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Wednesday, March 18, 2026 5:41 PM

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Delhi’s Republic Day Tableau Highlights Capital’s Educational Revolution

Delhi’s tableau at the Republic Day parade 2025 captured the nation’s attention, showcasing the city’s transformation into a hub for quality education, research, and technological advancement. The tableau, displayed at the Kartavya Path, underlined key achievements in digitalisation, higher education, and the integration of robotics in medical training. The vibrant display featured a girl working with laboratory instruments, children symbolising aspirations, and a tree of knowledge emerging from a laptop—powerful imagery representing Delhi’s strides in education. The tableau celebrated the AAP government’s initiatives since 2015, including the ‘Happiness Curriculum,’ ‘Mission Buniyaad,’ and international teacher training programs, which have collectively improved public school infrastructure, addressed resource shortages, and increased funding for education. Delhi’s public schools, catering to over 1.5 million students, have become a model of accessible and quality education. The focus on free education and infrastructure improvements has set a benchmark for the rest of the country. The tableau’s theme aligned with this year’s broader Republic Day focus on “virasat” (heritage) and “vikas” (progress). With 16 tableaux from states and union territories and 15 from central ministries and organizations, Delhi’s presentation stood out for its emphasis on education reform. The timing of the tableau’s message is significant, with assembly elections around the corner. It served as a strong reminder of the AAP government’s vision for the capital’s future and its commitment to education as a catalyst for change.

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Citi and Jefferies Top GlobalData’s 2024 Financial and Legal Adviser League Tables for Oil & Gas M&A

January 25: GlobalData has unveiled its Financial and Legal Adviser League Tables for 2024, spotlighting the top performers in the oil and gas (O&G) sector’s merger and acquisition (M&A) landscape. Citi emerged as the leader by deal value, while Jefferies claimed the top spot by deal volume, according to the analytics company. Citi secured its position by advising on $60.8 billion worth of deals, including two mega-deals exceeding $10 billion each. Meanwhile, Jefferies outpaced competitors in deal volume, advising on 23 transactions, 11 of which were billion-dollar deals, including a mega-deal valued over $10 billion. Aurojyoti Bose, lead analyst at GlobalData, commented: “Jefferies made remarkable progress, improving from the seventh position by volume in 2023 to the top spot in 2024. Its involvement in big-ticket deals also earned it the third position by value.” He further noted Citi’s dominance by value, adding that it also ranked sixth by deal volume, demonstrating the breadth of its expertise in the sector. These rankings are based on GlobalData’s Deals Database, which tracks M&A activity worldwide. The performance of Citi and Jefferies underscores the evolving dynamics of the O&G sector and the critical role financial advisers play in facilitating high-stakes transactions.

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Himachal CM Sukhu Announces Rs. 1000 for Girl Students, Focuses on Education Reform on Balika Diwas

Dharamshala, January 25: Marking the occasion of Balika Diwas, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Dharamshala and announced a financial incentive of Rs. 1000 for each of the 351 girl students enrolled at the school. The move underscores the state government’s commitment to empowering girls and enhancing the education system. Addressing the students, CM Sukhu shared his personal experience as a government school student and acknowledged the confidence gap often faced by students from such institutions. He assured that the government is working diligently to bridge this gap, promising that no child in the state would be deprived of quality education. He also announced that the government has taken several measures, including filling vacant teaching posts, promoting deputy directors to address long-pending issues, and organizing exposure visits for both teachers and students. Furthermore, 50 meritorious students will soon be sent abroad as part of an initiative to motivate young minds and broaden their perspectives. Education Minister Rohit Thakur reiterated the government’s dedication to improving education quality across the state. Other dignitaries, including Agriculture Minister Professor Chander Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, and Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, were present during the event. The Chief Minister also visited the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Dharamshala to review available facilities and address the needs of the students. This initiative reflects the state’s mission to empower young girls and reform the education sector, fostering an environment of growth and opportunity for future generations. Source: ANI

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Vietnam’s Media Restructuring Sparks Fears of Propaganda Surge

