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Karnataka’s KWIN City to Host Premium Global Educational Institutions

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Karnataka’s Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Infrastructure, MB Patil, announced plans to establish the Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation (KWIN) City as a premier educational hub, offering land to host the Tata IISc Medical School and other global institutions. Spanning 5,800 acres between Dabaspet and Doddaballapur, KWIN City will comprise four key districts—Knowledge, Health, Innovation, and Research—designed to attract world-class academic and research institutions. Patil has extended an invitation to the Tata Group and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to consider setting up the Tata IISc Medical School in KWIN City, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting transformative educational initiatives. Tata Group had earlier pledged ₹500 crore for the medical school on IISc’s Bengaluru campus. “We encourage IISc and the Tata Group to explore this project in KWIN City or consider future endeavours here,” Patil stated on X, highlighting the government’s proactive approach. The minister also announced plans for a roundtable led by the Karnataka Chief Minister to engage not-for-profits and foundations interested in investing in education, skilling, and innovation. “KWIN City aims to attract the top 500 foreign educational institutions to establish campuses in India by leveraging UGC regulations,” he added, emphasizing academia-industry collaboration to position Karnataka as a global education leader. Patil has initiated discussions with international institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, University of Liverpool, and York University, offering them opportunities to establish campuses in KWIN City. KWIN City will also feature a Life Sciences Park, aimed at making it Asia’s leading hub for academic medicine and healthcare innovation, attracting national and international hospitals. As an educationist, Patil underscored the transformative potential of institutions in driving local economic growth, describing KWIN City as a long-term engine of innovation for India. “One single institution can accelerate the local economy,” he noted. With its futuristic vision and robust infrastructure plans, KWIN City promises to redefine Karnataka’s role in global education and research. Source: Money Control Photo Credit: Money Control

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Jharkhand Principal Accused of Forcing 80 Girls to Remove Shirts; Probe Underway

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A school principal in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, faces serious allegations of forcing 80 female Class 10 students to remove their shirts as punishment for writing messages on them during a post-exam celebration. The incident, which occurred on Friday at a prominent school in Digwadih under Jorapokhar police station, has sparked outrage among parents and the local community. The students were celebrating “Pen Day,” a tradition where peers write messages on each other’s shirts after completing examinations. However, the principal reportedly objected to the activity and ordered the students to remove their shirts, even after they apologized. The girls were allegedly sent home wearing only their blazers, without shirts underneath, leaving them humiliated. Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Madhvi Mishra confirmed the complaints and stated that the administration has taken the matter seriously. A probe committee has been formed, comprising the sub-divisional magistrate, district education officer, district social welfare officer, and sub-divisional police officer. “Action will be taken based on the committee’s findings,” the DC assured. Parents, accompanied by Jharia MLA Ragini Singh, filed formal complaints against the principal on Saturday. Singh condemned the incident as “shameful and unfortunate,” demanding strict action to ensure such events are not repeated. The affected students and their families have provided statements to the authorities, highlighting the emotional distress caused by the incident. As the investigation unfolds, the incident has raised concerns about student safety, school policies, and the appropriateness of disciplinary actions in educational institutions. The probe report is awaited, and the administration has promised swift action to address the grievances and ensure justice for the students. Source: Hindustan Photo Credit: Hindustan

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India Introduces New e-Student Visa Categories to Attract International Students

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In a significant move to attract international students, India has introduced two new visa categories: the e-student visa and e-student-x visa. These are designed to facilitate foreign students pursuing higher education in India and streamline the visa application process. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, mandates that all applicants register on the Study in India (SII) portal, a centralized platform for admission to recognized Indian higher educational institutions. The e-student visa is exclusively for foreign students who have secured admission through the SII portal, while the e-student-x visa caters to dependents of e-student visa holders. Key highlights include: The e-student visa is granted for the duration of the course, valid up to five years, and is extendable within India. Visa holders can enter the country through any immigration checkpoint, ensuring accessibility. The SII portal offers a streamlined process for applications, tracking admissions, and managing visa procedures using a unique SII ID. The Study in India initiative, a flagship program under the Ministry of Education, boasts over 600 partner institutions offering more than 8,000 courses across diverse disciplines such as engineering, management, sciences, law, and humanities. The e-student visa system aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global education hub, ensuring a simplified process for students while enhancing the nation’s appeal for higher education. Source: Money control Photo Credit: Money control

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Delhi High Court Dismisses Plea Challenging CAT 2024 Results

