July 17, 2026

December 2025

US revokes 85,000 visas of all categories for public safety: DUI, assaults, celebration of Charlie Kirk’s murder top reasons

US revokes 85,000 visas of all categories for public safety: DUI, assaults, celebration of Charlie Kirk’s murder top reasons

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Since January, the Donald Trump administration has revoked 85,000 visas of all categories, even before the immigration ban on 19 countries of concern was imposed earlier this month. This number of more than double the number pulled last year, the State Department said. The top reasons for the visa revocations are driving under the influence,…

Read More
NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday celebrated her 78th birthday inside the Parliament complex as the House discussed electoral reforms.Congress party shared images in a post on X, in which Sonia was seen cutting a cake in the Congress Parliamentary Party office as several Members of Parliament from INDIA bloc parties joined in.”Here’s to many more years of your wise leadership and dedicated service to the nation, Smt Sonia Gandhi ji. Members of Parliament extended birthday greetings to CPP Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi ji at the CPP Office, Parliament House,” the party said.When asked if she wants to convey any message to the people of the country, Sonia said, “Vande Mataram and Jai Hind”Additionally, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also greeted Sonia, saying, “Heartfelt birthday greetings to Mrs Sonia Gandhi ji, along with endless good wishes for a healthy and active life!”Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Tuesday also issued a notice to Sonia Gandhi over the “illegal inclusion” of her name in the voter rolls of 1980-81.The petition stems from a complaint filed by advocate Vikas Tripathi, which the Magistrate had rejected at the threshold, holding that it lacked legal foundation and relied solely on uncertified photocopies of electoral records from 1980.The matter is now listed for further hearing on January 6, when the Sessions Court will continue examining the challenge to the Magistrate’s order dismissing the complaint at the threshold.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosInterpol Blue Notice Explained: How CBI Tracks Absconding Luthra Brothers In Goa Nightclub Fire CaseIndia At The Centre: How The New US Security Blueprint Plans To Deepen Strategic Ties With DelhiBJP’s Nishikant Dubey Counters Rahul Gandhi, Accuses Cong Of Weakening India’s Key InstitutionsWhy Trump Accuses India Of Dumping Rice And What A New Tariff Shock Could Mean For Trade Relations’Vote Chori Is The Biggest Anti-National Act’: Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP In Lok Sabha’China…Trump…Economy’: Kharge Hits Out At PM Modi, Amit Shah In Rajya Sabha‘BJP Insulting Gandhi, Patel, Tagore’: Kharge Slams Amit Shah Over Vande Mataram & Nehru Claims’No Link To Bengal’: Amit Shah’s Fiery Speech on Vande Mataram, Blames Nehru, Indira of SabotageBJP’S Sanjay Jaiswal Thanks Rahul Gandhi For ‘Vote Chori’ Charge, Claims It Boosted NDA’S Bihar WinWhy India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout123Photostories5 touching quotes on love and relationships by Colleen Hoover10 things millennials grew up with that Gen Z can’t relate to8 under 10-minute protein-rich cheelas for office tiffinWedding ring designs: 5 best gold ring designs rooted in South Indian heritageBaby girl names inspired by sports personalities5 fruits that can boost collagen in your skinLesser-known facts about ‘Dhurandhar’ star Akshaye Khanna: the actor who almost married Karisma Kapoor and remained single at 5010 best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in India for those who want to avoid crowdsBirch by Romeo Lane torn down: Photos of Luthra brothers’ demolished Goa nightclub8 healthy desi dishes that should be part of daily winter meals123Hot PicksCandace OwensCharlie KirkWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingJalen HurtsDonald TrumpJEE Main New RecommendationsMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthAlix EarleRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensTop US Colleges Co-OpProgramsF-1 students US

NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday celebrated her 78th birthday inside the Parliament complex as the House discussed electoral reforms.Congress party shared images in a post on X, in which Sonia was seen cutting a cake in the Congress Parliamentary Party office as several Members of Parliament from INDIA bloc parties joined in.”Here’s to many more years of your wise leadership and dedicated service to the nation, Smt Sonia Gandhi ji. Members of Parliament extended birthday greetings to CPP Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi ji at the CPP Office, Parliament House,” the party said.When asked if she wants to convey any message to the people of the country, Sonia said, “Vande Mataram and Jai Hind”Additionally, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also greeted Sonia, saying, “Heartfelt birthday greetings to Mrs Sonia Gandhi ji, along with endless good wishes for a healthy and active life!”Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Tuesday also issued a notice to Sonia Gandhi over the “illegal inclusion” of her name in the voter rolls of 1980-81.The petition stems from a complaint filed by advocate Vikas Tripathi, which the Magistrate had rejected at the threshold, holding that it lacked legal foundation and relied solely on uncertified photocopies of electoral records from 1980.The matter is now listed for further hearing on January 6, when the Sessions Court will continue examining the challenge to the Magistrate’s order dismissing the complaint at the threshold.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosInterpol Blue Notice Explained: How CBI Tracks Absconding Luthra Brothers In Goa Nightclub Fire CaseIndia At The Centre: How The New US Security Blueprint Plans To Deepen Strategic Ties With DelhiBJP’s Nishikant Dubey Counters Rahul Gandhi, Accuses Cong Of Weakening India’s Key InstitutionsWhy Trump Accuses India Of Dumping Rice And What A New Tariff Shock Could Mean For Trade Relations’Vote Chori Is The Biggest Anti-National Act’: Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP In Lok Sabha’China…Trump…Economy’: Kharge Hits Out At PM Modi, Amit Shah In Rajya Sabha‘BJP Insulting Gandhi, Patel, Tagore’: Kharge Slams Amit Shah Over Vande Mataram & Nehru Claims’No Link To Bengal’: Amit Shah’s Fiery Speech on Vande Mataram, Blames Nehru, Indira of SabotageBJP’S Sanjay Jaiswal Thanks Rahul Gandhi For ‘Vote Chori’ Charge, Claims It Boosted NDA’S Bihar WinWhy India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout123Photostories5 touching quotes on love and relationships by Colleen Hoover10 things millennials grew up with that Gen Z can’t relate to8 under 10-minute protein-rich cheelas for office tiffinWedding ring designs: 5 best gold ring designs rooted in South Indian heritageBaby girl names inspired by sports personalities5 fruits that can boost collagen in your skinLesser-known facts about ‘Dhurandhar’ star Akshaye Khanna: the actor who almost married Karisma Kapoor and remained single at 5010 best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in India for those who want to avoid crowdsBirch by Romeo Lane torn down: Photos of Luthra brothers’ demolished Goa nightclub8 healthy desi dishes that should be part of daily winter meals123Hot PicksCandace OwensCharlie KirkWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingJalen HurtsDonald TrumpJEE Main New RecommendationsMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthAlix EarleRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensTop US Colleges Co-OpProgramsF-1 students US

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday celebrated her 78th birthday inside the Parliament complex as the House discussed electoral reforms.Congress party shared images in a post on X, in which Sonia was seen cutting a cake in the Congress Parliamentary Party office as several Members of Parliament from INDIA bloc parties joined…

Read More
Pandya power: Hardik enters elite list alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma; becomes fourth Indian to achieve this feat | Cricket News

Pandya power: Hardik enters elite list alongside Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma; becomes fourth Indian to achieve this feat | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Hardik Pandya plays a shot during the first T20 International cricket match between India and South Africa in Cuttack, India, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP) Ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya returned to competitive cricket with a half-century that helped India reach 175/6 in the first T20I against South Africa on Tuesday.Playing his first match after 74…

Read More
‘Avengers: Doomsday’ teaser trailer: Runtime and rating revealed amid buzz about release ahead of ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ teaser trailer: Runtime and rating revealed amid buzz about release ahead of ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

