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A row has emerged at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) after PhD Research Advisory Committee (RAC) interviews for the Yoga subject were conducted without proper notification. A lady PhD candidate, Sonali Atmane, filed a complaint after learning the interviews had already taken place in secrecy. The interviews were conducted without proper intimation to all eligible candidates, disenfranchising some hopefuls. In-charge PhD cell Prof. Ashesh Tiwari has called upon the School of Yoga head to explain.

The interviews on February 18 were conducted without proper intimation to all the candidates eligible, thereby disenfranchising some hopefuls, among them Atmane, who could not show up. In-charge PhD cell Prof. Ashesh Tiwari has since called upon the School of Yoga head to explain. 

Candidates kept in the dark

DAVV PhD admissions commenced in January, and thereafter, the university directed departments to issue RAC notices and arrange interviews between 5th to 28th February. While most departments took it up in that manner, there was no formal announcement regarding Yoga subject interviews. Atmane went to the university on February 17 to find out the procedure but was advised to check the website.

But by February 22, she found out that the interviews were already over and results announced, and thus she complained. The Yoga department has a total of 8 PhD seats, for which 18 candidates were shortlisted upon scrutiny. But because of the lack of notification, only 12 candidates attended the interview.

The Nagpur University organized Modi Script training class from Feb 11-21. Organized jointly by the directorate of archives, Govt of Maharashtra, and department of postgraduate history, the event was formally closed by Shamrao Koreti, dean of the faculty of anthropology, and Modi Script trainers and assistant researchers Sanjay Awale and Bharat Gawli.

Awale stressed that the training is to popularize the significant Modi Script, which thrived in the 12th century and was at its best during the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj period. It is necessary to study the Modi Script to study ancient revenue department records. Though Marathi language, script, and practice are different, it is necessary to study Modi Script to access govt records. Owing to the absence of experts, numerous documents go unread, and so the directorate of archives carries out training throughout Maharashtra, Awale said. Gawli pointed out that an understanding of the Modi Script provides diverse govt job opportunities in archives.

He emphasized that the script could be made into a valuable career through correct training for document translation. The chairperson of the event, Koreti, emphasized that knowing the Modi Script is critical to researchers. Accurate training will result in high-quality research. Key govt documents prior to 1950 were in Modi Script. Rethinking of old documents with this script could assist in planning future undertakings, he said with an optimistic view.

Forty-one students attended the training, mastering the intricacies of writing and reading the Modi Script in 10 days. Most students were satisfied with the training and wanted more such programs. Rambhau Korekar, the coordinator, welcomed the event, and Prof Ashok Naitam welcomed the guest speakers. The event was organized by Achal Salve, and Gaurav Shivankar moved vote of thanks.

Close to 20,000 students are left in the dark about their future following Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Tuesday pronouncing 81 private schools, some of which had claimed to be affiliated with CBSE, as illegal and is considering shutting them down in the near future. The schools have been issued a Rs 52-crore fine and FIRs have been filed against 68.

The schools had defaulted on provisions like running without registration and from unauthorized buildings or residential societies. "Diva had the maximum illegal schools (65), followed by Mumbra, Kalwa, Majiwada-Manpada and Uthalsar," said Sachin Sangale, deputy municipal commissioner, education.

Water supply connections of a few of the schools have been cut, officials added, saying that the town development office and the anti-encroachment department will draw up an action plan as per the civic laws.

The officials added that TMC is most likely to provide a chance to the school managements to fall in line with the norms. Sangale added that five of them have come to the education department with an intention to regularise operations by adhering to the norms.

The news, issued on the day that marks the culmination of the present academic year, was of concern to parents who suspect that enrolled students at these institutions risk being denied the academic year. The civic administration claimed action against problematic schools will never abate, though it also committed itself to finding place in other local schools for such students who stand affected. "We are negotiating with private schools in the area. Nineteen schools have shown interest in taking in these students," said Sangale.

TMC has initiated a campaign to detect and eliminate illegal schools after its commissioner, Saurabh Rao, instructed the same. "The majority of the schools run in low income group areas where parents are unaware of the necessity to determine the authenticity of institutions. Many parents are attracted due to the lower fees and proximity. We are conducting regular awareness campaigns," said Sangale.

