The Vijay phenomenon enters research circles as hot topic

The Vijay phenomenon enters research circles as hot topic

 Kamini.Mathai@timesofindia.com  10.06.2026

 Chennai : “Good morning, Professor. Can we study Vijay today?” When Congress leader and visiting Ashoka University professor Praveen Chakravarty walked into class after C Joseph Vijay assumed office, he was greeted with songs from the actor’s hit films, whistles and a barrage of questions about Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister.

 “This was a university in Haryana with students from all parts of India, and yet there was such an interest in Vijay’s rise to power,” says Chakravarty, who had met Vijay before the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections and is now TVK govt’s Rajya Sabha nominee.

 “I teach political economy, but I spent the first part of class answering questions about the ‘Vijay phenomenon’. I’ve never seen this level of interest before.” Barely a month after Vijay occupied the hot seat, he has become a hot topic in college classrooms and research circles across the country, spanning disciplines from political science and anthropology to cultural studies. 

“My university will likely have a case study on him next year,” says Chakravarty, adding that he has received invitations from Shiv Nadar University and Krea University to speak on the topic. “Academics failed to predict it. It suggests a knowledge gap,” says Bengaluru-based political anthropologist Nisar Kannangara, studying Vijay’s rise.

 Many scholars, he says, believed cinema-driven politics in TN was fading after Kamal Haasan’s unsuccessful political foray and Rajinikanth’s decision to stay out of active politics. “Few anticipated the scale of support Vijay would mobilise. I know researchers who moved away from studying cinema and politics. Now they are returning to the subject.” 

At the French Institute of Pondicherry, anthropologist A S Arun Kumar is revisiting his PhD thesis on cinema and politics. “What interests me now is what Vijay reveals about the changing relationship between cinema, stardom and politics. We’ve studied film star chief ministers such as M G Ramachandran, N T Rama Rao and, more recently, Chiranjeevi. But something different is happening now. 

The charisma of the matinee idol is giving way to a vigilante hero in politics.” Research papers have been popping up online too. Ramu Manivannan, former head of department of politics and public administration at University of Madras, believes Vijay’s rise is a case study not in celebrity politics but in tech-driven mobilisation. “Traditional explanations like cinema stardom alone are not sufficient,” he says

Mannivannan, a visiting professor in Southeast Asian colleges. “Vijay’s TVK had no clear ideology, unknown candidates, and mostly only virtual interaction with people. Politically, it should have been a disaster. Yet, tech turned it into a wonder, made it viral. It must be studied; how else would you develop an antiviral?”

 STAR POWER: Across disciplines, scholars and college students are intrigued by the actor’s rise to power

Karnataka sanctions Rs 1,464.67 for salaries

Karnataka sanctions Rs 1,464.67 for salaries 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  BENGALURU 08.06.2026

The Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has sanctioned Rs 1,464.67 crore to pay salaries of teaching and nonteaching staff in government schools and other educational institutions for six months, from July to December 2026. Issued through a government order on June 4, the funds will cover salary expenses in primary and secondary schools, administrative offices, training centres, academic support units, and other institutions under the department. 

The department said the allocation is based on the approved 2026-27 budget and directed drawing and disbursing officers to release salaries in accordance with prescribed financial rules. Officials have also been instructed to maintain proper records and submit utilisation details within the stipulated timeline. 

The order states that future instalments will be released only after authorities submit detailed expenditure reports, utilisation certificates, and fresh fund requests. The department emphasised that the funds must be used solely for the approved purpose and in compliance with all financial regulations.

Maths remains a killer subject as learning gaps widen across grades

Maths remains a killer subject as learning gaps widen across grades

 Vishal.Katoch@timesofindia.com 08.06.2026  EDUCATION TIMES

As students transition from primary to secondary grades, their mathematical competency declines, collapsing from 60% in grade III to just 37% in grade IX. It is being blamed on traditional teaching methods, which make Math intimidating due to abstract rules, rigid formulas, and tedious pen-and-paper calculations. 

To increase interest, teachers need to foster curiosity, logical reasoning in classrooms instead of strict procedural consistency. The recently released NITI Aayog policy report, School ‘Education System in India: Temporal Analysis and Policy Roadmap for Quality Enhancement,’ shows that this drop is due to gaps in basic learning. 

As per PARAKH dashboard, only 50% of class III students could perform simple money transactions up to Rs 100 or identify basic geometric shapes, while just 61% could manage simple measurements of time such as minutes, hours, and days. By class IX, this lack of conceptual clarity worsens drastically: only 28% of students can apply percentage formula to solve problems; just 31% can use fractions and ratios in daily life, and a mere 37% understand the basic properties of shapes like triangles and polygons. Consequently, secondary school students not only face major challenges with advanced concepts such as algebra and geometry theorems, but also struggle with practical, everyday arithmetic.

 While Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and Rajasthan consistently rank as top performers, showing robust systems that maintain learning levels over time, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, and J&K lag national average with lowest outcomes, with fewer than 55% of children demonstrating basic skills. 

Prof Anita Rampal, former dean, Faculty of Education, University of Delhi and former chairperson, NCERT Primary Textbook Development Team, says, “Math has been known as a ‘killer subject’ for decades, and this is a global perception. Children develop a natural interest when they learn while playing games or working, by integrating math into their life. The true understanding of mathematics is lost the moment it is reduced to just solvingproblems. 

“When we look at patterns, notice symmetries, or take measurements, we find that math is everywhere,” Prof Rampal adds. Conceptual Gaps Babita, TGT Maths, CM SHRI School, New Delhi, says that the subject requires absolute, uninterrupted continuity, meaning that if a child gets confused early on, their problems quickly multiply as the lessons get harder. 

“Maths is a subject that demands consistency; if there is a gap in understanding or a student does not grasp the basics, the distance between what they know and what is being taught keeps widening. Because the curriculum moves forward at a fixed pace to meet exam deadlines, there is rarely time to help them catch up,” says Babita. 

