Context

• When the Jaadui Pitara (magic box) was unveiled on February 20, 2023, by the Minister of Education, it marked a significant moment in the landscape of early childhood education in India.
• As children eagerly explored the box's contents, their reactions encapsulated the essence of play: wonder, curiosity, and joy.
• This moment of spontaneous engagement underscored a powerful truth: play is an essential and natural part of learning for children.

The Importance of Joyful Learning

• As the new school year begins, classrooms across India will resonate with the bright eyes, laughter, and occasional wails of children embarking on their educational journeys.
• It is imperative that these learning environments are welcoming, joyful, and playful.
• Play is not merely a pastime; it is a crucial tool for holistic development, encompassing physical, socio-emotional, language, cognitive, and cultural growth.
• Through play, children engage in exploration and experimentation within a safe and enjoyable space, developing curiosity and creativity.

Policy Initiatives Supporting Play-Based Learning

• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
  • The NEP 2020 is a comprehensive framework that seeks to overhaul the Indian education system.
  • One of its significant contributions is the focus on early childhood care and education (ECCE).
  • The policy highlights the importance of the formative years (ages 3-8) in a child's life and acknowledges that traditional methods of rote learning are not conducive to the holistic development of young minds.
  • Instead, it advocates for learning environments that are engaging, inclusive, and play-based.
• National Curriculum Framework for the Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022
  • Building on the principles of the NEP 2020, the NCF-FS 2022 provides a detailed roadmap for the implementation of play-based learning for children aged 3-8.
  • This framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing states and educational institutions to tailor it to their specific contexts.

Key Features of NEP 2020 and NCF-FS 2022

• Emphasis on ECCE
  • Recognising the critical importance of the early years, the NEP 2020 proposes the establishment of a National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
  • This mission aims to ensure that every child attains foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3.
  • The policy emphasises that foundational literacy should be achieved through a variety of activities, including play, art, stories, and music.
• Curriculum and Pedagogy Reform
  • The NEP 2020 advocates for a curriculum that is flexible, multi-faceted, and holistic.
  • It encourages the incorporation of play-based learning in the curriculum, moving away from the rigid and content-heavy frameworks of the past.
  • The policy suggests the integration of toys, games, puzzles, stories, and songs into everyday learning activities.
• Teacher Training and Professional Development
  • Recognising the pivotal role of teachers in implementing play-based learning, the NEP 2020 calls for extensive professional development programs.
  • These programs aim to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to create engaging and stimulating learning environments that encourage play and exploration.
• Holistic Development through Play
  • The NCF-FS 2022 firmly positions play at the centre of early childhood education.
  • It outlines a curriculum that integrates various forms of play, such as free play, guided play, and structured play.
  • This approach ensures that children develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills in a balanced and natural manner.
• Diverse Learning Activities
  • The framework includes a wide range of activities that promote learning through play.
  • These activities encompass storytelling, role-playing, arts and crafts, music and movement, and outdoor play.
  • By engaging in these activities, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and social skills.
• Inclusive and Equitable Learning Environments
  • The NCF-FS 2022 emphasises creating inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all children, including those with disabilities and those from marginalised communities.
  • Play-based learning is seen as an effective way to engage children from different backgrounds and abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
• Assessment through Observation
  • Traditional methods of assessment, such as standardised tests, are not suitable for young children.
  • The NCF-FS 2022 advocates for assessment methods that are based on observation and documentation of children's progress during play and other activities.
  • This approach allows teachers to gain a deeper understanding of each child's development and tailor their teaching strategies accordingly.
• Community and Parental Involvement
  • The framework recognises the importance of involving parents and the community in the educational process.
  • It encourages schools to engage with parents and caregivers, providing them with resources and guidance to support play-based learning at home.
  • Community involvement is also seen as crucial in creating a supportive and enriching environment for children.

The Jaadui Pitara: A Symbol of Transformative Education, Features, Scientific Benefits and The Role of Play in Child Development

• The Launch of Jaadui Pitara
  • The Jaadui Pitara, launched by NCERT, symbolises the transformative nature of the NCF-FS.
  • It contains a diverse array of materials, from toys and games to storybooks and teacher handbooks, all designed to facilitate learning through play.
  • Each item in the Pitara is mapped to specific learning outcomes, ensuring that play is both enjoyable and educational.
  • The Pitara has been widely appreciated by stakeholders across the country, with efforts underway to customise its contents to local contexts.
• Embracing Technology with the e-Jaadui Pitara
  • Recognising the importance of technology in the digital era, the Ministry of Education introduced the e-Jaadui Pitara to complement the physical box.
  • This digital version aims to democratise access to educational resources through multiple channels, including computers, smartphones, television, and radio.
  • Caregivers can now engage with virtual assistants, leveraging generative AI, to facilitate play-based learning activities.
  • This integration of technology enhances the reach and impact of the Jaadui Pitara, making quality educational materials accessible to a broader audience.
• Scientific Insights on the Benefits of Play
  • Numerous studies on child development and brain research highlight the significance of play.
  • Play stimulates the prefrontal cortex, responsible for attention, problem-solving, and regulating social behaviour.
  • It promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections, which is fundamental for learning and adaptation throughout life.
  • Additionally, play nurtures intuitive knowledge, essential for problem-solving and decision-making in complex and uncertain conditions.
• The Role of Play in Parenting and Child Development
  • International agencies like UNICEF underscore the role of play in parenting, emphasising its importance in building the foundation for children's growth and development from infancy.
  • During play,children make choices, experience wonder, and derive joy, fostering holistic development, creativity, and resilience.
  • For adults, play enhances mental health, cognition, and creativity and when parents and caregivers engage children in play, they celebrate the essence of play itself.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, the Jaadui Pitara and the principles of the NCF-FS represent a transformative approach to early childhood education in India.
• By integrating play into the curriculum, these initiatives recognize the profound impact of play on children's development.
• As we celebrate the new learning year, let us embrace play as a fundamental aspect of education, creating environments where children can thrive, learn, and develop.

