Jason Arday accuser given three-month teaching ban but can continue research Nathan Cofnas told by Ghent University to work remotely as US ambassador claims credit for lifting of suspension The Guardian - UK · Aug 30
Jason Arday plagiarism accuser Nathan Cofnas faced doubts over expertise, 'far-right agenda' at Ghent Nathan Cofnas, the academic who exposed Cambridge University Sociology professor Jason Arday’s plagiarism, faced objections from fellow academics at Ghent University over his appointment to a postdoctoral research role. The Times of India · Aug 28
Nobel-winning chemist born to Palestinian refugees grew up with 9 siblings in one room without running water or electricity; after moving to the US in 1980, he developed technology to harvest water from dry desert air without electricity Omar M. Yaghi, a distinguished Nobel laureate, grew up in Jordan, where he faced the harsh reality of water scarcity. This early challenge inspired him to invent metal-organic frameworks, known as MOFs. These remarkable structures efficiently extract water vapor from the atmosphere and are also poised to revolutionize carbon capture… The Economic Times · Aug 28
Ghent professors challenged expertise of Jason Arday’s plagiarism accuser Allegations Nathan Cofnas was unqualified for Ghent role and would cause ‘negative impact’ made to senior leaders months ago The Guardian - UK · Aug 27
IIT Delhi forms final panel to probe MSc student's death, Justice Mukta Gupta to head inquiry IIT Delhi has formed a five-member external inquiry committee to investigate a student's death. The committee, headed by Justice Mukta Gupta, will submit its report within two weeks. The student died on August 22 after falling from the Lecture Hall Complex. Police registered a case of abetment to suicide against… The Economic Times · Aug 27
An Oregon high-school junior remembered feeling lost during her first research internship, so she built a free student-led platform to help other teens find mentors and publish research Inspired by her own struggles during a research internship, Riya Velhal, a driven high school junior, established StratScholar. This innovative initiative is dedicated to providing mentorship and resources that empower young researchers, particularly those in middle and high schools. By fostering accessible research experiences and honing critical research and communication… The Times of India · Aug 26
93-year-old widow Ruth Gottesman gave $1 billion to make medical school free: Why her gift changed Albert Einstein College of Medicine forever At 93, widow Ruth Gottesman made a historic $1 billion donation to Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, creating a scholarship fund that covers tuition for current and future students. The landmark gift not only removed one of the biggest financial barriers to becoming a doctor but also… The Economic Times · Aug 25
IIT student dies inside campus, jumps from the sixth floor of a building; police say no suicide note found A 31-year-old MSc Physics student at IIT Delhi died after allegedly jumping from the sixth floor of a campus building. Police found no suicide note but recovered his mobile phone and are checking counselling records and other information as they investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The Economic Times · Aug 23
FYUP’s first graduates hit a wall at the master’s stage: Report India's first four-year undergraduate graduates face a shortage of one-year master's seats. Delhi University offers limited postgraduate capacity, impacting many students' academic progression. Other universities also provide few seats, forcing choices between degrees or extended study. Students expected stronger research foundations from the fourth year. The one-year master's ecosystem is… The Economic Times · Aug 21
Jason Arday's death: Why a Ghent University academic is under probe after plagiarism accusation Following allegations of plagiarism involving Jason Arday, Ghent University has taken action by suspending researcher Nathan Cofnas. Arday had previously resigned from his position at Cambridge University due to these contentious claims. The university emphasises its commitment to combating discrimination while upholding academic freedom. Cofnas, known for his polarising blog… The Times of India · Aug 21
Why Was Nathan Cofnas Suspended? Academic Faces Disciplinary Investigation Ghent University has suspended Nathan Cofnas amid a preliminary investigation into his public statements about late professor Jason Arday, following allegations of plagiarism and discrimination. International Business Times UK · Aug 21
Quote of the Day by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo: ‘Pain, pleasure and death are no more than a process for existence…’ - Why the hardest chapters of life can make us see more clearly Frida Kahlo embraced pain, pleasure, and mortality as integral components of the human experience. Her battle with chronic pain granted her profound insights into existence. Contrary to modern tendencies to eschew discomfort, these challenging experiences often unveil hidden truths. By honoring struggle, individuals can unlock a deeper awareness and intellect.… The Economic Times · Aug 21
Quote of the day by Euclid: 'Let it be granted that things which are equal to the same thing are...' - thought-provoking quote by Greek mathematician and father of geometry teaches inspiring life lessons on equality, logic and why clear thinking matters in daily life Quote of the day by Euclid: Euclid's quote on equality provides a simple yet profound life lesson. This ancient mathematical axiom states that things equal to the same thing are equal. His foundational work, Elements, structured geometry and mathematical reasoning systematically. Euclid's deductive reasoning methods influenced mathematicians for over two… The Economic Times · Aug 18
