The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has extended the admission deadline for the 2026-27 academic session, allowing AICTE-approved technical institutions to fill notified vacant seats until September 14, 2026.

The revised schedule covers eligible admissions to technical programmes, including institutions offering Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and Post Graduate Certificate in Management (PGCM) programmes.

The updated academic calendar was issued through an AICTE circular dated August 13, 2026, following the Supreme Court's order in MA 2380/2026 dated August 12, 2026.

AICTE Admission 2026: September 14 Deadline for Vacant Seats

According to the revised academic calendar, eligible candidates can be admitted against notified vacant seats in AICTE-approved institutions until September 14, 2026.

The same deadline applies to lateral entry admissions, allowing eligible students to enter directly into the second year of applicable programmes.

The extension could provide an additional opportunity for students who did not secure seats during earlier counselling rounds or are still looking for available seats in engineering, management and other AICTE-approved technical programmes.

AICTE 2026-27 Academic Calendar: Important Dates

Students should note that the July 31 deadline for cancellation with a full fee refund has already passed.

What Students Should Do Before Applying

Candidates interested in securing a vacant seat should first check the current vacancy status of the concerned AICTE-approved institution.

Students should then follow the institution's prescribed admission process and verify eligibility, documents, fees and any additional requirements before completing admission.

Since vacancies and admission procedures can differ between institutions and programmes, candidates should rely on information issued by the concerned college or institution before taking admission.

AICTE Extends Admission Window for 2026-27

The revised schedule gives eligible students additional time to explore available seats after the conclusion of earlier admission and counselling processes.

With September 14, 2026 now serving as the deadline for admissions against notified vacant seats and eligible lateral entry admissions, students seeking opportunities in AICTE-approved engineering, management and other technical institutions should check vacancies and complete the required admission formalities within the extended timeline.

Engineering is no longer limited to traditional disciplines such as mechanical, civil, electrical or computer engineering. Rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, robotics, clean energy and advanced materials are creating specialised engineering fields that students can study through university programmes.

For students looking beyond conventional BTech branches, here are 10 new-age engineering fields already represented in university curricula around the world.

1. Quantum Engineering

Quantum engineering combines quantum physics, electronics, computing and engineering to develop technologies such as quantum computers, sensors and communication systems.

The field has applications in high-performance computing, cryptography, simulation and quantum communication. Universities and research institutions in several countries now offer dedicated quantum engineering or related quantum information programmes.

2. Nanotechnology Engineering

Nanotechnology engineering focuses on designing and manipulating materials and systems at the nanoscale.

The field combines physics, chemistry, biology and engineering, with applications ranging from targeted drug delivery and nanoelectronics to energy storage and advanced materials.

Students can find specialised undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in nanotechnology and related disciplines at universities in countries including Canada, the US, India and across Europe.

3. Energy Engineering and Clean Technology

The global shift towards renewable energy is increasing the need for engineers who understand solar and wind power, energy storage, smart grids and energy efficiency.

Energy engineering programmes can prepare students to work on technologies supporting decarbonisation and the transition towards cleaner power systems.

4. Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineering

Robotics engineering combines mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, computer science and AI.

Students in this field can work on robots, drones, autonomous vehicles and intelligent machines.

The technology has applications in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, defence, agriculture and transportation, making robotics one of the prominent emerging areas of engineering.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineering

AI is transforming sectors ranging from healthcare and finance to agriculture and manufacturing.

AI and Machine Learning Engineering focuses on building intelligent systems using machine learning, software engineering, data science and computational methods.

Depending on the university, students can find dedicated undergraduate degrees, BTech programmes or specialisations in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

6. Cyber-Physical Systems and IoT Engineering

Cyber-physical systems connect physical devices with software, sensors, networks and data.

The field forms the technological foundation of applications such as smart homes, Industry 4.0, connected infrastructure, digital twins and intelligent manufacturing.

Students may encounter these specialisations through computer engineering, electrical engineering, embedded systems or Internet of Things (IoT) programmes.

7. Bioengineering and Synthetic Biology

Bioengineering applies engineering principles to biological systems and healthcare.

The field can involve areas such as biomedical devices, tissue engineering, biomaterials and biological systems. Synthetic biology takes this concept further by using engineering approaches to design or modify biological systems.

Potential applications include medicine, agriculture, environmental technology and biotechnology.

8. Photonics and Optical Engineering

Photonics focuses on technologies that generate, control and use light.

It has applications in fibre-optic communications, lasers, optical sensors, medical technology, high-speed computing and quantum communication.

Students interested in physics, electronics and advanced communication technologies can explore photonics programmes and related specialisations.

9. Sustainable and Green Infrastructure Engineering

Climate change and rapid urbanisation are creating demand for infrastructure that is more sustainable and resilient.

Sustainable engineering applies environmental principles to areas such as buildings, transportation, water systems, energy efficiency and urban infrastructure.

Students may find dedicated sustainability programmes or specialisations within civil, environmental and architectural engineering departments.

10. Quantum Communication and Information Engineering

While quantum engineering covers a broad range of technologies, quantum communication and information engineering focuses specifically on quantum networks, quantum information processing and secure communication.

The field is closely connected with emerging research into quantum cryptography and quantum networks.

Universities with established quantum technology programmes increasingly offer courses or research specialisations in quantum information science and communication.

Why Students Should Consider New-Age Engineering Branches

These emerging engineering disciplines sit at the intersection of multiple fields. A student studying AI, for example, may need knowledge of mathematics, computer science and data analysis, while a robotics engineer may work across mechanical systems, electronics and AI.

These fields are also aligned with major technological and economic trends, including:

• Artificial Intelligence and automation
• Quantum computing and communication
• Climate change and clean energy
• Advanced materials and nanotechnology
• Biotechnology and healthcare innovation
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Connected devices and smart infrastructure

However, students should not choose a course simply because its name sounds futuristic. Before applying, they should check whether the programme is recognised or accredited in the relevant country, its curriculum, faculty, laboratory facilities, internship opportunities, placement record and higher-study pathways.

For students willing to explore beyond conventional engineering branches, these new-age fields can provide a route into some of the most rapidly evolving areas of science and technology.

A total of 34 children were rushed to hospital after eating a mid-day meal at a government school in Nalanda district in Bihar, where detergent powder was used instead of salt. The incident reportedly occurred after students asked for additional salt with their food. The children were said to be stable and out of danger.

The incident took place at a government school in the district, where detergent powder and salt were reportedly kept close to each other. The report said the substances were allegedly mixed up during preparation of the meal, which led to the addition of detergent to the food served to the students.

After the meal the children complained of discomfort and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Some students reported symptoms such as burning throat and stomach pain, reports said. All 34 children were later reported to be stable and not in danger.

The incident has led to concerns about the safety and handling of food in government schools, especially when food is prepared for many children. The closeness of detergent and salt has also raised concerns about the storage of cleaning products and food ingredients in school kitchens.

Police are now investigating how the mix-up happened and if the school followed proper food-safety and storage protocols. The investigation will be used to determine how detergent powder ended up in the meal and if there was any negligence.

The incident has also brought back the issue of the protection that needs to be provided to the mid-day meals in government schools. Proper storage, preparation and supervision are important for ensuring student safety as such meals are provided under the country's school nutrition programme for children.

The health of the children has been the immediate concern of the affected families. The students were not in immediate danger after receiving medical care, officials said, and authorities are still investigating what caused the contamination.

The next steps will be based on the results of the Nalanda school mid-day meal incident inquiry.

CAT 2026 is not just about securing a high percentile. MBA aspirants must also understand how individual Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are changing their admission and shortlisting processes. From a new Joint Admission Process to institute-specific selection criteria, the post-CAT stage is becoming increasingly important for candidates.

IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026 on November 29 in three sessions across around 170 cities. Registration will remain open until September 15, 2026. The CAT 2026 exam pattern and syllabus remain unchanged.

However, the admission process after the entrance examination has seen several changes. Here are five key developments CAT 2026 aspirants should know.

1. Four IIMs have introduced a Joint Admission Process

IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi and IIM Tiruchirappalli have introduced a Joint Admission Process (JAP) for their two-year MBA programmes.

Under the process, eligible candidates will participate in a common Personal Interview. However, appearing for the common interview does not mean that all four institutes will follow identical selection criteria.

Each IIM will prepare its own final merit list based on its respective admission policy. Candidates will therefore need to understand the individual criteria used by each participating institute.

2. CAP is no longer common to all IIMs

The Common Admission Process (CAP) has also undergone changes. For CAP 2026, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Jammu and IIM Sirmaur participated in the process, while other IIMs opted to conduct their own admission procedures.

IIM Udaipur, for example, follows a separate selection process that considers CAT performance along with a written test and Personal Interview.

This means candidates can no longer assume that one common process will cover all newer IIMs.

3. IIM Indore has revised its admission formula

IIM Indore has revised its admission criteria for the 2026-28 batch. The institute increased the weightage assigned to CAT performance while reducing the weightage given to Class 10 marks.

Work experience has also been incorporated into the revised selection framework.

The change makes it important for candidates to study the latest admission policy rather than relying on the weightage used by the institute in previous admission cycles.

4. A high CAT percentile alone does not guarantee admission

A strong CAT score is important, but it is not the only factor considered during IIM admissions.

Institutes may assess candidates on multiple parameters, including sectional CAT performance, academic record, work experience, written tests and Personal Interviews.

IIM Ahmedabad, for instance, considers CAT performance along with past academic performance, the Analytical Writing Test and Personal Interview as part of its selection process.

Therefore, meeting or exceeding the minimum CAT cut-off does not automatically guarantee a shortlist or final admission.

5. Every IIM follows its own admission criteria

One of the most important points for CAT 2026 aspirants is that admission policies vary across IIMs and can change from one admission cycle to another.

Candidates should therefore check the latest official admission policy of every IIM they plan to apply to. Previous years' cut-offs, weightages and selection formulas should be treated only as reference points.

For CAT 2026 aspirants, preparation should consequently go beyond the entrance examination. Understanding individual IIM selection policies, maintaining a strong academic profile and preparing for subsequent selection rounds can be equally important in converting an admission call.

The educational qualification of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has come under scrutiny following conflicting claims over whether he completed his reported master’s degree at Boston University (BU) in the United States.

Dipke has publicly stated that he completed a Master’s in Public Relations from Boston University. However, questions have been raised online over whether he graduated from the university, with former students, academics and freelance journalist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra discussing the matter publicly.

A former Boston University student and podcaster, Sikander, claimed that Dipke was indeed a student at the university but alleged that he did not complete his degree. According to Sikander, he contacted a former professor from BU’s College of Communication to verify whether Dipke had attended the institution.

Sikander said the professor confirmed that Dipke had been a student in the professor’s class. He also claimed that another BU academic, Amy Shanler, confirmed knowing Dipke and having taught him.

The distinction between attending Boston University and graduating from the university has become central to the controversy. While the claims establish that Dipke attended BU, they do not independently establish whether he completed the requirements for a master's degree.

Dipke has rejected the doubts surrounding his qualification and said he is prepared to provide documents supporting his educational claim. He has also shared photographs with people he identified as fellow Boston University students as evidence of his association with the university.

However, freelance journalist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra has questioned whether the photographs prove Dipke's graduation. In a post on X, Mitra claimed that facial-recognition analysis of identifiable individuals in one photograph showed two people, Sam Nickerson and Wes Moran, whom he identified as bachelor's students at Boston University rather than master's students.

The claim has added another layer to the ongoing public debate. Photographs showing a person alongside university students, however, do not by themselves establish whether that person graduated or received a particular qualification.

Mitra has also criticised Dipke over the delay in publicly producing documents confirming the claimed degree and suggested, without providing publicly established proof, that the qualification could have been forged.

The allegations remain contested, and the available claims do not by themselves establish that Dipke fabricated his educational qualification or that any document was forged. Confirmation from Boston University or authenticated academic records would be required to conclusively establish whether Dipke completed the claimed master's programme.

The controversy has nevertheless intensified scrutiny of the educational credentials cited by public figures, particularly when claims about degrees from foreign universities become part of their public profile.

For now, the key unresolved question is whether Dipke merely attended Boston University or successfully completed and received the Master’s in Public Relations he claims. An authenticated degree certificate, transcript or official confirmation from the university would settle the dispute.

For Indian students aspiring to build a career in healthcare, MBBS and BDS are often considered the most obvious choices. However, the healthcare sector offers a much wider range of academic and career opportunities.

From Pharmacy and Physiotherapy to Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology and Biomedical Engineering, students can choose courses based on their interests and skills without limiting themselves to conventional medical degrees.

Exploring these alternative medical courses after Class 12 can also help students understand the diverse roles that keep the healthcare ecosystem functioning.

1. B.Pharm: Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) is an option for students interested in medicines, drug development and pharmaceutical sciences.

Pharmacy professionals play an important role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines. Graduates can explore opportunities in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, drug manufacturing, research, clinical trials and regulatory roles.

For students interested in both healthcare and science, pharmacy can offer several career pathways beyond clinical practice.

2. BPT: Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) focuses on rehabilitation, movement and helping patients regain physical function.

Physiotherapists work with patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, neurological conditions and lifestyle-related health problems. Career opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, sports facilities and private practice.

The growing focus on rehabilitation and preventive healthcare has increased the importance of physiotherapy professionals.

3. B.Sc Nursing: A Career in Patient Care and Healthcare Services

Nursing has evolved considerably beyond its traditional perception of assisting doctors.

A B.Sc Nursing degree can lead to careers across hospitals, public healthcare, community health programmes, military healthcare and other medical settings. Nurses may also develop expertise in specialised clinical care, healthcare management, research and advanced medical procedures.

For students seeking a people-oriented healthcare profession, nursing remains an important career option.

4. Medical Laboratory Technology: A Career in Diagnostics

Students who enjoy laboratory work and diagnostic science can consider Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT).

MLT programmes train students in areas such as pathology, microbiology and laboratory testing. Medical laboratory professionals work behind the scenes but play a critical role in diagnosis and treatment because doctors rely heavily on accurate laboratory reports.

Career opportunities can be found in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research facilities and healthcare organisations.

5. BAMS, BHMS and BUMS: Traditional Systems of Medicine

Students interested in India's traditional systems of medicine can explore courses such as:

• BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
• BHMS – Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery
• BUMS – Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery

These programmes offer students an opportunity to study established systems of traditional medicine and explore careers in clinical practice, hospitals, wellness settings and research, subject to the applicable professional regulations.

6. Biomedical Engineering: Combining Technology and Medicine

For students who enjoy engineering, technology and healthcare, biomedical engineering can offer an interdisciplinary career path.

Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles to healthcare technologies, including medical devices, diagnostic equipment, prosthetics and other medical technologies.

As healthcare becomes increasingly technology-driven, professionals who understand both engineering and medical applications can contribute to healthcare innovation.

7. Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy focuses on helping people regain or develop the skills required for everyday activities following illness, injury or disability.

Occupational therapists can work with patients across different age groups and healthcare settings. The profession combines rehabilitation, patient interaction and practical problem-solving.

8. Public Health

Students interested in healthcare at a population level can consider Public Health programmes.

Unlike clinical courses that primarily focus on individual patients, public health focuses on areas such as disease prevention, health promotion, epidemiology, community health and healthcare policy.

It can be a suitable option for students interested in understanding and improving health outcomes at the community or population level.

