Tana Bhagat tribals blocked trains in Jharkhand; after 57 hours withdrew rail blockade

 

Tana Bhagat tribals block trains at Jharkhand's Tori station, demand land rights, amendment to ChhotaNagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act. They started the blockade at Tori station on September 2, seeking amendment of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act – which protects the land rights of the tribals.

The Rajdhani Express was stopped at Daltonganj railway station, while the goods trains were stranded on the Barkakana-Barwadih rail route of the East Central Railway (ECR). 

 

 

57 hours Rail blockade

Until it is withdrawn, Railway services were completely shut in the section for around 57 hours, and the Ranchi-bound Rajdhani Express got stuck at the Daltonganj station on Thursday, following which 930 passengers of the train had to be sent to their destinations in buses, officials said.

 

Reason

The community has been demanding that the provisions of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act be strengthened through an amendment, and its members be granted a tax waiver on any land they possessed. 

 

What is Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT), 1908?

• The Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, enacted in 1908 after the Birsa Movement to govern land issues and prevent land alienation [then regarded as a rakshya kavach (protective shield) for the land of tribals in Chota Nagpur], is supposed to be the Magna Carta for tribals.

• Its operation is effective in North Chotanagpur, South Chotanagpur and Palamau divisions, including areas under various municipalities and notified area committees.

• The blueprint of the act was prepared by a missionary social worker and Catholic priest John B. Hoffman.

 

 

Key Provisions

• It prohibits the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals and protects community ownership.

• Section 46 of the CNT Act restricts transfer of land belonging to Scheduled Tribes/Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes.

• However, a tribal may transfer his land through sale, exchange, gift or will to a fellow Scheduled Tribe member and residents of his own police station area.

• Similarly, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes can transfer land to members of their own community within the limits of the district in which the land is located with prior permission of the deputy commissioner.

 

Tana Bhagat Movement (1914-1919)

• In the second decade of the 20th century, Tana Bhagat movement started initially in a religious form but later transformed into a political one under the impact of the Indian National Congress.

• It was a tribal uprising of a section of the Tana Bhagats and Oraons under the leadership of Jatra Oraon occurring during the late colonial period in the Chhotanagpur region of Bihar, India.

• Tana Bhagats are followers of Mahatma Gandhi, and believes in Ahimsa (Non- violence).

• The Tana Bhagats opposed the taxes imposed on them by the British and they staged a Satyagraha (civil disobedience movement) even before Gandhi's satyagraha movement.

• They opposed the Zamindars, the Baniyas (moneylenders), the missionaries, the Muslims and the British state.

Read More

RBI unveils five-year National Financial Education plan

 

On 20^th August, 2020 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) : 2020-2025 document to be implemented in the next five year.

It is the second NSFE , the first one being released in 2013.

Key Points

• The NSFE: 2020-2025 intends to support the vision of the Government of India and the Financial Sector Regulators by empowering various sections of the population to develop adequate knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour which are needed to manage their money better and to plan for the future.

• The NSFE document was released by M.K. Jain, Deputy Governor of RBI.

• The document NSFE (2020-2025) is prepared by the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE).

• The Technical Group on Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy (TGFIFL) would be responsible for periodic monitoring and implementation of National Strategy for Financial Education. TGFIL was set up in November 2011 by the FSDC.

• The strategy will develop credit discipline and encourage availing credit from formal financial institutions as per requirement.

• It will improve usage of digital financial services in a safe and secure manner.

• It emphasizes a multi-stakeholder-led approach for empowering various sections of the population to develop adequate knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour which are needed to manage their money better and to plan for the future i.e. ensuring their financial well-being.

• The document recommends adoption of a '5 C' approach for dissemination of financial education in the country.

• The strategy also suggests adoption of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the progress made.

 

'5 C' Approach

• Content : Financial Literacy content for various sections of population.

• Capacity : Develop the capacity and ‘Code of Conduct’ for financial education providers.

• Community : Evolve community led approaches for disseminating financial literacy in a sustainable manner.

• Communication : Use technology, media and innovative ways of communication for dissemination of financial education messages.

• Collaboration : Streamline efforts of other stakeholders for financial literacy. 

 

Objectives

• To inculcate financial literacy concepts among the various sections of the society through financial education and encourage active savings behaviour.

• To educate on managing risk at various life stages through relevant and suitable insurance cover and plan for old age and retirement through coverage of suitable pension products.

• Knowledge about rights, duties and avenues for grievance redressal.

