Weekly Current Affairs (22nd to 28th February 2023) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Education has launched Learning - Teaching Material for the Foundational Stage under National Education Policy 2020 and Jadui Pitara was launched at the Occasion.

• In October 2022, the Ministry of Education launched the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) education of children in the three to eight years age group.

What is Jadui Pitara?

• Jadui Pitara is a play-based learning-teaching material tailored for children between the age group of 3-8 years.
• It comprises playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flash cards, story books, worksheets as well as reflecting the local culture, social context and languages is designed to pique curiosity and accommodate the diverse needs of learners in the foundational stage.
• Jadui Pitara has been developed under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and is available in 13 Indian languages.
• It aims at enriching the learning-teaching environment and making it more child-centric, lively and joyful for the Amrit Generation as envisioned in the NEP 2020.

What is NCF?

About:

• NCF is one of the key components of NEP 2020, that enables and energizes this transformation, informed by the aims, principles, and approach of NEP 2020.

Four Sections of NCF:

• NCF for School Education
• NCF for Early Childhood Care and Education (Foundational Stage)
• NCF for Teacher Education
• NCF for Adult Education

NCFFS:

• The NCF for the Foundational Stage (NCFFS) is developed based on the vision of the NEP 2020.
  • The Foundational Stage refers to children in the age group of 3 to 8 years, across the entire range of diverse institutions in India.
• This is the first Stage in the 5+3+3+4 Curricular and Pedagogical restructuring of School Education as envisioned in NEP 2020.
• The NCFFS has been developed by NCERT through an extensive consultative process with States & UTs upto grass root level and various institutions and organisations.

Objective:

• It aims to help in positively transforming the school education system of India as envisioned in NEP 2020, through corresponding positive changes in the curriculum including pedagogy.
• It aims to realize the highest quality education for all children, consistent with realizing an equitable, inclusive, and plural society as envisaged by the Constitution of India.

What is the National Education Policy 2020?

About:

• The NEP 2020 is a comprehensive framework for education reform in India that was approved in 2020, aiming to bring significant changes in the education system of India by providing a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education.

Features of the NEP 2020:

• Universalization of education from preschool to secondary level.
• Introduction of a new pedagogical and curricular structure based on cognitive and socio-emotional development of students.
• Emphasis on the development of foundational literacy and numeracy skills in primary education.
• Increased focus on research and development in education

International Mother Language Day

Context: On International Mother Language Day, which was celebrated on February 21, 2023, it was revealed that India is losing many of its languages due to modernisation and globalisation, particularly because of the lack of education.

• The theme of 2023 is “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education”.

What is International Mother Language Day?

About:

• UNESCO declared 21st February as International Mother Language Day in 1999 and the World has been celebrating the same since 2000.
• The day also commemorates a long struggle by Bangladesh to protect its mother language Bangla.
  • The resolution to mark 21st February as the International Mother Language Day was suggested by Rafiqul Islam, a Bangladeshi living in Canada.

Aim:

• UNESCO has emphasised the importance of mother-tongue-based education for the preservation of linguistic heritage, and the International Decade of Indigenous Languages has been initiated to safeguard cultural diversity.

Concern:

• According to the United Nations (UN), every two weeks, a language disappears and the world loses an entire cultural and intellectual heritage.
• In India, this is especially affecting tribal areas where children struggle to learn in schools that do not offer instruction in their native tongues.
  • Only 6 tribal languages in the state of Odisha have a written script, leaving many without access to literature and learning materials.

What are Global Efforts for Protection of Languages?

• The UN has designated the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
  • Earlier, the United Nations General Assembly had proclaimed 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages (IYIL).
• The Yuelu Proclamation, made by UNESCO at Changsha (China) in 2018, plays a central role in guiding the efforts of countries and regions around the world to protect linguistic resources and diversity.

What are India's Initiatives to Protect Indigenous Languages?

• Bhasha Sangam: The government has launched the "Bhasha Sangam" program, which encourages students to learn and appreciate different languages, including their mother tongues.
  • The program also aims to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity.
• Central Institute of Indian Languages: The government has also established the Central Institute of Indian Languages, which is dedicated to the research and development of Indian languages.
• Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT): The CSTT is providing publication grants towards the publications of University Level Books in regional languages.
  • It was established in 1961 to evolve technical terminology in all Indian Languages.
• State-level Initiatives: There are also several state-level initiatives to protect mother tongues. For example, the Odisha government has launched the "Ama Ghara" program, which provides education in tribal languages to tribal children.
  • Also, Namath Basai by Kerala State Government has proved to be very beneficial in educating children from tribal areas by adopting vernacular languages as medium of instruction.

Way Forward

Despite the current grim situation, there is hope for India's mother tongues as the National Education Policy 2020 advocates for mother tongue-based education from the early stages of education to higher education. This could help these languages survive in the long-term, but it is important to address the question of linguistic justice and ensure that language is not a barrier to education.

Genetic Information and Privacy

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that children have the right to protect their genetic information from being revealed in Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)Tests without their consent.