If rumours are true, then the first official teaser trailer of Marvel’s next big release, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, will debut earlier than expected. Fans waiting for the return of Robert Downey Jr to the MCU after 6 long years, might just get to catch the trailer before it plays out on the big screens with ‘Avatar:…

Read More
Sam Altman says industry is wrong on OpenAI’s competition, it is not from Google, but …

Sam Altman says industry is wrong on OpenAI’s competition, it is not from Google, but …

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has declared Apple its ultimate rival, shifting focus from AGI to device-centric AI. A ‘code red’ memo halts moonshot projects to boost ChatGPT’s performance, driven by aggressive talent raids from Apple. Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini surges, forcing OpenAI to prioritize mass-market appeal and user feedback to regain dominance. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman…

Read More
. NEW DELHI: A parliamentary standing committee has flagged a leadership vacuum at the University Grants Commission (UGC) and called for urgent systemic reforms at the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), saying the accreditation regime is “long and bureaucratic” and its credibility must be restored “with the utmost urgency”.The panel noted that “the position of the chairperson, UGC, has been vacant since April 2025” and reminded the government that as per the National Education Policy, “leadership positions shall not remain vacant, but rather an overlapping time period during transitions in leadership shall be the norm”. It therefore “recommends that a new Chairperson should be appointed for the UGC as soon as possible”. Why India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout On NAAC, the 371st Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, stated, “the current process of accreditation/re-accreditation is long and bureaucratic, with five yearly re-accreditation and yearly reports that demand considerable time from University administrators”. It added that “NAAC’s accreditation process for HEIs needs to be streamlined so that the whole process is quick and without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles”.Referring to the bribery case involving NAAC, the report said: “there is an investigation ongoing into a recent case of bribery in the NAAC” and recommended that “a thorough internal investigation should be initiated in the matter and findings of the investigation may be shared with the Committee”. While acknowledging “the revision in the grading of about 200 institutions and the removal of about 900 peer assessors”, it said “the restoration of the NAAC’s credibility is of the utmost urgency”.On the overlap between NAAC and rankings, the panel said, “in this context, the NAAC’s grading of institutions is extraneous” and backed a simpler model. “A binary accreditation model… would be simpler to implement, ease the bureaucratic process, and limit the scope for discretion in the NAAC’s grading,” it said, noting that it “was scheduled to be implemented in July 2024 but has been delayed” and urging “the early implementation of the same”.The committee also flagged delays in the UGC’s equity framework. On the Draft UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, it said “there has been a considerable delay in finalising these draft regulations” and recommended that they “must explicitly include the harassment of students and other stakeholders from the Other Backward Classes (OBCs)”, disability-based discrimination, and provide for “annual public disclosure of caste-based discrimination cases”.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy Trump Accuses India Of Dumping Rice And What A New Tariff Shock Could Mean For Trade Relations’No Link To Bengal’: Amit Shah’s Fiery Speech on Vande Mataram, Blames Nehru, Indira of SabotageBJP’S Sanjay Jaiswal Thanks Rahul Gandhi For ‘Vote Chori’ Charge, Claims It Boosted NDA’S Bihar WinWhy India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout’BLOs Are Dying, Shut Down SIR’: Manish Tewari’s Charge Triggers Showdown Over Election ReformsAs IndiGo Spirals Into Crisis, PM Modi Stresses Rules Must Ease Citizens’ Lives, Not Burden Them‘Daily Struggle To Survive’: Lawyer Exposes Grim Reality For Air India Crash FamiliesPM Modi’s Wish For Khaleda Zia’s Recovery Earns BNP Praise, Marking A Rare Diplomatic Shift In DhakaPakistan’s Asim Munir Threatens India With ‘Severe Response’ In First Speech After Becoming CDFRaghuram Rajan Claims Trump Tariffs Stemmed From Ego Clash Over Indo-Pak Ceasefire Credit Battle123Photostories8 healthy desi dishes that should be part of daily winter meals5 tips that can help you poop before going to workShe Travels: 10 wildlife safaris every woman should experience with her girl gang (India edition)From teeth to tone: What people spot about you in the first 5 secondsNutrition fact of the day: Egg yolk contains rare brain nutrients7-day high-fiber, nutrient-dense vegetarian diet plan for diabetesHigh uric acid level? 10 ways to manage it naturally without any medicine‘Pride of Bengaluru’: IPL will stay at Chinnaswamy despite June 4 stampede chaosHow to keep pigeons away from your house: 5 super-effective waysWhat your date of birth reveals about past life karma123Hot PicksCandace OwensCharlie KirkWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingJalen HurtsDonald TrumpJEE Main New RecommendationsMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthAlix EarleRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensTop US Colleges Co-OpProgramsF-1 students US

