In an effort to combat rising sugar consumption among students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to establish “Sugar Boards”—a dedicated awareness initiative designed to monitor and educate students about the dangers of excessive sugar intake. This decision follows a sharp increase in Type 2 diabetes among children, a condition once primarily seen in adults, but now a growing concern in school-aged populations.

Why Sugar is Becoming a Silent Crisis

The CBSE has observed a troubling rise in Type 2 diabetes among students over the past decade. Health experts attribute this trend to the easy availability of sugary snacks, soft drinks, and processed foods within school environments. Studies indicate that sugar constitutes 13% of daily calorie intake for children aged 4 to 10 years and 15% for those aged 11 to 18 years—far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 5%.

These Sugar Boards, mandated by CBSE, will serve as educational displays within schools, informing students about the risks of excessive sugar consumption. They will display critical information, such as:

• Recommended daily sugar intake

• Sugar content in commonly consumed foods (sweets, sodas, chocolates)

• Health risks associated with high sugar intake, including obesity, diabetes, and dental problems

• Healthier dietary alternatives

The directive also encourages schools to conduct awareness seminars and workshops, helping students make informed food choices. Schools are required to submit reports and photographs of their Sugar Boards by July 15.

The Real Enemy is Advertising

But while the CBSE is focusing on sugar consumption within schools, global research highlights a much larger problem—junk food advertising. As reported by The South First in a recent story, a study presented at the 2024 European Congress on Obesity in Malaga found that even five minutes of exposure to junk food advertisements could cause children to consume an extra 130 kilocalories per day. Professor Emma Boyland from the University of Liverpool explained, “Our results show that unhealthy food marketing leads to sustained increases in caloric intake among young people—enough to promote weight gain over time.”

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This research highlights that children’s sugar consumption is not just influenced by what they eat in school but also by what they see on their screens. Junk food marketing—whether through TV, online ads, or even brand-only advertisements—significantly impacts children’s eating habits.

Nithin Kamath, Founder & CEO of Zerodha & Rainmatter Foundation, and a popular LinkedIn thought leader, recently highlighted the Sugar Boards initiative on social media, thanking Food Pharmer (Revant Himatsingka) for contributing to this change with his content.

Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as Food Pharmer, has been a vocal advocate for healthier eating habits among children. His digital content, which breaks down the sugar content of everyday foods—from malted drinks to packaged juices—has gained widespread attention and spurred conversations on healthy eating among parents, schools, and policymakers.

Kamath’s post acknowledged that while the CBSE’s initiative is a step in the right direction, true change requires parental awareness and action. “Now to figure out how to get parents to care about it. How to reduce sodas, coffee/tea (majority of it is mostly sugar), malted drinks, chocolates, sweets, etc.,” he wrote.

Will ‘Sugar Boards’ Be Enough?

While the Sugar Boards are a commendable initiative, many may argue that they are only part of the solution. Schools can monitor students’ sugar intake on campus, but the problem extends beyond the school gates. Children are exposed to junk food advertising on social media, in video games, and even through influencer endorsements.

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Professor Boyland’s research shows that even brand-only food ads—advertisements that showcase brand logos without directly promoting food—can significantly increase children’s calorie intake. This means that without stricter advertising regulations, schools may find it difficult to counter the impact of sugar marketing.

CBSE’s Sugar Boards are a commendable initiative, but their success will depend on consistent awareness efforts, parental involvement, and broader policy changes. Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach:

1. Stricter regulations on junk food marketing aimed at children

2. Mandatory nutrition education as part of the curriculum

3. Collaboration with parents to reduce sugary foods at home

4. Regular health check-ups and BMI monitoring in schools

With diabetes and obesity on the rise among young Indians, addressing the sugar crisis is no longer just a dietary choice—it is a public health necessity.

