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DGCA Grants Record 1,628 Commercial Pilot Licences in 2024, Government Says

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India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, issued a record 1,628 Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) in 2024—the highest annual total ever—according to the government. The civil aviation ministry said the milestone reflects a sharp expansion of pilot training and certification capacity in the country. In a statement, the ministry noted that CPL issuances have grown more than 2.5 times over the past eight years. Year-wise data shows a steady climb despite pandemic disruptions: 640 licences in 2018, 744 in 2019, 578 in 2020, 862 in 2021, 1,165 in 2022, 1,622 in 2023, and 1,347 in 2024. Offering a broader snapshot of developments in 2024, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said it has been closely tracking airfare trends through real-time monitoring and ongoing coordination with airlines and online travel platforms. During the operational disruptions faced by IndiGo in December, the ministry said it exercised regulatory powers to curb opportunistic pricing. Airlines were directed to strictly comply with fare caps across affected routes, a measure that remains in place until conditions fully normalise. The directive aimed to enforce pricing discipline, prevent passenger exploitation, and ensure that travellers with urgent needs—including senior citizens, students and patients—were not burdened by excessive fares during the disruption, the ministry added. Source: PTI

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IIT Delhi Introduces Executive Programme in Healthcare Entrepreneurship and Management

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The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has rolled out a new executive programme focused on healthcare entrepreneurship and management, aimed at nurturing professionals who can drive innovation in India’s rapidly evolving healthcare sector. The programme will be conducted under IIT Delhi’s Continuing Education Programme (CEP), a statutory body authorised to run certificate courses and award credentials. According to IIT Delhi, the initiative is designed to equip participants with the skills and mindset required to navigate and shape the future of healthcare innovation. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree, while prior professional experience or exposure to projects in related domains will be considered an added advantage. The five-month programme will be delivered through live online classes held on weekends, complemented by dedicated hours for project work. The institute noted that India’s healthcare ecosystem is witnessing transformative changes, driven by the rise of digital health solutions, medical devices, artificial intelligence–enabled diagnostics, wearable technologies and a stronger focus on patient-centric care. However, persistent challenges such as fragmented service delivery, regulatory hurdles, limited commercialisation avenues and the demand for cross-disciplinary leadership continue to affect the sector. Against this backdrop, the executive programme aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the entire healthcare innovation lifecycle. Through interactive online sessions and guided projects, participants will learn how to identify healthcare challenges and translate them into viable, market-ready solutions using design thinking, prototyping, testing and sound commercial strategies. The programme will be anchored by IIT Delhi’s Centre for Biomedical Engineering and supported by clinical expertise from specialists at AIIMS Delhi. Faculty members including Dr Arnab Chanda and Dr Biswarup Mukherjee will lead the sessions, integrating engineering, clinical practice, management and entrepreneurship to foster practical and scalable healthcare innovations. A major feature of the course is its strong emphasis on project-based learning. Participants will work on real-world healthcare problems, developing deployable prototypes with the help of structured mentoring, peer collaboration and continuous expert feedback. On successful completion, learners will receive an e-certificate from CEP, IIT Delhi, and gain access to a network of IIT Delhi faculty, AIIMS clinicians and industry professionals, enhancing both learning outcomes and professional opportunities. Source: Indian Express

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UP Board to Make Vocational Education Mandatory for Classes 9 and 11 from 2026

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The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) has announced that vocational education will become a compulsory part of the curriculum for students of Classes 9 and 11 starting from the academic year 2026. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the link between school education and employability by introducing skill-based, job-oriented learning at an early stage. UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh said that subject committees have approved and submitted curricula for various vocational trades, including information technology and allied sectors, electronics, apparel, and beauty and wellness. These employment-focused courses were developed through multiple rounds of deliberations by subject experts, under the guidance of Additional Secretary Satyendra Kumar Singh and Skand Shukla. The approved curricula emphasize practical training, current technological requirements, and industry expectations to enhance students’ employability. By integrating hands-on and competency-based learning, the move aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy and aims to promote skill development, self-reliance, and vocational proficiency among students. Singh added that work is underway to develop curricula for additional vocational trades. The Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal, supported the course design process, with contributions from experts including Sanjeev Kumar Arya, Virendra Nath Shukla, Dr Aditi Goswami, Dr Dilip Singh, and Dr Avinash Pandey. Source: Indian Express

