May 18, 2026 - Current Affairs

CBSE Introduces Mandatory Third Language for Class 9 From July 1

May 18, 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided that from July 1, 2026, the study of a third language shall be made compulsory for the 9th-class students. This new policy has come in the backdrop of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023. As per the revised language scheme, students will study 3 languages in Classes 9-10, of which 2 or more will be Indian languages (R1, R2 & R3). CBSE clarified that the third language will not be a part of the Class 10 Board examination, and a school-based assessment and internal assessment will continue.

Key Highlights of CBSE Third Language Policy for Class 9

CBSE has introduced the policy for studying three languages in Classes 9 and 10 from 1st July 2026.
The policy has been put in place in view of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023 methodology.
Students will be studying 3 languages: R1, R2 & R3.
One of the three languages should be one or two of the native Indian languages.
Only if Indian languages are the other two options, then we can select Foreign languages.
CBSE clarified that there will be no 10th Board examination in the third language (R3).
Schools will internally conduct their third language assessment.
R3 marks will also be found on the CBSE certificate.
No student will be disqualified from appearing in Class 10 Board Exams due to R3.
The policy is intended to give a boost to multilingualism and the development of Indian languages.
The three-language formula is being incorporated into the National Education Policy 2020.
The transitional approach was implemented by CBSE as the academic session had begun in April 2026.
In the case of a teacher shortage, schools may temporarily assign a teacher who has a “working command” of the language.
Schools can use these Class 6 R3 textbooks as a resource for Class 9 learners, pending the issue of dedicated textbooks.
School may supplement with local and regional literature.
Relaxations as per the RPwD Act 2016 are available for children with Special Needs (CwSN).
Exemption from the qualifications may be granted on a case-by-case basis to foreign students.
The implementation of the three-language formula has triggered renewed state-by-state debates about the three-language formula.
The Kothari Commission (1964-66) was the first to recommend the use of a three-language formula.

PYQs Related to Education Policy and CBSE

Exam Name & Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims 2020	National Education Policy 2020 mainly focuses on which area?	A. Industrial growth B. Educational reforms C. Agricultural policy D. Defence policy	B. Educational reforms
SSC CGL 2022	CBSE stands for which of the following?	A. Central Board of Secondary Education B. Council Board of School Education C. Central Bureau of School Education D. Council of Basic School Education	A. Central Board of Secondary Education
State PCS 2021	Which commission first recommended the three-language formula in India?	A. Mandal Commission B. Sarkaria Commission C. Kothari Commission D. Punchhi Commission	C. Kothari Commission
SSC CHSL 2023	NEP 2020 was launched in which year?	A. 2018 B. 2019 C. 2020 D. 2021	C. 2020
UPSC Prelims 2019	Which Article of the Constitution deals with the promotion of the Hindi language?	A. Article 343 B. Article 351 C. Article 370 D. Article 356	B. Article 351

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Conclusion

The third language policy for Class 9 is a significant change in the National Education Policy 2020. The purpose of the movement is to encourage “Multilingualism”, to boost the Indian languages and to develop cultural awareness of students. CBSE aims for this through ensuring a minimum of two Indian languages are compulsory, with flexibility with regard to foreign language learning. The decision also comes as part of the government’s wider efforts on a revolution in education for all and in all its aspects. For those aspiring for competitive examinations and those who are writing essays on education-related current affairs, it is essential for the students to understand the three-language formula and education governance in India as per NEP 2020.

President Promulgates Ordinance to Increase Supreme Court Judges Strength by 4

May 18, 2026

The President of India issued Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026, to bring the sanctioned strength of judges in Supreme Court from 33 to 37 judges (Supreme Court may have the Chief Justice of India as well). The amendment has led to an increase in the number of judges in the apex court to 38, at present, including the CJI. The decision was made to lighten the backlog of cases and speed up the judiciary. This Ordinance made the necessary changes to the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956. The proposal had been earlier approved by the Union Cabinet, which had emphasised the need for quicker justice delivery and better judicial infrastructure in the country.

Key Objective of Supreme Court Judges Strength Increase

The President issued the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance 2026.
The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court bench was raised from 33 to 37 judges (excluding the Chief Justice of India).
The strength of the Supreme Court now stands at 38 with the CJI.
The ordinance modified the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956.
The move aims to reduce the large backlog of pending cases in the apex court.
The Union Cabinet on 25th May 2028 approved the proposal.
The government assured that there will be speedy justice with the additional judges.
Article 124 of the Constitution gives Parliament the authority to fix the number of judges in the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court is the top court in India.
Ordinances are promulgated by the President during Parliament’s recess.
If an Ordinance is passed, it bears the same force as a law passed by Parliament.
The ordinance needs to be approved in due course by Parliament within the constitutional time limit.
With the rise in the number of cases being filed in courts, judicial reforms have become significant.
The last change in the strength of the Supreme Court was in 2019.
There are hopes that there will be more judges to assist in the speedy disposal of criminal, civil and constitutional cases.
The Supreme Court is also the guardian and protector of the Constitution and Fundamental Rights.
Addressing judicial capacity is seen as a crucial aspect of enhancing access to justice.
The allocations of salaries and infrastructure will come from the Consolidated Fund of India.
The proposal is to update and improve the Indian judiciary with the transition.

