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Things to watch this week in the Big 12 Conference: No. 14 BYU (9-1, 6-1 Big 12, No. 14 CFP) at No. 21 Arizona State (8-2, 5-2, No. 21), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) League newcomer Arizona State has a three-game winning streak and BYU is coming off its first loss. The Cougars, after losing at home to Kansas, still control their own destiny in making the Big 12 championship game. They can clinch a spot in that Dec. 7 game as early as Saturday, if they win and instate rival Utah wins at home against No. 22 Iowa State. Arizona State was picked at the bottom of the 16-team league in the preseason media poll, but already has a five-win improvement in coach Kenny Dillingham's second season. No. 16 Colorado (8-2, 6-1, No. 16 CFP) at Kansas (4-6, 3-4), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Fox) Coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes are in prime position to make the Big 12 title game in their return to the league after 13 seasons in the Pac-12. If BYU and Utah win, Colorado would be able to claim the other title game spot with a win over Kansas. The Buffs have a four-game winning streak. The Jayhawks need another November win over a ranked Big 12 contender while trying to get bowl eligible for the third season in a row. Kansas has won consecutive games over Top 25 teams for the first time in school history, knocking off Iowa State before BYU. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has thrown a touchdown in a school-record 14 consecutive games, while receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel both have more than 800 yards receiving. San Jose State is the only other FBS team with a pair of 800-yard receivers. Becht has 2,628 yards and 17 touchdowns passing for the Cyclones (8-2, 5-2), who are still in Big 12 contention. Oklahoma State goes into its home finale against Texas Tech with a seven-game losing streak, its longest since a nine-game skid from 1977-78. The only longer winless streak since was an 0-10-1 season in 1991. This is Mike Gundy's 20th season as head coach, and his longest losing streak before now was five in a row in 2005, his first season and the last time the Cowboys didn't make a bowl game. ... Baylor plays at Houston for the first time since 1995, the final Southwest Conference season. The Cougars won last year in the only meeting since to even the series 14-14-1. ... Eight Big 12 teams are bowl eligible. As many as six more teams could reach six wins. The Big 12 already has four 1,000-yard rushers, including three who did it last season. UCF's RJ Harvey is the league's top rusher (1,328 yards) and top scorer with 21 touchdowns (19 rushing/two receiving). The others with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons are Texas Tech career rushing leader Tahj Brooks (1,184 yards) and Kansas State's DJ Giddens (1,128 yards). Cam Skattebo with league newcomer Arizona State has 1,074 yards. Devin Neal, the career rushing leader at his hometown university, is 74 yards shy of being the first Kansas player with three 1,000-yard seasons. Cincinnati's Corey Kiner needs 97 yards to reach 1,000 again. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Jared Padalecki's return to 'Fire Country' Season 3: What fans can expect
Lucknow: Delivering the foundation day address, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Medical Sciences) at GITAM Deemed to be University, Vishakhapatnam, Prof Geetanjali Batmanabane, expressed concern over young doctors spending excessive time on social media. She foresaw this trend as detrimental to future of patient care and medical research. "Technology has made acquiring knowledge of medical education easier," said Batmanabane, adding, "What saddens me is that time saved in the process is not being used for benefit of humanity. Doctors can do much more if they cut their screen time and divert it to medical education, clinical research and even self-development." Stating that people in the medical profession needed to read voraciously to gain new knowledge, she said physicians must improve their behaviour and also train students on behaviour. Prior to the foundation day ceremony, she spoke to the faculty at SGPGI. In her interaction, she delved into the changing relationship between doctors and patients and reminded them that the comparison of doctors with gods had not ceased.
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Harsh Winter A Double Blow For Contractual Professors In Kashmir As the meteorological department predicts a harsh winter in Kashmir this season, the chill resonates far beyond the physical environment, hitting hardest the lives of contractual assistant professors in universities and those working on academic arrangements in colleges. These educators, the backbone of the region’s higher education system, face a bleak season not only because of the cold weather but due to the systemic neglect that leaves them financially crippled and socially marginalized during the winter break. Unlike their permanent counterparts, contractual professors are abruptly cut off from their salaries when institutions close for the winter vacation. For many, this period stretches over two months, leaving them with no income to meet daily expenses or plan for the future. These individuals are not merely professionals; they are parents, spouses, and caregivers responsible for their families. With children’s school fees, medical emergencies, utility bills, and household expenses piling up, the loss of income during this time becomes an insurmountable burden. This situation forces many into a cycle of debt, where they borrow from friends, relatives, or even moneylenders to survive the winter. The strain of repaying these loans, often at high interest, follows them well into the next academic year, perpetuating a state of financial instability. For those supporting ageing parents or dependents with chronic illnesses, the winter break becomes a nightmare, filled with uncertainty and humiliation. The suffering doesn’t end there. The lack of job security and the temporary nature of their positions place these educators in a precarious social position. In a society where professional stability is equated with respect and competence, the plight of contractual professors often invites judgment rather than sympathy. Many endure whispered criticisms from relatives and acquaintances, questioning their inability to secure a “real job.” This not only damages their social reputation but also takes a severe toll on their mental health and self-esteem. Adding to their woes is the lack of recognition for their service during the winter break. These months are not counted as part of their work experience, creating professional gaps that hinder their career progression. This oversight is particularly cruel in academia, where experience plays a pivotal role in promotions, eligibility for permanent positions, and other opportunities. The government and academic institutions cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this injustice. Contractual professors are an essential part of the education system, shouldering significant responsibilities despite the uncertainty of their tenure. Without their contributions, the system would struggle to meet the demands of increasing student populations and rising academic standards. First and foremost, salaries during the winter vacation should be treated as a basic right. These educators are employed every year, and the break should not be used as an excuse to deny them their livelihood. Additionally, the vacation period must be officially included in their service record to ensure that they do not lose valuable experience. The issue also calls for a larger discussion on policy reforms to improve the working conditions of contractual faculty. The government must revisit its approach to hiring and retaining academic talent, ensuring that temporary positions are not used as a cost-cutting mechanism at the expense of human dignity and quality education. Long-term solutions could include better pay scales, and providing job security to those who have served for extended periods. Beyond financial and professional concerns, this is a matter of respect and equity. How can a society claim to value education when it disregards the welfare of its educators? The message sent to students is one of hypocrisy—while they are encouraged to strive for excellence, their role models are treated as expendable. It is time for the government, universities, and colleges to act with urgency and compassion. Addressing the plight of contractual assistant professors is not merely an administrative task; it is a moral obligation. Let this winter mark a turning point where warmth, justice, and fairness are extended to those who have long endured the cold indifference of the system. This initiative is a plea for change, for policies that reflect the true value of educators and their indispensable role in shaping society. If left unaddressed, this issue will continue to undermine not only the lives of these professors but the very foundation of our education system. This winter must not be another chapter in their story of hardship. The current government, which has committed itself to bringing reform and equity to all sectors, must take this opportunity to rectify the long-standing issues faced by contractual faculty. The writer is an Assistant Professor (Contractual), Department of Business Administration, School of Business Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora By Dr Syed Irfan Shafi [email protected]