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All Higher Education Institutions Mandated to Set Up Equity Committees Under New UGC Rules

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The Union government has notified fresh regulations making it compulsory for all colleges and universities across the country to establish equity committees aimed at addressing discrimination and promoting inclusivity on campus, officials said. Under the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, every higher education institution (HEI) must constitute an Equal Opportunity Centre (EOC) along with an Equity Committee. These bodies will handle complaints related to discrimination and ensure fair treatment of students, faculty, and staff from disadvantaged groups. The regulations require that equity committees include representatives from Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), persons with disabilities (PwDs), and women. Members will serve a two-year term, while special invitees will hold office for one year. The draft version of these regulations was released for public consultation in February last year. The final notification follows directions from the Supreme Court, which had asked the UGC to frame new rules while hearing petitions filed by the mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi. The petitions questioned the implementation of the earlier 2012 UGC regulations on equity. As per the notification, every HEI must set up an Equal Opportunity Centre to ensure the effective implementation of policies for disadvantaged groups, offer academic, financial, social, and personal guidance, and encourage diversity on campus. In cases where a college does not have at least five faculty members, the responsibilities of the centre will be handled by the Equal Opportunity Centre of the affiliated university. The EOC is also expected to coordinate with civil society organisations, local media, law enforcement agencies, district administrations, non-governmental organisations, parents, and institutional staff to fulfil the objectives of the regulations. Additionally, it will work with District and State Legal Services Authorities to provide legal assistance in deserving cases. The head of the institution will appoint a senior faculty member or professor with a demonstrated commitment to the welfare of disadvantaged communities as the coordinator of the centre. The Equity Committee, formed under the EOC, will oversee its functioning and investigate complaints of discrimination. The regulations also call for the creation of ‘Equity Squads’, smaller groups tasked with maintaining vigilance on campus and preventing discriminatory practices. The move comes in the backdrop of high-profile cases such as that of Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad who died by suicide in 2016, and Payal Tadvi, a resident doctor who died in 2019, both allegedly after facing caste-based harassment. Source: PTI

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CBSE reminds affiliated schools to strictly follow public disclosure rules

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a fresh advisory asking all its affiliated schools to strictly adhere to the Mandatory Public Disclosure norms, with a special focus on keeping their official websites updated with accurate information. The Board has warned that failure to comply may result in action under the CBSE Affiliation Bye-laws. In its communication, CBSE reiterated that maintaining a functional and informative website is a basic condition for both new and existing affiliations. Schools are required to upload comprehensive institutional details online, as specified under various clauses of the Affiliation Bye-laws, making digital transparency a non-negotiable requirement. The Board has directed schools to follow the revised format of Appendix IX and ensure that all prescribed information and documents are correctly uploaded on their websites by February 15, 2026. Under Clause 14.1 of the Bye-laws, schools are obligated to comply with all instructions issued by CBSE. As per Clauses 2.3.8 and 2.4.9, affiliated schools must display key details such as affiliation status, infrastructure facilities, fee structure, student strength, contact details, and complete information about teaching staff along with their qualifications. Schools must also upload valid, self-attested documents in the “Mandatory Public Disclosure” section in line with Appendix IX. CBSE has further reminded schools about Clause 14.5, which requires them to prepare and publish a detailed annual report on their websites by September 15 every year. The report should include the academic calendar, teacher qualifications and professional development, academic performance, sports achievements, environmental initiatives, PTA activities, decisions of the School Management Committee, and total student enrolment. The Board observed that despite multiple reminders, many schools continue to neglect website updates or upload incomplete, incorrect, or invalid information. In several cases, details related to teachers and their qualifications are missing from the Mandatory Public Disclosure section. CBSE stressed that such information is crucial for parents to evaluate a school’s academic standards and teaching resources, and plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability. The Board has cautioned that non-compliance will be considered a violation of Clause 12.2.3 of the Affiliation Bye-laws and may attract penalties as outlined in Chapter 12, according to the official statement. Source: Indian Express

