Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Freemartinism
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In the realm of animal husbandry, a phenomenon known as Freemartinism sheds light on the extraordinary diversity found in cattle.
Freemartinism: A Unique Phenomenon
- Freemartins are sterile female cattle born exhibiting characteristics of both sexes.
- This phenomenon arises when a male and a female twin develop within the same uterus, occurring in approximately 90% of twin pregnancies in cattle.
- The exchange of blood between the male and female foetuses during gestation plays a pivotal role in Freemartinism.
- Freemartinism is primarily attributed to the sharing of cells carrying the Y chromosome from the male twin with the female twin.
- Y chromosome triggers the development of male reproductive organs in the male foetus, while the female foetus, influenced by male hormones, undergoes incomplete development of its reproductive system.
- Freemartins possess underdeveloped or non-functional reproductive tracts, rendering them incapable of reproduction.
Agricultural Significance
- In agricultural settings, identifying freemartins is crucial to enhance reproductive efficiency in cattle breeding.
- Farmers often utilize physical and behavioural traits to identify freemartins, subsequently removing them from the breeding herd.
- This culling strategy helps improve the overall breeding program by ensuring that non-reproductive cattle do not contribute to the herd.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Lachit Borphukan
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- An animation film on an iconic Ahom general Lachit Borphukan has been selected for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023 to be held in Goa.
Lachit Borphukan
- Lachit Borphukan was a legendary military commander from the northeastern region of India, specifically from the state of Assam. Here are some facts related to him:
|
Description |
| Timeline |
1622-1672 |
| Dynasty |
Ahom Dynasty |
| Mughal Threat |
Faced the Mughal Empire’s expansion into Assam |
| Battle of Saraighat |
Led Ahom forces to victory against the Mughals in 1671
Defended Assam against the Aurangzeb’s forces led by Ram Singh |
| Leadership |
Known for strategic brilliance and guerrilla tactics |
| Legacy |
Revered as a symbol of Assamese pride and resistance |
| INS Lachit |
Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer named in honor |
| Lachit Divas |
Celebrated annually on November 24th in Assam |
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-ips-officer-directed-animation-film-chosen-for-iffi-2023/article67550668.ece
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kadalundi Mudflats
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Kadalundi’s mudflats are shrinking drastically with sands cover.
- These mudflats have been a vital source of sustenance for thousands of migrant shorebirds, offering abundant prey like polychaetes and crustaceans.
About Kadalundi Mudflats
- Kadalundi Mudflats are situated in the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, along the southwestern coast of India. The sanctuary encompasses estuarine wetlands, mudflats, and mangrove forests.
- The mudflats are part of the estuarine ecosystem formed at the confluence of the Kadalundi River and the Arabian Sea.
- This unique environment is influenced by both freshwater from the river and saline water from the sea, creating a diverse habitat.
Ecological significance
- Kadalundi Mudflats are renowned for their rich biodiversity, especially in terms of avian species.
- The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary and the mudflats are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
- The mudflats serve as a critical habitat for various resident and migratory birds.
- It is estimated that over 100 species of resident and migratory birds visit the area, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
- They are a crucial stopover point for migratory birds travelling along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Onattukara Ellu (Sesame)
Mains level: NA
Context
- Kerala is taking efforts to expand the cultivation of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame, a unique and valuable agricultural product.
- Onattukara sesame was granted the GI tag in January this year.
Onattukara Sesame (Ellu )
|
Description |
|
Region of Cultivation
|
Primarily cultivated in the Onattukara region, covering Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, India. |
| Medicinal Properties |
Onattukara sesame is known for its medicinal properties and high quality. |
| Traditional Use |
Traditional ayurvedic doctors in the region have used Onattukara sesame oil for treating rheumatism and skin protection since the 18th century. |
| Nutritional Value |
Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Contains essential fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid. |
| Varieties |
Grown in various varieties, including ‘ayali,’ Kayamkulam-1, thilak, thilathara, and thilarani, developed by ORARS, Kayamkulam. |
| Market Potential |
Obtaining the GI tag is expected to increase its popularity and market value, leading to higher prices for sesame seeds and oil. |
| Pricing |
Current prices: Sesame seeds – ₹200 to ₹250 per kilogram, Sesame oil – ₹500 to ₹600 per kilogram. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sea Buckthorn
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Geographical Indication Registry has officially granted the GI tag to ‘Ladakh Sea Buckthorn’.
