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CBSE Mandates First Board Exam for Class 10; Introduces Optional Second Attempt in Select Subjects

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Starting from the academic year 2026, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will implement a dual-board exam system for Class 10 students, with the first exam being mandatory for all. The second exam will serve as an optional chance for students to improve their scores, but only in up to three subjects from science, mathematics, social science, and the two language papers. Previously, CBSE allowed students to reappear for improvement in just two subjects. Under the new framework, that number increases to three, offering more flexibility while still maintaining academic discipline. CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh explained that making the first exam compulsory and restricting the second exam to three subjects is meant to encourage students to treat the initial attempt seriously. He emphasized that the second exam is not an alternative, but an “additional opportunity” for enhancement. If a student skips three or more subjects in the first round, they will not be eligible for the second attempt and will have to reappear the following year under the ‘essential repeat’ category. However, exceptions will be made for students in winter-affected regions like Ladakh, parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh. These students can opt to appear only for the second set of exams, as heavy snowfall may hinder participation in the February session. The timeline for the two exams is as follows: the first board exam will be conducted from mid-February, with results declared in April. Based on their performance, students can choose to take the second exam in May, and the best scores from either attempt will be considered final. The second round results are expected by June 30, a shift from the earlier system where improvement results were released in August. Students who fail to clear the first exam will be able to appear in the second round as ‘compartment’ candidates. This two-exam system may eventually be extended to Class 12 as well, with similar timelines to ensure college admission deadlines are met. Earlier this year, CBSE had released a draft proposal for this policy and sought public opinion. According to Singh, 64% of students expressed support for the new format. Notably, the initial draft had not made the first exam compulsory or set a cap on the number of subjects for the second attempt — both key changes in the final version. Source: Indian Express

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Sebi Proposes Stricter Governance for Stock Exchanges, Clearing Corporations, and Depositories

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In a move aimed at reinforcing accountability and public-interest orientation within key market institutions, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has introduced a set of proposals to tighten governance norms for stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories. Outlined in a consultation paper released on Tuesday, the proposed reforms focus on strengthening the oversight of Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), which have witnessed a significant rise in trading volumes, investor participation, and profitability in recent years. Sebi emphasized that while MIIs have evolved into financially robust entities, their public-interest responsibilities must be prioritized over commercial gains. The key suggestions cover three broad areas: Mandatory Executive Directors: Sebi has proposed the compulsory appointment of at least two executive directors (EDs) on the boards of MIIs. These directors would be responsible for critical functions including trading operations, clearing and settlement, compliance, risk oversight, and investor grievance management. They would be designated as key management personnel (KMPs), with authority on par with the managing director (MD). Institutions can optionally appoint a third ED to focus on business development. Defined Roles for Key Officers: The regulator aims to formally codify the duties of the MD, EDs, and other senior officers such as the chief technology officer (CTO) and chief information security officer (CISO). At present, these responsibilities are either informally assigned or spread across departments, leading to potential governance gaps. Restrictions on Board Memberships: To avoid conflicts of interest and strengthen focus, Sebi proposes that MDs of MIIs should not serve on boards of any commercial entities, barring unlisted government-owned organizations involved in non-commercial activities. EDs would be restricted to board positions only within MII subsidiaries. This approach aligns with similar governance rules applied in the banking sector. Legal experts have weighed in on the potential impact of these recommendations. Diviay Chadha, Partner at Singhania & Co., said the proposals underline the need for fixed accountability within MIIs, especially given the rapid increase in retail investors. He added that the institutions would likely need to revise their corporate governance structures and charter documents to meet the new standards. However, some industry observers raised concerns about possible unintended consequences. Akshaya Bhansali, Partner at Mindspright Legal, noted that while the move to restrict EDs from serving on unrelated boards is intended to ensure accountability, it may inadvertently reduce the pool of experienced independent directors available to other listed companies. These recommendations arrive at a pivotal juncture as Sebi continues its evaluation of the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) pending IPO, originally proposed in 2016. In its February communication with NSE, Sebi reiterated the need for a deep-rooted culture of prioritizing public interest over profits at the operational level. Bhansali clarified that although these proposed governance norms are not specifically targeted at NSE, they could become informal benchmarks or implicit prerequisites for regulatory approvals if not explicitly decoupled from the IPO review process. Sebi has invited stakeholders and the public to submit feedback on the proposals by 15 July 2025. Source: Mint

