Indian Polity: September 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Vidya Samiksha Kendra

Why in News?

The Ministry of Education is promoting the creation of Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs) in various states under the National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR).

• This effort is in line with the National Education Policy of 2020.
• At the national level, there is a VSK center located within the Central Institute of Educational Technology building on the NCERT campus.

What is Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs)?

• About:
  • VSK is aimed at leveraging data and technology to bring a big leap in learning outcomes.
  • This will cover data of more than 15 Lakh schools, 96 Lakh teachers and 26 Crore students and analyze them meaningfully using big data analysis, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in order to enhance the overall monitoring of the education system and thereby improving learning outcomes.
• Objectives:
  • To monitor the real-time status of various projects/ activities under the ambit of Samagra Shiksha.
  • To keep track of enrolled students including learning outcomes, Dropouts, support required by teachers and schools, etc.
  • To monitor and track field level academic and non-academic activities at state level and also empower administrators and teachers in the field to take data driven decisions.
  • To set up a centralized help desk for grievance redressal mechanisms for stakeholders of the School ecosystem.
  • To identify and analyse improvement areas for decision making and implementation that needs urgent attention.
• Significance:
  • The ability to effectively collect, monitor, correlate, and analyse data will lead to timely actions to implement schemes.
  • Integrating various data sets and breaking through the barrier of operating in silos will help us effectively leverage different entities towards a common goal.

New Education Policy in West Bengal

Why in News?

Recently, the West Bengal government has announced its own State Education Policy for 2023, declining some of the aspects of the NEP (National Education Policy) 2020.

• Many states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have also declined to adopt the NEP 2020 in its entirety.

What are the Key Highlights of the West Bengal Education Policy?

• Continuation of 5+4+2+2 Pattern:
  • The state will maintain the existing 5+4+2+2 pattern for school education.
  • This structure begins with one year of pre-primary education, followed by four years of primary education (up to class 4), four years of upper primary education (class V to VIII), two years of secondary education, and finally, two years of higher secondary education.
  • The NEP suggests transitioning to a 5+3+3+4 school system, where Class 9-12 is considered a continuum offering students subject choices, is declined by the state government.
• Three-Language Formula:
  • The policy recommends the introduction of a three-language formula for students in classes V to VIII.
  • The first language, referred to as the "mother tongue," will be the medium of instruction.
  • For example, in Nepali-medium schools, Nepali will be the medium of instruction, Santhali in Santhali-medium school, and similarly for other languages and mediums.
  • The second language can be English or any language other than the first language, depending on the student's choice.
  • The third language can be any language chosen by the student, different from the first and second languages.
• Introduction of 'Bangla' as a Subject:
  • Bangla will be introduced as a subject from Class I to Class XII for students in schools with languages other than Bangla as the medium of instruction.
  • However, it is not recommended as a first language.
• Semester System at Higher Secondary Level:
  • In higher secondary education (Class XI and XII), it has introduced a semester system to facilitate a smoother transition from school to university.
  • Semester examinations may include a combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and descriptive questions.

Why has West Bengal Developed its Own Education Policy Instead of Implementing NEP 2020?

• Autonomy and Regional Needs:
  • One of the primary reasons is the desire for autonomy in shaping the education system according to the unique needs and priorities of West Bengal.
  • Education is a Concurrent Subject in India, which means both the central and state governments can legislate on it. States often seek to customize educational policies to align with their cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic contexts.
• Rural Disadvantage:
  • The proposal for a common entrance test for undergraduate courses, as suggested by NEP 2020, raised worries in Bengal.
  • The state government fears this could put rural students at a disadvantage and prefers a decentralized admission approach to ensure fairness for all.
• Historical and Cultural Factors:
  • West Bengal has a rich cultural and linguistic diversity, with Bengali being the predominant language.
  • The state has felt that it is important to preserve and promote the Bengali language and culture through its education policy.
  • This could lead to variations from the NEP, which seeks to implement a uniform policy across the country.
  • Another point of contention is the NEP's encouragement of private-sector participation in education.
  • Bengal remains cautious about this, advocating for a stronger role of the public sector to ensure equal and accessible education opportunities.
• Consideration of Alternatives:
  • The West Bengal government has indicated its intention to analyze educational initiatives in states like Maharashtra and Kerala to propose an alternative approach.
  • This signals a willingness to explore different models and adapt best practices from other states.