In a significant move reflecting escalating geopolitical tensions, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has suspended all academic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Turkish educational institutions, citing national security concerns. This decision follows a similar action by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which recently halted its MoU with Turkey’s Inonu University. Kanpur University has also terminated its academic agreement with Istanbul University.

The suspensions come amid Turkey’s perceived support for Pakistan in regional conflicts, prompting Indian universities to reassess their international collaborations. Delhi University is currently reviewing its MoUs with Turkish institutions, with decisions pending further evaluation.

While the number of Indian students in Turkey remains relatively low—approximately 200 as of 2023 —these developments underscore the broader impact of geopolitical dynamics on educational exchanges. Turkey hosts over 300,000 international students, but Indian enrollment has been minimal compared to other destinations. 

The current geopolitical climate is influencing Indian students’ choices for higher education abroad. Traditional destinations like the UK, US, and Canada have seen declines in Indian student enrollments due to stricter immigration policies and rising costs. Conversely, countries such as Germany, France, and New Zealand are experiencing increased interest from Indian students, attributed to more favorable visa policies and affordable education.

These shifts highlight the need for Indian students to consider geopolitical stability and diplomatic relations when selecting study destinations. As international relations continue to evolve, educational institutions and students alike must navigate the complex interplay between academia and global politics.

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In a world where a tweet can trigger diplomatic disputes and a trade ban can reshape global supply chains, understanding geopolitics is no longer just for diplomats—it’s for everyone. Yet, as Jaimine Vaishnav’s thought-provoking article, “Breaking Barriers: The Case for Rethinking Geopolitical Education in India,” highlights, Indian education remains stubbornly siloed. Students in fields like technology, design, or engineering are rarely encouraged to explore the world of international relations, cultural diplomacy, or the geopolitics of technology. But should they be?

For a country with one of the world’s largest and youngest populations, India’s education system is remarkably conservative in its approach to interdisciplinary learning. According to Vaishnav, fewer than 4.3% of India’s top technological institutions offer substantial coursework in international relations. Even among design schools, a mere 2.7% address the intersection of aesthetics and global diplomacy. In a world where design is soft power and technology is a geopolitical weapon, these numbers reflect an alarming disconnect.

Why Geopolitical Education Matters—Everywhere

Geopolitics is not just about borders or foreign policy. It is about understanding how power, culture, economics, and technology influence every aspect of our lives. When a design student learns about cultural diplomacy, they understand that a logo is not just branding—it is a statement of national identity. When a technology student grasps the concept of data sovereignty, they realise that code can be a tool of influence.

This disconnect between classrooms and the real world was dramatically highlighted recently when tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. As cross-border hostility intensified, schools in border districts of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir were the first to shut down. Students stayed home, and classes were suspended until further notice, only resuming yesterday. In this tense environment, education was not just disrupted—it became a casualty of geopolitics.

Education is Political—Always Has Been

Vaishnav’s article brilliantly exposes the myth that education can be apolitical. When students are taught to code without understanding digital ethics, when engineers learn to build without considering sustainability, and when designers are trained without a sense of cultural context—they are being educated in a vacuum.

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Today, social media algorithms can incite communal hatred, artificial intelligence can reflect racial bias, and a diplomatic tweet can tank a company’s stocks. Education that ignores these connections leaves students unequipped for the real world.

What can we do? We need to reimagine interdisciplinary education as not just an add-on but a foundational framework. Students must learn to navigate the world with an understanding of how global and local forces intersect. This isn’t just an academic preference—it’s a survival skill.

At ScooNews, we believe education is not just about memorising facts but about making sense of the world. Jaimine Vaishnav’s article is a timely reminder that the most important thing we can teach our students is how to think—and that means thinking beyond silos.

Read the full article by Jaimine Vaishnav here: [Breaking Barriers: The Case for Rethinking Geopolitical Education in India]

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Indian students aspiring to study in the United Kingdom may face new challenges following the UK government’s announcement of stricter immigration rules. Under a new Immigration White Paper revealed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, several visa categories, including student visas, are set to undergo significant changes.

