Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reviewed the draft National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools, emphasizing the need for a holistic, preventive, and inclusive approach to promoting mental wellness across India's education system.

The review meeting brought together ministry officials, committee members, and mental health experts to discuss strategies for strengthening emotional well-being among students, teachers, and the broader school community. The initiative reflects the government's growing focus on addressing mental health challenges within educational institutions.

According to the Ministry of Education, the proposed policy aims to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where mental well-being is considered an integral part of quality education. During the discussions, Pradhan highlighted the importance of fostering a positive school culture built on empathy, trust, care, emotional resilience, and mutual respect.

The minister stressed that mental health should not be viewed merely as a response to crises but as a core component of the educational experience. He advocated for preventive measures that help students develop emotional strength and coping skills while ensuring that schools are equipped to identify and address mental health concerns at an early stage.

A key feature of the proposed framework is the role of teachers as the first level of mentors and support providers for students. Pradhan emphasized that educators should be empowered to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, enabling timely intervention and guidance.

The minister also called for the policy to draw upon India's cultural traditions and Indian Knowledge Systems while remaining practical and implementable across diverse educational settings. He noted that mental well-being is influenced not only by school environments but also by family and community factors, making collaboration between parents, teachers, and institutions essential.

Officials have indicated that the policy is expected to be placed in the public domain soon for wider consultation. The framework is likely to focus on strengthening counselling services, improving mental health awareness, promoting emotional well-being, and establishing mechanisms for the early identification of stress and psychological challenges among students.

Mental health concerns among school-going children have gained increasing attention in recent years due to academic pressures, social challenges, digital influences, and changing lifestyles. Experts believe that a comprehensive national policy can help schools adopt structured approaches to mental health support while reducing stigma associated with seeking help.

If implemented effectively, the proposed National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools could mark a significant step toward creating healthier, more supportive learning environments for millions of students across the country.

Popular educator and coaching institute founder Faisal Khan, widely known as Khan Sir, is reportedly untraceable as police intensify efforts to locate him following the registration of a criminal case linked to a recent violent incident at his coaching centre in Patna.

According to police sources, Khan has been named in a First Information Report (FIR) filed under charges including attempt to murder and provisions of the Arms Act. Since the case was registered, law enforcement agencies have been searching for the educator, while maintaining a strong security presence around the premises of the Khan Global Studies Institute.

The developments have sparked widespread attention among students and followers of the popular teacher, who is known for his educational content and competitive examination coaching.

Speculation Over Court Surrender

Amid the ongoing search operation, speculation has emerged that Khan Sir may surrender before a court in Patna. However, officials have not confirmed any plans regarding a court appearance.

Police personnel have remained deployed outside the coaching institute since Thursday night, and authorities continue to closely monitor the situation. The heightened security has fuelled public interest and anticipation regarding the next phase of the investigation.

Vandalism Incident Under Investigation

The controversy stems from an incident that occurred on Tuesday night when a group of approximately 15 to 20 individuals allegedly vandalised the Khan Global Studies Institute and pelted stones at the premises.

Following the incident, police registered an FIR naming Khan Sir among those to be questioned as part of the investigation. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya Sharma stated that the educator would be examined regarding the circumstances surrounding the case.

Guards Detained After Alleged Firing

The investigation took a serious turn when police detained two security guards employed at the coaching institute. The guards are accused of opening fire during the disturbance, an allegation that surfaced after a purported video showing the incident circulated on social media.

Initially, Khan Sir had alleged that individuals associated with a rival coaching institute were responsible for the firing. He later maintained that only a thorough police investigation could determine whether any firing had actually taken place.

Rival Institute Makes Counter-Allegations

The dispute deepened after representatives of a rival coaching institute held a press conference and alleged that Khan Sir had orchestrated the vandalism incident himself. These allegations remain unverified and are currently part of the broader investigation.

Police have not publicly endorsed or dismissed the claims and have stated that all aspects of the case are being examined. As the search for Khan Sir continues, investigators are expected to question key individuals and review available evidence before determining the next course of action.

Education Minister Reviews Draft National Mental Health Policy for Schools

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reviewed the draft National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools, emphasizing the need for a holistic, preventive, and inclusive approach to promoting mental wellness across India's education system.

The review meeting brought together ministry officials, committee members, and mental health experts to discuss strategies for strengthening emotional well-being among students, teachers, and the broader school community. The initiative reflects the government's growing focus on addressing mental health challenges within educational institutions.

According to the Ministry of Education, the proposed policy aims to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where mental well-being is considered an integral part of quality education. During the discussions, Pradhan highlighted the importance of fostering a positive school culture built on empathy, trust, care, emotional resilience, and mutual respect.

The minister stressed that mental health should not be viewed merely as a response to crises but as a core component of the educational experience. He advocated for preventive measures that help students develop emotional strength and coping skills while ensuring that schools are equipped to identify and address mental health concerns at an early stage.

A key feature of the proposed framework is the role of teachers as the first level of mentors and support providers for students. Pradhan emphasized that educators should be empowered to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress, enabling timely intervention and guidance.

