A fresh controversy has erupted at Delhi University (DU) after teachers and senior academic body members accused the South Campus director of carrying out “rambo-ish” surprise inspections at select colleges to check whether classes were being held. Calling the move an attack on institutional autonomy, they have demanded immediate intervention from Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh.

In a strongly worded memorandum submitted to the VC, members of the Executive Council (EC), Academic Council (AC), and the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) said these inspections violated statutory provisions and undermined the federal governance structure of DU colleges.

Surprise Visits on a Holiday Spark Outrage

Teachers informed that these surprise inspections were carried out on Makar Sankranti, a day off in Delhi without any working arrangements and a full public holiday in the neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh. Staff members noted that the very fact of such visits at this time was inappropriate and, furthermore, the procedure for the visits was highly questionable.

They pointed out the help of Ordinance XVIII and the existing Governing Body regulations, which make it very clear that it is primarily college principals, who through their faculties, organize teaching schedules and academic operations, and thus can be held responsible for them and not college, level administrators or university, level administrators.

“Such actions blur the lines of authority and disrupt the democratic functioning of colleges,” the memorandum stated.

‘System Already Under Strain,’ Say Teachers

The letter of protest also raises other issues that have been there for a long time and are deeply embedded in the DU college system. The teachers have pointed out that the introduction of the Four, Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, together with the widening of the EWS quota, has put a tremendous pressure on the institutions.

It is said that these colleges are facing faculty shortages, large student classrooms, and lack of basic facilities, yet the releases of funds and new recruitments have not been in line with these reforms.

At a moment when colleges are still figuring out a smooth running of timetables and the academic workflows, such inspections only bring about stress and demoralisation, the teachers added.

Demand for VCs Immediate Intervention

The signatories have appealed to Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh to intervene to protect the autonomy of the colleges and make sure that any kind of monitoring is done in accordance with due process. They have pointed out that if the interference is allowed to continue, it could lower the morale of the teaching staff and hurt DU's established governance structure.

Who Signed the Letter?

The memorandum has been signed by several senior members of DU’s statutory bodies, including Rajpal Singh Pawar, JL Gupta, Bimalendu Theerthankar, Mamta Chaudhary, Ramkishore Yadav, Pawan Kumar, TN Ojha, Priyam Barooah, and Dhanraj Meena.

As a monumental event for Indian universities, Mumbai University at its 2025 convocation, granted a staggering 172, 522 degrees, which is the highest academic output of the university in almost a decade. Of the total awards, 149, 982 were undergraduate degrees, and 22, 540 were postgraduate degrees, illustrating the university's expanding academic horizons.

The biggest surprise, however, was the huge increase in the number of PhD graduates. The university conferred 602 PhDs, a 50 per cent increase over the 401 awarded last year, and a record high in the past nine years. This increase strongly demonstrates the university's focus on research, innovation, and providing quality education at the global standard.

The dominating field among doctoral graduates has been the science and technology sector with 269 PhDs, whereas commerce and management (145), humanities (109), and interdisciplinary studies (79) followed. The officials are convinced that the excellent performance is the result of the continuous investments in research infrastructure, the forging of more international academic alliances, and the adoption of policies consistent with the global educational standards.

In terms of gender representation, 88,202 women outnumbered 84,318 men, while two students identified as ‘other’, reflecting improving inclusivity. Additionally, 21 outstanding students collectively won 23 gold medals for academic excellence.

Dual Degrees and Digital Records Redefine Education

The University of Mumbai has also initiated a firm step towards futuristic education by its Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE). The university has collaborated with the College of Engineering Pune (COEP) and Homi Bhabha State University to provide dual, degree programmes under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and APAAR ID system, both of which are part of the government's One Nation, One Student ID scheme.

Digitally, the university has transferred 29, 78, 099 academic records to NAD, DigiLocker, which includes over 25 lakh degree certificates from 19722024 and more than 4 lakh marksheets from 2023-2025. The credits of 2, 33, 737 students have been linked to their ABC accounts already.