- It is the fourth GI tag after Apricot (Raktsey Karpo), Pashmina, and Ladakhi Wood Carving in Ladakh.
About Sea Buckthorn
- Sea buckthorn is a plant that grows in Europe and Asia.
- In India, it’s found in the Himalayan region, especially in dry places like the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
- This plant produces small orange or yellow berries that are sour but full of vitamins, especially vitamin C.
- It can survive really hot and really cold temperatures, which makes it perfect for the cold deserts.
- Every part of the plant—berries, leaves, twigs, roots, and thorns—are useful for medicine, food, fuel, and fencing.
- It’s also a vital food source for many birds and provides nutritious food for animals like sheep, goats, donkeys, cattle, and camels in the cold desert regions.
- It is often called the ‘Wonder Plant,’ ‘Ladakh Gold,’ ‘Golden Bush,’ or ‘Gold Mine’ of the cold deserts.
Back2Basics: GI Tag
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- India’s ranking in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) has significantly declined from 83 a decade ago to 103 in the latest report released this month.
- India now finds itself positioned between Algeria (ranked 102) and Guatemala (ranked 104), all classified as lower-middle-income countries.
About Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI)
- The GTCI ranks 134 countries based on their ability to grow, attract, and retain talent.
- It is released by INSEAD, a partner and sponsor of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Davos, Switzerland recently.
- INSEAD is one of the world’s leading and largest graduate business schools with locations all over the world and alliances with top institutions.
- The report ranks countries based on 6 pillars:
- enable
- attract
- grow
- retain talent
- vocation and technical skills
- global knowledge skills
India’s Ranking and Comparisons
- Rank 103: India’s current rank is well below the median score of the countries assessed in the GTCI.
- BRICS Nations: India’s performance in the GTCI is the weakest among the BRICS countries. China leads the group at rank 40, followed by Russia at 52, South Africa at 68, and Brazil at 69.
- Top Three Countries: These are Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States.
- Skills Mismatch: India faces an increased skills mismatch and difficulties in finding skilled employees, resulting in its low rankings in the ‘Employability’ and ‘Vocational and Technical Skills’ categories.
- Best-Performing Area: India’s best-performing area in the GTCI is “Global Knowledge Skills,” driven by innovation and software development, contributing to its 69th position in the “Talent Impact” sub-pillar.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BPTA
Mains level: India-China Border disputes
Central Idea
- India and China, historical adversaries who fought a war in 1962, reached their first-ever border agreement, known as the Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA), in 1993, following years of border disputes.
- The BPTA aimed to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and reduce the risk of unplanned confrontations.
Why discuss this?
- Thirty years later, the legacy of this historic agreement is continued by contested interpretations and unfulfilled commitments, while the ongoing border crisis further highlights the challenges both nations face in reaching a resolution.
BPTA: A Historic Yet Contested Agreement
- Context: The BPTA was negotiated in the aftermath of the Sumdorong Chu standoff, marking a significant diplomatic achievement in the early 1990s.
- Signing: The agreement was signed in 1993 during the tenure of PV Narasimha Rao as PM.
- Peaceful Coexistence: The agreement committed both nations to avoid using or threatening force against each other. It emphasized strict adherence to the LAC and mutual reduction of military forces to maintain friendly relations.
- Legacy: While it played a crucial role in maintaining peace for nearly two decades, the BPTA also spurred infrastructure development and frequent incidents, ultimately leading to the Galwan clash in 2020.
Ambiguity Surrounding the LAC
- Inherent Ambiguity: The primary issue undermining border agreements is the inherent ambiguity surrounding the LAC, which was embedded in the BPTA.
- LAC Problem: India’s discomfort with the term “LAC” proposed by China in 1959 remained a contentious issue.
- Ambiguous Formulation: The BPTA allowed both sides to clarify the LAC wherever necessary, implying a lack of shared perception about the 1959 LAC.
- Compromised Clarity: This formulation didn’t definitively reject China’s version of the LAC but aimed to prevent constant confrontation.
Impact on Subsequent Agreements
- Positive Developments: The BPTA paved the way for additional agreements, such as confidence-building measures in the Military Field along the LAC (1996) and the appointment of Special Representatives (2003).
- Unfinished Business: Negotiations for a final boundary settlement stalled, and the mechanisms to clarify LAC claims remained incomplete.