“This missing link quickly shatters a child's morale, turning what should be a normal learning journey into total confusion and a severe drop in confidence. This problem usually occurs when a student reaches grade IX,” she adds. Curiosity Over Fear Turning this fear into confidence will require a completely different approach in the classroom.

Ruby Kumari, (exclusive teacher), UMS Sarouni, Bounsi Banka, Bihar, says, “With tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Math Solver, students may turn passive and become totally dependent on technology. To counter this and help them understand Math better, we must move beyond mere pen-and-paper calculations and connect the subject to the world around them.”

AI may assist doctors make medicine smarter

AI may assist doctors make medicine smarter 

TIMES EDUCATION 01.06.2026

Automation improves decision-making, but human precision has an edge during treatment, writes Anubhav Mishra 

From crowded OPDs to overworked doctors, India’s healthcare system is under pressure. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) entering the system, and many fearing job losses, the bigger story is how it can support doctors and improve patient care. AI is often discussed as a threat to jobs. Across industries, people worry that machines will replace humans. But healthcare tells a different story, especially in India, where the real challenge is not too many workers, but too few. 

India’s healthcare system faces a serious workforce gap. Hospitals are expanding, patient loads are rising, but trained professionals are not keeping pace. Even premier institutions struggle with shortages. Recent reports indicate that many public hospitals have significant vacancies in doctor and specialist positions, affecting service delivery. Globally, the situation is similar. 

According to McKinsey & Company, the world could face a shortage of nearly 10 million healthcare workers by 2030. This makes it clear: healthcare needs more support, not fewer people. This is where AI comes in. AI refers to systems that can analyse data, identify patterns, and assist in decision-making. In healthcare, this includes reading X-rays, predicting disease risks, managing patient records, and even suggesting treatment pathways. It does not replace human judgement, but it enhances it. 

Increasing Usage 

In India, AI adoption in healthcare is already growing rapidly. More than 40% of clinicians are now using AI tools in some form, a sharp increase in recent years. This shows that AI is not a distant concept; it is already part of everyday medical practice. The benefits are significant. First, AI can improve diagnosis and early detection. Advanced AI systems can analyse medical images with high accuracy, helping detect diseases such as cancer and lung conditions faster. In India, AI tools trained on large datasets have achieved over 95% accuracy in identifying multiple diseases from scans, reducing reporting time and improving outcomes. AI can make healthcare more efficient. Doctors in India often spend a large part of their time on administrative tasks such as documentation, scheduling, and record-keeping. AI can automate these processes, freeing up valuable time. 

In fact, hospitals are already experimenting with AI tools that can save doctors two to three hours per day by handling routine tasks. AI can expand access to healthcare, especially in rural India. Many villages lack access to specialists, and patients often travel long distances for basic care. AI-powered tools, combined with telemedicine, can help bridge this gap by enabling faster diagnosis and remote consultations. Studies suggest that AI can significantly improve healthcare access and reduce delays in underserved areas. The economic impact is also noteworthy. 

AI in healthcare could contribute up to $30 billion to India’s GDP by 2025, highlighting its growing importance in the sector. However, the key question remains: will AI replace healthcare jobs? The answer is no, but it will change them. AI is best suited for tasks that involve data, repetition, and pattern recognition. This means roles such as medical transcription, diagnostics support, and administrative processing will evolve significantly. However, healthcare is not just about data; it is about people. Jobs that require empathy, trust, and human interaction are much harder to replace. Nurses, caregivers, and frontline health workers play a critical role in patient care that machines cannot replicate. A machine cannot comfort a patient, understand their emotional distress, or build trust with the families. Even for doctors, AI acts as an assistant, not a replacement. It provides insights, reduces workload, and improves decision-making, but the final judgement remains human. Reducing Burnout 

In fact, AI may help reduce burnout among healthcare professionals by allowing them to focus more on patients rather than the rigorous paperwork. However, challenges do remain. India still faces gaps in digital infrastructure, data quality, and AI training. Without proper investment and regulation, the full benefits of AI may not be realised. The future of healthcare jobs in India is not about humans versus machines. It is about humans working with machines. AI will not solve the workforce crisis on its own. It can be a powerful part of the solution. By improving efficiency, expanding access, and supporting doctors, AI can help India deliver better healthcare to more people. 

The real opportunity lies in preparing the workforce for this technological shift. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who learn to work with AI will be better equipped for the future. Because in healthcare, technology may assist, but humanity will always lead. (The author is professor, Marketing, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow) 

Data-Driven Model AI can shift India’s healthcare system from reactive to proactive care. Instead of treating diseases after they occur, AI can help predict risks and enable preventive care. According to a KPMG–FICCI report, AI is driving Indian healthcare towards a more data-driven, preventive model.

Top 5 toughest medical exams in the world

Top 5 toughest medical exams in the world

etimes.in | May 14, 2026, 08.49 AM IST

Almost everyone wants to be a doctor while growing up. The allure is, of course, undeniable: the opportunity to save lives; the respect that comes with the white coat. From the outside, it is indeed a glamorous job. But those who finally make it to medical school and get to wear that white coat and a stethoscope are the ones who have gone through some of the most brutal examinations ever designed—exams that require years of preparation and can be demanding in every possible way. From the USMLE in the United States to the UK’s GAMSAT, these competitive medical examinations are designed to filter out only the best.When people talk about the toughest medical entrance exams globally, India’s NEET UG always finds a place on the list. The pressure around it is even more grueling than the syllabus and difficulty level. In 2026 alone, NEET UG saw a 96.92% turnout, with over 22 lakh candidates competing for approximately 1.3 lakh MBBS seats across the nation. This alone highlights the high stakes in medical education. Let’s take a look at the top five toughest medical exams in the world and what makes them so challenging.

