Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared the state as India's first fully digitally literate state, marking the successful completion of the first phase of the Digi Kerala project. This grassroots-level intervention aimed to bridge the digital divide across all local bodies. Surveys conducted among 1.5 crore people identified 21.88 lakh digitally illiterate individuals. Of these, 99.98% (21.87 lakh people) successfully completed the training and evaluation. The Chief Minister lauded Kerala's achievement as a model for other states to emulate in fostering digital literacy.
- Kerala has been declared India's first fully digitally literate State.
- The achievement is attributed to the successful first phase of the Digi Kerala project.
- The project is a grassroots-level initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide across local bodies.
As India and China commemorate 75 years of diplomatic engagement, this article advocates for reimagining their relationship beyond modern state boundaries, drawing inspiration from ancient Nalanda. Nalanda served as a historical hub for intellectual and cultural exchange, where ideas flowed freely, fostering peace and dialogue. The authors argue that contemporary political complexities have narrowed academic and people-to-people connections, hindering mutual learning in areas like food security, infrastructure, and democratic decentralization. They urge India to adopt a "Nalanda way" – an approach of curiosity, compassion, and dialogue – to overcome current paranoia and build a steadier, more respectful relationship with China.
- The article suggests drawing inspiration from ancient Nalanda to foster deeper India-China relations beyond modern political complexities.
- Nalanda historically facilitated significant intellectual and cultural exchange between India and China, promoting dialogue and mutual learning.
- Current diplomatic engagement is hindered by political complexities, limiting academic and people-to-people connections.
Kerala is set to be officially declared India's first fully digitally literate State on August 21. This milestone marks the successful completion of the first phase of the Digi Kerala project, a grassroots initiative implemented across all local bodies to bridge the digital divide. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will make the formal declaration. The State, which achieved total literacy in 1991, is presenting another model for the country through this digital literacy achievement.
- Kerala will become India's first fully digitally literate State.
- The declaration is scheduled for August 21.
- This achievement is a result of the first phase of the Digi Kerala project.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed a parliamentary panel that the duration of the one-year Civil Services Examination (CSE) cannot be shortened. Despite an increase in candidates and venues, the time cycle has been optimized, prioritizing confidentiality and integrity through various checks and balances. The UPSC explained that evaluating 1.2 lakh descriptive answer scripts takes over two months, and the gap between the three phases (preliminary, mains, interview) is already minimized. While a panel recommended a comprehensive reassessment and timely release of answer keys, the UPSC maintains its current system of releasing keys after final results, stating it works well and is sub judice in the Supreme Court.
- The UPSC asserts that the one-year duration of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) cannot be curtailed, citing the need to maintain utmost confidentiality and integrity.
- The examination process, involving preliminary, mains, and personality tests, has been optimized despite a significant increase in candidates and venues.
- Evaluating a large volume of descriptive answer scripts and managing the three phases of the exam inherently requires a substantial time frame.
The article discusses the ongoing conflicts between Governors and State governments, particularly concerning their role as Chancellors of State-run universities. Despite the Supreme Court's censure of Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi regarding delayed Bills, Governors continue to challenge State legislatures and interfere in university appointments and administration. The author argues that the Governor's office, a colonial mechanism, was retained to guard against separatist tendencies but is now being used as a political proxy with hostile ideological agendas. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes greater autonomy for institutions, suggesting that professional academic and executive heads, rather than Governors, would better serve universities.
- Governors are increasingly clashing with State governments, particularly over their role as Chancellors of State universities, despite Supreme Court directives.
- The Governor's office, originally a colonial control mechanism, is now perceived as a political proxy used to obstruct State governments and interfere in academic autonomy.
- Governors have stalled or cancelled university appointments and refused to approve names recommended by statutory bodies, paralyzing academic institutions.
The Union government is considering revising the parental income limits for eligibility in post and pre-matric scholarships for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Denotified Tribes (DNTs). The Ministry of Tribal Affairs proposes raising the limit for ST scholarships to ₹4.5 lakh from the current ₹2.5 lakh, with similar discussions for SCs, OBCs, and DNTs. This move comes as data shows a significant drop in beneficiaries across these categories from 2020-21 to 2024-25. Parliamentary committees have recommended a "suitable rise" in income limits, emphasizing that the current low limits prevent many needy families from accessing these centrally sponsored schemes, which are funded by both Union and State governments.
- The Union government is reviewing parental income limits for pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for SCs, STs, OBCs, and DNTs.
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs suggests raising the income limit for ST scholarships to ₹4.5 lakh from ₹2.5 lakh.