What are the Issues With NEP 2020?

• Size and Diversity:
  • India's education sector is enormous and diverse, making it challenging to implement uniform policies across the country.
  • The country's vast population, multiple languages, and varying socio-economic conditions necessitate localized approaches to education, which the NEP's one-size-fits-all approach may not adequately address.
• Capacity Limitation:
  • The NEP 2020 proposes significant transformations in the education sector, from the school level to higher education.
  • However, many states and regulatory bodies lack the internal capacities and resources needed to implement such wide-ranging changes effectively.
• Language and Curriculum:
  • Adapting curriculum materials to be taught in the mother tongue is a key feature of the NEP 2020.
  • However, India's linguistic diversity, with 22 official languages and numerous dialects, poses a significant challenge.
  • States are concerned about the practicality of implementing this aspect and ensuring quality education in multiple languages.
• Digital Divide:
  • The NEP emphasizes the use of technology in education, including e-learning and digitization.
  • However, India faces a digital divide where a substantial portion of the population lacks access to smartphones and computers.
  • This divide could lead to unequal access to educational resources and opportunities, disadvantaged marginalized communities.
• Limited Resources:
  • The NEP calls for a substantial increase in the allocation of resources for education, targeting 6% of the GDP.
  • Achieving this level of funding may be difficult given the competing demands on government finances, such as healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. States may struggle to allocate sufficient resources to meet NEP objectives.
• Local Autonomy:
  • Some states are concerned about the NEP's perceived centralization of education policy and decision-making.
  • They believe that it infringes on their autonomy to design and implement education policies that align with their specific needs and priorities.

Way Forward

• Encourage meaningful consultation with all stakeholders, including state governments, educators, parents, and students. Seek feedback and input to address concerns and make necessary adjustments to the NEP.
• Recognize and respect the diversity of India's education landscape. Allow states flexibility in implementing policies to cater to their specific linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic contexts. Adapt the NEP's provisions to be more regionally relevant.
• Invest in building the capacity of education ministries, regulatory bodies, and educators to effectively implement the NEP. Provide training and resources to equip them for the challenges of transforming the education system.

Shifting Trends in Online News Consumption

The Reuters Institute's recently published 2023 Digital News Report has unveiled significant shifts in online news consumption patterns across the globe.

• The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is dedicated to exploring the future of journalism worldwide through debate, engagement, and research.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Shifting Patterns in Online News Consumption in India:
  • Indians are increasingly turning to search engines and mobile news aggregators(43%) (online platforms or software devices that collect news stories) as their primary sources of online news, moving away from traditional news websites.
  • Only 12% prefer reading news from direct sources, i.e. newspapers, while 28% prefer social media for news reading.
  • Prefer watching or listening to news content over reading it.
• Regional Contrasts in Online News Engagement:
  • Scandinavian countries maintain direct engagement with established news brands.
  • Asia, Latin America, and Africa rely heavily on social media for news.
• Diverse Preferences Across Countries:
  • Reading dominates in Finland and the UK (80%).
  • India and Thailand prefer watching news online (40%).
  • The Philippines leads with 52% favouring video news.
• Impact of Covid-19 on News Consumption:
  • There are alarming declines in both the reading and sharing of news in India. The data show that access to online news has sharply fallen by 12 % points between 2022 and 2023.
  • Television viewership, especially among younger and urban individuals, has also decreased by 10%.
  • The decline in news engagement can be linked, in part, to the diminishing influence of the Covid-19 pandemic since the relaxation of lockdown measures in April 2022.
• Trust in News:
  • Trust in news in India has remained stagnant at 38% between 2021 and 2023, ranking among the lowest in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • In countries such as Finland (69%) and Portugal (58%), trust levels are higher.
  • On the other hand, countries with higher degrees of political polarization such as the United States (32%), Argentina (30%), Hungary (25%), and Greece (19%) have lower trust levels.