The minister also called for the policy to draw upon India's cultural traditions and Indian Knowledge Systems while remaining practical and implementable across diverse educational settings. He noted that mental well-being is influenced not only by school environments but also by family and community factors, making collaboration between parents, teachers, and institutions essential.

Officials have indicated that the policy is expected to be placed in the public domain soon for wider consultation. The framework is likely to focus on strengthening counselling services, improving mental health awareness, promoting emotional well-being, and establishing mechanisms for the early identification of stress and psychological challenges among students.

Mental health concerns among school-going children have gained increasing attention in recent years due to academic pressures, social challenges, digital influences, and changing lifestyles. Experts believe that a comprehensive national policy can help schools adopt structured approaches to mental health support while reducing stigma associated with seeking help.

If implemented effectively, the proposed National Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for Schools could mark a significant step toward creating healthier, more supportive learning environments for millions of students across the country.

A 49-year-old college professor was found dead under suspicious circumstances inside her apartment in east Delhi's Vasundhara Enclave on Thursday, prompting police to register a murder case and launch an intensive investigation.

The deceased has been identified as Devosmita Paul, an Assistant Professor at Shivaji College. She lived alone in her flat at Satyam Apartments.

According to police, the incident came to light around 2:35 pm when a PCR call was received from the victim's sister, Devarati Paul. She informed authorities that Devosmita had been found dead inside her residence after remaining unresponsive to repeated phone calls throughout the day.

Police said Devarati became concerned when she could not contact her sister and noticed that the apartment was locked from the outside since morning. Suspecting something was wrong, she went to the flat and broke open the lock. Upon entering, she discovered Devosmita lying dead inside the apartment and immediately alerted the police.

A police team rushed to the scene and secured the area for investigation. Crime branch officials and forensic experts conducted a detailed examination of the apartment and collected evidence from the spot. The body was subsequently shifted to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital for a post-mortem examination, which is expected to provide crucial details regarding the cause and time of death.

Investigators suspect foul play, and a case of murder has been registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police have formed multiple teams to identify and apprehend those responsible for the crime.

Officials are examining all possible angles, including personal and professional connections, and are reviewing evidence collected from the scene. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

The shocking incident has sent ripples through academic circles and the local community, with colleagues and residents expressing grief and concern over the tragic death of the professor.

Every year, millions of people light a cigarette believing it offers a moment of relaxation, relief or pleasure. Yet hidden behind that brief ritual is one of the most efficient disease-delivery systems ever created.

A cigarette may appear harmless—a small roll of tobacco wrapped in paper—but science tells a very different story. According to public health experts, each cigarette contains more than 5,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and at least 70 known carcinogens capable of causing cancer.

The danger begins with the very first puff.

Within seconds, nicotine reaches the brain and triggers the release of dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure and reward. The smoker experiences a temporary sense of calm or satisfaction. But that feeling is short-lived. As nicotine levels drop, cravings emerge, creating a cycle of dependence that can last for decades.

"Many smokers believe cigarettes help them cope with stress," explains Dr. Amit Dias, Assistant Professor in the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at GMC. "In reality, smoking often relieves the withdrawal symptoms caused by nicotine addiction itself."

Beyond nicotine lies a cocktail of harmful substances. Tar accumulates in the lungs, carbon monoxide deprives tissues of oxygen, formaldehyde damages cells, while arsenic, benzene, cadmium and hydrogen cyanide silently attack multiple organs. Over time, these chemicals trigger chronic inflammation, DNA damage, impaired immunity and irreversible tissue destruction.

The health consequences are devastating.

Smoking is linked to nearly 90 percent of lung cancer cases and significantly increases the risk of cancers affecting the mouth, throat, pancreas, bladder, kidney, stomach and cervix. It also remains a major contributor to heart attacks, strokes and peripheral arterial disease by damaging blood vessels and accelerating the build-up of arterial plaque.

The respiratory system bears some of the earliest scars. Chronic smokers often develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and chronic bronchitis, conditions that gradually rob individuals of their ability to breathe comfortably.

The damage extends beyond smokers themselves.

Second-hand smoke exposes family members, co-workers and children to the same toxic chemicals. Children living in smoking households face higher risks of asthma, respiratory infections and ear diseases, despite never choosing to smoke themselves. Public health experts stress that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.

In recent years, electronic cigarettes and vaping devices have emerged as alternatives to conventional smoking. Marketed as cleaner and safer, these products have attracted millions of users, particularly young people. While vaping may expose users to fewer combustion-related toxins than traditional cigarettes, health experts caution against viewing them as harmless.

Most vaping products still contain nicotine, and their aerosols can carry heavy metals, toxic compounds and ultrafine particles. The long-term health consequences remain uncertain. More concerning is the growing popularity of flavoured products among adolescents, raising fears of a new generation becoming addicted to nicotine.

