Global Education Policy: India’s BRICS Education Ministers adopted a joint declaration in Bhubaneswar, pushing a people-first, humanity-first agenda for education, skills, research and innovation, with priorities that include resilience and cooperation. Research Funding Oversight: Bangladesh’s UGC rolled out reforms to research proposal evaluation under the HEAT project, using coded submissions and reviewer selection by lottery to reduce bias and influence. Distance Learning Expansion: Namibia College of Open Learning and Zimbabwe Open University signed an MoU to boost open and distance learning via curriculum support, research, quality assurance, and student/staff exchanges. Assessment Debate: A Ghanaian commentary challenges how exams and ranking are used, arguing that education should measure learning against standards—not just sort students by speed or position. AI in Schools: A U.S. report warns that districts are buying more AI tools even as concerns grow about impacts on students’ thinking and learning. Workforce & Grants: Texas announced $5.6M in nursing education grants, while Maryland launched an interactive SNAP employment-and-training tool to connect recipients with workforce partners. Early Learning Pressure: New Zealand’s early childhood sector says reforms won’t work without new government investment, warning against shifting limited funding without fixing access and quality gaps.