. NEW DELHI: A parliamentary standing committee has flagged a leadership vacuum at the University Grants Commission (UGC) and called for urgent systemic reforms at the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), saying the accreditation regime is “long and bureaucratic” and its credibility must be restored “with the utmost urgency”.The panel noted that “the position of the chairperson, UGC, has been vacant since April 2025” and reminded the government that as per the National Education Policy, “leadership positions shall not remain vacant, but rather an overlapping time period during transitions in leadership shall be the norm”. It therefore “recommends that a new Chairperson should be appointed for the UGC as soon as possible”. Why India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout On NAAC, the 371st Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, stated, “the current process of accreditation/re-accreditation is long and bureaucratic, with five yearly re-accreditation and yearly reports that demand considerable time from University administrators”. It added that “NAAC’s accreditation process for HEIs needs to be streamlined so that the whole process is quick and without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles”.Referring to the bribery case involving NAAC, the report said: “there is an investigation ongoing into a recent case of bribery in the NAAC” and recommended that “a thorough internal investigation should be initiated in the matter and findings of the investigation may be shared with the Committee”. While acknowledging “the revision in the grading of about 200 institutions and the removal of about 900 peer assessors”, it said “the restoration of the NAAC’s credibility is of the utmost urgency”.On the overlap between NAAC and rankings, the panel said, “in this context, the NAAC’s grading of institutions is extraneous” and backed a simpler model. “A binary accreditation model… would be simpler to implement, ease the bureaucratic process, and limit the scope for discretion in the NAAC’s grading,” it said, noting that it “was scheduled to be implemented in July 2024 but has been delayed” and urging “the early implementation of the same”.The committee also flagged delays in the UGC’s equity framework. On the Draft UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, it said “there has been a considerable delay in finalising these draft regulations” and recommended that they “must explicitly include the harassment of students and other stakeholders from the Other Backward Classes (OBCs)”, disability-based discrimination, and provide for “annual public disclosure of caste-based discrimination cases”.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy Trump Accuses India Of Dumping Rice And What A New Tariff Shock Could Mean For Trade Relations’No Link To Bengal’: Amit Shah’s Fiery Speech on Vande Mataram, Blames Nehru, Indira of SabotageBJP’S Sanjay Jaiswal Thanks Rahul Gandhi For ‘Vote Chori’ Charge, Claims It Boosted NDA’S Bihar WinWhy India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout’BLOs Are Dying, Shut Down SIR’: Manish Tewari’s Charge Triggers Showdown Over Election ReformsAs IndiGo Spirals Into Crisis, PM Modi Stresses Rules Must Ease Citizens’ Lives, Not Burden Them‘Daily Struggle To Survive’: Lawyer Exposes Grim Reality For Air India Crash FamiliesPM Modi’s Wish For Khaleda Zia’s Recovery Earns BNP Praise, Marking A Rare Diplomatic Shift In DhakaPakistan’s Asim Munir Threatens India With ‘Severe Response’ In First Speech After Becoming CDFRaghuram Rajan Claims Trump Tariffs Stemmed From Ego Clash Over Indo-Pak Ceasefire Credit Battle123Photostories8 healthy desi dishes that should be part of daily winter meals5 tips that can help you poop before going to workShe Travels: 10 wildlife safaris every woman should experience with her girl gang (India edition)From teeth to tone: What people spot about you in the first 5 secondsNutrition fact of the day: Egg yolk contains rare brain nutrients7-day high-fiber, nutrient-dense vegetarian diet plan for diabetesHigh uric acid level? 10 ways to manage it naturally without any medicine‘Pride of Bengaluru’: IPL will stay at Chinnaswamy despite June 4 stampede chaosHow to keep pigeons away from your house: 5 super-effective waysWhat your date of birth reveals about past life karma123Hot PicksCandace OwensCharlie KirkWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingJalen HurtsDonald TrumpJEE Main New RecommendationsMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthAlix EarleRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensTop US Colleges Co-OpProgramsF-1 students US