• The judgment came in a petition filed by a man who questioned his second child’s paternity while accusing his wife of an adulterous relationship.
• The apex court concluded on the facts of the case that no adverse inference could be drawn on the ground that the mother declined to subject the child to a paternity test.

What is the Judgement?

• Genetic information is personal and intimate. It sheds light on a person’s very essence.
• It allows individuals to make informed decisions about their health, privacy, and identity.
• Children have the right to protect their genetic information from DNA testing in divorce proceedings, as it is part of their fundamental right to privacy.
  • This is guaranteed under Article 21 of Indian Constitution.
• It is imperative that children do not become the focal point of the battle between spouses.
• Rights of privacy, autonomy and identity are recognised under the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child.
  • The Convention acknowledges the control that individuals, including children, have over their own personal boundaries and the means by which they define who they are in relation to other people.
  • Children are not to be deprived of this entitlement to influence and understand their sense of self simply by virtue of being children.

What is the Status of Genetic Information in India?

Genetic Data and Privacy:

• Genetic data privacy is a term that seeks to prevent a third party or anyone else from using a person's genetic data without his permission.
• Technological advances have made it easy to extract personal information from DNA samples, violating privacy rights.
• While genetic research holds promise for the future, misapplication can have negative consequences. Due to the significance of genetic data as the blueprint for a person's physical being, privacy protection is crucial.

Advantages of Genetic Information:

• Genetic information can reveal details about disease, health, and ancestry.
• This knowledge can increase a person's awareness of their own health, be used in medical research, and enable early intervention for disease prevention.

Disadvantages of Genetic Information:

• Genetic data consists of a person's DNA and chromosomes and can reveal personal information about health and ancestry. Direct-to-consumer genetic tests are not always reliable and can result in unintended exposure of private information. Unauthorized access to genetic data can result in negative impacts, such as unwelcome responses from employers, insurance providers, and the government, affecting a person's privacy and life.

Status of Genetic Privacy:

• In 2018, The Delhi High Court ruled against United India Insurance Company's discrimination in health insurance against a person with a heart disease that was thought to be a genetic disorder.
• Genetic discrimination is a breach of Article 14, which guarantees that everyone is treated fairly under the law.
• The Supreme Court of India unanimously stated that the Right to Privacy is a Fundamental Right under Article 21 in Justice KS Puttaswamy (Retd.) & Anr. v. Union of India.
• Genetic discrimination is illegal in almost all countries. In 2008, the United States passed the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA), a federal law that protects people from genetic discrimination in health care and jobs.

Way Forward

• From a legal standpoint, there is a need to develop more comprehensive privacy laws and regulations specifically tailored to genetic information.
  • It may include stricter requirements for obtaining informed consent for genetic testing and data sharing, as well as penalties for unauthorized access or use of genetic information.
• Technologically, there may be opportunities to enhance privacy protections through advancements in encryption, secure storage, and data sharing protocols.
  • For example, homomorphic encryption techniques could be used to allow computation on encrypted genetic data without revealing the underlying information.
• From an Ethical perspective, it will be important to continue to engage in public dialogue and education around the value and risks of genetic testing and data sharing.
  • It may involve efforts to promote transparency, openness, and accountability around how genetic data is collected, used, and shared, as well as initiatives to promote equitable access to genetic testing and benefits.

Corrupt Practices Under RPA Act 1951

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has said that providing false information about electoral Candidates Qualification is not a Corrupt Practice under RPA (Representation of People’s Act) Act 1951.

• The SC observed that no one in India votes for a candidate based on their educational qualifications.

What is the Case all About?

• The SC was hearing a petition, challenging a 2017 Allahabad High Court ruling, which held that declaration of false information pertaining to education qualification does not interfere with the free exercise of electoral rights of the electors.
• The petition said that the electoral candidate committed a “corrupt practice" under Section 123(2) by interfering in the free exercise of electoral rights of the voters by not disclosing his liabilities and correct educational qualifications in his affidavit of nomination.
  • It also argued that a “corrupt practice” under Section 123(4) was committed by the candidate in publishing a false statement of fact about his character and conduct to influence the outcome of his election, knowingly.
• The SC declared the Petition as “null and void”, saying that providing false information about a candidate's qualifications cannot be considered a “Corrupt Practice” under Sections 123 (2) and Section 123 (4) of the RPA, 1951.

What are ‘Corrupt Practices’ under the RPA, 1951?

• Section 123 of the Act: It defines ‘corrupt practices’ to include bribery, undue influence, false information, and promotion or attempted promotion of “feelings of enmity or hatred between different classes of the citizens of India on grounds of religion, race, caste, community, or language” by a candidate for the furtherance of his prospects in the election.
• Section 123 (2): It deals with ‘undue influence’ which it defines as “any direct or indirect interference or attempt to interfere on the part of the candidate or his agent, or of any other person, with the consent of the candidate or his election agent, with the free exercise of any electoral right.” This could also include threats of injury, social ostracism and expulsion from any caste or community.
• Section 123 (4): It extends the ambit of “corrupt practices” to the intentional publication of false statements which can prejudice the outcome of the candidate’s election. Under the provisions of the Act, an elected representative can be disqualified if convicted of certain offences; on grounds of corrupt practices; for failing to declare election expenses; and for interests in government contracts or works.

