Education News | Latest Updates, Trends, and Insights - Edinbox

NCERT is in the midst of mounting criticism from historians and scholars alike for its historical error in depicting Assam's Ahom dynasty in its new Class 8 history book in the chapter 'Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities'.

As much as a 600-year-long dynasty of the Ahoms ruling Assam is a plausible rectification of historical silences, historians verily confirm that the material is beset with historical inaccuracies and oversimplifications.

One of the more disputed inaccuracies is that the Ahoms are from today's Myanmar. Elearned analysts believe that this goes against scholarly consensus and historical evidence, which trace their origin to Mung Mao—a culturally famous Tai polity in Dehong County of Yunnan Province, China.

Pulitzer Prize winner Arup Kumar Dutta responded: "Mung Mao encircles kingdoms of northwestern China and northern Myanmar. Historically, it was not correct to only name 'Myanmar'. But on the contrary, in the absence of a belief that one has to acknowledge the constraint of squishing 600 years' of history into a brief textbook paragraph, there was room for a more integrated treatment of such a sprawling dynasty.".

Among the strongest causes of dissent is the description of the Paik system—a military and administrative labor system—"as forced labor." Experts are hesitant to agree with such a description. Departmental Secretary, History Department, Sibsagar Girls' College Dr Prabin Hazarika stated: "a rotational duty system in which a paik was given land and had chances of promotion by merit. It was far from the exploitative or caste-based systems elsewhere.".

In response, Dutta admitted that the Paik system was not slavery but a coercive form of state service in which "two out of three men worked for the state in rotation, and one stayed back to take care of families—especially during war."

Writer Nilutpal Gohain also agreed, stating, "The paik system was a system of organized land-based service at the heart of the operation of the Ahom state. To define it as 'forced labour' is a perversion."

The book is also said to be oversimplifying explaining how the Bhuiyan landlords—local elites who governed then—their own description as being "pressed down" by the arriving Ahoms.

The most glaring error, according to authorities, is that the Ahom-Mughal war during the invasion of Mir Jumla is being referred to as a mere defeat of the Ahoms. The 1663 Ghilajarighat Treaty that was signed under duress is being acceded to in most cases as the strategic move of the Ahoms to regroup and reunite. "It was not a surrender," Dutta added.

This was a calculated move by Atan Burhagohain to delay, and the Ahoms later pushed the Mughals out.

Having repelled 17 Mughal raids and enjoyed independence for six centuries, the Ahoms have never been in the mainstream of national history writing. Even one page of NCERT books was long overdue, many thought. But now, many believe this long-overdue recognition is being diluted by twisting facts.

Gohain further commented that while the inclusion is welcome, "proper and respectful representation is needed, particularly in the presentation of students local histories. The Ahom heritage must be represented in a fashion commensurate with its complexity as well as its relevance."

Dutta also protested the omission of such vital aspects of the Ahom heritage: "The textbook does not even refer to the Khel system, their mega structures like Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar, or how they contributed to the development of a unique Assamese identity. Such omissions water down the actual influence of the dynasty."

Previously this year, 2022, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had requested all states to incorporate in the school syllabus the story of Lachit Borphukan, the Ahom general who had defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat. The present backlash sees increasing demands from Assam and other northeast states for an inclusive and decentralized Indian history.

Under critical examination, historians are asking NCERT to rework the chapter in collaboration with local historians so that the Ahoms' legacy is dealt with dignity, restraint, and fact-based authenticity it deserves.

Alakh Prakash Goyal Shimla University (APGSU), recognized for its strong academic foundations across engineering, sciences, management, law, and creative disciplines. It is expanding  its research footprint with new interdisciplinary projects and doctoral programs geared toward real-world impact.

The new technological advancements include in-house facilities and laboratories that support a diverse range of research activities not only at the PhD Civil Engineering degree course such as sustainable urban development, but also with innovation in Forensic Science, Cardiovascular Technology and Medical Microbiology. The philosophy of the institution combines research excellence and the ability to address modern construction, environmental sustainability, and smart-city technologies.  