9. Hospital and Healthcare Management

Healthcare also requires professionals who can manage hospitals, healthcare organisations and medical services.

Courses in Hospital Management and Healthcare Administration can prepare students for roles involving hospital operations, administration, healthcare services, quality management and related areas.

Students interested in management but wanting to remain connected to the healthcare sector can consider this pathway.

10. Explore Healthcare Careers Beyond MBBS and BDS

Choosing a healthcare career does not necessarily mean pursuing MBBS or BDS.

Pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing, medical laboratory technology, traditional medicine, biomedical engineering, occupational therapy, public health and healthcare management represent some of the many pathways available to students.

The right course ultimately depends on a student's interests, academic strengths, career goals and preferred work environment.

For students preparing to enter the healthcare sector, looking beyond the most popular medical courses can open up career opportunities they may not have considered earlier. Choosing an alternative medical course is not necessarily a compromise—it can be a deliberate decision to build a career around a specific area of healthcare that matches one's skills and interests.

An interstate cybercrime gang allegedly targeting devotees through fake websites of hotels, dharamshalas and ashrams near popular religious destinations across India has been busted by Gujarat Police, with two people arrested in connection with the racket.

The accused allegedly created 126 fake websites across 11 states, including around 40-41 portals targeting religious destinations in Gujarat. The websites offered services such as accommodation bookings, online puja and VIP darshan, allegedly collecting advance payments from devotees.

According to an investigation by the Gujarat Cyber Center of Excellence, around 21,985 people across the country were allegedly cheated through the racket, with the fraud amount running into crores of rupees.

The arrested accused have been identified as Vicky Gupta, a BTech engineer from Delhi who police allege was the mastermind, and Shailesh Saini, a resident of Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Investigators said Gupta operated the network from his home, while Saini allegedly assisted with financial transactions and technical operations.

AI images used to make fake websites appear genuine

According to investigators, the accused allegedly used their technical expertise and AI-generated images to make the fraudulent websites appear authentic.

The portals reportedly appeared in online searches when devotees looked for accommodation, puja bookings, VIP darshan and other services near popular pilgrimage destinations.

Once visitors contacted the operators through the websites, they were allegedly asked to make advance payments. The fraud was often discovered only after devotees reached their destination and found that their bookings did not exist.

Police said the racket had been operating for around eight months. The accused allegedly changed domain names frequently to evade detection by cybercrime agencies and continue targeting new victims.

Gujarat religious destinations among major targets

Religious destinations in Gujarat were among the key targets of the alleged cyber fraud network. Investigators found around 40 fake portals created in the names of prominent religious sites across the state.

These included multiple websites targeting devotees visiting Salangpur Kashtabhanjan Dev, along with portals allegedly created in the names of Somnath at Prabhas Patan, Dwarka Jagat Mandir, the Palitana Jain shrine, Girnar and Ambaji in Junagadh, and Akshardham in Gandhinagar.

The alleged network also targeted devotees visiting several major religious destinations outside Gujarat, including Tirupati Devasthanam, Tirumala, Katra, Shirdi, Jagannath Puri, Vrindavan, Rishikesh and Haridwar.

70 cyber fraud complaints registered

Police said around 70 cyber fraud complaints connected to the alleged racket have been registered across the country so far.

Dr Rajdeepsinh Jhala, Superintendent of Police, Cyber Center of Excellence, said the investigation has now expanded beyond Gujarat. Two special police teams have reportedly been deployed outside the state to trace individuals allegedly involved in purchasing the 126 domains and creating the fraudulent websites.

Investigators are also examining the financial trail to determine how the money collected from victims was routed and whether additional people were involved in the interstate operation.

The police are continuing to identify more victims and assess the total amount allegedly siphoned off through the fake booking portals.

The case highlights the growing use of AI-generated content and professionally designed fake websites in cyber fraud, particularly in sectors where users are likely to make advance online payments. Devotees searching for accommodation, religious services or VIP darshan online may therefore need to verify booking portals through official temple or tourism websites before making payments.

Nearly half of Maharashtra’s private homeopathy medical colleges are reportedly linked to political figures or politically connected trusts, raising questions about the regulation, quality of education and economics of the state’s AYUSH medical education sector.

Of the 72 private homeopathy colleges in Maharashtra, at least 34, or about 47%, are established or run by trusts and societies with political connections cutting across party lines. Together, these institutions account for nearly 3,000 seats, representing around half of the state’s total homeopathy undergraduate intake.

According to the latest data released by the National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH), the state had 74 homeopathy medical colleges as of August 3, 2026, including two government institutions. The colleges have a combined undergraduate intake capacity of 6,248 seats. One institution offers only postgraduate courses. Three new colleges were added in 2026, including two private colleges and a government college in Kolhapur, each with an intake of 100 seats.

The number of homeopathy colleges in Maharashtra has risen sharply from 59 in 2021, when they offered 4,645 undergraduate seats. However, the number of seats has increased by less than 140 despite the addition of 15 colleges.

One reason is that several institutions have either failed to receive permission for their full intake or have had their permitted seats reduced. Deficiencies cited in such cases have included inadequate infrastructure, absent or "ghost" faculty, forged documents and other regulatory violations.

For many students, homeopathy becomes an alternative after they fail to secure an affordable MBBS seat. With more than 22 lakh candidates appearing for NEET UG and just over 1.2 lakh MBBS seats, competition for medical education remains intense. Students who cannot secure government MBBS seats because of their NEET scores or afford expensive private medical colleges often turn to homeopathy and other AYUSH courses.

The economics of private homeopathy education also provides an incentive to keep seats filled. Annual tuition fees in Maharashtra generally range between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2.25 lakh. At an average fee of Rs 1.5 lakh, a college with 80 students in a batch could collect around Rs 1.2 crore annually from tuition alone. Across four batches, this could amount to approximately Rs 4.8 crore, excluding hostel, examination and other charges.

Private colleges have also repeatedly sought reductions in the NEET UG qualifying percentile to address vacant seats. After NEET became mandatory for AYUSH admissions in 2018, the qualifying threshold has been reduced on occasions to improve admissions. In 2021-22, the AYUSH Ministry lowered the qualifying percentile by five percentage points across categories.

The debate has also intensified over whether homeopathy graduates should be permitted to prescribe allopathic medicines under limited conditions. Supporters argue that such provisions could expand employment opportunities, while sections of the allopathic medical community oppose the move, citing differences in training and patient safety.

Critics say the recurring proposals could also make homeopathy courses more attractive and help colleges maintain admissions. A senior Indian Medical Association member and former Maharashtra Medical Council office-bearer alleged that political pressure has contributed to the continuation of substandard institutions instead of stricter action against them.

The concerns underline the need for transparent regulation, strict enforcement of infrastructure and faculty requirements, and greater scrutiny of political influence in medical education.

A 16-year-old Class 11 student in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur allegedly staged his own kidnapping after losing nearly ₹3 lakh in online games and used an AI-generated image to convince his father that he had been abducted, police said.

According to PTI, the teenager allegedly sought the help of his Delhi-based girlfriend to fabricate the kidnapping. They used artificial intelligence to create an image showing the boy with blood smeared across his face and tape over his mouth, making it appear that he had been assaulted and held captive.

Teen sends AI-generated kidnapping photo to father

The student reportedly sent the AI-generated photograph to his father on WhatsApp along with a ransom demand of ₹1 lakh. The message allegedly threatened that he would be killed if the money was not transferred.

When his father said he could not arrange the amount, the teenager allegedly increased the demand to ₹2 lakh and instructed him to bring the money in cash.

Fearing for his son’s safety, the father approached the police, prompting an investigation into the alleged kidnapping.

Police trace teenager through mobile phone

Police said the teenager had borrowed money from friends and others to fund his online gaming activities. He allegedly accumulated debts of nearly ₹3 lakh and resorted to the fake kidnapping after people began demanding repayment.

The boy reportedly left his home on Tuesday evening, telling his family that he was going to Sikriganj. He then switched his phone to flight mode.

Police, however, were able to track the device after it was connected to a friend’s Wi-Fi network. The mobile number was placed under surveillance and its location was traced to Sikriganj.

A police team reached the area at around 2 am and found the teenager at a friend’s house, effectively bringing the alleged kidnapping drama to an end.

Student admits staging fake abduction

During questioning, the teenager allegedly admitted that he had fabricated the kidnapping story to obtain money from his family and repay debts accumulated through online gaming.

Additional SP South Dinesh Kumar Puri said on Wednesday evening that the student confessed to staging his own abduction.

Police are now investigating whether other individuals, including the teenager’s girlfriend and friends, were involved in helping him execute the plan.

The incident also highlights a growing concern around the misuse of artificial intelligence to create convincing but fabricated images. In this case, the AI-generated photograph was allegedly used to support a false kidnapping claim and pressure a family into paying ransom.

As AI-generated images become increasingly realistic and accessible, law enforcement agencies and families face new challenges in distinguishing genuine photographs from digitally fabricated evidence.

An American filmmaker travelling through Odisha has drawn attention on social media after sharing his experience of receiving free treatment at a rural government hospital in India.

The filmmaker, identified as Mike, said he was hospitalised after suffering severe vomiting and dehydration during his fifth day in India. He later praised the affordability of India's public healthcare system, contrasting his experience with the potentially high cost of similar treatment in the United States.

His Instagram video, titled “American hospitalised in India,” has gone viral, attracting more than 465,000 views and hundreds of comments.

American Tourist Hospitalised In Rural Odisha

Mike said he had been travelling through Odisha when he suddenly became ill after eating large amounts of local food.

In a video recorded from his hospital bed, he described receiving intravenous fluids and medication to control nausea. He also joked about being given injections while struggling with his illness.

Mike said he had been vomiting every 15 minutes for nearly 12 hours, prompting him to seek medical attention.

“I was in some rural government hospital, stuck full of needles, unable to even recognise the language on the walls,” he said while describing the experience.

Despite his condition, Mike maintained a humorous tone while recounting what had happened.

‘It Was Overindulgence, Not Food Poisoning’

Mike was quick to clarify that he did not believe he had suffered food poisoning.

Anticipating that viewers might use his experience to make negative assumptions about Indian food or healthcare, he jokingly explained that he had simply eaten too much.

“This wasn't food poisoning; this was overindulgence,” he said, adding that the local food had been so good that he “ate too much of it like an idiot”.

He joked that he ultimately paid the price with multiple injections and hospital treatment.

Mike later said that he had recovered and was feeling fine.

American Tourist Compares India And US Healthcare Costs

What particularly surprised Mike was not just the treatment itself but the cost of receiving it.

He said that an IV bag, anti-nausea medication and injections for a similar episode in the United States could potentially result in a bill running into thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances and healthcare coverage.

In India, however, he said he was treated at a government hospital without being charged for the treatment he received.

“But as bad as that was, I really winced when I thought about the bill,” Mike said, comparing the experience with healthcare costs in America.

He then joked about the fact that the treatment cost him nothing, sarcastically saying that the “socialists” had not charged him even one cent.

His humorous comparison resonated with social media users, many of whom praised India's public healthcare system.

Video Goes Viral On Instagram

The Instagram video had crossed 465,000 views at the time of the reported update, with viewers sharing their reactions to Mike's experience.

One user commented, “Free healthcare, what a concept,” while another expressed concern about Mike's health and appreciated his sense of humour despite being ill.

Several Indian users also offered advice on adjusting to local food while travelling.

One commenter suggested starting with local fruits and curd and gradually adapting to spicy food. Another welcomed Mike to Odisha and said that treatment at government facilities could be free, although medicines may sometimes involve additional costs.

Odisha Healthcare Experience Draws Attention

Mike's experience has highlighted the role of government hospitals in providing low-cost or free healthcare services in India, particularly for people who may otherwise face significant medical expenses.

At the same time, the cost of medical treatment varies depending on the hospital, medicines, diagnostic tests and services involved. Government healthcare facilities may provide certain services free of charge while patients may still have to purchase some medicines or pay for services not covered by the facility.

Mike's viral account was therefore primarily a personal comparison between his experience in a rural Odisha government hospital and his expectations of healthcare costs in the US.

For the American traveller, however, the experience offered an unexpected lesson during his first week in India: even after an unpleasant bout of illness, the financial burden of receiving basic emergency treatment at a government hospital was far lower than he had anticipated.

His humorous account has since sparked a wider online conversation about India's public healthcare system, healthcare costs in the US and the experiences of international travellers seeking medical care in India.

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs has stepped up its crackdown on malicious digital lending applications, directing Google to remove or disable access to six loan apps from the Play Store.

The action followed an August 7 notice issued by I4C, which identified the applications as allegedly targeting Android users seeking quick loans. Google was given three hours from the issuance of the notice to take down or disable access to the specified URLs.

According to the information reviewed by Moneycontrol, the six applications had been taken down by August 12.

Six loan apps flagged by I4C

The applications named in the I4C notice are:

• LoanOrbit
• Hisab
• Nexus Loan
• One Fund
• Credit Factor
• Mobile Credit Prairie

I4C alleged that the applications presented themselves as legitimate digital lending platforms, offering users quick loan approvals and low interest rates.

However, the agency alleged that after loans were disbursed, borrowers were subjected to demands for “exorbitant interest rates” on the principal amount.

Apps accused of harvesting sensitive data

The cybercrime agency also raised concerns over the information allegedly collected by the applications after users downloaded them.

According to I4C, the apps were being used by alleged transnational criminals to collect sensitive personal and financial information, including Aadhaar details, financial information and users' contacts.

The notice also alleged that the applications could access information stored on users' devices, including the gallery and camera.

The allegations highlight the risks associated with unverified digital lending platforms that promise instant credit while seeking extensive permissions to access information on users' mobile devices.

Google asked to act within three hours

I4C also flagged the use of Google's advertising ecosystem to promote the applications, alleging that the malicious loan apps were being promoted through digital advertisements on the Play Store.

The agency directed Google to remove or disable access to the identified URLs within three hours while ensuring that relevant evidence was not compromised.

The notice referred to provisions under the Information Technology Rules, the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in support of the action.

I4C cited Section 3(1)(b)(viii) of the IT Rules, Sections 43, 66 and 66D of the IT Act, and Section 318(4) of the BNS as provisions relevant to the alleged unlawful activities.

Growing scrutiny of digital lending apps

The action comes amid increasing scrutiny of digital lending platforms and malicious loan applications that exploit consumers seeking quick access to credit.

Cybercrime authorities have increasingly focused on applications that allegedly combine aggressive lending practices with access to users' personal data.

The latest action by I4C underscores the government's focus on identifying and restricting digital lending applications that allegedly misuse personal and financial information while operating through mainstream app distribution and advertising platforms.

A fingerprint, a DNA sample, a toxicology report or data recovered from a phone can change the direction of an investigation. But forensic science is not simply about finding clues at a crime scene; it is field of application of scientific methods to collect, examine and interpret evidence that may assist investigations and courts.

For students considering a career in forensic science, the field now extends across DNA analysis, forensic biology, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprints, questioned documents, crime-scene investigation and digital forensics. A 2025 research paper in the Indian Journal of Legal Review describes forensic science as an important part of India's criminal justice system while also highlighting gaps in infrastructure, trained professionals and standardisation.

How Does Forensic Science Help Criminal Investigation?