Critics are raising alarms over Vietnam’s ongoing media restructuring, warning that it will tighten government control over news outlets and intensify the spread of state propaganda. The restructuring plan, initiated in 2019 under former Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, aims to reduce the number of press organizations from 180 to 100 by 2025, leading to job losses for 8,000 reporters and editors. Under General Secretary To Lam’s leadership, the restructuring has accelerated. The initiative, known as Resolution 18, consolidates 14 ministries into seven, each permitted only one official news outlet. Analysts predict this will halve the number of media organizations, concentrating resources into six state-run conglomerates, including Nhan Dan, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, and national broadcaster Vietnam Television. On January 15, 2025, the restructuring led to the shutdown of Vietnam Multimedia Corporation (VTC) and other broadcasters, leaving approximately 1,000 employees without jobs. A journalism student, identified only as Justin, described emotional scenes as VTC employees counted down to the channel’s closure, followed by fireworks. “Everyone was crying,” he said. While the government claims the reforms aim to streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies, democracy advocates argue that the changes will prioritize propaganda over independent journalism. Trinh Huu Long of Legal Initiatives for Vietnam stated, “The government will invest in a small number of state agencies to make them more effective in propaganda. Serving readers is secondary.” The crackdown extends beyond media consolidation. A November 2024 report revealed that 17 independent journalists are currently imprisoned, highlighting the shrinking space for press freedom in Vietnam. As critics call for balanced reforms, many fear the rapid changes will further stifle independent voices and leave Vietnam’s public with fewer sources of unbiased news. Source: voanews

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Karnataka to Host Conclave on UGC Draft Regulations Amid States’ Concerns

Karnataka will host a state higher education ministers’ conclave in Bengaluru on February 5 to deliberate on the controversial draft UGC regulations, which propose significant changes to vice-chancellor appointments. The draft guidelines, open for public consultation, have drawn criticism for limiting state governments’ powers in higher education governance. Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar announced on Thursday that ministers from states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Bihar, among others, have been invited to the conclave. The states are expected to confirm their participation by Monday. The contentious draft regulations, formally titled the “University Grants Commission (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Standards in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations 2025,” propose empowering chancellors—mostly state governors—with exclusive authority to appoint vice-chancellors and form search committees, sidelining state governments from the process entirely. Dr. Sudhakar criticised the move, stating that it undermines the federal structure and the principles of cooperative federalism. “This unilateral approach by the UGC ignores the constitutional responsibilities of state governments in higher education and must be reconsidered,” he said. The conclave will provide a platform for states to discuss the draft regulations’ implications on public, private, and deemed universities, especially regarding administrative autonomy and adherence to state laws. Sudhakar said that a unified position would be adopted and communicated to the Union government and UGC. In January, Sudhakar wrote to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, objecting to the exclusion of state governments in the selection of vice-chancellors and the inclusion of non-academicians as eligible candidates. The letter argued that these provisions conflict with state laws governing universities and demanded more deliberation on the matter. The issue has sparked significant debate in Karnataka, which recently passed a bill to replace the governor with the chief minister as chancellor of the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayati Raj University. The bill awaits the governor’s assent. Additionally, the state cabinet plans to propose amendments to the Karnataka State Universities Act to remove the governor as chancellor for other state universities. As states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala voice similar concerns, Karnataka’s conclave seeks to build consensus on safeguarding state powers in higher education administration.

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Pune Faces Projected 13% Rise in Dengue Mortality by 2040: Study Warns of Climate Impact

A groundbreaking study titled “Dengue Dynamics, Predictions, and Future Increase under Changing Monsoon Climate in India” projects a 13% rise in dengue-related mortality in Pune by 2040. Conducted by scientists from IITM, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and international collaborators, the study was published in Scientific Reports on January 21. Highlighting the interplay between climate and dengue, the researchers warned that rising temperatures and erratic monsoon patterns could escalate dengue deaths by 25-40% by mid-century (2040–2060). Pune, a known dengue hotspot, is particularly vulnerable due to increasing average temperatures, uneven rainfall distribution, and higher humidity levels. The study revealed that temperatures above 27°C, moderate and evenly distributed rainfall, and humidity levels between 60% and 78% during monsoon significantly drive dengue transmission. Conversely, extreme rainfall exceeding 150 mm in a week can reduce mosquito prevalence by flushing out larvae and eggs. Under fossil fuel emission scenarios, Pune’s temperature is predicted to rise by 1.2–3.5°C by 2100, amplifying conditions favorable to dengue outbreaks. However, researchers emphasize that socio-economic factors, not included in the projections, could also influence future trends. Lead scientist Dr. Roxy Koll from IITM stressed the need for early warning systems based on health and climate data. Using AI/ML models, the team developed a system capable of predicting dengue outbreaks over two months in advance. “Cooperation from health departments is critical for saving lives,” Dr. Koll said. The findings underscore the urgency for region-specific interventions and better health data integration to combat climate-sensitive diseases. Policymakers in high-burden states can utilize this study to allocate resources effectively and mitigate the public health impact of climate change.