By having a record, breaking student count, focusing on research, and introducing tech, driven reforms, Mumbai University is setting a new standard for a modern Indian university.

The International Conference on Media Literacy and Civic Engagement in the Digital Age commenced at Swami Vivekananda University, with Prof. Ujjwal Chowdhury as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Chowdhury, Secretary of Global Media Education Council (GMEC) and former Dean of Amity Universities, gave an inspiring keynote speech at 10:00 AM, pointing out the pressing need for media literacy in the present, day digital environment.

Prof. Chowdhury in his speech highlighted that media literacy is a key factor for the participation of citizens in the civics. He also warned that the huge amount of information available on the Internet can be confusing even for very well, informed citizens. He pointed out that it is important to learn how to think critically and therefore, if one is able to distinguish bona fide sources, identify misinformation, and engage in a responsible way in online discussions, the media literacy is not simply a skill that is taught in an academic context but also a civic requirement which allows the citizens to actively participate in the democratic processes.

The gathering of the leading minds in the fields of research, education, and student body focuses on closing the gap between research and concrete implementation. Prof. Chowdhury set the example of projects that serve students and educators in raising media literacy, digital ethics, and online behavior as a social responsibility. He explained that if we nurture a tradition of informed digital participation, we do not only consolidate our democratic values but also instigate a sense of responsibility in the public dialogue.

According to the organizers, the workshops will delve into new ways of teaching, joint educational projects and communication of media literacy through academic programs and local initiatives. The conference is designed to equip young people with adequate knowledge and skills for safe internet use through the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical tools.

The event highlights the increasing necessity for media literacy and civic education as we live in a time when social networks, digital platforms, and online content play a significant role in shaping people's opinions and their participation in the community. The participants of the initial workshop benefited from a number of suggestions on how to foster a culture of critical thinking, responsible internet behavior, and active citizenship in the ever, changing digital environment.

Former vice chancellor of Anna University, E Balagurusamy, on Saturday made an appeal to the chief minister, M K Stalin, to revitalize the state universities and secure the future of Tamil Nadu's youth.

In his public statement, Balagurusamy portrayed the present condition of the state universities as a complete institutional breakdown and he urged for instant and decisive steps to be taken at the highest government levels. More than 14 state universities are operating without vice chancellors for very long periods, and they do not have regular registrars either. The extended absence of leadership has stopped the university leadership from decision making, accountability has been weakened, and thus institutional credibility has been eroded, he mentioned.

Besides, he pointed out that the universities suffered from a large number of vacancies in faculty positions, scarcity of funds, and research and innovation most neglected to the point that he referred to these as the main victims of the systemic neglect of public universities, especially students from the downtrodden and marginalized sections of society who depend on them for their socioeconomic progress. "If you allow this negligence to continue, rather than address it, the damage to the state's intellectual and human capital will be deep, long, lasting, and perhaps irrevocable. Your timely intervention can still restore confidence, revive universities, and safeguard the future of Tamil Nadu's youth, " he stated.

Due to the ongoing tussle between Governor R N Ravi and state govt on including the UGC's nominee in V-C search committees, 14 of the 22 state universities have been functioning without vice-chancellors for periods ranging between one year and three years.

Only children who have completed their sixth birthday by the time they are admitted to Class 1 will be allowed to join Class 1 in the 2026, 2027 academic year in Haryana.

This step was taken after the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and it's in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.This change ends the previous six-month age waiver and will affect parents in Gurgaon and other cities.

Currently six states and union territories-including Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala-have not yet implemented a six-year minimum age for Class 1. As per ANI report, 30 states and union territories have already modified their entry rules in line with the policy.

Some states have implemented the six-year rule. Delhi Directorate of Education said that from 2026 the age of entry in all schools will be six years. The entry age in Goa will be officially raised to six years under the Goa School Education Bill, 2026. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have also implemented the age of six, while Karnataka has adopted it in a phased manner with a cut-off of June 1.