USMLE

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is often considered one of the toughest competitive exams in the world. This test is known for its notorious difficulty. USMLE is a three-step licensure exam for doctors who want to practise medicine in the United States. The first test focuses on comprehensive medical knowledge of basic sciences and is particularly feared by medical students, with only about 85% passing on their first attempt. The second evaluates the ability to apply medical knowledge, and skills. The third step assesses whether candidates can apply medical knowledge and understanding of biomedical and clinical science essential for the unsupervised practice of medicine. These three-step exams are taken over a period of several years, with the lowest pass rates in the first step.

MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the gateway exam for prospective medical students in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean islands. MCAT has earned quite a reputation for its difficulty. Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges, this exam assesses scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and psychological concepts. The seven hours of a gruelling exam is tough to crack, with an average pass rate of about 65–70%. This competitive exam demands months of intensive preparation, costing thousands of dollars. American medical schools trust MCAT scores explicitly.

GAMSAT

The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is a distinctive exam that stands apart as one of the world's most unusual and psychologically demanding medical entrance tests. This test is the gateway for graduate entry into medical schools in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. Students entering dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary programmes are also required to take this test. This exam is notoriously long—roughly 5.5 to 6 hours. Scientific knowledge, emotional intelligence, and ethical reasoning, among others are assessed in this exam. Pass rates are often between 40–50%. For Australian and British medical schools, GAMSAT's integrity is beyond question.

MRCP

The Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) in the UK is one of the notoriously difficult exams. This is a postgraduate medical qualification for doctors who want to specialise in internal medicine in the UK. This British qualification is a set of three postgraduate exams—MRCP Part 1, MRCP Part 2, and MRCP PACES. Cracking MRCP is nothing short of excellence. Pass rates are normally around 50% because of its difficulty. It is a test of medical excellence that even brilliant doctors attempt multiple times before passing.

PLAB

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination in the UK is another high-stakes licensing examination for international medical graduates seeking registration. PLAB has a two-part format testing both knowledge and clinical skills. Practical competency is an important part of this test, with pass rates for non-UK-trained doctors typically 40–50%.

Disclaimer: This article is based on reports, publicly available data, and information sourced from the internet. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, exam formats, pass rates, and requirements may change over time. Readers are advised to verify details from the official websites of the respective examination authorities for the most up-to-date information.

One-Year PG vs Two: Reimagining the master’s degree under NEP 2020

One-Year PG vs Two: Reimagining the master’s degree under NEP 2020 

Given the diversity of higher education landscape, both pathways may need to coexist for some time, allowing varsities to adopt models aligned with their academic strengths 

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 18.05.2026

As the implementation of NEP 2020 gathers pace, postgraduate education is undergoing one of its biggest transformations in decades. Universities are introducing multiple pathways to a master’s degree — a one-year PG for students completing a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), alongside the conventional two-year master’s route for students with a three-year bachelor’s degree. 

The shift is aimed at aligning higher education with global norms, improving flexibility, and creating research-centric academic trajectories. Since India’s higher education system is currently operating within multiple parallel academic structures involving traditional three-year UG programmes, FYUP models, autonomous university systems, and professional pathways, experts claim that a one-size-fits-all approach will no longer work. In such a diverse environment, an overly rigid approach may create unintended inequities.

 “Traditionally, the master’s degree functioned largely as an extension of UG learning. Today, however, PG education is increasingly being viewed as a stage of advanced specialisation, research orientation, innovation, and professional preparedness. This transition has been shaped both by NEP 2020 and the changing realities of the global knowledge economy. Universities are now expected to prepare graduates who are multidisciplinary, research-oriented, globally competitive, and capable of adapting to rapidly evolving sectors driven by technology and innovation. The one-year PG model emerges from this context. It assumes that students completing an FYUP, particularly Honours or Honours with Research, would have already acquired substantial academic grounding, research exposure, internships, and cross-disciplinary learning during the fourth year itself.

 This distinction has also been formally recognised in the UGC framework,” says Prof Raghavendra P Tiwari, vice-chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. Global Benchmarks Considering the Indian one-year PG is still at the early stages of implementation and the first FYUP cohorts are only now entering the pipeline, quality will vary widely across institutions. “The UK one-year master’s degrees work because they sit on top of rigorous honours programmes with strong final-year research component besides being backed by established universities. The Indian variant will take years to build comparable credibility. Until then, a two-year PG from a reputed Indian institution carries far greater weight with international peers and employers than a one-year PG from an average university,” says Ram Kumar Kakani, vice-chancellor, RV University. 

“The need for the oneyear master’s is not organically driven nor is it choice of central universities,” says Abha Dev Habib, associate professor, Miranda House, University of Delhi (DU) advocating the need for a 3+2 PG format which is structurally more robust. “NEP 2020 introduced a flexible 4+1 structure with multiple exit options for UG and PG degrees, but it also made the system more ‘porous’. The added fourth year has increased student numbers without additional faculty, space, or research facilities. Colleges now face higher teaching loads, inadequate student-teacher ratios, and limited capacity to support undergraduate research. 

Under the new system, students who complete the fourth year of their undergraduate programme are eligible for a one-year MSc. However, no additional infrastructure or funding has been provided to support this change,” she adds. Pointing to the larger picture, Prof Tiwari says, “The one-year PG is envisioned as a more focused and intellectually intensive phase where students engage with specialised domains, emerging technologies. However, the effectiveness of this model will ultimately depend on the quality of FYUP implementation.” Given the diversity of the higher education landscape, both oneyear and two-year postgraduate pathways may need to coexist for some time, allowing universities to adopt models aligned with their academic strengths, regional realities, and student aspirations.

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Include foster parents’ names in birth certificate, orders HC

Include foster parents’ names in birth certificate, orders HC

 K.Kaushik@timesofindia.com 14.05.2026

Madurai : Dignity and the right to construct one’s own identity with reference to gender, familial and societal contexts is part of the right to privacy, Madras high court observed while granting relief to a woman who sought to include the names of her foster parents in her birth certificate without removing the names of her biological parents. 

