India’s Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional responsibility of the Education Ministry. The development comes after the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. His resignation was accepted by the Indian president, according to an official notification. The notification also confirmed Joshi’s appointment to the additional portfolio. He will continue to handle his existing responsibilities while overseeing the Education Ministry. Speaking to journalists after the appointment, Joshi said he accepted the new responsibility with humility and a strong sense of duty. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing his trust in him. Joshi also praised the Modi government’s performance during its 12 years in power. He said the government had achieved several important milestones during this period. He added that the education sector had also witnessed major developments. Joshi acknowledged the work carried out by Pradhan during his tenure as education minister. He said Pradhan had played an important role in implementing India’s National Education Policy. According to Joshi, several significant initiatives were introduced during the previous four to five years. He also said India had made considerable progress in moving towards a new education system. Joshi pledged to carry out his new duties with dedication. He said he would use his abilities to fulfil the responsibilities assigned to him. The change at the Education Ministry follows weeks of student protests across India. The demonstrations were linked to allegations of examination paper leaks and irregularities. Students had demanded action from the authorities and greater accountability within the education system. Pradhan submitted his resignation on the 35th day of the protests. The 57-year-old minister stepped down as pressure continued to grow over the controversy. The protests were largely driven by young people. Their campaign gained significant attention through social media and public demonstrations. Pradhan’s resignation was subsequently welcomed by the protesters, who had made his removal one of their major demands. The leadership change now places Joshi at the centre of efforts to address the concerns surrounding India’s education and examination system. His immediate responsibilities are expected to include overseeing the ministry’s ongoing programmes and ensuring continuity in the implementation of education policies. The new minister will also face pressure to respond to concerns raised by students over examination procedures, transparency and accountability.

An Australian court has rejected far-right politician Pauline Hanson’s appeal against a racial vilification ruling. The case relates to comments Hanson made about Pakistan-born Australian Senator Mehreen Faruqi in 2022. Faruqi had criticised the British Empire after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She said she could not mourn the former monarch because of the empire’s history of colonisation. Hanson responded with a social media post directed at Faruqi. She criticised Faruqi for living in Australia and told her to return to Pakistan. Faruqi later filed a complaint over the remarks. The Federal Court ruled in 2024 that Hanson’s comments amounted to racial vilification. The court said the remarks were reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate Faruqi. The court also said the comments could affect Muslim Australians and other people from migrant backgrounds. Hanson challenged the ruling. She argued that her comments did not violate Australia’s racial discrimination laws. She also argued that the relevant legislation was constitutionally invalid. The court rejected her appeal on Monday. The earlier finding against Hanson therefore remains in place. Hanson defended her position after the decision. She said she was angry about Faruqi’s comments concerning the late queen. She maintained that she had wanted to criticise what she considered disrespectful remarks. The case has renewed debate over political speech and racial discrimination in Australia. It also highlights the legal restrictions surrounding comments about race, religion and migrant backgrounds. Faruqi is a senator representing the Greens. She has been active on issues including human rights, immigration and racial equality. Hanson leads One Nation. The party has built its political support around strict immigration policies and stronger measures against illegal migration. Hanson has also called for major reductions in government spending. She has promoted proposals aimed at cutting public expenditure. The politician has further urged Australia to reconsider its membership of some international organisations. The court decision comes as One Nation continues to attract significant political support. Hanson remains one of Australia’s most recognisable figures on the political right. The ruling could add to the wider national discussion over the balance between freedom of expression and protection against racial discrimination. It also reinforces the legal risks politicians can face when public statements target people based on their race, religion or migrant background.