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The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (January 7) dismissed a petition challenging the results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024, a key entrance exam for top management institutes. Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju rejected the plea filed by candidate Aditya Kumar Mallick, who raised objections over an incorrect answer to Question No. 18 in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section, claiming it impacted his exam outcome. Mallick, aggrieved by the issue, sought the annulment of the results declared in December 2024, along with the appointment of an expert committee to verify the correct answer to the disputed question. Despite his objection to the provisional answer key released on December 3, the final answer key remained unchanged, prompting Mallick to challenge the results. In his petition, Mallick cited support from experts and faculty members at various CAT coaching centers, asserting that his objection was valid. He also criticized IIM Calcutta for hastily announcing the results on December 19, despite the candidate’s expectation that they would be released in the second week of January. Mallick argued that the premature declaration of results hindered his opportunity for legal recourse. The Delhi High Court, however, found no reason to interfere with the exam results, stating that there was insufficient justification to overturn the decision. IIM Calcutta, which conducted the exam on November 24, 2024, was represented by Senior Advocate Arvind Nayar. The petitioner’s legal team included Advocates Praveen Kumar Singh, Sanal Nambiar, Ishita Goel, and Chetna Singh. With the court’s dismissal of the plea, the CAT 2024 results stand upheld, allowing the admission process for top management institutes to proceed as scheduled. Source: livelaw Photo Credit: livelaw

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Prashant Kishor Detained During Hunger Strike Over BPSC Exam Controversy

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Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor was detained on Monday during his hunger strike at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, where he was protesting against alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. The hunger strike began on January 2, with Kishor demanding the cancellation of the December 13 BPSC exam following allegations of a question paper leak. Police removed Kishor and his supporters from the protest site in the early hours and transported him to Patna AIIMS for a medical checkup. Speaking to PTI, Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh confirmed the arrest, stating that Kishor and others had been sitting on an “illegal dharna” at a restricted site near the Mahatma Gandhi statue. The Patna Police had earlier registered a case against Kishor for holding the protest at Gandhi Maidan. “They will now be produced before a court,” the District Magistrate added. The controversy stems from the December 13 BPSC exam, which was marred by allegations of a leaked question paper. In response, the commission ordered a retest for select candidates, which took place on January 4 at 22 centers in Patna. Of the 12,012 eligible candidates, 5,943 appeared for the retest, which reportedly concluded without any misconduct or malpractices. Despite the BPSC’s assurance that the retest was conducted fairly, Kishor and his supporters have continued to push for the exam’s cancellation, citing the need for greater accountability in the recruitment process. Kishor’s hunger strike and subsequent detention have drawn attention to the ongoing grievances of civil service aspirants in Bihar, reigniting the debate on transparency and fairness in competitive examinations. Source: telegraph India Photo Credit: telegraph India

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NSUI Appeals to PM Modi to Name Delhi University College After Manmohan Singh

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The National Students Union of India (NSUI) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to name a new college under Delhi University after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, honoring his legacy and transformative contributions to education and governance. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on Thursday, NSUI President Varun Choudhary emphasized that dedicating the institution to Manmohan Singh would inspire future generations. “His recent passing has left a profound void, and the most fitting tribute to his legacy would be to dedicate a premier educational institution in his name,” the letter stated. The appeal comes ahead of Modi’s scheduled event to lay the foundation stone of Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, southwest Delhi. The project is part of a broader initiative, which also includes academic blocks in Delhi University’s east and west campuses. Choudhary highlighted Singh’s significant contributions to India’s educational landscape, citing his role in establishing new IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and a network of central universities. The NSUI further demanded the establishment of a central university dedicated to Singh and the inclusion of his life story in academic curricula, showcasing his journey from a post-Partition student to a global statesman. “Recognizing his unparalleled contributions to India’s progress is essential,” the NSUI letter asserted, calling for immediate action by the government. As the foundation-laying event approaches, the NSUI’s demand has added a political dimension to the inauguration, contrasting the choice of naming the college after Hindutva icon Veer Savarkar with honoring the legacy of a transformative leader like Manmohan Singh. Source: telegraphindia Photo Credit: telegraphindia

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UK Introduces Private School Tax Reform to Inject £1.5 Billion into Public Education

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The UK Labour government has announced a significant reform to private school taxation, set to generate over £1.5 billion for public education annually. Starting January 1, private schools will lose their tax exemption and be required to pay 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) on tuition fees. The funds will be allocated to hiring 6,500 new teachers and enhancing standards in state schools, where 94% of UK children are educated. Announcing the policy, Finance Minister Rachel Reeves declared, “It’s time things are done differently,” emphasizing the need for equitable access to high-quality education. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson echoed this sentiment, stating that rising education standards “cannot just be for families who can afford them.” The Labour Party, which secured a landslide victory in the July elections, outlined this reform in its October budget as part of its pledge to address educational inequality. The policy is projected to raise £1.5 billion for the 2025-2026 school year, increasing to £1.7 billion annually by 2029-2030. Private school tuition fees, which currently average £18,000 annually according to the Independent Schools Council, are expected to rise by approximately 10% as institutions absorb part of the additional costs. Critics argue this could lead to a surge in state school enrollments, placing a financial burden on the government. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and other research centers have refuted this claim, citing projected population declines that will reduce state school enrollments by 2030. The Labour government views this reform as a crucial step toward reducing the educational disparity exacerbated during 14 years of Conservative rule, aiming to ensure that public resources are directed toward the majority of the nation’s children. Source: The Mint Photo Credit: The Mint