Why in news?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined Project Nexus, a multilateral initiative aimed at enabling instant cross-border retail payments by interlinking domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs).

Through this project, India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be connected with the FPSs of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The platform has the potential to be extended to additional countries in the future.

What’s in today’s article?

• Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
• Project Nexus

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

• About: The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is an international financial institution that serves as a bank for central banks, fostering international monetary and financial cooperation.
• Establishment: Founded in 1930, the BIS is the oldest global financial institution.
• Headquarters: Located in Basel, Switzerland
• Main Functions
  • Central Bank Cooperation - Facilitates collaboration among central banks and provides a platform for policy discussions and decision-making.
  • Financial Stability - Promotes monetary and financial stability through research, policy analysis, and the development of international standards.
  • Banking Services - Provides banking services to central banks and other international organizations, including gold and foreign exchange transactions.
  • Economic Research - Conducts research and analysis on global economic and financial issues, producing reports and publications.
• Importance
  • Coordination - Acts as a forum for central banks to collaborate on monetary policy and financial regulation.
  • Standard Setting - Plays a crucial role in setting international standards and guidelines to ensure the stability and resilience of the global financial system.
  • Crisis Management - Provides a platform for coordinated responses to global financial crises and economic challenges.
• Few notable works
  • Basel Accords
    • Basel I (1988) - Introduced a set of minimum capital requirements for banks, aimed at reducing credit risk.
    • Basel II (2004) - Expanded on Basel I by adding requirements for market risk and operational risk, emphasizing risk management.
    • Basel III (2010-2017) - Strengthened bank capital requirements, introduced new regulatory requirements on bank liquidity and leverage, and aimed to enhance the resilience of the banking sector in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.
  • BIS Innovation Hub
    • Established to foster collaboration on financial technology (FinTech) and innovation among central banks, focusing on developing digital currencies, cybersecurity, and new financial technologies.
  • Financial Stability Board (FSB) Support
    • Played a crucial role in the establishment and support of the FSB, which coordinates international efforts to enhance global financial stability and regulatory reforms in response to the 2008 financial crisis.

Project Nexus

• Background
  • RBI has been working bilaterally with various countries to link India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with their Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) for cross-border Person to Person (P2P) and Person to Merchant (P2M) payments.
  • While these bilateral connections are beneficial, a multilateral approach could significantly enhance the international reach of Indian payment systems.
  • Currently, over 70 countries have instant payment systems that enable domestic payments to reach their destination in seconds at near-zero cost.
  • By interconnecting these systems, cross-border payments can be completed within 60 seconds in most cases.
• About
  • Project Nexus is conceptualised by the Innovation Hub of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
  • It seeks to enhance cross-border payments by connecting multiple domestic instant payment systems (IPS) globally.
  • It is the first BIS Innovation Hub project in the payments area to move towards live implementation.
• Benefits
  • Project Nexus aims to standardize the interconnection of Instant Payment Systems (IPS).
  • Instead of each payment system operator creating custom connections for every new country, they can connect once to the Nexus platform.
  • This single connection enables access to all other countries on the network, potentially accelerating the growth of instant cross-border payments.
• Countries that have joined the platform
  • Project Nexus aims to connect the FPSs of four Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand; and India.
    • These countries would be the founding members and first mover countries of this platform.
  • Indonesia will also join the platform in future.

Why in news?

In the new Parliament Session, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi claimed for the second time that his microphone had been switched off during his address. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, however, clarified that presiding officers do not have any means to turn off members' microphones and objected to accusations against the Chair.

What’s in today’s article?

• Who controls the mic in Parliament?
• Previous row over muting mics
• Muting Mics and breach of privilege

Who controls the mic in Parliament?

