CURRENT AFFAIRS: Topical Analysis

04 August, 2022

Quality education is a comprehensive term that includes learners, teachers, learning environment, appropriate curriculum, engaging pedagogy, learning outcomes, continuous formative assessment, and adequate student support.

Attempt to improve quality of education will succeed only if it goes hand in hand with steps to promote equity and inclusion. This requires schools to be sufficiently equipped and prepared to address the diverse learning needs of all children with special focus on children belonging to SC, ST and Minorities, CwSN (Child with Special Needs), as well as the girl children.

As Education is in the concurrent list of the Constitution, the Government of India through the erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) has been aiming to– enhance access, promote equity through the inclusion of disadvantaged groups and weaker sections, and improve the quality of education for all. With the persistent efforts of the Central and State Governments, these schemes have significantly addressed major gaps in access to schooling and have contributed towards laying a foundation for an equitable quality school education system in the country.

However, India has faced unprecedented challenges in providing quality education to children and the youth. Lack of resources and capacity, dozens of mother tongues, a link language that despite being the global language of choice is alien to most, and a persistent mismatch between the knowledge and skills imparted and the jobs available have been some of the challenges that have bedeviled our efforts since Independence. The 2020 policy attempts to break free from the shackles of the past.

22 July, 2022

The journey of transgender rights in India finds its origin in the landmark judgement of National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India. Whilst recognizing transgender persons’ right to self-perceived gender identity, the Supreme Court held that the right to self-identification forms an integral part of the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and a fundamental right of self-expression under Article 19(1)(a). Thereby, the court directed central and state governments to provide legal recognition to the same and proactively address the issue of discrimination faced by the community. In pursuance of the same, new rules have been enacted.

Hereby discussing the definition of transgender, issues faced by them and critical analysis of the new Rules.

09 July, 2022

Public order implies the absence of disturbance, riot, revolt, unruliness and lawlessness. Irrespective of the nature of a polity – democratic or autocratic, federal or unitary – maintenance of public order is universally recognised as the prime function of the State.

State agencies such as the administration, police and the criminal justice system have the direct responsibility and the commensurate authority to maintain public order but non-State players – political parties, media and citizens’ groups - also have a vital bearing on public order.

23 June, 2022

The COVID-19 health pandemic and the resulting economic and labour market shock are having a huge impact on people’s lives and livelihoods.

Unfortunately, children are often the first to suffer.

The crisis can push millions of vulnerable children into child labour. Child labour robs children of their childhood, potential and dignity. As many as 152 million (1 in 10) children work as labourers across the world, according to the International Labour Organization.

Among these, 64 million are girls. Almost half of the 72 million children are engaged in hazardous work; 6.3 million are pushed into forced work and human slavery. 

These children are now at even greater risk of facing circumstances that are even more difficult and working longer hours.

10 June, 2022