Times of India

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha launched WiFi in 11 government colleges. This initiative now provides internet access to all general degree colleges in the state. Plans are in motion to extend this facility to polytechnic institutes. The government is also offering financial aid to students for mobile phones.

A fierce debate has erupted at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, after its Department of Electronic Systems Engineering introduced a strict attendance and parking policy. According to media speculations, the rules mandate up to 80-hour workweeks for senior PhD scholars. While the department cites “discipline,” students call it “oppressive,” sparking a national conversation on India’s glorification of overwork.

The Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board (TN TRB) has released the Assistant Professor Hall Ticket 2025 under Advertisement No. 01/2025 at trb.tn.gov.in. The exam for 132 vacancies will be held from November 19 to 24, 2025, in Chennai. Candidates must download their admit cards, verify details, and follow all exam-day instructions carefully.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the reserve list for Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, recommending 114 additional candidates to fill the remaining vacancies in the IAS, IFS, IPS, and other Central Services. The selection, made on the Department of Personnel & Training’s (DoPT) request, includes candidates from General, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST categories.

The Bar Council of India has extended the AIBE 20 registration deadline to October 31, 2025. Eligible LL.B. graduates enrolled with a State Bar Council can apply online at allindiabarexamination.com. Fee payment and form corrections are allowed till November 1. The qualifying exam, granting the Certificate of Practice, will be held on November 30, with admit cards released on November 15.

The Department of Public Health and Medical Education, Madhya Pradesh, will announce the MP NEET UG 2025 mop-up round seat allotment results today, October 29. Candidates can check their results on the official DME website, dme.mponline.gov.in. Those allotted seats must report to their respective colleges between October 30 and November 3 for document verification and admission formalities.

America’s billionaires are challenging the myth of work-life balance, favouring philosophies of harmony, fluidity, or total immersion. Leaders like Jeff Bezos and Satya Nadella advocate alignment between personal and professional life, while others, including Reid Hoffman and Lucy Guo, embrace relentless dedication. Success, they argue, is not about moderation but integrating achievement with life’s realities, redefining the very notion of fulfilment.

A new Monster Career Catfishing Poll (2025) exposes a troubling trend in the US job market, 79% of workers say they were misled into roles that differed from what recruiters promised. From inflated job descriptions to false claims about culture and pay, both employers and employees are fueling a growing trust crisis in the modern workplace.

Harvard University’s conservative magazine, The Harvard Salient, faces a crisis after its editor-in-chief, Richard Y. Rodgers, defied a board order to suspend operations amid a conduct investigation. Rodgers accused the board of “usurpation of power,” sparking a governance clash over editorial authority, accountability, and free speech following controversy over contentious published material.

The Trump administration’s overhaul of the H-1B visa system—introducing a $100,000 supplemental fee and a wage-based selection model—has sparked sharp national debate. While the Department of Homeland Security claims it aims to prioritize skilled, high-paid workers, critics argue the system is “susceptible to manipulation,” potentially favoring large corporations and hindering smaller firms and global talent access.

At least 11 US states and two territories have complied with a Trump administration order to remove references to gender identity from federally funded sex education programmes. The directive, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, has sparked lawsuits from Democratic-led states, highlighting deep political divides over gender inclusion and federal control in education.

Harvard University is facing renewed scrutiny as a new report reveals that nearly 60% of all undergraduate grades are now A’s, marking a sharp rise in grade inflation over two decades. Dean Amanda Claybaugh warned that this trend undermines academic rigor, driven by faculty caution, administrative empathy, and growing student pressure for top grades.

A Virginia court has begun hearing teacher Abby Zwerner’s $40 million lawsuit after she was shot by a six-year-old pupil at Richneck Elementary School in 2023. Zwerner accuses former assistant principal Ebony Parker of ignoring warnings that the boy had a gun. The case tests school officials’ legal duty to prevent such tragedies and ensure classroom safety.

New College of Florida is set to become the first university to sign the Trump HE compact, aligning with many provisions already. The college emphasises merit-based admissions, free speech, and keeping tuition and fees low, while removing DEI programmes. Since Governor DeSantis appointed a conservative board, the college has implemented curriculum and staffing changes. While 11 universities have rejected the compact, New College positions itself as a leading institution in adopting the proposed policy.

A US federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from removing federal grants for sex education programmes that include gender identity topics. The ruling protects PREP and Title V funding, preventing potential losses of at least $35 million to 16 states and the District of Columbia. Judge Ann Aiken cited lack of evidence and procedural issues, while states and health experts emphasised that their curricula are medically accurate and inclusive of diverse gender identities.

Student loan borrowers in the Income Contingent Repayment plan (ICR) and Pay as You Earn plan (PAYE) can once again access debt forgiveness under the Trump plan. The US Department of Education resumed cancellations after an agreement with the American Federation of Teachers. Borrowers should act quickly, maintain payment records, and note that ICR and PAYE will phase out on July 1, 2028. Eligible borrowers may also consider switching to RAP or a revised Standard Plan.

For Indian students, the UK offers prestigious, time-efficient degrees with higher tuition but shorter study durations and strong scholarships. Continental Europe, led by Germany and France, provides affordable, high-quality education, often with minimal or no tuition and reasonable living costs. While the UK favours English-language programmes and rapid workforce entry, Europe appeals to budget-conscious students and those seeking diverse cultural experiences. Career opportunities post-graduation exist in both regions, though EU mobility offers additional flexibility.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative (FCDI) State Championship trophy will be renamed the Charlie Kirk Prize. The winner will receive a $50,000 scholarship, with runner-up and semifinalists receiving additional awards. Both top students will attend the National Ronald Reagan Presidential Debate. FCDI now has 330 teams in 67 counties, while Florida universities are receiving US Department of Education grants to promote civics, aiming to cultivate active, informed citizens.

CBSE Class 12 Maths 2026: The CBSE Class 12 Mathematics 2026 exam is scheduled for Monday, March 9, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, covering both 041 Mathematics and 241 Applied Mathematics. The 80-mark paper is divided into five sections, including MCQs, short and long answers, assertion–reason, and case study questions. Practising official sample papers and reviewing the marking scheme helps students understand the format, time management, and mark allocation. CBSE provides PDFs of sample papers and marking schemes for thorough preparation.

India’s IAS salary structure under the 7th Pay Commission outlines a clear, rule-based progression from Level 10 to Level 18. Starting at ₹56,100 for entry-level officers, pay steadily rises with experience and responsibility, peaking at ₹2,50,000 for the Cabinet Secretary. Beyond salary, officers receive DA, HRA, and TA allowances, plus housing and pension perks. The pay matrix reflects the IAS journey—structured, merit-based, and symbolic of the prestige and accountability that define India’s top civil service.