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Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes Second Indian in Space, 41 Years After Rakesh Sharma

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India has once again etched its name into the stars. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force launched into space, becoming only the second Indian to do so — and the first to reach the International Space Station (ISS). His milestone flight comes 41 years after the legendary Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11. Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, Shukla joins the Ax-4 mission of Axiom Space, marking a new era in India’s space journey. The crew, a mix of global astronauts, will live and work aboard the ISS for 14 days, conducting crucial scientific experiments. A Launch Worth the Wait The road to space was anything but smooth. Originally set for May 29, the launch faced seven delays due to technical issues, weather concerns, and complications aboard the ISS. SpaceX, NASA, ISRO, and Axiom Space worked tirelessly to resolve these, all while the crew remained quarantined and mission-critical biological samples were replenished. Despite the setbacks, the launch was a flawless spectacle. The Falcon-9 rocket’s engines thundered into life, lifting the Dragon capsule toward Low Earth Orbit. The first stage of the rocket returned to Earth successfully, while the second stage propelled Dragon into its planned path to the ISS. An Astronaut with a Purpose Shukla, born in 1985 — a year after Sharma’s flight — has long dreamed of reaching space. A decorated test pilot with experience flying aircraft like the MiG-21, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Dornier, he now serves as the mission pilot. Although the Dragon is designed for autonomous docking, Shukla is responsible for monitoring flight systems and standing by for manual intervention if needed. His family watched the liftoff with pride from the viewing gallery, marking a moment not only of personal achievement but of national significance. International Crew, Shared Vision The Ax-4 crew reflects a spirit of global collaboration. Commanding the mission is Dr. Peggy Whitson — a legendary American astronaut and the most experienced spacefarer from the U.S., with over 675 days in orbit. Joining her are Poland’s Sawosz Uznanski, a CERN physicist and engineer representing the European Space Agency, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, a polymer technology expert involved in the HUNOR space program. Science in Orbit During the mission, Shukla will conduct seven India-designed experiments. These range from growing traditional Indian crops like moong and methi in microgravity to studying the behavior of microbes, muscle degeneration, the effects of prolonged screen exposure on mental health, and cellular ageing. One experiment will even explore algae as a sustainable space food source. The findings aim to inform future deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars. He will also connect with Indian students from orbit, inspiring the next generation of scientists and dreamers. Strategic Leap for Gaganyaan Shukla’s role in the Ax-4 mission is also a dress rehearsal for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, in which he is one of the four shortlisted astronauts. The operational knowledge — from international collaboration and pre-launch protocols to microgravity adaptation and scientific procedures — will feed directly into Gaganyaan’s readiness. This mission is not just about scientific progress; it strengthens India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight, setting the stage for self-reliant space exploration. As Shubhanshu Shukla orbits Earth, he carries not only instruments and experiments — but the collective hopes of 1.4 billion Indians. His voyage is a testament to India’s rising stature in global space exploration and a symbol that the stars are indeed within reach. Source: India Today Photo Credit: SpaceX

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Majority of HR Teams Unready for 2025 M&A Surge, Says WTW Report