Jaipur National University's School of Media Studies offers courses for future journalists and media professionals, including a 3-year BAJMC, a 2-year MAJMC, and a Ph.D. The school provides hands-on learning in state-of-the-art media laboratories, student-owned JNU Radio 86.9 FM, and exposure to industry through high-profile media events. The Department Head was awarded a National Award by the Media Federation of India, and students have been recognized for their public relations and content writing skills.

The courses conducted are a 3-year BAJMC (undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication), a 2-year MAJMC (postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication), and a research-based Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication.

The school's course strengths are experiential learning exercises in cutting-edge media labs with software and drones for aerial photography. Students also get to work on JNU Radio 86.9 FM, a student-driven platform for community outreach and social awareness campaigns. The school also screens students' documentaries and short films, giving them industry exposure through participation in high-profile media events and competitions.

The Department Head received a National Award from the Media Federation of India, demonstrating the school's relative achievement. Additionally, students have received awards for their newfound talent in public relations and their ability to write content.

JNU's dedicated placement cell helps students find internships and positions in prestigious media companies and provides career counseling around-the-clock. The 2025–2026 batch's admissions are currently open. Potential applicants can visit JNU's website or call them at 8823999275.

The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) cancelled the Class 10 Hindi and Science board examinations after a paper leak scandal. The exams on February 18 and 20 were marred when the leaked papers started appearing on social media before the examination was to take place.

As per TOI reports, JAC authorities said the examinations were cancelled in order to protect the integrity of the examination procedure and provide equal opportunity for fair assessment to all students.

The council has promised students that fresh dates for the rescheduled exams will be released shortly. In the meantime, a top-level probe has been initiated to trace the origin of the leak and avoid any such incidents in the future.

The scandal has incensed widespread public outrage among educators, parents, and students, who have attacked JAC for not stopping the breach. In order to ensure exam security, opposition parties have also denounced the board and demanded stricter regulations.

The leak is being investigated in the districts of Koderma and Giridih, where authorities think the breach began, according to JAC sources. The offenders would probably face harsh punishment from the Jharkhand police and the education department.

4.33 lakh students who are taking the matriculation exams at 1,297 locations throughout the state will be impacted by the cancellation. Students preparing for their board examinations are experiencing fear and uncertainty as a result of the disruption, which was originally scheduled to finish on March 3.

Interestingly, the science question paper is said to have gone online late on February 18, a day prior to the planned exam, leaving questions about the efficacy of the security measures in place. With increasing pressure from stakeholders, JAC is now confronted with not only re-conducting the examinations but also regaining confidence in the examination system.

At Nagaland University, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has vehemently advocated for 80% of positions to be reserved for native Naga students. The student body, which claims that unemployment is rising and that Naga students are underrepresented among university employees, has warned of massive agitations if their demands are not addressed.

"We won't retreat until our demands are met," asserted the NSF president to the reporter of The Telegraph. "The university must create job opportunities for indigenous Naga students, not letting them lag on their land."

According to reports of the Telegraph, the NSF has maintained that giving priority to Naga students in recruitment and appointments is necessary not just for the curbing of unemployment but also for the maintenance of Naga culture and traditions. The federation has also accused the university of following hiring policies that favor outsiders at the expense of local students, resulting in less job opportunities for Nagas.

The management of Nagaland University has not yet formally responded to the NSF's requests. However, reports claim that university representatives are open to working with the student body to find a solution. It's uncertain if the government would consent to an employment quota or take additional actions to satisfy the demands of the NSF.

The NSF's demand has ignited a controversy throughout the state. Most locals and student groups have come out in support, contending that indigenous students should be better represented in their own state's top educational institution. They feel that a systematic reservation policy will open up more opportunities for Nagas and stop brain drain.

On the other hand, several officials and education experts have questioned whether the demand is feasible. Mandating an 80% job quota, according to critics, would compromise the university's merit-based hiring procedure, which might affect the standard of administration and instruction. They contend that while local representation is important, selections should be made based on qualifications and qualifications rather than just ethnicity.

As tensions rise, the pressure is building on Nagaland University to reach a balanced solution. In the absence of any agreement, the NSF has said that it is ready to stage mass protests, which may disrupt administrative and academic functions at the university.

With the problem picking up steam, everyone now looks to the university administration and state government to observe how they will balance this delicate demand while ensuring that meritocracy and indigenous representation are both maintained.