Dharmendra Pradhan

This news report examines the intense controversy surrounding the new UGC 2026 equity norms aimed at curbing campus discrimination. While the Congress student wing, NSUI, has welcomed the move, stating 'it's important to address discrimination on campus,' students from general categories have labeled the law 'draconian,' fearing it may divide classrooms along class lines. The regulations, influenced by a parliamentary committee chaired by Digvijay Singh and following Supreme Court directions, explicitly include disability and OBC harassment as grounds for discrimination. The bulletin highlights that while groups like ABVP seek more clarity, others like the Left-leaning AISA question the implementation. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured that the law will not be misused and emphasizes the government's commitment to fairness. The report also notes political escalations, including protests at the UGC headquarters and the resignation of an SDM in Uttar Pradesh, as the debate over a potential caste census continues to influence the discourse.

On this Special Report, former University Grants Commission (UGC) member Yogendra Yadav weighs in on the intensifying controversy surrounding the new UGC equity norms. As protests erupt across India over claims that the rules risk dividing students along caste lines, Yadav offers a sharp critique of the government's role. He stated, 'This instance is an instance of manufactured dissent, how a regime is trying to cultivate dissent against its own decision so that it can be diluted.' Yadav argues that the anti-discrimination framework has existed since 2012 and that the current changes are merely a result of a 2019 Supreme Court mandate rather than a proactive step by the government. The discussion also highlights the demands from the Congress party for a caste census and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's assurance that the law will not be misused. The programme explores whether the backlash is a genuine student grievance or a calculated political move to reconsider social justice regulations.

In this special report on Newstrack, Marya Shakil moderates a fiery debate over the University Grants Commission’s proposed 2026 equity regulations. The guidelines, intended to address and reduce discrimination on campuses, have triggered protests in several parts of the country.

This edition of The News Today with Rajdeep Sardesai focuses on the landmark free trade agreement between India and the European Union. Finalised after nearly two decades of negotiations, the pact seeks to open up a combined market of two billion people by cutting import duties on key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and textiles.

This news report examines the nationwide confrontation triggered by the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new equity guidelines aimed at addressing campus discrimination. The speaker notes that while the government insists 'adequate safeguards are in place,' upper caste groups have labelled the rules as biased and 'dangerous,' leading to protests and legal challenges in the Supreme Court. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has clarified that the government will ensure there is no misuse of the law and that no discrimination will occur. However, the report highlights a growing political divide, with the NSUI welcoming the move while some BJP leaders express displeasure. The programme questions whether these regulations represent a tool for social justice or a form of 'reverse discrimination' due to the lack of upper caste representation in equity committees. As the debate intensifies, the central government faces mounting pressure to decide between a formal review or a complete rollback of the controversial guidelines.

This special report examines the growing controversy surrounding the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new draft rules aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination on Indian campuses. The regulations mandate the establishment of equal opportunity centres, equity panels, and 24-hour helplines to protect Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC students. However, the framework has faced significant backlash from upper-caste groups who argue the rules are biased and lack protections against false complaints. The transcript notes that 'The draft defines discrimination broadly, covering explicit acts, implicit bias, structural disadvantage and harm to dignity.' While Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought to reassure critics, the matter has reached the Supreme Court via a plea alleging the rules deny institutional protection to non-reserved categories. The programme highlights how these regulations have become a 'political hot potato,' with opposition leaders accusing the government of creating a 'vertical of caste against caste' while the legal challenge unfolds.

This special report examines the intense political and social backlash following the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new draft regulations aimed at tackling caste-based discrimination in Indian universities. Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Aarin Capital, characterizes the framework as draconian and anti-constitutional, while Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defends the proposed equal opportunity centres, equity squads, and 24-hour helplines. Senior journalist Neerja Chowdhury analyzes the political implications for the BJP, drawing parallels to the 1990 Mandal Commission protests. The discussion features conflicting perspectives on whether these norms foster inclusion or deepen social fault lines. Additionally, the programme covers the historic trade agreement between India and the European Union. Experts evaluate this pact as a significant economic development since 1991, impacting the textile, automobile, and pharmaceutical sectors. The report explores market access for Indian consumers and the strategic diplomatic signals sent to global powers like the United States and China following the New Delhi summit, highlighting the economic ramifications of this international partnership.

