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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday said that the Delhi School Education (Fee Determination and Transparency in Regulation) Bill, 2025, approved a day ago in the Assembly, will check arbitrary increases in private school fees and bring transparency.

Addressing a media conference, Gupta clarified the Bill covers all 1,733 private schools in Delhi, including close to 300 schools that were given land at concessional prices by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). According to her, the legislation is to safeguard parents from unexpected and inexplicable hikes in fees, as well as to ensure schools remain answerable in their financial dealings.

Under the new law, Director of Education will be empowered like a sub-divisional magistrate to take action against violations. Steps include freezing bank accounts and levy of property of schools that are found in violation of the norms.

Unauthorised increase in fees will attract fines of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, with double penalties if payment is tardy.

The Bill compels schools to make a case for any fee increase they propose by producing evidence in the fields of location, infrastructure, operational expenses, and the quality of teaching. 

Parents will also have the power to accept or decline these proposals, which will directly involve them in decision-making.

"This Bill is a shield for the dreams of Delhi's children," Gupta stated. "No one will be permitted to put a price on their ambitions."

Gupta informed that the draft had been drawn up following consultation with education professionals and parent organisations. She added that the intention was to strike a balance between the protection of parental interests and permitting schools to continue functioning effectively.

Alleging that AAP and Congress governments in the past 27 years did not take any concrete measures to cap school fees, Gupta criticized the earlier AAP government and previous governments. "If education was your top priority, why didn't you introduce a legal framework previously?" she asked.

The law also places schools under stricter watch irrespective of their history of land allotment. Officials will now have the authority to inspect accounts and records to ensure adherence.

The Delhi government hopes that the law will tackle long-standing grievances of parents regarding excessive annual increases, particularly in schools in prime areas. The next phase will be to draft rules for implementation of the Bill and establishing complaint redressal mechanisms for parents.

Until now, the government has asserted that the law is aimed at introducing both transparency and accountability into an industry where money matters have long been unchecked.

ISRO Chief V. Narayanan laid out a reassuring vision of India's broadening space visions on Saturday, not of rockets and satellites, but of people and dreams, and of India's new ventures into the field of human spaceflight.

At a high-level event in Thiruvananthapuram, Narayanan spoke of how India is moving beyond satellite launches to a future where Indian astronauts will soar into space. “We’re no longer just sending machines into orbit — we’re preparing to send humans,” he said, with quiet pride. Central to this mission is the upcoming spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, which he described as a “strategic leap” for ISRO.

Situated near the equator, the new launch site has natural benefits to heavy payloads as well as low-earth orbit missions. But for Narayanan, there is more at stake — it is capacity building and decentralizing India's space infrastructure.

He was eloquent when discussing the Gaganyaan mission, the first human spaceflight mission of India, and compared it to a moment of destiny in the space odyssey of the nation. "Gaganyaan is not technology. It's about vision, courage, and showing the world what India can do," he declared.

Narayanan did not forget the ones at the tail end of the progress. He valued the commitment of Indian scientists, engineers, and research centers, giving to them all the credit of bringing glory to ISRO on the international stage. He also spoke of the increasing role of private industry and foreign collaborations, which are driving a rapidly growing space economy.

As India embarked on this bold journey into space, Narayanan's statements rang with conviction and authority: green environment, self-reliance, and innovation are the wave of the day.

"We have the imagination. We're constructing the infrastructure. And most importantly, we have the people," he asserted.

The news was one of savage simplicity and simultaneously gigantic power: India is not simply flying high — it's going to the stars, guided by ISRO.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has formally announced the implementation of Open-Book Assessments (OBAs) on the students of Class 9 starting the 2026-27 academic year, one of the most significant shifts within the Indian school examination system this past few years. This is a decision ratified by the CBSE Governing Body on June 25, 2025 and is directly in line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023 as well as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with the purpose of bringing about competency based learning and getting rid of rote learning.

What Are CBSE Open-Book Assessment?

In new system students would be allowed to use textbooks, notes taken in the classes, and recommended materials when taking tests. Such open-book tests will focus on key subjects; Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. It is intended to have three pen-paper assessments per term so that OBAs are a natural part of the evaluation process within the institution.

The Reason to Change: The Insider Information

Pilot Project Data: CBSE pilot open-book exam would be run in Classes 9 and 12 in December 2023. The scores of students were between 12 and 47%, which stipulates the initial problem in resources usage and implementation of interdisciplinary concepts. In spite of these, the response of teachers was very positive and their suggestions pointed towards the importance of systematic guidance, instructions and training in tapping the potential of OBAs.

Focus of the Competency: The exams are not meant to assess the ability to memorize but rather test knowledge, problem-solving, and critical thinking. NCFSE emphasizes that open-book tests eliminate the focus on fact recall and regurgitation and focus on application and synthesis of the information-making students ready to succeed in the world.

Less Exam Stress: Preliminary research and board analysis indicate that OBAs may reduce exam-taking stress and foster a deeper sense of conceptual learning by allowing students to develop key tools to think beyond the basic questions in a textbook.