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Punjab Government Launches ‘Mission Pragati’ to Provide Free Coaching for Competitive Exams

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced the launch of Mission Pragati, a new state initiative aimed at equipping young aspirants with free academic and physical training for various competitive examinations. The programme is designed especially to support meritorious students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds who are unable to afford expensive private coaching. Speaking to students at the district library, the Chief Minister said that free coaching has already begun for examinations conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB), as well as for recruitment in the police and armed forces. The first batch currently includes 40 enrolled students. Under Mission Pragati, candidates receive classroom instruction along with physical training conducted by experienced trainers from the Punjab Police, ensuring comprehensive preparation. Students are also granted free access to books and study resources by registering them as library members. Mann highlighted that the initiative utilises existing infrastructure, keeping costs minimal. He further explained that the programme follows a “youth helping youth” mentoring model, where guidance is provided by candidates who have themselves appeared in competitive exams. The initiative has garnered support from educationists, universities, police officials, athletes and students. Emphasising inclusivity, the Chief Minister said Mission Pragati is guided by the principle of “no one left behind” and aims to enhance youth participation in government services. Reaffirming the state’s broader education vision, Mann said Punjab’s reforms are focused on holistic youth development and transforming job seekers into future job creators. Source: PTI

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NMC Clears Path for For-Profit Firms to Establish Medical Colleges

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The National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially revised its regulations to allow for-profit companies to set up medical colleges in India, marking a significant shift from the earlier framework that restricted such institutions to non-profit Section 8 companies. Announcing the change, NMC Chairman Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth said the decision was taken at a recent board meeting and removes the clause that limited eligibility to non-profit entities. The revised policy now enables both non-profit and for-profit organisations to establish medical colleges, particularly under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Speaking at a press briefing at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences in Vijayawada, Sheth said the move is intended to improve the utilisation of resources in medical education by encouraging collaboration between public authorities and private players. He added that PPP-based medical institutions are already functioning effectively in states such as Gujarat. Sheth noted that while the PPP model will be implemented at the discretion of state governments, hospitals operating under such arrangements will remain under state oversight. As a result, patients will continue to receive treatment either free of cost or at subsidised rates. To maintain academic and institutional standards, the NMC has developed its own accreditation framework and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The commission’s broader objective, Sheth said, is to expand access to quality medical education for the general population while aligning with global benchmarks. Highlighting ongoing reforms, he said the NMC is continuously updating its policies to reflect evolving needs in healthcare education. As part of these efforts, clinical research has been made mandatory, with increased emphasis on artificial intelligence, digital healthcare, and emerging medical technologies to future-proof medical training in India. Source: PTI

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IIMC Opens Applications for PhD Admissions 2025–26

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The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), a Deemed-to-be-University under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has invited online applications for admission to its PhD programme for the 2025–26 academic year. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official website, iimc.gov.in, by January 30, 2026. The doctoral programme is available in full-time and part-time formats and focuses on advanced research across journalism, mass communication and related interdisciplinary areas. Research areas and seat intake IIMC’s PhD programme offers research opportunities in fields such as journalism, mass communication, digital media, advertising, public relations, strategic and political communication, film studies, and development communication. A total of 22 seats have been announced, including 18 full-time and four part-time positions. Eligibility criteria Applicants seeking full-time admission must hold a master’s degree in journalism, mass communication or allied disciplines with at least 55% marks, or a four-year bachelor’s degree with research and a minimum of 75% marks. Qualification in UGC NET (Mass Communication and Journalism) is mandatory. For the part-time PhD, candidates must meet the same academic requirements, be currently employed, possess a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, and submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. Important dates Applications open: January 1, 2026 Last date to apply: January 30, 2026 Entrance exam (Part-time only): February 15, 2026 Entrance exam result: February 20, 2026 Interview shortlist: February 23, 2026 Interviews begin: March 9, 2026 Final result: March 19, 2026 Admission & document verification: March 23–27, 2026 Coursework begins: April 1, 2026 Selection process For full-time candidates, no written entrance test will be conducted. Applicants with valid UGC NET scores will be directly shortlisted for interviews. The final merit list will be prepared with 70% weightage to UGC NET percentile and 30% to interview performance. For part-time candidates, an offline entrance examination will be held at the IIMC Delhi campus, unless exempted due to UGC NET qualification. Final selection will be based on 70% weightage to the entrance test or UGC NET score and 30% to the interview. Application fee and process The application fee is ₹2,500 for General category candidates, ₹1,500 for OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwD applicants, and $100 for international candidates. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online. Applicants must complete the online registration, upload the required documents—including a statement of purpose and research proposal—and submit the form before the deadline. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official website for further updates and notifications. Source: Indian Express

