Trump proposes redirecting $3bn in Harvard research grants to trade schools
US President Donald Trump announced Monday that he is considering reallocating $3bn in government research grants from Harvard University to trade schools as part of a larger push to reform federal support for higher education, according to Reuters.
The Trump administration recently blocked the funds, alleging a misalignment of agency priorities. Harvard has launched a lawsuit, arguing that the move breaches constitutional safeguards and jeopardizes academic independence.
A federal judge also temporarily stopped the administration's attempt to prevent Harvard from enrolling overseas students, which the university claimed would harm nearly 7,000 visa holders.
The administration is also reviewing Harvard’s tax-exempt status and investigating alleged discrimination in its hiring practices. Harvard denies any violations, Reuters reported.
US applications for British citizenship hit record high
A record number of US citizens applied for British citizenship in the first quarter of 2025, according to data released by the UK Home Office on Thursday. More than 1,930 applications were submitted between January and March, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous quarter and the highest figure since records began, as reported by Xinhua.
Experts believe the increase is fueled by concerns about political uncertainty in the United States, notably recent tariff threats. "People are leaving due to fear, frustration, and concerns about financial and personal security," said Ono Okeregha, director of the Immigration Advice Service.
Interest is reportedly highest among US professionals seeking greater stability abroad.
Israel rejects US ceasefire proposal, sticks to own framework
Israel has rejected a US-mediated proposal for a 70-day ceasefire, increased aid to Gaza, and the release of ten hostages—five alive and five deceased—calling it a “surrender to Hamas.”
Israel insists on the “Witkoff framework,” introduced by Prime Minister Netanyahu in March. It offers a 50-day truce in exchange for hostage releases, followed by talks on a longer ceasefire. The plan excludes Hamas’s key demands: Israeli troop withdrawal and the release of Palestinian prisoners, as reported by Xinhua.
Talks ended last week after Netanyahu recalled the Israeli delegation. Over 53,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to Gaza health officials.
4.3 ML earthquake jolts Jajarkot
A 4.3 magnitude earthquake shook Jajarkot district on Monday.
The tremor occurred at 2: 25 am today with its epicentre at Ramidanda, Barekot Rural Municipality in Jajarkot, said Chintak Timsina, Head of the Earthquake Monitoring Centre in Surkhet.