• Microphone and Switch System in the House
  • Each MP has an assigned seat in the House. All the members have a microphone and switch set at their specific desks with allocated numbers.
  • According to the manual released by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in May 2014, the switch board has multiple switches in different colours.
• Activation of mic when an MP wants to speak
  • If an MP wants to speak in the House, they can raise their hand to notify the presiding officer and press the grey button.
  • The LED on microphones turns red when the mic is activated.
  • The microphone is activated from the control room only when the member has been permitted by the Speaker to speak.
• Control Room Operations
  • As per various media reports, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have a chamber for sound technicians, who are part of the staff that transcribes and records the proceedings of Parliament.
  • The chamber has an electronic board with assigned seat numbers of the members.
  • Mics are turned on and off from this room, which has a glass facade through which the staff can see the presiding officers and the MPs.
  • Microphones are activated under the directions of the Chair of the Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha. They are only turned on when a member is called by the Chair.
    • A member’s mic might be switched off if it is not their turn to speak.
• Speaking Rules and Time Limits
• In the Zero Hour, a three-minute time limit is given to a member, and when the three minutes are over, the microphone is automatically switched off.
• In cases of debates on bills, time is allocated for each party. The Chair adheres to this time and, at its discretion, grants one or two minutes for a member to complete.
• Only the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman can direct the switching on and off of mics in special circumstances.
• In case of Special Mentions
  • In the case of Special Mentions, MPs have a limit of reading out 250 words. The moment it is read by the member, the microphone is switched off by the staff in the chamber.
    • Special Mentions allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to raise matters of public importance or grievances in the House without prior notice.
    • These mentions are used for issues that require the immediate attention of the government or the public.

Previous row over muting mics

• Last week, Rahul Gandhi claimed that his microphone was switched off as he tried to raise the issue of NEET irregularities.
• In July 2023, Congress chief and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, claimed that his microphone was switched off while he was speaking in the upper house.
• He described this incident as a breach of his privilege and an insult to his self-respect.

Muting Mics and breach of privilege

• Constitutional Provisions
  • Article 105: Defines the powers, privileges, and immunities of Parliament, its members, and committees.
  • Article 194: Defines similar powers, privileges, and immunities for State Legislatures, their members, and committees.
  • It is considered a breach of privilege and contempt of the House to make speeches or publish libel that reflects on the character or proceedings of the House, its Committees, or any member related to their character or conduct as a legislator.
• Lack of codification
  • The Constitution has accorded special privileges and powers to parliamentarians and legislators so as to maintain the dignity and authority of the Houses.
  • However, these powers and privileges are not codified.
  • Thus, there are no clear, notified rules to decide what constitutes a breach of privilege, and the punishment it attracts.

Why in the News?

The 16th Finance Commission (FC), under the chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya, focuses on devolution to local bodies, highlighting challenges in urban fiscal devolution in India.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Background (About FC, Composition, Functions, Role, etc.)
• News Summary

Background:

• Article 270 of the Constitution provides for the scheme of distribution of net tax proceeds collected by the Union government between the Centre and the States.
• The taxes that are shared between the Centre and the States include corporation tax, personal income tax, Central GST, the Centre’s share of the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) etc.
• This division is based on the recommendation of the Finance Commission (FC) that is constituted every five years as per the terms of Article 280.
• Apart from the share of taxes, States are also provided grants-in-aid as per the recommendation of the FC.
• The divisible pool, however, does not include cess and surcharge that are levied by the Centre.

About Finance Commission:

• The FC is constituted every five years and is a body that is exclusively constituted by the Union Government.
• It consists of a chairman and four other members who are appointed by the President.
• The Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951, has specified the qualifications for chairman and other members of the commission.
• The Union government has notified the constitution of the 16^th Finance Commission under the chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya for making its recommendations for the period of 2026-31.

Composition of the Finance Commission:

• Chairman: The Commission is headed by a Chairman who is selected from among individuals with experience in public affairs.
• Members: There are four other members who are appointed by the President of India. The qualifications for these members include:
  • A person who is or has been a judge of a High Court or qualified to be appointed as one.
  • A person with knowledge of finance and accounts of the government.
  • A person with experience in financial matters and administration.
  • A person with special knowledge of economics.

Functions of the Finance Commission:

• Distribution of Net Proceeds: Recommend how the net proceeds of taxes should be distributed between the Centre and the states, and the allocation of the same among the states.
• Grants-in-Aid: Determine the principles governing the grants-in-aid to the states by the Centre from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Improving Fiscal Management: Suggest measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a state to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the state.
• Any Other Matter: Address any other matter referred to it by the President in the interests of sound finance.

Are Recommendations Made by the Commission Binding?

• The recommendations made by the Finance Commission are of an advisory nature only and therefore, not binding upon the government.
• It is up to the Government to implement its recommendations on granting money to the states.

Agenda of the 16th Finance Commission:

• The 16th Finance Commission (FC) has begun its work, primarily focusing on the devolution of the consolidated fund.
• Since the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, local bodies have gained significant recognition within the federal system.
• These amendments introduced sub-clauses 280(3)(bb) and (c), which mandate the FC to recommend measures to augment State consolidated funds for supporting panchayats and municipalities.

About Urban Areas:

• Cities, contributing around 66% of India's GDP and 90% of government revenues, are crucial for national development.
• Despite their importance, financial support for urban areas remains insufficient.
• The World Bank estimates $840 billion is needed for urban infrastructure over the next decade.
• Intergovernmental transfers (IGTs) to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India are only about 0.5% of GDP, significantly lower than in other developing countries.
• This inadequate financial devolution hampers city productivity and quality of life. IGTs, although vital, need to be more predictable and equitable to support ULBs effectively.

Need for Increase in IGTs:

• The introduction of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) has reduced ULBs’ tax revenue (excluding property tax) from about 23% in 2012-13 to around 9% in 2017-18.
• IGTs from States to ULBs are very low, with State Finance Commissions recommending only about 7% of States’ own revenue in 2018-19. Increasing the quantum of IGTs as a percentage of GDP is necessary.

