I am not certain about this, but I believe (ignoring the idea that we don't actually know what happens inside a black hole past the event horizon) it is because of the pressure inside a black hole that surpasses that with a neutron-degenerate pressure. So any matter falling in probably helps...
Slow down the pace at which you explore those interests if you need to. Don't stop them though, as knowing more things outside your field might actually help strengthen your field (be it social, work-related, etc...) in the long run.
Wow, I just wrote about 30 minutes worth of text and when I clicked on post a quick reply the site asked me to relog in. Now all of that text is gone!
Anyways, I have a similar/almost exact background. Did ME undergrad and Masters in robotics (because it was the "realistic" thing to do)...
If you feel that you don't have time, I suggest focusing on your studies for now. Don't burn yourself out, take at least a day for rest. I do insist that you to at least maintain your social circle and physical well being at the very least, whenever possible. There isn't anything wrong with...
I don't watch the news anymore because I don't have a TV where I am currently living. If I do I tend to ignore the politics part because most of it are opinions and not much statistics.