Forensic work begins at the crime scene. Professionals may document and collect fingerprints, hair, blood, bodily fluids, fibres, weapon residues and digital evidence. Proper collection and preservation are essential because the evidence must remain reliable throughout the investigation and, where relevant, the court process.

Modern crime-scene work can involve photography, bloodstain analysis, gunshot-residue examination, digital evidence extraction and technologies such as 3D scanning. The aim is not simply to identify a suspect but also to establish connections, identify victims and reconstruct what may have happened.

What Are the Main Branches of Forensic Science?

1. Forensic biology and DNA analysis examine biological evidence and can assist with identification and comparison.
2. Forensic toxicology deals with substances such as drugs, alcohol and poisons and can be important in suspected poisoning, drug-related cases and unexplained deaths.
3. Forensic ballistics examines firearms, ammunition and projectile-related evidence.
4. Fingerprint examination uses the characteristics of fingerprints for identification and comparison.
5. Digital and cyber forensics focuses on evidence from computers, mobile phones and other electronic systems. As investigations increasingly involve digital evidence, this area has become an important intersection between forensic science and technology.

Students can therefore enter forensic science through different scientific interests rather than viewing it as a single career.

Why Is Forensic Science Becoming More Important in India?

India is investing in forensic infrastructure. The Government of India has approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) with an outlay of ₹2,254.43 crore. The scheme includes nine new National Forensic Sciences University campuses and seven new Central Forensic Science Laboratories, with the stated objectives of addressing the shortage of trained forensic professionals and reducing pending cases in forensic laboratories.

The legal framework is also placing greater emphasis on forensic investigation. Section 176(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita provides for forensic experts to visit crime scenes and collect forensic evidence for offences punishable with seven years or more, from a date notified by the relevant State Government. These developments indicate that forensic science is becoming increasingly integrated into India's criminal investigation system.

What Are the Challenges in Forensic Science?

Expansion of infrastructure does not automatically solve the problems faced by forensic services. The research paper identifies shortages of trained professionals, inadequate infrastructure, uneven access to forensic facilities, lack of uniform standards and delays in forensic reporting as continuing challenges.

Another critical issue is the chain of custody. Evidence must be properly collected, documented, stored and transferred. If its handling is questioned, the reliability of the evidence may also come under scrutiny.

Forensic science therefore requires much more than knowledge of laboratory techniques. Accuracy, documentation, scientific reasoning and professional discipline are equally important.

What Is the Career Scope in Forensic Science?

A career in forensic science can develop in several directions depending on a student's qualification and specialisation. Possible areas include forensic laboratories, DNA and forensic biology, toxicology, forensic chemistry, ballistics, fingerprint examination, crime-scene investigation, digital forensics, research and academia.

Government forensic laboratories are an important part of this ecosystem, but completing a forensic science degree does not automatically guarantee a government job. Recruitment depends on the post, vacancy, eligibility criteria and the relevant recruitment notification.

Students should therefore choose a course based not only on its name but also on laboratory facilities, practical training, specialisations, research opportunities and exposure to real forensic work.

What Should Students Study for a Career in Forensic Science?

Forensic science is particularly suitable for students who enjoy science, investigation, laboratory work and problem-solving. Biology, chemistry, physics and computing can all become relevant depending on the chosen specialisation.

Practical exposure is especially valuable. A student may understand DNA analysis in theory, for example, but forensic work also requires careful sample handling, documentation, analysis and interpretation. The ability to communicate scientific findings clearly is another important skill because forensic professionals may have to explain their conclusions to investigators, lawyers or courts.

What Is the Future of Forensic Science in India?

The direction of India's forensic sector suggests a field becoming more specialised and technology-driven. Government investment is expanding forensic infrastructure, while digital evidence, DNA analysis and other scientific methods are becoming increasingly relevant to investigations.

For aspiring forensic scientists, this creates opportunities but also raises the standard of preparation. The future professional will need more than an interest in crime investigation. They will need scientific knowledge, practical competence, technological awareness and respect for evidence.

Forensic science is ultimately about what can be scientifically examined, reliably documented and responsibly explained. That is what makes it an important part of modern criminal justice, and a field worth considering for students who want to build a career where science meets investigation and law.

Exams were never the hardest part of a student’s life; the surrounding elements were. CLAT Exam is no different. One person says you need to study 12 hours a day. Another claims CLAT is basically impossible without coaching, and someone else says you have to attempt every question. Meanwhile social media keeps throwing new “strategies” at you, every single week. Then by the time prep actually starts students can end up spending just as much energy deciding what to believe as they do studying.

That's why understanding CLAT myths vs facts matters. Some common beliefs about CLAT preparation can steer students into avoidable stress, while other opinions can make them ignore important parts of the examination. The real truth about CLAT is less about chasing a magical plan and more about figuring out what the exam truly checks, how the marks are given, and where preparation can create the biggest difference.

For students working toward CLAT 2027 and other upcoming law entrance exams, sorting advice from the truth can be the first real move toward a more targeted and steadier preparation approach.

CLAT Entrance Exam Myths and Facts

Myth 1: CLAT is mainly a test of legal knowledge

Fact: The UG-CLAT is meant to test comprehension and reasoning as they are crucial for legal education and not law in itself. English Language, Current Affairs including General Knowledge, Legal Reasoning, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Techniques are covered in the paper.

This does not require a student to have a great deal of legal theory in hand when he enters Class 12. The test focuses on reading ability, reasoning, interpretation and application of information to a passage.

Myth 2: You have to study for 12 to 14 hours daily

Fact: There is no such thing as "too much" studying for CLAT.

There are 120 questions with a total of 2 hours time given and 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in the official paper. In addition to knowledge, accuracy and selection of questions and time management are very important.

A student who studies for hours and hours who never tries to analyze any errors in mock tests may not make as much progress as another student who studies fewer hours, but with a more systematic approach.

Myth 3: Current Affairs can be done during the last few weeks

Fact; According to the official UG-CLAT 2026 format, Current Affairs including General Knowledge accounts for approximately 25% of the paper. 

It may be difficult to absorb months of information at a time, just before the test. A better way to do this is to regularly follow important national and international developments, to take brief notes, and then to edit the notes.

This is one of the misconceptions of the CLAT preparation which can have an effect on students without them realizing it and it is that they need to cover current affairs and retain it.

Myth 4: It is always best to attempt all questions.

Fact: There is negative marking in CLAT. One mark is given for each correct answer, 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer, and no marks deducted for each unanswered question.

The goal to solve a large number of questions isn't enough. Students should learn when to attempt a question confidently and when leaving it unanswered may be the better option.

Myth 5: Maths is the highest weightage subject in CLAT.

Fact: Quantitative Techniques is one of the five sections and accounts for approximately 10% of the UG-CLAT paper, with around 10–14 questions in the 2026 format. Current Affairs including General Knowledge and Legal Reasoning each account for approximately 25%..

Students who are weak in Mathematics should therefore understand the weightage which is given to each section so that one section will not dominate their preparation. The reality of CLAT is that balance in preparation is the key and not only focusing on one subject.

Myth 6: Good CLAT score ensures admission into desired NLU.

Fact: A good CLAT score or rank is important, but admission to a preferred NLU also depends on factors such as the participating university, available seats, category, preferences and the counselling process.

The candidates are requested to refer to the details of the individual NLUs as the details given above are indicative only and may change from one institute to another depending on the intake policy, reservation norms, courses and fees.

Hence, learners are advised to do in-depth research on their preferred NLUs to fill in their choices instead of taking counselling as a mere formality after the exam.

Myth 7: Preparation for CLAT ends after the exam

Fact: The post-examination process is also important for students seeking admission through CLAT..

The candidates should keep an eye on the official counselling updates, know their choices and verify the admission norms of the institutions they wish to pursue the admission. The information provided for Consortium's participating-universities may also vary and the candidates are requested to check with the individual NLUs. In other words, the truth about CLAT is that the examination is one part of the admission journey, not the entire journey.

Myth 8: CLAT 2027 will be exactly like the previous year.

Fact: It is important for students to not assume that the format for 2026 will be the same.

The committee is reviewing the UG and PG CLAT, including question quality, paper structure and syllabus, with reforms being considered for implementation from CLAT 2027. Hence, candidates appearing for CLAT 2027 must strictly follow the latest official notification and not coaching material that is based on the older pattern of the exam.

Is there any exam other than CLAT for law aspirants?

CLAT is an important law entrance examination, but it is not the only route into legal education in India. The appropriate entrance examination depends on the course, institution and admission process.

The All India Common Law Entrance Test (AICLET) is one of the ways that the students can explore. It is a national level entrance test for admission to participating institutes of LLB, integrated five year law programmes and LLM programmes, as per the information provided by AICLET.

The process mentioned by it is stated as registration, examination, results, counselling and admission. Students are advised to verify the participation of the universities, eligibility and current admission information independently.

The Truth About CLAT Preparation

The biggest mistake an aspirant can make is allowing popular advice to replace an understanding of what the examination actually requires. The truth about CLAT is relatively straightforward: understand the paper, build reading and reasoning skills, follow current affairs consistently, practise under time constraints, analyse mistakes and keep checking official admission information.

Aspirants do not need to follow every rule they hear about CLAT. They need to understand the examination tests, where they are losing marks and which preparation methods actually improve their performance. In the end, CLAT preparation is not about doing everything. It is about doing the right things consistently.

When it comes to healthcare, it is commonly believed that for a student from the metrocities, he/she will think of hospitals and colleges in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai or Hyderabad. However, all that is changing and soon. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are gaining significance for healthcare expansion in the context of India and that is giving rise to greater demand for trained allied healthcare professionals.

For such students who have finished their Class 12 Physics, Chemistry and Biology, but are not sure about taking up MBBS, this is pertinent. Another pathway into the healthcare industry could be through careers in medical laboratory technology, radiology and imaging technology, physiotherapy, optometry, dialysis therapy, operation theatre technology, anaesthesia technology and emergency medical technology.

Reason why Why Allied Healthcare Careers Are Growing Beyond Metro Cities

Doctors and nurses are not the only ones who can run India's healthcare system. There's a larger team of trained professionals involved in every diagnosis, scan, lab test, surgery and rehabilitation.

This is a workforce need that the government has identified. The government of India in March 2026 announced that in the next five years, India aims to recruit an additional 1 lakh allied healthcare professionals, with increasing demand driven by rising technological advancements in healthcare, demographic shifts, and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The government singled out certain areas, such as diagnostics, imaging, physiotherapy, emergency care and anaesthesia technology, as areas of increasing demand.

The demand is not restricted to hospitals in the metropolises. The demand for skilled professionals is now spreading to the smaller cities, where healthcare, diagnostic and specialized treatment centers are increasing in number. 

What are the Allied Healthcare Courses after 12th?

Several courses related to healthcare are available for science stream students to pursue post Class 12. These vary from one institution to the other and from state to state and include BSc Medical Laboratory Science, BSc Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology, BSc Physiotherapy, BSc Optometry, BSc Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Tech, Dialysis Therapy, Emergency Medical Tech and other specialised programmes.

For instance, the information provided in current University and Government admission brochures includes programmes in medical laboratory science, radiology & imaging, physiotherapy, optometry, anaesthesia, operation theatre technology and allied programmes.

Eligibility, duration of course, structure of internship, and the application procedure will depend on the university and the programme. So it is advisable to be aware of the updated requirements of the institution prior to applying.

Why Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities are Contributing in Allied Healthcare?

It doesn't always need to start in the big city for a healthcare career. Indeed, as hospitals, diagnostic centres and other specialist services continue to grow, smaller cities may provide an increasingly valuable setting in which to train and hire healthcare professionals.

This is important for students since they may find that a local allied healthcare program can keep their student expenses down and make it more convenient for them to access the communities they would like to work with later on. Most importantly, it can introduce students to the healthcare needs that exist in large metropolitan hospitals, which are frequently very different from those in small rural hospitals.

As healthcare facilities expand, there is a greater ecosystem that envelops these professionals. Medical imaging technologists might work in hospitals, diagnostic centres or medical imaging firms, and medical lab professionals may work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, blood banks, or pharmaceutical companies or public health agencies.

Choosing an Allied Healthcare Course

For those who love technology and diagnostic equipment, students can consider radiology and imaging. Medical laboratory science is suggested for those who have an interest in laboratory work. For those students who like to work directly with patients and rehabilitate them might consider physiotherapy. For the ones who are interested in surgical surroundings can consider operating theatre and anaesthesia technology. It should not be just the name of the course, but rather the quality of the college, clinical exposure, laboratories, internship opportunities, faculty, hospital tie ups, and the recognition of the programme.

The Bigger Opportunity for Students

India's healthcare growth is presenting a challenge to the workforce, which is far from being addressed by constructing hospitals. A hospital requires skilled staff to run their laboratories, imaging machines, operating theatres, emergency care units and rehabilitation programs.

Hence, allied health education requires more attention from the students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. It's not just about securing a career in health care. It is to become a part of the workforce which enables the accessibility, efficiency and technology-based health delivery system for India.

Now that the students have reached the class 12th stage, the dilemma of a healthcare career does not need to be confined to MBBS or No MBBS. There is a vast scope of healthcare careers out there and the next generation of healthcare professionals may be more likely to be from the non-metro cities of India.

From recommendation systems and fraud detection to chatbots and predictive tools, artificial intelligence may be making the headlines, but behind these technologies are people who build, train and deploy them. They are called Machine Learning Engineers. This is one of the most sought-after roles in the AI/ML ecosystem, and people are making lakhs with top-notch skills and problem-solving AI models, both in India and abroad.

If you are looking for how to become a Machine Learning Engineer in India, you do not merely need to focus on mastering AI; it requires mastery in programming, maths, statistics, data skills, machine learning concepts and project experience.

What does a Machine Learning Engineer do?

A Machine Learning Engineer designs systems that enable computers to learn from data and make predictions or decisions. They can be involved in data preparation, model development and testing, optimization, and deployment in real-world applications.

They typically collaborate with data scientists, software engineers and product teams to bring experimental machine learning models to life and into a viable technology that can be adopted by businesses and consumers.

How to become a Machine Learning Engineer in India?

The short answer is, you need to be either a prodigy, highly skilled individual, or something with brimming passion to make a career in this field. The path to becoming a Machine Learning Engineer is not a single one though. But with a solid background in computer science, math and programming, the trip can be a lot easier.

Undergraduate courses like BTech Computer Science, BTech in AI and Machine Learning, BSc Computer Science, BSc IT, and BCA can be beneficial for students after Class 12. Computer science, engineering, mathematics and related disciplines are listed as relevant educational backgrounds for AI careers by the Directorate General of Employment. Students can then specialise in their electives, internships, projects, post graduate education, or specific training in AI and ML.

What skills does a Machine Learning Engineer need?

Python is one of the most popular programming languages for machine learning. Students should also acquire knowledge of SQL, data structures, statistics and data handling. The next step is to learn the core concepts of machine learning like regression, classification, clustering, model evaluation and overfitting. Students can then explore deep learning, neural networks, computer vision, natural language processing and generative AI.

The position is also becoming more and more hands-on. Students can gain insight into how models can be taken from experimentation to real applications by learning about APIs, cloud platforms, deployment, monitoring, Docker and MLOps.

What to Study after class 12th?

Selecting the right undergraduate program is a crucial initial choice for students who want to pursue a career in machine learning. A good course should have more than an AI related title. Students should look at the curriculum, subjects covered in the programming, mathematics, labs, project work, internships and industry exposure.