Need for the Updated Census Data:

• Without the 2021 Census, relying on 2011 data for fiscal planning is inadequate.
• India has about 4,000 statutory towns, an equal number of Census towns, and around 23,000 villages that are essentially urban.
• The 16th Finance Commission must consider this and the migration to Tier-2 and 3 cities.
• The 15th FC’s principles need revisiting, particularly regarding property tax, GST alignment, pollution mitigation, primary healthcare, and essential services.
• The 16th FC should aim to double IGTs to urban areas.

Why in News?

A UK-based teenager has become the first person in the world to be fitted with a brain implant - deep brain stimulation (DBS) device, to help bring his epileptic seizures under control.

The DBS device sends electrical signals deep into the brain and has reportedly reduced his daytime seizures by 80%.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• What is Epilepsy?
• What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
• Other Alternatives to Treat Epilepsy
• How Popular is DBS?

What is Epilepsy?

• The word epilepsy simply means "seizure disorders."
  • Seizures are sudden surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in one’s brain and can affect how one appears or acts.
• Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures.
  • A person experiences jerking of arms and legs, temporary confusion, staring spells or stiff muscles during seizures.
  • It can increase the risk of accidents, drownings, and falling.
• The disease has no identifiable cause in nearly 50% of the cases.
  • However, head trauma, tumours in the brain, some infections like meningitis, or even genetics can lead to epilepsy.
• According to a 2022 Lancet study, between 3 and 11.9 per 1,000 people suffer from epilepsy in India.
• Although several anti-seizure medicines are available in the market, 30% of the patients remain resistant to treatment.

What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?

• About: DBS is a neurosurgical procedure that uses implanted electrodes and electrical stimulation to treat movement disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), essential tremor, dystonia and other neurological conditions.
• Working:
  • DBS interrupts the irregular signals that cause tremors and other movement symptoms.
  • Neurosurgeons implant one or more wires/ leads inside the brain.
  • The leads are connected with an insulated wire extension to a very small neurostimulator (electrical generator) implanted under the person’s collarbone, similar to a heart pacemaker.
  • Continuous pulses of electric current from the neurostimulator pass through the leads and into the brain.
  • The doctor programs it to deliver an electrical signal and ensure that the current is properly adjusted to provide effective results.
  • In adjusting the device, the doctor seeks an optimal balance between improving symptom control and limiting side effects.

Other Alternatives to Treat Epilepsy:

• DBS is not the first line of treatment for epilepsy. Doctors first use anti-seizure medicines and a ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates.
• If that does not work, doctors can carry out brain surgery to remove a portion of the brain where the seizures originate.
• Another surgery called corpus callosotomy (doctors remove a part disallowing abnormal electrical signals to travel from one half of the brain to another) may be suggested in some children.

How Popular is DBS?

• Surgery is still preferable to implanting a DBS device.
  • This is because DBS devices available in the market reduce seizures by around 40%.
  • In comparison, seizures drop by nearly 90% if the patient undergoes surgery.
• DBS/ neurostimulators cost about Rs 12 lakh and there are additional surgical costs that one has to pay in private hospitals, increasing the cost to about Rs 17 lakh.
  • In comparison, a brain surgery costs between Rs 2 and 3 lakhs.
• Therefore, such devices should be suggested only for those who have epilepsy which originates from different parts of the brain (instead of one focal point), making operations less viable.

Context

• The recent Supreme Court judgement in M.K. Ranjitsinh and others vs Union of India & others has significantly impacted India's emerging climate change jurisprudence.
• The Court has introduced the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change into the Constitution of India, grounded in the rights to life and equality.
• As a new government considers its imperatives and agenda, Ranjitsinh provides an intriguing opportunity to think through and possibly enact much more systematic governance around climate change.

The Background of the Case

• The case revolved around whether electricity transmission lines could be constructed through the habitat of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
• The government argued that protecting the bird's habitat hindered the country's renewable energy potential.
• The Court modified a previous order to prioritise transmission infrastructure, facilitating renewable energy development to combat climate change.
• However, the judgment's most notable aspect is the introduction of the 'climate right.'

Implications of the Supreme Court’s Recognition of the Climate Right

• Increased Climate Litigation
  • The explicit recognition of a 'climate right' empowers citizens and civil society organizations to file lawsuits demanding governmental action to protect this right.
  • This could lead to a surge in climate-related cases, prompting the judiciary to interpret and enforce climate responsibilities more robustly.
• Judicial Precedents
  • As courts hear more climate-related cases, they will establish a body of jurisprudence that could influence future legal interpretations and policymaking.
  • This process will gradually define the scope and content of the 'climate right' and establish legal standards for climate protection.
• Government Accountability
  • The judiciary may hold the government accountable for failing to mitigate climate change or for policies that exacerbate environmental degradation.
  • This can include scrutinising projects and initiatives that negatively impact the environment or assessing the adequacy of government actions in addressing climate change.
• Policy Reformation
  • The recognition of the 'climate right' necessitates a comprehensive review and reformation of existing policies to align with the constitutional mandate.
  • This includes sectors such as energy, transport, urban development, and agriculture.
  • Framework for Legislation
  • There may be a push for comprehensive climate legislation that provides a coherent framework for addressing climate change.
  • Such legislation would need to integrate climate considerations across all policy areas and ensure coordinated action at national and sub-national levels.
• Climate Action Plans
  • Governments at all levels may be required to develop and implement climate action plans that outline specific measures to protect the climate right.
  • These plans should include both mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation measures to enhance resilience against climate impacts.