What Practices has the Court held as Corrupt Practices in the Past?

• Abhiram Singh v C.D. Commachen Case: In 2017, the SC in ‘Abhiram Singh v C.D. Commachen held that an election will be annulled if votes are sought in the name of a candidate’s religion, race, caste, community, or language, as per Section 123 (3) which prohibits the same.
• SR Bommai v. Union of India: In 1994, the Supreme Court’s ruling in ‘SR Bommai v. Union of India’, said that the encroachment of religion into secular activities is strictly prohibited, citing subsection (3) of Section 123 of the RPA Act, 1951.
• S. Subramaniam Balaji vs State of Tamil Nadu: In 2022, the SC while reconsidering its 2013 judgment in ‘S. Subramaniam Balaji vs State of Tamil Nadu’, it held that promises of freebies cannot be termed a corrupt practice. However, the matter is still yet to be decided.

What is the Representation of the People Act 1951?

Provisions:

• It regulates the conduct of elections.
• It specifies the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of the houses,
• It provides provisions to curb corrupt practices and other offences.
• It lays down the procedure for settling doubts and disputes arising out of elections.

Significance:

• The act is significant for the smooth functioning of the Indian democracy as it bars the entry of persons with criminal background into representative bodies, thus decriminalizing Indian politics.
• The act requires every candidate to declare his assets and liabilities, and maintain an account of election expenses. This provision ensures the accountability and transparency of the candidate in the use of public funds or misuse of power for personal benefits.
• It prohibits corrupt practices like booth capturing, bribery or promoting enmity etc., which ensures the legitimacy and free & fair conduct of elections which is essential for the success of any democratic setup.
• The act provides that only those political parties which are registered under section 29A of the RPA Act,1951 are eligible to receive electoral bonds, thus providing a mechanism to track the source of political funding and ensuring transparency in electoral funding.

Adi Ganga Revival Plan

Context: Recently, plans to revive Adi Ganga (the original channel of River Ganga passing through the city of Kolkata) have been announced.

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga has allocated around Rs 650 crore to revive the ancient river and it has been included in a multi-country South Asian River project on combating pollution.

What are the Major Issues and Developments Associated with Adi Ganga?

Encroachment History:

• The river, which was once the main channel of the Ganga till the 17th century, has been neglected for decades and is now polluted and encroached upon. The choking of Adi Ganga severely impacted the natural drainage of the area.
• However, Adi Ganga continued to thrive till the 1970s. Since then, its water quality gradually deteriorated until it turned into a sewer and got rapidly encroached.
• In 1998, the Calcutta High Court directed the removal of all encroachments on the river within a month.
  • However, another report, close to two decades after the first order, showed that the encroachments were still existing.

Current Status:

• The river is now practically dead and has turned into a sewer with a load of faecal bacteria crossing 17 million in 100 millilitres of river water, according to the state pollution control board data and dissolved oxygen is zero.

Rejuvenation:

• The West Bengal government has been directed by the National Green Tribunal to complete its rejuvenation “positively by September 30, 2025”.
• The river was selected for the pollution study during an international water conference organised by the non-profit Action Aid in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
• Apart from Adi Ganga, Buriganga in Bangladesh, Puyang in China, Bagmati in Nepal and Klang in Malaysia were also chosen for pollution study during the conference.

Note

• The Adi Ganga, also known as the Gobindapur creek, Surman’s Canal and (presently) Tolly’s Canal, was the main flow of the Hooghly River between the 15th and 17th century that virtually dried up due to natural reasons.
• Around 1750, a canal was dug to connect the main course of the river with the lower part of River Saraswati adjacent to Howrah.
  • The resultant Hooghly became the main river stretch and Adi Ganga turned into a secondary tributary.

What is the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)?

About:

• On August 12, 2011, the NMCG was listed as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• The NMCG is implemented by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga also known as the National Ganga Council.

Objective:

• The objective of the NMCG is to reduce pollution and ensure rejuvenation of the Ganga river.
• This can be achieved by promoting intersectoral coordination for comprehensive planning & management and maintaining minimum ecological flow in the river, with the aim of ensuring water quality and environmentally sustainable development.

Organization Structure:

• The Act envisages five tier structure at national, state and district level to take measures for prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution in river Ganga as below:
  • National Ganga Council under chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
  • Empowered Task Force (ETF) on river Ganga under chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation).
  • National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
  • State Ganga Committees
  • District Ganga Committees in every specified district abutting river Ganga and its tributaries in the states.

What are the Other Initiatives Related to Ganga?

• Namami Gange Programme: It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
  • Ganga was declared as the ‘National River’ of India in 2008.
• Ganga Action Plan: It was the first River Action Plan that was taken up by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 1985, to improve the water quality by the interception, diversion, and treatment of domestic sewage.
  • The National River Conservation Plan is an extension to the Ganga Action Plan. It aims at cleaning the Ganga River under Ganga Action Plan phase-2.
• Bhuvan-Ganga Web App: It ensures involvement of the public in monitoring of pollution entering into the river Ganga.