This is also why it is crucial to select the right computer science entrance exam after Class 12. Students can make comparisons between various admission methods before deciding on the university and programme that is most suited to their long-term goals.

The Global Computer Science Entrance Test (GCSET) is another computer science entrance exam option for those interested in pursuing computer science studies. As per information given by GCSET, it provides admission to courses like BCA, BTech, BSc IT, MCA, MTech and MSc. The exam is done online, followed by results, counselling and the admission process.

Is it necessary to have a degree to be a Machine Learning Engineer?

While a relevant degree can give you the academic background, it's not enough to make someone a Machine Learning Engineer. It is important to have practical skills. Students should develop projects that demonstrate how they have collected and cleaned data, trained models, evaluated results, and (if feasible) deployed a working solution. These skills can also be showcased through a solid portfolio when applying for internships and entry-level positions.

What is the salary of a Machine Learning Engineer in India?

Machine Learning Engineer salary in India is dependent on their experience, technical skills, location, employer, and job role. Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer and Research Scientist positions in the machine learning sector have an indicative average salary range of ₹6 lakh to ₹18 lakh or higher, according to the Directorate General of Employment. This is not a guaranteed starting salary. The salary of freshers can vary significantly based on their skills, internships, projects, and employer.

What are the career prospects of Machine Learning Engineering?

Machine learning is related to a number of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, computer vision, natural language processing, recommendation systems, robotics and generative AI. The Directorate General of Employment, Government of India also mentions the significance of programming, machine learning algorithms, data mining and statistical analysis in the field of ML.

The overall AI talent landscape is growing as well. As per NASSCOM's estimate, India's AI talent pool will expand from approximately 6–6.5 lakh professionals to over 12.5 lakh by 2027.

Machine Learning Engineer roadmap after Class 12

If you are a student who is just beginning, the Machine Learning Engineer roadmap might look something like this:

Class 12 → Computer Science/related degree → Python + Mathematics → Data Structures + SQL → Machine Learning → Deep Learning → Projects → Internships → Model Deployment → Machine Learning Engineer 

The key is that this is a skills-based journey. It helps to take courses, but it's important to be able to solve problems with data and create working systems.

Is Machine Learning a good career in India?

Machine learning is a potential career path for students who are interested in coding, math, problem-solving and technology. It's not a quick route to a technology career, though. The field has a rapid pace of change and professionals need to keep learning beyond the degree. The ideal moment to begin is thus not when a student is already familiar with all there is to know about AI. It is when they are ready to learn the basics, try out projects in reality and lay the groundwork for the next generation of technology.

What if agriculture was not just about farming, but about feeding a growing population, developing sustainable technologies and solving some of the world's biggest food and climate challenges? That is the changing face of agricultural education in India. For students completing Class 12, BSc Agriculture offers a pathway into a field that combines science, technology, business and sustainability. As the 2027 admission cycle approaches, knowing the entrance exams, eligibility, fees and college options can help students make a more informed choice.

What is BSc Agriculture?

BSc Agriculture is an undergraduate course which introduces students to various fields of agriculture and its applications. Courses might focus on topics related to crop production, agricultural science, environmental studies, agribusiness and sustainable agriculture, depending on the university.

The degree also opens up research opportunities, employment in government agencies, private agricultural businesses, and entrepreneurship and food-related enterprises.

BSc Agriculture Eligibility 2027

The eligibility for admission to BSc Agriculture 2027 varies from university to university and from admission type to admission type. So, students are advised to refer to the latest eligibility notification of the individual institution before applying. It is especially important for students to verify their eligibility before registering for an agriculture entrance exam.

Which Entrance Exams Are Required for BSc Agriculture Admission?

No common entrance test for all the agriculture colleges in India. Admission may vary according to the university and programme. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture may consider taking the All India Agriculture Common Aptitude Test (AIACAT). It is a national level entrance test for the undergraduate and post-graduate courses in agriculture and allied science as per the information provided by AIACAT. AIACAT provides the students with a 60-minute online examination and then results, counselling, university selection and admission.

What Is AIACAT and How Does It Help With Agriculture Admission?

AIACAT is a standard aptitude test for students who are interested in agriculture and related fields. It is stated that its assessment areas are agricultural science, biology, environmental science and logical reasoning.

The entire process is planned to be a multi-stage process of registration, online examination, result, counselling and admission. In counselling, candidates can choose their desired university based on the available choices.

For students who feel overwhelmed by navigating different agriculture admission pathways, this structured process can provide a more straightforward starting point.

What Are the Fees for BSc Agriculture in 2027?

The fee structure of BSc Agriculture varies from one institute to another in India. The fees are very different from one university to another and from one course to another, depending on the facilities and other institutional factors, and the course structure.

Students are advised to check the tuition fees and other applicable fees such as hostel fees, lab fees and exam fees before finalizing their choice. The fee structure for 2027 may not be published by all the institutions yet, so candidates are advised to refer to the latest official notifications of the university.

What are the colleges that offer BSc Agriculture?

There are many institutions that students can choose from when it comes to agriculture education, but the courses offered and the methods of admission vary from one institution to another.

AIACAT partner universities and agricultural institutes offer opportunities in agriculture and related fields. Students can choose from the list of their desired University and secure the admission. 

Students should not just select a college based on its name, they should check out its curriculum, practical exposure, faculty, labs, research opportunities, campus facilities, and career support.

Agriculture University in India Accepting AIACAT Scores

What Can You Do After BSc Agriculture?

A BSc Agriculture degree can open up a variety of job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Graduates have the opportunity to pursue agricultural research, agribusiness, sustainable agriculture, food production, quality assurance and agricultural enterprise.

There are also opportunities related to government organisations, agriculture companies and international development companies. Students interested in business can learn about organic farming, agro-processing and farm-to-market distribution. The course is thus applicable to students interested in pursuing a career in agriculture and innovation.

Why Pursue Agriculture as a Career in 2027?

Agriculture is the core of some of the most pressing challenges the society is facing: food security, sustainability, resource management and rural development. This means that agriculture education is relevant beyond the traditional picture of farming.

For students who are planning to pursue a career after Class 12, the question is not just “Is BSc Agriculture a good course?” It's whether the student has an interest in understanding how food is made, how agricultural systems can improve and how technology can help make the world a more sustainable place.

BSc Agriculture Admission 2027: Preparation Tips

The first step for students aiming to pursue BSc Agriculture admission 2027 is to determine their preferred specialisation and colleges. They should then verify the eligibility criteria, entrance tests, application deadline, application fees and counselling process.

Having paperwork in order and adhering to official admission notifications can also help avoid last minute confusion. Students interested in the AIACAT can check out its online exam and counselling process and compare it to other channels for admission to their universities of choice.

If you are someone who is passionate about greenery, food, crops, earth, then this field is the calling for you. Remember, B.Sc Agriculture can be the start of a more prosperous and fulfilling career journey. 

If you are thinking of studying journalism, television, digital media, advertising or mass communication, it is as crucial to select the right entrance exam as it is to select the right course. As the 2027 admission cycle nears, candidates should begin to monitor the top media entrance exams in India and the universities and programs they can apply for.

There are multiple pathways for students to pursue journalism and mass communication studies, including CUET-UG and university-specific entrance exams, as well as specialised media exams. Some institutions have national level entrance tests, and others have their own entrance tests.

Official notification for many 2027 examinations is yet to be released so students should refer to the previous admission cycle and verify the official notification before applying.

What are the best Media Entrance Exams for 2027?

The key entry points for journalism and mass communication students to watch out for are:

• CUET-UG and CUET PG
• Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Test
• IPU CET
• SET for Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication
• CHRIST University Entrance Test (where applicable)
• Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET)
• University level entrance tests for some journalism and mass communication courses

The right exam is determined by the student's undergraduate or postgraduate program and the institution they are interested in.

Media Entrance Tests

CUET-UG 2027 for Journalism and Mass Communication

One of the most significant entrance ways for undergraduate admissions in participating universities is the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG). Mass Media/Mass Communication is a domain subject in the National Testing Agency (NTA) 2026 syllabus, which makes CUET-UG relevant for students who are interested in pursuing media related programmes at universities that accept the examination.

Students should carefully check the eligibility, subject combinations and admission requirements of each university before selecting their CUET subjects. The CUET score is not a guarantee of admission to all media programmes.

Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Test for Media courses

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is still a significant name for those who are interested in media education. According to its prospectus for 2026-27, it has an entrance test for B.A. (Hons.). Mass Media Hindi (Eligibility: Senior Secondary School Certificate or equivalent with prescribed marks).

JMI also has its own admission process for post-graduate courses like M.A. Mass Communication. According to the university's 2026 selection list for the programme, candidates were selected on the basis of their marks in the entrance test.

Candidates who wish to pursue admission in JMI in 2027 should refer to the admission prospectus of the University when it is announced.

IPU CET for Journalism and Mass Communication

Another option to consider for media aspirants is the admission process of the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU). The university's admission information for 2026 has B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication (B.A. JMC) listed under CET Code 126 and the admission and counselling information has been published for the programme.

Therefore, the students who are interested in pursuing media education in Delhi and the National Capital Region should keep an eye on the admission notification of IPU during the 2027 cycle.

SET for Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication

Another popular choice for media aspirants is the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET). Symbiosis Centre for Media and Communication, Pune offers B.A. Mass Communication – Honours/Honours with Research and B.B.A. Media Management – Honours/Honours as per the official website of the SET.

The programme is a blend of academic learning, internships, projects and industry exposure, which is relevant to students interested in journalism, digital media, communication and media management.

CHRIST University entrance test for journalism and media

CHRIST (Deemed to be University) provides a number of undergraduate courses related to media, such as journalism and digital media courses. Admission may involve an entrance test, assessment and interview as per the programme.

Students planning to apply to CHRIST for 2027 should visit the programme specific admission page as the selection process and test requirements may differ from course to course and campus to campus.

GMCET is an online pathway for media students.

If a student wishes to pursue a wider range of media colleges, they should consider taking the Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET). The exam is for the undergraduate as well as PG aspirants of media and gives access to the participating universities and institutions. With 50+top partner universities offering courses in journalism, mass communication, media studies, animation and graphics, and media technologies, GMCET stands as one of the ideal options for media aspirants. 

One feature that may appeal particularly to students planning their 2027 admission strategy is its online examination format. The GMCET process includes registration, an online examination, result and scorecard, university selection and admission. 

GMCET evaluation covers communication skills and analytical and logical reasoning skills that are relevant to media education. The programmes offered are BA-JMC, BJMC, BMS, BMC, BMM, BA Media & Communication and BSc Animation & Graphics and BSc Media Technologies.

GMCET also mentions that the students can choose the desired participating university after the examination and continue the admission procedure through the platform. This may be a good choice for candidates interested in gaining access to several media outlets via one application.

The schedule of GMCET 2027 and the participating institutes should be verified from the official notification of GMCET after it is published.

Entrance exams for postgraduate journalism courses

There are several options for students who already have a bachelor's degree and wish to continue their studies in journalism or mass communication at the postgraduate level.

CUET-PG is particularly important. For instance, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has announced that the admissions for its MA and Post Graduate Diploma courses for the academic year 2026-27 will be based on CUET-PG scores for Mass Communication and Journalism (COQP17) followed by the counselling process of the institute.

IIMC's post-graduation courses include courses in media business studies, strategic communication, new media communications, health communication and post-graduation diploma in journalism.

Some other universities and media schools may have their own postgraduate entrance exams, so candidates should check with each individual institution.

What is the best media entrance exam to take?

No single entrance exam is best for all media aspirants. The right choice depends on the student's preferred course, university, location, budget and career goals.

For those students who are aiming for multiple central or participating universities, they can opt for CUET-UG. Students who are specifically interested in getting into institutions that have their own entrance exams should study for the corresponding university exam. GMCET is also a good option for students who want to pursue admission through a common online platform to various participating media institutions.

Students may also apply for more than one eligible entrance route, which can provide them with more options during the admission season.

Media entrance exams preparation tips

While the structure of the exams differs, students aiming for media entrance exams in 2027 should build a solid base in areas that are generally applicable to journalism and mass communication.

Preparation can include:

• Current affairs and general awareness
• English language and comprehension
• Logical and analytical reasoning
• Communication skills
• Media and journalism awareness.
• Basic knowledge of Indian society and politics
• Writing and critical-thinking skills

Pupils should also learn to trust the information they get from reputable news outlets. Journalism is not just about remembering what is happening; it is also about comprehending issues, grasping multiple viewpoints and conveying information effectively.

What is the point of beginning to prepare for media entrance exams early?

Media education is not limited to newspapers and television. The graduates of today have the opportunity to pursue careers in journalism, digital publishing, social media, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, content creation, video production and other communication-related fields.

Early preparation allows students to have time to learn about various courses, to compare universities and to determine which entrance exams they must sit for. It also helps to keep students from relying on one pathway to admission.

The 2027 admission cycle is thus a favorable time for Class 12 students to start creating a shortlist of exams and institutions instead of waiting for the application deadlines.

Media entrance exams 2027: What are the things aspirants should remember?

The key thing to remember for students is that the 2027 exam dates, eligibility criteria, and admission process could be different. Data from the 2026 cycle can be used for planning purposes, but candidates are advised to always check the final information on the official examination or university website before applying.

If you are pursuing several streams of journalism and mass communication, then it is better to keep CUET-UG, JMI, IPU CET, SET and GMCET in your mind.

As the world transforms to become more digital and multi-disciplinary, the right entrance exam is the first step towards the right learning environment, course and career path. So if you wish to pursue media education, first make sure you are clear about your goals; if not, feel free to connect with our expert counselors for free of cost career consultation @08035018499.

Before power could command the world, knowledge had already begun to shape it; education became the vessel through which that knowledge travelled from one generation to another. Education is often presented as the road to a better career, a higher income and a secure future. Its most remarkable strength, however, lies far beyond employment. Education changes how people understand the world. It gives them the ability to read laws, understand history, question information, recognise manipulation and demand accountability. Hence, the idea of education as power has remained relevant across generations.

A person with knowledge is not necessarily powerful. However, an individual who knows how to think, question and apply knowledge can be much more difficult to control. This is where education goes beyond a degree or certificate. It turns into a way of freedom, and allows people to make choices instead of taking things on faith. This is why unaccountable power fears an educated population because education gives people the tools to question authority.

How can education be a source of power?

Knowledge alters the options that are available to a person. When a child learns to read, he or she can gain access to ideas that are beyond the immediate context. A student with an understanding of technology can find opportunities that other generations may not have found. A citizen who knows his/her rights will know when they are being violated. This is what education does to a society — makes it powerful.

Education also provides people with the capacity to analyze information rather than taking everything they read at face value. A learned individual can ask: What is the evidence? Who is making this argument? What is not stated? What are the advantages of this decision? These questions might seem straightforward, but they are the building blocks of thinking and responsible citizenship.

Why is it that the powerful do not like an educated society?

It would be unkind to claim that all rulers and governments are afraid of educated people. Institutions must be strong and accountable, and they should be open to an informed population, as they can be made more transparent and effective through scrutiny. What is it that the power which is insecure and unaccountable fears? Education itself? No, it is people who know and are confident enough to question it.

