Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is entering the 4th week of his indefinite hunger strike while the doctors warn that prolonged fasting could begin affecting his organs. The Delhi High Court ordered daily medical monitoring while political support for the protest continued to grow.

Sonam Wangchuk's Health Worsens as Hunger Strike Reaches Day 20

The concerns over Sonam Wangchuk's health further grew as Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke wrote that the activist was "on his deathbed" and was "very weak".

Wangchuk had almost stumbled twice while going to the washroom, Dipke told in a video made by the party. Wangchuk was seen in slow motion walking on the protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Extreme Fasting Could Impact Key Organs, Doctors Warn

Doctors who are observing Sonam Wangchuk said that he was in the late stages of prolonged fasting and the body's organs might start to be affected.

The latest medical bulletin released by Dr Satish Lamba reveals that Wangchuk has lost over 9 kg since his hunger strike started on 28 June and currently weighs 56.9 kg. He was listed as having a ketone level of 3 plus before it dropped to 2 plus with improved hydration, the bulletin added. But the concentration of uric acid stayed elevated, suggesting that muscle loss continued.  Wangchuk is currently being medically monitored round-the-clock, doctors said, adding that prompt action is needed.

Must read: The Teacher Who Inspired Millions ‘May Die in 2 Days’ as Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike Enters Day 18 

Delhi High Court Orders Daily Monitoring

The government's first official response to the hunger strike is about medical assistance and not the cause of the protest. The Delhi High Court, which had heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the case of Wangchuk, had asked the government to keep an eye on him daily and provide him immediate medical assistance in case his health deteriorates further.

“The life of every citizen is precious and it is our duty to protect that life by taking all the necessary medical measures,” the court said.

Appearing for the Centre and the Delhi government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that there was no objection to regular medical examinations.

Sonam Wangchuk Says He Will Continue the Fast

Even as the health issues mount up, Sonam Wangchuk has said he will continue his protest through starvation. His message, posted on Wednesday night, stated that a "medical examination" had shown no "immediate danger.” While acknowledging weakness and muscle loss, he said his heart and other vital functions remained stable.

“If there is no action by the government, it would be misleading to end the fast,” Wangchuk added. He also called for the March to Parliament to be stronger on 20 July.

Protest Against Alleged Examination Irregularities

Sonam Wangchuk joined the indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on 28 June after becoming part of protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party.

The protest is calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the wake of alleged irregularities in competitive exams, such as the leakage of NEET papers.

Political Leaders and Organisations Show Support

Protest support continued to rise on Thursday. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the Centre for not engaging with Wangchuk, while Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited him at Jantar Mantar and expressed solidarity. The Supreme Court Bar Association also called on Wangchuk to break the hunger strike.

The CJP, meanwhile, said that approximately 1.5 lakh people had confirmed their presence for the planned march on July 20 to Parliament.

Check out: The Rise of the ‘Cockroach Generation’: Young Indians Are Tired of Pretending Everything Is Fine 

Aamir Khan Breaks Silence on Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike

Actor Aamir Khan has finally reacted to Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, expressing concern for the activist's health while dismissing the long-standing belief that Wangchuk inspired the character Phunsukh Wangdu in 3 Idiots. Speaking at the British Film Institute (BFI), Aamir said, "No, that's not true, actually. That is a misconception," clarifying that neither he, director Rajkumar Hirani nor writer Abhijat Joshi knew Wangchuk when the film was made. On Wangchuk's health, Aamir said, "We are all very concerned about his health and his life. We hope that it ends well."

This reveal is not something new as Sonam Wangchuk has always consistently distanced himself from the character Phunsukh Wangdu from the film "3 Idiots." He has stated that he was never consulted during the making of the film and did not give consent for his life or work to be used. Wangchuk has clarified that while the character could have been inspired from him, it was not based on him. He has expressed that he is not proud of the association with the film and does not want people in this country to accept something simply because it is associated with a film. Wangchuk's stance has been supported by various actors, including Omi Vaidya, who has publicly voiced his concern for Wangchuk's health during the activist's hunger strike.

What Happens Next?

Now, as Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike has been in its third week, there is a focus on what the state is doing to address his ailments, directions of the Delhi High Court and whether the government accedes to the protesters' demands.

The coming days are expected to be crucial, as doctors continue to monitor Wangchuk's health while supporters prepare for the proposed Parliament march. An official government response or other medical updates could have a major impact on the protest.

India’s school education landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with families increasingly shifting towards private schools while government institutions witness a decline in student enrolment.

According to the latest UDISE+ 2025-26 Report released by the Ministry of Education, government schools have lost nearly 86 lakh students in two academic years, while recognised private unaided schools have recorded an increase of more than 88 lakh enrolments during the same period.

The figures highlight a changing pattern in school preferences across India. While overall school enrolment has remained relatively stable, the movement of students between government and private institutions signals growing parental demand for perceived better quality education, English-medium learning, digital facilities and improved career opportunities.

