University Grants Commission (UGC) jointly with the Supreme Court through the latter 's directions in the hearings of suicides cases of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi has put out for public consultation the Draft UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2025. This draft aims to ensure that no one gets discriminated against on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, and birthplace and to spread the notion of inclusion in higher education institutions (HEIs). But it has been pointed out by the critics that the regulation, which on paper sounds like a progressive step, lacks the requisite structural, strategic and operational depth that is essential for it to be able to effectively break down the social hierarchies that are deeply ingrained in Indian academia.

This is one of the few policy drafts through which the UGC is bringing its policies in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The draft boldly and ambitiously states a target that discrimination against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections will be totally eliminated. However, the whole framework seems to be quite dependent on symbolic gestures, awareness, raising campaigns, the sensitization of the public, posters, slogans and committees, which are far from being enforceable safeguards or systemic accountability.

The chief concept of the regulation is the idea of creating a center for Equality Opportunity in every HEI with the Head of the Institution viz. Vice, Chancellor or Principal being the Chairperson and 9 other members. The regulation also proposes the formation of ‘Equity Squads’ and ‘Equity Ambassadors’—terminologies that seem more performative than transformative

This is not the first time such measures have been introduced. Earlier bodies similar to the Equal Opportunity Cells (2012), Students Grievance Redressal Committees (2023), and SC/ST Special Cells are still in place. However, people who have experienced caste, based discrimination in the form of harassment, denial of educational support, or even suicides, feel that these measures have failed to prevent such instances. The persistent recycling of the same framework leaves us with a dilemma: These models have been on the ground for over a decade and have not really worked, so why should they now?

Documents provided by the UGC to the Supreme Court reveal that 3, 067 Equal Opportunity Cells and 3, 273 SC/ST Cells have been set up, which have in total received 1, 503 complaints and supposedly resolved 1, 426. With India having more than 1, 200 universities, 58, 000 colleges, and over 9.3 million SC/ST students, the above figures look to be entirely unrealistic. In fact, the discrepancy below strongly indicates either very severe underreporting, institutional silencing, or lack of faith in the redressal mechanisms on the part of the victims.

More alarming is the social reality within HEIs. Caste-based humiliation, academic isolation, and psychological distress remain pervasive. Government data shows that between 2018 and 2023, nearly 19,000 SC, ST, and OBC students dropped out of centrally funded institutions. During this period, at least 61 students from disadvantaged communities died by suicide in IITs, NITs, and IIMs. Between 2022 and 2024 alone, 115 suicides were reported across IITs. These numbers are not just statistics—they reflect a systemic failure.

These two students Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi were not the only victims.

They were just faces of a large- scale dignity, safety, and belonging crisis in the higher education system in India.

The research findings are a testimony to the fact that Indian universities, instead of being places of liberation, are still spaces where caste based discriminations and social exclusions are perpetuated.

What is particularly disturbing today is that in many cases these students have lost their lives after the 2012 equity regulations had been put in place. This inquiry is essential: If the existing policies have been accompanied by deteriorating conditions, then what is the 2025 draft doing differently?

The new regulation without the support of a legally enforceable accountability, independent grievance monitoring, time, bound investigations, psychological support systems, caste, sensitivity training for faculty, and transparent public reporting of complaints might turn out to be just another bureaucratic formality.

Equity is not a matter of slogans, nor should it come from committees only. It demands the redistribution of power, the infusion of institutional bravery, and concrete actions that can be verified.

An unambitious reform, that is more like a facade, if the UGC does not bring in a survivor, centric, rights, based, and data driven, a 2025 draft will join the list of well intentioned but ineffective policies that have failed the very people they claim to protect.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has triggered a huge debate among parents after he said that the practice of giving smartphones to young children is "almost a crime". While addressing a gathering at the Gorakhpur Mahotsav on January 13, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that giving smartphones to young children results in children becoming stubborn and even depressed. "Don't give smartphones to small children - it's like committing a crime," Yogi Adityanath said.

The harsh words were uttered during the closing ceremony of the three-day cultural event in Gorakhpur. Yogi said that children are being adversely affected by excessive use of mobile phones. He also warned people to be cautious about cyber frauds and not use mobile phones while driving to avoid accidents. The no-nonsense advice of the CM has gone viral, with parents from UP, Bihar, and even Karnataka sharing the speech on WhatsApp groups and social media.

Yogi's advice comes at a time when research reveals that Indian children spend more than 2 hours a day on smartphones, which is much higher than the recommended limit. Doctors say that exposure to screens at a young age can hamper the development of the brain and also lead to depression. "Mobiles should be replaced by books and playing outside," the CM said.

The speech has generated heated debates on social media platforms. While many parents agree with Yogi's opinion, claiming that they have noticed changes in their children's moods after using mobile phones, others feel that smartphones are a necessary part of education. Videos of Yogi's Gorakhpur Mahotsav speech are trending on social media platforms using hashtags such as #YogiSmartphoneWarning and #NoMobileForKids. Schools in UP are planning parent workshops on digital safety.

The parenting tips offered by Yogi Adityanath have again proved the direct approach he uses to reach the common man. Whether parents are adhering to his "no smartphone for kids" guideline is yet to be seen, but the fact is that the message is spreading in India today.

At a function held in Sanathal on Tuesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of Pharmaceutical Academy for Global Excellence (PAGE), which is a big step towards enhancing the pharmaceutical talent ecosystem of India.

