May 18, 2026
NEET UG 2026 guidelines: NTA reminds candidates on dress code and no watches rule; check details here

NEET UG 2026 guidelines: NTA reminds candidates on dress code and no watches rule; check details here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NTA outlines NEET UG 2026 dress code and exam rules before May test NEET UG 2026 exam rules: The National Testing Agency has issued reminders for candidates appearing in NEET UG 2026 as preparations continue for the examination scheduled on May 3, 2026 in pen-and-paper mode across centres in India.The agency had earlier released advance…

Read More
Friends of Christina Applegate worried for her following her hospitalization: ‘Her battle with MS has been treacherous’ |

Friends of Christina Applegate worried for her following her hospitalization: ‘Her battle with MS has been treacherous’ |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Beloved actress Christina Applegate’s close circle is understandably worried after her recent hospitalization linked to her battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Sources reveal that she is encountering serious obstacles, and those around her are acutely aware of the fragile state of her health. Nevertheless, Applegate is said to keep her spirits high, embodying a remarkable resilience…

Read More
Apr 19, 2026, 08:30 IST

Apr 19, 2026, 08:30 IST

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Vaishali with Women’s Grand Swiss Trophy on the left and with Women’s Candidates title on the right (Photo by Michal Walusza/FIDE) NEW DELHI: The photos and videos are making rounds on social media. Seeing Vaishali hold the Women’s Candidates title and imagining that soon she will sit in front of the five-time World Champion Ju…

Read More
CBSE schools to establish skill labs for experiential learning aligned with NCF-SE 2023 guidelines

CBSE schools to establish skill labs for experiential learning aligned with NCF-SE 2023 guidelines

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Schools to adopt composite skill labs as CBSE aligns curriculum with NCF-SE 2023 framework NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education has directed affiliated schools to establish Composite Skill Labs as part of efforts to strengthen skill-based education. The move aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School…

Read More
Mark Carney Visit Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa: Watch: Canada PM Mark Carney celebrates Sikh Heritage Month, joins community service at Ottawa gurdwara

Mark Carney Visit Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa: Watch: Canada PM Mark Carney celebrates Sikh Heritage Month, joins community service at Ottawa gurdwara

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Canada PM Mark Carney celebrates Sikh Heritage Month, joins community service at Ottawa gurdwara Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Gurdwara Sahib Ottawa on Saturday (local time), where he joined members of the Sikh community in community service as part of Sikh Heritage Month 2026 celebrations.Sharing details and a video of his visit on X,…

Read More
‘Relationship very strong’: Iran after India summons envoy over firing on its vessels in Hormuz | India News

‘Relationship very strong’: Iran after India summons envoy over firing on its vessels in Hormuz | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India Iran on Sunday addressed the shooting incident involving India-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions, with its top representative in India stressing strong ties and calling for peace.“The relationship between Iran and India is very strong and I don’t…

Read More
IPL 2026: Tristan Stubbs hails David Miller’s ice-cool finish as ‘bread and butter’ after win over RCB | Cricket News

IPL 2026: Tristan Stubbs hails David Miller’s ice-cool finish as ‘bread and butter’ after win over RCB | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Tristan Stubbs and David Miller celebrate win (ANI Photo) Delhi Capitals pulled off a stunning last-over victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with David Miller once again proving why he is regarded as one of the finest finishers in world cricket.Chasing a competitive total of 176, DC held their nerve in the closing stages as Miller…

Read More
IPL 2026: KL Rahul reveals ‘Virat Kohli, Phil Salt weren’t happy’ after DC’s win over RCB | Cricket News

IPL 2026: KL Rahul reveals ‘Virat Kohli, Phil Salt weren’t happy’ after DC’s win over RCB | Cricket News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

RCB vs DC at M. Chinnaswamy (Screengrab/X) Delhi Capitals’ stand-in skipper KL Rahul shed light on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s visible frustration after DC pulled off a tense chase at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, courtesy of a late onslaught from David Miller.Rahul, who anchored the innings with a composed half-century, revealed that both Virat Kohli and…

Read More
‘Find lasting solution’: Amid Trump pressure, Brazil, Mexico, Spain release joint statement backing Cuba

‘Find lasting solution’: Amid Trump pressure, Brazil, Mexico, Spain release joint statement backing Cuba

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Mexico, Spain and Brazil on Sunday issued a joint statement on Saturday issued a joint statement voicing concern over the “dramatic situation” in Cuba as the country faced repeated threats from US President Donald Trump.The left-government led countries expressed “deep concern regarding the grave humanitarian crisis that the people of Cuba are enduring and called…

Read More
Us Iran Conflict 2026: ‘Spare the sermons’: Iran slams EU over Hormuz stance, calls ‘international law’ remarks ‘peak hypocrisy’

Us Iran Conflict 2026: ‘Spare the sermons’: Iran slams EU over Hormuz stance, calls ‘international law’ remarks ‘peak hypocrisy’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

File photo: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei Iran on Sunday sharply criticised the European Union over its position on transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of double standards amid escalating tensions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei hit out…