Infrastructure Development and Tensions
- Race for Facts on the Ground: Ambiguity over the LAC drove both countries to strengthen their claims through infrastructure development and increased patrols.
- Frequent Encounters: Frequent encounters between patrols exacerbated tensions along the border.
- Unforeseen Consequences: The BPTA inadvertently contributed to a slowdown in boundary negotiations, as both sides aimed to bolster their positions along the LAC.
The Current Crisis
- Blatant Disregard: The ongoing crisis, beginning in 2020, saw both nations cast aside the commitments made in the first article of the BPTA.
- Stalled Boundary Negotiations: Amidst the crisis, efforts to settle the boundary dispute have almost completely stalled.
- A Challenging Relationship: The 30-year-old border remains unsettled, mirroring the broader complexities of the India-China relationship.
Conclusion
- The BPTA reached 30 years ago, marked a significant milestone in India-China relations.
- However, its legacy remains deeply contested and fraught with ambiguities.
- As the ongoing border crisis unfolds, the challenges in achieving a lasting resolution and fostering peaceful coexistence between the two nations persist.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: POCSO Act
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In a recent decision, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that the failure to report sexual crimes against minors is a bailable offence.
- This ruling has raised significant legal questions regarding the interpretation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, particularly with respect to the nature of the offence and its implications for pre-arrest bail.
What is the POCSO Act?
- The POCSO Act came into effect on November 14, 2012, following India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
- Its primary objective is to address offences related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, which were previously either not specifically defined or inadequately penalized.
- According to the Act, a child is defined as any person below the age of 18 years.
- In 2019, the Act underwent a review and amendment, introducing more stringent punishments (after Nirbhaya Case), including the death penalty, for those committing sexual crimes against children.
|
Interpretation of the POCSO Act
- Section 21 of POCSO Act: This section of the POCSO Act mandates the reporting of sexual offences against children. However, it does not explicitly specify whether the offence is bailable or not.
- Reference to CrPC: The court, in its ruling, argued that since the POCSO Act does not provide clarity on the bailability of the offence, it should be determined by referring to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
- CrPC Classification: The CrPC classifies offences as either bailable or non-bailable based on the maximum punishment they entail. Offences punishable with imprisonment of less than three years are generally considered bailable and non-cognizable.
- POCSO Act’s Penalty: Section 21 of the POCSO Act prescribes a penalty of imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 1 year. Consequently, this makes it fall within the category of bailable offences under the CrPC.
Case Context
- Allegations: The case in question involved a hotel manager accused of failing to report an offence committed against a minor, as mandated by Section 21 of the POCSO Act.
- Main Accused: The main accused had committed a sexual assault on a minor schoolgirl and recorded a video of the incident in a hotel.
- Legal Charges: The accused faced charges under Sections 376 (Rape) and 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Sections 6 and 21 of the POCSO Act, which address aggravated penetrative sexual assault and the failure to report sexual crimes against children.
- Hotel Manager’s Involvement: The hotel manager was also named in the FIR due to the mandatory reporting provision under the POCSO Act.
Mandatory Reporting Under POCSO
- Section 19: Section 19 of the POCSO Act obliges “any person” who apprehends or has knowledge of a sexual offence against a child to report it to the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU) or the police.
- Penalty for Non-Reporting: Section 21 of the POCSO Act prescribes a penalty, including imprisonment, for failing to report such offences.
- Exemptions: Children are not held liable for failing to report sexual offences, and those making false complaints are also exempt from punishment under Section 22 of the Act.
Supreme Court’s Perspective
- The seriousness of Non-Reporting: The Supreme Court has consistently held that the failure to report such cases is a serious crime, emphasizing the importance of reporting child sexual abuse.
- Specific Obligations: In certain cases, the Supreme Court has placed additional obligations on professionals, such as medical practitioners and educators, to report child sexual abuse cases to appropriate authorities.
Balancing Reporting Requirements with Privacy
- SC’s Balance Attempt: In a recent case (X vs The Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt of NCT of Delhi), the Supreme Court sought to balance the mandatory reporting provision under POCSO with the confidentiality provision under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.
- Minors Seeking Medical Termination: The court recognized that minors may seek medical termination of pregnancies resulting from consensual sexual activity, and the mandatory reporting requirement might deter them from approaching qualified doctors.
