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In light of the ongoing cold wave conditions, schools in Patna, Bihar, have been ordered to remain closed until January 25, 2025. The decision, which affects students up to Class 8, has been taken to ensure their safety and well-being amid the severe drop in temperatures.

The closure was officially announced on January 22, 2025, through a notice issued by the District Magistrate of Patna. The directive mandates the suspension of classes from January 22 to January 25, 2025, as the region continues to experience extreme cold weather. Authorities have emphasized that this preventive measure aims to protect young students from the harsh climatic conditions.

Patna, along with several other parts of Bihar, has been grappling with an intense cold wave, which has led to concerns about the health and safety of schoolchildren. With temperatures plummeting to unusually low levels, the district administration has taken this proactive step to mitigate the risks posed by the freezing weather. Officials have advised parents and guardians to take necessary precautions to safeguard their children from the cold.

The temporary closure of schools is expected to disrupt the academic calendar, potentially affecting lessons and ongoing coursework. Schools may need to reschedule their academic plans to compensate for the lost instructional hours. Furthermore, the closure might impact upcoming examinations and assessments that were originally scheduled during this period. Educational institutions are likely to make adjustments, including extending school hours or adopting alternative learning methods once the schools reopen.

Parents, students, and teachers are encouraged to stay informed about further developments through official channels. Updates and additional notices regarding school reopening and revised schedules will be available on the official website of the District Magistrate, Patna. Local news channels and newspapers will also continue to provide coverage and timely updates regarding the situation.

In the meantime, authorities have advised parents to ensure their children remain indoors and dress appropriately in warm clothing. The public has been urged to follow weather advisories and stay vigilant about any further changes in weather conditions.

As Patna battles the cold wave, the administration’s focus remains on prioritizing student safety while striving to minimize academic disruptions. Schools are expected to resume normal operations once weather conditions improve.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has confirmed that the Class 10 and 12 board exams will proceed as per their original schedule, dispelling speculation about potential changes. The announcement was made by NCERT Director, Dinesiro, who stated that the respective education boards will conduct the exams, with official schedules to be released soon.

This decision aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which underscores the importance of standardized assessments and maintaining continuity in the academic framework. The NEP advocates for regular evaluations to ensure students' academic progress and preparedness for higher education and professional pursuits.

The announcement has been met with a positive response from educators and students alike. Many believe that adhering to the original schedule will provide students with a sense of direction and stability in their academic journey. Teachers have expressed confidence that maintaining the exam timeline will help uphold academic standards and assessment integrity.

However, the decision has also sparked concerns among certain stakeholders, including parents and mental health experts. They worry about the added pressure on students, given the existing stressors of academic competition and personal challenges. Calls have been made for increased psychological support and well-being initiatives to help students manage exam stress effectively.

The board exams are considered a significant milestone in students' academic careers, shaping their future educational and career opportunities. With the confirmation of the exams proceeding as scheduled, students can now focus on their preparations without uncertainty. Educational institutions are expected to extend their full support to ensure smooth conduct and assistance for students.

The NCERT has advised students to stay updated with official announcements from their respective boards and to follow a structured study plan. Schools and coaching centers have also been urged to provide adequate guidance and resources to facilitate exam readiness.

The Odisha government has revised the minimum enrolment age for Class 1, aligning with the guidelines of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Starting from the 2025-26 academic year, children must be at least six years old as of September 1 to be eligible for admission to Class 1.

This policy change reflects a significant shift in Odisha’s approach to early childhood education, aimed at providing young learners with a robust foundation before entering primary school.

The revised enrolment age aligns with NEP 2020’s emphasis on age-appropriate education and ensuring that children are developmentally ready for formal schooling. By raising the age requirement, the state aims to create a smoother transition for students as they progress from pre-primary to primary education.

To support this change, the Odisha government plans to establish Shishu Vatika in all primary schools. This initiative will provide pre-school education for children aged 5-6 years, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to seamlessly transition into Class 1.

The Shishu Vatika program will focus on foundational literacy, numeracy, and cognitive development while fostering social, emotional, and physical growth. The state aims to implement a holistic approach to early education that nurtures young learners’ creativity and curiosity.

The Odisha government’s decision is a step toward realizing NEP 2020’s broader goals of universal access to quality early childhood education. By ensuring children are better prepared for the rigors of primary school, the state hopes to enhance learning outcomes and reduce dropouts in later years.