- The number of beneficiaries for these scholarships has significantly decreased across all categories from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
The government's Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, with an outlay of ₹99,446 crore, aims to generate employment but is criticized for its employer-centric approach. Critics argue it overlooks skill mismatches, potentially strengthening employers' bargaining power, and exacerbating wage gaps. The scheme prioritizes the formal manufacturing sector, indirectly marginalizing the 90% informal workforce and potentially normalizing disguised unemployment. This sectoral focus is seen as outdated, as manufacturing's employment elasticity is declining, while agriculture and services employ the majority. Alternatives proposed include investing in skilling and education reforms, focusing on long-term sustained employment, and adopting an equitable development strategy.
- The ELI Scheme is criticized for being employer-centric and failing to address the fundamental skill mismatch in the Indian labor market.
- The scheme's focus on the formal manufacturing sector risks marginalizing the vast informal workforce and deepening structural inequalities.
- Concerns are raised about the potential for the scheme to normalize disguised unemployment and for enterprises to mislabel existing jobs as new.
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are advocating a two-language formula for school education, prioritizing local languages (Tamil/Kannada) and English, in contrast to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's push for a three-language policy, often perceived as an attempt to impose Hindi. Tamil Nadu's State Education Policy (SEP) makes Tamil compulsory up to Class 10, while Karnataka's proposed SEP suggests Kannada or mother tongue as the medium of instruction up to Class 5, with Kannada/mother tongue and English as compulsory languages. The article argues that the Centre's focus on language is unproductive and controversial, diverting attention from critical challenges in school education and hindering social integration.
- Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are adopting a two-language policy, emphasizing local languages and English, differing from the NEP 2020's three-language policy.
- The NEP's proposal for a third language, often Hindi, is viewed by some states as an imposition.
- Tamil Nadu's SEP mandates Tamil up to Class 10, while Karnataka's proposal prioritizes Kannada/mother tongue as the medium of instruction.
India's IT sector, generating $280 billion and employing over 5.8 million, is undergoing significant transformation due to AI. Recent announcements from TCS, including a freeze on experienced hires and planned job removals, highlight AI's role in driving efficiency and reshaping business models. AI-powered tools are boosting productivity in software development, testing, and maintenance. Experts emphasize that AI is not just about job cuts but creating new opportunities for India to become an indispensable partner for global clients by modernizing systems, cleaning data, and building compliant AI solutions, shifting from a "back office" role to a leader in AI-native solutions and complex problem-solving.
- AI is profoundly reshaping India's IT sector, leading to shifts in employment and business strategies.
- AI-powered tools significantly enhance productivity in software development, testing, and maintenance.
- India's IT firms can leverage AI to become indispensable partners for global clients by modernizing legacy systems and ensuring AI compliance.
Kerala's State Forest Department has launched 'SARPA Padam', a snake-related awareness program covering about 1,000 educational institutions. This initiative, an extension of the 'SARPA - Snake Awareness Rescue and Protection App', aims to educate students from anganwadis to colleges on the ecological significance of snakes, identifying dangerous species, venom types, anti-venom, and snakebite prevention. Trained educators conduct hour-long sessions, and awareness classes are also extended to vulnerable groups like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Program workers and farmers, promoting broader community engagement.
- Kerala's Forest Department launched 'SARPA Padam' to raise snake awareness in educational institutions.
- The program is an extension of the SARPA app, a digital platform for snake-related information and rescue.
- Training covers snake conservation, identification of dangerous species, venom types, and snakebite management.
Delhi University has been awarded the highest A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), signifying its academic excellence and high standards. This recognition is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the university's infrastructure, teaching quality, research output, and student outcomes. The A++ grade is valid for five years and positions DU among the top educational institutions in India, enhancing its reputation and attracting more students and faculty.
- Delhi University received the highest A++ grade from NAAC.
- The accreditation is valid for five years.
- It signifies academic excellence and high standards in infrastructure, teaching, and research.
Delhi's Chief Minister stated that the proposed School Fee Bill would allow children from economically weaker sections (EWS) to study in private schools, promoting inclusive education. However, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia countered that the bill's provisions, particularly those related to empowering women, would be diluted. The bill aims to regulate school fees and ensure transparency, but disagreements persist over its full scope and impact, especially concerning equitable access to education and gender empowerment.
- Delhi's CM claims the School Fee Bill will enable EWS children to study in private schools.
- Deputy CM Sisodia argues that the bill's provisions for women's empowerment would be diluted.
- The bill aims to regulate school fees and ensure transparency in education.
A grassroots initiative, 'Kotha Telangana Charithra Brundam' (KTCB), a 125-member collective of everyday history enthusiasts, is uncovering archaeological finds and cultural narratives in Telangana villages. Led by retired teacher Sriramoju Hargopal, the group documents old temples, prehistoric sites, and inscriptions, sharing discoveries through WhatsApp and YouTube. They emphasize in-situ preservation of artifacts and collaborate with experts like archaeologists and the Rock Art Society of India (RASI). The initiative aims to engage local communities in protecting historical sites from real estate development and vandalism, ensuring future generations inherit tangible evidence of their past.