Read More
Dharmendra Pradhan How do you interpret rising stress among children, especially with digital exposure? ■ I see this not as a problem but as a social challenge. As aspirations increase, competition and pressure will also rise. Digital devices have added another dimension, but the root remains the same. This is not a governance issue alone. We need to simplify the core issue and prepare children for life, not just exams. At the same time, excessive screen exposure, constant comparison on social media and information overload are amplifying anxiety. Children are not just studying anymore, they are continuously being evaluated — by peers, platforms and perceptions. This makes it important to guide usage, not simply restrict it. What role do society and campaigns play in addressing mental health concerns? ■ Policy is only one part. Impact comes from social awareness and behavioural change. Everyone has a role to play, including the media. The Times of India’s campaign on destressing and mental health is important in shaping understanding. Parents must realise that success is not defined by coaching or a narrow set of exams. We must also build a culture where digital use is balanced with physical activity, conversation and rest. This is a societal issue of aspirations and perception, not just performance. What policy measures are being taken to reduce stress and make learning more meaningful? ■ NEP addresses the fundamentals. We have introduced new curriculum, syllabus, textbooks and pedagogy, with more sports, arts and skill development. Bagless days and full-fledged courses in sports and skills are meant to reduce academic burden. The aim is to move from certificates to competencies. Students should not feel limited to JEE or NEET. A 360-degree approach builds confidence and helps reduce distress, while also giving students space away from constant digital pressure. What is the central approach to de-stress students within classrooms? ■ Mother tongue. It directly affects understanding and confidence. A child often feels lost when the classroom language is different from the language spoken at home. Mother tongue-based education up to Class V, preferably till Class VIII, bridges this gap. It improves comprehension and significantly reduces stress, making learning more natural and less intimidating. How should India balance digital expansion and AI with student wellbeing? ■ Digital expansion and AI must be approached with awareness and balance. Look, as society moves toward digital, internet penetration in India has reached deep, and smartphones are widely available. We are speaking about Centres of Excellence and AI in education. At such a time, I have observed how other countries handle this — how can we “ring-fence” digital education? If there are any suggestions for ring-fencing digital education from social media, do let me know. We are issuing advisories, focusing on data privacy and building systems for “AI in education” and “AI for education”. Using AI as a tool is one thing — like learning about a telephone. But exchanging information through that telephone is another aspect. We want to be hands-on with both. In India, the understanding of this is multi-dimensional. It presents both an opportunity and a challenge. To gain knowledge, you need the internet through accessibility tools. If you want to perform big data analytics, understand patterns, or have deep understanding, you need AI. It is needed in everything. In the knowledge ecosystem, there is a horizontal connectedness across all verticals—that is what AI is. But safeguards come from awareness. Like fire can burn, technology must be understood responsibly. Children should be taught how to use technology, not be left alone with it. Every technological shift creates a dilemma between old and new systems, and the answer lies in informed transition through scientific understanding and collective responsibility.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 MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

Dharmendra Pradhan How do you interpret rising stress among children, especially with digital exposure? ■ I see this not as a problem but as a social challenge. As aspirations increase, competition and pressure will also rise. Digital devices have added another dimension, but the root remains the same. This is not a governance issue alone. We need to simplify the core issue and prepare children for life, not just exams. At the same time, excessive screen exposure, constant comparison on social media and information overload are amplifying anxiety. Children are not just studying anymore, they are continuously being evaluated — by peers, platforms and perceptions. This makes it important to guide usage, not simply restrict it. What role do society and campaigns play in addressing mental health concerns? ■ Policy is only one part. Impact comes from social awareness and behavioural change. Everyone has a role to play, including the media. The Times of India’s campaign on destressing and mental health is important in shaping understanding. Parents must realise that success is not defined by coaching or a narrow set of exams. We must also build a culture where digital use is balanced with physical activity, conversation and rest. This is a societal issue of aspirations and perception, not just performance. What policy measures are being taken to reduce stress and make learning more meaningful? ■ NEP addresses the fundamentals. We have introduced new curriculum, syllabus, textbooks and pedagogy, with more sports, arts and skill development. Bagless days and full-fledged courses in sports and skills are meant to reduce academic burden. The aim is to move from certificates to competencies. Students should not feel limited to JEE or NEET. A 360-degree approach builds confidence and helps reduce distress, while also giving students space away from constant digital pressure. What is the central approach to de-stress students within classrooms? ■ Mother tongue. It directly affects understanding and confidence. A child often feels lost when the classroom language is different from the language spoken at home. Mother tongue-based education up to Class V, preferably till Class VIII, bridges this gap. It improves comprehension and significantly reduces stress, making learning more natural and less intimidating. How should India balance digital expansion and AI with student wellbeing? ■ Digital expansion and AI must be approached with awareness and balance. Look, as society moves toward digital, internet penetration in India has reached deep, and smartphones are widely available. We are speaking about Centres of Excellence and AI in education. At such a time, I have observed how other countries handle this — how can we “ring-fence” digital education? If there are any suggestions for ring-fencing digital education from social media, do let me know. We are issuing advisories, focusing on data privacy and building systems for “AI in education” and “AI for education”. Using AI as a tool is one thing — like learning about a telephone. But exchanging information through that telephone is another aspect. We want to be hands-on with both. In India, the understanding of this is multi-dimensional. It presents both an opportunity and a challenge. To gain knowledge, you need the internet through accessibility tools. If you want to perform big data analytics, understand patterns, or have deep understanding, you need AI. It is needed in everything. In the knowledge ecosystem, there is a horizontal connectedness across all verticals—that is what AI is. But safeguards come from awareness. Like fire can burn, technology must be understood responsibly. Children should be taught how to use technology, not be left alone with it. Every technological shift creates a dilemma between old and new systems, and the answer lies in informed transition through scientific understanding and collective responsibility.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 MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

How do you interpret rising stress among children, especially with digital exposure? ■ I see this not as a problem but as a social challenge. As aspirations increase, competition and pressure will also rise. Digital devices have added another dimension, but the root remains the same. This is not a governance issue alone. We need…

Read More