In a major initiative to preserve India’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, the Bihar government has approved the creation of two academies dedicated to the ancient languages Pali and Prakrit. The decision, made by the state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, comes under the supervision of the Higher Education Department, which will oversee the academies’ operations.

The Pali Academy and Prakrit Academy aim to promote research, documentation, and academic study of these classical languages, which are of significant historical, cultural, and religious importance. Pali is closely associated with Buddhist scriptures, while Prakrit dialects such as Magadhi and Sauraseni feature in ancient literary and religious texts, reflecting Bihar’s long-standing civilizational heritage.

Officials highlighted that the academies will serve as platforms for scholars, researchers, and students to engage in workshops, seminars, and publications, fostering a deeper understanding of Bihar’s linguistic roots. By reviving these languages, the academies aim to connect historical scholarship with contemporary higher education, encouraging interdisciplinary research and cultural preservation.

This move is part of broader higher education reforms in Bihar, which bring existing language academies, including the Sanskrit Academy, under the department’s administrative umbrella. The academies are expected to enhance academic standards, promote research, and strengthen collaboration among universities and research institutions across the state.

Education and language experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that it could position Bihar as a centre for research in ancient Indian languages and contribute to global scholarship in linguistics, literature, and history. The move aligns with recent national efforts to recognize classical languages like Pali and Prakrit for their historical and cultural significance.

The government’s decision underscores its commitment to cultural preservation, academic excellence, and research-driven education, positioning Bihar as a hub for the study and promotion of India’s linguistic and literary traditions.

In a In a major step towards higher education reform, universities and colleges across Bihar are preparing to shift to paperless academic and administrative systems through the implementation of the Samarth e-governance portal, officials from the state’s higher education department have confirmed.

The initiative aims to modernize institutional functioning by digitising key processes and improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the higher education system. Developed under the Ministry of Education, the Samarth portal will serve as an integrated digital platform for managing admissions, examinations, student records, financial operations, and human resource functions.

By reducing dependence on manual paperwork, the portal is expected to cut delays, minimise administrative errors, and enable faster service delivery for students, faculty members, and administrative staff. Officials noted that the rollout is being carried out in phases, with training programmes for university and college personnel already underway to ensure smooth adoption of the new system.

The paperless push is in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which highlights the use of technology to strengthen governance, enhance institutional autonomy, and build robust digital infrastructure in higher education.

Once fully operational, the Samarth e-governance system is expected to ensure uniform administrative practices across state universities, provide real-time access to data for policymakers, and significantly reduce operational costs. Education experts believe the move will play a crucial role in strengthening Bihar’s higher education ecosystem and bridging long-standing administrative gaps through digital transformation.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is preparing to observe the International Day of Education 2026 on 24 January, with a strong focus on the theme “The power of youth in co-creating education.” The global campaign underscores the critical role young people play in transforming education systems to make them more inclusive, innovative, and future-ready.

This year’s theme places youth at the centre of educational change, recognising them not only as learners but also as active contributors, decision-makers, and partners in shaping learning environments. UNESCO has called on governments, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and global stakeholders to meaningfully engage young voices in education planning, policy formulation, and implementation.

According to UNESCO, empowering youth participation is essential to addressing long-standing challenges such as inequality in access to education, learning gaps, digital divides, and the need for skills aligned with rapidly changing global demands. The campaign highlights inclusive education as a cornerstone of sustainable development, ensuring that no learner is left behind regardless of gender, socio-economic background, disability, or geographic location.

As part of the International Day of Education 2026, UNESCO will encourage countries and institutions to organise dialogues, youth-led forums, workshops, and community initiatives that showcase innovative ideas and best practices driven by young people. Digital campaigns and global conversations are also planned to amplify youth perspectives on the future of education.

The International Day of Education, first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, is observed annually to reaffirm education as a fundamental human right and a key driver of peace, development, and social progress. The 2026 observance aims to send a clear message: investing in youth leadership and participation is vital for building resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking education systems worldwide.