What are the Challenges Faced by India Due to Changes in  News Consumption Patterns?

• Misinformation and Fake News: 
  • The shift away from traditional news sources and increased reliance on search engines and social media may contribute to the spread of misinformation and fake news. This can lead to public confusion, false beliefs, and even social unrest.
• Quality of Journalism:
  • A decreased preference for traditional news websites and newspapers could impact the quality of journalism.
  • Independent and credible journalism may face financial challenges, potentially leading to a decline in investigative reporting and in-depth analysis.
• Democracy and Polarization:
  • The influence of social media as a news source can contribute to political polarization. People may be exposed to biased information, which can ultimately affect the democratic process.
• Media Trust:
  • India's persistently low trust in news is concerning for a healthy democracy.
  • Rebuilding trust in the media is essential for informed citizenship.
• Youth Disconnect: 
  • The drop in television viewership among younger people suggests a disconnect between traditional news mediums. Engaging and informing the younger generation through reliable news sources is essential for their civic education.
• Dependence on Algorithmic Feeds: 
  • Relying on search engines and social media for news means individuals are exposed to content determined by algorithms. This may limit exposure to diverse perspectives and important news stories. 

What Initiatives Have Been Taken to Curtail Fake News in India?

• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021:
  • Proposes that social media platforms must delete content labeled false by the Press Information Bureau's fact-check unit.
  • Rule aims to curb the spread of fake news and misinformation on social media platforms.
• IT Act 2008:
  • Section 66 A of the IT Act 2008 regulates offences related to electronic communication.
  • This includes punishing individuals who send offensive messages through communication services or social media platforms. This act can be used to penalize those who spread fake news through electronic communication.
• Indian Penal Code of 1860:
  • It regulates news that causes riots and information that causes defamation. This act can be used to hold individuals accountable for spreading fake news that incites violence or defames someone's character.
• Related Authorities:
  • Press Council of India (PCI):
    • It is a statutory body established under the Press Council Act of 1978. 
    • The PCI also issues guidelines and codes of conduct for the print media.
    • PCI helps maintain “high standards of public taste” and foster responsibility among citizens.
  • Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB):
    • The MIB grants licenses and permissions to private broadcasters, and monitors their content and performance.
  • News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA):
    • It is an independent body that serves as a representative of private television news, current affairs, and digital broadcasters.
    • The NBSA's purpose is to set high standards, ethics, and practices for news broadcasting. The NBSA also considers and decides on complaints against broadcasters related to the content of their broadcasts.
  • Broadcasting Content Complaint Council (BCCC):
    • Admits complaints against TV broadcasters for objectionable TV content and fake news.
  • Indian Broadcast Foundation (IBF):
    • It also looks into the complaints against content aired by channels.

Way Forward

• Promote media literacy programs in schools and communities to help individuals critically evaluate news sources and identify misinformation.
• Encourage partnerships between fact-checking organizations, government agencies, and social media platforms to identify and correct false information.
• India should explore the possibility of enacting legislation similar to Australia's that mandates digital platforms to pay local media outlets for using their content.
  • This can help support the struggling news industry and ensure fair compensation for content creators and encourage them to provide authentic and original information.

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 and NCAP

Why in News?

Recently, the awards for Swachh Vayu Survekshan (Clean Air Survey) 2023 were announced. The survey was conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

What are the Key Findings about the SVS 2023? 