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With merger and acquisition (M&A) activity expected to rebound strongly in late 2025, a new survey by WTW highlights growing concerns around HR preparedness in navigating complex deal landscapes. According to the Asia-Pacific-focused report, 54% of organisations expect a rise in M&A activity this year, despite a sluggish start, while only 19% anticipate a decline — signalling a potential late-year acceleration driven by pent-up market momentum. However, the report reveals a significant preparedness gap, as 65% of HR professionals admit they feel underprepared to handle the anticipated wave of deals. Among the top challenges cited are conducting thorough HR due diligence (HRDD), pinpointing critical talent, and aligning workplace cultures post-merger. A notable 78% of companies rank the identification of specialised, non-executive talent as their foremost HRDD priority — a concern that overshadows even leadership retention. In fact, 50% of respondents consider retaining this non-executive workforce as the most vital integration success factor, outpacing the emphasis on executive-level continuity by 21 percentage points. Cultural integration remains another major obstacle. Around 74% of companies outside the US and 54% of those within the US consider cultural alignment the most challenging aspect of M&A, surpassing concerns around technological and operational resources. Looking to the future, HR leaders are increasingly acknowledging the role of emerging technologies. About 65% believe Generative AI will influence M&A processes within the next two years. Yet, widespread adoption remains cautious, with many citing limited practical applications beyond legal assessments and internal communications. The findings underscore the importance of embedding HR early in M&A strategy — particularly as companies use acquisitions to gain access to niche digital and AI talent. Strengthening HR capabilities through foresight and investment could be crucial in preserving long-term deal value amid intensifying talent competition. Source: Economic Times   

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Indigenous Kit Developed for Accurate, Rapid Detection of Nipah Virus: ICMR-NIV

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In a significant stride for India’s healthcare innovation, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled a homegrown rapid diagnostic kit capable of detecting the Nipah virus with complete accuracy. Designed for swift deployment in the field, the portable test delivers results in just 1 to 2 hours without the need for sophisticated laboratory equipment. Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, highlighted the effectiveness of the kit, stating, “It is 100% sensitive and specific, relying on the amplification of the viral gene without requiring specialised machinery.” The cost-effective test is priced at ₹250 and is based on the Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay technique. The Nipah virus, a highly lethal zoonotic pathogen with a mortality rate of approximately 50%, is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats. It can also spread via contaminated food or human-to-human contact. Symptoms of the infection range from mild flu-like signs to severe respiratory distress and encephalitis, often proving fatal. Recent outbreaks of the disease, particularly the 2023 episode in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, underscore the urgent need for swift and reliable diagnostics. ICMR is concurrently collaborating with Zydus Health Sciences (Ahmedabad) and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (Faridabad) on the development of monoclonal antibodies. Efforts are also underway to create an indigenous vaccine for the virus. NIV remains the only laboratory in India equipped to culture the Nipah virus, making it central to the country’s disease surveillance and response capabilities. Source: ANI

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COMEDK UGET 2025: Round 1 Counselling Registration Deadline Extended to June 30

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The Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) has announced an extension for the Round 1 counselling registration deadline for the Undergraduate Entrance Test (UGET) 2025. Candidates can now register and upload required documents for the first round of counselling until June 30 at 11:00 am through the official portal – comedk.org. According to the latest notification, July 12 is the revised cut-off date for completing document verification. The seat allotment results for Round 1 will be released based on candidate merit, seat preferences, and availability. The COMEDK UGET 2025 was conducted in two phases – on May 10 and May 25. The second phase was arranged for candidates whose exam centers were impacted due to Operation Sindoor-related issues and potential power disruptions. COMEDK UGET 2025 Counselling: Key Details The counselling process is fully online and includes: Registration Choice filling Seat allotment Confirmation of seat Payment of fees To participate, candidates must keep the following documents ready: COMEDK application form UGET 2025 rank card Hall ticket Fee payment receipt Valid ID proof Class 10 or 12 marksheet 12th/2nd PUC admit card Reserved category candidates are required to upload appropriate documents, such as SC/ST/OBC certificates or OCI/PIO documentation. Additionally, a VTU eligibility certificate is mandatory for some categories. Steps to Register for Round 1 Counselling: Visit comedk.org Log in with your credentials and choose the counselling registration option Verify personal details and pay the counselling registration fee Upload all required documents (files must be under 1 MB each) Submit the form to complete the process Once successfully submitted, candidates will receive a seat allotment letter and a fee payment receipt, after which they must report to their allotted institutions as per the announced schedule. Candidates are advised to complete the registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues. Source: Indian Express  