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BPSC Exam Protest Intensifies: Suicide, Lathi-Charge, and Arrests Amid Aspirants’ Demand for Re-Exam

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The ongoing protests against the alleged question paper leak in the 70th Combined Preliminary Examination conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) have escalated into a major crisis. Hundreds of aspirants, gathered at Patna’s Gardanibagh since December 18, are demanding the cancellation of the exam and a fresh re-exam for all candidates. The agitation intensified after a candidate who had appeared for the preliminary examination died by suicide on Tuesday night. The tragic incident added fuel to the already growing unrest among aspirants, some of whom have been on a hunger strike since December 20. Three hunger strikers have been hospitalized due to deteriorating health. Chaos erupted on Wednesday night when police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse students marching toward the BPSC office in Patna. Reports indicate that around 50 protesters sustained serious injuries, including women who were allegedly hit in the stomach. An FIR has been registered against individuals accused of entering restricted areas and inciting unrest. Ashutosh Kishor, one of the protesting aspirants, alleged police brutality and claimed that educators supporting the protest, including Rohit Sir, were detained by authorities. The unrest has drawn support from political leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Bihar, and Independent MP Pappu Yadav. Yadav criticized the state government on X, calling its handling of the issue “mentally ill governance.” Despite BPSC’s dismissal of the paper leak allegations as mere rumors, the Commission has ordered a re-exam for students who appeared at Patna’s Bapu Nagar center. However, aspirants are unwavering in their demand for a complete cancellation and re-examination of the preliminary test, citing systemic flaws and lack of accountability in the recruitment process. The protests reflect growing discontent over employment opportunities and trust in institutional processes, raising questions about governance and accountability in Bihar. Source: The Print Photo Credit: The Print

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IIM-B Director, Senior Faculty Face Charges of Caste-Based Discrimination Following Government Inquiry

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Bengaluru police have registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against senior officials of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B), including Director Rishikesha T. Krishnan and Dean Dinesh Kumar, based on allegations of caste-based discrimination by Associate Professor Gopal Das. The case follows a November inquiry by Karnataka’s Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), which found prima facie evidence of discrimination against Das. Key findings in the DCRE report, submitted to the state’s social welfare department, include the public disclosure of Das’s caste, denial of equal workplace opportunities, and the absence of grievance redress mechanisms for marginalized groups. Das, who joined IIM-B in 2018, had earlier raised the issue during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the institute. The President’s office directed state authorities to investigate. On December 9, the Bengaluru police were instructed to act based on the findings. In its defense, IIM-B issued a statement asserting that Das’s allegations emerged only after his promotion was delayed due to complaints of harassment against him by doctoral students. The institute claimed these complaints were validated by an independent inquiry. This incident is not isolated. IIM-B has faced similar accusations in the past. In October, the institute drew criticism for disciplinary action against faculty member Deepak Malghan, who had highlighted alleged systemic biases in Indian academic institutions. A stay order has been issued by the Karnataka High Court on action against the accused, pending further legal proceedings. The case underscores ongoing debates about caste representation and equality in India’s premier institutions. Source: The Print Photo Credit: The Print

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CBSE Cracks Down on Dummy Students, Plans Legal Action Against Violating Schools

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has conducted surprise inspections across 29 schools in cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Varanasi, Bihar, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh to identify and address the issue of ‘dummy’ student enrollments. CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta revealed that the inspections, carried out by teams comprising CBSE officials and principals from affiliated schools, uncovered widespread violations. Many schools had enrolled students who did not attend classes, violating the Board’s Affiliation Bye-Laws. These schools were also found to be flouting infrastructural norms. “CBSE has taken these violations seriously and will issue show-cause notices to the defaulting schools,” Gupta said. He added that the Board is also considering legal action against institutions that breached regulations. The inspections revealed that 18 of the offending schools are located in Delhi, with others spread across Varanasi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Patna, Bilaspur, and Chhattisgarh. The crackdown comes as a response to the growing trend of students enrolling in dummy schools to focus on engineering and medical entrance exams. These students skip regular classes and appear only for board exams. Dummy schools are often selected by aspirants to benefit from state-specific quotas in medical and engineering colleges. For instance, students completing their Classes 11 and 12 in Delhi are eligible for admission under the Delhi State Quota in medical colleges. CBSE’s efforts aim to uphold the integrity of its academic system, ensuring that schools adhere to regulations and maintain transparency in their enrollment processes. The Board is committed to eradicating the practice of dummy enrollments, which compromises the education system and its objectives. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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