• To improve research and evaluation methods to assess progress in financial education.

• Establish credit discipline and promote the necessity to receive credit from formal financial institutions.

• Plan for old age and retirement through coverage of suitable pension products.

• Improving usage of digital financial services in a safe and secure manner.

 

What is Financial Education & Financial Literacy

• Financial Education is the ability to understand how money works. In other words it is defined as the process by which financial consumers/investors improve their understanding of financial products, concepts and risks and through information, instruction and/or objective advice, develop the skills and confidence to become more aware of financial risks and opportunities, to make informed choices, to know where to go for help and to take other effective actions to improve their financial well-being.

• Financial Literacy is the ability to understand and apply different financial skills effectively including personal financial management, budgeting, and saving. In comparison, the lack of such skills leads to financial analphabetism. Financial literacy supports the pursuit of financial inclusion by empowering the customers to make informed choices leading to their financial well-being.

 

 

National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE)

NCFE is a Section 8 (Not for Profit) Company under the Companies Act, 2013 promoted by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

It aims to undertake massive Financial Education campaign to help people manage money more effectively to achieve financial well being by accessing appropriate financial products and services through regulated entities with fair and transparent machinery for consumer protection and grievance redressal.

 

Conclusion

Though, Strengthening financial inclusion in the country has been one of the important developmental agendas of both the Government of India and the four financial sector regulators (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and PFRDA) and many important financial inclusion initiatives have been taken by the government such as Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, social security schemes viz. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mann Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM) and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. 

But, India still needs to go a long way towards achieving a respectable rate of financial literacy that is crucial for inclusive development. For this reason, new modes such as social media networks should be effectively implemented in addition to the already existing distribution mechanisms for disseminating financial education messages.

Read More

30 Years of Mandal Commission recommendations : How it began and its Impact

 

Thirty years ago, on August 7, 1990, the then Prime Minister, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, announced that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) would receive 27 per cent reservation for jobs in central government services and public sector units. This would take the total number of reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to 49 per cent.

The decision was based on a report submitted on 31 December, 1980 that recommended reservations for OBCs not just in government jobs but also central education institutions. This was perhaps the world largest affirmative action programme.

 

The decision changed Caste's narrative, which had been the basis of unbridled torture and ostracization, into a social justice instrument. It also opened up a Pandora's Box.  

Read this Also: Government Approved a new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

 

Background of OBCs Reservation

After India gained independence, affirmative action began for the ‘Depressed Classes’ or the Scheduled Castes and Tribes that provided benefits for the most backward and socially ostracized communities of India.

Establishing First Backward Classes Commission OR Kalelkar Commission: In 1953, under the Jawahar Lal Nehru government, Country's first Backward Classes Commission was set up, headed by social reformer Kaka Kalelkar, to address this issue. That was also known as the Kalelkar Commission.

In 1955, the commission submitted its report stating there were 2399 backward groups in India out of which 837 were 'most backward' and caste was cited as the major evidence of backwardness. However, the report was never implemented.

 

Establishing Second Backward Class Commission OR Mandal Commission: The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBC), was created by the Indian Government under the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai on 1st January, 1979.

Government chose Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal, a former chief minister of Bihar, to head the Second Backward Class Commission. So, it was called Mandal Commission.

Mandal Commission submitted its report two years later, on 31st December, 1980.

The Commission developed 11 criteria for identifying the classes that were called ‘OBCs’ (Other Backward Classes). The parameters are listed as social, educational and cultural.

 

Mandal Commission Recommendations

The Commission recommended that members of OBCs be given 27% reservations for jobs under the Central government and public sector undertakings.

Reservations for SCs and STs were already 22.5 per cent. Thus, the reservation figure for OBCs was capped at 27 per cent which would be below the 50 per cent mark if added to the already existing reservation. The Commission also identified Non-Hindus backward classes.

 

 

Mandal Commission: Implementation & Impact

The then Prime Minister VP Singh announced in Parliament in 1990, that the Mandal Commission's recommendations would be implemented.

 

Soon after Prime Minister’s announcement, protests rocked the country. These anti-Mandal Violent protests ensued in northern and western India. Many students immolated themselves in protest and a few of them died as well.

According to historian Ramachandra Guha, nearly 200 students self-immolated in these protests, of which more than 60 succumbed to their injuries, he wrote in his book ‘India After Gandhi’.