The court was hearing a petition filed by a woman from Madurai, who is pursuing a UG degree. The petitioner stated that she was born in 2005. After her father passed away in 2006, her mother also deserted her. Her paternal uncle and his wife (aunt) raised her as their own daughter. The petitioner stated that in all her identity-related documents, her uncle and aunt’s names are mentioned as parents’ names. However, in the birth certificate alone, the biological parents’ names are mentioned. 

This has affected her right to be known as the daughter of her uncle and aunt and it also leads to serious prejudice to her education and career as well. Therefore, the petitioner made an application to include the names of her uncle and.as her father and mother in the birth certificate. However, the same was rejected on the ground that the petitioner should be validly adopted as per the provisions of the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956. 

Challenging the order, the petitioner moved court. The woman’s counsel submitted that she did not seek to remove the names of the biological parents, but to include the names of her uncle and aunt as well. Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy observed the petitioner is not praying for proprietary rights in the foster family. She wants to be known as their daughter. The same would be within her fundamental right. This apart, her identity itself will be disputed and her education and career will be jeopardised since the names of her parents in all other certificates and birth certificate are different. 

The judge observed that there is not only an obligation on the state to respect the child’s right to preserve her identity, but there is also an obligation to provide appropriate assistance. Hence, the judge directed the petitioner to file notarised affidavits of her uncle and aunt, consenting to their names being added to the birth certificate of the petitioner with the suffix ‘foster’. Upon filing such affidavits, the chief registrar of births and deaths, shall also include the names of the uncle and aunt in the appropriate columns, the judge directed

Academicians draw CM Vijay’s attention to higher education

Academicians draw CM Vijay’s attention to higher education

 Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com  11,05.2026

Chennai : Educationists drew chief minister Joseph Vijay’s attention to the pressing challenges faced by higher education in the state, including declining academic standards, huge faculty vacancies, and the absence of vice-chancellors in state universities. 

They urged him to immediately take steps to appoint vice-chancellors to all state universities. The new state govt also has to take a decision on whether to accept the National Education Policy (NEP) or implement State Education Policy (SEP) in higher education. 

Due to a tussle between the then Governor R N Ravi and state govt on including UGC’s nominee on V-C search panels, as many as 15 state universities out of 22 have been functioning without vice hancellors for a period ranging from one year to three years. 

E Balagurusamy, former vice-chancellor of Anna University, said the prolonged vacancies in key leadership positions are adversely affecting academic governance, policy decisions, institution growth and overall quality of higher education. “CM Vijay must initiate comprehensive reforms such as curriculum modernisation, faculty development, industry-academia collaboration and research enhancement to prevent further deterioration,” he said. 

University of Madras former vice-chancellor S P Thyagarajan said the CM should ensure financial stability for all state universities. “Students from economically weaker sections and poor families depend on the govt-run institutions for higher education. So, the state govt should not increase the fees of degree programmes. A high-power committee must be formed to find solutions,” he said. 

Alagappa University former vice-chancellor S Subbiah said students are affected by the lack of vice-chancellors in state universities. “Students do not get their degree certificates on time. The state universities are crippled due to a lack of academic leadership,” he said. 

Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University’s former vice-chancellor G Visvanathan said the new govt should allow the universities to fill their own vacancies. Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB)  is in the process of recruiting about 2,700 assistant professors to govt arts and science colleges in the state. Professors asked the new govt to expedite the appointments to ensure new faculty members join the colleges before the next academic year.

B-Schools revamp MBA-IB curricula amid shifting global trade dynamics

B-Schools revamp MBA-IB curricula amid shifting global trade dynamics 

The revised syllabus now embeds geopolitical risk, policy analysis and supply chain resilience, alongside modules in sanctions compliance, trade analytics and global sourcing strategies 

Vishal.Katoch@timesofindia.com. 20.04.2026

EDUCATION TIMES JAIPUR

 Amid increasing upheaval and geopolitical tensions, B-schools are busy revamping MBA in International Business (IB) curricula, to prepare future managers to handle the cha nging business dynamics. The new syllabus includes critical components such as geopolitical risk, trade policy analysis, and supply chain resilience into core learning. By incorporating specialised modules on sanctions compliance, trade analytics, and global sourcing strategies, B-schools are responding to a fragmented global landscape. This shift has triggered a significant surge in aspirant interest as businesses increasingly prioritise export competitiveness and market diversification. However, academics warn that syllabus updates alone are insufficient; to remain competitive, future managers must also become adept at navigating multicultural environments, leading geographically dispersed teams, and converting rapid global developments into actionable business strategies. Speaking to Education Times, Prof Ramakrishnan Raman, vice-chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, says, “Academic programmes are increasingly incorporating modules on sanctions compliance, trade analytics, country risk modelling, and global sourcing strategies. Case-based simulations now explore scenarios such as tariff hikes, logistics rerouting, and currency fluctuations. 

Courses covering digital su pply chains, trade finance an alytics and geopolitical scenario planning are also becoming commonplace, designed to equip graduates with the skills to assess market entry strategies, restructure sourcing networks and manage disruptions in an increasingly fragmented global trade landscape.” 

 Career Trajectory 

Prof Rakesh Mohan Joshi, vice-chancellor, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi, highlights a marked increase in aspirant interest over the last five to six years, driven by a corporate shift toward international market strategy. “The surge in interest gained significant momentum post-pandemic. Businesses are now aggressively operating in global markets with a focus on de-risking; they are expanding across new geographies, restructuring supply chains for resilience, and navigating a labyrinth of new trade regulations and cross-border investment policies,” says Prof Joshi. Recruiters are no longer just looking for ‘export managers’ but strategic leaders who understand global finance, digital commerce, and multicultural environm ents. Students have also realised that this degree is no longer a niche choice but a futureproof gateway into consulting, technology, and global policy roles. “The qualification has become a gateway into high-impact sectors, includi ng consulting, strategy, technology and analytics, as well as global operations, finance, e-commerce and policy formulation, with graduates joining DHL, Nestlé, Deloitte and Volvo,” adds Prof Joshi. 