- 'Kotha Telangana Charithra Brundam' (KTCB) is a grassroots initiative documenting ancient history and cultural heritage in Telangana villages.
- The collective, comprising 125 volunteers, uncovers archaeological finds, rock art, and inscriptions, sharing them via social media.
- Sriramoju Hargopal, a retired Telugu teacher, leads the KTCB, decoding visuals and consulting experts.
The Tamil Nadu government has declared the Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library and Research Centre as a library of historical and cultural importance, classifying it as an aided library under the Tamil Nadu Public Libraries Rules, 1950. This designation ensures grants for research, publications, conservation of manuscripts, library/museum upkeep, preservation, and digitization. The library, a repository of over 81,400 books and 47,500 palm leaf/paper manuscripts, is one of Asia's oldest and greatest Oriental manuscript libraries. Its collections began in the 16th Century under Nayak rulers and were significantly expanded by Raja Serfoji II (1798-1832).
- The Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library has been declared a library of historical and cultural importance by the Tamil Nadu government.
- This classification makes it an aided library under the Tamil Nadu Public Libraries Rules, 1950, ensuring grants for its maintenance and research.
- The library is a significant repository, housing over 81,400 books and 47,500 palm leaf and paper manuscripts.
"Pariksha Pe Charcha," an annual event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has set a Guinness World Record for the "Most people registered on a citizen engagement platform in one month." Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Jitin Prasada received the record. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with MyGov since 2018, the latest edition achieved over 3.53 crore registrations and more than 21 crore viewership on television, highlighting its significant reach and impact on students and parents.
- "Pariksha Pe Charcha," an annual event led by PM Narendra Modi, has set a Guinness World Record.
- The record is for the "Most people registered on a citizen engagement platform in one month."
- The initiative is organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with MyGov since 2018.
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin highlights education as the primary driver of the state's social and economic progress, rooted in principles of social justice and equality. The state's commitment to education dates back to 1920 with the first mid-day meal scheme in Madras, which has evolved into one of the world's largest school meal programs. Recent initiatives like the Breakfast Scheme and targeted support systems, including scholarships and training for competitive exams, have enabled students from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure admissions in prestigious institutions. Tamil Nadu boasts one of India's most inclusive higher education landscapes, with a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) significantly above the national average, especially for women, reflecting a systemic change driven by political movements and administrative clarity.
- Education is identified as the cornerstone of Tamil Nadu's social and economic progress, guided by principles of social justice and equality.
- The state pioneered the mid-day meal scheme in 1920, which has expanded into a comprehensive school meal program.
- Targeted support, including scholarships, free education, and competitive exam training, helps disadvantaged students access higher education.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is bringing significant changes to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in India. It paves the way for preschool classes (Balvatika-1,2,3) in government schools, expanding public ECCE infrastructure beyond Anganwadis. This expansion has implications for personnel management, financing, recruitment, and training. A second shift is the growing emphasis on education over other ECCE services, leading to migration from Anganwadis to schools. The third transformative shift is the potential reorientation of the Anganwadi system to focus on 0-3 year olds through home visits, a strategy highlighted for its developmental benefits.
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a catalyst for major structural changes in India's Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) sector.
- One key shift is the significant expansion of public ECCE infrastructure, with preschool classes (Balvatika-1,2,3) being introduced in government schools.
- This expansion necessitates substantial reforms in personnel management, financing, recruitment, and training of ECCE providers.
The article highlights the urgent need to improve infrastructure in government schools, prompted by the death of students in a collapsed school building in Rajasthan. It reveals that over 70,000 government schools in Rajasthan, and 84,000 schools nationally, are in poor condition. Despite significant allocations like ₹650 crore for school infrastructure, inefficiencies in government have hindered improvements. The article emphasizes that education is a primary duty of the government and calls for a systemic shift to prioritize infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and training. It also notes the importance of foundational literacy and numeracy for workforce productivity and addressing the demographic dividend.
- A recent incident of students' deaths due to a collapsed school building in Rajasthan highlights the poor state of government school infrastructure.
- Over 70,000 government schools in Rajasthan and 84,000 nationally are in poor condition.
- Despite financial allocations, inefficiencies in government implementation hinder infrastructure improvements.
The article advocates for greater involvement of medical professionals in healthcare innovation, arguing that while engineers and entrepreneurs increasingly shape the future, doctors are often confined to service roles. It highlights that doctors, with their deep understanding of patient care and clinical workflows, are uniquely positioned to drive clinically applicable innovations. Obstacles like demanding practice, a risk-averse mindset, and a lack of exposure to financial management hinder doctors' entrepreneurial pursuits. The authors suggest integrating entrepreneurship, bio-design, and digital health into medical education, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and establishing innovation hubs to support doctor-led startups.