What’s Changing for Indian Students?

One of the most notable changes is the reduction of the Graduate Route visa from two years to 18 months. This visa, which allows international students to work in the UK after completing their studies, has been a popular choice among Indian students. As the largest group of Graduate Route users, Indian students may now find it harder to gain sufficient work experience in the UK before their visa expires.

Additionally, the new rules double the standard period for settlement status eligibility from five years to 10 years. This means international students and their dependents will now need a longer stay before they can qualify for permanent residency.

The new regulations also impose stricter English language requirements, with students and their dependents expected to demonstrate language improvement as part of their visa conditions. This could add pressure on non-native speakers to meet higher proficiency standards.

Student Voices and Concerns

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) has expressed mixed reactions to the changes. While they are relieved that the Graduate Route has been retained, they have raised concerns about the potential impact on Indian students, who rely on this route for international work experience.

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“Panic must not be allowed to set in among current and prospective students. Immediate clarity is needed on who is affected and how,” NISAU stated.

With these new rules, Indian students must carefully plan their UK education journey, considering the limited work window and the extended path to settlement.

In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, the Maharashtra School Education Department has initiated a comprehensive mapping of all teaching and non-teaching staff positions across government and aided schools in the state. This major exercise will align all staff posts with the approved ‘Sanction Structure’ and validate these positions against salary records in the state’s official payment processing system, Shalarth.

Mapping for Accountability

According to a recent report by Hindustan Times, the Maharashtra government has issued directives to all government, fully-aided, and partially-aided secondary schools, directing them to complete this mapping process by the end of June 2025. The initiative will involve verifying every teaching and non-teaching position against the Sanction Structure and matching these with salary records on the Shalarth portal, which is used for processing staff payments.

The mapping process will leverage an Application Programming Interface (API) developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), allowing the education department to cross-check the data submitted by schools for accuracy. Schools will be required to upload a PDF copy of their completed Sanction Structure mapping before the release of July salaries in August. Any institution failing to comply will face salary disbursement restrictions.

This exercise is a direct response to growing concerns about financial mismanagement in school staffing, including payments made to unauthorised or non-existent employees. The education department has made it clear that strict action will be taken against schools and staff who fail to comply with the new data submission guidelines. Salaries will be withheld in cases where schools delay or neglect the mapping process.

A senior education officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Hindustan Times, “We are taking a data-driven approach to ensure that only legitimate employees are drawing salaries from government funds. The mapping of posts and salary systems will bring transparency and accountability at every level.”

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Implications and Potential as a National Model

This initiative has the potential to become a model for other states seeking to ensure transparency in education funding. If successful, the mapping drive can eliminate the problem of “ghost employees,” ensure the fair distribution of government funds, and prevent the influence of politically-backed illegal appointments. However, it also places significant pressure on school administrations, which must ensure complete and accurate data submission.

While the drive promotes accountability, there is a risk of administrative overload, especially in remote or understaffed schools. The use of digital tools, such as the API integration with Shalarth, is a positive step, but effective implementation will depend on user training and technical support.

If proven effective, Maharashtra’s staff mapping initiative could serve as a blueprint for other states in India to adopt a similar approach, ensuring that education funds are used solely for legitimate purposes.

Indian students are increasingly looking beyond traditional study-abroad destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. According to a recent report by Gradding.com, a study-abroad platform, the number of Indian students choosing countries like Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai has surged by 38%. This trend marks a significant shift in the preferences of Indian students seeking global education.

While the US, UK, and Australia have long been popular choices, the tightening of immigration policies and restrictive post-study visa rules in these countries have caused a decline in student interest. Canada experienced the biggest drop in Indian student enrollments at 41%, followed by the UK with a 27.7% decline and the US with 13%. In contrast, Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai have become preferred alternatives due to their globally recognised institutions, affordable education, and strong job markets.