Recently Asked PYQs

Exam Name & Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims 2020	Which Article of the Constitution empowers the President to promulgate ordinances?	A. Article 123 B. Article 143 C. Article 32 D. Article 356	A. Article 123
SSC CGL 2022	Who appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of India?	A. Prime Minister B. President of India C. Parliament D. Chief Justice alone	B. President of India
UPSC Prelims 2019	The Supreme Court of India was established under which Part of the Constitution?	A. Part III B. Part IV C. Part V D. Part VI	C. Part V
SSC CHSL 2023	Who is known as the guardian of the Indian Constitution?	A. Parliament B. Supreme Court C. Election Commission D. UPSC	B. Supreme Court
State PCS 2021	An ordinance issued by the President must be approved by Parliament within how many weeks of reassembly?	A. 4 weeks B. 6 weeks C. 8 weeks D. 12 weeks	B. 6 weeks

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Conclusion – Supreme Court Expansion

The ordinance to make Supreme Court judges more powerful is certainly a step towards robustening the judicial system of India and speeding up justice delivery. The pressure on the top court, in recent years, has been a result of litigation and heavy workload of unheeded cases, due to which an expansion of the Judges is inevitable as per the need of the apex court. The Government will ensure efficiency and minimise delays in the courts by increasing the number of judges. The development also underscores the judicial administrative powers of the President and Parliament in the Constitution. Topics like ordinance, Article 124, judicial reforms, and the Supreme Court are very significant as far as competitive examinations and current affairs preparation are concerned.

WHO Raises Global Alarm Over Rare Ebola Virus Outbreak

May 18, 2026

A new strain of the Ebola virus, dubbed the Bundibugyo strain, has been spreading outside of Africa and has infected people across both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). There have been dozens of deaths and hundreds of suspected infections since the outbreak took place, with fears about its international spread. In contrast, the less frequently seen Bundibugyo strain of Ebola does not have a specific treatment or vaccine approved. Insufficient health care infrastructure, frequent residential mobility and the lack of stability in the region could exacerbate the situation, said WHO officials. To prevent any further spread, global health organisations are now focusing on surveillance, containment, rapid testing, and coordination with other countries.

Key Highlights of Rare Ebola Virus Outbreak

The Ebola virus outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation.
It is a rare outbreak of the Ebola virus—the Bundibugyo strain.
Initial observations of cases were made in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Uganda has also had confirmed cases of Ebola arising from travel across its borders.
WHO claimed that there were hundreds of suspected infections and dozens of deaths.
At this time, there is no licensed vaccination or anti-viral drugs for the Bundibugyo strain.
Ebola is transmitted via direct contact with Ebola-infected body fluids.
Signs of infection consist of fever, vomiting, bleeding, weakness and severe dehydration.
Among the affected groups in the outbreak are healthcare workers.
Underreporting could make the outbreak even bigger than it currently is, the WHO said.
International spread, due to porous borders and population flow.
Emergency personnel and resources are being sent out to impacted areas.
Strengthening of infection prevention and surveillance systems.
WHO recommended that countries not enact needless restrictions on travel or trade.
The outbreak underscores the need for global health preparedness and response initiatives.
Since 1976, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has had several Ebola outbreaks.
Containment is challenging due to the humanitarian crisis and active armed conflict in the situation.
Reducing the risk of transmission is through public awareness campaigns.
African health officials are working with international agencies to control the outbreak.
Topics engaging health organisations, disease and global governance, will benefit from the development.

PYQs Related to WHO, Ebola, and Global Health

Exam Name & Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims 2020	The headquarters of the World Health Organisation (WHO) is located in which city?	A. Paris B. Geneva C. New York D. Vienna	B. Geneva
SSC CGL 2022	Ebola virus disease primarily spreads through which method?	A. Airborne transmission only B. Mosquito bites C. Contact with infected bodily fluids D. Contaminated soil	C. Contact with infected bodily fluids
UPSC Prelims 2019	WHO is a specialised agency of which organisation?	A. IMF B. World Bank C. United Nations D. WTO	C. United Nations
SSC CHSL 2023	Which continent has been most affected by Ebola outbreaks?	A. Europe B. Asia C. Africa D. Australia	C. Africa
State PCS 2021	What does PHEIC stand for in global health terminology?	A. Public Health Emergency of International Concern B. Public Health Event in Countries C. Primary Health Emergency International Council D. Public Hygiene Emergency Infection Control	A. Public Health Emergency of International Concern

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Conclusion

The Ebola outbreak in central Africa has put global health security and international cooperation in terms of managing infectious diseases firmly back on the global agenda. WHO’s global health emergency declaration is a stark reminder that this situation isn’t to be taken lightly or poses a threat to domestic borders. The few vaccines and treatments available are not approved against the Bundibugyo strain, and there is also a need for prompt surveillance, early detection and infection control measures. The outbreak also highlights the difficulties for health systems in areas of conflict. The knowledge of institutions such as the WHO, disease outbreaks, and the emergency mechanisms in the world is extremely significant for general and current affairs, as well as competitive exams.