EDUCATION
Google hands schools the AI switch as learning concerns grow
Google plans to restrict access to its AI tools for K-12 students, pending administrator approval. This change follows feedback aimed at enhancing control over classroom AI usage. The company is also expanding its Guided Learning feature, which helps students solve problems systematically. Research shows mixed results regarding AI's impact on student performance and learning outcomes.
Google will cut off search access for students at schools that reject AI
The Mountain View, California, company has been facing pushback from educators, child development experts and parents over the use of its technology in schools, with the backlash heating up since it announced in August that it had turned on its Gemini chatbot for many K-12 students who use Google Classroom.
Lighthouse Learning in talks to acquire Hyderabad's Kennedy School
Lighthouse Learning Group, previously EuroKids International, is negotiating to acquire Kennedy High and Meru International School. These acquisitions, valued at Rs 400 crore each, are expected to finalize in the coming weeks. The company aims to expand its network of K-12 schools to 100 over the next few years. Lighthouse Learning has undertaken several acquisitions since 2021 to grow its education portfolio.
Michael Douglas did not inherit his father's fortune. Why Kirk Douglas chose philanthropy over family inheritance
Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas reportedly left $50 million of his estimated $61 million fortune to charity instead of passing it on to his son, actor Michael Douglas. The decision reflected a lifelong commitment to philanthropy that Kirk shared with his wife, Anne. From supporting children's education and healthcare to improving public school playgrounds and helping homeless people, the couple spent decades directing their wealth towards charitable causes through the Douglas Foundation, which has donated nearly $120 million to more than 200 organisations.
Tencent partners with Cyberlite India to support research programme on gaming career
"We are pleased to support Cyberlite India in leading this research. Local perspectives are important for understanding how information about video game careers can be made more useful to students, families and educators," Judy Wong, Country Manager (India), Tencent, said.
Govt focussed on ensuring that Indian students headed to Uzbekistan receive quality education: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs said the government is engaging with Uzbekistan to ensure Indian students pursuing medical and other courses there receive quality education and meet National Medical Commission requirements. It also cautioned students against unregistered education consultants and institutions that may lack adequate infrastructure or fail to meet Indian medical regulations.
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New pact struck to support employability, aspirations of Indian students in UK
NISAU UK and London Metropolitan University have formed a partnership to support Indian students’ educational experiences. The collaboration aims to connect students' learning outcomes to employment opportunities in both the UK and India. Through the triple helix model, the initiative will involve universities, employers, and policymakers to enhance student journeys. This engagement aligns with the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and Vision 2035.

India adds 34 new universities to QS Asia rankings; top six slip
QS Asia University Rankings 2027: India has strengthened its higher education system, with 325 universities ranking in QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027. While the country added 34 new institutions, its leading universities experienced declines in their rankings. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi remained the highest-ranked institution but fell to 66th position. Despite setbacks, India excelled in research output relative to academic staff among Asian countries.

New Zealand to remove 17 occupations from Green List Work to Residence pathway from March 2027
Effective March 8, 2027, New Zealand will revise its Green List Work to Residence visa pathways, eliminating 17 specific occupations. While these workers can transition to residency through fresh Skilled Migrant Category routes, special education teachers will notably have direct access to residency without needing prior work experience.

West Bengal board proposes shifting 2027 Madhyamik exams from February to March
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has proposed a change in the 2027 Madhyamik examination schedule. They suggest rescheduling the exams from February 15 to 25 to March 2 to 16. This change is due to the deployment of teachers for the upcoming Census exercise. The Census will take place from January 25 to February 28 next year.

Delhi techie couple donates Rs 50 to political party, claims Rs 40 lakh ITR deduction, evades Rs 5.3 crore income tax, faces IT probe
A Delhi-NCR techie couple allegedly claimed Rs 40 lakh in tax deductions after donating just Rs 50 to a political party. An Income Tax Department probe uncovered fabricated donation receipts, a ChatGPT-generated Yale education loan certificate, bogus housing loan claims and undisclosed rental income, estimating tax evasion of Rs 5.3 crore over five years.

India-origin couple in US, Lata Krishnan and Ajay Shah, are giving millions in college scholarships to disadvantaged students after earning millions in Silicon Valley
Lata Krishnan and Ajay Shah co-founded Smart Modular Technologies and focus on educational initiatives for disadvantaged students. They provide $10,000 scholarships annually to support students pursuing college degrees. Their efforts also include supporting advanced education and the Accion Opportunity Fund for economic mobility. Additionally, they have made significant contributions to the American India Foundation's Fellowship program. The couple actively participates in various educational and financial empowerment initiatives for marginalized communities.

NEP 2020: Will teacher education reforms miss the bus?
India's teacher education sector faces significant challenges that require immediate reforms to enhance educational quality. The National Education Policy, 2020 emphasises identifying and closing substandard Teacher Education Institutions by 2030. It also calls for standalone institutions to transform into multidisciplinary higher education entities, promoting integrated teacher preparation.

RSS terms UGC norms against discrimination 'unbalanced'
RSS has expressed concerns regarding the University Grants Commission's anti-discrimination regulations, stating that they are unbalanced. The government is being urged to revise the framework to maintain social harmony. As the Supreme Court intervened, the UGC regulations were temporarily stayed, allowing the previous framework to continue. The RSS emphasised the need for balanced decisions that would foster societal strength and cohesion.

Centre gives Nandan Nilekani-led exam reform panel more time, extends deadline to January 2027
Centre has extended the deadline for the Nandan Nilekani-led examination reform task force to January 2027. The six-member panel has received over 50,000 suggestions and consulted former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan. Its mandate includes recommending measures to prevent paper leaks and strengthen India's examination system following repeated NEET controversies.