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DGCA Updates Flight Safety Guidelines Amid Rising Weather Challenges

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Amid increasing instances of extreme weather, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued revised operational guidelines prioritising passenger and crew safety over strict adherence to flight schedules. In a fresh operations circular directed at both scheduled and non-scheduled operators, the DGCA has urged pilots to adopt a cautious and proactive approach when navigating through adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, turbulence, thunderstorms, and low visibility. The circular encourages flight crew to opt for diversions or return to base if necessary, clearly stating that safety must outweigh punctuality. Highlighting the growing influence of climate change on flight unpredictability, the regulator has reinforced the need for enhanced situational awareness and preparedness among pilots. It specifically stresses the importance of avoiding risky decisions during night-time landings on wet runways and recommends cross-verification of visual cues with flight instruments to avoid visual misinterpretations. This regulatory update follows recent incidents, including a series of helicopter crashes near Kedarnath and a turbulent IndiGo flight to Srinagar, which underscored the pressing need for stricter operational measures in unpredictable weather. Pilots have now been advised to maintain a minimum buffer of 20 nautical miles from storm systems and to avoid flying under thunderstorm clouds, which can pose significant risks such as lightning, windshear, and hail. The circular also places new emphasis on pre-flight weather planning and early course corrections, including lateral deviation from storm paths instead of risky altitude changes. In a significant move, the DGCA has also addressed Ice Crystal Icing — a lesser-known but hazardous condition related to convective weather — urging pilots to avoid climbing or descending through such zones and instead navigate around them laterally. Communication protocols have been strengthened as well, with the DGCA recommending prompt and clear updates to passengers, cabin crew, and Air Traffic Control (ATC) during turbulent conditions to enhance coordination and awareness. Additionally, the regulator has encouraged aviation operators to implement scenario-based training for flight crews, focusing on weather-related decision-making and the application of Threat and Error Management (TEM) frameworks. The updated guidelines will be in effect for all operators during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and other weather-sensitive periods, reflecting the DGCA’s increased focus on operational safety in an era of escalating climate variability. Source: PTI

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Restored ‘Sholay’ with Original Ending Set for World Premiere in Italy to Mark 50th Anniversary

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An uncut, newly restored version of the legendary Bollywood classic Sholay is set to make its global debut at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, on June 27. The film will be screened on the iconic open-air screen at Piazza Maggiore, celebrating 50 years since its original release in 1975. This special version includes never-before-seen footage and the original ending — where the iconic villain Gabbar Singh meets his end at the hands of Thakur, a sequence that was removed from the original theatrical cut following censorship by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The restoration is the result of a three-year collaboration between Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., aiming to bring director Ramesh Sippy’s full vision to global audiences for the first time. Widely considered one of the greatest films in Indian cinema history, Sholay starred an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini. Reflecting on the film, Amitabh Bachchan shared in a press note that working on Sholay was unforgettable and its unexpected rise from initial box office disappointment to record-breaking success was an emotional journey. “Even 50 years later, I hope it continues to captivate audiences across the globe,” he said. Dharmendra, who played the beloved Veeru, called Sholay the “eighth wonder of the world,” praising its iconic dialogues by Salim-Javed and Sippy’s direction. He fondly recalled unforgettable scenes, especially Jai’s tragic death, as some of Indian cinema’s most powerful moments. Producer Shehzad Sippy, representing the legacy of his grandfather G.P. Sippy, revealed that while the restoration process was long and challenging, the discovery of the original climax and deleted scenes made it all worthwhile. “This has been a labour of love. I’m excited for the film to start its new journey,” he said. Film Heritage Foundation’s Shivendra Singh Dungarpur also noted the restoration challenges, particularly the lack of an original 70mm print or camera negative. “Despite the hurdles, we have worked meticulously to do justice to this cinematic milestone,” he stated, looking forward to watching Sholay under the open sky in Bologna with thousands of international film lovers. The world premiere of Sholay in its restored form promises to reignite the magic of this timeless classic for a whole new generation of viewers. Source: Indian Express