 

Following the severe opposition the issue of OBCs reservation reached the Supreme Court in 1992. This case is known as ‘Indira Sawhney Judgment’ or Mandal Case. The Supreme Court upheld OBC 's 27 percent reservation but also stated that the only caste was not an indicator of backwardness in social and educational matters. It said that the ‘creamy layer’ among the OBCs should not be the beneficiaries of the reservations.

 

It faced mainly opposition on two grounds, that reservation would compromise the merit and can the reservation be given on economic lines.

 

The policy of reservation has caused the resentment of those communities which did not have a share in the reservation.

 

The recommendations for OBCs reservation in central government institutions was finally implemented in 1992 while the education quota came into force in 2006.

 

Conclusion

However, only half of the commission's recommendations have been implemented. The commission held that reservations along with all financial aid will remain mere palliatives unless the backwardness problem is addressed at its root. Consequently, it recommended land redistribution and change in production relations.

 

Implementation of recommendations from the Mandal Commission empowered communities. But the present reservation architecture needs a review, with the goal of creating a just, inclusive and equal society, without pandering to populist movements.

Read More

Government approved a new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

 

On 29th July, 2020, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was announced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (soon to be called the Ministry of Education).

 

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will replace the National Policy on Education, 1986. 

 

The NEP 2020 sets for itself the goal of transforming the system to meet the needs of 21st Century India.

 

According to Higher Education Secretary Amit Khare, “There are over 100 action points from the Policy. Implementation will be done in phases, based on time, region and types of institutions with Institutes of Eminence (IoEs) and Central Universities taking the lead”. 

 

The NEP 2020 is the first omnibus policy, a 34-year gap, after the one issued in 1986, and it has to contend with multiple crises in the system. 

 

The policy is meant to transform the education system by 2040.

Key proposals of NEP 2020

For School Education :

The NEP proposes to change the school curricular structure from the current 10+2 (Class 1-10 of general education followed by two years of higher secondary school with specialised subjects) with a 5+3+3+4 structure, like -

 

 (i) five years of foundational stage (for ages 3 to 8);

(ii) three years of preparatory stage (for ages 8 to 11 or classes three to five);

(iii) three years of middle stage (for ages 11 to 14 or classes six to eight), and

(iv) four years of secondary stage (for ages 14 to 18 or classes 9 to 12).

 

A mission for foundational literacy and numeracy, free breakfasts being added to free lunches in government schools, vocational education along with internships from Class 6, and proposed redesign of the board examinations are some other major initiatives for school education.

 

The new policy seeks rectification of poor literacy and numeracy outcomes associated with primary schools, reduction in dropout levels in middle and secondary schools and adoption of the multi-disciplinary approach in the higher education system.

 

Curriculum load in each subject should be reduced to its essential core content to allow for critical thinking, discussion and analysis based learning.

 

A new and comprehensive national curricular framework for school education will be undertaken by NCERT in accordance with these principles.  This framework can be revisited every five to ten years.

 

A 10-day bagless period sometime during Grades 6-8 to intern with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, potters, artists, etc. Vocational courses through online mode will also be made available.

 

For Higher Education:

A new umbrella regulator has been proposed with separate verticals for regulation, standard setting, accreditation and funding.

 

It will absorb arts and science, technical and teacher education into its fold, replacing several existing regulatory bodies.

 

The NEP aims to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035 (GER was 26.3% in 2018).

All higher education institutions (HEIs) will be restructured into three categories:

(i) Research universities focusing equally on research and teaching;

(ii) Teaching universities focusing primarily on teaching, and

(iii) Degree granting colleges primarily focused on undergraduate teaching.

 

By 2030, there should be one multidisciplinary HEI in, or near every district.

 

For students, the biggest change may be the introduction of four-year undergraduate degrees, with more flexible and multiple exit options with appropriate certification, a credit transfer system, and the abolition of the M Phil programme.

 

Foreign Universities from among the top 100 in the world will be allowed to set up campuses in India.

 

This will lead to an infusion of international perspective and innovation, which will make the Indian education system more efficient and competitive.

 

 

Significance of NEP 2020:

• In adopting a 5+3+3+4 model for school education starting at age 3, the policy recognises the primacy of the formative years from ages 3 to 8 in shaping the child’s future.

• The NEP 2020 proposes the extension of the Right to Education (RTE) to all children up to the age of 18.

• Another key aspect of school education in the new policy is the breaking of the strict division of arts, commerce and science streams in high school.

• Bag-less days will be encouraged throughout the year for various types of enrichment activities involving arts, quizzes, sports, and vocational crafts.