• About: 
  • Swachh Vayu Survekshan (SVS) is a new initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to rank cities on the basis of air quality and implementation of activities approved under the city action plan (NCAP) in 131 non-attainment cities.
  • Cities are declared non- attainment if over a 5-year period they consistently do not meet the NAAQS for PM10 or NO2.
  • The categorisation of cities has been based on the 2011 population census.
• Criteria: The cities were assessed on eight major points:
  • Control of biomass
  • Municipal solid waste burning
  • Road dust
  • Dust from construction and demolition waste
  • Vehicular emissions
  • Industrial emissions
  • Public awareness
  • improvement in PM10 concentration
• Performance: 
  • Top 3 cities under 1^st category (million plus population): Indore followed by Agra and Thane.
    • Worst Performers: Madurai (46), Howrah (45) and Jamshedpur (44)
    • Bhopal ranked 5^th and Delhi ranked 9^th
  • Top 3 cities under 2^nd category (3-10 lakhs population): Amravati followed by Moradabad and Guntur.
    • Worst Performers: Jammu (38), Guwahati (37) and Jalandhar (36)
  • Top 3 cities under 3^rd category (<3 lakhs population): Parwanoo followed by Kala Amb and Angul.
    • Worst Performer: Kohima (39)
• Comparison: 
  • In SVS 2022, the first three spots (million-plus category) were secured by cities in Uttar Pradesh — Lucknow (1), Prayagraj (2) and Varanasi (3). 
    • All three cities have been ranked lower this year.

What is the NCAP?

• About: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to systematically address air pollution by engaging all stakeholders and ensuring necessary action.
  • 131 cities have been identified for the implementation of the city specific action plans under NCAP.
• Target: It is the first-ever effort in the country to frame a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.
  • It seeks to cut the concentration of coarse (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) by at least 20% in the next five years (base year for comparison - 2017).
• Monitoring: The “PRANA” portal has also been launched by MoEFCC for:
  • Monitoring implementation of NCAP.
  • Monitoring the action plans and implementation status of cities.
  • Sharing best practices adopted by cities for others to emulate.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Why in News?

The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) , aimed at providing LPG gas cylinders to rural and deprived households, has faced challenges in ensuring consistent usage among beneficiaries.

• Out of 9.58 crore Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana households, 1.18 crore bought no refills in 2022-23, and another 1.51 crore bought one refill.
• Low refill rates raise concerns about the scheme's ability to ensure sustained usage among beneficiaries.

What are the Concerns Regarding the PMUY?

• Limited Refill Consumption:
  • Data reveals that the average PMUY beneficiary refilled fewer than four LPG cylinders during 2022-23.
  • One in four PMUY beneficiaries did not use any LPG cylinders or took just one refill in 2022-2023.
  • In contrast, non-PMUY households consumed significantly more cylinder refills, whose per household consumption of LPG cylinders was 6.67 refills highlighting a disparity in consumption patterns.
• Rising LPG Cylinder Prices:
  • Steep price increases in LPG cylinders, even with subsidies, have made them less affordable for rural and deprived households.
  • High prices may discourage beneficiaries from using LPG for cooking, defeating the scheme's purpose.
• Subsidy Expenditure:
  • Between January 2018 and March 2023, rates for subsidised LPG cylinders increased by 82%, reaching ₹903 in March 2023 from ₹495.64 in January 2018.
  • Subsidy amounts depend on the difference between the Retail Selling Price (RSP) and the subsidised cost set by the government.
  • Non-subsidised LPG cylinders saw a 49% price increase, reaching ₹1,103 in March 2023.
• International Factors Impacting LPG Prices:
  • Various factors, including import charges, bottling charges, freight, delivery charges, GST, and distributor commission, contribute to the final LPG price.

What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?

