenges for UK universities, with funding cuts and regulations impacting their global appeal. Four British universities ranked in the top 10, with Imperial College London surpassing Oxbridge schools. The decline in student applications and restrictions on international students are concerning trends.

Sometimes U.S. and U.K. politics seem in lockstep. Not this year.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called an early general election for the UK, announcing that he does not expect Britain's economic news to improve between now and the fall. The election is expected to be held on July 4, as the US political calendar has not played a significant role in the outcome.