The Government of India has opened nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2026, inviting applications for one of the country's highest civilian honours for children. The annual award recognises exceptional young achievers who have demonstrated outstanding courage, innovation, leadership and excellence across diverse fields at a remarkably young age.

Children aged 5 to 18 years who have made significant contributions in areas such as bravery, sports, science and technology, social service, environment, and art and culture can now be nominated. Parents, teachers, schools, educational institutions, NGOs, community organisations and even the children themselves are eligible to submit nominations through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. The last date to apply is July 31, 2026.

What is the PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is presented annually by the President of India to honour children who have displayed exceptional achievements or rendered distinguished service to society. The award aims to recognise young talent while inspiring children across the country to pursue excellence, innovation and social responsibility.

Award categories

Nominations are invited under the following six categories:

• Bravery
• Social Service
• Environment
• Sports
• Art and Culture
• Science and Technology

The award recognises achievements ranging from acts of courage and community service to scientific innovation, environmental conservation, sporting excellence and artistic accomplishments.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for PMRBP 2026:

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• The child should be between 5 and 18 years of age as on July 31, 2026.
• The achievement must be exceptional, impactful and fall within the prescribed eligibility period.
• Previous recipients are generally not eligible to receive the same award again.

How to apply

The nomination process is completely online. Applicants need to register on the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, complete the candidate profile with personal details, select "Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2026" under the list of ongoing awards, choose the appropriate category, upload supporting documents and submit the nomination before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to include certificates, photographs, media reports, recommendation letters and other documentary evidence that clearly demonstrates the child's achievement and impact.

Why the award matters

The PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar honours children who prove that age is no barrier to creating meaningful change. Over the years, recipients have included young scientists, innovators, environmental champions, sportspersons, artists, social contributors and brave children whose inspiring achievements have earned national recognition.

Besides celebrating individual excellence, the award encourages schools, parents and communities to identify and nurture extraordinary talent. Awardees receive recognition at a prestigious national ceremony and become role models for millions of young Indians, reinforcing the values of courage, creativity, compassion and service to society.

With nominations now open, eligible children from across India have an opportunity to be recognised for their remarkable achievements. Interested applicants are advised to complete the online nomination process well before July 31, 2026, to avoid last-minute delays.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across India to integrate SWAYAM Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) into their academic programmes for the July 2026 semester, marking another step towards mainstreaming digital and flexible learning in higher education.

In its latest communication, the Commission has asked universities, colleges and affiliated institutions to identify SWAYAM courses that align with their existing curriculum, facilitate student registration before the prescribed deadlines, and implement academic credit transfer mechanisms. The move aims to make online learning an integral component of degree programmes while advancing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

What is SWAYAM?

SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) is the Government of India's national online learning platform developed under the Ministry of Education. It offers thousands of free and affordable online courses across disciplines including engineering, science, commerce, humanities, social sciences, management, teacher education and skill development.

The platform hosts courses developed by leading national institutions and coordinators such as UGC, AICTE, NPTEL, IGNOU, CEC, IIM Bangalore, NITTTR and other Institutions of National Importance, enabling students across the country to access quality education irrespective of location.

What universities have been asked to do

Under the latest directive, Higher Education Institutions have been instructed to:

• Identify SWAYAM courses relevant to their academic programmes.
• Map online courses with the existing curriculum.
• Complete the required academic credit transfer process.
• Ensure eligible students register before the deadlines set by national coordinators.
• Share approved course lists with Deans, Heads of Departments and SWAYAM Nodal Officers.
• Encourage greater student participation in online learning.

Up to 40% credits through SWAYAM

The directive is based on the UGC Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM Regulations, 2021, which allows eligible institutions to enable students to earn up to 40% of the total credits in a semester through approved SWAYAM courses, subject to institutional adoption of the framework.

UGC also noted that institutions implementing the prescribed examination framework may conduct SWAYAM end-term examinations on their own campuses. This is expected to improve accessibility, reduce travel for students and simplify the certification process, while examinations conducted by national agencies will continue where applicable.

Benefits for students

The integration of SWAYAM MOOCs offers students greater flexibility in course selection, access to high-quality learning resources from premier institutions, multidisciplinary learning opportunities and additional skill development that can improve employability. It also enables learners to explore emerging fields that may not be offered by their home institutions while earning recognised academic credits.

