Key Highlights * Azad set a foundational modern system and introduced the National Education Policy in the 1950s. * The ministry has transitioned from MHRD to Education with a 2020 re‑branding to reflect a broader developmental mandate. * Leadership changes in 2026 brought Pralhad Joshi, who also oversees Consumer Affairs and New‑Energy portfolios. * The NEP†20 is currently being operationalised through large‑scale digital learning and skill‑development programmes. Detailed Insights The Ministry of Education, as the central body directed by the Union Government, architects policies, oversees implementation across primary, secondary, and tertiary tiers, and monitors research agendas. Since independence, the position has been occupied by prominent statesmen who have shaped the country’s knowledge ecosystem. After Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation in July 2026, Pralhad Joshi assumed the portfolio on an additional footing, augmenting his responsibilities with Consumer Affairs and New & Renewable Energy ministers. This convergence of ministries is aimed at harnessing consumer‑centric quality of education and a sustainable energy future for schools and institutions. The NEP†20 – the most sweeping reform in over thirty years – is at the centre of reforms now focused on digital platforms, curriculum overhaul, teacher training, and assessment redesign. The ministry is tasked with accelerating these reforms through an inclusive and data‑driven approach. Key Concepts * Ministry of Education – the federal agency managing national educational policy and administration. * National Education Policy (NEP†20) – the strategic framework guiding India’s schooling and higher‑education reforms. * Education Minister – the cabinet member responsible for directing the ministry’s policy agenda. * Digital Learning – integration of technology and online platforms to broaden access and quality of instruction. * Skill Development – targeted programmes that equip students and the workforce with industry‑relevant competencies.

Key Highlights * Implementation of the revised loan recovery framework is now set for 1 January 2027. * Recovery activities—including calls and visits—must occur only between 08:00 AM and 07:00 PM. * Lenders are required to give borrowers a minimum of one‑day prior notice before a physical visit. * Recordings of all recovery calls must be retained for at least six months. * Financed devices may be remotely locked only after 60 days of non‑payment, with essential functions (calls, SMS, SOS) remaining active. Detailed Insights The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out nine circulars on 6 August 2026 that collectively form a comprehensive recovery framework. The new guidelines aim to standardise the approach banks and NBFCs take when a borrower defaults, thereby reducing ambiguity and fostering a fair recovery environment. One of the most noticeable changes is the strict time window for recovery interactions. By confining calls and visits to the 08:00 AM–07:00 PM slot, the RBI seeks to protect borrowers from late‑night or early‑morning disturbances while ensuring lenders have a predictable schedule. Prior‑notice requirements further enhance transparency. A one‑day advance notice before a recovery agent’s first visit gives borrowers a clear expectation of when the lender will arrive, mitigating potential conflicts. Documentation standards have also been tightened. Lenders must now archive call recordings for a minimum of six months, providing a reliable audit trail that can be referenced in disputes or regulatory reviews. Technology‑driven recovery measures, such as remote device locking, are regulated to balance enforcement with borrower safety. The RBI mandates that a financed mobile or tablet cannot be fully locked until 60 days of overdue payments, and even then, core functions—calls, SMS, and SOS emergency services—must remain operational. Finally, the framework introduces a certification requirement for recovery agents. Only individuals who have completed a course at the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF) may be employed in this capacity, ensuring that recovery personnel meet professional standards. Key Concepts * Loan Recovery – The systematic process of collecting overdue payments from borrowers. * Recovery Agent – A trained individual authorised to contact borrowers and facilitate repayment. * Remote Device Locking – The ability of a lender to disable a financed device from a distance after a specified period of non‑payment. * Certification – Formal qualification, such as the IIBF course, required for recovery agents. * Documentation – The retention of records, including call recordings, to support compliance and dispute resolution.

Key Highlights * India has had 15 Presidents since 1950, with Tamil Nadu contributing the highest number (3). * Droupadi Murmu, the current President, is the first tribal leader and the second woman to hold the office. * The President is the constitutional head of the Union, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and is elected by an Electoral College. * Presidential terms last five years with no term limit, and the office has seen leaders from diverse fields such as philosophy, science, and politics. * Dr. Rajendra Prasad remains the only President to have served two full terms. Detailed Insights Since the adoption of the Constitution on 26 January 1950, the office of the President has evolved into a symbol of national unity and constitutional authority. The current incumbent, Droupadi Murmu, assumed office on 25 July 2022 and has already broken two significant barriers: she is the first person from an Adivasi community to be elected, and she is only the second woman after Pratibha Patil. Her background as Governor of Jharkhand and a former minister in Odisha showcases the varied pathways to the presidency. Among the states, Tamil Nadu stands out with three Presidents—Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962‑1967), R. Venkataraman (1987‑1992), and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002‑2007). Their contributions span philosophy, law, and aerospace science, reflecting the state's intellectual diversity. Odisha follows with two Presidents, while the remaining states have each produced one. The President’s constitutional duties include appointing the Prime Minister, Governors, and other key officials, while the Prime Minister handles day‑to‑day governance. The President’s role as Supreme Commander ensures civilian oversight of the military, and the Electoral College—comprising elected members of Parliament and state legislatures—elects the President by a weighted system. Key Concepts * President of India – The ceremonial head of state and the highest constitutional authority. * Electoral College – The body that elects the President, consisting of elected MPs and MLAs. * Head of State vs Head of Government – The President is the symbolic head of state; the Prime Minister is the executive head of government. * Supreme Commander – The President’s role as the highest authority over the Indian Armed Forces. * Term and Eligibility – Five‑year term, no limit on the number of terms, and eligibility criteria set by the Constitution.

On-screen marking improves evaluation accuracy, speeds up result processing, enhances transparency, and supports efficient management of large-scale

Kamla Chowdhary, first woman PCS officer of Joint Punjab, honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at SCD Govt College Ludhiana’s alumni meet on Women’s Day.

The government has announced that the next phase of the ADRE for Grade 3 and Grade 4 posts will begin on June 15 with the entire process