An educated population is harder to control with misinformation, fear or empty promises. People who understand history are better equipped to recognise patterns that have appeared before. Those who know the law have the right to challenge decisions that are made without justification. Individuals who are able to assess evidence are less likely to believe a claim just because it is made by an authority figure. Education does not teach people to rebel against authority, it teaches them how to comprehend and assess authority.

The best lesson is to ask why

The best classroom is not the one that teaches students the most. It is the one in which students learn to ask better questions. Why is this true? What is the evidence for it? Is there another reason? What if this decision is incorrect?

These questions lie at the heart of science, journalism, law and democracy. The advancement of science requires challenging accepted theories. Journalism requires tough questions. Examination of evidence is the basis of law. Citizens need to evaluate conflicting claims in order to ensure democracy. A student who learns to question respectfully is not being disobedient, they are learning one of the most important skills that education can give them: critical thinking.

Education is a key component of a healthy democracy

Democracy requires more than just voters. It requires informed citizens who can comprehend information, identify misinformation and make informed decisions. This is especially significant in the context of today's world where information can spread around the globe in seconds.

Fake news can be spread through social media, and AI can create convincing text, images and videos. In this context, it is not enough to have access to information. Students should be taught to check sources, identify bias, to distinguish between fact and opinion, and to assess evidence. Education is thus emerging as one of the best lines of defence against misinformation.

Education does not necessarily equal a degree

In modern society, education is often judged by marks, degrees, rankings and placements. While these accomplishments are important, especially in a competitive job market, they don't necessarily tell the whole story. A student can get very good grades without being confident enough to challenge an idea. A graduate can enter a prestigious profession and still remain vulnerable to misinformation. A person may be technically very knowledgeable but not be aware of the ethical implications.

The success of education should therefore not be judged by what a student remembers. It should also be judged on their ability to comprehend, ask questions, analyse and create. Knowledge is truly empowering when it transforms the way that a person views the world and equips them with the power to make informed decisions.

Can education become a tool of control?

The connection between education and power is complex, as education can free people, but it can also shape their beliefs. What students learn is important, but what they don't learn can be important. A classroom may challenge youth to think differently or may give them one interpretation of an issue.

This is why it is important to foster curiosity and intellectual freedom in education. When students are taught only what to believe, education runs the risk of becoming conditioning. When they learn to evaluate ideas, to compare evidence and to draw their own conclusions, education becomes a liberating force. Education is not about teaching students to think for you, it's about teaching students how to think for themselves.

Why universities must protect the freedom to disagree

A good university is not a place where everyone agrees with each other. It should be a place where ideas are challenged by evidence, reasoning and respectful debate. Students should be able to ask questions of their teachers, researchers should be able to challenge accepted ideas, and alternative perspectives should be explored and not simply rejected.

It is not a failure of education when there is disagreement. At times, it's proof that learning is taking place. The seeds of intellectual development can be sown when a person is confronted with an idea that contradicts his or her own beliefs. The aim of higher education should not be to get all students to the same conclusion, but to enable students to make conclusions based on reasoning and evidence.

Education empowers people to change their future

The most intimate form of educational power is the capacity to envision an alternative future. A child from a disadvantaged background can find opportunities that might not have been apparent to them that he or she could discover through education. It can provide communities with knowledge and skills that generate economic and social opportunities. It can also assist people to realize that their current situation does not have to be their future.

Education doesn't just affect one student. Knowledge is transferred from students to families, from families to communities and from one generation to the next. A teacher can impact hundreds of young minds, and one educated person can impact the decisions and aspirations of a whole family. This is the way education slowly starts to become a tool for social change.

The future is for those who can THINK

The world is changing at a rapid pace thanks to artificial intelligence, automation and digital media. Information is now more easily available, but determining what is true is increasingly difficult. Students therefore need more than the ability to memorise information.They must be curious, analytical, adaptable and capable of evaluating the information they encounter.

Students who know all the answers will not necessarily be the ones best equipped for the future. They will be the ones who can ask the right questions, look at evidence, change when necessary and think for themselves. With technology increasingly able to answer questions, perhaps the most important skill will be knowing which questions to ask.

Education is power that creates independent minds

Education can open a mind, a degree can open a career. Knowledge can enable a person to identify injustice, grasp opportunity and challenge misinformation. A falsehood can be challenged by critical thinking and intellectual freedom can help a society not accept authority without question.

So, education is the power, not because education makes people rebellious or against those who govern, but because it makes them independent thinkers. That's why unaccountable power has always been uneasy with an educated society.

Apparently, the best education system is not one that produces citizens who agree with everything they hear. It is one that produces citizens who can ask difficult questions, demand evidence, tolerate disagreement and imagine something better. 

Thus, a society that teaches its people to think produces citizens capable of shaping their own future, and this is indeed intimidating to those in power who wish to rule and not serve. So, the question is whether we wish to hone education as power or be honed by those in power.

History remembers civilizations not by how rich people were, but by what they thought, learnt, invented, and discovered. 

The Library of Alexandria still feels heavy as one of history’s biggest tragedies, not because the building got burned, but because humanity lost whole bodies of knowledge that we couldn’t just recover later. Wars wrecked manuscripts, dictators put a chokehold on books, and time itself erased countless stories, bit by bit, until they were gone. Each generation looks back at those disappearances with this regret, wondering how history might have moved in a different direction if those volumes had survived.

But here we are, in one of the most technologically advanced eras humans have ever lived through, and it seems we’re making a similar mistake again, not with fire, but with scanners this time. And who is to be blamed? Human greed. 

Videos of rare books being cut are circulating online. Fresh reports say AI companies have been buying massive quantities of physical books, even rare copies and out-of-print editions, then cutting off their spines and scanning every page just to train artificial intelligence models. Afterward, the original books get destroyed, because it’s supposedly cheaper and quicker than preserving them intact. Court papers and legal hearings indicate that this kind of destructive scanning is now baked into the AI industry’s competitive push for high-quality, human-written data.

Legally, a lot of this might be allowed. Morally, though, it leaves behind questions no courtroom can really settle , at least not in any satisfying way. Because a book isn’t only information written on papers. A book is memory , culture, and history you can actually hold in your hands.

Destroying Books Was a Choice, Not a Necessity

The most uncomfortable aspect of this story is that the destruction of books was never an unavoidable consequence of digitisation. And that's where this approach becomes ethically and morally wrong.  Libraries, museums and universities have spent decades preserving fragile manuscripts while simultaneously making them available digitally. Many institutions, including Harvard University, have shown that we can scan and digitalise books without actually destroying the original!

However special equipment, trained archivists, careful handling and much more time is needed for preservation of books, and this is the economical factor that is being avoided. The same operation of cutting the spine off a book and putting it through an industrial scanner is a dramatic improvement in both speed and cost. The financial reward for the industry that's racing to develop the next generation of AI models is clear.

This is where the discussion goes beyond the technical and into the philosophical realm. But whether books can be preserved is no longer the question. They can. The problem is that these big AI Companies who can easily pay for preserving these books are okay with destroying them.

No AI company has publicly claimed that history is expendable, nor is there evidence that they intend to erase literary heritage. But, every industry shows its priorities in the decisions it takes. With the continuing triumph of speed over preservation, when it's done for efficiency and cost-saving, a question arises: Are the commercial considerations starting to undermine cultural responsibility?

Throughout the history of technology, new innovations have always promised to make life simpler. It should never lead to us being lax in what we inherit. 

A Book Is More Than Just The Words Inside It Is

There are people who believe in destructive scanning who say that nothing is being destroyed since everything is kept in a digital format. If the information persists, why should the material object? The answer is no big surprise for those who have a deep passion for books.

A book is not a piece of information. If it were just information, printed books would have been eliminated on the day the Internet came along. After all, almost all classic novels, scientific papers and historical texts are on the internet and available within a few seconds. But bookstores are still thriving, libraries are never empty and millions of readers opt to read books instead of e-books.

This decision does not have much to do with convenience. Books are experiences. They smell of old paper, feel like worn paper and have the feel of a product designed to last generations. The second hand book will most likely be marked in some way with underlined passages, missing bookmarks or handwritten notes that were written by an owner who the reader will never see. Those little flaws become the unspoken dialogue in time.

The words narrate one story while the book tells another. This is something that people who don't read novels very often do know unconsciously. Often students will print out key notes rather than read the notes on screen. Even if you've a laptop and a tablet, writers still carry notebooks around. Individuals write letters rather than scan them into folders. Childhood diaries, family recipe books and old journals are kept as they have emotional value in themselves.

Humans aren't just focused on consuming information, we establish connections with it. What might be preserved here is the text, but all the things that made books part of our common literary culture are lost.

Profit Is Starting To Decide What We Preserve

Books are necessary for AI companies because they require humanity. But guess the irony is greater.  Technology has been offering a vision of a future where machines would produce unlimited knowledge for years. Rather, the AI craze has exposed something new. Human creativity is used in machines. They need authentic writing produced by authors, researchers, journalists and thinkers long before artificial intelligence became part of everyday life. 

That reliance has made books one of the most valuable commodities in the AI economy. The use of AI to learn from human knowledge isn't inherently bad. All generations have brought learning from others. What concerns them now is that centuries of human creativity are becoming seen as just a source for commercial products.

A rare book that used to be cultural heritage gets turned into training data, a cultural heritage book becomes a training data set, a book that was exclusively written, becomes a mere data, and the books that survived invasions, world wars and natural calamities are all now a mere set of data.  The transformation is subtle, but its implications are profound. History stops being something to preserve and gradually becomes something to process.

This may be the natural consequence of a competitive industry. All firms wish for bigger data sets, improved models, and quicker product releases. Growth is expected by investors and timing is all about money and efficiency in the markets. In such an environment, it's logical for a company to select the less expensive choice. However, economically sound is not necessarily ethically sound, isn’t it?

Civilisations have been able to thrive because previous generations saved far more than they immediately needed. . They preserved monuments for their own sake, defended languages known by only a few, and preserved libraries containing books which many never read. They knew that culture does not necessarily have to be quantified monetarily.

Today It Is Rare Books. Where Does the Line Move?

At present, reports largely involve rare and out-of-print books rather than unique historical manuscripts. It would be inaccurate to suggest otherwise. But technological history teaches us that practices rarely remain confined to their original boundaries.

The original social media were never designed to affect elections. Smartphones weren't meant to be a constant presence in every human moment. Streaming services had no idea that they would come along and dramatically change entire film industries. Technology grows where it is encouraged to grow. The same applies with this also.

With the growing diversity and realness of the sources that AI models depend on for human writing, society will have more challenging questions to answer. What happens when there is very little regional literature and it becomes very profitable? Where do endangered-language books go? If there are only a few physical copies remaining, what then?

These are not forecasts or estimates, but questions that deserve to be asked before circumstances force us to answer them. Once destroyed, there is no second chance for reconsidering a rare book. A copy in digital form can retain all words but can it maintain authenticity?

In Trying to Make AI More Human, Are We Making Humans More Like Machines?

It might be the strangest irony of this technological revolution that it has nothing to do with artificial intelligence. It is all about us!

Over the past few decades, researchers have been making efforts to equip machines with human-like thinking capabilities. They have taught them to recognise emotions and communicate naturally, imitate creativity, and understand language. Each advancement has led to machines being closer and closer to human actions. But, as machines grow increasingly human, human beings appear to be going in the other direction.

We are becoming more and more about celebrating speed over patience, summaries over understanding and efficiency over experience. AI composes our messages, condenses our books, creates our reports and spawns our concepts. We skim, rather than read. Rather than reflect, we encourage. Rather than make, we automate.

The threat is not one of total replacement of the human race by AI. The greatest risk is that man slowly starts to imbibe the values of machines.  When every choice is made on the basis of speed, cost and optimisation, we may end up being a civilization of output over understanding. One day we might know that we have the most intelligent machines ever created and forget to remember why books, art and history were important other than for the information they contained.

The Future Should Not Make Us Forget The Past

AI is definitely one of the greatest technological accomplishments of humankind. It could change medicine, education, scientific discovery and many other things. It should keep on going. 

True progress never came when cultural responsibility was given up. It is not a debate on scanning books or training AI Models. It's about the values that will define the future that we are creating. When it comes to preserving our literary heritage, if we're only looking at reducing expenses, we might end up with a world that's been digitised, but with far fewer books remaining.

Inventions are not the only things by which a civilisation is judged in history but also the treasures it chooses to preserve. Maybe someday AI will have the ability to recall all the books people have ever written. But what’s a bigger issue is whether humans will still be able to recall why those books even existed. The problem is trivial right now but in the long run it’ll change the world, and that, perhaps, won’t be for good. 

The resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan marks more than the political fallout of a controversial examination. It represents a defining moment in the relationship between India's youth and the state. Whether viewed as an act of accountability, a strategic political concession, or a response to sustained public pressure, the episode underscores a larger truth: India's education system has reached a point where public trust can no longer be taken for granted.

The NEET-UG 2026 controversy was never merely about a paper leak. It evolved into a national conversation about fairness, institutional credibility, unemployment, and the aspirations of millions of young Indians. For students who had invested years of preparation, family savings, and emotional resilience into one examination, the cancellation of the test represented more than administrative failure—it felt like a breach of the social contract. The examination system had failed those who had done everything society had asked of them.

What transformed this grievance into a nationwide movement was the ability of Generation Z to redefine political participation. Often dismissed as distracted, screen-obsessed, or disengaged, young Indians demonstrated that social media can be the starting point—not the endpoint—of civic action. Memes evolved into mobilisation, online campaigns became street demonstrations, and digital communities translated into disciplined negotiations with the government. The movement challenged long-held assumptions that internet activism lacks endurance or organisational depth.

The emergence of the Cockroach Janta Party as a symbolic platform reflected this shift. By reclaiming a term perceived as derogatory and transforming it into an emblem of resilience, young protesters created a language that resonated with millions facing educational uncertainty and limited employment opportunities. Yet the movement was never confined to one organisation or personality. Independent students, social media creators, established student organisations, educators, and public intellectuals all contributed to a broad coalition that transcended ideological boundaries.

Among the movement's most influential voices was Sonam Wangchuk, whose hunger strike gave the agitation moral legitimacy beyond conventional politics. His insistence on non-violence, dialogue, and constitutional methods shifted public attention from partisan debate to ethical responsibility. Even when his deteriorating health became a matter of national concern, the focus remained on institutional reform rather than individual heroism. His eventual decision to end the fast after receiving written assurances reflected a belief that democratic negotiation remains preferable to permanent confrontation.

Equally significant was the turning point created by the July 20 march towards Parliament. While isolated incidents of violence require impartial investigation, the widespread images of police action altered public perception. The debate expanded beyond examination irregularities to include broader questions about the state's response to peaceful dissent. History repeatedly demonstrates that excessive force often strengthens rather than weakens public movements. According to the source document, attendance at protest sites increased after the crackdown, suggesting that coercion amplified public sympathy instead of discouraging participation.

The political opposition undoubtedly amplified the issue by raising it inside Parliament and demanding ministerial accountability. However, the movement's strength lay in the fact that it could not easily be dismissed as a partisan campaign. Students from diverse ideological, social, and regional backgrounds participated because examination integrity affects every aspirant regardless of political preference. The document further argues that attempts to communalise the protests failed because paper leaks and educational uncertainty cut across religious and party identities. Merit, anxiety, and career aspirations proved stronger unifying forces than identity politics.