Adoption by Schools: CBSE would only implement guidelines and training and the use of this model remains voluntary and adaptable on how schools incorporate OBAs and when they do it.

Exclusive Details

CBSE is also developing systematic sample papers and teacher training courses to guarantee the quality of assessment as well as question construction that actually measures higher order thinking. The assessment model will be continually developed and improved with the input of the schools, so that the form is maintained as relevant and effective.

Comparison Table: CBSE’s New Open-Book Exams vs Old Assessment Pattern

OBA has created a revolutionary change in the school system in India, as it motivates learners, educators, and parents to embark on a paradigm shift to comprehensive-oriented and analytical learning strategies. Rightful emphasis on problem-solving and conceptual understanding are key aspects that the CBSE seeks to support to make the upcoming generation smarter and more adept to compete at a global scale

'Boss expects seriousness from his interns even though he doesn't treat them seriously…' A viral Reddit post last week stoked the discussion on unpaid internships, pathological work culture, and the increasing disconnect between professional expectations and personal crises. What happened was that an intern requested her boss for a day off to attend to her ailing parents-and was shamed and told she lacked "seriousness."

In this viral WhatsApp conversation, an intern was asking for short-notice leave sanction from her manager, saying that her parents were on bed rest and vowing that the same would "won't happen again." The manager responded: "When you are interning at some place, there is a responsibility too… Three days before a major event, you've gone missing… Anyways, your choice…. This shows seriousness towards your work."

The message left the web with three questions:

Is it possible that emergencies may have an advance schedule?

Where does compassion disappear in the guise of power relations?

Unpaid internship with full-time commitments?

Unpaid Internship and exploitation

As unpaid internship opportunities tend to come with the offer of "experience" and "exposure" issues have been raised time and again in recent days. In this instance, the internet raised even more questions about the fact that this intern worked for free — something that turned online sympathy into outright anger. Even though she was unpaid, she was expected to be treated like a full-time employee and was criticized for requesting time off mere days before a major event. One of the comments said: "If the facility is collapsing by an intern taking a day off, they really shouldn't be employing interns!

"Passive aggression in the workplace Something else fascinating about the boss's note wasn't so much the rejection as the passive aggression interpreted from the tone of the message. Others called it a textbook example of gaslighting, where the boss induced the intern to question her own choice, reality, and judgment with psychological manipulation. Having a superior position, he didn't explicitly say 'no' to the intern.

Instead, he put down: "Anyways, your choice… This shows seriousness towards your work,"-implying that attending to one's parents during an emergency with their health somehow reflects negatively on one's commitment.

Call for much-needed reset?

At its heart, the cause of the virality of this post isn't simply about a single unpaid intern or a single condescending boss. It's about the acceptance of overlooking emotional intelligence in the workplace, and the thinking that time is equal to loyalty.On LinkedIn, someone asked: "Why in India do people still feel ashamed to take their deserving leaves?"

Others saw the boss's reaction as a lesson in professionalism. One post stated:

"It's just a way of showing urgency and having a proper divided workload. Nothing else."-although it was panned for being unkind. The internet agreed on one thing: emergency circumstances must be handled sensitivity and courtesy- without making workers feel guilty for deciding to take care of their family

When Punjab's Minerva Academy under-14 boys boarded a plane to Europe in July 2025, they didn't just have football kits and passports in hand, they had India's eternal aspiration to leave its mark on the world of football.

Three weeks later, they returned to Chandigarh after landing one of the greatest achievements in Indian youth sports history: taking three of the world's most high-profile youth football tournaments consecutively, the Gothia Cup (Sweden), the Dana Cup (Denmark), and the Norway Cup.

None of these achievements had ever been done before by an Indian team according to the records of the tournaments, across any age group.

Key Facts & Figures: Minerva U-14’s 2025 Europe Tour

1. Tournaments Won: Gothia Cup (Sweden), Dana Cup (Denmark), Norway Cup (Norway)
2. Total Matches Played: 21
3. Win Rate: 100% (undefeated in Europe)
4. Goals Scored: 67
5. Goals Conceded: 8
6. Funding: ₹56 lakh from personal loan & mortgaged gold
7. Impact: First-ever Indian team to win all three titles in the same season

The Visionary Coach Who Gambled Everything

At the head of this historic charge was Minerva Academy's maverick owner-coach Ranjit Bajaj, who was already famous for having produced more than 60 players for different Indian national football teams across age groups.

When sponsorships failed to materialize, Bajaj took a personal loan of ₹56-lakh and sold his wife's gold ornaments to fund travel, accommodation, and tournament costs for his lads.

"If I think that my boys can take on the best, I have to support them to the hilt—no excuses,” said Bajaj during his return.

Gothia Cup: Breaking the 'World Youth Cup'

The quest started at the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden, the world's biggest youth football tournament. It alone had 1,900 teams from 75 nations this year.

Minerva's U-14s played the best academies of Brazil, Spain, and Sweden. Their aggressive attack coupled with staunch defence resulted in them winning the trophy, leaving veteran European football observers agog. 