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary standing committee has flagged a leadership vacuum at the University Grants Commission (UGC) and called for urgent systemic reforms at the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), saying the accreditation regime is “long and bureaucratic” and its credibility must be restored “with the utmost urgency”.The panel noted that “the position of…

Read More
Chess | ‘It’s now time to …’: R Praggnanandhaa opens up after becoming first Indian to qualify for Candidates 2026 | Chess News

Chess | ‘It’s now time to …’: R Praggnanandhaa opens up after becoming first Indian to qualify for Candidates 2026 | Chess News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Chennai: Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa with his mother R Nagalakshmi after winning the Wijk aan Zee Masters 2025 (PTI Photo)( Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament after winning the FIDE Circuit 2025. The achievement comes following his recent performance at the London Chess Classic, despite a disappointing result at the…

Read More
‘If passion and that fire are not there, you’re not going to move forward’: Sachin Tendulkar shares key mantra ahead of ISPL auction

‘If passion and that fire are not there, you’re not going to move forward’: Sachin Tendulkar shares key mantra ahead of ISPL auction

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Core Committee Member of Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Sachin Tendulkar, left, with Srinagar Ke Veer’s co-owner Akshay Kumar during the ISPL Season 3 player auction (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil) Sachin Tendulkar, the Indian cricket legend and Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Core Committee Member, shared advice with ISPL players during the league’s auction.“I started playing…

Read More
US work permit validity reduced to 18 months, here is who will be directly affected and who will not

US work permit validity reduced to 18 months, here is who will be directly affected and who will not

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

EAD duration cut to 18 months in the US, check which immigrants and visa holders are impacted. (Freepik) The US has sharply curtailed the duration of many immigrant work permits. Under a new policy from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain categories will now be issued for a maximum…

Read More
Amid criticism over Peddi, Jani Master celebrates wife Ayesha’s union election win, ‘We promise to live up to your expectations’

Amid criticism over Peddi, Jani Master celebrates wife Ayesha’s union election win, ‘We promise to live up to your expectations’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Even as criticism mounts against AR Rahman and the Peddi team for working with choreographer Jani Master, his wife Ayesha — popularly known as Sumalatha — has emerged victorious in the Telugu Film and TV Dancers and Dance Directors Association elections. She has now assumed office as the President of the body. Celebrations break out…

Read More
Your poop can predict when you will die; scientists uncover alarming clues |

Your poop can predict when you will die; scientists uncover alarming clues |

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

It is unsettling to imagine that a stool sample could reveal how much time a critically ill patient may have left, yet emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome might be a powerful indicator of survival during life-threatening illness. Scientists studying severe infections, shock and respiratory failure have identified patterns in faecal metabolites that strongly…

Read More
‘Vote chori biggest anti-national act’: Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha during SIR debate; slams RSS

‘Vote chori biggest anti-national act’: Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha during SIR debate; slams RSS

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said there’s no bigger anti-national act than “vote chori” which harms the fabric of the nation. During the debate in the Lower House on the Special Intensive Revision, Rahul Gandhi, reiterating his claim of “rigged” elections, asserted the Election…