The initiative aligns with NEP 2020's vision of creating a learner-centric higher education system through technology-enabled teaching, academic mobility, flexible learning pathways and competency-based education. The UGC has urged universities and faculty members to actively guide students, facilitate seamless credit mapping and raise awareness about available courses and registration timelines to ensure successful implementation.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has opened the online application process for Agniveervayu Intake 02/2026 under the Agnipath Scheme, inviting applications from eligible unmarried male and female candidates nationwide. The recruitment offers young aspirants an opportunity to serve in the Indian Air Force for a four-year tenure while gaining military training, technical skills and professional experience.

According to the official notification, the online registration process began on July 11, 2026, and will remain open until July 26, 2026. The online examination is tentatively scheduled to commence from September 25, 2026. Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates applying for Science Subjects must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Mathematics, Physics and English, securing at least 50% aggregate marks and 50% marks in English. Alternatively, candidates with a three-year engineering diploma in relevant disciplines or a two-year vocational course with Physics and Mathematics are also eligible, subject to the prescribed criteria.

For Other Than Science Subjects, applicants should have passed 10+2 in any stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and 50% marks in English, or possess a qualifying two-year vocational course.

Eligible candidates must be born between July 2, 2006, and January 2, 2010 (both dates inclusive).

Selection process

The Agniveervayu recruitment process comprises multiple stages:

• Stage 1: Computer-based online examination.
• Stage 2: Physical Fitness Test (PFT), including running and prescribed fitness standards.
• Stage 3: Adaptability Tests to assess suitability for military service.
• Stage 4: Comprehensive medical examination as per Indian Air Force standards.
• Stage 5: Verification of original educational and identity documents.

Application fee and benefits

Applicants are required to pay an application fee of ₹550 plus applicable GST through the online payment gateway while submitting the application.

Selected Agniveervayu personnel will receive a monthly salary with annual increments, medical facilities during service, insurance coverage under the Agnipath Scheme, applicable risk and hardship allowances, and the Seva Nidhi package upon successful completion of the four-year engagement, subject to the scheme's provisions.

How to apply

Candidates can register by visiting the official Indian Air Force Agniveervayu recruitment portal, creating an account with a valid email ID and mobile number, filling in personal and educational details, uploading the required documents, paying the application fee online, and submitting the completed application form.

Applicants should keep their Class 10 certificate, Class 12/Diploma/Vocational qualification certificates, passport-size photograph, signature, valid email ID and mobile number ready before starting the registration process.

The Agniveervayu programme continues to attract thousands of defence aspirants every year by offering an opportunity to serve the nation while developing leadership, discipline, technical expertise and skills that remain valuable throughout their careers.

The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with MyGov, has launched the 'India 1947 vs India 2047' Painting Contest as part of the Independence Day Celebrations 2026, inviting citizens across the country to showcase India's remarkable transformation since Independence and envision its future as a developed nation by 2047. The online competition aims to promote creativity, patriotism and public participation while supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The nationwide contest encourages participants to create original artwork depicting India's journey from 1947 to 2047. Entries may highlight achievements in science and technology, education, digital transformation, infrastructure, defence, innovation, social development, women's empowerment, green energy and national self-reliance. Through art, participants are expected to reflect both India's historical progress and its aspirations for the future.

Who can participate?

The competition is open to all Indian citizens. However, each participant may submit only one entry and must upload it through either MyGov or MyBharat, but not both. The Ministry has clarified that a combined merit list will be prepared from entries received on both platforms.

Prizes and special recognition

The competition offers attractive cash rewards for the best entries.

• Top three winners: ₹15,000 each
• Twenty consolation winners: ₹5,000 each

In addition, the top 200 participants, along with one companion, will receive an e-invitation to attend the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026, at the Red Fort in New Delhi, making it one of the most distinctive rewards associated with the competition.

Submission guidelines

Participants must submit original paintings based on the official theme, "India 1947 vs India 2047." Plagiarised or copyrighted artwork will not be accepted, and a Screening Committee will evaluate all entries constituted by the Ministry of Defence, whose decision will be final. The submission window remains open until July 15, 2026, and participants are encouraged to upload their artwork well before the deadline.

The initiative reflects the government's broader effort to engage citizens in celebrating India's development journey while encouraging young artists and creative minds to imagine what a prosperous, innovative and globally competitive India could look like on the centenary of Independence in 2047.

