Starting in 2026, CBSE will implement twice-yearly board exams for class X, allowing students to improve scores without the pressure of a single high-stakes test. This aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, promoting flexibility and competency-based evaluations. Additionally, the CBSE Global Curriculum will be introduced for 260 foreign schools from 2026-2027.
The Court of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities has fined 155 establishments, including central ministries and private firms, Rs 10,000 each for not meeting digital accessibility standards. Establishments must deposit the fines in the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities and face higher penalties if they fail to comply after February 28.
Gyanesh Kumar, a retired IAS officer, has taken charge as the 26th chief election commissioner of India. He emphasised the importance of voting as the foundational step for nation-building, urging all citizens aged 18 and above to participate in elections. Kumar's appointment has sparked political controversy, with Congress questioning the modified selection procedure.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma denies allegations of political witch hunt against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi over his wife's alleged ISI links, emphasizing national security. Congress dismisses the claims, accusing BJP of political manipulation ahead of the 2026 elections.
Tejashwi Yadav criticizes the newly appointed CEC, accusing the EC of bias towards the BJP and eroding public trust. He recalls alleged manipulation in the 2020 Bihar polls and vows to remove EVMs if his party gains power. Rahul Gandhi also disapproves of the move, labeling it executive overreach.
India's first microbiological nanosatellite, RVSAT-1, developed by students from RV College of Engineering, was launched by ISRO to study gut bacterium in space. Data collected from the mission will aid in space medicine, waste management, and combating antibiotic resistance, providing insights for astronaut health and prebiotic supplementation during long journeys.
Isro, in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, developed a 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer, the largest globally for solid propellants. This indigenous mixer will enhance the production of solid rocket motors, playing a crucial role in India’s space transportation systems. The mixer improves efficiency and safety in production and marks a significant step towards self-reliance in the space sector.
Unicef's report reveals that over 1.8 lakh children and adolescents below 19 years lose their lives annually in road accidents, with 70% occurring in lower- and middle-income countries. The highest fatalities are in Africa and Southeast Asia. The report emphasizes the need for improved road safety measures and infrastructural developments in these regions.
Seven final-year students at Kariavattom Govt College in Thiruvananthapuram have been suspended for assaulting a first-year biotechnology student. The 19-year-old victim filed complaints with police and college authorities. The accused were charged with various offenses including unlawful assembly, rioting, and possessing lethal weapons. This incident follows other ragging cases in Kerala.
The Court of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities has fined nearly 155 establishments, including multiple central ministries and private firms, Rs 10,000 each for not meeting digital accessibility standards. Future non-compliance after February 28 may result in higher penalties, with the fined amounts directed to the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
Three officials and two security guards from Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) were arrested for allegedly assaulting Nepalese students protesting the suicide of a fellow student. The Odisha government has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident, and KIIT has suspended three officials and dismissed the security guards involved.
National Investigation Agency arrested two individuals in Uttara Kannada for allegedly leaking information about Karwar naval base to Pakistan through honey-trapping. The accused were trapped by Pakistani intelligence and shared naval details in exchange for money. They were employed with a local company. More arrests are likely as authorities suspect a wider network.
Bombay HC has rejected Mirza Himayat Baig's request to be moved from solitary confinement to a general barrack, stating there is no psychological trauma concern. The judges noted that Baig's current cell provides sufficient facilities and ordered that he may be assigned work according to prison rules.
Madhya Pradesh High Court has approved the government's proposal to retest incineration of Union Carbide waste at a Pithampur facility. This aims to determine the environmental impact and ensure safety. Previous trials were deemed outdated. The retrial will involve three stages, with results informing future incineration decisions. The court provided a six-week deadline for disposal.
The Supreme Court has mandated that the government must proactively grant premature release to all eligible convicts without waiting for a formal application. This move ensures convicts aware of their eligibility for remission are considered for release, highlighting the government’s duty to avoid arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
The Supreme Court has granted bail to British arms consultant and alleged middleman, Christian James Michel, in the AgustaWestland chopper scam. Despite CBI's opposition and continued investigation, the court questioned the necessity of his continued custody since he has already been in jail for over six years without the trial starting.
Bombay High Court upheld a five-year imprisonment for a dismissed Lt Col under the Pocso Act for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl. The court dismissed his appeal, emphasizing the credibility of the girl's testimony. The Lt Col had asked the girl for a kiss, which the court deemed inappropriate and aggravated sexual assault.
In Himachal Pradesh, thieves broke into the Maharaja Sansar Chandra Museum at Kangra Fort and stole around 30 antique items, including an antique revolver and several silver items. The museum, managed by the erstwhile Kangra royal family, showcases the Katoch dynasty's history. Police are examining CCTV footage and suspect two individuals' involvement.
A Kolkata court sentenced a 34-year-old man to death for raping a seven-month-old infant on Nov 30 last year. The court deemed the crime 'rarest of rare'. The judgment was delivered within 80 days, awarding Rs 10 lakh compensation to the baby who remains in critical condition.
A police team recovered a cache of ammunition in Kawala forest area of Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir. The seized items included 29 live rounds, one AK rifle magazine, and explosive powder. A case was registered and a probe initiated following the discovery.
Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's lawyer accused banks of acting in bad faith during his bankruptcy appeal in a London court. Judge Sir Anthony Mann dismissed the adjournment request and barred late evidence from Mallya, who alleged the banks have recovered more than what was due and misrepresented recoveries.
India and Qatar have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership through bilateral talks between PM Narendra Modi and Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Qatar committed a $10 billion investment in India, and both nations plan to double their $14 billion bilateral trade over the next five years.
Maharashtra's CM Devendra Fadnavis directed the state cyber police to urge Wikipedia to remove objectionable content about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach towards historical distortions, Fadnavis acknowledged Wikipedia's global operation and called for regulation. He warned against the unauthorized sharing of cabinet documents, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to the law.
The Jal Jeevan Mission's 'Swachh Sujal Gaon' exhibition in Mahakumbh is showcasing the mission's impact on rural lives through clean drinking water. Visitors can test water samples and learn ideal pH and TDS levels. Highlighting Bundelkhand's success in achieving tap water connections, the exhibition emphasizes the benefits of clean water and water conservation through interactive methods.