India
There will be no re-examination for hundreds of students who skipped practical examinations
According to a report, hundreds of pre-university II (PU II) students who skipped practical tests in Karnataka would not be given another chance to sit for the exams. Class 12 is referred to as PU II in Karnataka. They had boycotted the tests to get hijab authorized in their institutes’ classrooms.
The administration has previously intimated that these students would be given another chance to sit for the exams. However, the administration reiterated on Sunday that students who were marked absent during the exams will not be given another chance.
“How can we even accept the possibility?” questioned BC Nagesh, the minister of basic and secondary education, stating the government’s position. If we let students who boycotted the practicals because they were not permitted to wear hijab to the exam even after the high court issued an interim injunction, another student will come with a different reason and seek a second opportunity.”
Practical examinations are worth 30 points out of a total of 100 points in Karnataka board exams, with the remaining 70 points going to theory tests.
The Hijab debate began in Karnataka in early February, when several students insisted on wearing hijab inside lectures, despite their institutes’ uniform policies. The dispute grew to the point that Pakistan, a difficult neighbor, attempted to spark a diplomatic battle over it.
Several written petitions have been submitted in court, demanding that the hijab be worn in classrooms, despite uniform requirements in educational institutions. The Karnataka high court, however, ruled this week that the hijab is not an important religious practice and dismissed all such applications.
Row of the hijab
Eight Muslim females were denied access to courses in a Udupi college because they were wearing hijab in the first week of January, igniting the hijab issue in Karnataka. The hijab was not part of the required uniform dress code for students, according to the college administration.
The Muslim girls, who were passionate about wearing hijab to school, subsequently petitioned the High Court for permission to do so. They claimed that wearing the hijab was a “fundamental right” provided to them under Articles 14 and 25 of the Indian Constitution, as well as an “integral practice of Islam.”
Hindu students in Karnataka wore saffron scarves over their necks and protested against Muslim girls continuing to wear hijab to college, escalating the debate. Stone-pelting and violence were reported from various regions of the state, causing tensions at several educational institutions in Udupi, Shivamogga, Bagalkote, and other areas.
After meeting the Campus Front of India (CFI), the student section of the Islamist group Popular Front of India (PFI), in October 2021, the students began to wear hijab to schools and colleges, as previously reported. The pupils admitted to conversing with the CFI.
Housing draw offers thousands of economically weaker families a chance to own affordable homes.
The Lottery
The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has announced the results of its housing lottery for applicants from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), with 3,142 applicants declared successful.
The draw has brought relief and excitement to thousands of families who have been waiting for an opportunity to own an affordable home in the Navi Mumbai region. For many selected applicants, the result marks an important step towards fulfilling their long-awaited dream of home ownership.
The housing scheme is aimed at providing homes at relatively affordable prices to eligible families from economically weaker sections. With property prices remaining a major challenge for middle- and lower-income families in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, such schemes offer an important opportunity for those struggling to find affordable housing. Successful applicants can check their results and follow the further procedures announced by CIDCO. They will need to complete the required formalities within the stipulated time to proceed with their housing allotment.
The announcement is expected to provide much-needed support to families seeking secure and affordable accommodation in the rapidly developing Navi Mumbai region. The CIDCO housing initiative is part of the corporation’s broader efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities and help more families move closer to owning a home of their own.
Month-long campaign to focus on better civic services, cleanliness, health and community participation.
The Initiative
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is preparing a series of citizen-focused initiatives under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, scheduled to be held from September 17 to October 17, 2026.
The campaign, announced by the Maharashtra Government, aims to improve public services and encourage citizens to take part in activities benefiting society. NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde recently held a meeting with senior officials and school principals to discuss the plans. As part of the campaign, the civic body will organise Seva Setu, innovation challenges, cleanliness drives, health camps, art and elocution competitions, Anganwadi Utsav and digital literacy programmes for senior citizens.
Under Seva Setu, NMMC plans to assess basic civic facilities in tribal settlements, including drinking water, streetlights, sanitation, roads, drainage and healthcare. Special camps will also be held to help residents resolve pending applications related to birth and death certificates, marriage registration and property documents.
The campaign will also promote waste segregation, reduced plastic use, blood donation and fitness awareness. Students will be encouraged to share ideas for building a developed India. Through the month-long initiative, NMMC hopes to bring public services closer to residents while encouraging cleanliness, health, innovation and active community participation.
Seawoods residents seek strict action against tobacco sales near educational institutions and public spaces.
The Cigarette Sales
Residents of Sector 25, Seawoods, Nerul, have raised concerns over students allegedly smoking in public places and the suspected sale of cigarettes to minors.
Following repeated complaints, the ward officer and local police conducted a raid at a paan shop on the ground floor of Ambika Heights on the night of September 11. Officials reportedly found cigarette cartons at the shop, but no other illegal intoxicating substances.
Residents said students, reportedly aged between 17 and 22, are frequently seen smoking near Seawoods railway station, the bridge and other public areas. They suspect that a local paan shop may be supplying cigarettes to college students. Prakash Yawalkar, president of the Seawoods Citizens Welfare Association, said students were openly smoking outside the shop, raising concerns among residents and parents.
The association has submitted complaints to the local police, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, mayor, local representatives and the Drug Department. It has urged authorities to strictly enforce the law prohibiting tobacco sales to minors and increase monitoring around schools, colleges and other student gathering points.
Residents said stronger action is needed to prevent tobacco use among young people and ensure that public spaces remain safe and healthy.
CIDCO Announces 3,142 Winners in EWS Housing Lottery
NMMC Plans Citizen-Focused Initiatives Under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Residents Raise Alarm Over Cigarette Sales to Students
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