• About:
  • The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG), introduced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ (PMUY) as a flagship scheme with the objective of making clean cooking fuel such as LPG available to the rural and deprived households which were otherwise using traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, coal, cow-dung cakes etc.
    • Usage of traditional cooking fuels had detrimental impacts on the health of rural women as well as on the environment.
• Objectives:
  • Empowering women and protecting their health.
  • Reducing the number of deaths in India due to unclean cooking fuel.
  • Preventing young children from a significant number of acute respiratory illnesses caused due to indoor air pollution by burning fossil fuel.
• Features:
  • The scheme provides a financial support of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection to the BPL households.
  • Along with a deposit-free LPG connection, Ujjwala 2.0 will provide the first refill and a hotplate free of cost to the beneficiaries.
• Benefits of PMUY:
  • The eligible beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection.
  • The beneficiaries also receive a subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders.
  • The beneficiaries can opt for an EMI facility to pay for the cost of the stove and the first refill.
  • The beneficiaries can also join the PAHAL scheme to receive the subsidy amount directly in their bank accounts.
• Phases of PMUY:
  • Phase I :
    • The scheme was launched on May 1, 2016.
    • The target under the scheme was to release 8 Crore LPG Connections to the deprived households by March 2020.
    • The release of 8 Crore LPG connections under the scheme has also helped in increasing the LPG coverage from 62% on 1st May 2016 to 99.8% as on 1st April 2021.
  • Ujjwala 2.0:
    • In the Union budget for FY 21-22, provision for the release of additional 1 crore LPG connections to the eligible households by March 31, 2022.
    • The target of releasing additional 1 crore LPG connections under Ujjwala 2.0 was achieved in January 2022.Subsequently, it was decided to release additional 60 lakh LPG connections under Ujjwala 2.0. OMCs have achieved the target of releasing 1.6 Crore LPG Connections under Ujjwala 2.0 on 31st December 2022.

Way Forward

• The government should intensify efforts to educate beneficiaries about the health and environmental benefits of using LPG.
• Periodic evaluation of subsidy amounts and mechanisms to keep LPG affordable for beneficiaries is needed.
• Conduct regular assessments of the PMUY scheme's effectiveness and adapt policies accordingly to address emerging challenges.

India, that is Bharat: The Ongoing Debate

Context

Recently, the debates have started when the invitation card of G20 mentioned the term “President of Bharat” instead of “President of India”.

About the historical perspectives on the terms "India" and "Bharat”

India:

• The term "India" is derived from the ancient Greek term "Indus", which referred to the Indus River.
• The Greeks and Persians used this term to describe the land beyond the Indus River. The word "India" gradually evolved from this Greek root.
• During the period of European exploration and colonization, the term "India" was widely used by Europeans to refer to the entire Indian subcontinent, including present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Nepal and Myanmar.
• The name "India" became more formalized during British colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries. The British used "India" to refer to their colonial possessions on the Indian subcontinent.
• After gaining independence in 1947, the modern Republic of India retained the name "India" as its official name, reflecting its historical usage by the British.

Bharat:

• The name "Bharat" has deep roots in Indian mythology and history.
• It is derived from the Sanskrit term "Bharata", which has several meanings in Hindu tradition.
• In Hindu mythology, "Bharata" was the name of a legendary king and ancestor of the Kuru dynasty, as mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata.
• "Bharata" is also associated with the concept of "Bharatavarsha" or "Bharatakhand",which refers to the ancient Indian subcontinent. This term appears in various ancient Indian texts and scriptures.
• Over time, "Bharat" became a symbol of India's cultural and historical heritage, and it has been used in various Indian languages and texts to refer to the country.

What the Indian Constitution says on terms "India" and "Bharat"?

• In modern India, both "India" and "Bharat" are used officially.
• The Constitution of India recognizes both names, and Article 1 of the Indian Constitution states that "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States." This reflects the dual nomenclature of the country, acknowledging its historical and cultural diversity.
•  "India" is often used in English and for international purposes, while "Bharat" is more commonly used in Indian languages and in the context of traditional and cultural references.

National Mission for Clean Ganga

The National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga, commonly known as the National Ganga Council, implemented the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). This mission became a registered society on August 12, 2011, under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is a government of India project to alleviate pollution of the Ganga River by giving technical and financial help. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is an important topic for the UPSC IAS Exam.

Key Points

• State-level Programme Management Groups (SMGs) in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal promote the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the National Ganga Council.
• The 5th India Water Impact Summit 2020 was held virtually from December 10th to 15th. The IWIS Summit 2020 will focus on river and water bodies’ comprehensive management and synchronizing development with river protection. It focuses on incorporating the Arth Ganga philosophy into India’s development plan.
• The World Bank has authorized Rs. 3,000 crores five-year loan to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) or Namami Gange Project to help minimize pollution in the Ganga river basin. The mission has so far approved 313 projects totalling Rs. 25,000 crores.