Unresolved Questions Post-Judgment, Their Impact on Government Agenda and Comparison of Approaches

• Overstatement of Clean Energy Agenda
  • The court's judgment emphasises the large-scale clean energy agenda as the primary pathway to mitigating climate change.
  • There is a question if this focus might understate other critical aspects like climate adaptation and local environmental resilience.
• Ambiguity on Protection of Climate Rights
  • There is ambiguity about how the right against adverse effects of climate change will be protected.
  • The judgment leaves open the method and efficacy of this protection.
• Impact on Government Agenda
  • One potential pathway forward is through a gradual accumulation of judicial decisions, which might establish a legal precedent over time.
  • However, this approach might result in a fragmented, incomplete framework of protections.
  • New legislation could be a more effective means of realising climate rights. This approach could provide a more comprehensive and cohesive framework.
• Comparison of Approaches
  • The court-based action involves litigation and judicial orders and while it can lead to protections, it often requires subsequent policy actions and might not provide a unified framework.
  • But a new climate legislation would be more effective and such legislation can provide a clear vision, create necessary institutions, and ensure structured governance.
  • The judgment itself states that there is no ‘umbrella legislation’ in India that relates to climate change.
  • And in so doing, seems to implicitly recognise the merits of an overarching, framework legislation.
  • It can set the vision for engaging with climate change across sectors and regions, create necessary institutions and endow them with powers, and put in place processes for structured and deliberative governance in anticipation of and reaction to climate change.

Suggestions for Formulating Climate Legislation for Indian Needs

• Customisation of Climate Legislation for India
  • While it is beneficial to learn from other countries, India's climate legislation must be tailored to its unique context rather than simply copying other nations' approaches.
  • Although transitioning to a low-carbon energy future is crucial, it alone is insufficient to enforce a right against adverse climate effects.
• Setting up of Comprehensive Legislative Goals
  • The legislation should support sustainable cities, buildings, and transport networks and this involves measures such as heat action plans should be sensitive to local contexts.
  • Also, mechanisms should be provided to shift to more climate-resilient crops. Key ecosystems like mangroves, which buffer against extreme weather, need protection.
  • Moreover, consideration of social equity is essential in achieving these tasks.
• Mainstreaming Climate Change Considerations
  • Climate change considerations should be mainstreamed into India's development processes.
  • A single, comprehensive law covering all areas is not feasible due to the existing legal framework and the complexity of climate change preparation.
• Learning from International Practices
  • There is scope to learn from international experience both what not to do and what directions to follow.
  • Climate laws in many countries, often following the example of the United Kingdom, focus narrowly on regulating carbon emissions, for example, by setting regular five yearly national carbon budgets and then putting in place mechanisms to meet them.
  • This sort of approach, which has unfortunately become somewhat of a template for countries to follow, is ill-suited to India.
  • Instead, because India is still developing, is highly vulnerable, and yet to build much of its infrastructure, what the country needs is a law that enables progress toward both low-carbon and climate resilient development.
• The Factor of Federalism
  • There is another dimension essential for a climate law tailored to India: ensuring that the law works effectively within Indian federalism.
  • Many areas relevant to climate action, from urban policy to agriculture and water fall under the authority of sub-national governments — States or local levels, and electricity also is a concurrent subject.
  • An Indian climate law must simultaneously set a framework for coherent national action while decentralising sufficiently to empower States and local governments, and enable them with information and finance to take effective action.

Conclusion

• The SC's recognition of the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change as a constitutional right is a landmark decision with far-reaching implications.
• It sets the stage for transformative changes in legal frameworks, policy development, social engagement, economic strategies, and environmental conservation.
• As India navigates this new terrain, it has the opportunity to lead by example in addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

Why in news?

The NEET-UG exam faced controversies with issues like grace marks, allegations of paper leaks, and other irregularities. The UGC-NET exam was cancelled after being conducted, and the CSIR-NET and NEET-PG exams have been postponed.

Against this backdrop, there has been ongoing debate about transferring education back to the state list.

What’s in today’s article?

• Status of Education– Historical Background
• International practices
• Way forward

Status of Education– Historical Background

• Early phase - Education in Provincial list
  • The Government of India Act, 1935 during the British rule created a federal structure for the first time in our polity.
  • The legislative subjects were distributed between the federal legislature (present day Union) and provinces (present day States).
  • Education, as an important public good, was kept under the provincial list.
• After Independence
  • After independence, the trend set by the GoI Act 1935 was continued and education was part of the ‘State list’ under the distribution of powers.
• Recommendation of Swaran Singh Committee
  • During the Emergency, the Congress party constituted the Swaran Singh Committee to provide recommendations for amendments to the Constitution.
  • One of the recommendations of this committee was to place ‘education’ in the concurrent list in order to evolve all-India policies on the subject.
• 42nd constitutional amendment and status of education
  • The 42nd constitutional amendment (1976) by shifting ‘education’ from the State list to the concurrent list.
  • No detailed rationale was provided for this change.
• Attempt to bring back education in State list
  • The Janata Party government led by Morarji Desai passed the 44th constitutional amendment (1978) to reverse many of the controversial changes made through the 42nd amendment.
  • One of these amendments that was passed in the Lok Sabha but not in the Rajya Sabha was to bring back ‘education’ to the State list.
  • Since then, education remains in concurrent list of the Constitution.

