Key School Education Reforms and Changes

The education reforms by the UPA government included the introduction of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) and a ‘no detention’ policy up to Class 8 as part of the Right to Education. These reforms aimed to reduce the pressure of final exams and uphold standards by assessing students continuously throughout the academic year.

Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE)

• was to be implemented from Class 6.
• Involved discrete assessments throughout the year instead of a single final exam.
• Aimed to focus on both academic achievement and personal development.

No Detention Policy

• Sought to create a more supportive and less stressful environment for students.
• Ensured students were promoted without being detained up to Class 8.

Challenges and Changes Post-Reforms

Despite these reforms, many students continued to lack foundational numeracy and literacy skills by the end of primary school. The NDA government, recognizing this gap, decided to eliminate the no detention policy in 2019, granting discretion to State governments on whether to retain it.

Recent Notifications by the Ministry of Education

• Final exams mandated for Class 5 and Class 8 to assess student competence.
• Students failing the exam will receive additional instruction and a re-examination opportunity after two months.
• If failed again, students will be detained, though no expulsion is allowed before completing elementary education.

Implications and Concerns

• Practical changes are necessary to improve learning outcomes, as an educated and skilled population is crucial for leveraging the demographic dividend.
• The policy shift reintroduces the single final exam as the primary determinant of student progression, contrary to the NEP 2020 vision of holistic and formative assessments.
• Potentially challenging for some States politically, while private schools might misuse it to expel underperforming students, necessitating safeguards.

The new detention policy does not align with the National Education Policy 2020's aspiration to encourage a comprehensive assessment approach, indicating a regression to traditional examination formats.

Agricultural Initiatives in Rajasthan

The agricultural centres of excellence in Rajasthan are set to adopt Tamil Nadu's nursery model to enhance the planting of indigenous trees that are suitable for the state's climate.

Tamil Nadu's Nursery Model

• Tamil Nadu’s model is part of the Green Tamil Nadu Mission.
• This model promotes native trees and saplings via an online platform.
• Individuals can buy high-quality seedlings from nearby nurseries.
• The initiative supports environmental sustainability and afforestation.

Role of Centres of Excellence in Rajasthan

• These centres provide training in modern farming and advanced horticulture production techniques.
• They play a critical role in increasing farmers' income and are operating at high capacity.

Suspension of Delhi Zoo's WAZA Membership

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has suspended the membership of Delhi's National Zoological Park due to animal welfare concerns. This decision will be effective from October 8, 2024, with a possibility of cancellation if corrective measures are not taken by April 7, 2025.

Issues Highlighted by WAZA

• Neglect of Shankar the Elephant:
  • Shankar, a 29-year-old African male elephant, was a diplomatic gift from Zimbabwe in 1998.
  • He was neglected and displayed maladaptive behaviors, having lost his female companion in 2005.
  • WAZA's visit in March 2024 noted Shankar's poor physical and mental state due to social isolation.
• Conditions for Suspension Lift:
  • Relocate Shankar or address his health concerns by April 7, 2025.

Global Standards and Violations

• Comparison with International Standards:
  • British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) guidelines emphasize appropriate husbandry practices and social groupings.
  • The UK’s DEFRA highlights the complexity of meeting elephants' needs in captivity due to their intelligence and social structures.
• Violations in Delhi Zoo:
  • Shankar's prolonged isolation contradicts global standards requiring social groups.
  • Asian elephants at the zoo also show signs of mental distress, such as incessant 'head-bobbing'.

Role of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA)

• Statutory Duties:
  • The CZA, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is responsible for ensuring minimum standards of animal care.
• Failure to Enforce Guidelines:
  • CZA has not enforced its own guidelines titled 'Elephants’ Upkeep in Zoos'.

Potential Consequences

• CZA's WAZA Membership at Risk:
  • The cancellation of CZA’s membership may affect animal welfare and conservation efforts in India.
• Need for Legal Reforms:
  • Introduction of checks and balances for CZA and errant zoos to ensure adherence to animal care standards.

The article underlines the urgent need for Delhi Zoo and the Central Zoo Authority to address the concerns raised by WAZA to prevent further degradation of animal welfare standards in India.

Conflict in Russia's Kursk Region Involving North Korean Troops

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has raised concerns over the situation of North Korean troops deployed in the Russian Kursk region. 

Key Highlights

• Deployment and Losses:
  • North Korean troops, numbering approximately 12,000, are stationed in Russia's Kursk region.
  • Mr. Zelenskiy claims they are facing significant losses and are often left unprotected by their Russian counterparts.
  • More than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed or wounded, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
• Conditions and Treatment:
  • North Korean troops are allegedly being sent into battle with minimal protection.
  • Instances of executions by their own forces have been reported to prevent capture.
  • Ukrainian forces have captured some North Korean soldiers, but their severe injuries have led to their deaths.
• International Implications:
  • President Zelenskiy emphasizes that Korean troops should not be involved in European conflicts.
  • He has called on Korea's neighbors, particularly China, to exert influence on Pyongyang to prevent the escalation of the war.
  • China's potential role in de-escalation is highlighted, questioning its commitment to preventing the spread of war.