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

The Pathanamthitta District Court in Kerala granted bail to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in connection with an alleged sexual assault case. The court approved bail on the 18th day of his detention, relating to the third rape case against him. Previously, on January 17, the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Thiruvalla had denied him bail.

Mamkootathil had earlier secured relief from courts in the first two complaints but was arrested and sent to custody for the third case. According to the prosecution, the latest case alleges that the MLA sexually assaulted a woman after summoning her to a hotel under the pretext of marriage. The complaint also includes serious accusations such as physical abuse, financial exploitation, and forced abortion.

The bail hearing was conducted in camera, following a request from Assistant Public Prosecutor MG Devi to protect the survivor's identity. The magistrate consulted Mamkootathil’s defense lawyer, Shasthamangalam Ajith Kumar, before approving the closed-session hearing. Non-related individuals were asked to leave, and the court heard detailed arguments before initially dismissing the bail application.

The High Court had stayed Mamkootathil’s arrest in the first sexual assault case, while the trial court had granted anticipatory bail in the second case. On December 12, the investigation of the first case was transferred from the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner to the State Police Crime Branch. Following this transfer, both rape cases against the expelled MLA are now being overseen by Assistant Inspector General of Police Poonguzhali, who was already supervising the second case.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Four people, including a CRPF jawan, were killed in a road accident on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur on Tuesday. The incident took place near milestone 68 towards Srinagar when a bus collided with a pickup truck. Kartar Singh, Second-in-Command of the CRPF 137 Battalion, confirmed that a jawan from the 52 Battalion was among those who lost their lives. He said the exact cause of the accident is still being investigated, while police personnel reached the spot soon after the crash. The bodies were recovered from the site and shifted to a nearby hospital for post-accident formalities, and an official investigation has been initiated.

BJP MP Arun Govil and BJP leader Sanjeev Balyan visited the residence of Indian Army soldier Rinkil Balyan, who recently died in a separate road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. Speaking to ANI, Arun Govil praised the family’s long association with the armed and paramilitary forces, calling their service a matter of pride for the nation. He expressed solidarity with the grieving family and paid tribute to the fallen soldier.

Sanjeev Balyan also paid his respects, describing Rinkil Balyan as a close family member. He said that families of martyrs rarely make demands, but assured that any assistance required would be fully supported by the government. Rinkil Balyan was among ten Army personnel who lost their lives when a military vehicle slipped off the road in Doda while moving through difficult terrain amid adverse weather conditions. According to the White Knight Corps, rescue operations were immediately launched by the Army and local administration despite challenging conditions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

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.