- Harmonious Interpretation: To ensure that minors’ rights to privacy and reproductive autonomy are protected, the court advocated for a harmonious interpretation of both the POCSO Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.
- Exemption for RMPs: The court suggested that registered medical practitioners, upon the request of minors and their guardians, can be exempted from disclosing a minor’s identity and personal details when reporting an offence under Section 19(1) of the POCSO Act or in any ensuing criminal proceedings.
Conclusion
- The Himachal Pradesh High Court’s ruling on the availability of the failure to report sexual crimes against minors has sparked discussions on the interpretation of the POCSO Act and its alignment with the CrPC.
- Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s efforts to strike a balance between mandatory reporting requirements and minors’ privacy rights underscore the complexity of addressing child sexual abuse within the legal framework.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Quota in Private Employment
Central Idea
- In a significant verdict, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has invalidated a law passed by the Haryana government in 2020, which reserved 75% of private sector jobs for residents of the state.
- The court ruled that discriminating against individuals based on their non-residency in the state is unconstitutional, as it violates fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Haryana Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020: The Controversy
- Origins: Enacted by the Haryana Assembly in November 2020, the law aimed to reserve 75% of jobs in the private sector with monthly salaries under Rs 30,000 (originally Rs 50,000) for Haryana residents.
- Effective Date: The law received the Governor’s approval on March 2, 2021, and came into effect on January 15, 2022.
- Key Provisions: All private entities, including companies, societies, trusts, and individual employers with ten or more employees, were covered. The law mandated recruitment through a designated online portal, with provisions for employer exemptions.
High Court’s Verdict and Rationale
- Unconstitutional Restrictions: The High Court held that Sections 6 and 8 of the Act, which required employers to submit quarterly reports on local candidates employed and gave authorized officers powers to verify compliance, amounted to an “Inspector Raj.” These provisions placed undue control over private employers, which is permissible for public employment but not for the private sector.
- Violation of Fundamental Rights: The court found that the law severely impaired an individual’s right to carry on an occupation, trade, or business under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. It emphasized that the State cannot discriminate against individuals based on their non-residency in a particular state.
- Inspector Raj and Legal Immunity: The court also criticized the Act’s provision under Section 20, which protected authorized or designated officers acting in “good faith.” This provision effectively restricted legal proceedings against such officers, further impinging on employers’ rights.
Reasons for quashing
- Article 19(1) (g) Violation: The Act potentially infringes upon Article 19(1)(g), which guarantees the right to carry out any occupation, trade, or business. It may impede this right by mandating job reservations in the private sector, affecting individuals’ occupational freedom.
- Article 16 Boundaries: The Act’s provision of reservation based on domicile or residence may cross constitutional boundaries. Article 16 ensures equal opportunity in public employment, but the Act extends this to the private sector, a prerogative of Parliament.
- 50% Reservation Limit: The Act breaches the 50% reservation limit set by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case. Exceptional circumstances must be proven for such a breach, challenging the equality principle.
- One Nation Concept: India’s constitutional vision as one nation with equal rights for all is challenged by these laws. Restricting out-of-state citizens’ job opportunities hinders their freedom to reside and work anywhere in India.
- Economic Implications: The Act could raise operational costs for businesses and exacerbate income inequality among States.
What Comes Next
- Supreme Court’s Involvement: The Haryana government, determined to pursue the reservation policy, plans to move the Supreme Court and file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging the High Court’s verdict.
- Prior Legal Proceedings: The High Court had previously stayed the law on February 3, 2022, but the Supreme Court later set aside this stay, directing the High Court to decide on the law’s validity within four weeks.
Conclusion
- The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling, declaring Haryana’s 75% reservation law for private jobs unconstitutional, marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over state-based job reservations in India.
- The impending Supreme Court battle will determine the fate of this contentious legislation.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hindu Kush region
Mains level: mineral wealth
Central idea
The article highlights India’s opportunity in the emerging critical minerals market in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, emphasizing responsible mining amidst environmental considerations. It connects this opportunity to the global shift towards electric mobility, with the potential for job creation.
Key Highlights:
- Afghanistan’s Riches: The Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan holds minerals worth a trillion dollars, a potential game-changer.
- Mobility Shift: Global movement from oil to electric vehicles is escalating demand for critical minerals.
- Indian Opportunity: Geological hints suggest the possibility of similar mineral wealth in the northern Indian side of the Hindu Kush range.
