Allied Healthcare (GAHC)

New Delhi: In a major escalation of its attack on the Centre, the INDIA bloc on Monday unanimously demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and CBSE examinations, accusing the government of failing millions of students.

The demand emerged from a high-profile meeting of 23 opposition parties at the Constitution Club, where leaders discussed issues ranging from examination controversies and unemployment to electoral integrity and rising prices.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced that the alliance had resolved to seek Pradhan's immediate resignation, alleging that students were let down by a series of exam-related failures, including the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and reported technical glitches in CBSE systems.

Calling it a "betrayal of lakhs of youth," Kharge said the opposition would continue to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament.

Opposition Closes Ranks

The meeting brought together top opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and others, signaling renewed efforts to strengthen opposition unity ahead of key political battles.

Leaders agreed to hold coordination meetings every two months, with the next major INDIA bloc gathering scheduled for Hyderabad on August 8.

Fresh Battle Over Electoral Rolls

Apart from education issues, the alliance also sharpened its attack on the government's electoral processes. Kharge announced that the bloc would soon send a letter to the Chief Justice of India raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged threats to voting rights.

The opposition maintained that questions surrounding electoral transparency require urgent attention and vowed to keep pressure on the government.

BJP Hits Back

The Bharatiya Janata Party swiftly rejected the allegations. BJP MP Sambit Patra dismissed the opposition's criticism of SIR as a repetitive excuse used after electoral setbacks.

Patra argued that similar electoral roll exercises had taken place in states governed by opposition parties and accused the INDIA bloc of selectively raising objections only after defeats.

Parliament Showdown Ahead

The opposition alliance also demanded that the Centre convene an all-party meeting to discuss unemployment, inflation, farmers' concerns and the broader economic situation.

With the Monsoon Session of Parliament approaching, opposition leaders indicated they would mount a coordinated campaign on issues affecting youth and democratic institutions, setting the stage for a potentially stormy session.

The meeting underscored the INDIA bloc's attempt to project unity and shift the political narrative toward education, jobs and electoral accountability as national political tensions continue to rise.

A physiotherapist preparing for the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination has gone viral on social media after sharing a glimpse of her highly demanding daily routine, drawing admiration for her dedication while also raising concerns about burnout among aspirants.

The video, posted on X by user @dr.jyotivermapt with the caption “3:50 AM.. Patients, Kitchen & 12 Hours Study | UPSC First Attempt,” documents an intense day packed with studies, professional work and household responsibilities.

According to the video, the aspirant begins her day at around 3:53 AM, starting with a glass of water before settling down for study sessions on her terrace by 4:22 AM. The early morning preparation continues until approximately 6:40 AM, after which she takes a short break for yoga.

The rest of the day follows a similarly rigorous schedule. Study sessions dominate her morning and afternoon, interrupted only by brief breaks and essential chores. Around 11 AM, she takes time to cook food before returning to her books. Alongside UPSC preparation, she manages routine household tasks, including washing dishes, drying clothes and other domestic work.

In the evening, she balances her studies with her profession as a physiotherapist. Around 6:40 PM, she leaves home to attend to patients and later returns to continue studying. Her day reportedly concludes close to 10:50 PM, amounting to nearly 18 hours of continuous activity involving academics, work and household responsibilities.

The video quickly gained traction online, with many users praising her commitment and perseverance. Several comments wished her success in achieving her dream of becoming a civil servant, while others expressed amazement at her ability to maintain such an intensive routine.

However, not all reactions were celebratory. Some users questioned the sustainability of the schedule and highlighted the physical and mental strain such routines can impose. Comments about the lack of rest and the risk of exhaustion reflected broader concerns regarding the pressure faced by UPSC aspirants across the country.

The viral post has reignited discussions about the demanding nature of competitive exam preparation in India, particularly for candidates who simultaneously juggle employment, family responsibilities and personal commitments while pursuing their goals.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed restoring the maximum duration allowed for completing the MBBS programme to 10 years, including the compulsory rotatory medical internship, reversing a change introduced in 2023 that reduced the limit to nine years.

The proposal is part of a draft amendment to the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER), 2023, which has been uploaded on the NMC website. The commission has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders and the public within 30 days before finalising the revised regulations.

According to the draft amendment, students will continue to be restricted to a maximum of four attempts to clear the First Professional MBBS examination. However, those enrolled in the undergraduate medical programme will be allowed to remain in the course for up to 10 years from the date of admission, including the internship period.

The draft states, “Under no circumstances shall the student be allowed more than four attempts for the First Professional MBBS examination, and no student shall be allowed to continue the undergraduate medical course after 10 years from the date of joining the MBBS course, including the compulsory rotatory medical internship.”

The proposed change aligns the Graduate Medical Education Regulations with the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, which already permit a maximum duration of 10 years for completing medical education requirements.

In June 2023, the NMC had reduced the maximum time limit for completing the MBBS course from 10 years to nine years as part of its revised regulations. However, the latest proposal seeks to restore the earlier provision, offering greater flexibility to students facing challenges during their medical studies.

According to officials, the proposed relaxation is expected to benefit students who encounter academic difficulties, health-related issues, personal emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances that may delay their progress. The extended timeline would allow such students to complete their medical education without losing eligibility due to strict duration limits.

Medical education experts believe the move could provide much-needed relief to students while maintaining academic standards through the existing cap on examination attempts. The final decision on the amendment will be taken after the NMC reviews feedback received from stakeholders, medical institutions, and the public.

If approved, the revised regulation will restore the 10-year completion window for MBBS students across the country.