The movement also exposed the evolving nature of information warfare. Competing narratives, manipulated visuals, and unverified allegations circulated on all sides. Yet misinformation struggled to overwhelm lived experience. Students did not require political narratives to convince them that an examination had been cancelled or that months of preparation had been disrupted. Their personal experience remained the movement's most persuasive evidence. This highlights an important lesson in the digital age: while misinformation can shape narratives, it cannot easily erase realities experienced by millions.

The government's eventual acceptance of the minister's resignation appears, in the document's analysis, to have been driven by converging pressures—continued protests, parliamentary disruption, expanding public support, and concern that a single examination controversy could evolve into a broader youth movement centred on unemployment, institutional credibility, and governance. The resignation thus served both as an acknowledgment of accountability and as an attempt to contain an escalating crisis.

Yet resignations alone do not repair broken institutions. Restoring confidence in India's examination system demands transparent investigations, stronger safeguards against paper leaks, faster prosecution of offenders, protection for whistle-blowers, and meaningful reforms to testing agencies. Most importantly, students must regain confidence that merit—not manipulation—determines opportunity.

The lasting significance of this episode therefore lies beyond one minister or one examination. It demonstrated that India's youth possess both the organisational capacity and democratic maturity to shape public discourse through constitutional means. They showed that digital mobilisation can coexist with peaceful protest, negotiation, and institutional engagement. Whether governments of the future choose confrontation or dialogue, one message is unmistakable: young citizens expect accountability, transparency, and respect.

India's demographic dividend will remain its greatest strength only if its institutions command the confidence of those who depend on them. The NEET crisis should therefore be remembered not simply as a political controversy, but as a reminder that the future of education rests as much on public trust as on policy itself.

Prof. Ujjwal Anu Chowdhury

The author is Vice President, Washington University of Science and Technology and Editorial Mentor, edInbox.com

CJP Protests made genZ mature. Take a moment to think, no child grows up dreaming of standing behind a police barricade or leading a students’ protest; they dream of standing on a college campus, seeing their parents smile after years of sacrifices, opening an exam result that changes their family's life forever. That is how millions of young Indians are raised.

“Study, work harder, believe that merit will reward you.” For years, that promise kept an entire generation going. Then something changed… When allegations of repeated examination paper leaks and irregularities began shaking the country's biggest competitive exams, students did not just feel cheated.

Many felt that the one thing they had always trusted, i.e. the idea that dedication is enough, was slowly slipping away. That is why what happened at Delhi's Jantar Mantar isn’t a random protest. It became something far bigger; it became a generation asking one question that nobody in power could ignore anymore. It proved the system was gravely defective and that the most unserious generation had to come down to streets for one of the most serious protests while the government only focused on saving its throne!

Neither Education Nor Government Stood For its Youth

What started as a protest over exam irregularities and NEET paper leak turned into one of the country’s biggest youth-led movements in recent years. Thousands of students, job aspirants, parents and supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar with this simple message: if examinations decide a young person’s future then those examinations must be fair, transparent and accountable.

The movement was led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth organisation that pushed for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and also demanded broader reforms in India’s examination system. Over the next few days, the protest went way beyond one political demand. It became, somehow, a conversation about trust, and the biggest yet basic demand – accountability! 

The youth demanded answers from the same government who is pushing to make India vishwaguru. However, with all the paperleaks, youths’ potential going to waste, a corrupted system and monarchy disguised as democracy, the protest that erupted in 2026 was NEEDED. Because it’s better to fight today than let our children fight later. 

Also Read: The Rise of the ‘Cockroach Generation’: Young Indians Are Tired of Pretending Everything Is Fine 

Vishwaguru? Let the Gurus be Educated First!

The matter might look trivial on papers reading as ‘yet another paper leak that caused distress and a few suicides’, but the ground reality is  far beyond mere words inked down; it’s about the basic need from our education system. 

From 2021, the government aggressively started to promote and persuade people to help India become Vishwaguru again. The students took it positively, genZ really set their minds into studying, which was clearly visible as instagram started flooding with memes that could only be understood by educated people. Yes, brainrot trended and cringe content still peaked but memes, phrases, and references that surfaced somewhere reflected how a generation was also focusing on studying.  

However, in the 2026 NEET paper, one of India’s biggest exams, leaked, and when the students demanded answers, when they demanded the system to be fixed permanently so that such an incident never happens, the government ignored, AVOIDED its own youth. Students only yearned for fair exams, better systems, and unbiased education opportunities because corruption only leads to most undeserving people climbing the ladder and decaying the whole civilisation in the long-run. 

Also Read: Cockroach Janta Party Founder Abhijeet Dipke To Protest in Delhi, Demands Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation 

NEET Paper Leak 2026

The initial cause for the protest was said to be irregularities in the competitive exams, but the discussion at Jantar Mantar soon shifted from a single examination or recruitment process. Students talked about years of preparation.

Parents shared their experiences of money spent on coaching. Repeated claims of paper leaks and examination failures had led to uncertainty about merit, many protesters said. It wasn't just about one result for them. It was a question of whether hard work still brought opportunity. This fear was not just felt in Delhi, but throughout young India. 

Also read: Why NEET Is No Longer an Entrance Exam Students Can Trust Blindly 

A Protest that Refused to Just Fade Away

The movement picked up speed as students from different states travelled to Delhi. Some had spent years preparing for competitive examinations. Others had watched the same kind of paper-leak allegations keep showing up on headlines. Many arrived with the sense that they had already tried everything else , so this was the last option.

The protest then leaned into something more moral when climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement and started an indefinite hunger strike, in solidarity with the students.  His presence changed what had looked like yet another student demonstration into a wider national discussion about the future of education.

After 21 days of fasting, Wangchuk was removed from the protest site by Delhi Police and moved to Safdarjung Hospital. Police said the decision came after medical advice and instructions connected to matters before the Delhi High Court, once his health deteriorated. Protest organisers, however, described the removal as forcible , and the videos from the incident spread quickly across social media, sparking a lot of debate.

With Wangchuk hospitalized, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would continue the hunger strike, declaring that the movement would not stop and the Parliament March on 20th July;2026 was still on.

Also read: Indian Students Are Exhausted: How NEET 2026 Exposed a Growing Trust Crisis in Education 

The turning point was the march of "Sansad Chalo"

Despite Delhi Police declaring the march unauthorised and tightening security across central Delhi, thousands gathered with the intention of marching (peacefully) towards Parliament.

What ensued was the most controversial period in the movement. Police deployed barricades, lathi-charge and tear gas when protesters tried to march towards Parliament. As per ground videos, the tear bombs used were expired (the most concerning part). Expired tear gas can become more unstable and potentially more harmful, causing intensified irritation, chemical burns, and unpredictable reactions.

Meanwhile, protest organisers and many participants alleged that police used excessive force against peaceful protesters and falsely accused the protestors of being violent. The internet was flooded with videos showing protestors trying to save themselves from police who started hitting in an attempt to provoke protestors to be violent, until the government decided to cut the internet. 

In all of this, genz and gen alpha clearly saw one basic question arise: what’s something that the government is trying to save or hide?  Because it was a peaceful protest for mere accountability. Moreover, if Dharmendra Pradhan took action or wholeheartedly claimed responsibility, things could have been very different. 

The Images Of The Day Tell Two Stories Now

Some displayed injured police officers, broken barricades and roads strewn with stones. Others were seen carrying injured young protesters to safety, students sitting on roads with handwritten placards, and volunteers carrying the injured to safety while tear gas filled the streets around Parliament. The events were soon the topic of public discussion.

During the protest week, things took a turn as people from different communities started to join. However, because of massive headcounts it became difficult to differentiate between true students and goons disguised as protestors. There were fights, violence that started happening from the protestors’ end. This triggered speculations about conspiracies and ill intentions of an unknown group or party. Despite this, students kept flocking at Jantar Mantar and other districts for peaceful protest while the police allegedly continued provoking them and detaining them. 

Public Voices Join In The Movement

The protests continued and public figures started to react. Actor Alia Bhatt applauded the bravery of the protesters. “Examination paper leaks are a serious matter,” Salman Khan said, adding his condolences to the students who were injured during the protests. He also said, "Sonam, it's done bro," that went viral. 

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who peacefully went to Jantar Mantar to support the students’ protest, shared a video later questioning why other members of the film industry had not spoken up. 

Singer Arijit Singh condemned the violence witnessed during the protests and later clarified that he was not in favour of the violent protesters or the CJP. He said that students' concerns should have been addressed before it got to this level.

Social activist Anna Hazare appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to the students' concerns and said that accountability makes the government stronger, not weaker. The movement was now a part of the public discourse.

Dhurandhar actress Ayesha Khan who participated in CJP Protest in Mumbai was detained. She shared a video claiming how police detained her and her friend, forced them into the police van and stopped them for joining the protest. 

There were many other influencers who came forward to do what mainstream media refused to do. Big influencers did ground-reporting showing exactly what is happening while other micro influencers who had good followings contributed by choosing to be truthful despite knowing they could be detained or fined for speaking the truth against the government. 

Few of them shared reels and claimed the government emailed them asking to make reels criticizing the movement while appreciating the government efforts, and to get compensation of 40-60 thousand rupees per reel. They also clarified that doing so could make them get arrested or liable to legal actions but are still doing it. They also urged the viewers to remember this as the videos could be taken down very soon. These claims aren’t independently verified, however, the screenshots they attached felt non-ai. Apparently, the credibility remains vague. 

Politics, Accountability And Irony

The political debate on Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was one of the most talked about issues of the protest. The movement's supporters often cited reports from 1997, when Pradhan was allegedly involved in protests against a paper leak as a student leader.

Critics argued that students demanding accountability today deserved the same hearing that earlier generations had sought. But those who supported the government argued that the current movement had political elements and should not be directly compared with the previous student agitations. The debate was indicative of the extent to which the issue had become a part of the political discourse in India.

The Government's First Response

On 22nd July, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said the ongoing CJP protest and the issues raised by the students should be discussed in Parliament so that a solution can be found.

Speaking amid the continuing agitation over the NEET paper leak, Nadda said it is the responsibility of both the government and the Opposition to discuss the matter in Parliament and work towards resolving it in the interest of students. His remarks came as the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar continued to draw nationwide attention and political reactions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the government would set up fast-track courts to probe examination paper leak cases as pressure mounted. The Prime Minister said that the future of the youth of the country would not be jeopardised by those who would try to do so and added that the protection of students was a national priority.

The announcement was seen by many as a sign that the integrity of exams had become a national issue. But the announcement also left a bigger question unanswered. Does the swiftness of punishment alone restore public confidence?

Also read: PM Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for Paper Leak Cases, Says Those 'Playing With Students' Future Will Not Be Spared' 

Inside The Movement

As with any large-scale public protest, the demonstrations had their own internal issues. Online criticism was raised after videos were released of a CJP spokesperson visiting fast food restaurants during the protests. The organisation later dismissed him from his official role, stating that his actions were not in line with the values of the movement.

The decision was welcomed by some supporters as evidence that the organisation was willing to hold its own members accountable.

In the interim, the CJP broadened its demands to include the dropping of cases against protesters and action against police officers accused by the organisation of using excessive force. Despite detentions, police presence and repeated clashes, the protests persisted.

Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital, CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Begins Hunger Strike; Alleges Police Detention 

Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike after 26 Days

On July 23, 2026, Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 26-day hunger strike after he met Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. He broke his fast in the presence of the ministers and senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh. Wangchuk's choice was made after a long negotiation and fear of potential violence in the country. He thanked the Members of Parliament for their support, and called for caution against violence, which has been 65 in number. The government pledged to take no action against the protesters who were demonstrating peacefully and said it was discussing paper leaks and educational reforms.

PM Modi On NEET Paper Leak Released a Midnight Video

Later on 23rd July, PM Modi released a video at midnight addressing the heated topic of NEET Paper leak calling the issue "very painful" and acknowledging the concerns of students and parents. He assured that strict actions would be taken. 

The Prime Minister said several accused in paper leak cases had been identified and arrested over the past two and a half months, and promised strict action against those responsible. He also said that re-examinations were held for almost 22 lakh students and results were declared on July 19 to ensure that their admissions were not delayed.

Modi also said the Union Cabinet would hold a discussion on a proposed anti-paper leak law that will be introduced in Parliament next week. The draft bill would also introduce tougher penalties for those involved in the examination malpractices and fast-track courts to speed up paper leak cases.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the address by the Prime Minister for not responding to the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi restated the demands which included the removal of Pradhan, action against those who allegedly assaulted protesting students and an apology from the government.

The Prime Minister's message came before the nationwide protests against the alleged examination irregularities and just after the activist Sonam Wangchuk called off his 26-day hunger strike. The Centre said more legal and administrative changes may be implemented in the future to build trust in the competitive examination system in India.

On the 24th night again PM Modi shared a video to keep Genz engaged. In the reel he thanked them for their feedback on his earlier video and said that it was “good to interact”. In the caption of the reel said, “Thanks to the youngsters who watched my video yesterday and sent insightful suggestions.” GenZ apparently commented funny things but between the lines it reflected how frustrated they felt about the “illogical-reel” that had nothing to do with the trivial demand of students. 

Also Read: PM Modi Releases Midnight Video on NEET Paper Leak as Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike on day 26 

Protest That Went Beyond Delhi

What happened in Parliament Street or Jantar Mantar was perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the movement. It was the same in households all over India. Parents who had never protested found themselves talking about examination reforms.

Teachers debated accountability. Students who were preparing for future exams were asking themselves if the system they believed in could ensure fairness. The protest wasn't about ideology for many of the young people. It was a question of certainty. The confidence that years of study should not be jeopardized by alleged corruption or administrative failures.

Dharmendra Pradhan Resigned 

On 25th July, 2026, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reportedly sent his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests (students protest) in Jantar Mantar demanding his removal over NEET paper leak irregularities.

The development comes hours before the scheduled talks between the Centre and CJP representatives. The two-page letter, addressed to the country's youth and shared on social media, marks one of the biggest political fallouts yet from this year's NEET paper leak controversy.. 

Pradhan in the letter said, “I do not want any student’s future entangled in legal complications. I want our children to focus on studies and career building”.

He also mentioned that the last 10 days had been disturbing to him and that his choice was not based on his image but his conscience. He noted the rising discontent over the issue, including protests at Jantar Mantar, and said that people in power had deceived students during the crisis and that the situation was being politicized.

Also read: CJP Forces Historic Resignation: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Resigns  

A Generation Pleading To Be HEARD

Each generation has one question that it will leave behind. This is what it might look like for this generation: Can a nation be a global knowledge power (vishwaguru) if its students don't believe in the exams that define their future?

The CJP protest will be evaluated in a multitude of ways, from the number of people who participated, the debates it provoked, the political debates it created, and the changes it brought and did not bring.

However, its biggest legacy might be something much simpler. It brought India to the realization that every roll number has a name, every result has a family and every allegation of paper leak has the potential of ruining years of hard work.

Some may have agreed with all the memes, slogans, all the demands, all the methods, but the protest put the issue on the agenda that could no longer be ignored. For thousands of young Indians who stood in Delhi for not just an examination but the concept of accountability itself, that conversation could turn out to be the movement's greatest legacy.

In the words of Abhijeet Dipke: Jhukti hai duniya, jhukane wala cahiye

Every examination paper that leaks steals more than a question booklet. It steals years of hard work, family sacrifices, and the belief that merit still matters.