Two Class 12 students from a school in Faridabad have alleged that their CBSE re-evaluation results reduced marks in subjects they never requested for review. The changes reportedly altered their result status from 'Pass' to 'Repeat in Theory' (RT), raising concerns over the CBSE re-evaluation process and affecting college admission plans.

The CBSE re-evaluation process has come under scrutiny after two Class 12 students claimed their marks were reduced in subjects they had not applied to have re-evaluated.

According to a report by The Times of India, both students had requested re-evaluation only in selected subjects, but their revised marksheets allegedly reflected lower scores in different papers, changing their final result status.

CBSE Re-evaluation Allegedly Reduced Marks in Unrequested Subjects

The first student reportedly applied for CBSE re-evaluation only in Chemistry and Home Science after the Class 12 results were declared on May 13.

Following the review, the student's Chemistry marks reportedly increased from 42 to 52, while Home Science marks rose from 70 to 79.

However, the revised marksheet allegedly showed that the student's Mathematics marks had fallen from 46 to 40, despite no re-evaluation request being submitted for Mathematics. The change reportedly converted the student's result from "Pass" to Repeat in Theory (RT).

Another Student Reports Similar Issue

A second student reportedly experienced a similar outcome during the CBSE re-evaluation process.

The student had applied for re-evaluation only in Physics and Computer Science. According to the report, marks in both subjects increased after the review.

However, the revised marksheet allegedly showed Chemistry marks dropping from 52 to 43, even though Chemistry had not been included in the re-evaluation request. The revised result also reportedly changed the student's status to RT.

College Admission Plans Affected

The reported changes have created uncertainty for both students, whose college admission plans have been disrupted.

According to the report, the revised result status came at a time when admissions to several universities are already nearing closure, leaving the students facing the possibility of losing an academic year.

Fresh Questions Over CBSE Re-evaluation Process

The reported cases have renewed questions about the CBSE re-evaluation system and its handling of revised marks.

The development also comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding the board's Online Scanned Marking (OSM) system and concerns over transparency in the evaluation process.

Neither the report nor the available information indicates whether CBSE has issued an official response regarding the two cases.

What Happens Next?

The reported incidents are likely to intensify calls for greater transparency and safeguards in the CBSE re-evaluation process, particularly when revised marks can directly affect a student's eligibility for higher education. Any clarification or response from the board could have implications for students awaiting re-evaluation results in the current admission cycle.

Three assistant professors serving at DAV colleges in Chandigarh and Punjab have been terminated after Panjab University withdrew approval for appointments made on the basis of PhD degrees obtained from CMJ University.

The affected faculty members include an assistant professor of Computer Science at DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh, an assistant professor of Commerce at DAV College, Jalalabad, and an assistant professor of Computer Science at DAV College for Women, Ferozepur.

The action follows a communication issued by Panjab University in June directing its affiliated colleges to take appropriate action after deciding to withdraw approval for appointments where eligibility was based on PhD degrees awarded by CMJ University.

According to the office order issued by DAV College, Sector 10, the faculty member's services were terminated with immediate effect due to the non-possession of the essential qualifications prescribed for the post, following the university's decision and judicial rulings concerning the validity of CMJ University PhD degrees.

The controversy dates back to 2013, when complaints were raised regarding the authenticity of qualifications used by certain faculty members for recruitment. The matter subsequently led to verification proceedings in Meghalaya, an internal inquiry by Panjab University and legal scrutiny before the university initiated action against affected appointments.

RTI activist Rajinder Kumar Singla, who pursued the issue through complaints and applications under the Right to Information Act, said Panjab University had constituted a three-member committee to verify the authenticity of the degrees.

According to Singla, the committee's report was accepted by the university's Syndicate on December 8, 2018, and recommended both civil and criminal action after obtaining legal opinion. He said the recent terminations were a significant development but added that accountability should extend to all those responsible for the appointments.

Earlier, university officials indicated that nearly 17 teachers across Panjab University-affiliated colleges had been identified as holding appointments linked to the disputed qualifications. While the dismissal of the three assistant professors marks the first major action following the university's directive, officials said the process of examining other affected appointments and determining further action is still ongoing.

The case underscores the importance of rigorous credential verification in higher education recruitment and is likely to have wider implications for faculty appointments made on the basis of disputed academic qualifications.