• The NEP 2020 aims to ensure that at-least 50% of learners in school and higher education should be exposed to vocational education by 2025.

• Curriculum content will be reduced in each subject to its core essentials, and make space for critical thinking and more holistic, inquiry-based, discovery-based, discussion-based, and analysis-based learning.

• It emphasises on making mother tongue, local language or the regional language the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5, which is considered the best medium of teaching.

 

 

Some Issues Related to NEP 2020

• There is a persistent mismatch between the knowledge & skills imparted and the jobs available. This has been one of the main challenges that have affected the Indian education system since Independence.

• In a federal system, any educational reform can be implemented only with support from the States, and the Centre has the giant task of building a consensus on the many ambitious plans. The policy, inter alia, aims to eliminate problems of pedagogy, structural inequities, access asymmetries and rampant commercialisation.

• The policy also says that wherever possible, the medium of instruction in schools until at least Class 5, but preferably until Class 8 and beyond, will be the home language or mother tongue or regional language. This is a long-held view, and has its merits, although in a large and diverse country where mobility is high, the student should have the option to study in the language that enables a transfer nationally. English has performed that role due to historical factors.

• An ambitious target of public spending at 6% of GDP has been set.

• Mobilising financial resources will be a big challenge, given the low tax-to-GDP ratio and competing claims on the national exchequer of healthcare, national security and other key sectors.

 

 

Way Forward

There is a need for the creation of ‘inclusion funds’ to help socially and educationally disadvantaged children pursue education.

 

The state needs to address the striking disparities in access to digital tools for universalization of education.

 

There is an emphasis on vocational training, but to make it effective, there has to be close coordination between the education, skills and labour ministry.

 

Conclusion

The intent of policy seems to be ideal in many ways but it is the implementation where lies the key to success.

 

Read More

COVID-19 : UAE launches its first Mars Mission “Hope”

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched its first mission to Mars early on 20 July, 2020 as it strives to develop its scientific and technology capabilities and move away from its reliance on oil.

The Arab world's first - the “Hope” Probe blasted off from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center at 6:58am Japanese time on Monday (21:58 GMT on Sunday) for a seven-month journey to the red planet, where it will orbit and send back data about the atmosphere.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) launches its first mission to Mars, the 'Hope Mars Mission' from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center: UAE Space Agency

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2020

The mission was initially due to launch on July 14, but was delayed by bad weather.

Just over an hour after launch, the probe deployed solar panels to power its systems and established radio communication with the mission on earth.

There are currently eight active missions exploring Mars; some orbit the planet and some have landed on its surface. China and the United States each plan to send another this year.

The UAE team during the final checks before the launch of the Hope Probe, the first Arab interplanetary mission, at the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan.#HopeMarsMission pic.twitter.com/aqIZmOS11C

— Hope Mars Mission (@HopeMarsMission) July 19, 2020

The Emirates Mars Mission has cost $200m, according to Minister for Advanced Sciences Sarah Amiri. It aims to provide a complete picture of the planet's atmosphere for the first time, studying daily and seasonal changes.

The UAE first announced plans for the mission in 2014 and launched a National Space Programme in 2017 to develop local expertise. Its population of 9.4 million, most of whom are foreign workers, lacks the scientific and industrial base of the big spacefaring nations.

It has an ambitious plan for a Mars settlement by 2117.

Hazza al-Mansouri became the first Emirati in space last September when he flew to the International Space Station.

Emiratis and Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) worked with US educational institutions to develop and build the Hope Probe.

The MBRSC space centre in Dubai will oversee the spacecraft during its 494 million km (307 million mile) journey at an average speed of 121,000kph.

Read More

Bollywood Star Amitabh Bachchan and his Son Abhishek Test Coronavirus Positive

On 11^th July, 2020 Superstar Amitabh Bachchan along with his son Abhishek, tested positive for Covid-19. Senior Bachchan has been admitted to Mumbai's Nanavati hospital.

Nanavati Hospital spokesperson confirmed that Bachchan got admitted late in the evening. “He is undergoing a series of tests,” he said.

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan, on Saturday, also said that they have tested positive for coronavirus and have been taken to a hospital.

Read Also : Government launches AI-based ASEEM Portal

After the news of the Big B being admitted started circulating on Saturday night, the thespian confirmed on Twitter. The 77-year-old actor revealed that his family and staff as well had been tested and the results were awaited.