UDISE+ 2025-26 Report: Key Findings at a Glance

The latest education data presents a mixed picture of progress and challenges:

• Government school enrolment declined by around 86 lakh students over two years.
• Private unaided recognised schools gained over 88 lakh students during the same period.
• Total student enrolment across India saw only a marginal decline.
• Teacher strength crossed the one crore mark for the first time.
• School dropout rates continued to decline across different education levels.
• The total number of schools reduced slightly due to rationalisation and consolidation measures.

The report suggests that India has largely achieved broad access to schooling, but the next challenge is improving the quality of education and rebuilding confidence in public schools.

Why Are Parents Choosing Private Schools Over Government Schools?

The shift towards private education is influenced by several social and economic factors.

Growing Demand for Better Learning Outcomes

Many parents associate private schools with:

• Better classroom discipline
• Stronger English-language instruction
• Higher academic performance
• Greater preparation for competitive examinations
• More exposure to technology and extracurricular activities

Affordable private schools have expanded rapidly, including in rural and semi-urban areas, giving families more options than ever before.

Rising Aspirations Among Indian Families

As household incomes improve and employment opportunities become more competitive, parents increasingly view education as the most important investment in their children’s future.

Families are willing to spend additional money on schooling if they believe it can provide better skills, improved communication abilities and stronger career prospects.

Growth of Low-Cost Private Schools

The expansion of budget-friendly private schools has changed India’s education market. Many middle- and lower-income families are choosing private institutions despite additional expenses because of expectations around quality and outcomes.

Urbanisation and Changing Family Preferences

Rapid urban growth and migration have increased demand for private schools in many regions. Urban and semi-urban families often have easier access to a wider range of private education options.

Dropout Rates Continue to Decline: A Positive Development

Despite concerns over enrolment shifts, the UDISE+ report highlights encouraging progress in student retention.

School dropout rates have improved across multiple stages, indicating that more children who enter the education system are continuing their studies.

Experts link this progress to government initiatives such as:

• PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
• Free textbooks and uniforms
• Scholarships for students
• Digital learning programmes
• Improved school infrastructure
• Campaigns promoting education among girls and disadvantaged communities

These measures have helped improve attendance, reduce barriers and encourage children to remain in school.

India’s Teacher Workforce Crosses One Crore Milestone

One of the biggest achievements highlighted in the UDISE+ report is the crossing of the one crore teacher mark in India’s school education system.

The increase in teacher numbers reflects:

• Recruitment initiatives by states and the Centre
• Expansion of educational facilities
• Improved teacher availability
• Better pupil-teacher ratios in several regions

A strong teaching workforce remains essential for improving classroom learning and achieving better educational outcomes.

Government Schools Remain Critical for India’s Education System

Although government school enrolment has declined, these institutions continue to serve nearly half of India’s school-going population.

Government schools remain especially important for:

• Rural communities
• Economically weaker families
• Tribal and remote areas
• Children dependent on free education
• Students benefiting from welfare programmes

They continue to play a central role in ensuring educational access, social inclusion and equal opportunities.

Reasons Behind the Decline in Government School Enrolment

Education experts point to several possible reasons behind the changing enrolment pattern.

Changing Expectations of Parents

Modern families increasingly expect schools to provide:

• Digital education facilities
• Spoken English skills
• Career-focused learning
• Practical and vocational training
• Technology-based classrooms

Declining Birth Rates

Demographic changes may also be affecting school enrolment. Several regions are experiencing slower population growth and fewer children entering school-age groups.

School Rationalisation and Consolidation

Many states have merged or reorganised schools with very low enrolment to improve resource utilisation. While this can reduce the number of institutions, it does not always mean reduced access.

Migration Trends

Seasonal and permanent migration continues to influence enrolment patterns, particularly in rapidly urbanising districts.

India’s Education Challenge Is Now About Quality, Not Just Access

The latest UDISE+ findings show that India’s education challenge is entering a new phase.

The priority is shifting from simply bringing children into schools to ensuring meaningful learning outcomes.

Key focus areas include:

• Improving foundational literacy and numeracy
• Enhancing classroom teaching quality
• Expanding digital infrastructure
• Training teachers in modern teaching methods
• Strengthening accountability in schools

Parents are increasingly judging schools not only by availability but by the actual quality of education provided.

How Government Schools Can Regain Parent Confidence

Experts believe improving public trust in government schools will require long-term reforms, including:

Better Learning Outcomes

Greater focus on reading ability, mathematics skills, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Digital Transformation

Investment in smart classrooms, internet access and technology-enabled learning.

Teacher Training

Regular professional development programmes to help teachers adopt modern teaching approaches.

Stronger Community Participation

Greater involvement of parents and local communities in school management and decision-making.

Future-Ready Skills

Introducing vocational education, coding, entrepreneurship and career-oriented learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

State-Level Differences Could Shape India’s Education Future

The national trend does not represent every state equally.

Some states continue to maintain strong government school enrolment due to effective welfare schemes and improvements in school quality. Others are seeing faster movement towards private institutions.

Differences in learning outcomes, infrastructure, teacher availability and retention rates show that education policies may need to be tailored according to state-specific challenges.

What the UDISE+ Report Means for India’s Education Policy

The latest report provides an important roadmap for policymakers.