For decades, tobacco companies carefully cultivated the image of smoking as glamorous, sophisticated and rebellious. Films, advertisements and celebrity endorsements transformed cigarettes into symbols of confidence and independence. But behind the marketing lies a stark reality: tobacco addiction kills millions globally every year.

The encouraging news is that the body begins to heal almost immediately after quitting. Within 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure start returning to normal. Within weeks and months, circulation and lung function improve. After a year, the risk of heart disease falls significantly, while long-term cancer and stroke risks continue to decline over time.

Public health specialists emphasize that quitting is often a journey rather than a single event. Many smokers require multiple attempts before achieving lasting success, and setbacks should be viewed as part of the recovery process rather than failure.

As the world observes efforts to reduce tobacco use, the message from healthcare professionals remains clear: tobacco is not merely a personal habit—it is a public health challenge that affects families, communities and future generations. Combating it requires awareness, strong public policies, accessible cessation support and a collective commitment to replacing myths with science.

The cigarette's greatest deception is its appearance of harmlessness. In reality, every puff carries a biological cost. Understanding that truth may be the first step toward a healthier future.

Dr. Amit Dias

The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE) has declared the Kerala Plus Two Result 2026 today at 3 PM, bringing relief to nearly 4.52 lakh students who appeared for the Class 12 examinations this year.

The Higher Secondary examinations were conducted between March 6 and March 28 across the state. Following the announcement of results, students are now awaiting the release of the Kerala Plus Two toppers list 2026, which is expected to include stream-wise and district-wise top performers from Science, Commerce and Humanities.

DHSE Kerala is also expected to publish district performance statistics and overall pass percentage data shortly.

Kerala Plus Two pass percentage trends

Kerala has witnessed a gradual decline in overall Plus Two pass percentages over the past few years:

• 2025 — 77.81%
• 2024 — 78.69%
• 2023 — 82.95%
• 2022 — 88.37%
• 2021 — 87.94%

Last year, the Science stream recorded the highest pass percentage at 83.25%, followed by Commerce at 74.21% and Humanities at 69.16%.

Official websites to check Kerala Plus Two Result 2026

Students can access their results through the following official portals:

• keralaresults.nic.in
• results.kite.kerala.gov.in
• results.kerala.gov.in
• dhsekerala.gov.in

How to check Kerala DHSE Plus Two Result 2026

Students can follow these steps to access their scores:

1. Visit any official DHSE Kerala result website.
2. Click on the “DHSE Class 12 Result 2026” link.
3. Enter registration number, roll number and date of birth.
4. Submit the details.
5. Download and save the scorecard for future reference.

Results available on DigiLocker and Saphalam app

Students can also download their digital marksheets through DigiLocker and the Saphalam application.

To access results through DigiLocker:

• Open DigiLocker or visit DigiLocker
• Log in using the Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Search for “DHSE Plus Two Results 2026”
• Enter required credentials
• Download the digital marksheet

Meanwhile, students who fail to clear one or more subjects will have another opportunity through the DHSE “Save A Year” supplementary examinations, which are expected to be conducted in June, similar to previous years.

The School and Mass Education Department has introduced a major reform in vocational education by removing stream-based restrictions for Plus II students, allowing them to freely choose subjects and trade combinations across Arts, Science and Commerce streams.

Under the new policy, vocational students will no longer be bound by the traditional division of Humanities, Science or Commerce while selecting their Basic Foundation Course (BFC) subjects. The decision has been implemented under provisions of the Orissa Higher Secondary Education Act, 1982.

The reform means students enrolled in vocational trades can now opt for any BFC subjects of their choice, irrespective of the trade they pursue, subject to availability in their respective Higher Secondary Schools.

Officials from the Council of Higher Secondary Education said the move abolishes the earlier grouping system that restricted students to stream-specific subject combinations.

Previously, vocational students studying trades such as Poultry, Horticulture, Auditing and Accounting were required to select additional BFC subjects only from Science or Commerce streams, while students in Music trade were confined to Arts-related subjects.

With the latest notification, these limitations have been removed. A vocational student can now combine subjects from Arts, Science and Commerce according to individual interest and career goals.

Education officials said the decision assumes importance ahead of admissions for the 2026–27 academic session in Higher Secondary Schools across Odisha.

The reform aligns closely with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes multidisciplinary learning, flexibility and student-centric education pathways. The policy framework encourages institutions to move away from rigid academic silos and enable learners to pursue diverse combinations of subjects and skills.

A senior CHSE official noted that earlier restrictions were largely linked to infrastructural limitations and resource constraints in schools. However, the government concluded that such limitations should not prevent students from studying subjects aligned with their interests and future aspirations.

Education experts believe the decision could significantly improve the attractiveness of vocational education by offering students greater academic freedom and reducing the long-standing perception that vocational streams provide limited learning choices.

The reform is also expected to support interdisciplinary learning and improve employability by allowing students to combine technical trade skills with subjects from other disciplines, creating broader academic and career opportunities.

Observers say Odisha’s move reflects a wider national shift towards more flexible and skill-oriented education models aimed at preparing students for evolving workforce demands and diverse career pathways.