This report examines the nationwide controversy surrounding the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new draft equity norms aimed at tackling campus discrimination. The regulations propose a comprehensive overhaul, including the establishment of equal opportunity centres, equity squads, and a 24-hour helpline linked to the police. The narrator notes that 'Reported cases of caste-based discrimination on campuses have jumped 118% between 2019 and 2024', highlighting the urgency of the issue. However, upper caste groups have launched sharp protests, arguing the framework lacks safeguards against malicious complaints and excludes general category representation on decision-making panels. The matter has reached the Supreme Court via a plea alleging the rules deny protection to non-SC, ST, and OBC categories. Politically, the situation places the ruling government in a difficult position, balancing the concerns of its traditional upper-caste support base against the need to retain Dalit and OBC voters following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have announced the conclusion of the 16th India-EU Summit, marking a transformative shift in bilateral relations. Minister Goyal described the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the 'mother of all deals,' noting it covers 25 percent of global trade. The agreement provides duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports, specifically benefiting labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, and gems. Foreign Secretary Misri detailed the first-ever India-EU Security and Defence Partnership and a memorandum of understanding on mobility. Key focus areas include maritime security, green hydrogen cooperation, and scientific research via the Horizon Europe program. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa to solidify this strategic partnership. Additionally, the briefing addresses the nationwide debate regarding new UGC equity regulations. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan provided insights on these regulations, which aim to curb campus discrimination while preventing the potential misuse of the new laws.

On this Special Report, India Today examines the escalating controversy surrounding the new University Grants Commission (UGC) equity directives aimed at curbing campus caste discrimination. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the regulations, stating, 'In the name of discrimination, no one will have the right to misuse it.' While the government insists the law remains within constitutional bounds, widespread protests have broken out in Delhi, Bareilly, and Meerut. Critics and student groups argue the guidelines lack verification mechanisms for complaints and fail to provide protection against malicious allegations, potentially harming the mental health and careers of the accused. The report highlights the resignation of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri in protest and the demands from various student outfits for either a total rollback or significant amendments to the policy. The matter has now reached the Supreme Court via a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the fairness of these new campus regulations.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's defense of the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new regulations aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination on campuses. Addressing the nationwide stir caused by the draft, the minister stated, 'I assure everyone there will be no discrimination and no one can misuse the law.' The programme highlights the Centre's efforts to allay fears regarding the potential misuse of these regulations, which have sparked protests from various sections of society, including upper-caste groups concerned about being unfairly targeted. The Education Minister emphasized that the laws are intended for fair use and that strict action will be taken against any misuse. The report also features insights from India Today's Piyush Mishra on the social media campaigns and student protests surrounding the 'Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026'.

During the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the commentator noted the conspicuous absence of key opposition figures, including the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Rajya Sabha LOP Mallikarjun Kharge. The broadcast highlighted the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' theme across various tableaux. 'Vande Mataram is the theme of this float of West Bengal and understandably so because it is the tabla which begins with Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay whose composition Vande Mataram in 1875 became the eternal mantra,' the speaker observed. The parade featured 17 states and union territories, including Maharashtra’s cultural display, Madhya Pradesh’s tribute to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, and Odisha’s 'Soil and Silicon' narrative. The Manipur tableau focused on a journey toward prosperity from agricultural fields to international markets, amidst hopes for peace in the state. Cabinet ministers including Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, and JP Nadda were seen in attendance as the Department of School Education and Literacy and Panchayati Raj floats also made their way down the Kartavya Path.

On this report, the focus is on the escalating language row in Tamil Nadu as the DMK mouthpiece, Murasoli, launched a scathing attack on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The publication alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and RSS intend to replace English with Hindi and eventually impose Sanskrit as the official language. Responding to these allegations, Dharmendra Pradhan stated, 'Tamil is strengthened when its children are multilingual, confident, and globally competitive.' He further defended the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, asserting that the three-language formula protects the mother tongue rather than weakening it. The controversy intensified following Pradhan's visit to IIT Madras during Pongal, where his remarks on education sparked a backlash from the DMK. The transcript also highlights the Tamil Nadu government's announcement of new national-level literary awards, the 'Semmozhi Ilakkiya Virudhu', for various Indian languages, framed as a response to alleged political interference in central cultural institutions.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has countered the Tamil Nadu government's allegations regarding the 'imposition of Hindi' through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Addressing the concerns raised by Chief Minister MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin, Pradhan stated, 'Tamil is not threatened by learning another language. Tamil is strengthened when its children are multilingual, confident, and globally competitive.' He emphasized that the three-language formula does not weaken mother tongues but rather expands opportunities and improves cognitive flexibility. The minister's remarks come amid a deepening rift between the Centre and the DMK-led state government, which has formulated its own state education policy favoring a two-language system. The transcript highlights that the Centre has reportedly withheld approximately Rs 2,000 crore in education development funds due to the state's refusal to adopt the NEP. Pradhan maintained that the policy is based on global research and learning outcomes rather than political motivations, urging a focus on the economic mobility of students.