However, academics warn that IB curricula and pedagogy require more than mere syllabus updates or discussions on real-time global developments. “To remain competitive, institutions must align their IB programmes with the country’s growth trajectory, ensuring students are equipped to secure place in the global marketplace. This can be achieved through experiential learning, digital and AI-driven simulations, cross-cultural exposure, and digital trade competencies. The objective is to ensure graduates are not only globally aware but also globally employable,” says Prof Ana Sinha, assistant professor, International Business, FORE School of Management, New Delhi.

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JEE (Main) key row: NTA reviews chemistry errors flagged by students, urges them to wait

JEE (Main) key row: NTA reviews chemistry errors flagged by students, urges them to wait 

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com 13.04.2026

New Delhi : Allegations of errors in the JEE (Main) answer key have again put the spotlight on the National Testing Agency (NTA), with the testing body stepping in early to review complaints and pause challenge payments for a disputed paper. 

The agency said it has reviewed the provisional answer keys of JEE (Main) 2026 Session 2 and made them available online, while acknowledging concerns over the April 5, Shift 2 chemistry paper. 

“Reports regarding discrepancies...are under verification,” it said, advising candidates not to pay challenge fees until further clarification. The provisional key and response sheets were released on Saturday, with the challenge window open from April 11 to 13 at ₹200 per question. However, social media quickly saw a surge in complaints, with candidates and parents alleging “gross mistakes” and claiming multiple incorrect answers in chemistry. 

A widely shared post urged NTA to recheck the key, arguing that it was “practically impossible” for students to challenge a large number of questions while preparing for other exams. Faculty members also flagged concerns, with one Delhi-based govt college teacher writing to authorities citing “major error” and student distress. In one complaint shared with officials, a parent claimed at least 11 answers were incorrect, warning that such errors could impact high-performing candidates, including those scoring above 99 percentile in earlier sessions. 

Responding publicly, NTA director general Abhishek Singh said he would personally have the paper reviewed by experts. “Given the large number of comments... I will get it checked,” he posted, promising an update within a day. Answer key discrepancies have been a recurring issue for NTA in recent years, often leading to court cases, re-evaluations, and in some instances, bonus marks. Previous editions of JEE (Main) and other national tests have seen multiple questions dropped or revised after challenges, fuelling criticism over quality control. This time, however, the agency’s early acknowledgment marks a departure from its typically reactive approach, even as student anxiety remains high. 

‘RECHECK THE KEY’: Answer key discrepancies have been a recurring issue for NTA in recent years, often leading to court cases

Back to work at 60: What's driving the un-retirement trend?

Back to work at 60: What's driving the un-retirement trend? 

Shruti Bansal New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 31, 2026 15:15 IST

Retirement is no longer the end of the road. Across the US, a growing number of seniors are swapping leisure time for laptops and meetings again. The surprising rise of the Great un-retirement is reshaping how the world views ageing and work. 

A growing number of retirees in the United States are rejoining the workforce, signalling a shift in traditional retirement patterns. The trend, widely referred to as the Great Un-retirement, is being driven by a mix of economic pressures and changing attitudes towards work in later life.

According to an AARP (February 2026) report, around 7% of retired individuals returned to work in the past six months, up from 6% earlier. Of these, 48% cited financial need as the primary reason, pointing to the impact of inflation and rising living costs.

FINANCIAL PRESSURE AND LONGER LIFE SPANS DRIVE RETURN TO WORK

Experts say the rising cost of living and increased life expectancy are key factors behind the trend. Fixed pensions and retirement savings are often insufficient to sustain long-term financial needs, particularly with growing healthcare expenses.

At the same time, non-financial motivations are also playing a role. Many retirees are seeking purpose, routine, and social engagement, which work continues to provide even after retirement.

"The ‘un-retirement’ trend reflects a deeper shift towards lifelong learning and purpose-driven careers. While financial security can be a factor, many professionals in their 60s are returning to stay intellectually engaged and contribute meaningfully," says Ajitesh Basani, Executive Director, ABBS, Bengaluru.

"In the education sector, this is particularly visible – institutions are increasingly welcoming experienced professionals as mentors, adjunct faculty, and advisors, where their industry insights add immense value to students," he adds.

Beyond academia, organisations are also recognising that seasoned professionals bring not just experience, but perspective, something that is critical in today’s evolving business environment.

HIRING STILL SELECTIVE, BUT DEMAND FOR EXPERIENCE RISING

Industry leaders suggest that while the movement is still largely driven by individuals, companies are beginning to tap into this experienced talent pool.

Sonica Aron, Founder & Managing Partner, Marching Sheep, said the trend remains largely candidate-led, but organisations are responding where there is a need for stability and leadership. Companies facing high attrition or leadership gaps are increasingly open to hiring experienced professionals in advisory capacities.

ADVISORY, MENTORING ROLES SEE HIGHEST DEMAND 

Companies are largely offering roles where experience outweighs the need for rapid skill adaptation. These include advisory, consulting, mentoring, governance, and client-facing roles.

"Employers today are more open to engaging professionals in their 60s, but the roles are evolving in line with how organisations view experience. The strongest demand is typically in advisory, consulting, mentoring, and leadership roles, where deep domain knowledge and decision-making maturity add immediate value," says Saikiran Murali, Founder of Workline.

"The unretirement trend is being driven by a mix of both financial need and the desire for continued engagement, rather than a single factor. On one hand, rising living costs and longer life expectancy are pushing many professionals to seek financial stability beyond traditional retirement years," he adds.

In roles that depend more on experience than rapid technical change, professionals in their 60s are often valued for their expertise, judgment, and mentorship.

"Fields like consulting, medicine, education, and research benefit from decades of hands-on work, which enhances decision-making, pattern recognition, and the ability to handle complex situations," says Upasana Raina, HR Director, GI Group Holding.