Mamta Shekhawat, founder of Gradding.com, highlighted the changing landscape, stating, “The evolving preferences of Indian students reflect a transformative shift in global education dynamics. With destinations like Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai offering quality education, affordability, and strong career prospects, we’re witnessing a more informed and strategic approach to overseas education.”

The numbers reinforce this shift. The total number of Indian students studying abroad rose from 750,365 in 2022 to 892,989 in 2023, with a notable increase in those opting for lesser-explored destinations. Singapore, for instance, recorded a 25% year-on-year growth in Indian student enrolment.

The rise of these new destinations is attributed to their student-friendly policies, industry partnerships, and focus on emerging sectors such as finance, technology, and healthcare. As Indian students continue to explore alternative destinations, universities in Singapore, Ireland, and Dubai are expected to see a steady influx, reshaping the global education map.

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In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian government has launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border. This military action has prompted heightened security measures nationwide, including the closure of schools in several border districts and the initiation of Operation Abhyaas—a nationwide civil defence mock drill aimed at bolstering emergency preparedness.

As a precautionary step, educational institutions in border districts of Punjab (Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Amritsar, Gurdaspur), Rajasthan (Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer), and Jammu & Kashmir have been temporarily closed. These closures aim to ensure the safety of students and staff amid potential cross-border hostilities. 

Operation Abhyaas: Enhancing Emergency Preparedness

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated Operation Abhyaas, a comprehensive civil defence exercise conducted across 244 districts. This drill encompasses activities such as air-raid siren tests, blackout simulations, evacuation procedures, and public training sessions. In Delhi, for instance, 55 locations are participating in the drill, involving students, teachers, and civil defence volunteers. 

Addressing Student Anxiety and Promoting Well-being

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The current climate of uncertainty and the implementation of mock drills can understandably lead to anxiety among students. Educators and school administrators play a pivotal role in mitigating these concerns:

• Open Communication: Provide age-appropriate explanations about the drills and current events, reassuring students about the measures taken for their safety.

• Emotional Support: Encourage students to express their feelings and provide support through counseling services or designated safe spaces within the school.

• Routine and Normalcy: Maintain regular school routines to provide a sense of stability and normalcy for students.

• Parental Involvement: Engage with parents to keep them informed and involved in addressing their children’s concerns.

While the current geopolitical situation necessitates heightened security and preparedness, it is crucial to balance these measures with the emotional and psychological well-being of students. Through proactive communication, support, and engagement, educators can help students navigate these challenging times with resilience and understanding.

The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate admissions (CUET-UG) 2025, originally scheduled to commence on May 8, is likely to be postponed, according to sources close to the National Testing Agency (NTA). While an official confirmation is still awaited, fresh dates for the examination are expected to be announced shortly.

The delay follows the recently concluded NEET-UG examination—an extensive exercise that required significant logistical oversight, especially as NEET had faced scrutiny last year over alleged integrity lapses.

Despite the approaching exam date, the NTA has yet to release the subject-wise date sheet for CUET-UG 2025, adding to the anticipation and confusion among over 1.35 million applicants—marking the highest-ever number of registrations for the exam since its inception.

This year, CUET-UG will be conducted exclusively in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, signifying a notable departure from the hybrid format adopted in 2024. The hybrid model was introduced to accommodate varied digital access across regions, but also led to logistical complications. In fact, the 2024 CUET-UG exam was abruptly cancelled across Delhi the night before it was scheduled due to operational constraints.

The first edition of CUET-UG in 2022 was marred by technical issues and inconsistencies across multiple shifts, necessitating a complex score normalisation process. The shift to a fully CBT format this year is expected to streamline operations, but the current delay and lack of clarity raise questions about preparedness.

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As undergraduate admissions in central universities and several private institutions are now tied to CUET-UG, any delay in the exam calendar has a cascading effect on the academic schedule.

Students and stakeholders are advised to monitor the official NTA website for updates on the revised dates and examination guidelines.