Category: EDUCATION

New Delhi, December 23:
The Ministry of Education on Tuesday announced an extension of the deadline for applications to the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship 2025 programme, providing eligible candidates additional time to apply for this prestigious international academic opportunity.

Officials said the extension was granted in response to requests from students and universities, aimed at ensuring broader participation and helping applicants who faced difficulties meeting the earlier deadline. The scholarship offers selected candidates the chance to pursue master’s level studies at leading universities in Commonwealth countries, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel support.

Education Ministry spokespersons highlighted that the move aligns with the government’s efforts to promote global academic engagement and enhance educational opportunities for Indian students. They urged interested candidates to utilise the extended window and submit complete applications before the revised cutoff.

Students and academic counsellors welcomed the extension, saying it will benefit many who are in the process of finalising supporting documents or meeting eligibility requirements. Officials said the new deadline will be communicated through the scholarship portal and affiliated institutions.

Hyderabad, December 23:
An NRI who has lived in the United States for five and a half years has announced his decision to return to India, citing personal priorities and a strong connection to his homeland. The individual, identified as Rohan Verma, said on Tuesday that after years abroad pursuing education and career opportunities, he feels the time is right to come back home and contribute to India’s growth.

Verma told reporters that while his overseas experience enriched his professional skills and global perspective, the desire to be close to family, engage with India’s fast-growing economy, and participate in local community development motivated his return. He added that opportunities in India’s startup ecosystem and technology sector played a key role in shaping his decision.

Friends and well-wishers congratulated Verma on his choice, with many noting that returning NRIs often bring valuable experience and fresh ideas to India’s workforce. Experts said his decision reflects a broader trend of qualified Indians choosing to return home, driven by evolving career prospects and deep cultural ties.

NEW DELHI, Dec 20:
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially released the seat matrix for postgraduate (PG) medical courses for the 2025-26 academic session, providing detailed information on available seats across government and private medical colleges nationwide. The publication includes data on specialty-wise distribution, reservation categories, and seat allocation for various state and all-India quotas, allowing aspirants to plan their counselling and admission strategy effectively.

According to NMC officials, the PG seat details aim to enhance transparency in the admission process and assist candidates in making informed choices based on specialty preference, college reputation, and state quota allocations. The data also includes the total number of MD, MS, and diploma seats available, along with specific reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

Medical aspirants are advised to review the official NMC seat matrix carefully and stay updated with subsequent announcements regarding counselling schedules, application procedures, and counselling rounds. The commission has also clarified that seat availability may vary slightly due to institution-specific regulations and any last-minute changes in recognition status.

AMARAVATI, Dec 20:
The Andhra Pradesh government has cancelled more than 18 lakh MGNREGA job cards following a detailed verification and data-cleaning exercise conducted across districts. Officials said the move was aimed at removing inactive, duplicate, and ineligible beneficiaries from the rural employment database.

Authorities clarified that eligible and active workers will continue to receive employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The exercise is expected to improve transparency, prevent misuse of public funds, and ensure timely benefits for genuine rural households.

Rajouri, December 19:
An 11th‑class student from Jammu and Kashmir has made headlines with the launch of an innovative educational app designed to support students nationwide. Imran Choudhary, a Class 11 student of Himalayan Education Mission in the Doongi area of Rajouri district, developed the app called “Lagnever” to address the challenges he faced during his own studies.

The Lagnever app offers AI‑powered educational tools, including smart explanations, NCERT‑aligned answers, flashcards, and handwritten‑style notes aimed at helping students learn more effectively. Choudhary said his motivation came from limited access to advanced learning resources in his border region, and the app reflects his efforts to bridge those gaps through technology.

Despite his young age, Imran has been personally involved in the app’s design and development, leveraging self‑learning and experimentation. He hopes the platform will grow into a leading educational tool across India, making quality learning accessible and affordable for students from small towns and remote areas.

Vijayawada, December 16: The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is set to establish a large research and development campus in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh, officials confirmed on Monday. The proposed campus will focus on advanced scientific research and technological development.

The project is expected to boost employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s position in the science and technology sector. State officials welcomed the initiative, calling it a significant step towards industrial and research-driven growth in north coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Providence, December 15:
Terrifying details have emerged following the shooting incident at Brown University, as students recounted moments of fear and uncertainty during the ordeal. One student said he hid under his bed for several hours, remaining there until around 3 am, unsure if the threat had fully passed. He described the situation as extremely frightening, with limited information and constant fear for personal safety.

Another student said he narrowly avoided danger as he had bunked the class where the incident occurred. Calling himself “lucky,” the student said the news left him shaken and grateful to be safe. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, while the university has assured students of enhanced security measures and counselling support in the aftermath of the incident.

Vijayawada, December 15:
More than 14 lakh students studying in government schools across Andhra Pradesh will benefit from a 75-day Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) programme launched by the School Education Department. The initiative aims to strengthen basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills among students at the primary level.

Officials stated that the programme will use structured teaching methods, learning assessments and digital tools to track student progress. The FLN initiative is expected to improve learning outcomes, reduce learning gaps and build a strong academic foundation for students in the early stages of education.

New Delhi, December 13: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the examination schedule for CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final courses for the May 2026 session. Candidates appearing for the upcoming examinations can check the detailed timetable on the official ICAI website. The announcement brings clarity to lakhs of students preparing for one of the country’s most competitive professional courses.

According to ICAI, the examinations will be conducted as per the prescribed syllabus and examination pattern, with adequate gaps provided between papers. The institute has advised candidates to regularly visit the official website for updates related to admit cards, examination centres, and guidelines, and to plan their preparation accordingly.

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), December 13: IT services major Cognizant has commenced construction of its new IT campus in Visakhapatnam with an investment of ₹1,583 crore. The upcoming campus will have a seating capacity of around 8,000 employees.

Officials said the project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for local youth and further strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s IT ecosystem. The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting investors with infrastructure and policy assistance.