Their strategic insight, credibility, and leadership make them especially effective in high-stakes roles, leading many organisations to prefer experienced candidates in such domains.

MIX OF FINANCIAL NEED AND PURPOSE DRIVING TREND 

Experts agree that the “un-retirement” movement is not driven by a single factor. Financial necessity remains a strong motivator, but the need for purpose, identity, and continued relevance is equally significant.

Sonica Aron emphasised that many professionals in their 60s today are healthier and more capable, and are not ready to disengage from meaningful work.

Similarly, Saikiran Murali said that for many, work is a long-standing routine, making complete retirement difficult to adapt to.

"The ‘un-retirement’ trend reflects a clear shift in workforce patterns. Data shows that nearly 20–25% of retirees are working again, with many returning due to financial needs and longer life spans. This indicates that retirement is no longer a fixed stage. In my view, companies should look at experienced professionals as part of their workforce strategy," says Dipal Dutta, CEO at RedoQ.

"They contribute through knowledge transfer, mentoring, and informed decision-making. The focus now should be on building teams that combine experience with new skills," she further adds.

EARLY SIGNS EMERGING IN INDIA 

While the trend is more prominent in the United States, India is beginning to see similar patterns, albeit on a smaller scale. The rise of the gig economy, consulting roles, and mentorship opportunities is enabling professionals over 50 to re-enter the workforce.

Experts believe that as India’s workforce evolves, experienced professionals will play a larger role, particularly in knowledge transfer and strategic decision-making.

The Great un-retirement reflects a broader shift in how retirement is perceived. With longer lifespans, economic pressures, and evolving work cultures, retirement is increasingly becoming a transition rather than an endpoint.

NCAHP makes class XII Science mandatory for admission to paramedical colleges

NCAHP makes class XII Science mandatory for admission to paramedical colleges 

Divyansh.Kumar@timesofindia.com 

TIMES OF INDIA BENGALURU 23.03.2026

By raising academic eligibility from class X to class XII for paramedical education, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) aims to standardise allied health training, strengthen scientific competence and crackdown on substandard commercialised colleges. 

The change in eligibility requirement also aims to bring Indian qualifications at par with global standards. The new framework, effective from 2026-27 academic year, will end the long-standing class X entry route for paramedical diplomas and make Science at the senior secondary level compulsory for clinical courses at nearly 500 government institutes offering around 48,000 seats and at about 3,800 private institutes having over 3.6 lakh seats. 

The move, claims NCAHP, was long-overdue as the sector was fragmented, uneven and vulnerable to low-quality provision. “The core issue is fragmentation, in a city, we have 10 different types of allied programmes being run, but they are all awarding the exact same degree. The basic objective of the NCAHP Act — which covers 57 professions — is the standardisation of education, services, and establishing minimum standards for institutions,” says Dr Yagna U Shukla, chairperson, NCAHP, Delhi. 

She adds that healthcare training cannot be compared with polytechnic education. “Unlike polytechnic courses where students deal with machines, a class X base is sufficient, however, healthcare workers support human lives. Therefore, a science background is an absolute necessity. The requirement was also backed by professionals who found that students without a science background struggled with coursework,” Dr Shukla says. 

The Commission had opted to use NEET for allied degree courses because the act mandates entry and exit examinations. “Taking NEET indirectly serves the purpose of an entry-level exam based on class XII qualifications,” she says. However, the NCAHP recently deferred a plan to make the NEET-UG exam mandatory for UG degree courses such as Physiotherapy (BPT) and Occupational Therapy (BOT) to the 2027-28 academic year, citing logistical challenges from NTA regarding an unexpected surge in candidates. 

The reform has triggered concern in several states, particularly in Karnataka, where Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash R Patil has warned that nearly 500 paramedical colleges could face closure if the class X route is removed. But Dr Shukla says the transition was not abrupt and that institutions had been given notice. She suggested that shorter, non-clinical or skillbased programmes could move under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). 

“We are not restricting the eligibility but standardising it. For the 1 or 2year programmes that do not require a strict science background, need not be closed.” 

Access Debate 

For decades, post-class X paramedical diplomas functioned as a fast-track route to employment, especially for students from rural and lower-income families. Some fear the new entry norm could shut that door and shrink the grassroots healthcare workforce. Dr B Karunakar Reddy, former VC, Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences, Telangana, says the class X diploma ecosystem had often been driven by commercial interests rather than quality training. “In many districts, you will find 10 to 15 paramedical colleges. Many of these were just one room setups running multiple courses with practically no training and no hospital attachments. The diploma was not very useful unless a private hospital hired candidates and retrained,” says Dr Reddy. 

The shift to class XII-level allied health sciences degrees has begun showing results in Telangana. “The response has been excellent, and the seats fill up completely,” he says

Man gets 7-yr jail for holding two govt jobs Continued To Draw Pay From Health, Edu Depts

Man gets 7-yr jail for holding two govt jobs Continued To Draw Pay From Health, Edu Depts 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 11.03.2022

Lucknow : A local court in Barabanki sentenced a man to seven years’ imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 for fraudulently securing and continuing two govt jobs simultaneously in the health and education departments using the same educational certificate. 

Delivering the verdict on Tuesday, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Sudha Singh held convict Jaiprakash Singh guilty under the charges of IPC sections 420 (cheating), 467 read with Section 471 (forgery of valuable security and using forged documents as genuine), and Section 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating). 

The court noted that Jaiprakash Singh deliberately concealed facts and continued to draw salaries from two govt departments for years. The court also observed that the state govt is free to recover the salary and allowances received by the accused from both posts, as he illegally benefited from public funds. 

According to prosecution officials, Jaiprakash, a resident of Narauli village in the Satrikh police station area, was initially appointed as an NMA (non-medical assistant) at the primary health centre (PHC), Sangipur in Pratapgarh district on Dec 26, 1979. Later, using the same educational marksheet and certificates, he secured another govt job as an assistant teacher under the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) in Barabanki on June 19, 1993. 