Playing in mud vs solving maths at 3: Indian man in Norway questions academic pressure on children in India
Vinod, an Indian man living in Norway, highlights the differences in child development and education between India and Norway. Norwegian children learn through exploration and problem-solving, enjoying outdoor activities without pressure. In contrast, Indian children face early academic demands and competitive pressures. This raises concerns about the long-term impact on their self-worth and happiness. Vinod suggests the need to balance educational goals with children's natural curiosity and development.

Global business school applications fall 10%; Indian students increasingly turn to Europe, Asia: GMAC report
Global applications for graduate management education programmes declined by 10% for the 2026-27 class. Europe and Asia reported growth, while the US, UK, and Canada saw decreases. Indian applicants are increasingly favoring Europe and Asia for education opportunities. Domestic applications also fell in the US and Canada, primarily due to changes in visa and immigration policies. The report suggests a realignment in candidate preferences and study destinations.

‘Mothers of Courage,’ documentary on girls’ education in Bihar, wins UN SDG Action Award
Mothers of Courage, a documentary, recently won the 2026 UN SDG Action Award in Rome. This film showcases the grassroots movement led by women to advocate for girls' education in Bihar. Through Shikshagraha, over 1.19 million citizens have been mobilized to support this initiative. The documentary highlights community gatherings where barriers to education are discussed and solutions are sought.

Why are nearly 2,000 MBBS seats vacant in India? Private and state medical authorities ask NMC to step in
Despite numerous rounds of counseling, approximately 2,000 MBBS seats in India still remain empty. High tuition fees are deterring potential candidates from enrolling, especially in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where significant vacancies persist. Authorities are contemplating lowering eligibility cut-offs to fill these spots, prompting discussions on the accessibility of medical education and its future ramifications for students.

IIT Guwahati, Tata Electronics join hands to build semiconductor talent pipeline
IIT Guwahati has signed an MoU with Tata Electronics to establish a Centre of Excellence for semiconductor education. This collaboration aims to develop educational programmes that align with industry needs and create skilled professionals. Additionally, the partnership will provide hands-on training opportunities for students at Tata Electronics. It includes developing relevant course content and training faculty from various institutions.

West Bengal moves to depoliticise teachers, but schools need more than a ban
The West Bengal government has introduced a prohibition on newly appointed schoolteachers from participating in political activities and elections. This decision is aimed at reducing political influence in education and improving classroom experiences for students. For these efforts to be meaningful, it is crucial that the government enforces these rules consistently and avoids selective enforcement.

Dolly Parton’s father inspired her to help millions of children read; her foundation has gifted over 330 million books
Dolly Parton's philanthropy was deeply influenced by her childhood experiences and her father's struggles with literacy. She established the Imagination Library in 1995 to promote reading among children, providing over 330 million books. Her educational initiatives also targeted high school graduation rates, significantly decreasing local dropout rates. Parton contributed to disaster relief efforts after wildfires in Tennessee and funded COVID-19 vaccine research.

A mother borrowed $28,000 to help her son become a photographer in California. Ten years later, they're both still paying for a college that no longer exists
Christine Gaussoin hoped her son Kendrick would succeed in photography after attending Brooks Institute. However, the college closed ten years later, leaving him without a diploma. This closure has resulted in a significant student loan debt for Christine and Kendrick. A lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration regarding federal loan forgiveness for former students. The case highlights concerns about the trust placed in educational institutions and their accountability.

Odisha refunds Rs 69.23 crore in admission fees to 1.11 lakh college students
Odisha has refunded Rs 69.23 crore in college admission fees to over 1.11 lakh students. This refund is part of the Gyanodaya - Shiksha Ru Samruddhi scheme implemented for the 2026-27 academic session. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj advised students to check their bank accounts for the refund. Students who did not receive the money can update their bank details for transfer.

Post-study jobs are the biggest factor shaping Indian students’ overseas education choices, says IDP report
In the face of shifting visa regulations, Indian students continue to pursue education abroad, emphasising the value of post-study job opportunities over living costs. Awareness of immigration updates exists, yet most students remain resolute in their plans.

Rijiju calls Naseeruddin Shah ‘dangerous urban dimagi naxal’
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju responded critically to actor Naseeruddin Shah's remarks regarding the education system. Shah expressed his support for Jamia Millia Islamia students and their protest to restore the student union. Rijiju labeled Shah as a 'dangerous urban dimagi naxal' and denounced his views on democracy as harmful. Additionally, Shah has publicly addressed student issues and criticized government actions in previous instances.

Janhvi Kapoor reveals how boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya 'took a semester off' in London to support her after Sridevi’s death. Check his education and career
Janhvi Kapoor recently opened up about the heartwarming emotional support she found in Shikhar Pahariya following the loss of her mother. To be there for her during this challenging period, he paused his studies in London and settled at a friend's place in Juhu. She recalled these memories while appearing on Koffee With Karan Season 9 alongside Varun Dhawan. Read on!

US Midterms 2026: Are educated Republican districts going extinct?
Republican Mike Lawler’s New York House seat has become a test of whether GOP incumbents can survive in affluent, highly educated suburban districts where Donald Trump is unpopular. Democrat Cait Conley is trying to nationalise the race around tariffs, healthcare and the Iran war, while Lawler is stressing his local record and occasional breaks with Trump as Republicans face pressure among college-educated voters.

South Korea updates international education reforms; introduces incentives to develop Korean language skills
South Korea aims to change its international student visa system by focusing on Korean language proficiency and academic performance. The Ministry of Justice outlined plans to allow students with intermediate Korean skills to obtain visas without financial proofs. Proposed regulations will affect part-time work eligibility based on language achievements and could require language proficiency for visa extensions.
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