Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital on Monday, with the two leaders holding discussions on several important issues. The Prime Minister’s Office later confirmed the meeting in a social media post. Saini welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, calling it people-centric and in line with the goal of building a developed India by 2047. Speaking in Panchkula, he said the Budget reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to Viksit Bharat and would be remembered as a key milestone in that journey. Describing it as a visionary and historic document, he added that it focuses on uplifting the poorest sections of society and rests on three pillars: speed, capacity, and inclusive growth.

On Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. Major announcements included an increase in public capital expenditure to Rs 12.2 lakh crore for 2026–27, reinforcing the government’s push for infrastructure-led growth. The Budget also outlined plans for seven high-speed rail corridors, new freight corridors, and the operationalisation of 20 national waterways over the next five years to support sustainable transport.

On the taxation front, the government announced that the New Income Tax Act, 2025, will be implemented from April 2026 with simplified rules and redesigned forms. It also proposed lower tax collection rates on overseas tour packages, as well as education and medical expenses under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@PMOIndia.

The government has made it compulsory for Indian Police Service (IPS) officers from the 2011 batch onwards to complete at least two years of central deputation at the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level to be considered for empanelment as Inspector General (IG) at the Centre, according to an official order.

This step has been taken to ensure that senior IPS officers have sufficient experience of ground-level work while serving in central positions, an official familiar with the decision stated. The order specifies that "a minimum of two years of central experience at SP/DIG or equivalent level shall be mandatory for empanelment of IPS officers at IG/eqvt. level at the Centre from the 2011 batch onwards."

While Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers deputed to the Centre have long had a similar requirement, no such condition existed previously for IPS officers serving in the Central Armed Police Forces or other central assignments at the IG level. The new mandate is expected to align IPS officers’ career progression with the experience expectations already in place for IAS officers, ensuring that those promoted to senior central roles have firsthand knowledge of central operations and administration.

This move also reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening institutional expertise at the Centre by ensuring that officers at senior levels bring not just state-level policing experience but also significant exposure to central assignments. By making central deputation experience a prerequisite for IG-level empanelment, the Ministry aims to maintain uniformity in senior leadership standards across services and enhance the effectiveness of policy implementation and administration at the central level.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

The Supreme Court of India has stayed the implementation of fresh University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines designed to combat caste-based discrimination in higher education, voicing strong concerns over vague language that could foster segregation on campuses. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to the Centre and UGC while hearing petitions linked to past student suicides, directing a high-level panel to refine the rules for true inclusivity. The January 13 regulations mandated "equity committees" in every institution to handle grievances from OBC, SC, ST, disabled students, and women—but notably excluded general-category peers.

"We hope we don't segregate schools like the US, where blacks and whites went to different schools," CJI Kant remarked, drawing a stark parallel to America's pre-1954 segregation era. He questioned the drift toward division: "Are we becoming a regressive society after 75 years of Independence? Can't go further backwards."

The bench highlighted risky provisions for "transparent" arrangements in hostels and mess halls, warning of misuse by "mischievous elements." "For god's sake! There are inter-caste marriages now," the CJI added, urging a push for a casteless society that safeguards everyone, including North-East or Southern students facing cultural bias or ragging.

The stay stems from pleas citing deaths like Rohith Vemula (2016) and Payal Tadvi (2019), where alleged caste discrimination in hostels played a role. Critics called the rules lopsided and prone to abuse, echoing broader affirmative action debates—some states already subdivide SC quotas due to uneven benefits within groups.

Institutions must now pause forming these committees, buying time for revisions. This ruling underscores a delicate balance: rooting out bias without new fault lines. As one observer noted, diverse shared spaces like hostels can forge unity if handled thoughtfully—history's lessons from divided US schools make the stakes clear.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Deccan Herald.

Anger is boiling over on college campuses across India as students take to the streets in large-scale demonstrations against the University Grants Commission's controversial new equity rules for 2026. What started as small gatherings has snowballed into a nationwide movement, with protesters demanding an immediate rollback of the regulations they see as divisive and impractical.

Announced earlier this month, the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 aim to tackle discrimination head-on. Key features include mandatory Equal Opportunity Centres in every college, Equity Committees chaired by the institution head, and representation from OBC, SC, and ST communities. There's also a 24/7 helpline for complaints related to caste, gender, disability, and other issues.

But students aren't buying it. They claim the rules are poorly worded, ripe for misuse through false accusations, and ignore economic hardships faced by general category students. "This isn't about fairness—it's a recipe for campus chaos," one protester shouted during a rally, echoing fears that it could fracture friendships built on shared hostels and study groups.

The unrest kicked off in Uttar Pradesh, where thousands rallied in Lucknow's Hazratganj area. Chhatra Panchayat activists burned copies of the regulations at the Gandhi statue, chanting "Withdraw UGC Regulations!" Clashes with police were reported in Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, and even at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), as crowds tried to breach barricades.

In the capital, Delhi University students – around 50 strong – assembled at North Campus near the Arts Faculty. They submitted a memorandum to the proctor's office, vowing an indefinite strike if their demands aren't met. A PhD researcher there put it bluntly: "These rules will destroy the merit we've fought for." Dramatic gestures marked the protests too – from head-shaving in Prayagraj to lawyers issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to authorities. Calls are growing for demonstrations outside UGC headquarters in Delhi.

The backlash has political undertones, with opposition voices amplifying student grievances and even a BJP functionary resigning in protest. Critics point out the regulations replace a softer 2012 version without enough consultation, sparking a potential Supreme Court petition over their narrow focus on certain discriminations.

As of today, UGC hasn't commented publicly, but with protests showing no signs of slowing, pressure is mounting on the education ministry. For India's youth – especially in hubs like Gurugram – this could reshape campus life for years. Stay tuned as this story develops; more rallies are expected this weekend.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from national herald

In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with dentist and author Vrushali Junnarkar, who shares her experiences of discovering the many attractions and natural retreats in Khandala, a charming hill station located in Maharashtra in central-western India. Frequently referenced in her novel The Campbell Gardens Ladies' Swimming Class, Khandala holds special significance for Junnarkar as she describes visits to the town’s historic fort, waterfalls, and caves. She also discusses traditional Maharashtrian street food and regional dishes that are rarely found in Singapore.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Karate standout Marissa Hafezan clinched Singapore's first gold in the sport at the SEA Games in 32 years. She defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly 5-3 in the women's kumite under-55kg final to secure the historic victory. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman sit down with Marissa to learn more about her remarkable achievement. They also get an update on Team Singapore’s overall performance at the midpoint of the Games, featuring insights from Marissa Hafezan, SEA Games gold medallist and Singapore karate exponent, and Phil Goh, independent sports journalist.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Australia is introducing a first-of-its-kind law that blocks minors from using social media without a parent’s approval. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the debate with Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University’s Internet Studies program: is this a vital measure to safeguard young people’s mental health, or an impractical policy that limits digital freedom?

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

In December 2019, a fishing boat set out from an Alaskan port with an experienced crew, unaware that an icy storm was gathering. The events that followed underscore why deep-sea fishing is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world. This account is by Rose George, read by Rosalie Craig, and is adapted from Every Last Fish: What Fish Do for Us, and What We Do to Them, published by Granta.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.