Future priorities are likely to include:

• Improving government school quality
• Expanding early childhood education
• Strengthening foundational learning
• Increasing teacher accountability
• Expanding digital education
• Encouraging community involvement
• Ensuring equal access to quality education

The changing enrolment pattern does not simply represent a shift between government and private schools. It reflects a deeper transformation in what Indian families expect from education.

The next challenge for India is clear: ensuring that every child receives high-quality learning opportunities, regardless of whether they study in a government or private school.

The government of Odisha announced the 'Jnanodaya – Prosperity through Education' scheme for free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level, thereby giving a huge push to education. It's expected to positively impact the student's education and make it more affordable for families statewide.

The announcement was made at the 43rd meeting of the Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi at Lokaseva Bhawan. The programme will help prevent any student from dropping out of school due to financial constraints, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.

Who will get the benefit of Odisha's Free Education Scheme?

The scheme will be applicable to students from KG to PG level in Odisha, the state government has announced. It is designed to be free education at various levels of academic study, such as school studies and higher education.

It will have a special impact on the children of the economically weaker sections of the society who are unable to complete their education owing to the increasing costs of education, the government said. This scheme should also motivate more girls to attend higher education.

The CMO Odisha in a social media posting informed that no student or girl student should be denied education due to financial constraints and should not be made to drop out halfway through the course.

What does the announcement imply to the students?

The decision is expected to help increase enrolment, reduce dropouts and enrolment in higher education institutions in Odisha, experts in the field say, as education becomes more affordable.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has termed the initiative as a "revolutionary decision regarding education" and 'Jnanodaya– Prosperity through Education' will work to give every child and youth in the state the right to equal educational opportunities, irrespective of their economic status.

Implementation Guidelines will be available soon

The policy has been announced, but the Odisha government is likely to provide the time-bound details of its implementation in the coming days, such as who is eligible and how it will be done.

The Jnanodaya scheme is emerging as a major initiative to increase access to education and provide support to students from school to post school level, across Odisha, by removing financial obstacles to learning.

New Delhi: India's gaming industry is growing at an unprecedented pace, creating millions of opportunities for aspiring developers and designers. But as the sector races toward becoming a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse, a critical question is emerging: Are Indian colleges producing the talent the industry actually needs?

According to the FICCI-EY Report 2025, India had an estimated 488 million online gamers in 2024, making it one of the largest gaming markets in the world. The industry, currently valued at $3.7 billion, is projected to skyrocket to $16.72 billion by 2034, signaling enormous growth potential for jobs, investments and innovation.

Game Design Courses Boom Across India

Sensing the opportunity, more than 300 colleges and institutions across the country now offer courses in game design, development and interactive media.

Leading institutions such as Pearl Academy, Amity University, Lovely Professional University and Symbiosis Institute of Design have launched specialized programs aimed at preparing students for careers in the rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem.

However, industry experts warn that simply increasing the number of courses may not be enough.

The Skills Gap Problem

A government-backed task force studying India's animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC) sector has highlighted a persistent disconnect between classroom learning and industry expectations.

The report found that many graduates lack practical skills required by gaming studios, prompting calls for stronger industry collaboration and more hands-on, job-oriented curricula.

As studios demand expertise in game engines, storytelling, UI/UX design, artificial intelligence, 3D modeling and live-service operations, educational institutions face mounting pressure to modernize their programs.

Indian Games Are Winning with Local Stories

Despite the challenges, Indian game developers are increasingly proving that locally inspired content can compete on the global stage.

One notable success story is Detective Dotson, developed by Masala Games, which launched in April 2025. The India-themed mystery adventure game received widespread acclaim, earning a "Very Positive" rating on Steam and strong reviews from critics.

Another standout title is Indus, created by Pune-based SuperGaming. The Indo-futuristic battle royale game has crossed millions of downloads and has emerged as one of India's most ambitious homegrown gaming projects.

India's Secret Weapon: Cultural Understanding

Industry observers believe Indian developers possess a unique advantage that foreign studios struggle to replicate — a deep understanding of local audiences.

Gaming preferences in India often differ significantly from those in Western and East Asian markets. Titles that resonate strongly with Indian players may not achieve similar popularity elsewhere, making local insights a valuable competitive edge.

Developers who understand India's languages, traditions, humor and cultural nuances are increasingly finding opportunities to create experiences specifically tailored for domestic gamers.

More Than 2 Million Jobs on the Horizon

The future looks promising for aspiring game designers.

Industry projections suggest that India's gaming ecosystem could generate more than 2 million jobs by 2034, spanning game development, animation, esports, publishing, marketing, content creation and emerging technologies.

While Bengaluru remains the country's leading gaming hub, cities such as Pune, Hyderabad and Kochi are rapidly attracting studios and investment.

A Defining Moment for Indian Education

As India's gaming market enters its next phase of growth, educational institutions face a defining challenge: producing graduates who are not only qualified on paper but capable of building the next generation of globally successful games.

With demand for skilled talent rising faster than ever, the race is now on for colleges to bridge the gap between education and industry — before the gaming boom leaves them behind.

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.