Times of India

Cyclone Montha is intensifying over the Bay of Bengal. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are on high alert. Schools are closed and evacuations are underway in coastal districts. Extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected. The storm is predicted to make landfall soon. Authorities are coordinating efforts to ensure safety and minimize damage.

The registration for the CSIR UGC NET December 2025 exam closes today, October 27, 2025, at 11:50 pm, on csirnet.nta.nic.in. The fee payment deadline is October 28, while corrections can be made from October 30 to November 1. The exam will be held on December 18, 2025, offering eligibility for JRF and Assistant Professorship.

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is set to release the Bihar board exam date sheet 2026 for Classes 10 and 12 soon. Students can download the timetable from biharboardonline.com or biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in. The exams will be held in two shifts: 9:30 AM to 12:45 PM and 1:45 PM to 5:00 PM.

The Staff Selection Commission has extended the application deadline for Delhi Police Constable recruitment to October 31, 2025. This recruitment drive offers 7,565 vacancies for male and female candidates. Class 12 pass candidates aged 18 to 25 are eligible. Aspirants can apply online at ssc.gov.in. This is a significant opportunity to join the Delhi Police force.

President Donald Trump’s tighter visa rules have caused a record drop in international students, especially from Asia and Africa, disrupting research and innovation across US universities. While supporters claim the measures protect national security, experts warn they threaten America’s long-term economic and technological leadership, as global competitors welcome the talent the US is driving away.

University of Waterloo students are protesting Bill 33, fearing it will jeopardize vital campus services like mental health support and student media. The provincial government claims the bill enhances oversight, but students argue it strips away their control over programs they fund and value. Student associations are actively campaigning for revisions.

As New York City heads into the 2025 mayoral race, education has become a key battleground. Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani stresses equity and early learning, Andrew Cuomo focuses on stability and high standards, while Republican Curtis Sliwa emphasises school safety and accountability. Their contrasting visions highlight the urgent challenges facing the city’s public education system.

Campus celebrations are increasingly marred by violence. Just last weekend, homecoming events at Lincoln and Howard Universities saw multiple shootings. In Atlanta, three teenagers were injured near Clark Atlanta University during a homecoming weekend, raising serious concerns about student safety in areas surrounding campuses during large gatherings. Authorities are urging vigilance and reviewing security measures.

Alberta’s month-long teachers’ strike has escalated, with protests targeting Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides’ constituency amid anger over funding, classroom conditions, and proposed back-to-work legislation. As Premier Danielle Smith pledges to legislate teachers’ return, unions warn this will erode labour rights. The dispute underscores deep divisions over education policy, teacher pay, and government accountability.

Northern Michigan University passed over Scott Beaulier for its president role. Controversy erupted over a decades-old academic paper he co-authored. Graduate student Andrew Plocher raised concerns about the paper's focus on welfare recipients. Beaulier's supporters highlighted his qualifications and background. The decision sparks debate on academic freedom and leadership selection.

Harvard University’s conservative student magazine, The Harvard Salient, has been suspended after publishing content the board deemed “reprehensible” and “demeaning.” The controversy stems from an article echoing Nazi rhetoric about ethnic homelands, sparking campus outrage. An internal review is under way, raising wider questions about free speech, accountability, and ideological boundaries in student media.

Minneapolis School Board has directed Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams to explore potential school closures within the next few years. Facing declining enrollment, escalating costs, and underutilized buildings, the district is under pressure to "right-size" operations. A report is due by April 2026, as the district grapples with financial challenges and demographic shifts.

US Ph.D. admissions are shrinking as top universities cut spots in STEM and humanities programmes. Funding reductions under the Trump administration and stricter visa rules for international students have exacerbated the decline. Institutions like Harvard, MIT, and the University of Washington are limiting or pausing Ph.D. intakes. Rising graduate student unionisation and shifting student preferences abroad also contribute. Experts warn this trend threatens America’s leadership in research, innovation, and the development of future experts.

A University of Washington professor has criticised the mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement required for new faculty hires, warning it may deter qualified candidates. Stuart Reges noted that even award-winning faculty could fail under the current DEI rules. The job posting included a rubric assessing DEI contributions. In response, the university cancelled the posting, provided guidance on hiring practices, and emphasised compliance with state and federal laws, amid US Department of Education investigations into race-based hiring practices.

US private school tuition is soaring, with some fees surpassing $70,000 per year. Despite high costs, families continue choosing private education for academic quality, smaller classes, and supportive communities. In the Bay Area, roughly one in three students attends private school. Families often make financial sacrifices, including pausing retirement savings, reducing travel, and relying on grandparents or financial aid. Experts stress private school attendance does not guarantee college admission, though personalised instruction remains a key factor.

IIT BHU graduate Shivanshu Ranjan secured a job at Amazon, but it was his father’s understated response that went viral. When Ranjan informed his father, he simply replied “ok,” sparking widespread discussion on X about Indian parenting and subtle expressions of approval. Users shared similar experiences, noting how brief replies often reflect pride and happiness. The viral exchange highlights generational differences in reactions and has resonated with social media audiences across India.

Florida universities may be required to post full syllabi online, including textbooks, readings, and instructional materials, at least 45 days before classes. The proposal, led by Governor Ron DeSantis and the state’s GOP supermajority, aims to improve transparency and help students make informed course choices. Faculty have raised concerns over academic freedom, potential political scrutiny, and the impact on DEI initiatives. The Board of Governors could consider the rule as soon as November 5.

Women have surpassed men in applications to full-time MBA programmes worldwide, according to the GMAC 2025 Application Trends Survey. Full-time, two-year MBA programmes saw 63% of schools reporting growth in female applicants, while online and flex MBA programmes also experienced increases. Women make up roughly 41% of full-time MBA applicants and dominate Master of Marketing and Accounting applications. Executive MBA and Master of Finance programmes remain male-dominated. Flexible and online formats continue to attract higher female representation globally.

UP Police exam city slip 2025: The UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) has released the exam city slips for the 2025 UP Police recruitment exams. Candidates for Sub-Inspector (SI), Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), and Computer Operator posts can download their city slips from www.upprpb.in. The Computer Operator exam will run from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, while SI and ASI exams are from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Steps to download and instructions for candidates are available on the official site.

The Tamil Nadu Private Universities (Amendment) Bill 2025 has sparked backlash from universities, students, and stakeholders due to changes in approvals, governance, and compliance. Key concerns include retroactive validation of past notifications, stricter oversight, alignment of medical courses with NMC standards, and rigid requirements for sponsoring bodies. Following widespread objections, the Education Minister announced a review of the Bill. The government aims to balance regulatory clarity with operational flexibility while ensuring legal and national compliance for private universities.