Dweep Tulika

  New Delhi | August 23, 2026 India’s efforts to address rising obesity and excessive sugar consumption have drawn renewed attention as the government promotes greater awareness of unhealthy dietary habits among children and adults. A key initiative has been the introduction of “ Sugar Boards ” in schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) . The boards are intended to educate students and parents about hidden sugar in commonly consumed foods and beverages and the health risks associated with excessive consumption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of making children aware of their daily sugar intake and encouraging healthier choices. The move comes amid growing concern over obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases in India. A study cited by health experts found that Indian children may be consuming sugar at levels above international recommendations, with children aged 4–...

NEW DELHI, July 16:   Social reformer and education activist Sonam Wangchuk 's indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 18th day on Thursday, with concerns over his health increasing and renewed calls for dialogue between the protesters and the Central Government . Wangchuk joined an ongoing student-led protest on June 28. According to protest organisers, the movement seeks greater transparency and accountability in India's recruitment and entrance examination system following allegations of examination irregularities. Protesters have also demanded comprehensive examination reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan . The protest has drawn participation from students, youth organisations, civil society groups and several public figures. Opposition leaders and various organisations have expressed support for the agitation, while others have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast because of his deteriorating health. According to upd...

New Delhi, April 20: The Supreme Court of India has reiterated that Scheduled Caste (SC) status is restricted to individuals professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, in line with the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. The Court clarified that a person belonging to a Scheduled Caste who converts to another religion, such as Christianity or Islam, ceases to be recognised as an SC from the moment of conversion. As a result, such individuals are no longer entitled to reservation benefits or legal protections available under laws including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The ruling came while upholding a lower court decision and reaffirming the existing constitutional framework governing SC recognition. The bench observed that the legal status of Scheduled Castes is explicitly linked to the three specified religions under the Presidential Order issued in 1950. Originally limited to Hindus, the scope of SC recognition was extended to Sikh...

New Delhi, 20 April 2026: The Supreme Court of India has clarified a key aspect of recruitment policy, stating that candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) are eligible to compete for general (unreserved) category government jobs, provided their selection is based purely on merit. In its clarification, the court emphasized that if a candidate from a reserved category secures marks equal to or higher than the cut-off prescribed for the general category without availing any relaxation—such as age limits, application fee concessions, or qualification criteria—they must be treated as a general category candidate. The ruling reinforces the principle that merit-based selection should remain independent of social category when no reservation benefits are utilized. However, the court also drew a clear distinction regarding the use of reservation benefits. It stated that if a candidate avails any form of relaxation or concession pro...

Indian Tankers Turn Back After Firing Incident in Strait of Hormuz April 19, 2026 | New Delhi Two Indian-flagged oil tankers were forced to turn back while transiting the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz after coming under firing from Iranian gunboats amid rising regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.  No injuries were reported and the vessels did not sustain any damage, but the incident has heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, through which a substantial share of global oil and gas supplies flows.  Communication from one of the vessels during the episode suggested confusion at sea, with crew members attempting to clarify previously granted clearance while seeking permission to withdraw from the area as the situation escalated.  In response, India conveyed its concerns to the Iranian authorities, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of merchant sh...

New Delhi, March 30, 2026: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has invited stakeholder feedback on proposed amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 , and has extended the deadline for submissions. The draft amendments aim to strengthen compliance by intermediaries with government-issued clarifications, advisories and directions, while enhancing oversight of digital media content regulation. Among the key proposals, the amendments seek to clarify data retention obligations under existing laws and require intermediaries to follow guidelines issued by the Ministry as part of due diligence requirements under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 . The proposed changes also expand the scope of Part III of the Rules , including extending oversight to news and current affairs content hosted by non-publisher users. The role of the Inter-Departmental Committee is also proposed to be st...

New Delhi, 26 February 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will introduce a third language from Class 6 beginning with the academic session 2026–27, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. Under the proposed framework, students will study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. According to official sources, English will be treated as a foreign language under the new structure. Schools currently offering English in Class 6 may continue doing so, provided students also study two Indian languages. Similarly, foreign languages such as French or German may be offered only alongside two Indian languages. The framework further recommends continuation of all three languages up to Classes 9 and 10. Reports suggest that from the 2031 Class 10 Board examinations onwards, students may also be required to appear for examinations in the third language. CBSE is presently preparin...

New Delhi, 25 February 2026: Former National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Director J S Rajput has stated that the Supreme Court of India has its “limitations” and should respect the academic decisions taken by NCERT. Speaking amid ongoing discussions surrounding NCERT textbooks and curriculum matters, Rajput emphasized that the institution plays an important role in shaping the nation’s future. He noted that generations of leaders, professionals, and public figures have studied through NCERT educational materials. Rajput argued that while the judiciary deserves respect, educational institutions should also be trusted in matters related to academic expertise and curriculum development. Referring to traditional values, he highlighted the importance of respecting teachers and educational bodies, stating that institutions involved in nation-building should be allowed to function independently within their domain. He further remarked that instead of questioning NCERT...

New Delhi, 25 February 2026: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has temporarily halted the distribution of its newly released Class 8 Social Science textbook after identifying inappropriate content in one of its chapters. According to an official statement, the textbook titled “Exploring Society: India and Beyond, Vol II” was released on February 24, 2026. During review, certain inappropriate material and errors of judgment were reportedly found in Chapter 4, titled “The Role of Judiciary in our Society.” Following the development, the Ministry of Education directed that distribution of the textbook be placed on hold until further orders. NCERT clarified that the inclusion of the content was unintentional and reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary, describing it as a protector of the Constitution and Fundamental Rights. The council further stated that the chapter would be revised in consultation with relevant authorities, and a corrected version of...