MoTA Launches App-Based PVTG Survey Targeting 12.35 Lakh Households, Deadline April 2026

Parliamentary Panel Flags 118 EMRS in Rented Buildings, 51 Schools at Pre-Construction Stage

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has expressed serious concern over delays in the construction of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for tribal students. With 118 schools still running from government or rented buildings and 51 yet to begin construction, the committee has urged the Tribal Affairs Ministry to find alternative solutions and consider setting up an independent monitoring agency.

Task Force Recommends Inflation-Adjusted Relief Hike, Counselling Under SC/ST Act

A government task force has recommended major changes to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, including inflation-indexed relief hikes, mandatory counselling, and 24-hour FIR reporting. Separately, the NCST has proposed legal safeguards to protect tribal livelihoods during land disputes and curb counter FIRs. These proposals are critical for aspirants as they touch upon the SC/ST Act, a high-yield topic for Prelims and Mains in Polity and Social Justice.

Ken-Betwa Link: Centre Defers Displacement Grievances to MP Govt; 7,000 Families at Risk Under FRA

The Ken-Betwa River Link Project, a flagship interlinking river project, faces protests over displacement of over 7,000 families. The Centre has shifted responsibility to the Madhya Pradesh government for implementing the Forest Rights Act and compensation, raising questions about federal accountability and tribal rights. This is crucial for UPSC Polity (Centre-State relations), Environment (river linking), and Social Justice (tribal rights).

CBSE Competency-Based Assessment Reform Lacks Teacher Training, Widens Implementation Gap Under NEP 2020

CBSE has shifted to competency-based assessment, but schools lack the teaching framework and teacher training to implement competency-based education. This gap between policy and classroom practice is widest in under-resourced schools, creating systemic inequity. The article argues that without sustained implementation support, students in different schools will have vastly different learning outcomes.

Parliamentary Panel Flags NCERT Textbook Delays, Application-Based Exams Widening Curriculum Gap for Classes 9-12

A parliamentary panel has identified a critical gap between the NEP 2020-aligned curriculum and its implementation for Classes 9-12, citing delays in NCERT textbook releases and the shift to application-based board exams as sources of student stress. The report also flags declining teacher training, uneven enrolment, and the persistent shortfall in education spending (4.1% of GDP vs the 6% target), making it a high-relevance issue for education policy and governance questions.

PM Modi Launches 100-Week 'Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan' for Drug-Free Youth Under Viksit Bharat

PM Modi launched the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', a 100-week nationwide Jan Bhagidari campaign to combat substance abuse among youth. The campaign emphasizes community participation through weekly Sunday activities like sports, meditation, and cultural events. It aligns drug-free youth with the Viksit Bharat goal, and includes strict action against traffickers.

BCI Orders Nationwide Inspection of Law Colleges, Bans Shift-Based Programmes in 6 Weeks

The Bar Council of India has directed all universities to physically inspect affiliated law colleges within six weeks and submit compliance reports. This follows Supreme Court concerns and a High Court judgment reaffirming universities' duty to ensure compliance. The BCI targets shift-based programmes and inadequate facilities, aiming to curb sub-standard legal education.

Census 2027: First Digital Census with Caste Enumeration for All Communities; 40 Questions in PE Phase

The 2027 Census is the first digital census and the first in independent India to enumerate caste for all communities, not just SC/ST. The Population Enumeration phase (Feb 2027) will ask 40 questions including caste, religion, Aadhaar, and bank accounts. This data will drive reservation policies and socio-economic planning for decades.