Engineers, scientists, and social scientists who are on the faculty and in the doctoral student body more frequently collaborate among the fields and this is reflected in the growth of the PhD program, which today accepts applications in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Journalism and Mass Communication, Management, and Law. Admission standards require candidates to hold relevant master's degrees and pass entrance examinations or interviews conducted by the university.  

APGSU recently introduced a one-week Faculty Development Programme (July 7 to July 11, 2025), featuring senior academics such as Prof. (Dr.) Ankit Thakur, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology to strengthen its research capabilities. Through the involvement of the faculty in new tendencies in instruction and research, the university aims to ensure that its scholars will not fall behind in regard to the pedagogical and technological shifts and improve the quality of the student projects and collaborations with the industries.  

Its 44 acre wireless enabled campus with cutting edge research facilities and state-of-the-art areas helps in developing innovative and promoting meaningful contributions to the research process even at the lower levels of their academic career by undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Research at APG Goyal Shimla University is gaining recognition beyond the campus. Major recruiters like Google, Amazon, and Tata Steel have increasingly strong ties with its talent pool. The institution’s emphasis on practical, industry-aligned research is reflected in its strong placement records and the growing reputation of its graduates as innovators and problem-solvers.  

Through the ability to position itself as a center of applied and interdisciplinary research in northern India, the university provides potential students and the industrial partners with a better chance of engaging in collaborative projects, technology-transfer, and scholarly efforts that cater to local and global needs. With doctoral programs, continuous faculty training and the infusion into a modern infrastructure, APG Shimla University is now approaching a major contributor to the Indian innovation and research system.

Andhra University hostelers at the Registrar’s office in Visakhapatnam Campus came together to protest seeking better food and safety. The vice chancellor addressed these students understanding their requirements and assuring them the solution.  

The protest that began on July 22nd at night, erupted in the campus title Wednesday afternoon due to the alleged substandard food served in the hostel, reportedly after students alleged that a lizard was found in a recently served meal. Some reports also mentioned insects or worms being found in the food served in AU hostel. This recent lizard incident became the triggering point of this protest. 

This hostelers protest marks the third protest in a year by the university students that concerns lack of facility, safety and welfare. With slogans against the management echoing in the campus, the student leaders and activists brought under the spotlight deteriorated quality of food, education, as well as safety. They also highlighted the fact that the university is charging high fees from the students but failing to provide the basic necessities. 

However, while some student leaders highlighted policies and funding issues of Andhra University, the focus of the protests remained on food quality, campus management and living conditions.

As per The Hindu report, All India Students Federation Secretary of AU, Jetti Abhishek said that despite the fact that the protest started at night on Tuesday, management did not respond immediately and sent a police team to stop the protest. Abhishek also said “We also urged the university management to fill the vacant teaching posts, reduce mess charges, improve the quality of food served and provide basic infrastructure in the hostels.”

“We don’t feel safe in our own hostels, and the food sometimes feels unfit to eat,” a hostel resident of AU said, adding that previous complaints had seen limited action.

Students are also demanding that the university refrain from hiring guest faculty who are not suitable for the teaching posts at university level. AU has not responded to that yet. In addition, the students also highlighted the power cut issues they face, and the lack of proper lights in many secluded spots in the university. They also put forward some unethical practices of unauthorised people who enter the campus and engage in anti-social activities such as drinking alcohol in the campus.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. GP Raja Sekhar stated that “We recognize the students’ distress and are taking immediate measures to address their concerns. Within the next month, we will work to resolve the quality and safety issues in hostel facilities.” He also  said that a special task force of students will be made who will monitor the food served in the hostel. 

As the students await the stated action, they are continuing to insist on regular communication and swift actions by the authority. The university has scheduled a followup meeting with the student leaders to review the progress of the stated solution.

A UP government school teacher has landed in trouble after a viral video of her oiling hair as she listened to an old Bollywood song in school created a lot of outrage on social media.

