Bihar Cabinet Nod: 16 Medical Colleges under PPP Model with PwC Advisor; ₹8.27 Cr Sanctioned

Bihar Cabinet Approves 300 B.Ed. Colleges to Multidisciplinary Degree Colleges Under NEP 2020

The Bihar cabinet has approved converting 300 standalone private B.Ed. colleges into multidisciplinary degree colleges, aligning with NEP 2020. Alongside, key schemes like the Student Credit Card and Kushal Yuva Programme were extended, and significant financial outlays were approved for solar energy and waste-to-energy projects. This is crucial for aspirants as it touches upon education policy, state schemes, renewable energy, and urban governance.

AP Pedestrian Safety Policy 2026: SC Recognises Right to Walk, 36,526 Pedestrian Deaths in 2024, Section 198A Fine

The Supreme Court recognized the right to walk on footpaths as a fundamental right. Andhra Pradesh became the first state to notify a pedestrian safety policy, mandating audits, removal of encroachments, and a Rs 1 lakh fine under Section 198A MV Act for infrastructure failure causing death. With 1 in 5 road deaths being pedestrians (36,526 in 2024), this policy is a landmark for urban governance and social justice.

Karnataka's ₹1.5 Lakh Cr Bengaluru Infra Push: Tolled Tunnel Roads Spark 'Poor Subsidising Rich' Debate

Karnataka is pushing nearly ₹1.5 lakh crore in Bengaluru road projects (twin-tunnels, elevated corridors, PRR). Activists and economists argue these are car-centric 'white elephants' funded by public money (40% Viability Gap Funding) and heavy tolls, creating a case of the poor subsidising the rich. This raises critical questions about infrastructure priorities, public finance, and urban planning for exams.

Patna High Court Orders Family Pension for Second Wife Under Rule 23(2) of Bihar Conduct Rules

The Patna High Court has directed reconsideration of a second wife's family pension claim, emphasizing that long-standing marital relationship and six children cannot be ignored. The court faulted authorities for overlooking a 1982 permission application, applying Rule 23(2) of Bihar Government Service Conduct Rules, 1976. This judgment highlights the balance between service conduct rules and social reality.

Himachal HC Holds Surrogate Mothers Entitled to 180 Days Maternity Leave Under CCS Rules

Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that commissioning mothers via surrogacy cannot be denied maternity leave, even if the state has not adopted the Centre's 2024 rules. The court reaffirmed that motherhood cannot be distinguished by the method of birth, setting a binding precedent for the state.

Bombay HC Rules Community Health Volunteers Entitled to Minimum Wage Under 1948 Act

The Bombay High Court has ruled that community health volunteers working for the BMC are entitled to minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, rejecting the argument that their honorarium exempts them. This judgment strengthens labour rights for contractual and volunteer workers, an important topic for UPSC labour jurisprudence and social security.

Karnataka Announces 7.5% Reservation for Rural Govt School Students in Medical, Engineering Seats

Karnataka CM Shivakumar announced a 7.5% reservation for rural government school students in medical and engineering courses to improve access to professional higher education. Additionally, AI education from Class 6, a government AI university in Bengaluru, and an exam reform committee were announced. This is significant for social justice and education policy in state exams.

Bihar Government Launches 24×7 Vidya Saathi Platform for Classes 9-12 with Free JEE/NEET Prep in 700 Model Schools

Bihar has launched a 24×7 interactive learning platform 'Bihar Vidya Saathi' providing free, one-to-one live teacher support to students of Classes 9-12 in 700 model schools. The initiative covers 3 lakh students, includes AI-based tools, and offers digital study material for JEE and NEET preparation, making it a significant step toward bridging the digital education gap and enhancing competitive exam readiness at the state level.