T 3590 -I have tested CoviD positive .. shifted to Hospital .. hospital informing authorities .. family and staff undergone tests , results awaited ..
All that have been in close proximity to me in the last 10 days are requested to please get themselves tested !

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) July 11, 2020

Abhishek too announced his Covid-positive status via a tweet. “Earlier today both my father and I tested positive for Covid-19,” he tweeted. He said both have mild symptoms and are in hospital.

The 44-year-old, who made his OTT debut this weekend with the thriller 'Breathe', also requested everyone to stay calm and went on to add that they had "informed all the required authorities". He also wrote that the actor and his family were complying with the BMC.

Earlier today both my father and I tested positive for COVID 19. Both of us having mild symptoms have been admitted to hospital. We have informed all the required authorities and our family and staff are all being tested. I request all to stay calm and not panic. Thank you. 🙏🏽

— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) July 11, 2020

According to the sources, Amitabh Bachchan is asymptomatic and stable and he is at the Respiratory Isolation Unit at the Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.

Affectionately known as "Big B", Amitabh Bachchan lives in Mumbai, which has been one of the worst hit cities by the deadly respiratory disease in India, recording 91,745 cases and 5,244 deaths so far, second only to Delhi.

Amitabh, whose various hospitalisations in July 1982 and December 2005 have been closely followed by his fans, has been vocal about his ailments, including tuberculosis and Hepatitis B.

Both #AmitabhBachchan and Abhishek Bachchan underwent Antigen test & they have tested positive for #COVID19. Other family members including Jaya Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan were also tested, their results will come tomorrow: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope pic.twitter.com/iXpuFJR1xQ

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2020

इसे भी पढ़ें : 11 जुलाई, 2020 के मुख्य हिंदी करेंट अफेयर्स प्रश्न-उत्तर

Bollywood recently resumed film shoots after a months-long hiatus following the imposition of a nationwide lockdown in India in late March.

But actors over the age of 65, such as Mr Bachchan, are banned from set due to their vulnerability to the virus.

Mr. Bachchan's announcement prompted a wave of wishes from people wishing him a quick recovery.

Extremely saddened to hear the news of Shri #AmitabhBachchan Ji testing COVID Positive.
Praying for his strength & speedy recovery. @SrBachchan please get well soon!

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 11, 2020

Read More

Government launches AI-based ASEEM Portal

On July 10, 2020 The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched ‘Aatamanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM)’ portal to help skilled people find sustainable livelihood opportunities.

It aims to support decision and policy making via analytics and trends generated by the system for programmatic purposes.

The Portal is expected to improve the information flow and bridge the demand-supply gap in the skilled workforce market.

ASEEM also available as an APP, is developed and managed by NSDC in collaboration with Bengaluru-based company Betterplace specialising in blue collar employee management.

इसे भी पढ़ें : 11 जुलाई, 2020 के मुख्य हिंदी करेंट अफेयर्स प्रश्न-उत्तर

What is ASEEM?

• ASEEM is a digital platform that will refer to all the trends, data, and analytics describing the workforce market and map demand of skilled workforce to supply. 

• Through ASEEM, agencies, employers, and job aggregators who are looking for a skilled workforce in the specific sectors will have the required details at their fingertips.

• The Artificial Intelligence-based ASEEM will provide employers a platform to assess the availability of skilled workforce and formulate their hiring plans.

• It will enable policymakers to take a more objective view of various sectors in the economy.

Benefits

• It will help in strengthening industry-relevant skills and explore emerging job opportunities especially in the post Covid era.

• It will provide real-time granular information by identifying the relevant skill requirement and employment prospects. 

• It will be used as a matchmaking engine to map skilled workers with the jobs available.

• Candidate data coming to Skill India Portal from various state and central skilling schemes will be integrated including that from Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Fee-based Programs, National Urban Livelihoods Mission, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, etc.

• Database of labour migrants in Indian states and overseas citizens, who returned to India under the Vande Bharat Mission and filled SWADES Skill Card, has been integrated with the ASEEM portal.

• Employers will be able to assess the availability of a skilled workforce and formulate their hiring plans.

National Skill Development Corporation - NSDC

It is noted that NSDC is a not-for-profit public limited company incorporated in 2008 under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (corresponding to section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013). And It was set up by the Ministry of Finance as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

इसे भी पढ़ें :  2 जुलाई, 2020 के मुख्य हिंदी करेंट अफेयर्स प्रश्न-उत्तर

Read More