India's latest examination controversy has once again exposed a deeper institutional crisis. The debate is no longer confined to a single paper leak or the resignation of an Education Minister. It has evolved into a larger question: Can young Indians still trust the system that promises opportunity through merit?

The July 20 march to Parliament was born from this question. Tens of thousands of students travelled to Delhi not merely to protest an examination, but to demand accountability from institutions that determine their futures. Their message was simple: when an examination fails, it is not only a test that collapses—it is public faith in governance itself.

A GENERATION THAT DID EVERYTHING RIGHT - AND WAS STILL CHEATED

A generation that was told to study harder has discovered that hard work is no protection against a stolen question paper. It was told to trust merit, only to watch merit become negotiable. It was told that competitive examinations were the republic's great equaliser, only to learn that a leak can turn years of preparation, family debt and private sacrifice into waste overnight.

That is the moral centre of the students' movement now spreading across India. It is not a mystery manufactured in Beijing, Washington or a clandestine ideological cell. It is a public response to a documented institutional crisis. The immediate trigger was the cancellation and re-examination of NEET-UG 2026 after the paper-leak scandal. The National Testing Agency itself recorded 22.79 lakh candidates for the original examination and later notified a nationwide re-test on June 21.[1][2] The wider backdrop is even more damning: repeated leaks in recruitment, entrance and board examinations across states governed by different parties, enormous delays, weak prosecutions and vanishing accountability.

Yet, instead of beginning with the evidence, an influential section of partisan media and social-media propaganda has tried to change the question. Who leaked the paper? becomes Who funds the protesters? Why were safeguards breached? becomes Why was a Faiz song sung? Why are convictions so rare? becomes Which embassy issued a travel alert? The scandal is moved from the examination room to the protest site. Students become suspects; institutions escape the dock.

THE NUMBERS THAT PROPAGANDA CANNOT EXPLAIN AWAY

Before evaluating rumours about the movement, consider the proven scale of the problem. An Indian Express investigation in 2024 documented 41 recruitment-examination leaks in 15 states over five years. Those disruptions affected 1.4 crore applicants competing for just over 1.04 lakh posts.[3] That is not a campus quarrel. It is a mass injury to economic mobility.

A larger 2026 investigation examined 45 major paper-leak cases from 2002 to 2025, each involving at least one lakh applicants. It found that 3.86 crore aspirants had enrolled for the affected examinations. Re-tests were scheduled after an average delay of 183 days; in some cases the disruption stretched to four years. Among 1,658 people arrested, 925 were charge-sheeted, but only 18 were convicted - in merely two cases. Thirty-two were acquitted in two cases and 43 remained in judicial custody when the investigation was published.[4]

The evidence also defeats partisan simplification. Of the 45 major leaks studied by The Indian Express, 23 involved examinations under BJP-ruled governments at the Centre or in states, 14 under Congress-ruled bodies, and the remainder under other parties.[4] Uttar Pradesh topped the list, followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat. The honest conclusion is not that one party invented paper leaks. It is that a nationwide governance failure has persisted across political regimes - and that the Union government carries special responsibility when a national examination administered through a central agency collapses.

NEET-UG magnifies every weakness because the stakes are brutal. More than 2.27 million candidates appeared across 551 cities before the 2026 examination was scrapped, according to a later account compiling official and police information.[6] The NTA had publicly advertised a vast security architecture: over two lakh personnel, more than 6,000 observers, GPS-tracked transport, CCTV feeds, biometric authentication and central monitoring. It also said more than 65 Telegram channels had been blocked for circulating fake papers or fraudulent claims.[7] Yet the exam still had to be cancelled and held again. The gap between promised security and actual failure is exactly why public anger is rational.

This is the factual foundation of the movement. Any theory that claims the agitation is fundamentally foreign-made must explain why millions of affected Indian candidates, repeated cancellations, years of delay and microscopic conviction rates are somehow irrelevant. It cannot.

WHEN AN EXAM FAILURE BECOMES A HUMAN EMERGENCY

The most painful dimension cannot be reduced to statistics. Hindustan Times reported that at least 11 NEET aspirants died by suicide in the 46 days between cancellation and the scheduled re-test, based on police records, family accounts and media reports.[6] The report was careful: in several cases, a direct causal link had not been officially established. That caution must be preserved. Suicide is complex; no responsible account should convert every death into a single-cause political slogan.

But caution is not an excuse for indifference. Families and police accounts repeatedly pointed to examination pressure, uncertainty and the collapse of carefully constructed plans. In one family account reported by Al Jazeera, years of coaching, land sales and household expenditure had been invested in a child's medical ambition. The father's anguished question captured the national grievance: “Can't they protect one paper that decides the future of millions?”[8]

The question is not whether a paper leak mechanically causes every tragedy. The question is whether an already punishing examination culture becomes intolerable when the state itself destroys predictability. Students face a scarce-seat lottery, coaching pressure, family expectations, age limits, financial strain and social comparison. A cancellation forces them to repeat travel, accommodation, preparation and emotional labour. It may collide with other examinations and admissions. It tells an exhausted young person that even perfect compliance cannot guarantee a fair chance.

This is why compensation cannot be discussed only as reimbursement of an examination fee. A credible response must include travel and logistical costs for the re-test, counselling and mental-health support, a transparent grievance mechanism, protection against academic disadvantage, and compassionate assistance to bereaved families without turning grief into political theatre. It must also include media guidelines that avoid sensational details, romanticisation or intrusive coverage of families.

The movement's moral legitimacy grows from this lived reality. Students did not first assemble around a geopolitical doctrine. They assembled around a broken promise: that the same paper, the same rules and the same chance would apply to everyone.

THE COUNTER-NARRATIVE FACTORY: CHANGE THE SUBJECT, CRIMINALISE THE QUESTIONER

Modern propaganda rarely tries to prove that no leak occurred. That would collapse under official notices and the re-test itself. Its more effective strategy is diversion. It accepts the grievance only long enough to declare that the grievance has been “hijacked.” The vocabulary then escalates rapidly: foreign-funded, Deep State, Islamist, communist, urban Naxal, anti-national, opposition-sponsored.

This technique performs three political functions. First, it fractures solidarity by making Hindu participants fear Muslim participants, nationalists fear leftists, and non-party citizens fear opposition parties. Second, it changes the burden of proof. Instead of the examination authority explaining how the paper escaped, each student must prove that no distant activist, political worker or embassy employee has ever interacted with anyone in the crowd. Third, it prepares moral permission for coercion. Once a protest is described as a foreign operation, a baton appears defensive rather than punitive.

The correct evidentiary rule is simple: an allegation of foreign funding requires financial evidence - bank transfers, donor records, contracts, FCRA violations, traced logistics or an official investigation with disclosed findings. An allegation of conspiracy requires coordination evidence - instructions, command structures, communications, material support or operational planning. A photograph, ideological overlap, a song, a diplomatic safety alert or an opposition leader's visit is not a substitute.

The following claims fail that test.

RUMOUR ONE: ‘CHINA FUNDED THE MOVEMENT’

The China narrative has been built through insinuation: some activists associated with left student organisations reportedly attended or interacted with an event linked to the Chinese embassy; therefore the entire CJP mobilisation was controlled or financed by Beijing. A highly polemical Organiser article called the protest a “Red-infested anti-India operation” and asked who paid for tents, logistics and media work.[9]

But the article's own language reveals the absence of proof. It says an inquiry “would need to establish” whether an embassy interaction had any connection to the protest, and that conclusions about gifts or support would depend on an official investigation.[9] In other words, the central connection had not been established. The piece then leaps from unanswered questions to certainty: Beijing must be directing chaos. That is not investigation. It is a presumption wrapped around a hypothetical.

Three distinctions matter.

1. Participation by SFI, AISF, AISA, AIDSO or any other lawful student organisation does not convert a broad protest into a foreign operation. Indian political movements often contain people from parties, unions, independent collectives and unaffiliated citizens. Their ideological identities may be debated; their presence does not prove external command.
2. Attendance at an embassy event is not evidence of funding. Embassies routinely hold cultural, academic, political and outreach events. A financing allegation needs a money trail. No publicly verified bank record, grant document, reimbursement ledger, transfer instruction or official finding has been produced in the reports that pushed the allegation.
3. The movement's expenses are not mysterious merely because they are visible. Public agitations are often sustained through small donations, volunteer kitchens, sympathetic associations, local transport pools, digital creators and in-kind support. Those arrangements should be transparently disclosed by organisers, especially at scale. Transparency is good democratic hygiene. But “we do not yet know every donor” does not logically become “China paid.”

The appropriate verdict is therefore: unsubstantiated. If a competent agency has evidence of unlawful foreign finance, it should publish legally admissible findings and prosecute the offence. Until then, naming China functions as a political fog machine designed to obscure Indian administrative failure.

RUMOUR TWO: ‘THE US DEEP STATE KNEW - SO IT MUST HAVE PLANNED IT’

The second narrative treats a US Embassy demonstration alert as proof of advance conspiracy. The embassy advised American citizens on July 17 to avoid expected crowds and disruptions around central Delhi on July 20 and 21. A television report framed this as suspicious “foreknowledge.”[10]

The chronology dismantles the mystery. The march was not secret. Sonam Wangchuk and CJP figures had publicly spoken about the July 20 Parliament march days earlier; Reuters reported the plan on July 14.[11] The Monsoon Session of Parliament was opening. Farmer organisations had separately announced a July 21 mobilisation. Police deployment, traffic restrictions and public calls were visible. An embassy that failed to warn its citizens about such announced events would be neglecting its routine consular function.

Even the report that raised the conspiracy question conceded that demonstration alerts are standard diplomatic practice and are commonly based on open-source intelligence, local news, police announcements and public schedules.[10] No evidence in the alert shows funding, tactical guidance, communication with CJP or direction of the protest. It advised avoidance, not participation.

This is a classic conspiracy fallacy: because an institution anticipated an event, it must have caused it. By that logic, every traffic advisory would prove the traffic police organised the rally. Prediction is not authorship. Public knowledge is not clandestine control.

The appropriate verdict is false inference. A genuine “Deep State” allegation would require evidence of covert material support or command. A public safety notice about a publicly announced march proves neither.

RUMOUR THREE: ‘AN ALLAH SONG PROVES AN ISLAMIST CONSPIRACY’

A clipped video of a woman singing words associated with Faiz Ahmed Faiz's “Hum Dekhenge” was used to portray the movement as communal or Islamist. The line most often isolated refers to Allah. Removed from literary and historical context, it is made to sound like a sectarian declaration.

The history points in the opposite direction. “Hum Dekhenge” was written in 1979 as a political challenge to General Zia-ul-Haq's dictatorship in Pakistan - a regime that used religious authority to justify repression. The poem uses Islamic metaphor against authoritarian power; it became a South Asian protest anthem precisely because it turned the ruler's sacred vocabulary back toward justice and popular sovereignty.

One may like or dislike the poem. Organisers may reasonably choose songs that are less vulnerable to communal clipping. But a cultural performance by one participant cannot establish the religious character of a nationwide movement whose stated demands concern examination integrity, accountability, compensation and ministerial responsibility. To call Muslim vocabulary automatically anti-national is itself a communal act: it tells Indian Muslims that their language, poetry and devotional references are presumptively foreign.

The appropriate verdict is twofold. The song claim is decontextualised guilt by association. The Jamaat letter is fabricated content. Neither proves communal control of the movement.

RUMOUR FOUR: ‘URBAN NAXALS AND EXTREME COMMUNISTS ARE USING STUDENTS’

“Urban Naxal” is now less a precise security description than an expandable political label. It can be applied to a lawyer demanding arrest memos, a professor questioning policy, a student union carrying a red flag, an environmentalist fasting, or a citizen asking for independent investigation. Its utility lies in vagueness: the accusation is emotionally grave but evidentially elastic.

There is a legitimate distinction between democratic left politics and proscribed armed Maoist activity. SFI, AISF, AIDSO and AISA are public student organisations operating in universities and elections. Their slogans and politics are open to criticism. But their presence at a rally does not establish an armed-insurgency conspiracy. Proof would require links to a banned organisation, violent operational planning, weapons, illegal finance or command instructions - not ideological adjectives.

The movement's principal methods have been sit-ins, hunger strikes, public speeches, marches, social-media satire and demands addressed to constitutional institutions. Sonam Wangchuk's intervention reinforced a Gandhian frame: bodily sacrifice, non-violence and moral pressure. He was moved to hospital against his wishes on the twenty-first day of his fast after doctors warned of serious health risk.[15] To redescribe that method as Maoist strategy is not merely inaccurate; it erases the obvious difference between civil disobedience and armed rebellion.

The charge also ignores the social composition of the anger. CJP's online rise drew students, job-seekers, families, professionals and politically unaffiliated youth. Reuters linked its expansion to youth unemployment and recurring exam failures; the official unemployment rate for people aged 15-29 was nearly 10 per cent in 2025 and 13.6 per cent in urban India. Those material anxieties do not need a secret ideology to become explosive.

The appropriate verdict is categorical inflation: the use of an extremist label without extremist evidence.

RUMOUR FIVE: ‘ALL ANTI-MODI FORCES ARE BAKING THEIR BREAD’

Opposition parties have supported the agitation. Rahul Gandhi and other leaders backed the demand for the Education Minister's resignation; Parliament was repeatedly disrupted after the July 20 events, and protests spread to multiple cities.[16] Political parties will naturally seek advantage from a government failure. That is not a revelation. It is electoral politics.

But opportunistic support does not invalidate an underlying grievance. A bridge does not become sound because the opposition photographed its collapse. Nor does a leaked exam become fair because a rival party joins the march. The correct test is whether the evidence preceded the political embrace. Here it plainly did: cancellation, re-test, affected candidates, suicides, investigation records and low conviction rates were public facts before the opposition's full-scale intervention.

The cross-party history of leaks is especially important. Congress governments have presided over serious examination failures; regional parties have too.[4] Student organisers should therefore resist becoming an appendage of any one party and demand a national reform compact binding all governments. Yet the ruling party cannot use the opposition's presence to escape its present responsibility for a national examination administered under the Union education system.

The appropriate verdict is diversion. Opposition participation may alter the movement's optics and strategy; it does not erase the documented case for accountability.

THE FAKE-CONTENT ASSEMBLY LINE

The propaganda war has not remained at the level of opinion. It has produced forged documents, AI images and recycled videos.

BOOM identified AI-generated images carrying fabricated testimony from a supposed police inspector who allegedly claimed Wangchuk himself had sought removal to hospital. No credible record supported the named officer's quotation, and image-detection analysis indicated synthetic generation.[17] BOOM also found that two videos circulated to construct a pro-police narrative were old and unrelated: one showed a “We Support Delhi Police” event from November 2025; another showed an officer and a Palestinian flag in footage dating to 2023.[18]

India Today found that a clip presented as a CJP protester attempting to burn a car was actually from Gaya, Bihar, after a road accident on July 16, before the Parliament march.[19] Alt News's investigation of the forged Jamaat letter exposed how a badly constructed document crossed the boundary from partisan accounts into television coverage.[14]

Accuracy, however, cannot be partisan. Newschecker found that a video used by some accounts to accuse Delhi Police of vandalising vehicles during the July 20 march was actually from a July 13 BJP protest in Datia, Madhya Pradesh.[20] Delhi Police also denied viral claims that a woman protester had died during the lathi-charge; at the time of writing, no verified death had been established.[21] These corrections matter. A movement demanding truth from the state must apply the same standard to its own information ecosystem.

