News for '-union-minister-of-state-for-education'

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8: What It Means for Students

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8: What It Means for Students

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched an artificial intelligence and computational thinking curriculum for classes 3 to 8, aiming to integrate structured AI education into the school system.

Woman claims rape at IIM-Calcutta campus, her father says...

Woman claims rape at IIM-Calcutta campus, her father says...

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

The accused has been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by the woman at Haridevpur Police Station, they said.

Celebrating Swami Vivekananda's Life

Celebrating Swami Vivekananda's Life

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary is celebrated every year on January 12.

Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict on school jobs

Can't accept, but ...: Mamata on SC verdict on school jobs

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has defended her support for teachers who were dismissed following a Supreme Court verdict, accusing the BJP and CPI(M) of "hatching a conspiracy" to influence the ruling. She dared the BJP to arrest her for supporting the affected candidates, while asserting that her government will abide by the verdict but explore all legal options. The development has triggered political reactions with the BJP demanding Banerjee's resignation, while the CPI(M) expressed concern over the impact on the education system. Banerjee also criticized the BJP's handling of the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh, drawing parallels to the school jobs scam in West Bengal.

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to address the growing concern of student suicides in higher educational institutions. The court took note of the recurring cases and directed Delhi Police to register FIRs on the complaints of families of two students who died by suicide at IIT Delhi in 2023. The NTF, chaired by former apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, will prepare a comprehensive report, including the identification of causes leading to suicides, analysis of existing regulations, and recommendations for strengthening protections. The NTF will also have the authority to conduct surprise inspections of higher educational institutions and make further recommendations to ensure a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns and eliminating suicides.

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its senior leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim regarding the Muslim percentage in the population. Hakim, in a speech, had claimed that Muslims constitute 33 per cent of the population in West Bengal and 17 per cent nationwide, adding that they could become a numerical majority if they empower themselves. The party issued a statement on Monday condemning Hakim's remarks, asserting that they do not reflect its ideology and commitment to communal harmony. The remarks have sparked a political storm, with the opposition BJP accusing Hakim of attempting to stir communal sentiments. Hakim later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he was advocating for the empowerment of minorities through education and skill development. However, the controversy has caused ripples within the TMC and complicated the party's messaging.

Bengal child rights panel at Sandeshkhali to probe cruelty on infant

Bengal child rights panel at Sandeshkhali to probe cruelty on infant

Rediff.com17 Feb 2024

Villagers alleged that a seven-month-old child was snatched from her mother's lap and thrown away by miscreants in Sandeshkhali.

Over 14,000 schoolchildren displaced due to violence in Manipur

Over 14,000 schoolchildren displaced due to violence in Manipur

Rediff.com2 Aug 2023

Over 93 per cent of these children have been admitted to the nearest school, Union Minister of State for Education Annapurna Devi said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

Row over 'Azad Kashmir' question in Bengal school paper

Row over 'Azad Kashmir' question in Bengal school paper

Rediff.com18 Jan 2023

In the question paper, issued in an exercise book of a Bengali-medium school for Madhyamik aspirants, the paper setter has asked them to identify several places on the map (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (referred to as 'Azad Kashmir' in Pakistan), the place where Gandhiji had first undertaken the Satyagraha movement, and the Chittagong battleground.

Discretionary quotas for admissions to Kendriya Vidyalayas put on hold

Discretionary quotas for admissions to Kendriya Vidyalayas put on hold

Rediff.com15 Apr 2022

The quotas have been put on hold following a review, according to a letter sent to all Kendriya Vidyalayas.