The act was witnessed at Mundakheda Primary School within Khurja block, India Today reports. The teacher whose video was captured on July 19 during regular school hours is seen to be sitting comfortably in a chair, applying oil to her hair, as in the background, the song Bada Natkhat Hai Yeh from movie Amar Prem plays.

Simultaneously, the students remain seated in silence looking at her instead of conducting any kind of academic work.

According to India Today, district Basic Education Officer Laxmikant Pandey confirmed the teacher was suspended with immediate effect. "An order has been issued, and the incident is under investigation," Pandey was quoted to say by the publication.

The clip spread like a wildfire on social media within minutes with people condemning not just the instructor but the education system of Uttar Pradesh state as well. "She must be suspended immediately and she can do whatever she wants to do at home," one of the users added.

One of the class members penned a sassy version, "Lmao ye to sirf tel maalish kar rahi thi. Hamare yaha government schools mai to teachers dhaniya palak lasan chil rahi hoti hai saara din and sir log chai sutta." (Lmao, she was just massaging her hair. In our government schools, teachers keep peeling coriander, spinach, garlic while the male staff sip tea and smoke all day.)

It referred to the larger picture, stating, "This is the pathetic truth about our government schools. While children need care and good schooling, the teacher is doing oil massage and music in school. Who will be held responsible for such negligence?"

One exasperated user humorously wrote, "Bacchon ki neend isliye kharaab kiye hein. taki madam ko baal mein tel lagate dekhein. The Indian Education system is the worst. Games period hi kar deti… Bahut kuch seekh hi lete khelte khelte." (The kids' nap time was broken just to watch madam apply oil to her hair. The Indian education system is the worst. She could've atleast put up a notice it's games period, they would've learned more playing.)

Indian Institute of Technology Indore introduced two new schools, with the Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta Family Foundation, as a significant enhancement to its teaching and research capacity.

The two new schools introduced are the Mehta Family School of Sustainability and the Mehta Family School of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering.

The two schools will provide undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees to meet critical regional and global issues.

SUSTAINABILITY SCHOOL: A FIRST OF ITS KIND

Sustainability School brings a first-of-its-kind BTech in Environmental Economics with Sustainable Engineering, which puts together engineering, science, and economics to prepare students to tackle intricate environmental matters. It will also provide three postgraduate degree programs and a PhD.

With the vision of graduating over 400 undergraduates and educating over 1,000 professionals, the school launches executive master's and doctoral programs, in collaboration with industry, government, academia, and civil society. 

The school's distinctive convergence of disciplines in addressing sustainability was commented on, Director at IIT Indore, Professor SuhasJoshi says.

At the time of the signing ceremony, he stated that Mehta Family School of Sustainability will introduce a first undergraduate course through the marriage of environmental economics and sustainable engineering.

BIOMEDICAL SCHOOL: FIGHTING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

The Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering School will introduce a BTech in medical devices, clinical data analytics, and AI for healthcare, three postgraduate courses and a PhD course.

Curriculum -- science, engineering, and data science -- is having project learning and clinical exposure in the mode of interaction with AIIMS Bhopal and MGM Medical College, Indore. Breakerspace and Makerspace labs will be providing hands-on training.

By the fifth year, it will train 500 students and reach 1,500 in the second decade.

Among the important agendas is tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), notably infections such as tuberculosis, with seven Central India universities.

CENTRAL INDIA BIO-MANUFACTURING HUB TO BE PLANNED

Among the long-term vision components for the biomedical school is facilitating a bio-manufacturing hub in Central India. The smart protein production, enzyme engineering, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) will be included.

To close the gap between university research and industry innovation, the hub will target Technology Readiness Levels 3 to 7 in order to support prototype development in practical environments for R&D and student training.

BUILDING ON A FOUNDATION OF PARTNERSHIP

These launches come after the Mehta Foundation's earlier partnerships with leading IITs -- in health sciences, biosciences, and data science -- all pointing towards a long-term vision of developing specialist STEM education in India.