- Medical professionals, with their deep clinical understanding, are ideally positioned to lead innovation in healthcare.
- Current trends show engineers and entrepreneurs dominating healthcare innovation, sidelining doctors from creator roles.
- Barriers to doctor-led innovation include demanding practice, risk aversion, and lack of business exposure.
India faces a paradox where 43% of STEM graduates are women, the highest globally, yet women constitute only 27% of the STEM workforce. This education-employment gap, driven by persistent social norms and unwelcoming workplaces, limits women's access to career opportunities. The article highlights that enabling more women in the workforce could significantly boost India's GDP. Government policies like NEP 2020 and increased gender budget allocation aim to improve women's economic mobility. However, industry must transition from passive recruiters to active enablers, addressing stereotypes and providing supportive environments, as exemplified by initiatives like UN Women's WeSTEM programme.
- India has the highest proportion of women STEM graduates globally (43%), but only 27% are in the STEM workforce.
- This significant education-employment gap is attributed to social norms, workplace environments, and lack of awareness about career opportunities.
- Increasing women's participation in the workforce could substantially boost India's GDP, with estimates up to $700 billion by 2025.
India faces significant challenges in its employment landscape, with lakhs of graduates struggling to find meaningful jobs. The India Employment Report 2024 highlights that youth account for 83% of the unemployed population, and the share of educated unemployed has nearly doubled in two decades. A major issue is the skill gap, as many graduates lack the digital and professional skills demanded by employers, with AI posing a further threat to traditional job roles. The report also notes that nearly 90% of employment is informal. Urgent structural reforms are needed, including stronger industry-academia collaboration, outcome-based accreditation for institutions, mandatory idea labs, and integrating soft skills, alongside exploring international employment opportunities.
- India's employment sector is characterized by high youth unemployment and a significant skill gap among graduates.
- The majority of India's workforce remains informal, with declining salaried jobs and unresolved concerns about job security.
- Digital and professional skill deficiencies are widespread among young people, exacerbated by the looming impact of AI on traditional jobs.
Himachal Pradesh made a remarkable leap from 21st to the top five in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025 results, signaling a reversal of decline in its public education system. The NAS, conducted every three years by the Ministry of Education, assesses learning outcomes in core subjects. Himachal's success is attributed to the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government's reforms, including merging under-enrolled schools for better resource deployment, unifying the education system under a single directorate, and encouraging school-level decision-making. While NAS provides an important signal, it doesn't fully capture socio-emotional well-being or teaching quality, underscoring the need for holistic assessments and continued commitment to teacher appointments and inclusive education.
- Himachal Pradesh significantly improved its ranking in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025, moving from 21st to the top five.
- The NAS is a nationwide assessment by the Ministry of Education measuring learning outcomes in government and government-aided schools.
- Key reforms contributing to Himachal's success include school mergers, unified education directorate, and promotion of school-level decision-making and peer learning.
The Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development Rashtriya Sarvekshan (PARAKH RS), formerly National Achievement Survey (NAS), revealed significant learning deficits across India. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Chandigarh are top performers. The survey assessed over 21 million children in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in subjects like language, mathematics, science, and social science. Key findings include low performance in mathematics for Kendriya Vidyalayas in Class 3 and government-aided schools in Class 6. Overall, only 55% of Class 3 students could arrange numbers, 38% of Class 6 students could solve puzzles, and 45% of Class 9 students could explain the Constitution, highlighting widespread conceptual gaps.
- The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (formerly NAS) survey identified significant learning deficits across various grades and subjects in Indian schools.
- Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Chandigarh were identified as the top-performing states/UTs in school education.
- Specific deficits include only 55% of Class 3 students being able to arrange numbers up to 99, and only 38% of Class 6 students capable of solving puzzles involving whole numbers.
The Union Social Justice Ministry is seeking additional funds for its National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme for marginalized students, as a fund crunch has led to provisional award letters for 66 selected candidates being made "subject to availability of funds" for the 2025-26 cycle. Out of 125 available slots, only 106 students were selected, and only the first 40 will receive firm award letters. This situation arises despite the scheme receiving its highest allocation in five years (₹130 crore), because a portion of the annual budget is used for students continuing studies from previous years. The Ministry is currently evaluating the scheme's performance to decide on its continuation. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment had previously noted issues with scholarship amounts and the need to increase slots.
- The Social Justice Ministry is facing a fund crunch for the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) scheme for marginalized students.
- Provisional award letters for 66 selected students for the 2025-26 cycle are contingent on fund availability.
- Despite a record allocation of ₹130 crore, funds are insufficient due to ongoing support for students from previous years.