Punjab PCS Exam Row: BJP Demands CBI Probe, Flags Irregularities as Students Seek Re-evaluationThe declaration of the Punjab Civil Services examination results has triggered political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party alleging malpractices and demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry. BJP leaders claimed that unusual selection patterns emerged, alleging that 45 percent of candidates qualified from a single room or specific centres, and called for the resignation of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains.
An unidentified speaker questioned the hesitation of the Aam Aadmi Party leadership to order a probe. Meanwhile, affected candidates have urged the state government to conduct an immediate re-evaluation, stating that deserving candidates were excluded from selection.Delhi Conducts Two Cloud Seeding Trials to Tackle Severe Air PollutionThe Delhi government has carried out two rounds of cloud seeding trials near the Indira Gandhi International Airport over the past fortnight to explore artificial rain as a solution for rising air pollution.
Sources indicate the operations were conducted at an altitude of roughly 30,000 metres, significantly higher than last year's trials. The exercise involves dispersing substances such as silver iodide and sodium chloride to stimulate precipitation.
More trials are expected after the Diwali and Chhath festivals, with official announcements likely deferred until the results prove successful.Delhi Building Collapse: Two Dead, JE & AE Suspended, FIR Filed Against ContractorA building collapse in Old Delhi's Chawri Bazar left two dead and one person injured, prompting immediate administrative action. The Municipal Corporation suspended a junior engineer and an assistant engineer responsible for the area's building oversight, while an FIR was registered against the contractor overseeing the site.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the spot, cautioning that ignoring safety protocols during construction poses a fatal risk and warning that officials overlooking negligence will face strict repercussions.Centre To Revisit UGC Equity Norms; Supreme Court Grants More Time Over Caste Bias RulesThe Central government has informed the Supreme Court that it is considering appointing a committee to take a fresh look at the controversial UGC Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a Chief Justice of India-led bench that the government is examining the issue to ensure every student is protected and no section feels dissatisfied.
The Supreme Court granted additional time to formulate guidelines addressing caste-based discrimination and ragging in higher educational institutions. The UGC equity rules had triggered protests from general category students, while petitions filed by the mothers of Payal Tadvi and Rohith Vemula sought strong protections for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students.
For now, the regulations remain stayed.