Objectives of National Mission for Clean Ganga

NMCG works on pollution reduction strategies such as intercepting, diverting, and treating wastewater that flows through open drains. Its goal is to reduce pollution by using bioremediation, appropriate in-situ treatment, cutting-edge technology, sewage treatment plants (STP), and effluent treatment facilities (ETP). The Nation Mission for Clean Ganga has several primary goals, including

• rebuilding and enhancing existing STPs as well as taking immediate short-term efforts to reduce pollution at riverfront exit locations in order to reduce sewage influx.
• To keep the water flowing without interfering with natural seasonal fluctuations.
• To restore and maintain groundwater and surface flow.
• To restore and sustain the area’s natural vegetation.
• To protect and rejuvenate the river Ganga basin’s aquatic and riparian biodiversity.
• To allow the public to participate in the river’s conservation, revitalization, and management.

Phases of NCGM

1st Phase: 
National Ganga Clean Mission has already received Rs. 4,535 crores from the World Bank as part of the first phase of the National Ganga River Basin (valid until December 2021).

2nd Phase:

• The loan would support three new ‘Hybrid Annuity Projects’ for the Ganga’s tributaries in Agra, Meerut, and Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• DBOT Projects: Bihar’s ongoing DBOT (Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer) projects in Buxar, Munger, and Begusarai will receive Rs. 1,209 crores.
• Cleaning initiatives from the first phase of the mission, as well as cleaning initiatives in tributaries like the Yamuna and Kali rivers, are among the projects.
• Institutional development, enhancing investment resilience to Covid-19-like emergency scenarios, a performance-based reward for Urban Local Bodies, and communication and management programs are among the other initiatives.
• The presence of five states on the river’s main stem, namely Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal, has resulted in the majority of the Ganga becoming polluted.
• Tanneries in Kanpur, distilleries, and paper and sugar mills in the Kosi, Ramganga, and Kali river catchments all contribute significantly to pollution.
• Poor Governance: Funds allocated are not being used to their full potential.
• According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), four of the eleven hydropower projects on the higher levels of the Ganga’s tributaries are in violation of Ganga ecological flow (e-flow) rules, further disrupting the river’s natural flow.
• Illegal Development: Illegal and widespread construction along riverbeds has become a major impediment to river cleanup.

National Ganga Council

• The Prime Minister chairs the National Ganga Council.
• The Environment (Protection) Act (EPA) of 1986 established the National Ganga Council.
• It has been granted overall responsibility for environment protection and rejuvenation in the Ganga Basin, which includes the Ganga and its tributaries.

Namami Gange Programme

• The Namami Gange Programme is an Integrated Conservation Mission that was established by the Union Government in June 2014 as a “Flagship Program” to achieve the twin goals of effective pollution abatement and conservation and restoration of the National River Ganga.
• It is run by the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and its state counterpart organisations, State Initiative Management Groups, are in charge of implementing the programme (SPMGs).
• NMCG is the implementation arm of the National Ganga Council (which took over from the National Ganga River Basin Authority in 2016).
• It has a centrally supported, non-lapsable corpus of Rs 20,000 crore and almost 288 projects.

The primary components of the programme are:

• Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure & Industrial Effluent Monitoring,
• Bio-Diversity & Tree plantations
• Social Awareness
• River-Front Development & River-Surface Cleaning.

