JEE Main/Advanced Scores Now Accepted for IIM UG Programmes in Management, Data Science, AI

IIM UG Expansion: 11 of 22 IIMs Offer UG Courses; IPMAT/JIPMAT Registrations Surge 4x in 5 Years

IIMs are rapidly expanding into undergraduate management education, with 50% now offering UG programs. This shift challenges the traditional CAT-MBA monopoly and creates new admission pathways (IPMAT, JEE). For aspirants, this means more options but also changing competition dynamics.

NCERT Reconstitutes Class 11-12 Political Science Panel with RSS-Linked Academics; Mandate: Cultural Rootedness

NCERT has reconstituted the textbook development team for Classes 11 and 12 Political Science, with a mandate to integrate cultural rootedness and Indian knowledge systems. The panel includes at least four academics with RSS/ABVP links, reflecting the ongoing implementation of NEP 2020. Key deadlines: Class 11 textbook by November 2026, Class 12 by July 2027.

India's 16th Census Self-Enumeration Phase Begins: 100% Digital, Window Aug 1-15

The self-enumeration phase of India's 16th Census has started in West Bengal, marking the first fully digital census. Citizens can upload their details online from Aug 1-15, followed by house-listing from Aug 16 to Sep 14. The data is legally protected and used only for planning and statistics.

India's Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate Drops to 55.8% in NFHS-6, Reversing NFHS-5 Gains

India's exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under six months has declined to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24), reversing the gains from NFHS-5 (63.7%). The decline varies by state, with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh seeing the steepest drops. The article explores potential causes: reduced postnatal support, rising C-section rates (27.2%), and women's return to work. This is a key data point for UPSC prelims and a case study for mains on maternal and child health policy.

Third Mumbai Project: Farmers Protest Land Acquisition, Demand Market Rate Compensation Under RFCTLARR Act

The Third Mumbai project (KSC New Town) in Raigad district highlights the ongoing conflict between urban expansion and farmers' rights. The article details the history of land acquisition in the region, the farmers' demand for market-rate compensation under the RFCTLARR Act 2013, and the trust deficit due to past unfulfilled promises. This is crucial for understanding land acquisition laws, compensation mechanisms, and the socio-economic impact of mega infrastructure projects.

Maharashtra Mandates Safe Food Norms in Schools; Bans HFSS Items, Covers All Boards

Maharashtra has issued a statewide compliance order to ensure safe, balanced food in all schools, banning HFSS items (junk food) within premises and a 50-metre zone. The move targets childhood obesity and micronutrient deficiencies, making it a key governance and public health initiative for exam aspirants.

India Hits Record 1.37 Lakh MBBS Seats (2026-27); Private Colleges Now Hold 54% Share

India has achieved a record 1,36,939 MBBS seats across 823 medical colleges in 2026-27, marking a 167% increase from 2014-15. For the first time, private colleges hold a majority (54%) of these seats, raising concerns about affordability of medical education.

Maharashtra ‘Super 100’: Free JEE/NEET Residential Coaching for 100 Rural Govt Students per District

Maharashtra plans a ‘Super 100’ residential coaching scheme in each district to give free JEE/NEET coaching to 100 high-performing students from rural government schools. Modelled on Anand Kumar’s Super 30, the initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural coaching gap and is under finance department approval.