- Untapped Potential: India, with vast unexplored land and advancements in deep-sea mining, may have undiscovered mineral riches.
Challenges:
- Governance and Environmental Concerns: Past issues highlight the need for robust laws to balance environmental concerns with job creation.
- Political Tensions: Historical discord between the central government and Congress on mining needs resolution for cohesive policies.
- Legislative Balance: Striking a balance between ecological conservation and job creation requires nuanced legislation.
- Private Sector Role: Private sector involvement is crucial for capital-intensive mining, demanding careful governance.
Key Phrases for value addition:
- “Afghanistan: Saudi Arabia of lithium” emphasizes the potential of the Hindu Kush region.
- “Transition from oil to electric mobility” underlines the global shift and increasing demand for critical minerals.
- “New Middle East: Hindu Kush mountain range” positions the region as a significant player in the emerging critical minerals market.
- “Global critical minerals race” highlights the competitive dynamics in securing these resources worldwide.
Analysis:
- Global Shift: The global transition to electric mobility is a key driver behind the soaring demand for critical minerals.
- Indian Potential: India, with its untapped resources, is poised to benefit from the increasing global demand for minerals.
- Balancing Act: Striking a balance between environmental conservation and job creation is essential for sustainable mining practices.
- Private Sector Significance: In the capital-intensive mining sector, the private sector’s involvement is crucial for efficiency and technological advancements.
Key Data:
- Trillion-Dollar Potential: Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region is estimated to hold minerals worth a trillion dollars.
- Geological Reports: Reports suggest the possibility of untapped mineral deposits in the northern Indian side of the Hindu Kush range.
- Exploration Status: Less than 10% of India’s landmass has been explored, with only 2% mined.
Way Forward:
- Legislation: Enforcing robust environmental, labor, and land laws is crucial for responsible and sustainable mining.
- Private Exploration: Encouraging large-scale private exploration for critical minerals is vital for efficiency and technological advancements.
- Deep-Sea Prospects: Leveraging emerging deep-sea mining technologies can open new avenues for resource exploration.
- Balance Priority: Striking a balance between environmental conservation and job creation should be a priority in future mining policies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas
Mains level: education quality in government schools
Central idea
Odisha revolutionizes public education with initiatives like Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, ‘Mo School’ Abhiyan, and 5T-High School Transformation, aiming to surpass private schools in quality. This results in a substantial shift, with 81% of students currently enrolled in government schools. The state’s commitment to inclusivity, alumni engagement, and technology integration drives equality and excellence in education.
Key Highlights:
- Revolutionary Reforms: Odisha’s education sector undergoes revolutionary changes through initiatives like Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, ‘Mo School’ Abhiyan, and 5T-High School Transformation Programme.
- Recognition and Ranking: OAVs receive accolades, with one ranked the fifth-best in government-run day schools, emphasizing qualitative English-medium education for rural and semi-urban areas.
- Inclusive Enrollment: OAVs ensure representation of marginalized groups, leading to a higher enrollment of female students. They also rescue and prepare vulnerable children for OAV entrance exams.
- Alumni Engagement: Mo School Abhiyan connects schools with alumni, promoting mentorship, collaboration, and financial contributions, creating a significant impact on infrastructure and engagement.
Key Phrases:
- Quality Education: Odisha’s focus on continuous teacher education, technology integration, and maintaining a favorable teacher-pupil ratio highlights its commitment to providing quality education.
- Alumni Community: Mo School Abhiyan leverages the alumni community to contribute to school development, creating a unique model of collaborative efforts for educational improvement.
- 5T-High School Transformation: The 5T concept drives the High School Transformation Programme, emphasizing transparency, technology, teamwork, and timeliness for comprehensive educational changes.
Analysis:
Odisha’s proactive approach to education, combining infrastructure development, alumni engagement, and technology integration, has led to a significant shift in enrollment patterns, with a majority of students now choosing government schools.
Key Data:
- Enrollment Shift: In 2019-20, private schools had 16,05,000 students; in 2021-22, this number reduced to 14,62,000, indicating a shift towards government schools.
- Financial Contributions: More than 5.5 lakh contributors, including ministers, MPs, and professionals, have contributed over ₹797 crore in 40,855 schools under the School Adoption Programme.