Synergizing with more than 1.23 million students appearing for JEE Main 2025, IIT Indore's new ventures are being rolled out amidst increased interest in engineering education, opening up budding ones to new avenues of career in frontier and high-priority areas.

The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step to streamline the use of forensic science laboratories (FSLs) in criminal investigations. Citing the increasing cases of delays and inefficiencies, the court has directed the Delhi government and the Centre to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to avoid unnecessary transfers of any kind of evidence, particularly samples, in postmortem cases to state run FSLs. This is an initiative to work to declog the system, deliver timely justice, and better utilization of restricted forensic resources.

Why is the Problem Important?

Forensic labs in forensics are important to verify and analyze evidence when undertaking a crime investigation. What, however, has raised concern among experts, as well as the courts, is the fact that numerous referrals are made without being medically or legally required. This practice has the following effects:

1. Case backlogs: FSLs are flooded with minor and repetitive cases that do not need sophisticated scientific investigation.
2. Pauperization of justice: Justice suffers as vital evidence languishes in queue, and time-sensitive investigations are held up.
3. Quality risks: The loss of evidence is possible when important biological samples, such as viscera or blood are not analyzed in a timely manner and degrading. 

Observations and Orders of the Court

The division bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya of the Delhi High Court observed that unwarranted and regular referrals are pareging the FSL system, and injuring the criminal justice system. 

The court was disposing a case of a Public Interest Litigation, which was instituted by Dr. Subhash Vijayan who is an expert in the field of forensic medicine, who reported on the way in which, due to the fear of a possible legal examination later, doctors were misdirecting biological samples to avoid future interrogations in cases concerning which there was no suspicion of foul play.

The court also ordered the Delhi government and the Centre to revisit the existing procedure, seek opinion of relevant experts and frame guidelines or SOPs within three months.

Expert Perspectives: Why Indiscriminate Referrals?

• Legal Protection: When there is no suspicion, many doctors still send samples as an insurance against future blame or legal exposure.
• Province of Clear Protocol: There exist no universal guidelines when one should make a referral to FSL services so it is often interpreted at the individual level.
• AIIMS and FSL Reports: A common conclusion based on a sharing of data is that 30-40 percent of the toxicology cases referred to FSLs do not in fact need the services of an advanced laboratory, and put a strain on small laboratory capabilities.

National situation & Lately Modernizations

India now has 7 Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and others are in the development process to cope with the ever-increasing demand. 

The Centre has given the go-ahead to new schemes to up-date laboratories, get staff training, and set up more campuses of NFSU ( National Forensic Sciences University) in order to overcome the dearth of trained personnel and cut down the pendency.

117 labs are now connected to each other via new digital platforms to enable optimized coordination, and DNA analysis and cyber forensics are also going to get special funding in the Nirbhaya scheme.

Delhi-Specific Updates

It is likely that a committee will be formed to assist in drawing the protocols of when biological samples are to be forwarded to undergo a forensic test.

The Delhi High Court took pains to point out that on the one hand such unnecessary referrals merely clog the system but even more seriously, can actively undermine both quality and sustainability of evidence which directly impacts justice on both sides of the victim-accused divide.

What can be Changed? 

• New SOPs: Concise standards of FSL referrals will decrease backlog and accelerate investigation, preserving the quality of evidence.
• Training and Awareness: Increased awareness of updated procedures and the legal ramifications through training medical practitioners will minimize the number of these so-called defensive referrals.
• Modernization: A sustained funding in the forensic facility and digital applications will keep FSLs prepared to deliver justice effectively and correctly.

The order issued by Delhi High Court is one that may change the face of forensic science and justice in India. Once picked up and swiftly executed, the SOPs stand to increase the number of high-value cases addressed by forensic labs, reduce the time required to investigate a case and rebuild faith in the justice system, which is a win-win scenario in the eyes of law enforcement, the courts, and individuals.