This special report covers Nitish Kumar being elected as the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, paving the way for him to become the state's Chief Minister for a tenth time. The broadcast details the NDA legislature party meeting, where leaders including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, LJP (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan, and Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya were present. Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha are set to continue as the Deputy Chief Ministers in the new government, which commands a 202-seat majority in the assembly. A reporter in the bulletin notes, 'In Bihar, Nitish is zaruri, not really a majboori here.' The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at Patna's Gandhi Maidan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to be in attendance.

This special report focuses on the accelerated process of government formation in Bihar following the National Democratic Alliance's recent electoral victory. Key figures involved in the discussions include Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, RLM Chief Upendra Kushwaha, HAM Chief and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, and BJP leaders including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and National General Secretary Vinod Tawde. According to JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, the result is a 'stamp of approval for the brand of development politics Nitish Kumar has done in Bihar over the past two decades.' The report details the proposed formula for the division of cabinet ministries among the alliance partners, with the oath-taking ceremony anticipated to be held at Patna's Gandhi Maidan between the 19th and 20th of November.

This special report covers the ongoing government formation in Bihar, where the NDA is preparing to take office. Key figures including HAM chief and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, and RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha, have met with BJP leaders like Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to discuss the new cabinet. The report indicates that Nitish Kumar is the consensus choice for Chief Minister, with allies like Chirag Paswan's LJP (Ram Vilas) endorsing his leadership. According to reporter Rohit Singh, 'tomorrow afternoon, Nitish Kumar will be tendering his resignation.' The swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to take place on November 20, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to be in attendance.

This special report analyzes the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar assembly elections, where the coalition secured over 200 seats. Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the NDA's win saw the BJP emerge as the single largest party. The program, hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai, examines the key factors behind the massive mandate, including the strategic failures of the Mahagathbandhan, the collapse of the Congress vote, and the significant role of women voters, whose turnout was notably high. Featuring an exclusive interview with BJP strategist and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the analysis delves into the consolidation of the NDA's social coalition. Experts such as Yogendra Yadav, Manisha Priyam, and Sanjay Kumar discuss the opposition's inability to counter the NDA's narrative, which contrasted development with 'Jangal Raj', and the continued trust voters placed in Nitish Kumar's leadership and welfare schemes.

Following the National Democratic Alliance's significant victory in the 2025 Bihar elections, key strategist and Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan discusses the party's winning formula. In this special report, Pradhan analyses the mandate, counters opposition claims, and details the strategy of contrasting the NDA's governance with past administrations, a period he refers to as the 'black days'. He credits the win to the people of Bihar and the NDA's social coalition model under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. When describing the NDA's approach in the state, Pradhan stated, 'I always say we are running a social coalition, ours is not a political coalition, ours is not an opportunistic coalition, our coalition is not election centric'. The discussion also touches upon the Jeevika welfare scheme and Pradhan's role in other state election victories.

This special report analyzes the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) significant electoral victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, which secured a massive mandate for the coalition and paved the way for Nitish Kumar's tenth term as Chief Minister. The analysis examines the key factors contributing to the win, including the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, a trend of 'pro-incumbency,' and strategic campaign execution. A notable aspect of the election was the significant role of women voters, whose turnout was reportedly the highest in Bihar's history. The report also delves into the collapse of the opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by Tejashwi Yadav's RJD, while highlighting the strong performance of NDA allies like Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV). Featuring reactions from key political figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, and MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, the program provides a comprehensive overview of the election results and their implications for Bihar's political landscape.