Key Terms:
- Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAV): A model aiming to bridge the rural-urban education gap by providing qualitative and affordable English-medium education.
- Mo School Abhiyan: An initiative connecting schools with alumni, promoting collaboration, contributions, and celebrating successes to improve government schools.
- 5T-High School Transformation Programme: Rooted in transparency, technology, teamwork, and timeliness, focusing on technological advancements and holistic development in high schools.
Challenges:
- Parental Trust: Historical perceptions of poor education quality in government schools challenge rebuilding parental trust.
- Affordability Concerns: Despite reforms, concerns persist regarding the economic accessibility of quality education in government schools.
- Perceived Quality Gap: Overcoming the perception gap regarding the quality of education in government schools compared to private counterparts.
- Economic Accessibility: Addressing financial barriers for families, ensuring that quality education remains economically accessible.
Way Forward:
- Continuous Alumni Engagement: Strengthen collaborations between schools and alumni to maintain a sustained focus on improvement. Explore mentorship programs and alumni-led initiatives for ongoing school development.
- Enhancing Perceived Value: Implement awareness campaigns highlighting the positive changes in government schools. Showcase success stories and academic achievements to alter perceptions.
- Financial Inclusivity: Introduce scholarship programs or financial aid to address economic barriers. Collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations to provide educational subsidies.
- Technology Integration: Expand technological resources in schools for interactive and enhanced learning experiences. Introduce digital literacy programs to prepare students for a technology-driven future.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019
Mains level: road safety in India
Central idea
India’s road safety crisis, witnessing an estimated 300,000 annual fatalities, demands immediate interventions. Despite economic progress, road crashes cost 5-7% of the national GDP, emphasizing the need for strategic investments, political will, and a collective mindset shift. Urgent actions are crucial to curb this silent but deadly pandemic.
Key Highlights:
- India’s Annual Road Fatalities: Approximately 3,00,000 people lose their lives on Indian roads annually.
- Global Road Deaths: India contributes to 25% of the worldwide road fatalities.
- India’s Disproportionate Role: Despite global road safety concerns, one in four road deaths occurs in India.
- Economic Toll: Road crashes in India impose a substantial economic cost, ranging from 5-7% of the nation’s GDP.
Challenges:
- Urgent Intervention Needed: Over 34 deaths per hour underscore the critical need for immediate and coordinated action.
- Economic Impact: The economic toll of road crashes in India is substantial, affecting the nation’s GDP.
- Economic Toll: Road crashes in India impose a substantial economic cost, ranging from 5-7% of the nation’s GDP.
- State Disparities: The economic impact varies across states, impacting the quality of emergency care and after-care services.
Key Data:
- Annual Road Fatalities: Approximately 3,00,000 people are estimated to be killed on Indian roads every year. Equivalent to more than 34 people every hour of every day.
- Economic Toll: Road crashes in India are estimated to cost between 5% and 7% of the national GDP.
- Global Road Safety: Positions road safety as a global problem, with 1.3 million people killed in road crashes every year.
Key Phrases:
- Silent Pandemic: Describes road-related fatalities as a silent but deadly pandemic demanding attention.
- Whole-of-Society Effort: Emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach involving government, private sector, and citizens.
- World Day of Remembrance: Commemorates the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 19.
- Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019: Indicates positive steps taken by the Indian government to enhance road safety measures.
Analysis:
- Pedestrians and Two-Wheelers: Emphasizes the vulnerability of pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders, constituting 75% of road deaths in India.
- Policy Impact: Acknowledges positive steps like the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and improved data collection while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive safe-system approach.
- Legislative Impact: Acknowledges positive steps like the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, and emphasizes the need for strategic investments in road safety measures.
- Data-Driven Approach: Highlights the importance of enhanced data collection to understand the causes and locations of road crashes better.
Way Forward:
- Seatbelt and Helmet Use: Prioritize the enforcement of seatbelt and helmet use for both drivers and passengers to significantly reduce fatalities.
- Behavioral Change: Emphasize the importance of public awareness campaigns like #MakeASafetyStatement to instigate behavioral changes and promote road safety.
- Large-Scale Initiatives: Launch campaigns on a national scale, such as #MakeASafetyStatement, involving international celebrities, to raise awareness and instigate behavioral changes.
- Collaborative Efforts: Encourage a whole-of-society effort involving the government, private sector, and citizens for effective road safety measures.
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