Dana Cup: Subduing Denmark

Emboldened by that achievement, the team went to Hjørring, Denmark, for the Dana Cup, where more than 850 teams from 45 countries took part in 2025. Minerva again dominated rivals, sweeping aside Scandinavian opponents who normally dominate the tournament. 

Norway Cup: Completing the Treble

The ultimate test was in Oslo at the Norway Cup, which is considered one of the world's largest youth tournaments with over 30,000 participants each year. Here as well, Minerva's boys were invincible, clinching a hat-trick of titles never achieved before by any Indian team, junior or senior.

More Than Just Football: Changing Lives

These wins are worth much more than medals. Many of the team hail from poor, small-town backgrounds, families of farmers and working-class neighbourhoods. For them, this tour of Europe was an opener to scholarships, talent scouts, and trials in clubs worldwide.

Football pundits observe that such exposure is essential to bridge India's gap with the world's best footballers.

India's Grassroots Football Gets a Global Push

India currently stands 121 in FIFA men's rankings (August 2025). Although senior development has been sluggish, success such as Minerva's treble might ignite a larger grassroots revolution. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has already congratulated the win, referring to it as "a landmark moment for Indian football" by president Kalyan Chaubey. Ranjit Bajaj now hopes that this moment will spur the government and private sector to invest more in young football, better facilities, more exposure tours, and professional training from a young age.

"These boys have shown the world what India is capable of. Now it's time the country backs them, not just with applause, but with resources," Bajaj insists.

Minerva Academy U-14s have not merely won silverware—they've made a statement: Indian footballing talent, when schooled and exposed to the rest of the world, can equal or surpass the best in the world.

As they came home attired in tricolours, the boys did not only bring medals along but the burden of new expectations. If a dream of India playing one day for a FIFA World Cup exists, then this might very well be the ignition that sets the way.

Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer for decades in evolving Indian education policy in the modern era. Its expenditures  on school infrastructure, student well-being, and inclusive schemes have established standards that compare with many Southeast Asian nations. During 2024-25, the state reaffirmed its dedication by setting aside ₹44,042crore (13.7% of its total budget)on school education, an investment that is among the highest in India. Initiatives such as free books, note books, breakfast, smart classes, and coaching for competitive exams are inculcating tangible gains, with gross enrolment ratios at the primary, upper primary and secondary levels close to or above 95% and retention levels over 97%. 

Education, Equity, and Inclusion

Tamil Nadu's intent is evident: establish an inclusive, equitable, and future-ready  education system. The government's reach enfranchises disadvantaged students and the state's programs, free higher studies for transgender people and support for higher studies, reflect a broader commitment to social justice and equal opportunity. Infrastructure improvement in terms of digital classrooms and up-to-date science laboratories provides all children, across social and economic grounds, access to quality learning spaces.

The Language Issue: Two-Language Formula vs. Three-Language Formula

What separates Tamil Nadu’s education story from other states, however, is its uncompromising stance on language policy. The state has been adhering to the two-language formula: Tamil and English, defying the central government's move towards a three-language policy as in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and previous 1968 & 1986 policies.

Why the Opposition?

The origins of resistance in Tamil Nadu are historical and identity-based. Since the anti-Hindi agitations during the 1930s and the 1965 movement, there has been a general feeling that any compulsory inclusion of Hindi would endanger the predominance of Tamil and erode cultural heritage. Dravidian politics have always protected against what they see as the Centre's efforts to "impose" Hindi on the non-Hindi-speaking areas. 

What Does the NEP Say?

The NEP 2020 keeps the three-language policy but stresses choice and flexibility. Most importantly, it does not require Hindi; rather, states and students can pick any three languages, provided two are Indian languages. Nevertheless, Tamil Nadu is unyielding, claiming that central schemes, such as Samagra Shiksha, tie funding to adherence to the NEP and three-language formula. This has resulted in clashes, such as withheld Center funds for non-implementation of the policy.

Should Tamil Nadu Rethink?

Some recent editorials contend that although linguistic pride is imperative, science and student well-being have to direct education policy, rather than rhetoric or politics. Children acquire multiple languages easily in early school years, and being multilingual can increase cognitive capacities and global competitiveness, research indicates. Tamil Nadu, which has a progressive culture, can explore the possibility of offering more choices to its students, the third language is not necessarily Hindi, but it can be other Dravidian languages, North Indian languages, or even international languages like French, German or Chinese.

A Liberal, Student-Centric Approach

No language should be imposed by force, but neither should the government limit students' options. The flexibility in NEP 2020 can be creatively tailored to Tamil Nadu's singular requirements.It’s like a menu of language choices in government schools in which students might select Tamil, English, and a third language of their choice, that encourages regional pride as well as world readiness.

Tamil Nadu has shown to the rest of India how a student-centered, well-funded, and inclusive education system can be achieved. As a next step, particularly as the state forges ahead as an industrial giant, it must adopt a more liberal, science-based language policy. Giving schools and parents choice, and expanding linguistic possibilities, will better prepare Tamil Nadu's children for local and global possibilities while protecting the rich heritage of its language and culture. Ultimately, decision, not compulsion, must determine language policy in all Indian classrooms.