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IIT Hyderabad sets up Centre for Creative Arts to bridge arts and technology

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The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) has announced the establishment of a Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within its Department of Liberal Arts, marking a significant step towards blending creativity with technical and scientific learning. According to the institute, the new Centre aims to embed artistic practices more deeply into engineering and science education. IIT Hyderabad has been nurturing creative and liberal arts for more than a decade, with structured initiatives beginning in 2014 through heritage tours for first-year students. Over the years, these efforts have grown into credited courses, and currently about 10 per cent of the undergraduate curriculum includes liberal and creative arts such as photography, fine arts, performing arts and crafts. The Centre for Creative Arts will offer elective courses ranging from one to three credits in creative and performing arts for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It also plans to bring practicing artists on board as adjunct faculty and distinguished professors. Artist-in-Residence programmes will enable long-term interaction between students and professionals, encouraging cross-disciplinary engagement across engineering, science and design. In addition to teaching, the Centre will support research in the arts, including doctoral programmes. Visiting artists may act as co-supervisors for research scholars, helping integrate practice-based artistic knowledge with academic research. Collaborations with cultural organisations, including SPIC MACAY, are also planned to enrich campus activities. Beyond the campus, the Centre will run outreach initiatives for school students and art educators, with the objective of promoting early exposure to diverse art forms and strengthening ties between the institute and the broader community. Announcing the launch, IIT Hyderabad Director Prof B S Murty said the Centre reflects the institute’s vision of combining creativity, culture and technology in higher education. Dr Aalok Khandekar, Head of the Department of Liberal Arts, added that the CCA would build on existing initiatives while enabling new courses and research collaborations. Source: Indian Express

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CBSE Postpones March 3 Class 10 and 12 Board Exams Due to Administrative Reasons

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a revision in the schedule of certain Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations slated for March 3, 2026, citing administrative reasons. As per the revised timetable, the Class 10 papers originally planned for March 3 will now be conducted on March 11, while the Class 12 examination scheduled for that day has been postponed to April 10. The rescheduled Class 10 exams include subjects such as Tibetan, German, NCC, Bhoti, Bodo, Tangkhul, Japanese, Bhutia, Spanish, Kashmiri, Mizo, Bahasa Melayu, Elements of Business, and Elements of Book Keeping and Accountancy. For Class 12, the Legal Studies paper, earlier fixed for March 3, will now take place on April 10. CBSE clarified that no other examination dates have been altered and urged schools to promptly inform students and parents about the changes. With this update, Class 10 board examinations will be conducted from February 17 to March 18, 2026. Class 12 exams will now conclude on April 10, instead of the earlier April 4 end date. All examinations will continue to be held in a single morning shift beginning at 10:30 am. The board had released a tentative schedule in September, followed by the final datesheet in November after incorporating several changes. Around 45 lakh students are expected to appear for board exams across 204 subjects in Classes 10 and 12 this year. Notably, CBSE will implement a two-phase examination system for Class 10 students in 2026. The first phase, mandatory for all candidates, will run from February 17 to March 6, while the optional second phase—aimed at score improvement—will be held from May 15 to June 1. Results for the first phase will be declared in April and for the second phase in June. The final marksheet will record the higher score from the two attempts, marking a shift away from the traditional single-exam model. Source: Indian Express

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