PAGE is an industry, led national skill development initiative of Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), which is a consortium of leading Indian drug manufacturers. The initiative aims to create a highly skilled workforce in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality systems, and operational excellence, which are the key areas to keeping India as the global leader in providing affordable and high, quality medicines.

In an announcement made by the academy, it was reported that the companies that are members of IPA have collectively contributed a total of USD 50 million to the setting up and development of PAGE. The money will be spent on the creation of world class training facilities equipped with the latest technology, modern laboratories, and advanced learning infrastructure.

"PAGE aims to establish world class training institutes with state of the, art infrastructure to produce highly talented human resources in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality systems, and operations, which are the critical areas to maintain India's global leadership in medicines, " the statement read.

The academy will therefore be instrumental in supplying the pharmaceutical sector with adequate human resources as the country is getting more and more involved in the worldwide drug supply chain. Nowadays, due to stricter monitoring of the industry and the necessity to comply with the international quality standards, emphasis on the specialised training of personnel is paramount.

Industry experts also think that PAGE could be a great support for India in strengthening its reputation as the world's pharmacy by, among other things, always supplying highly skilled professionals who can effectively guarantee global compliance and meet manufacturing standards.

The action fits well with the Centre's broader agenda of promoting skill development, innovation, and self, reliance through the flagship programmes such as Skill India and Make in India By harmonising industry know, how with systematic academic training, PAGE intends to eliminate the disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical pharmaceutical operations.

When the academy is up and running, it will probably reach out to foreign universities, regulatory agencies, and top pharmaceutical companies for collaboration in the implementation of certification programmes, apprenticeships, and executive education courses.

Cautioning against drug abuse, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, who is also Chancellor of Delhi University, said on Tuesday that drug-free youth easily acquire skills, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen the nation by contributing to the country's economic progress.

He made this statement while launching the drug, free campus campaign started by Delhi University. The only goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Vice President, is to make India the world's biggest economy by 2047, which can only be achieved by the youth's efforts.

The Vice President has also pointed out that drug trafficking is one of the main sources of money for narco, terrorism. This business brings great profits, but it seriously harms the society and the whole of humanity. Therefore, we all must stand against it.

In his address, he said Donald Trump is the first US president who has raised his voice against the world's drug mafia. "I appreciate his efforts, because like our Prime Minister, he is one of the major leaders who have come forward against drugs,' the Vice President said. He said drug-free youth are not only essential for personal and economic development but also for the prosperity and stability of our country.

According to Radhakrishnan, this campaign will not only make our campus drug free but the entire country as well. Radhakrishnan remarked that universities are not just spots for doing academics; they are locations where personality gets developed.

Drugs are not freedom or rebellion, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was present at the event as a special guest, said on that occasion. He also elaborated that drug addiction is not cool at all.

The Medical sciences National Board of Examinations (NBEMS) is the body that has announced the entrance test for Fellowship (FET) 2025. In the announcement that was made today, January 14, 2026, it has been said that the registration for FET 2025 will go live today at 5 pm. Those who fulfill the criteria are invited to apply for the exam online at the official site natboard.edu.in.

FET 2025 is the stepping stone to get admitted to various fellowship courses that come under NBEMS. The test will be carried out in computer, based mode at several centres throughout the country.

FET 2025 exam date

As per the official announcement, FET 2025 will be held on March 14, 2026. The exam will take a computer- based format. Candidates should keep visiting the official website for the latest updates.

NBEMS FET 2025 Important dates

Along with the notification, NBEMS has given the entire calendar for the FET 2025 exam.

How to apply for FET 2025

Interested and eligible candidates can apply online by clicking on the FET 2025 registration link available on natboard.edu.in. The application process is completely online.

In case of any questions/clarifications related to FET 2025, students should get in touch with NBEMS only via its Communication Web Portal.

NBEMS website: Candidates are advised to keep visiting the official NBEMS website for the most recent updates and notifications related to FET 2025.

Academics and activists from the All India Save Education Committee (AISEC) unveiled the much-anticipated People's Education Policy (PEP) 2025 at a high-profile "People's Parliament" event here on January 13, positioning it as a robust counter to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Drawing from nationwide consultations since May 2025, PEP demands a constitutional shift of education back to the State List, 10% Union and 25% state budget allocations, and rejection of privatization trends in NEP.

Core Demands Emerge

The draft leans heavily on the idea of providing universally free education from 3 to 17 years, teaching in one's mother tongue along with English, and doing away with the national tests like NEET and CUET, which are to be replaced by university, led admissions. Speakers poured scorn on NEP for school mergers, promoting Sanskrit, and pseudoscience through the Indian Knowledge System, and also called for permanently hiring teachers and no early vocationalization. Karnataka's delayed state policy fueled calls for local committees to fortify public schools.

Grassroots Momentum Builds

Released initially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, PEP gained traction through YouTube campaigns and academic forums, critiquing NEP's commercialization. "NEP betrays people-centric promises," declared AISEC leaders, highlighting declining public funding. With events like this drawing educators nationwide, PEP eyes broader adoption amid 2026 reforms.

Implementation hurdles persist, including political resistance, but proponents see it sparking democratic education revival. As states grapple NEP tweaks, PEP's vision—equitable, secular schooling—resonates, potentially reshaping India's policy discourse. Will governments heed this people's manifesto?