Despite holding the post in the health department, Jaiprakash allegedly continued working as teacher in Barabanki while simultaneously drawing salary from both the departments. The case revealed that he remained associated with the primary school at Narauli in Harkh block of Barabanki for nearly 16 years, even while his records in the health department showed him as an employee at the Sangipur PHC in Pratapgarh. Times of India ePaper lucknow - Read Today’s Eng

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவ பல்கலை. 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா: ஆளுநா் ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவ பல்கலை. 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா: ஆளுநா் ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மருத்துவம், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களைப் பெற்றனா்.

- SWAMINATHAN

Updated On :28 பிப்ரவரி 2026, 3:29 am

பகிர்:

தினமணி செய்திச் சேவை

தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் மருத்துவம், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களைப் பெற்றனா்.

அதிக மதிப்பெண் பெற்ற மாணவா்களுக்கு ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என்.ரவி பட்டங்களை வழங்கினாா்.

சென்னை கிண்டியில் உள்ள தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்.ஜி.ஆா். மருத்துவப் பல்கலை. வளாகத்தில் 38-ஆவது பட்டமளிப்பு விழா ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என். ரவி தலைமையில் வெள்ளிக்கிழமை நடைபெற்றது. இதில், மருத்துவத்தில், 12,016 பேரும், பல் மருத்துவத்தில் 2,569 பேரும், இந்தியமுறை மருத்துவத்தில், 3,269 பேரும், மருத்துவம் சாா்ந்த துணைப் படிப்புகளில் 32,305 போ் என 50,159 போ் பட்டங்களை பெற்றனா்.

குறிப்பாக, 144 போ் தங்கப் பதக்கமும், 42 போ் வெள்ளிப் பதக்கமும், 51 போ் அறக்கட்டளை சான்றிதழும், 166 போ் பல்கலை. சாா்பிலான பதக்கங்கள் என 353 போ் பெற்றனா். சென்னை கீழ்ப்பாக்கம் அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரியில் எம்பிபிஎஸ் படித்த சுவேதா என்ற மாணவி, ஒன்பது பதக்கங்களைப் பெற்றாா். அதேபோல், முதுநிலை பட்டம் பெற்ற சுருதி, நிரஞ்சனா, ஆஷா ஆகியோா் தலா 6 பதக்கங்களைப் பெற்றனா். மாணவா்களுக்கான பட்டங்கள், பதக்கங்களை ஆளுநா் ஆா்.என்.ரவி வழங்கினாா்.

பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் பல்கலை. துணைவேந்தா் நாராயணசாமி பேசியதாவது: தமிழ்நாடு டாக்டா் எம்ஜிஆா் மருத்துவப் பல்கலையில். புதிய ஆராய்ச்சிகளுக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் அளிக்கப்படுகிறது. மாணவா்களின் ஆராய்ச்சியை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில், சிறப்பாக செயலாற்றும் மாணவருக்கு ரூ.50 ஆயிரம் ஊக்கத்தொகை வழங்கப்படுகிறது. அத்துடன், 75 ஆராய்ச்சி கட்டுரைகள் வெளியிடப்பட்டு இருப்பதுடன், ஐந்துக்கு காப்புரிமை கோரப்பட்டுள்ளது.

மருத்துவ அறிவியலுடன், தொழில்நுட்ப கற்றலை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில், அண்ணா பல்கலை, சென்னை ஐஐடி, வேலூா் தொழில்நுட்பக் கல்லுாரி நிறுவனத்துடன் இணைந்து பணியாற்றி வருகிறோம். குறிப்பாக, செயற்கை நுண்ணறிவு சாா்ந்த மருத்துவப் படிப்புகளும் ஊக்குவிக்கப்படுகிறது. கடந்தாண்டு பள்ளி மாணவா்களிடையே, புதுமை, ஆராய்ச்சி மற்றும் அறிவியல் சிந்தனையின் ஆரம்பகால ஆா்வத்தை வளா்ப்பதை நோக்கமாக கொண்டு விழிப்புணா்வு கருத்தரங்கம் நடத்தப்பட்டு, மாணவா்களிடையே வரவேற்பைப் பெற்றது என்றாா்.

அமைச்சா் பங்கேற்கவில்லை...: பட்டமளிப்பு விழாவில் காய்ச்சல் காரணமாக மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள மக்கள் நல்வாழ்வு துறை அமைச்சா் மா.சுப்பிரமணியன், பங்கேற்க முடியாத நிலையில், அத்துறைச் செயலா் செந்தில்குமாருக்கு அழைப்பு விடுக்கப்பட்டிருந்தது. ஆனால், அவரும் விழாவில் பங்கேற்காமல் புறக்கணித்தாா்.

Live stream to wall climbs: Bihar board exams open in chaos

Live stream to wall climbs: Bihar board exams open in chaos 

18.02.2026

Patna : Phones went live. Gates and walls were scaled. Rules were tested before the first bell. The Class X finals of Bihar School Examination Board opened under a cloud on Tuesday after a Facebook Live broadcast allegedly from inside an exam centre in Siwan district minutes before papers were to be handed out. Streamed from the handle of an official linked to Gorakh Prasad Private ITI, the footage showed students seated inside the hall at the exam centre in Daraunda block of Maharajganj subdivision. The clip spread quickly on social media, triggering questions over enforcement of a strict ban on mobile phones inside exam halls. The video was later deleted. 

TOI couldn’t independently verify its authenticity. Daraunda police station SHO Vikas Kumar said ITI principal Pankaj Kumar was arrested after a complaint. “His mobile has also been seized. The viral video was shot on his mobile by ITI director Prince Singh, who’s on the run,” he said. 