Read More
Chrisean Rock sparks huge outrage for calling QTCinderella’s Streamer Awards 2025 “Racist” after RaKai’s snub

Chrisean Rock sparks huge outrage for calling QTCinderella’s Streamer Awards 2025 “Racist” after RaKai’s snub

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Chrisean Rock (via Getty Images) A video of American rapper Chrisean Rock is going viral on social media. In the clip, she accused The Streamer Awards of being “racist.” She claimed the show failed to honor RaKai and Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr., better known as DDG. The strong statement quickly spread across platforms and sparked…

Read More
India’s education loan schemes are failing deserving students, a parliamentary panel revealed. Despite promises of easy access, red tape, high interest, and unequal distribution plague the system, particularly impacting northern and rural students. The report highlights significant processing delays and the severe mental health toll of mounting debt, urging urgent reforms for equitable higher education access. NEW DELHI: The accessibility of education loans in India is declining even as the cost of higher education has risen sharply, a Parliamentary panel has warned, flagging serious gaps between policy intent and on-ground delivery. In its 372nd report, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, said shrinking access to loans threatens equitable entry into higher education.“The Committee expresses its concerns over these figures since it suggests that the accessibility of educational loans is declining over time, even as educational costs have risen rapidly,” the panel observed, noting that the number of active student loan accounts fell from 23.36 lakh in 2014 to 20.63 lakh in 2025, even as the total credit amount surged from Rs 52,327 crore to Rs 1,37,474 crore during the same period. Why India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout While acknowledging that the Department of Higher Education has undertaken publicity for the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme through print, radio, institutional camps and social media, the panel underlined a major awareness gap. “The Committee notes that majority of students from rural background, disadvantageous sections of the society and remote areas are perhaps not aware of the schemes being run by Government for education loans,” it said.The panel also flagged a sharp regional skew in loan access. “The states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra account for the bulk of education loan borrowers. This skewed distribution of loan disbursal shows that there are gaps in implementation of the education loan schemes and there is a dire need to make efforts to raise awareness across States,” the report noted. Northern and rural regions continue to lag despite high demand.Despite the promise of collateral-free, low-interest loans, the committee pointed out that procedural barriers remain dominant. “Loan applications are accepted only on proper documentation and the presence of a co-applicant or guarantor. Due diligence is carried out before loan sanction,” it recorded, indicating continued dependence on traditional safeguards.The report also highlighted major implementation gaps under PM Vidyalaxmi. Between February 25 and August 31, 2025, banks received 55,887 applications, sanctioned 30,442 loans amounting to Rs 4,427 crore, but disbursed only 21,967 loans worth Rs 688.27 crore. “These figures reflect the fact that around 15 per cent amount has been disbursed against the sanctioned amount,” the committee noted, recommending that sanctioned loans should not be curtailed or rejected and that banks should significantly improve sanction rates.It further warned of the psychological burden of education debt. “These financial pressures often lead to mental health issues… and in some cases turns deadly,” the committee observed.Among its recommendations, the panel called for expansion of the Credit Guarantee Fund ceiling, extension of the repayment moratorium beyond one year after course completion, stricter enforcement of collateral-free lending, district-wise dashboards for loan sanctions and rejections, and large-scale awareness campaigns in rural and disadvantaged regions. It cautioned that unless these steps are enforced, education loans will not achieve the objective of widening access to higher education.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’China…Trump…Economy’: Kharge Hits Out At PM Modi, Amit Shah In Rajya Sabha‘BJP Insulting Gandhi, Patel, Tagore’: Kharge Slams Amit Shah Over Vande Mataram & Nehru ClaimsWhy Trump Accuses India Of Dumping Rice And What A New Tariff Shock Could Mean For Trade Relations’No Link To Bengal’: Amit Shah’s Fiery Speech on Vande Mataram, Blames Nehru, Indira of SabotageBJP’S Sanjay Jaiswal Thanks Rahul Gandhi For ‘Vote Chori’ Charge, Claims It Boosted NDA’S Bihar WinWhy India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout’BLOs Are Dying, Shut Down SIR’: Manish Tewari’s Charge Triggers Showdown Over Election ReformsAs IndiGo Spirals Into Crisis, PM Modi Stresses Rules Must Ease Citizens’ Lives, Not Burden Them‘Daily Struggle To Survive’: Lawyer Exposes Grim Reality For Air India Crash FamiliesPM Modi’s Wish For Khaleda Zia’s Recovery Earns BNP Praise, Marking A Rare Diplomatic Shift In Dhaka123PhotostoriesLesser-known facts about ‘Dhurandhar’ star Akshaye Khanna: the actor who almost married Karisma Kapoor and remained single at 5010 best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in India for those who want to avoid crowdsBirch by Romeo Lane torn down: Photos of Luthra brothers’ demolished Goa nightclub8 healthy desi dishes that should be part of daily winter meals5 tips that can help you poop better before going to workShe Travels: 10 wildlife safaris every woman should experience with her girl gang (India edition)From teeth to tone: What people spot about you in the first 5 secondsNutrition fact of the day: Egg yolk contains rare brain nutrients7-day high-fiber, nutrient-dense vegetarian diet plan for diabetesHigh uric acid level? 10 ways to manage it naturally without any medicine123Hot PicksCandace OwensCharlie KirkWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingJalen HurtsDonald TrumpJEE Main New RecommendationsMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthAlix EarleRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensTop US Colleges Co-OpProgramsF-1 students US