The lesson is not “believe the police” or “believe the protesters.” It is: verify the specific claim. Check date, location, original uploader, shadows and hands in AI images, signage, uniforms, weather, vehicle plates, reverse-image results, medical records and named witnesses. Do not let emotional alignment replace evidence.

This discipline strengthens the movement rather than weakening it. False stories are gifts to those who wish to discredit real abuse. Every organiser should maintain a rapid-verification desk, publish corrections prominently, preserve original files and metadata, and discourage anonymous sensational claims. Credibility is a strategic asset.

JULY 20: WHEN A MARCH TOWARD PARLIAMENT MET THE BATON

The Sansad March on July 20 was publicly called in the name of examination accountability and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Wangchuk had urged preparation for it before being removed to hospital. Tens of thousands of young people gathered in New Delhi as the Monsoon Session opened. Reuters reported police using tear gas and batons to push protesters back; the Associated Press likewise described force used against marchers moving toward Parliament.[16][22]

The state had not granted permission for the march to proceed to Parliament. Police erected barricades and treated attempts to cross them as a security breach. Delhi Police later alleged that protesters became “unruly, aggressive and violent,” attacked personnel, damaged public property and attempted to break barriers despite warnings. Police said 70 protesters were detained. Their reported injury count was 118 police personnel and roughly 60 protesters; they also alleged damage to government vehicles.[23]

Those claims cannot simply be discarded. Video cited in contemporaneous reporting showed some protesters attacking police. Anyone who assaulted an officer or deliberately destroyed property should face a fair, individualised investigation. A democratic movement has no licence to turn collective anger into indiscriminate violence.

But police accountability is not cancelled by protester misconduct. Other videos showed personnel in plain clothes wielding batons and striking protesters as barricades were breached.[24] Participants alleged male officers hit women, and viral images showed serious injuries. Protesters also alleged the use of pellet guns; Delhi Police denied that allegation. Because the claim is contested, it should not be presented as settled fact. It requires medical records, forensic examination of injuries, weapon logs, CCTV footage and an independent inquiry.

The central human-rights question is proportionality. Were clear dispersal warnings given and audible? Were safe exit routes available? Were non-violent participants separated from those committing offences? Were women handled by women personnel? Were journalists, medics and legal observers protected? Was force targeted at an immediate threat, or applied broadly after the line broke? Were plainclothes personnel identifiable and accountable? Were detainees informed of grounds and documented?

India's Constitution protects freedom of speech and the right to assemble peaceably and without arms under Article 19, subject to reasonable restrictions. Article 21 protects life and personal liberty, while Article 22 establishes safeguards concerning arrest and detention.[25] In Anuradha Bhasin, the Supreme Court emphasised that restrictions on fundamental rights must satisfy proportionality and that the state should use the least restrictive measure available; it also directed publication of orders restricting telecom services so affected people can challenge them.[26]

These standards do not guarantee a march to any route at any time. Parliament and central Delhi require security. But “no permission” is not a magic phrase that legalises every subsequent blow. The police duty is dual: prevent violence and protect citizens, including citizens with whom the government strongly disagrees.

THE CURTAIN AROUND SONAM WANGCHUK

Two days before the march, Wangchuk was moved from the protest site to hospital against his stated wishes. Reuters reported that he was on the twenty-first day of his hunger strike and that doctors were concerned about hypokalaemia, a potentially dangerous fall in blood potassium.[15] The Delhi High Court had asked authorities to monitor his health and intervene if necessary.

The state therefore faced a genuine duty-of-care dilemma. It could not ignore a life-threatening medical decline. But the visual and procedural choices mattered. Footage showed personnel surrounding the site while large white sheets were held up as a screen during his removal.[15] Supporters interpreted the operation as abduction and silencing. Authorities described it as medically necessary.

A rights-respecting response should have maximised transparency: independent doctors acceptable to the patient and family, written medical findings, access to counsel, a recorded explanation of legal authority, and continuing ability to communicate unless a specific lawful restriction applied. The stronger the state claims benevolent necessity, the stronger its obligation to show that coercion was narrowly tailored to saving life rather than suppressing speech.

Wangchuk's role also undermines the attempt to caricature the movement as nihilistic. His public life is associated with alternative education, ecological protection and non-violent advocacy. One may disagree with his demand for a minister's resignation or criticise the ethics of a prolonged hunger strike. But his participation placed the crisis within a recognisably Indian tradition: the citizen's body used as a moral appeal to power. A government confident in its democratic legitimacy should answer that appeal with dialogue, not opacity.

MUMBAI: FROM STREET CONTROL TO DIGITAL CONTROL

After the Delhi confrontation, the pressure shifted from visible barricades to the less visible domain of phones, locations, notices and fear. Students in Mumbai told The Times of India that they were directed to share live locations, received notices through messaging platforms at around 3 a.m., spent hours in police stations, surrendered phones that were returned with signs they interpreted as surveillance, were denied copies of “zero FIRs,” and received calls from multiple security agencies.[27] One student described being held for nearly seven hours; organisers alleged that prolonged detention was intended to exhaust participants and deter them from returning.

These are allegations, not yet judicial findings. Technical claims that a phone was compromised require forensic examination. Police may lawfully seek information or seize a device under defined legal powers in an investigation. But informal demands, unexplained access, location tracking without disclosed authority and pressure applied to peaceful participants raise grave concerns under the constitutional right to privacy recognised by the Supreme Court in K.S. Puttaswamy.[28]

The most alarming reported episode was not merely alleged by protesters and left there. A viral video appeared to show a Mumbai Police driver threatening students that drugs could be planted on them and narcotics cases filed if they protested again. Mumbai Police ordered an inquiry, identified the driver and removed him from his current posting pending completion of the probe.[29] That institutional response is significant: it shows the allegation was serious enough to demand immediate administrative action.

A threat to fabricate a narcotics case is not ordinary rough language. It invokes one of the state's most coercive legal regimes, where arrest, stigma and prolonged litigation can destroy a young person's education and employment. Even if uttered by one individual without institutional instruction, it creates a chilling message: participation can be converted into criminal identity.

Reports also indicated that more than 150 people were detained and cases registered during protest-related action in Mumbai.[30] In one widely reported incident, a young woman blocked a police vehicle and demanded arrest memos for those being taken away. Whatever one thinks of her tactic, the legal instinct was correct: detention cannot become an undocumented disappearance into procedure. Grounds, records, station location, access to counsel and information to family are not favours; they are safeguards against abuse.

Digital intimidation is particularly corrosive because it follows the student home. A lathi-charge ends physically; the suspicion that one's location is being tracked, contacts mapped and future career flagged can produce long-term self-censorship. It turns the smartphone - the movement's organising tool - into a source of anxiety.

Mumbai Police should therefore publish clear answers. Under what law were live locations requested? Which devices were accessed, imaged or retained, and with whose authorisation? Were seizure memos issued? What data was copied? Were notices validly served? How many people were detained, arrested or released? Which FIRs were registered, and why were copies allegedly unavailable? What safeguards prevent use of protest participation as a basis for unrelated surveillance?

A DEMOCRACY DOES NOT FEAR THE RECEIPT

The movement's immediate demands are often summarised as a ministerial resignation. But resignation alone would be symbolic unless accompanied by structural reform. India needs a public examination integrity architecture that makes failure traceable rather than endlessly deniable.

First, every major examination should have an auditable chain of custody from question creation to printing, encryption, transport, storage, opening and digital transmission. Responsibility must be assigned by name and function. Independent red-team testing should attempt to breach the system before candidates are exposed to it.

Second, vendors and subcontractors must be transparent. Security cannot disappear into a maze of private printers, logistics companies and software providers. Contracts should specify cybersecurity standards, background checks, data minimisation, breach reporting, financial liability and debarment.

Third, an automatic candidate-compensation protocol should activate upon cancellation. It should cover fees, travel and reasonable documented expenses; offer schedule protection; and provide counselling. Families should not have to protest separately for basic relief.

Fourth, investigations should be time-bound and publicly reported without compromising trials. The 2026 record - 45 major cases, 1,658 arrests and convictions in only two cases - demonstrates why arrest statistics cannot be sold as accountability.[4] The public needs to know whether organisers, insiders, officials and beneficiaries are actually prosecuted.

Fifth, responsibility must travel upward. Junior invigilators and middlemen cannot be the only visible accused while senior administrators treat a nationwide re-test as a weather event. Parliamentary oversight, an independent technical audit and published findings are essential.

Sixth, protest policing needs transparent protocols. Body-camera and CCTV footage should be preserved; force reports should specify units, weapons, timing and authorisation; medical data should be independently compiled; and allegations against both protesters and police should be investigated by a body not directly implicated in the confrontation.

Seventh, the movement itself must institutionalise non-violence and verification. Volunteer marshals, legal observers, first-aid teams, women-safety teams, clear route discipline and a public correction desk can prevent provocateurs, panic and fake media from hijacking the cause. Organisers should publish audited accounts of donations and expenses. Transparency is the strongest answer to foreign-funding rumours.

Eighth, dialogue must have a timetable and minutes. Meetings without written commitments become instruments of delay. A negotiation should specify which demands are accepted, rejected or under examination, by whom, and by what date.

THE REAL ANTI-NATIONAL ACT IS TO DESTROY FAITH IN MERIT

National strength is not measured by how effectively a government can silence embarrassment. It is measured by whether institutions correct themselves before citizens lose faith in them.

A paper leak is not a minor administrative mishap. It is theft from the honest. It transfers advantage from the disciplined to the connected, from the poor family that sells land to the network that buys access. It corrodes recruitment, public services, medicine, education and the legitimacy of the state. When millions conclude that effort is less powerful than influence, the republic loses human capital and moral authority.

The students on the street are therefore not weakening India by exposing the failure. They are demanding that India become worthy of their effort. Their patriotism lies in refusing to normalise fraud. Their constitutionalism lies in addressing Parliament, courts, ministries and the public. Their anger is not a foreign import; it is the domestic product of unanswered evidence.

The state has the right to ask protesters to remain peaceful. Protesters have the right to demand the same discipline from the state. The media has the right to investigate ideological participation, finance and violence. It has no right to forge, recycle or insinuate its way around facts. Opposition parties may support the movement. They should not capture it. Ruling parties may defend their record. They cannot communalise or criminalise every critic.

The most powerful response to misinformation is not another slogan. It is a public ledger of truth: how many examinations failed, how they failed, who profited, who was charged, who was convicted, what candidates lost, what compensation was paid, what force was used, who authorised it, what phones were searched, and under which law.

This movement will ultimately be judged not by its most viral meme or its angriest moment, but by whether it converts pain into reform. It must remain inclusive, secular, non-violent, transparent and fiercely factual. It must refuse both the state's conspiracy theatre and its own temptation to circulate unverified outrage. It must keep the focus where power wants it removed: on the stolen paper, the delayed future and the missing accountability.

India's students are not asking for privilege. They are asking for the examination they paid for, prepared for and were promised. They are asking that a mark reflect knowledge, not access to a leak. They are asking that peaceful dissent not become a police dossier. They are asking that the Constitution be visible not only in textbooks, but at barricades and inside police stations.

That demand is not anti-India. It is India insisting on itself. For accountability. For governance. For transparency. For democracy.

Prof. Ujjwal Anu Chowdhury The author is Vice President, Washington University of Science and Technology and Editorial Mentor, edInbox.com

When a Builder of Ice Becomes a Voice for Justice

Sonam Wangchuk has spent his life solving problems that seemed impossible. He built artificial glaciers in one of the world’s coldest and driest regions. He challenged conventional education models by creating learning spaces where children once labelled as failures could rediscover confidence. He demonstrated that innovation does not always require complexity—sometimes it requires understanding nature, people, and timing.

Today, Wangchuk’s public campaigns and advocacy have placed him at the centre of a larger national conversation: How does a democracy respond when citizens feel unheard?

His story is no longer only about ice stupas, sustainable architecture, or alternative education. It is about the relationship between citizens and institutions, between public concern and political response, and between the moral voice of an individual and the machinery of the state.

The Crisis of Trust Behind the Protest

Across India, concerns over examination systems, recruitment processes, and opportunities for young people have created anxiety among students and families. Whenever allegations of irregularities emerge in competitive examinations, the damage extends beyond individual results—it affects confidence in fairness itself.

For millions of young Indians, education is the pathway to dignity, employment, and social mobility. When that pathway appears uncertain, frustration grows. The demand from citizens is often not for dramatic change overnight, but for transparency, accountability, and systems that can regain public trust.

Wangchuk’s interventions have repeatedly focused on this question: How can institutions become more responsive to the people they serve?

The Innovator Who Turned Challenges into Solutions

Born in Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk’s journey reflects the power of practical problem-solving. After studying engineering, he returned his attention to the challenges faced by Himalayan communities—limited resources, harsh climate conditions, and educational difficulties.

His most celebrated innovation, the Ice Stupa, transformed the way communities think about water conservation. By storing winter water as ice structures that melt gradually during warmer months, the project addressed a crucial agricultural challenge: the mismatch between water availability and farming needs.

The idea was simple but revolutionary. Instead of fighting nature, Wangchuk worked with natural cycles.

Education Beyond the Classroom

Wangchuk’s contribution to education has been equally influential. Through the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), he promoted an alternative approach where students learn through responsibility, practical skills, and real-world experience.

The campus became an example of sustainable living, using renewable energy, local resources, and student participation as tools of education. Its philosophy challenged the idea that examination scores alone define intelligence or potential.

The larger lesson was powerful: education should discover talent, not merely measure memory.

From Innovation to Public Advocacy

In recent years, Wangchuk has emerged as a prominent voice on environmental protection, local rights, and sustainable development in Ladakh. His campaigns have highlighted concerns about preserving fragile Himalayan ecosystems while ensuring that local communities have a meaningful role in decisions affecting their future.

His style of activism has remained closely connected to his engineering philosophy—peaceful, creative, and focused on solutions.

The Real Question Before India

The importance of Sonam Wangchuk’s journey lies not only in one individual but in what his example represents.

A nation’s strength is not measured only by its infrastructure, technology, or economic growth. It is also measured by how it responds to voices of concern, especially those raised by people who have spent their lives contributing to society.

A democracy does not become weaker when citizens question systems. It becomes stronger when institutions have the capacity to listen, engage, and improve.

Beyond the Hero Narrative

India often celebrates innovators after their ideas succeed. But the deeper challenge is creating a society where innovators, educators, scientists, and social reformers are heard while they are still working—not only remembered after they are gone.

Sonam Wangchuk’s life offers an important reminder: solutions do not always come from powerful offices. Sometimes they emerge from classrooms, mountains, villages, and communities.

The man who built ice in the desert has spent decades teaching India a simple lesson—human creativity can overcome scarcity when knowledge is combined with compassion.

The question now is whether India’s institutions can demonstrate the same spirit of problem-solving that Wangchuk has shown throughout his life.

Because the greatest innovation any democracy can create is not a machine or a structure. It is trust.

Prof Ujjwal K Chowdhury is the Pro Vice Chancellor of Techno India University, and a regular writer on education,media and world affairs.