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Thursday, February 19, 2026
TopicUniversity Grants Commission (UGC)

Topic: University Grants Commission (UGC)

Payal Tadvi suicide: 7 years on, why case that prompted new UGC rules is still in limbo

Bhakti Mehare, Hema Ahuja, and Ankita Khandelwal—3 of her seniors—were initially arrested on charges of harassment & casteist remarks but later released on bail. Case remains stalled.

Rising numbers of unemployed graduates will destabilise social structure: Kalam at UGC event

On 28 December 2003, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam delivered an address to mark the 50th anniversary of the UGC in New Delhi, outlining the role of the education sector and universities in national development.

SC stays 2026 UGC rules on caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions

Calling the regulations prima facie 'vague' and 'capable of misuse', the top court said they must be revisited by an expert panel.

New UGC rules challenged in Supreme Court, plea seeks ‘caste-neutral’ definition of discrimination

In September 2025, the Supreme Court directed the UGC to tighten anti-discrimination rules, including policies on ragging and caste bias in higher educational institutions.

Even RSS affiliate ABVP asks govt to clarify ‘ambiguities’ of UGC equity rules

As the matter is currently sub-judice, ABVP says UGC should promptly file an affidavit in court to clarify its stance. Also that govt must 'take prompt action to prevent any divisive situation from developing'.

‘Underestimating upper caste unity’: Resentment & resignations within BJP over new UGC rules

Some BJP leaders demand rollback of UGC rules to combat caste discrimination on campuses. Upper caste students say rules are one-sided & could lead to 'reverse bias' against them.

Centre forms expert panel to review UGC draft curriculum amid concerns over ‘grave defects’

Kerala & Karnataka govt have said they wouldn’t adopt the curriculum. Over 900 academics signed petition against draft mathematics curriculum last month, urging UGC to withdraw it.

After bribery row, NAAC set to roll out revamped accreditation system with stricter grading norms

The council will replace the previous grading method with a new 'maturity-based grading system', which will make it more difficult for institutions to achieve higher grades.

Sole NDA ally to question Centre’s draft rules on university V-C appointments, what is JD(U)’s stand

The JD(U) called for the draft legislation to be amended to protect state power. The new rules give greater power to chancellor—usually Centre-appointed state governor—in the process.

UGC draft norms for recruiting V-Cs: Political implications & why there’s resistance from academia

The University Grants Commission has released the draft in the public domain for a month, seeking suggestions, after which it will release the final guidelines.

On Camera

Telangana spoke up for Muslim vendor who was attacked. South is different from the North

A poor Muslim man from Kurnool, selling khoya buns during the Medaram Jatara in Telangana, was harassed by some YouTubers and surrounded by a mob over allegations of 'food jihad'.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.