India’s education loan schemes are failing deserving students, a parliamentary panel revealed. Despite promises of easy access, red tape, high interest, and unequal distribution plague the system, particularly impacting northern and rural students. The report highlights significant processing delays and the severe mental health toll of mounting debt, urging urgent reforms for equitable higher education access. NEW DELHI: The accessibility of education loans in India is declining even as the cost of higher education has risen sharply, a Parliamentary panel has warned, flagging serious gaps between policy intent and on-ground delivery. In its 372nd report, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, said shrinking access to loans threatens equitable entry into higher education.“The Committee expresses its concerns over these figures since it suggests that the accessibility of educational loans is declining over time, even as educational costs have risen rapidly,” the panel observed, noting that the number of active student loan accounts fell from 23.36 lakh in 2014 to 20.63 lakh in 2025, even as the total credit amount surged from Rs 52,327 crore to Rs 1,37,474 crore during the same period. Why India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout While acknowledging that the Department of Higher Education has undertaken publicity for the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme through print, radio, institutional camps and social media, the panel underlined a major awareness gap. “The Committee notes that majority of students from rural background, disadvantageous sections of the society and remote areas are perhaps not aware of the schemes being run by Government for education loans,” it said.The panel also flagged a sharp regional skew in loan access. “The states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra account for the bulk of education loan borrowers. This skewed distribution of loan disbursal shows that there are gaps in implementation of the education loan schemes and there is a dire need to make efforts to raise awareness across States,” the report noted. Northern and rural regions continue to lag despite high demand.Despite the promise of collateral-free, low-interest loans, the committee pointed out that procedural barriers remain dominant. “Loan applications are accepted only on proper documentation and the presence of a co-applicant or guarantor. Due diligence is carried out before loan sanction,” it recorded, indicating continued dependence on traditional safeguards.The report also highlighted major implementation gaps under PM Vidyalaxmi. Between February 25 and August 31, 2025, banks received 55,887 applications, sanctioned 30,442 loans amounting to Rs 4,427 crore, but disbursed only 21,967 loans worth Rs 688.27 crore. “These figures reflect the fact that around 15 per cent amount has been disbursed against the sanctioned amount,” the committee noted, recommending that sanctioned loans should not be curtailed or rejected and that banks should significantly improve sanction rates.It further warned of the psychological burden of education debt. “These financial pressures often lead to mental health issues… and in some cases turns deadly,” the committee observed.Among its recommendations, the panel called for expansion of the Credit Guarantee Fund ceiling, extension of the repayment moratorium beyond one year after course completion, stricter enforcement of collateral-free lending, district-wise dashboards for loan sanctions and rejections, and large-scale awareness campaigns in rural and disadvantaged regions. It cautioned that unless these steps are enforced, education loans will not achieve the objective of widening access to higher education.