This policy change requires parents to adjust their enrolment plans and timelines for their children’s education. Schools will also need to adapt their infrastructure and resources to accommodate the Shishu Vatika initiative and comply with the new age guidelines.

The introduction of Shishu Vatika and the revised enrolment age underline Odisha’s commitment to building a strong educational foundation for its young learners. With these changes, the state aims to ensure that children not only begin their schooling journey at the right age but also do so with the readiness and skills needed to thrive in a structured learning environment.

To promote the Marathi language and culture, the Maharashtra government has announced that Marathi will be made a compulsory subject in all schools across the state from the 2025-26 academic year.

School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse made the announcement, emphasizing that school staff must also have proficiency in "basic working Marathi". The decision applies to all schools in Maharashtra, including those affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, IB, and State Board.

According to the minister, the move aims to strengthen the importance of Marathi language and culture among students. Previously, some schools were allowed to treat Marathi as a graded subject due to pandemic-related disruptions. However, this concession will no longer be available from the next academic year.

The decision has been welcomed by many, who see it as a step towards promoting the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. "Marathi is an integral part of our culture and identity. Making it compulsory in schools will help students connect with their roots," said a parent.

The state government has also assured that necessary steps will be taken to ensure that schools have adequate resources and infrastructure to implement the decision. The move is expected to benefit students in the long run, as proficiency in Marathi will open up more opportunities for them in the state. With Marathi being the official language of Maharashtra, knowing the language is essential for students who wish to pursue higher education or careers in the state.

The Maharashtra government's decision to make Marathi compulsory in schools is a significant step towards promoting the language and culture. As the state prepares to implement the decision from the next academic year, students, parents, and educators are eagerly awaiting the benefits that this move will bring.

With over 2 lakh students from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities participating in the annual Ramayana and Mahabharata exam under the Sanskar Yagya initiative, schools across Maharashtra have taken a significant step towards fostering cultural unity and moral education.

The Sanskar Yagya initiative, designed to instill cultural values and moral lessons, saw unprecedented participation from schools statewide. From bustling urban hubs like Mumbai and Pune to rural schools in remote areas, the initiative reached a diverse student population, reflecting its widespread appeal and relevance.

Students demonstrated their understanding of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, showcasing not only academic interest but also an eagerness to explore India’s rich cultural heritage. The exams emphasized universal themes such as integrity, courage, and compassion, resonating across communities and age groups.

Educational institutions played a pivotal role in the success of the initiative. Schools encouraged students to participate, emphasizing the importance of learning values through ancient epics. Teachers integrated lessons from these texts into their curricula, helping students connect historical narratives with contemporary life.

This year’s overwhelming response underscores the program's role in fostering interfaith harmony. Students from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities engaged in the exams, breaking barriers and celebrating shared values.

Parents and educators alike have praised the initiative for its ability to bridge cultural divides. The Sanskar Yagya initiative’s success reflects a growing interest in value-based education. By integrating cultural awareness with academic learning, Maharashtra’s schools are setting a benchmark for holistic education.

As the program continues to gain traction, it highlights the power of schools in shaping young minds and fostering unity in diversity. This remarkable effort by Maharashtra’s educational institutions not only enriches students’ knowledge but also strengthens the social fabric of the state.

The Union Education Ministry, led by Dharmendra Pradhan, has announced major examination reforms, with the National Testing Agency (NTA) focusing exclusively on entrance exams and board exams being held twice a year starting in 2025.

As part of the reforms, the NTA will concentrate entirely on conducting entrance exams for higher education institutions, including the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG). This move aims to streamline operations and enhance testing integrity, addressing long-standing issues such as leaks and malpractices.

The agency will undergo a significant overhaul, including the creation of at least ten new posts to strengthen its operations. The reforms also prioritize "zero-error testing" and propose incorporating advanced technology, such as computer-adaptive testing, to ensure secure and efficient assessments.

The CUET-UG will continue to be held annually, with the focus on technological upgrades to accommodate a growing number of applicants and ensure transparency. In a separate move, the Education Ministry plans to conduct board exams twice a year, offering students greater flexibility and opportunities to improve their scores.

These changes aim to create a robust and student-friendly examination framework. While the NTA’s revamped role ensures the integrity of entrance exams, the twice-yearly board exam schedule aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s vision of holistic and flexible learning.

Education experts have lauded these reforms as a step toward modernization and inclusivity, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to ensure smooth implementation. With these initiatives, the government is set to redefine the examination landscape in India, prioritizing student welfare, technological integration, and the reliability of testing mechanisms.