Prevailing international practices

• In the United States, educational standards and standardized tests are set by state and local governments, while federal oversight focuses on financial aid and key educational policies.
• Canada delegates education entirely to its provinces.
• In Germany, educational legislative authority resides with its states (Länder).
• South Africa has national departments for school and higher education, with provinces implementing national policies and addressing local educational needs.

Way forward

• Arguments for 'Education' in Concurrent List
  • Uniform Education Policy - Advocates argue for a unified approach to education across the country to improve standards and ensure consistency.
  • Synergy Between Centre and States - Central coordination is seen as beneficial for aligning national goals with state-level implementation.
  • Corruption and Lack of Professionalism - Critics cite concerns about inefficiencies and ethical issues within state-level management of education.
• Arguments for Restoring 'Education' to State List
  • Recent Issues with Centralisation - Events like NEET controversies highlight that centralized control does not eliminate problems, challenging assumptions about governance efficacy.
  • Autonomy and Tailored Policies - States argue for autonomy to tailor educational policies to local needs, especially concerning syllabus, testing, and admissions for professional courses.
  • One size fits all approach can not work - Considering the vast diversity of the country, a ‘one size fits all’ approach is neither feasible nor desirable.
  • Financial Distribution–A significant amount of education expenditure is borne by the states, suggesting a need for productive discussion towards moving ‘education’ back to the State list.
    • According to the Ministry of Education's 2022 report on education spending, out of the total ₹6.25 lakh crore spent by education departments in 2020-21, the Centre contributed 15%, and the States contributed 85%.
    • When including all other departments' spending on education and training, the breakdown shifts to 24% by the Centre and 76% by the States.
• Way forward
  • Hybrid Model - Experts suggest maintaining central oversight for regulatory frameworks like medical and technical education while devolving policymaking autonomy to states.
  • Collaborative Governance - Emphasis must be given on productive dialogue between central and state authorities to achieve balanced educational reforms and efficient resource allocation.

Why in news?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved Rs 56 crore for the next phase of the conservation of Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican.

What’s in today’s article?

• Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
• Lesser Florican
• Next phase of conservation plan for Great Indian Bustard

Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

• About
  • GIBs are the largest among the four-bustard species found in India.
    • The other three being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican and the Bengal florican.
  • Being terrestrial birds, they spend most of their time on the ground with occasional flights to go from one part of their habitat to the other.
  • They feed on insects, lizards, grass seeds etc. GIBs are considered the flagship bird species of grassland and hence barometers of the health of grassland ecosystems.
• Habitat and Status
  • This bird, found mainly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, has been categorized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
    • As per the 2021 report of the IUCN, they are on the verge of extinction with hardly 50 to 249 of them alive.
  • GIBs’ historic range included much of the Indian sub-continent but it has now shrunken to just 10 per cent of it.
  • Among the heaviest birds with flight, GIBs prefer grasslands as their habitats.
• Threats
  • Scientists of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have been pointing out overhead power transmission lines as the biggest threat to the GIBs.
    • WII research has concluded that in Rajasthan, 18 GIBs die every year after colliding with overhead powerlines.
    • These birds, due to their poor frontal vision, can’t detect powerlines in time and their weight make in-flight quick manoeuvres difficult.
  • Kutch and Thar desert are the places which have witnessed creation of huge renewable energy infrastructure over the past two decades.
  • This led to installation of windmills and construction of power lines even in core GIB areas.
• Conservation measures
  • In 2015, the Central government launched the GIB species recovery programme.
  • Under the programme, the WII and Rajasthan Forest department have jointly set up conservation breeding centres where GIB eggs harvested from the wild are incubated artificially and hatchlings raised in controlled environment.
  • The plan is to create a population which can act as insurance against the threat of extinction and release the third generation of these captive-bred birds into the wild.
  • Bird diverters have also been installed on power lines to protect the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) from collisions.
    • The diverters act as reflectors that birds can see from about 50 meters away.
    • When birds spot the diverters, they change their flight path to avoid colliding with the power lines.