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’China…Trump…Economy’: Kharge Hits Out At PM Modi, Amit Shah In Rajya Sabha‘BJP Insulting Gandhi, Patel, Tagore’: Kharge Slams Amit Shah Over Vande Mataram & Nehru ClaimsWhy Trump Accuses India Of Dumping Rice And What A New Tariff Shock Could Mean For Trade Relations’No Link To Bengal’: Amit Shah’s Fiery Speech on Vande Mataram, Blames Nehru, Indira of SabotageBJP’S Sanjay Jaiswal Thanks Rahul Gandhi For ‘Vote Chori’ Charge, Claims It Boosted NDA’S Bihar WinWhy India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout’BLOs Are Dying, Shut Down SIR’: Manish Tewari’s Charge Triggers Showdown Over Election ReformsAs IndiGo Spirals Into Crisis, PM Modi Stresses Rules Must Ease Citizens’ Lives, Not Burden Them‘Daily Struggle To Survive’: Lawyer Exposes Grim Reality For Air India Crash FamiliesPM Modi’s Wish For Khaleda Zia’s Recovery Earns BNP Praise, Marking A Rare Diplomatic Shift In Dhaka123PhotostoriesLesser-known facts about ‘Dhurandhar’ star Akshaye Khanna: the actor who almost married Karisma Kapoor and remained single at 5010 best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in India for those who want to avoid crowdsBirch by Romeo Lane torn down: Photos of Luthra brothers’ demolished Goa nightclub8 healthy desi dishes that should be part of daily winter meals5 tips that can help you poop better before going to workShe Travels: 10 wildlife safaris every woman should experience with her girl gang (India edition)From teeth to tone: What people spot about you in the first 5 secondsNutrition fact of the day: Egg yolk contains rare brain nutrients7-day high-fiber, nutrient-dense vegetarian diet plan for diabetesHigh uric acid level? 10 ways to manage it naturally without any medicine123Hot PicksCandace OwensCharlie KirkWorld NewsGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingJalen HurtsDonald TrumpJEE Main New RecommendationsMariasharapova and Alexander Net worthAryna Sabalenka Net WorthAlix EarleRafael Nadal and Mery Net WorthCandace OwensTop US Colleges Co-OpProgramsF-1 students US

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The accessibility of education loans in India is declining even as the cost of higher education has risen sharply, a Parliamentary panel has warned, flagging serious gaps between policy intent and on-ground delivery. In its 372nd report, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports, headed by Congress MP…

Read More
Parineeti Chopra credits Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Chamkila’ for her marriage with Raghav Chadha, saying, ‘We didn’t even know each other’

Parineeti Chopra credits Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Chamkila’ for her marriage with Raghav Chadha, saying, ‘We didn’t even know each other’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

In an engaging revelation, Parineeti Chopra shared how her journey in ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ unexpectedly blossomed into romance with Raghav Chadha, whom she met during the film’s Punjabi location preparations. The experience on set was a spectacular blend of live musical energy, helmed by director Imtiaz Ali, packed with delightful antics alongside co-star Diljit Dosanjh…

Read More
10 most beautiful islands in the world

10 most beautiful islands in the world

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

A dreamscape of more than a thousand islands, the Maldives is the ultimate getaway for anyone seeking turquoise lagoons, sugar-white beaches, and unrivalled underwater life. Its atolls float like pearls atop the Indian Ocean, surrounded by some of the clearest waters on Earth. The Maldives is renowned for luxury, but its true charm lies in…

Read More