Gujarat and Maharashtra have fully implemented the 6+ norms. Punjab has reorganized the pre-primary stages as per the new rules. Central schools, including all Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, have implemented the six, year rule from the 2022, 23 session.

In the matter of Divisha Yadav vs State of Haryana, the Court castigated the State for the non, alignment of its manual with the National Education Policy (NEP) and ordered it to bring it up to date. Now children who do not meet the age limit will be placed in pre-primary classes and will be included in Class 1 on completion of six years of age, so that they can study along with their classmates.

NCERT, in collaboration with the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, has launched a big campaign against illegal printing of pirated copies of NCERT textbooks.The Crime Branch of Delhi Police, based on the specific intelligence input, carried out the operation of the illegal printing in Village Jawli, Loni, Ghaziabad (U.P.).The raid led to the discovery of large, scale violations of copyright laws through illegal printing of NCERT books.

Fake NCERT books not only damage the education system but also mislead the students and parents of the country, thus, this operation intends to stop the usage of such books.During the crackdown, around 32, 000 pirated NCERT textbooks of different classes and subjects were recovered. The police also recovered two printing machines, aluminium printing plates, paper rolls, and printing ink, indicating large-scale unauthorised printing.

The action was initiated on the basis of inputs developed during an earlier case registered vide FIR No. 336/2025 dated 11.11.2025, by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Copyright Act, 1957.

Officials from NCERT’s Publication Division were present during the raid and seizure proceedings and provided technical assistance for the identification and verification of pirated material. NCERT reiterates that unauthorised printing, distribution, or sale of NCERT textbooks is a punishable offence under law.

Such activities not only violate copyright but also adversely affect students and the education system by circulating substandard and incorrect content.People are requested to buy textbooks published by the NCERT only from the authorised dealers and to report any cases that appear to be piracy to the NCERT or to local authorities.

According to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on December 17, NCERT is running with more than half of its approved positions lying vacant. Out of the total sanctioned strength of 2, 844 posts at NCERT headquarters, regional institutes, and departments, only 1, 219 positions are presently filled, thus 1, 625 posts are left vacant across Group A, B, and C categories.

This was an answer from the Ministry of Education to an unstarred question by Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam that asked for the details on vacancies, contractual appointments, and permanent recruitment at NCERT during the last five years.

In the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), for instance, only 45 out of 116 sanctioned posts across Group A, B and C are filled, while at NERIE, just 26 out of 55 posts are occupied.

Project Veer Gatha inspires 1.92 Cr students with real life storytelling 

Project Veer Gatha, a flagship national initiative celebrating India's gallantry award winners, has broken the record of participation by holding 1.92 crore students of 1.90 lakh schools in its fifth edition.

It was launched in 2021 as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the program thus. keeps on expanding its reach as a great platform for inculcating patriotism, creativity and knowledge of India's military heritage among school students.

The joint venture of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education, inspires students to know about the lives and sacrifices of the soldiers through various creative modes of expression such as poems, essays, paintings, digital posters, short films, and multimedia presentations.

The whole world is praising the initiative through hashtag #VeerGatha on social media, which is thus, allowing the sharing of heroism and bravery stories to a large number of people from different platforms.

The focus of this issue was mainly on the Samarik Parampara (India's martial traditions) which comprised the stories of the heroic warriors, such as Prithviraj Chauhan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and the leaders of the 1857 revolt.

Student participation has been steadily rising as the first edition attracted only 8 lakh students.

One of the major successes of this year was the participation of 28, 005 students belonging to 91 CBSE schools from 18 different states. This serves as a very strong indication that the project has extended its Indian diaspora global reach.

Schools arranged face, to, face and virtual sessions with awardees who received gallantry honors. Meanwhile, competition entries were uploaded on the MyGov portal. After rounds of district and state level assessments, 4020 works were eligible at that level. From there, 100 Super, Winners will be given a cash prize of 10, 000 each and also a ticket to witness Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path.

By connecting young minds with real, life stories of bravery, Project Veer Gatha is not just a competition, but a national campaign that fosters patriotism and historical awareness.