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Govt Forms Panel to Probe Coaching Dependency and Fairness of Entrance Exams

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The Ministry of Education has constituted a nine-member committee to investigate the growing dependence of students on coaching centres, the phenomenon of ‘dummy schools,’ and the integrity and fairness of competitive entrance exams like JEE and NEET, officials confirmed. Chaired by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, the committee will delve into systemic shortcomings within the school education framework that push students towards coaching hubs. The panel will examine the limited emphasis on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, innovation, and conceptual understanding in traditional schooling — factors that fuel rote learning and, in turn, coaching culture. One major concern to be addressed is the rise of ‘dummy schools’ — institutions where students enroll merely for board exam eligibility while devoting their full attention to intensive coaching. These setups allow aspirants to bypass classroom learning altogether, focusing solely on entrance exam preparation. Many also exploit state domicile criteria through such enrollments to gain regional admission advantages, such as eligibility for the Delhi state quota in medical colleges. “The committee will study how dummy schools undermine formal education and promote exclusive dependence on coaching. It will recommend ways to address this growing issue,” a senior ministry official said. The panel will also scrutinize the current model of entrance exams to assess their fairness and relevance in the context of mainstream schooling. It will investigate whether the absence of formative assessments and a weak focus on concept clarity in school systems are inadvertently supporting the proliferation of coaching institutes. Another key focus area is the imbalance between the rising demand for quality higher education and the limited seats available in top institutions — a gap that often drives students toward costly and stressful coaching environments. The panel’s mandate also includes evaluating students’ and parents’ awareness of diverse career opportunities beyond elite engineering and medical colleges. It aims to assess the status of career counselling mechanisms in schools and recommend strategies to enhance career guidance systems nationwide. Alongside Vineet Joshi, the committee comprises the CBSE chairperson, joint secretaries from the school and higher education ministries, representatives from IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, NIT Trichy, NCERT, and principals from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, and a private school. This initiative follows increasing concerns over the coaching industry’s practices, including rising student suicides, fire hazards, inadequate infrastructure, and questionable teaching methods. The government hopes the panel’s findings will lead to more balanced, student-centric reforms in education and examination systems. Source: PTI

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Delhi Govt to Boost Healthcare with More Dialysis Machines, Imaging Services via PPP Model

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The Delhi government is set to enhance its public healthcare system by adding over 30 new dialysis machines, expanding access to diagnostic services like MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and constructing rest houses (VishramGrih) for patients and their caregivers, according to senior officials. These initiatives were reviewed during a key meeting of the Health Department held on June 18, chaired by Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh. The meeting focused on strengthening medical infrastructure and service delivery in the national capital. As part of its ongoing efforts under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) operating via the PPP model, the government has already deployed 150 dialysis machines across 16 public hospitals. Singh confirmed that an additional 32 to 40 machines will soon be installed to meet growing demand. Officials also assessed progress on various health schemes and facilities, including the operationalisation of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the development of critical care units under the PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), and the rollout of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to ensure affordable medicine availability. Other key issues on the agenda included the outsourcing of registration services in outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) departments, addressing manpower shortages in hospitals and Mohalla Clinics, implementing the Hospital Information Management System (HIMS), and ensuring smooth procurement of essential medical supplies. In addition, the Health Minister directed the formation of new health councils and committees, and stressed the identification of sensitive roles within the health department to improve transparency and governance. A senior official noted that the minister has issued strict deadlines, with most initiatives expected to be completed within the next three to four weeks or by the following month. These efforts reflect the Delhi government’s renewed push to modernize its healthcare delivery system and improve patient experience across the city. Source: PTI

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