Times of India

Diwali school holidays in 2025 will span five days from October 18 to October 23, covering Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. Schools across several states will remain closed during this festive period, providing students an extended break. Parents should check with their child’s school as holiday dates may differ by region and management. This long festive break allows families to celebrate traditional events and spend quality time together.

New insights from Harvard research indicate some college majors may face diminishing returns. Employers increasingly value specific skills over general degrees. This trend suggests certain fields could lose appeal. Students are advised to consider majors that offer adaptability and clear industry alignment. Future-proof your education by focusing on in-demand skills and specialisations.

Remembering industrialist Ratan Tata on his death anniversary: His profound wisdom offers students guidance on integrity, resilience and purpose. His timeless quotes, like transforming criticism into monuments and the importance of collaboration, inspire a balanced approach to success, emphasising character and contribution over mere speed or solo achievements. Tata's legacy encourages responsible dreaming and authentic growth.

Bihar STET admit card 2025: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will release the Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) 2025 admit card on October 11, 2025, at bsebstet.org. The exam, conducted through Computer Based Test (CBT), starts on October 14. Candidates can download the admit card using their user ID and password. The exam features two papers covering various subjects, with specific passing marks for different categories. Detailed instructions for downloading the admit card are provided on the official website.

RRB NTPC UG result 2025: The RRB NTPC UG Result 2025 is expected to be released soon on rrbcdg.gov.in, likely in mid-October. The recruitment covers 3,445 vacancies across various posts including Commercial cum Ticket Clerk and Junior Clerk cum Typist. Candidates can check their results and merit lists online by following simple steps. The selection process also includes CBT-II or Typing Skill Tests for certain posts, followed by document verification and medical examination.

UPSSSC Mains Result 2025: The UPSSSC Mains Result 2025 for Combined Junior Assistant, Junior Clerk and Assistant Level-III posts has been declared. Candidates who appeared in the main examination can check their results on the official UPSSSC website. The results are based on the written test under Advertisement No.-08-Exam/2023 and will be visible until October 28, 2025. Selected candidates will move forward in the recruitment process based on their scores.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a governance crisis at JNU. In its report, the body highlights declining SC and ST student enrolments, irregular faculty recruitment, reduced research admissions, and halved academic expenditure. The report criticises the growing centralisation of power under the Vice Chancellor, bypassing established appointment norms and compromising the university’s academic ethos and inclusive character.

The University of Oxford tops the THE World University Rankings 2026 for the tenth year running, while US universities show signs of decline amid political and funding pressures. Asia’s elite universities stall after years of rapid progress, though wider regional growth continues. The UK maintains strength at the top but faces challenges in lower-ranked institutions. Demographic shifts and policy constraints signal ongoing change in the global higher education landscape, as detailed by Times Higher Education.

Terri Lesley, a former library director in Campbell County, Wyoming, has received a $700,000 settlement after being dismissed in 2023 amid a dispute over LGBTQ+ and sex education books in a public library. Lesley claimed her termination violated her First Amendment rights. Campbell County denied wrongdoing, citing performance issues. The case has ended with the payout, but a separate lawsuit against individuals involved in the book objections continues, as reported by the Associated Press.

The Trump administration’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee threatens rural US schools and hospitals that rely on skilled immigrant workers. Many rural communities face teacher and doctor shortages, which could worsen due to increased visa costs. The fee risks forcing schools to hire uncertified staff and hospitals to reduce services. Though exemptions exist, rural budgets may not cover the extra expense, putting essential services in isolated areas at risk.

California has passed a pioneering law to phase out ultraprocessed foods from school meals by 2035. The legislation targets foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, aiming to improve children's health. Schools must begin removing these items by 2029, with vendors banned by 2032. Some districts already offer scratch-made meals sourced locally. The law raises concerns about costs, but paediatricians support it to combat rising chronic conditions linked to poor nutrition.

International student arrivals to the US dropped nearly 22% this summer compared to 2024, with the steepest declines from countries affected by new visa restrictions and a travel ban under President Trump. August alone saw a 19% fall. Visa delays, policy uncertainty, and political concerns have driven students to consider alternatives such as the UK and Germany. Institutions in the US now face financial strain as international enrolment continues to decline.

American universities are at the forefront of global scientific innovation. This year's Nobel laureates from US institutions are recognized for groundbreaking work in quantum physics and immune system regulation. Their discoveries promise to revolutionize computing, cybersecurity, and medicine. These achievements highlight the power of research ecosystems in driving world-changing advancements.

Canada's immigration department invited 4,500 skilled workers in a recent draw. The focus was on French-speaking candidates. This move aims to meet labor needs and boost bilingualism. The minimum score dropped, offering more opportunities. Candidates with strong French skills and relevant experience were favored. This strategy supports economic growth and cultural diversity in Canada.

Over 200 international students are suing the US State Department after their visas were revoked, impacting their ability to travel. Despite court-ordered SEVIS record restorations, many face continued visa denials, disrupting studies and personal lives. Attorneys argue these revocations, part of a broad initiative, bypassed necessary individual reviews, leading to significant hardship.

S. Paul Kapur, with a bicultural upbringing and a distinguished academic background, has been confirmed as the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. His expertise in security studies and foreign policy, honed through extensive research and teaching, positions him to navigate the region's complex geopolitical landscape and shape crucial diplomatic engagements.

Cambridge International's academic pathway demonstrates empirical evidence of improved college readiness. Data reveals that rigorous, in-depth curricula, authentic assessments and credit recognition lead to better university outcomes. US educators can adopt these effective principles, focusing on coherent sequences, varied assessments and equitable access to boost student success in higher education.

Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy highlighted America’s worsening K-12 education crisis, noting that 75% of U.S. eighth graders lack math proficiency while Chinese students are four years ahead. Recent NAEP data confirm steep declines in math, reading, and science scores. Experts blame not just the pandemic but systemic issues, prompting urgent calls for nationwide education reform.

JKBOSE has unveiled the 2025 exam schedule for Classes 11 and 12, with examinations commencing in November for Kashmir and Jammu's winter zones. Class 12 exams begin November 8, concluding December 3, while Class 11 exams run from November 19 to December 13. A 15% syllabus reduction remains in effect to ease student pressure.

SEBI has announced 110 Assistant Manager positions for 2025. Applications open October 30. The recruitment spans General, Legal, IT, Research, Official Language, and Engineering streams. Candidates need specific educational qualifications for each. The selection process involves two online exams and an interview. Application fees vary by category. This is a significant opportunity for aspiring professionals in the financial regulatory sector.