Times of India

Billionaire Stephen A. Schwarzman, co-founder of Blackstone Group, has reportedly stepped in to mediate between Harvard University and allies of former President Donald Trump, The New York Times and The Boston Globe reported. His quiet diplomacy seeks to ease donor tensions and political strain, underscoring how money and influence increasingly shape America’s academic and political landscapes.

American students are increasingly turning to AI for academic and personal support, often replacing conversations with teachers and parents. A survey by the Center for Democracy & Technology shows that while AI aids learning, it risks weakening critical thinking, problem-solving, and human connection. Students must use AI thoughtfully to enhance, not replace, real engagement and independent reasoning.

A groundbreaking Canadian study has unveiled an alarming link between children’s screen time and their academic decline. Tracking over 5,000 students for 15 years, researchers found that each additional hour before a screen can lower grades by up to 10%, particularly in maths and reading. The findings warn that digital convenience may be quietly eroding cognitive growth, focus, and problem-solving abilities—raising urgent questions about the long-term cost of early digital immersion.

Recent US Department of Education layoffs have slashed special education and civil rights staff, leaving programs like OSEP and OCR critically understaffed. Federal grant management, compliance oversight, and student support risk disruption. With nearly half the agency cut, educators and students face uncertainty, threatening progress in literacy, mental health, and equity initiatives nationwide.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will release the provisional answer key for the CGL 2025 Tier 1 exam on October 15. Over 13.5 lakh candidates appeared across 255 centres. Aspirants can raise objections with valid evidence, which will be reviewed by experts. The final key will determine progression to the next stage, making every mark and objection crucial.

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has released the Junior Engineer (Civil) result 2025 for 650 posts under PWRD and Public Works (Building & NH) Department. Conducted on July 20, the OMR-based screening tested candidates’ technical skills. Shortlisted aspirants must now complete document verification, with schedules to be announced on the official website, apsc.nic.in.

Eight global business titans, including Elon Musk and Satya Nadella, began their remarkable US careers via the H-1B visa. These leaders, many with Indian roots, leveraged strong academic foundations and ambition to drive innovation in tech and business, transforming industries and leaving a significant global impact. Their journeys highlight the power of international talent.

The CBSE 2026 reforms mark a major shift in India’s school education, emphasizing competency-based learning, analytical thinking, and holistic evaluation. Schools must revamp teaching methods, strengthen internal assessments, upgrade infrastructure, and train teachers to foster critical thinking and real-world application. Operational compliance, inclusive practices, and adaptive scheduling are now essential for academic success and institutional credibility.

The CBSE Class X English Language & Literature exam (Code 184) is scheduled for February 26, 2025, providing students a clear timeline for preparation. The exam tests reading, writing, grammar, and literature skills, divided into four sections totaling 100 marks. With the marking scheme and structured preparation strategies, students can plan revision, practice, and time management effectively to maximize scores.

After months of a Trump-era funding freeze, Harvard University has regained most of its federal grants following a court ruling overturning the $2.7 billion block. The gradual return of funds offers relief but not stability. Harvard continues facing layoffs, spending cuts, and uncertainty amid possible appeals and pending debarment proceedings.

American universities, from Ivy League giants to public institutions, are grappling with severe financial strain. Enrollment dips, funding uncertainties, and rising costs are forcing widespread layoffs, program closures, and budget cuts. Even wealthy schools like Washington University and Brown are implementing significant reductions, signaling a challenging era for higher education.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has declared the GD Constable PET/PST results 2025, covering positions in CAPFs, SSF, Assam Rifles, and the Narcotics Control Bureau. Conducted from August 20, the tests assessed candidates’ physical fitness and suitability for security roles. Qualifiers will now proceed to Detailed Medical Examination and Document Verification for final selection among 39,481 vacancies.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a fourth reminder to affiliated schools to submit registration data for Class 9 and 11 students for the 2025–26 session by October 16. Schools must ensure accuracy in student details and subjects offered. CBSE has warned that errors or delays may lead to administrative complications.

Telangana's Assistant Public Prosecutor recruitment for 2025 is set for December 14th, with over 110 vacancies across two zones. The TSLPRB has announced the exam schedule, dividing the written test into two shifts. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official TSLPRB website once released. This recruitment aims to bolster the state's prosecution services.

The Maharashtra State Board has released the tentative schedule for the 2026 SSC Class 10 and HSC Class 12 board examinations. SSC exams will run from February 20 to March 18, 2026, with HSC exams from February 10 to March 18, 2026. The exams will be conducted in two shifts daily.

India's top colleges face a crisis as student suicides surge, prompting Supreme Court intervention. A national task force is investigating the alarming rise, with over 98 deaths since 2018. Despite a nationwide survey, many institutions remain unresponsive, risking legal action. Reforms are urgently needed to address academic and social pressures impacting student well-being.

The Directorate of Medical Education, Madhya Pradesh has released the MP PNST 2025 round 1 seat allotment result at dme.mponline.gov.in. Candidates can check the merit list PDF online and report to allotted colleges between October 14 and 18, 2025, for document verification and fee payment. Round 2 and mop-up counselling schedules will be announced soon.

NEET UG 2025 counselling's Round 3 choice filling deadline is extended to October 16, 4 PM, due to new seats. Candidates can now strategically select from AIQ, central, deemed universities, AIIMS, and JIPMER. Seat allotment results are expected October 18. After allotment, candidates must accept, pay fees, and report to colleges with documents.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) begins UG Counselling 2025 registration at 2 PM today, October 14, through CUET UG at icarcounseling.com. Eligible candidates can apply until October 17. Round 1 seat allotment will be announced on October 21. Counselling fills 20% AIQ seats and all ICAR-affiliated universities.

Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan has released the D.El.Ed Semester 4 results for May 2025. Candidates can now access their subject-wise marks and overall status online at deledexam.kerala.gov.in. This final semester result is crucial for aspiring elementary school teachers in Kerala, paving the way for teaching jobs and further studies like B.Ed.