In Patna, a late student at Devipad Choudhary Shaheed Smarak Miller High School tried to scale a 10-foot boundary wall. Security stopped him. At Gardanibagh Girls Higher Secondary School, also in Patna, a girl climbed the gate bars to get inside. In Buxar district, a student scaled a boundary wall and entered. In Begusarai, three students climbed walls to gain access. At VM Inter College in Gopalganj, at least six girls allegedly entered by scaling the boundary wall.

Internet Is Getting Remade For AI. What Does It Mean For You?

Internet Is Getting Remade For AI. What Does It Mean For You?

 Chandrima.Banerjee@timesofindia.com 16.02.2026

Less than half the people on the internet are “people” — only about 44% of online traffic came from humans in 2025 — but even within the traffic driven by relentless bots “using” the internet, a small but significant share of 4% belongs to AI bots. If that share keeps growing (and it’s really likely that it will because of how much AI companies are pouring into agentic AI), most websites will eventually be built for AI and not us. Not in the conspiracy-heavy “dead internet theory” way but in the codeand-structures-tech-and-science way. 

THE WEB IS NOT BUILT TO MAKE THINGS EASY FOR AI … YET 

When an AI browser was launched a while ago, I was testing the agentic mode (in which AI takes over your browser to “do” all the work). I wanted it to find available slots for driving licence renewal. But when I checked back after a few minutes, I found that the agent was stuck. The page had a huge popup covering nearly the entire window, and the AI didn’t know what it was supposed to do. The buttons and menus it needed to access were behind the popup — but how would it get to them? To us, it seems easy enough. Shut the popup, and move on. But behind the scenes, a click is a series of tiny tasks — hover, pointer move, mouse down, mouse up, the click itself. Websites can react to any of these steps, or only if these steps happen in the right order.

An AI agent has to do all that, in the correct sequence, and with the right timing. If the page happens to shift mid-click — like when a popup appears — the click can miss or just do nothing. Also, for AI, the decision to close the popup or interact with it has to be based on some kind of logic. Does it know what’s behind the popup? What if engaging with the popup is an important step? What if the popup is the next step? This kind of logic is easier for AI to navigate if the website has an API that AI agents can use. (An API, Application Programming Interface, is a set of rules and definitions that software components use to talk to each other.)

 When an AI agent  uses an API to get your work done, it doesn’t have to bypass all the garrulous persuasion that populates most websites today. Instead of navigating pages built with visual and contextual cues meant for human eyes, it can ask the site directly what it needs — like “show me the available slots” — and get back a clean, structured answer on which it can act for you. A survey of developers in 2025 found that 24% are already designing APIs for AI agents. But every API is different, with its own little quirks. And an AI agent can’t possibly learn every one of them. So, Anthropic came up with Model Context Protocol, an open protocol for AI agents to coordinate their conversations with services and sites and apps. It’s now the frontrunner for becoming the “USB-C port for AI applications” .

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AI IS THE AUDIENCE? Deloitte estimates that AI platforms drive 6.5% of organic traffic already, and it’s expected to go up to 14.5% within a year. As this happens, AI will be “prioritizing semantic richness over keywords, author expertise over backlinks, and being cited in AI responses over page views.” In plain words, there’ll be less room for froth. More and more “research” already happens inside AI summaries and chats, and they don’t lead to clicks. Also, as Parag Agrawal, former Twitter CEO and now the founder of AI startup Parallel Web Systems, told The Economist , the web was built for humans to read at human speed — “agents face no such limits”. Which means that, over time, we will need more useful information online, certainly not less. But the way things stand now, there is a mismatch between what AI takes and what it gives back to those putting out that information. Over the past year, for every visit OpenAI sent to a website, its bots crawled about 1,100 pages. For Anthropic, the ratio was one visit for about 53,500 webpages crawled. If users don’t click on pages, the goal for anyone with a website becomes being cited, summarised, or used as a canonical source. And money will be made from each crawl instead of each view. Cloudflare has already begun a pay-per-crawl marketplace that lets site owners allow, block, or charge AI crawlers per request. So, more information-dense sites survive. Which, in a roundabout way, might just restore the internet to what it was supposed to be — a place with actual answers. The ‘click’ is fading away 

About 60% of searches end without the person ever reaching a destination site — they simply get their answers on the search page without a click, research by the consulting firm Bain & Company found. But searches at least provide a list of pages that might have the answer. AI would whittle it down even more. Bain’s survey also found that about 80% of search users rely on AI summaries at least 40% of the time. And a Pew Research Center analysis found that only 1% of users who came across AI summaries clicked on the links inside AI summaries.

Section of Anna University PhD scholars excluded from convocation

Section of Anna University PhD scholars excluded from convocation

Scholars who completed their viva after this date will be awarded degrees at a separate function later in February, the date of which is yet to be announced.

Binita Jaiswal

Updated on:

03 Feb 2026, 8:31 am

CHENNAI: A section of PhD scholars from Anna University who completed their viva-voce after June 2025 have expressed strong disappointment over the university’s decision to hold a separate degree-awarding function for them in February, instead of including them in the 46th annual convocation scheduled for February 4.

According to a circular issued by the university, only scholars who successfully defended their PhD viva-voce on or before June 30, 2025, will be permitted to receive their degrees in person at the main convocation ceremony. Scholars who completed their viva after this date will be awarded degrees at a separate function later in February, the date of which is yet to be announced.

The decision has left many scholars upset, as the February event will feature a chief guest or the governor, who is traditionally the chancellor of the university. “For many of us, convocation is the most memorable day of our academic life. We worked for years with the hope of receiving the degree on stage in a grand event in front of a chief guest. A separate, low-key function takes away the emotion and recognition associated with that moment,” said a PhD scholar who completed her viva in July 2025.

University officials, however, defended the move, citing logistical constraints. A senior varsity official said the last convocation was held in 2024 and the number of eligible scholars this year has risen sharply. “We can accommodate only about 750 candidates in a single convocation ceremony. Given the large backlog and venue limitations, it is not feasible to include everyone on the same day. Hence, a separate function is being planned to ensure all scholars receive their degrees in person,” the official said.