Lesser Florican

• About
  • Lesser florican is the smallest bird of the bustard family (Otididae).
  • It is endemic to India and is one of the four bustard species of India.
  • Locally, the bird is known as Kharmor (grass peacock) in Gujarat and Khar titar (grass pheasant) in Rajasthan.
• Habitat
  • Though it prefers open, grassy landscapes, the lesser florican is generally seen resting within thick bushes during the day.
  • In non-breeding months, it can inhabit wooded lands and scrublands, along with grasslands.
  • Being omnivorous, their diet ranges from small insects and critters to herbs and shoots.
  • It inhabits the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• IUCN Status
  • The bird is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
  • 

 Next phase of conservation plan for Great Indian Bustard

• Overview
  • Funding Approval - The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has allocated Rs 56 crore for the next phase of the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican.
  • Conservation Goals - The plan includes habitat development, in-situ conservation, completion of conservation breeding centers, and releasing captive-bred birds.
  • Proposal Recommendation - The National CAMPA executive committee recommended the Wildlife Institute of India’s (WII) proposal for scaling up the project for 2024-2033.
• Project Components
  • First Component
    • Conservation Breeding Centers: Completion of the CBC in Jaisalmer’s Ramdevra and development of the Sorsan Lesser Florican facility.
    • Captive-bred Birds: Preparatory work for releasing captive-bred birds and post-release monitoring.
    • Artificial Insemination: Development and implementation as a backup for captive breeding.
  • Second Component
    • In-situ Conservation - Efforts in other range states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Timeline and Activities
    • Population Estimation- Between 2024-2026, WII will estimate GIB populations in Jaisalmer and range states, and conduct rangewide population estimation of the Lesser Florican.
    • Egg Collection- Annually collect two to four GIB eggs and six to ten Lesser Florican eggs.
    • Rewilding- Set to begin in 2027, identifying and developing release sites, and creating soft release enclosures.
• Background
  • The conservation programme has been running since 2016 for long-term recovery of critically endangered GIB and Lesser Florican.
  • As of now, around 140 GIBs and fewer than 1,000 Lesser Floricans are surviving in the wild.
    • Severe decline due to hunting, habitat loss, depredation of eggs, and overhead power lines.
• Current Conservation Facilities
• GIB Breeding Centers: Located in Rajasthan’s Sam and Ramdevra with 40 GIBs.
• Lesser Florican Center: Located in Sorsan with seven individuals.
• Legal Oversight
  • Supreme Court Involvement –
    • The SC is also monitoring the GIB and Lesser Florican conservation programme.
    • A petition seeking protection of the two species is pending before it.
  • Power Line Issue –
    • SC initially ordered burying power lines in GIB habitats but recalled the order in 2024 due to practicality concerns.
    • An expert committee is studying the issue.

Why in News?

Three new criminal laws - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) - came into effect across the country on July 1.

They brought widespread changes in India's criminal justice system and ended colonial-era laws - the Indian Penal Code (1860), Code of Criminal Procedure (1973) and the Indian Evidence Act (1872).

Together, these three laws govern the criminal justice jurisprudence - from defining penal offences, prescribing processes for investigation and evidence gathering to governing the process of a trial in court.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Breaking Down the Three New Criminal Laws
• Upsides and Downsides of the Three New Criminal Laws
• Analysing the Government’s Preparation for Implementing the 3 Criminal Laws

Breaking Down the Three New Criminal Laws:

• The BNS introduces some new crimes: For example,
  • Clause 69:
    • It penalises sexual intercourse through the employment of “deceitful means” and mentions upto 10 years imprisonment and a fine for the offence.
    • Deceitful means include the false promise of employment or promotion, inducement, or marrying after suppressing identity.
    • Critics say that this might end up criminalising consensual relationships and provide a fillip to the “love jihad” narrative in some cases.
  • Clause 103:
    • It (for the first time) recognises murder on the ground of race, caste, or community as a separate offence.
    • In 2018, the SC had directed the Centre to consider a separate law for lynching and the new provision gives legal recognition to such crimes.
  • Inclusion of offences such as organised crime and terror:
    • Clause 111(1) of the BNS borrows heavily from the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
    • Organised crime encompasses any continuing unlawful activity including kidnapping, robbery, vehicle theft, extortion, land grabbing, contract killing, economic offences, cyber-crimes, etc.
  • Clause 304(1): It defines snatching as a new crime, distinct from theft.
  • Community service as an alternate form of punishment for some offences:
    • These include small theft, defamation, and attempt to die by suicide with an intention to keep a public official from discharging her duty.
    • However, the BNS does not define what constitutes community service, leaving it to the discretion of judges.
• BNSS:
• The expansion of detention in police custody: From the 15-day limit in the CrPC to up to 90 days.
• Victim-centric approach: The BNSS states that in cases where the punishment is seven years or more, the victim shall be given an opportunity of being heard before withdrawal of the case by the government.
• Trials in absentia: Where a person accused of a crime can be tried and convicted in his absence. Critics argue that the introduction of trials in absentia under normal criminal law allows the state to forgo its duty to properly locate the accused before the trial begins.
• Removes the provision for statutory bail: If an accused has more than one offence against his name.
• BSA:
  • Modified the definition of document:
    • By including electronic and digital records and recognising digital and electronic records as primary evidence.
    • Now, the digital or electronic records will have the same legal effect, validity, and enforceability as other documents.
  • Expanded the scope of secondary evidence: It included additional categories such as oral admissions, written submissions, etc.
  • Modified the need for confessional admission: A confession made by an accused person is irrelevant in a criminal proceeding.

