three language policy

India's three-language policy is back at the centre of national debate, and the argument is the same one it has always been. The CBSE's 2026 mandate to make three languages compulsory up to Class 10 is framed as a step towards multilingualism and national integration. In Tamil Nadu and much of the South, it is being read as something else entirely. The question is not really about languages. It never was.

Odisha's CBSE schools are largely unaffected by the new three-language policy due to low demand for foreign languages. Most students already follow a combination of English, Odia, and Hindi or Sanskrit, minimizing academic disruption. While some adjustments are needed for students studying foreign languages, CBSE offers support for the transition.

A petition challenging CBSE’s decision to make a third language compulsory for Classes 9 and 10 from 2026-27 has reached the Supreme Court. Parents and teachers have alleged the sudden policy shift will disrupt students’ education, create confusion in schools, and burden children with abrupt language changes without adequate teachers or preparation.

In Chandigarh, parents are voicing their worries about the CBSE's recent decision to introduce a mandatory third language for students in Classes 9 and 10 starting in 2026-27. Their primary concerns revolve around the potential increase in academic stress and possible hindrances to ongoing foreign language programs.

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Starting July 1, 2026, CBSE mandates three languages for Class IX, with at least two being Indian. No board exam will be held for the third language in Class X; assessments will be school-based. This aligns with NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023, ensuring smooth implementation with interim solutions for textbooks and teachers.

A controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu over the recitation order of national and state songs during a swearing-in ceremony. The DMK criticized the Vijay government for prioritizing 'Vande Mataram' over the Tamil invocation song, accusing them of disrespecting Tamil culture and adopting BJP's politics.

Rahul Gandhi fiercely criticized the Modi government, accusing it of failing students across age groups due to the NEET paper leak, CBSE evaluation issues, and a new language policy. He highlighted the uncertainty faced by lakhs of students and demanded accountability from Prime Minister Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling the ministry a 'department of disasters'.

Uttar Pradesh has transformed significantly over nine years, moving from a state plagued by poor law and order and migration to a model of development and security. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted improvements in infrastructure, investment, agriculture, and welfare, emphasizing a generational shift in governance and opportunity for its citizens.

India is leveraging Artificial Intelligence for significant progress towards Viksit Bharat 2047. AI drives economic growth, improves governance, and promotes social inclusion. Key elements for success include making data accessible to all, building strong organizational systems, and focusing on human skills. These steps will help India become a global AI leader and bridge development gaps.

President Trump's visit to China is overshadowed by the Iran War, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted his approval ratings. While trade and Taiwan remain on the agenda, the protracted conflict in Iran presents a significant challenge, with the US struggling to achieve its war aims and facing a decline in superpower status.

The BJP's ambition to expand in Tamil Nadu faced a setback as actor Vijay's party, TVK, emerged as the single largest party, disrupting the Dravidian dominance. A leadership vacuum and identity clashes, including the three-language policy, hindered the BJP's prospects, while TVK successfully captured anti-DMK sentiment.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal tells TOI that other boards are starting leagues for revenue as bilaterals are not adding enough value, allays fears over depreciating media rights value next year, and maintains that BCCI will maintain good relations with boards after the Mustafizur Rahman fiasco.

In a bold move toward revitalizing national pride, Burkina Faso's ruling junta is championing a nationalist movement that mandates the play of local music in entertainment venues and promotes the purchase of homegrown products.

Excellence in maternity care transcends mere statistics, focusing on compassionate, respectful treatment and holistic patient well-being. The Times Future of Maternity Awards 2026 jury emphasized communication and outcome indicators over raw numbers. Winners were recognized for their commitment to quality care, from preconception to post-birth, ensuring both mother and child thrive.

Indian nurses, the backbone of healthcare, are critically undervalued despite their expanded roles in patient care, crisis management, and emotional support. Facing severe shortages and overwhelming workloads, their vital contributions often go unrecognized, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic. A reckoning is needed to truly appreciate and support these frontline caregivers.

Daily Rashi Tarot readings offer guidance for Aries to Pisces, focusing on overall energy, love, career, money, health, and spiritual well-being. Each reading uses a fixed anchor card and a six-card spread to provide insights and advice for navigating the day's challenges and opportunities with intention and clarity.