Initiatives towards Clean Ganga

Prior to the foundation of the Clean Ganga Mission, numerous activities aimed at reducing pollution and cleaning the river Ganga were undertaken. The following are some of the significant measures done by the Indian government prior to the launch of this mission:

• Plan for the Ganga: The Ministry of Environment and Forests declared it in 1985. This was the first River Action Plan to be implemented for the purpose of improving water quality by intercepting, diverting, and treating domestic sewage. The concept attempted to prevent harmful and industrial chemical waste from entering the river.
• The National River Conservation Plan was created as an extension of the Ganga Action Plan, with the goal of covering all of the rivers in the country. It was created as an extension of the Ganga Action Plan, with the goal of covering all of India’s important rivers.
• National River Ganga Basin Authority: The National River Ganga Basin Authority, headed by India’s Prime Minister, was established in 2009 by the Central Government under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. It designated the Ganga as India’s “National River.”
• Clean-up campaign: In 2010, the government launched a clean-up campaign to prevent the introduction of untreated municipal sewage or industrial waste.
• The Bhuvan-Ganga Web App: It ensures public participation in the monitoring of pollutants entering the river Ganga.
• Waste Discharge is Prohibited: The National Green Tribunal prohibited the disposal of any waste in the Ganga in 2017.

Way Forward

• India’s efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga have been re-energized by the government’s Namami Gange Program.
• In this vein, the initial World Bank loan aided in the construction of crucial sewage infrastructure in 20 pollution hotspots along the river, and current money will aid in the cleaning of Ganga’s tributaries.
• It would also assist the government in strengthening the institutions required to manage a river basin the size of the Ganga.
• A strategic framework is required to properly implement the plan, which involves stringent monitoring, mass awareness campaigns, the use of digital media, and biodiversity conservation in the Ganga.

NCERT Attains Deemed University Status

Why in News?

The 63^rd Foundation Day of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) was recently observed in New Delhi, accompanied by the notable achievement of NCERT being granted the esteemed Deemed-to-be-University status.

What are the Major Highlights of the Event?

• 'Jadui Pitara' Revolutionizes Early Education:
  • At the event, a play-based educational resource named 'Jadui Pitara' received acclaim for its suitability for children aged 3 to 8.
  • With the capacity to positively impact a staggering 100 million children across the country, 'Jadui Pitara' is positioned to play a crucial role in revolutionizing the field of education.
• Promotion of Mother Tongue and Integration of Advanced Technologies:
  • In an effort to preserve and promote regional languages, emphasis was placed on the critical importance of developing educational content in mother tongues.
  • Additionally, it was highlighted that NCERT is committed to developing educational materials in all 22 languages with the help of software like Anuvadini.
  • A visionary proposal was made for the establishment of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence laboratories in all seven regional centers under the aegis of NCERT.
  • The ultimate goal is to equip these centers with state-of-the-art global technologies, thereby nurturing an environment conducive to innovation and advanced research.
• Standardization of Teacher Training and Readiness for Industry 4.0:
  • The event called to standardize the teacher training curriculum, aligning it with the principles of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) framework.
  • With a focus on preparing India's youth for the challenges posed by Industry 4.0, a proposal was made to create concise booklets covering contemporary topics such as India's Covid-19 Pandemic management and Chandrayaan 3.
  • The aim is to keep the younger generations informed about the latest developments while instilling Indian values and ethos.

What is a Deemed University?

• About:
  • A deemed university is an institution of higher education that is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.
  • It is not established or incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, but is conferred the status of a university by the central government on the recommendation of the UGC.
  • A deemed university enjoys academic autonomy and can design its own courses, syllabi, admission criteria, fee structure, faculty recruitment and examination system.
• De Novo Category:
  • The NCERT has been granted the deemed university status under the ‘de novo’ category, which means that it has been recognised for its excellence in a new or emerging area of knowledge.
  • De-novo Institution means an institution devoted to innovations in teaching and research in unique and “emerging areas of knowledge” such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, space science, etc.
• Benefits of Getting the Deemed University Status:
  • They can also launch new courses and programmes that are relevant to the changing needs and demands of the education sector without having to seek approval from any other authority.
  • They can collaborate with national and international universities and institutions for academic exchange, research projects, faculty development and student mobility.
  • They can attract more students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and regions, as well as more funding from various sources.
  • They can play a more active role in implementing the NEP 2020, which envisages a transformation of the school education system in India.