Upsides and Downsides of the Three New Criminal Laws:

• Upsides:
  • Sexual intercourse with a minor wife has been brought under the ambit of rape.
  • The inclusion of offences for mob-lynching is crucial, and signals a legislative acknowledgement of such hate crimes.
  • In a progressive step, the BNS entirely leaves out the contentious Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises “carnal intercourse against the order of nature”.
  • The emphasis on video-conferencing of trials, and prescription of timelines for speedy trials should improve justice delivery but their success will depend on implementation on the ground.
• Grey areas:
  • The consultation process (during pandemic) and the hasty passage of the laws through Parliament has caused much disquiet.
  • According to some legal experts, although the new laws make significant changes, they do not ‘overhaul’ the existing laws.
  • Despite the government’s claims (of doing away with sedition), the BNS has in fact introduced the offence with a wider definition.
  • With rape laws still not made gender-neutral, there is little criminal recourse for male victims of sexual assault.

Analysing the Government’s Preparation for Implementing the 3 Criminal Laws:

• Operational training: For example, the Bar Council of India has mandated that the new laws be incorporated into curricula of universities and Centres of Legal Education from the 2024-25 academic year.
• Publicity/awareness campaign: The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) is coordinating efforts of the Inter-Ministerial Group for a coordinated publicity campaign.
• Tech upgradation:
  • NCRB has made 23 functional modifications in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) application to facilitate tech compatibility, including on registration of FIRs.
  • NIC has developed applications such as eSakshya, Nyay Shruti, and eSummon to facilitate videography/photography of crime scenes, judicial hearings, and delivery of court summons electronically.
• Capacity building: The BPR&D has developed 13 training modules to build capacity of the police, prisons, prosecutors, judicial officers, forensic experts, and central police organisations.

Why in the News?

PARAKH, a standard-setting body under the NCERT, recently released a ‘Holistic Progress Card’ for secondary school students (Classes 9 to 12).

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About PARAKH (Objective, Focus Areas, etc.)
• About HPC (Objective, Features, Benefits, etc.)
• News Summary

About PARAKH:

• National Assessment Centre- PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development) was set up in NCERT as an independent body in 2023.
• Objective: To fulfil the basic objectives of setting norms, standards, guidelines and implement activities related to student assessment along with other tasks as mandated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• There are four major areas of focus for PARAKH:
  • Capacity Development in Competency-Based Assessment: Project Vidyasagar –
    • PARAKH, in partnership with the PhD Chamber of Commerce, is organizing workshops across India to familiarize educators with the new pedagogical and policy changes in the National Curriculum Framework 2023.
    • The goal is to bridge gaps in implementing competency-based learning and teaching.
  • Large-Scale Achievement Survey:
    • PARAKH conducted the State Educational Achievement Survey in November 2023, assessing students in Grades 3, 6, and 9 across 30 States/UTs.
    • The survey aims to monitor and assess educational competencies in foundational literacy, numeracy, language, and mathematics.
  • Equivalence of School Boards:
    • PARAKH is working to standardize examination reforms across all Indian school boards.
    • Regional workshops were held to collect data on administration, curriculum, assessments, and infrastructure.
    • A report was prepared, and national workshops were conducted to discuss and draft policy recommendations for equivalence. T
    • The goal is to allocate credit points to academic, vocational, and experiential learning.
  • Holistic Progress Cards

About Holistic Progress Cards:

• The Holistic Progress Card, or HPC, will no longer depend on marks or grades to evaluate a student’s academic performance. Instead, it will rely on a 360-degree evaluation.
• Under the HPC model, the students will be regularly assessed through class activities where they are not just passive learners but active agents.
  • The activities will prompt students to apply diverse skills and competencies that will demonstrate whether they have been able to grasp concepts.
• Features
  • The difficulty level they experience while performing a task will also be assessed.
  • Teachers will be able to register the strengths of a student, such as their ability to “collaborate”, “follow instructions”, show “creativity” or “empathy”, etc.
  • Similarly, weaknesses like “lack of attention”, “peer pressure”, “lack of preparation” will help teachers identify areas where students need help.
  • The HPC allows students to evaluate their own and their classmates’ performance with simple responses like ‘Yes’, ‘No’, or ‘Do not know’ to descriptive statements.
  • Additionally, it connects home and school by incorporating parents’ input on their child’s homework abilities, classroom engagement, and balancing screen time with extracurricular activities.
  • This approach makes parents an integral part of the child’s learning process.
• Benefits of HPC:
  • The HPC goes beyond numerical grades, focusing on descriptive and analytical evaluations that encompass academic achievements as well as the development of critical skills in a child.
  • It promotes a shift from summative to formative assessment, fostering competency-based evaluation and holistic growth.
  • Additionally, it seeks to provide teachers and parents with insights to support each student in learning.

NCERT’s New Report Card to Track Post School Plans, Life Skills:

• PARAKH has recently released a ‘Holistic Progress Card’ for secondary school students (Classes 9 to 12).
• As per the available information, the report card will not be used in the ongoing 2024-25 academic session. However, teachers and other officials will be trained on its implementation.
• States can take a call on whether to implement the HPC as released by the NCERT or adapt it to suit their needs.
• These report cards are expected to be factored in the results for those appearing for the Board exams in Classes 10 and 12.
• Some states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, have begun preparing to implement the HPCs for those up to class 8 from the 2024-25 academic session onwards.