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ITI Limited Wins ₹167 Crore E-Governance Contract in Maharashtra

State-owned telecom equipment manufacturer ITI Limited has secured a ₹167 crore e-governance contract from Maharashtra’s Rural Development Department. The project involves setting up and operating Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendra (ASSK) centers in Gram Panchayats across Chatrapathi Sambhaji Nagar, Nagpur, and Amaravati regions. The contract includes system maintenance for one year and deployment of technical manpower at the ASSK centers. The initiative aims to enhance digital citizen services in rural areas, fostering transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in e-governance. Rajesh Rai, Chairman and Managing Director of ITI Limited, emphasized the project’s significance in strengthening the Panchayati Raj System. “This initiative will empower rural citizens with better access to digital governance and help bridge the urban-rural divide in Maharashtra,” Rai stated. ITI Limited, India’s first public sector undertaking (PSU) post-independence, has diversified beyond its telecom equipment manufacturing legacy. The company now operates in sectors such as defense, railways, solar equipment, and IT services, while managing a state-of-the-art data center in Bengaluru that caters to government institutions and banks. The ASSK project represents a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s grassroots digital governance initiatives, further cementing ITI Limited’s position as a key player in the e-governance sector. On the financial front, ITI Limited’s shares were trading at ₹352, marking a 3.94% decline, down by ₹14.45, on the NSE at 1:33 PM today. This contract underlines Maharashtra’s commitment to modernizing governance and ITI Limited’s capabilities in driving technological advancements in rural India.

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Trump’s Bold Agenda: Executive Orders to Reshape Border, Energy, and Governance

Donald Trump is set to make sweeping changes as the 47th President of the United States by signing a series of executive orders shortly after his inauguration. These orders are expected to address immigration, border security, energy policy, and federal governance, as revealed by his close aide, Stephen Miller. What Are Executive Orders? Executive orders are directives issued by the President with the force of law, bypassing the need for Congressional approval. While Congress cannot directly overturn these orders, they are subject to judicial review. Key Changes on the Agenda According to Miller, Trump’s proposed orders aim to: Border Security: Declare a national emergency at the southern border, deploy military forces, reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and end the “Catch and Release” policy. Immigration Enforcement: Classify cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” and intensify efforts to combat illegal immigration. Energy Policies: Expand offshore and Arctic drilling, accelerate pipeline construction, and lift restrictions on fossil fuel production. Governance Reforms: Rescind diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates, streamline government hiring, and introduce measures to remove federal employees more easily. Reversing Biden’s Policies Trump’s orders are also expected to roll back key initiatives of outgoing President Joe Biden, including the Paris Agreement on climate change and restrictions on domestic fossil fuel production. Trump’s Vision: A Stronger America During a victory rally in Washington, Miller emphasized Trump’s commitment to restoring American sovereignty and security. “It’s about ending the border invasion, eradicating criminal cartels, and bringing justice to victims of illegal immigration,” Miller declared, underscoring the urgency and ambition of Trump’s agenda. The Bigger Picture At 78, Trump is poised to reignite his “America First” platform with an aggressive policy rollout. His approach signals a focus on national security, energy independence, and governance reforms, promising a transformative start to his presidency. Photo Credit: Reuters

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CBSE Conducts Surprise Inspections Across India, Issues Show-Cause Notices to 29 Schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued show-cause notices to 29 schools nationwide following surprise inspections conducted on December 18 and 19, 2024. The inspections, carried out in Delhi, Bengaluru, Patna, Bilaspur, Varanasi, and Ahmedabad, uncovered multiple violations of the board’s Affiliation Bye-Laws. An official notification from CBSE stated, “Upon careful examination of the reports submitted by the inspection teams, it was observed that a majority of these schools had violated CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws. CBSE has taken serious note of these violations and issued show-cause notices to all 29 schools involved. Each school has been provided with a copy of the respective inspection report and directed to submit their replies within 30 days.” The key violations identified include: Enrollment Irregularities: Cases of enrolling students beyond their actual attendance records, enabling “non-attending” enrollments. Non-compliance with Academic and Infrastructural Norms: Breaches of CBSE guidelines for academic and infrastructure standards. The schools under scrutiny include prominent names such as Hope Hall Foundation School (Delhi), Narayana Olympiad School (Bengaluru), Satyam International (Patna), Nirman High School (Ahmedabad), and Modern Educational Academy (Bilaspur), among others. CBSE’s rigorous action highlights its commitment to upholding educational standards and ensuring compliance across affiliated institutions. The board has emphasized that schools must respond promptly to the show-cause notices, failing which further action will be initiated. This development comes as part of CBSE’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education and ensure adherence to its regulations, reinforcing its stance against any deviations in operational or academic practices.

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