Breakfast plays a crucial role in determining energy levels, digestion, concentration and hunger patterns throughout the day. While Indian households offer a wide variety of morning meals—from poha and idli to parathas, dosa and oats—nutrition experts say the healthiest choice depends on both nutritional balance and individual needs.

According to dietitian Sujatha Stephen, Chief Dietician at Yashoda Hospitals, there is no universal "best" breakfast. Factors such as age, lifestyle, activity levels, metabolism and existing health conditions influence what works best for each individual. However, breakfasts rich in protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates generally provide more sustained health benefits.

Among the most nutritious options are dal cheela and oats. Both are rich in protein and fibre, nutrients that help promote satiety, support muscle health and maintain steady energy levels throughout the morning. Dal cheela, prepared from lentils, offers a natural protein boost and becomes even more nutritious when vegetables are added. Oats, meanwhile, are known for their heart-friendly fibre content and digestive benefits.

Fermented foods such as idli and plain dosa also rank highly due to their ease of digestion and positive impact on gut health. The fermentation process enhances nutrient absorption and makes these foods lighter on the stomach. Nutritionists also note a growing preference for millet-based alternatives, including millet idli and millet dosa, which contain higher amounts of fibre and micronutrients than refined grains.

Poha remains a healthy breakfast option when prepared thoughtfully. Adding vegetables, peanuts, sprouts and minimal oil can significantly improve its nutritional profile by increasing fibre, protein and essential vitamins.

Experts caution, however, that traditional favourites such as heavily buttered parathas, deep-fried snacks and refined flour-based preparations should be consumed in moderation. Excessive amounts of oil, butter, ghee and large portion sizes can contribute to weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular problems over time.

A balanced breakfast, nutritionists say, should ideally include protein, fibre, healthy fats and low-to-moderate glycaemic index carbohydrates. Simple changes such as incorporating vegetables, choosing whole grains or millets, reducing excess fats and adding protein-rich foods like curd, paneer, eggs or sprouts can make a significant difference.

Ultimately, experts stress that breakfast quality should be judged not by calories alone but by its ability to nourish the body, support long-term health and sustain energy throughout the day.

UNESCO Peru and the National Institute of Mental Health “Honorio Delgado – Hideyo Noguchi” have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening mental health awareness and preventing violence in schools across Peru.

The collaboration was unveiled during Mental Health Week and ahead of the International Day of the Girl, highlighting growing international focus on adolescent well-being, safe learning spaces, and inclusive education.

The initiative forms part of the “Campeonas sin Barreras” project implemented by UNESCO Peru in partnership with Fundación Fútbol Más Perú under UNESCO’s global Fit for Life programme. The project uses sport as a tool to encourage inclusion, equity, emotional well-being, and community participation among young people.

Officials said the partnership aligns with UNESCO’s broader health and well-being education strategy, which promotes mental and physical health, safer schools, and teacher training initiatives.

Copa de Campeonas to bring together students and families

The first major activity under the partnership will be the “Copa de Campeonas” event scheduled for October 25 in Prague-style community fair format, expected to bring together more than 300 participants including adolescents, teachers, families, and civil society organisations.

The socio-sporting event will feature football matches, cultural programmes, interactive learning stations, and activities focused on girls’ leadership and violence-free educational environments.

Mental health experts from the National Institute of Mental Health will manage dedicated well-being stations offering guidance on emotional resilience, self-care, prevention strategies, and socio-emotional development for students, educators, and parents.

Organisers said the stations are designed to demonstrate how sports and mental health interventions can work together to strengthen the overall well-being of educational communities.

Focus on girls as changemakers

The announcement also coincides with this year’s United Nations theme for the International Day of the Girl — “The girl I am, the change I lead. Girls on the frontlines of crisis.”

Officials said the partnership seeks to recognise adolescent girls not only as beneficiaries of educational programmes but also as active agents of social change and leadership.

Through the collaboration, UNESCO Peru and the National Institute of Mental Health reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring children and adolescents have access to safe educational spaces, equal opportunities, and healthier learning environments free from violence and discrimination.

The initiative reflects a wider global shift toward integrating mental health, emotional well-being, and community engagement into mainstream education policy frameworks, especially in regions facing social inequality, gender-based challenges, and youth mental health concerns.

Amid growing anxiety and frustration among NEET-UG aspirants following the controversy surrounding the examination, Dadaji Bhuse urged students to remain patient and trust the ongoing investigation into the alleged paper leak case.

Speaking in Mumbai on May 25, the Maharashtra School Education Minister described the incident as “most unfortunate” and assured students that the Central Government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

“While it is undeniably the most unfortunate incident, the Central Government has intervened with the utmost seriousness. As we are aware, an inquiry into the matter is currently being conducted by the CBI,” Bhuse said.

He added that several individuals linked to the alleged irregularities had already been arrested and that the probe agency was carrying out a detailed investigation into the issue.

“Several individuals have already been incarcerated, and the CBI is conducting a thorough, in-depth investigation into the matter,” the minister stated.

Addressing lakhs of students preparing for medical admissions across the country, Bhuse made an emotional appeal asking aspirants not to lose hope amid uncertainty surrounding the examination process.

“I would like to make a humble appeal to all students: have faith that the arduous effort you have invested in your studies will ultimately receive the justice it deserves,” he said.

The remarks come at a time when concerns over transparency and fairness in national-level competitive examinations continue to dominate public discourse. The alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy has sparked protests and demands for accountability from students, parents, and education activists across several states.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been probing the matter after allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the conduct of the examination. Authorities have maintained that action is being taken against those involved while efforts continue to safeguard the integrity of the examination system.

NEET-UG remains one of India’s largest entrance examinations, serving as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across government and private institutions.