CJI Surya Kant declines Nalsar convocation invite amid student, BCI row Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined Nalsar University's convocation invitation. Students opposed his presence citing remarks made during a protest hearing. The Bar Council of India intervened, threatening students with debarment from legal practice. The Supreme Court questioned the BCI's involvement in the matter. The BCI later withdrew its… The Economic Times · Aug 17
The Economic Times · Aug 16 In 2018, researchers tested whether employees could get even with abusive bosses using voodoo dolls, and found a strange way revenge may restore a sense of justice Researchers explored how employees cope with abusive supervision and its desire for revenge. A study used voodoo dolls to allow symbolic retaliation against perceived mistreatment. Participants who symbolically retaliated reported reduced feelings of injustice. This experiment won an Ig Nobel Prize for its creative approach. The findings suggest a psychological…
The Economic Times · Aug 16 17-year-old Pennsylvania student Connor Hill wins $250,000 after computer algorithm solves decades-old geometry puzzle, identifying exactly 146 rare 3D shapes Connor Hill, a 17-year-old from Pennsylvania, has won the top $250,000 prize at the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search after using a custom computer algorithm to classify complex geometric shapes. His breakthrough identified two infinite families and exactly 146 isolated noble polyhedra. Hill plans to continue studying computational mathematics at…
Bangkok Post · Aug 15 Ex-Cambridge professor at centre of plagiarism scandal found dead LONDON - Black academic Jason Arday, who resigned from the University of Cambridge last week amid a high-profile plagiarism storm that featured racism claims, was found dead Friday, the prestigious British institution confirmed.
The Economic Times · Aug 14 In 2018, researchers won a peace prize for studying why drivers shout and curse while driving and what makes ordinary motorists lose their temper Researchers studied why drivers shout and curse at strangers in traffic. This research earned them an Ig Nobel Peace Prize in 2018. Many drivers admit to aggressive outbursts when reacting to others. Stress and fatigue also contribute to drivers losing their temper. The study highlights road rage as a serious…
The Economic Times · Aug 13 Independence Day 2026: Meet the ‘Edison of India’ who studied science from magazines and shocked the British with his inventions Shankar Abaji Bhisey, often called the “Edison of India”, was a pioneering Indian inventor who developed his interest in science through books and magazines. Born in Bombay, he went on to work on several inventions and patents abroad, becoming one of the lesser-known figures in India’s early scientific history.
The Economic Times · Aug 12 Indian physicist Deepak Dhar wins prestigious 2026 Dirac Medal Physicist Deepak Dhar received the 2026 Dirac Medal for his statistical mechanics work. He shares the award with three other scientists for their complex systems research. Their contributions span biology, finance, computer science, and artificial intelligence. Dhar is recognized for his influential sandpile model research. This award highlights significant advancements…
The Times of India · Aug 10 Quote of the day by Aung San Suu Kyi: 'I don’t believe in people just hoping. We work for what we want' and why only hope is not the answer Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, once observed that passive wishful thinking holds no real value if there was no action put behind it. She stated that she did not believe in people just hoping, insisting that people must work for what they want. She…
The Economic Times · Aug 10 Who is Deepak Dhar? Indian physicist who worked with Richard Feynman wins Dirac Medal previously won by Stephen Hawking Professor Deepak Dhar has been honored with the 2026 Dirac Medal for his remarkable contributions to the realm of statistical mechanics. Sharing this accolade with three other eminent scientists, Dhar's innovative work explores the applications of equilibrium statistical mechanics in diverse complex systems. His research on sandpile models unveils how…
Evening Standard · Aug 7 Glasgow University to review its past appointment of Jason Arday Jason Arday’s resignation from Cambridge followed a series of media reports alleging he plagiarised his PhD thesis.
Times Life · Aug 7 CV Raman's Daily Curiosity Habit: Why It Is More Actionable Than Any Morning Routine The Habit That Preceded the NobelOn a voyage from England to India in 1921, CV Raman looked at the Mediterranean Sea and refused to accept the standard answer for why it looked blue. The explanation at the time, that the sea reflected the colour of the sky, satisfied everyone else…
The Economic Times · Aug 6 Top Quote of the Day by Milton Friedman, Joseph Stiglitz and Paul Krugman: What do Nobel Prize-winning economists understand about human behavior and financial freedom? Life lessons on decision-making, mindset, wisdom, success, character, personal growth, and why their economic insights still shape smarter choices today Today's Top Quote of the Day by Milton Friedman, Joseph Stiglitz and Paul Krugman: Milton Friedman, Joseph Stiglitz, and Paul Krugman spent decades studying markets, governments, businesses, and human behavior. Their words are not merely academic observations. They are lessons drawn from decades of research, public debate, policy advising, and…